Back in February, I told you about my intense love for the Kate Spade Fall 2012 collection.  Here we are five months later and I am just as more obsessed with the designs now than I was back in the winter.  (Seriously, this tee and this skirt have been reoccurring visitors in my dreams.  You think I am kidding, right? If only! Whimsical shirts and heavenly skirts are, in fact, the dominating thought in my conscious and subconscious mind!)

 Today was one of those mornings when what I had originally planned on wearing didn’t pan out, so in an even bigger rush, I quickly donned these pieces because they require no extra fuss with their classic lines and eye catching details.  It wasn’t until I was flipping through a September issue, and once again spent far too long drooling over the Kate Spade ad, that I realized that I had inadvertently paid homage to one of my favorite quirky design houses.  (I told you my mind is far too occupied with sartorial thoughts!)

This is definitely an outfit I could see the Kate Spade girl wearing, but more importantly, this is an outfit that any girl can easily replicate.  A great fitting (read: tailored to suit your height) pair of trousers are a critical piece every grown woman (professional or otherwise) should own as they will pair nicely with a variety of tops and help to elongate the leg!  Just remember, when getting a pair of trousers tailored, and this really applies to any garment, be sure to bring the exact pair of shoes (heels or flats) that you plan to wear with the pants.

I would also argue that every woman needs to own at least one top that has a touch of whimsy; after all, fashion is meant to be fun!  Perhaps your work environment leans a tad more toward the conservative side than the polka dot number I am wearing.  A black cardigan or blazer could easily tone down the dots, but if even that’s a touch too quirky for the office then try something a little more subdued.  Once the work day is done, however, your fashion options are far less restrictive and this is where you should begin to play with patterns, textures, and colors!

Style Notes: Forever 21 shirt (summer 2012; similar style) / Loft tank (summer 2012; sold out online, but may still be available in your local store) /  Gap pants (spring 2012) / Halogen pumps via Last Chance (summer 2012) / Gap belt (winter 2011; similar style) / Kate Spade bag via Last Chance (summer 2012) / Kate Spade bracelets (spring 2011, fall 2011, spring 2012, summer 2012) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; similar style) / Loft Sunnies (summer 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade iPhone case via Last Chance (summer 2012)