Reason Number 1

You may be wondering why I'm back to blogging.  As mentioned here, the reasons are varied.  One reason, however, is that I enjoy being creative.  Part of that creativity is sharing it.  One way I'm creative is in my dress, so it felt only natural to once again share my outfit creativity here on the blog.  

In reality, this outfit isn't creative at all.  Its pretty basic in fact: shirt + pants + boots.  But that would mean that an outfit is only as good as its individual parts and their basic attributes.  What made me really enjoy this outfit had nothing to do with the basics and everything to do with the unusual. 

My first attempt at the outfit included regular jeans.  The shape of this shirt and loosey goosey fitting jeans just didn't work.  So instead I grabbed a pair of black skinny jeans, tucked them into my boots and this outfit was born.  The only addition I made to it throughout the day was to add a blazer when I had to run over to the courthouse for something and a scarf when we went out to eat for lunch.

I bought this top for my mom in 2005 when I was studying abroad.  I figured she would enjoy the flowiness and the cool pattern.  It sat in her closet until this past New Year's Eve with the tag still attached.  I took it out of her closet and brought it back with me to NC.  I hadn't given it a lot of thought recently, but considering that it was Friday and I wanted something work appropriate but a bit funky, I figured, why not?  The reasons I love it are the shape, the pattern and the sleeves.  Does anybody else ever feel the need to get a little funky at the end of the work week?

And so I'm back. . .

Hi.  I'm back.  Took a long time to get here, but it feels good.  So, how's the last year treated you?   Mine has been pretty good. Had several big cases, changed jobs, flirted with coming back to blogging a few times, Bella and Merlin had puppies, we sold 3 of 5 puppies and kept 2 ( yes, I'm crazy).  Some things haven't changed though, namely the Fiancé and I are still engaged. Meh. We'll get there at some point in time.

Anyway, so back to blogging.  I've decided to change the name of the blog.  I've been out of law school for almost 3 years and this blog is mostly about style, not fashion.  So instead of law school fashionista, this place is now Style Briefs.  So yea, hi.

Triple Threat

      As you can tell from my previous post, I don't always wear suits to work.  They are, however, really easy to wear.  I just decide whether I want a skirt or pantsuit, choose a top and shoes and I'm out the door.  Awesome, right?  Also kinda boring.  I combat the boring trend this in one of 2 ways: switching up the skirt and pantsuit options and not wearing suits at all.  Also, I try to not wear the same suit over and over again.  (Bonus: less wear on my suits that way).  Nonetheless, I do find myself wearing suits on a pretty regular basis.  I feel comfortable in them and enjoy the ease with which they allow me to get dressed.  I guess its a hazard of working in court.

    One thing I have learned from shopping for suits is that its imperative to find an ensemble for which I can get a skirt option and a pants option.  I have yet to find the elusive triple threat of skirt, pants and dress, but I'm always searching.  The pluses are pretty obvious, you get 2 suits for the price of 3 separates.  Add in the different combinations of tights, shoes and tops one can include and you end up with several different looks with the same basic pieces.  Hell, if you want to get incredibly creative, all you have to do is add a solid matching jacket or cardigan and now you've got even MORE combination possibilities.  The point is, that if its possible and you need it and its not going to financially bankrupt you, I totally recommend buying the skirt + pants + jacket trio for suits.    

Christmas Present

THIS is what I got for Christmas from the Fiance.  Behold it in all its awesome glory.

wedding table

wedding table by lawschoolfashionista on polyvore.com

IKEA Borrby
$15 - ikea.com

IKEA Pomp
$13 - ikea.com

IKEA Fenomen
$9.99 - ikea.com

IKEA Rotera
$3.99 - ikea.com

IKEA Rotera
$3.99 - ikea.com

IKEA Tindra
$3.49 - ikea.com

IKEA Tindra
$3.49 - ikea.com

IKEA Kåraboda
$2.99 - ikea.com

IKEA Rektangel
$2.49 - ikea.com

(un)suited up!

I've worn this combination of skirt + jacket + tights + shoes before here.  And ya know what?  That doesn't matter because I love this combination.  I'm able to look put together without wearing a full suit *and* my outfit has some personality.  It's not like everyone else wears velvet jackets and booties to court all the time.  Even Bella approves!

Rainy Days

     When I first saw this dress I thought of rainy days and how things look distorted through the rain and puddles.  Its really what made me like it in the first place.  That and the price.  I thought I was going to pay $32.99 for the dress, but when I got to the register it rang up as $21.77 including tax.  Pretty great find if I do say so myself.
     Today I decided to pair it with gray tights from Assets (ie Spanx) and gray heels.  I figured that the gray would work with the colors best and still keep me warm.  In addition I added a dark blue blazer and a dark blue cardigan for when I'm in court or in my office (assuming it gets cold today, which I doubt).  I really like the simplicity of letting the dress be the focal point and allowing the tights and jacket/sweater to be supporting members of the cast.