say it with me, "jeans plus blazer equals workplace casual." good.

Although this post was penned specifically for my blog on my company's intranet, I thought I would generously share share share. (Note, it's lovingly titled, "Encyclopedia [and Fashion] Editing). Enjoy.

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This morning, my human resources department announced an adjustment to the dress code (also referred to here as a "Professional Appearance Policy") for the Legal division.

Here's a snippet:

Legal is implementing a new dress code. Beginning immediately, all of Legal will adopt a “workplace casual” dress code. This means that you are welcome to wear casual clothing to work, including jeans, on days when you don’t have customer meetings or other important events where business attire is more appropriate. Some parts of our organization have already gone to this dress code; this change is simply to make it available across our entire business.

I know that there is a wide range of casual attire, and I trust you to use good judgment when it comes to choosing your attire. We’re calling it “workplace casual” because the way you dress should reflect the care and professionalism with which you approach your work.

I'm a traditionalist through and through, so I was a bit saddened by it all.  My most difficult morning for getting dressed is Friday. While in law school, most of our professors encouraged us to dress like lawyers, and due to my involvement in many organizations, and the short-notice invitations to exciting lunches and cocktail hours, I donned business attire or dresses most days. For years now, I have limited nearly all of my clothing-related spending to business attire. If something wasn't work-worthy, it didn't make it into the cart. I just didn't have the funds for a fabulous casual wardrobe, and an equally wonderful work one. My first job, as an Assistant Marketing Manager for a major cosmetics company, (unofficially) required us to be dressed to the nines, or nine-point-fives, and there was no "casual Friday." Dresses were the norm, and life would be less than worth living if you were caught in the elevator with the CEO without a shade of our company's lipstick or nail polish on. And you had better know the shade name.. At least, this is the way I remembered it. 

Obviously, the legal world is a different place, and it took some time to figure out how to find my sense of style among the charcoal pinstripes. I will never claim to be the "best dressed," or the most put-together person around, but what Ican say is that I firmly believe you work your best when you feel your best, which is usually when you look your best. My work-style reflects the pride I have in myself, and in my job at this company. I'm sure many can relate.

My Friday gear usually consists of dark jeans and a blazer. The closest I'll ever get to sweatshirts at work is a cotton blazer. And as I'll elaborate in a later post, dressing well doesn't have any relationship with your bank account. Nearly everything I own was purchased on sale, or at a thrift store. My prized oxblood tasseled loafers (which I happen to be wearing today --pictured--) were fifty whole cents at the salvation army. There's a sticker inside that says, "property of such-and-such golf club." I like to imagine some fabulous old man (maybe even a lawyer) drank a gin martini in the clubhouse in these, after a nice round of 18 played with his lucky irons. Lest we forget, when people leave their dry cleaning too long without paying and picking it up, it ends up at Goodwill. You didn't think all my Brooks Brothers non-iron button-downs were from the outlet, did you? Seven dollars later..

So obviously, this post is my measly two cents. But I've included, below, some of my favorite images of outfits, incorporating casual denim for the workplace. The first one is me, today. Yes, that was taken in the employee bathroom. I keep a collection of my favorite style images on my pinterest board: My Style

It's all in the details. Opt for colored or dark jeans, trouser or skinny styles, metallic or patent accessories and lots of jewelry. Layer a sweater, or toss on a scarf. Voila! "Workplace casual," as easy as that. Thoughts?

black is for mourning (the fact that Spring is fashionably late)

Punctuality is beyond important. One of my favorite and most influential professors, who is also a master of both international commercial arbitration law ("master," figuratively, Doctor, literally) and wearing cowboy boots with suits, would say to those who were late, "surely you don't believe your time is more valuable than mine." Harsh, but true; We all have better things to do than wait for others. And honestly, if you're going to be late, you better look fierce, as opposed to showing up late with wet hair and no mascara.

Spring has not sprung. I suppose in New York, we get used to snow on Easter. Thankfully, this weather has allowed me to dress in head-to-ankle black. Now, hear this: black is always in. Black is not seasonal per se, but normally, I would have celebrated the first day of Spring with some apropos pastel garb. Instead, this morning I was pleased to pair my natural-waist above-the-ankle pants with a structured, ribbed, black, zippered-back shell. Wow, that was a lot of adjectives. I purchased this top in Europe, and it has graced its hanger in my closet for almost two years, mostly because it's not the right shape for under a suit. Again, fabulous to have some "leeway" (the word severely makes me miss sailing) in wardrobe rules, as my days in the courtroom are on a long-term hiatus.

