The Closet Coach

This week is the last part of my 3-part outfit photo series showing you how to use a versatile fitted blazer to make Working Mom Outfits in 3 of the 5 levels, from a Level 2/Weekend Chic all the way to Level 4/Client Meeting.

Today we’ve reached Level 4, Client Meeting. This level is going-to-work friendly. It’s all business!

The outfit shares two of the three main foundation pieces from Level 2 and Level 3: the blazer itself and the V-neck sweater.

But now we’ve ditched the denim and gone all the way to a skirt with tights. Instant transformation.

I could have kept the scarf and boots from Level 3, but I wanted to up-level everything, so I opted for a chunky glass bead necklace and kitten heel pumps.

In the end, it’s a lot of earth tones, so if I wear this outfit again, I will look for ways to inject some color, like coral or aqua.

Blazer: Calvin Klein (similar, on sale for $180, Ann Taylor).
Sweater: Banana Republic (similar, $21, Coldwater Creek).
Skirt: LOFT (similar, on sale for $105, Bergdorf Goodman).
Shoes: Aerosoles (similar, on sale for $59, Zappos).
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar, on sale for $54).
Outfit level: 4

[Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.]

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This week is part 2 of my 3-part outfit photo series showing you how to use a versatile fitted blazer to make Working Mom Outfits in 3 of the 5 levels, from a Level 2/Weekend Chic all the way to Level 4/Client Meeting.

Today it’s Level 3, Casual Friday. That means it’s just enough nicer than our Weekend Chic look to be appropriate for most workplaces.

The outfit’s three main foundation pieces stay the same from Level 2 last week: the blazer itself, the V-neck sweater and the denim.

Instead, the difference here is in the details of the accessories: a knotted neck scarf in animal print instead of a hand-knit necklace; pointed-toe, heeled boots instead of flat ones; and the addition of a chunky wooden bracelet.

In fact, any time you want to boost an outfit you’re wearing up a notch, think accessories. It’s such an easy way to look just that little bit better than you would have otherwise.

And who doesn’t want to look a little bit better?

Blazer: Calvin Klein (similar, on sale for $180, Ann Taylor).
Sweater: Banana Republic (similar, $30, Kohls).
Jeans: Habitual (similar, $195, Nordstrom).
Boots: Impo (similar, on sale for $130, Zappos).
Scarf: Express (similar, $45, Nordstrom).
Outfit level: 3

[Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.]

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Last season on Project Runway, one of the designer challenges was to create a garment for a male client’s girlfriend or wife–based entirely on input from the man.

It was up to him to tell the designers what the woman in his life was like, and not only her aesthetic preferences, but her shape and size.

I’m sure you can guess what the results were!

Even if you’re not the subject of a TV design challenge, there will be times in your life (like Valentine’s Day, perhaps?) when your honey will go shopping for you.

Why not make it easier on him or her?

Help your partner know your style with this little cheat sheet about you:

• My favorite designer(s):
• My favorite clothing label(s)
• Places I like to shop:
• My favorite thing to wear:
• I would never wear a:
• My favorite colors to wear:
• I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing these colors:
• I’ve always dreamed of wearing this garment:
• My style icon is:
• I would describe my style as: __ classic __ chic __ trendy __ rocker __ bohemian __ retro
• My measurements: shoulders __ bust __ waist __ hips __ (Don’t know? Here’s how to measure yourself.)
• My sizes: shirts __ jeans/pants __ dresses __ bra __ panties __ swimsuit __ ring (left) __ ring (right) __

If your partner is less of a stylista than you are, he or she may not always know what some of this information means. But that’s OK–bringing this sheet with him will help your hubby when he walks, bewildered, into your favorite boutique (which you wrote down on line #3, right?).

And guess what? Now you know a little more about your style, too!

Your turn

• What would you add to this cheat sheet?
• Can you answer all of these questions?

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[Photo credit: Shawn Campbell, Flickr]

A really great-fitting blazer is one of the most versatile pieces you can own in your wardrobe. Dress it up, dress it down; you always look just a little better when you put one on.

This week I’m starting a 3-part outfit photo series to show you how you can use a blazer to make Working Mom Outfits in 3 of the 5 levels, from a Level 2/Weekend Chic all the way to Level 4/Client Meeting.

Today it’s Level 2, and this one takes the least amount of fuss. Since it’s the weekend, you know we’re wearing denim! I struck a balance between super casual and dressy by wearing my lighter wash Habitual jeans.

I could’ve worn a T-shirt under the blazer, but since it’s winter I opted for a simple V-neck sweater.

For fun, I spiced the outfit up a little bit with my leopard print booties. To keep the jewelry at a Level 2, I wore a handmade knit choker a friend bought for me at a craft show a zillion years ago.

And if I wanted to go Level 1/Weekend Casual, all I’d have to do is replace the blazer with a soft button-front shirt or tan hoodie.

Goes to show how much this one piece elevates the level of an outfit, doesn’t it?

Blazer: Calvin Klein (similar, on sale for $180, Ann Taylor).
Sweater: Banana Republic (similar, $30, Kohls).
Jeans: Habitual (similar, $195, Nordstrom).
Boots: Pencey Melun (was $275, on sale for $123, Neiman Marcus).
Necklace: Handmade (similar, $18, Etsy).
Outfit level: 2

[Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links.]

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(Want to get more shopping tips and fun insider stuff? Join The Style List. It’s like a secret club in your email inbox! And when you join, you’ll get my free email series, 7 Days to Better Shopping. It’s my gift to you!)