As Kristy mentioned yesterday, last Thursday we hosted a fall style workshop at an adorable, local boutique, Frances Vintage.  I wish I could say I spent that day prepping for our speaking engagement by getting my hair styled and my makeup done, but instead, I spent the day lecturing on literary terms and the finer points of short stories.  While my work day prior was anything but stylish, I wanted the outfit I wore to work that day to carry me through to the evening when the real fun began!

This look is another in a long line of comfortable but stylish work clothes I own that easily transition into other areas and activities in my life.   Come to think of it, with the exception of  a few pieces, nearly everything I own has the ability to carry over into nearly any of life’s moments.  Having clothes that can meet all the demands of any given day is the hallmark of a closet stocked on a budget, isn’t it?

I’m just a little bit more than in love with this outfit.  It has all of my favorite things: print, sparkle, menswear elements, and a giant black bow! Plus, it had the added bonus of showcasing a few of the fall trends (black and gold, print, and ladylike details) that we discussed.

Style Notes: Loft cardigan (fall 2012; currently $20; purchased at 50% off) / Loft shirt (summer 2012; currently 50% off; purchased at 30% off) / Loft pants (summer 2012; similar style; purchased at 30% off) / Ann Taylor belt (fall 2009; similar style; purchased at 50% off) / Banana Republic shoes (fall 2011; similar style; purchased at 50% off) / 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)