My recommendation, when wearing all black, is to keep hair and makeup simple, and accessorize with anything-but-boring jewelry and shoes. This morning, while opening the shoe closet in my pre-caffeine coma, I almost made the mistake of reaching for black quilted flats. I suppose worse things have happened (like wearing two different shoes to work). Instead, my better judgment kicked in and my hand led me to reach for my leopard loafers. Rawr. See exhibit 1, in which I am clearly and realistically busy reading some super old book in the hallway near my office.

This necklace was a to-die-for vintage find for a buck --yes, a buck-- at a great antique store near Verona, New York. Here's a closer look at "one (wo)man's trash," and the fabulous ribbed detail in my top. Apologies for the glare in this image. I didn't do as good of a job with my front-facing iPhone camera as my fabulous co-worker, Sarah did in the other. You can check out her amazing work at https://www.facebook.com/SarahndipityImaging. Anyone else match their shoes to their encyclopedia today? Just wondering..

shoes i wear on a monday..

Good morning, readers! (Is it?) I'm not a morning person.. never have been. However, I never feel that being tired is an excuse to let your style slack. Working in a more casual workplace than I'm used to invites opportunity to fall prey to the temptation of tossing on whatever is comfortable, rather than dressing your best. This morning was no different. Thanks to a neutral cardigan that literally matches every other item in my closet, a tweed skirt and a bright blouse, getting dressed was a breeze. I don't know about you, but when I'm tired, I tend to work my wardrobe around my footwear. Is anyone surprised by that? The idea of throwing on the perfect shoes, and then dealing with sore feet all [Mon]day is not my cup of tea. Funny.. I'm drinking tea while I write this.

Upon entering my shoe closet, (didn't realize how crazy it sounds that I actually have a dedicated one for that) I thanked the good Lord above for a fabulous little pair of velvet ballet flats I purchased in Croatia, while my feet were actually bleeding from the other shoes I packed.

These little bad boys (girls) are the footwear equivalent of the sweatsuit. They wear like socks, barely have a sole, and are made of fuschia velvet, finished with a bow. They were as cheap as cheap can be overseas, and are worth every kuna (Croatian dough). While I recommend that everyone get their passport stamped in Croatia at some point, I don't expect anyone to head there for these shoes. You can, however, jeté on over to the City Slips website for wide selection of comfy flats, flexible enough to fold up into some fabulous little pouch, yet totally appropriate for the office. In lieu of velvet, opt for a patent pair, which always looks a bit dressier, and much more intentional. 

xo.

time capsule: "the bend and snap"

A cursory attempt at discovering my "blogging roots" unearthed a pretty little gem of a post that literally started it all.  Tucked away in the earliest of the journeytoattorney.blogspot.com entries, this post is the crystal-ball "foreword" to the shoesiweartocourt story.  From the Legally Blonde inspiration to the frustrations that come from attempting to blend a normal life with law school, and the search for anything-but-mundane moments in a typically disastrous and mundane coupledom, this June 4, 2009 post is a perfect mix of realistic nostalgia and humor. This was well before even a single day of law school. Thankfully, my budding obsession with fashion plus law didn't die along with that relationship. Although, I must say, he was the first and only man I've known that can mix suit, shirt, and tie patterns and colors flawlessly. That's the only compliment I'll ever extend. No hard feelings. Just good reading. ___________________________________________________

So last night, I was volunteering at VIBS, the Victim's Information Bureau of Suffolk, providing childcare while victims accessed their weekly counseling sessions.  When I got home, Jimmy was (still) working, so I turned on the tube and was excited to find the last half of Legally Blonde.  Fabulous.  And so apropos.

When Jimmy got home, all he was interested in was freaking ESPN, so he went in the bedroom to watch it.  For whatever reason, I was soooo mad about this, like it would have been really all that torturous for him to sit through the end of the movie with me.  Ugh.

Anyways, as dubbed by my blog title (then, "Diary of a Real Life [Brunette] Elle Woods), you can tell I'm relating a bit.  I'm sure my pageant life, and love of all things pink will seem a bit/lot out of place in Law School.  I'm totally nervous about not being taken seriously, but still being true to my(stylish)self. 

I've decided to leave my mac laptop white, and refrain from any pink business suits.  Hopefully, that will do the trick.  

Thus is my journey to (becoming an) attorney.   

blast from the past..

After a recent revelation that my blog hasn't been updated in well over a year, I decided to take the plunge and update. While I was stressing over the topic, I nostalgically re-read some posts from my original blog.. the one that started it all, "Diary of a Real Life [Brunette] Elle Woods," at journeytoattorney.blogspot.com.  A bit dramatic and naive, it had little to do with fashion, and had yet to find its focus. However, one of my posts discussed the perfect school bag, later referenced in a post here in shoesiweartocourt. You'll all [I'm sure] be thrilled to know I still have (and use) the blue bag that was the subject of this old, (I suppose "vintage") imported post, from June 10, 2009. Enjoy.
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So, those of you who know me well, know that I'm a true shopaholic.. so as you can imagine, when I got my acceptance letter, I immediately got a new bag. "My Law School Bag" (has a certain ring to it, no? Like a fab children's book..) was purchased at Henri Bendel's flagship 5th Ave. store. Bendel's fabulous Disturbed Stripe Tote featured two sets of handles, and a chic black and brown scheme, with gold hardware. Totally professional, right?

I began "previewing" my bag back and forth to work, to make sure she would be good to me. I remember being a little kid and wanting to wear my new school clothes SO BADDDD before the first day of school, but I wasn't allowed. Well, now I'm a big girl and I can do what I want.

Well thank God I did, because after a month or so of relatively light use (meaning, no law textbooks yet) the freaking bag couldn't handle macbook and a train pass. I returned to my friend Henri, (I love pretending stores are real people, and my friends) and they were fantastic enough to give me a complete store credit in return for my battered bag with the broken strap.

After surveying the bunch, and there were many many many, I decided on a bag known as the Bendel Beach Tote. Now, you'd never picture something as durable and great as this bag.. but she is wonderfuuuul. Seriously, check out the depth on that bag.

So I was faced with a serious dilemma.. be true to form and go with the pink with orange piping, or tone it down with a little blue and turquoise?

Considering the title of the blog, and the fact that I'm a bit worried about being taken seriously as a law student, I totally went with the blue.

Did you SEE the way that professor looked at the girl with the pink laptop?! That will not be me.

Photos Cpoyright www.HenriBendel.com

Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed Prof..

My apologies, as always, for being lax in updates. Lucky for all of you, Evan Schwartz, Founding Partner at Quadrino Schwartz, Touro Law Professor, and member of the Board of Directors wore boots that shook me to the core and caused me to put off doing homework, in favor of a clearly more important purpose. Voila.

Fall is my favorite season.. Nothing is better than tossing on a nice long-sleeved tee, some boots and a blazer, and looking effortlessly put together without even trying. Key word in that sentence: boots. I was utterly and completely distracted for an entire Monday evening class, thanks to my professor's fantastic taste in shoes. It wasn't until after class that I decided to ask for a closer look, even though most people know that I'm prone to outbursts in class regardless. Note, that this class started with my announcement that Hulk Hogan died, which, unbeknownst to me at the time, was (thankfully) false. He was my first crush, after all.


So I know you're all asking yourselves, "If I was the founding partner of a sick Long Island law firm, and I was gracious enough to spend my Monday nights teaching students how to be as successful as me (yes, you all need to take Law Practice Management), what would I wear to class?" The answer, pictured below for your viewing pleasure, says it all. Streamlined flat-front khakis perfectly transition from warmer weather into Fall, paired with a great two-toned blue button-down. The pattern is divine, and what really gets me going is how perfectly the diamond detail on the shirt coordinates with the detail on the toe of the coolest pair of men's ankle boots I've ever laid eyes on. Attention men: there's more to life than standard dress shoes.. and when you sit down with ankle boots on, your socks don't show.. (If you're not wearing dress socks with dress shoes, let me know and I'll blog about it, but I'm pretty sure they covered that in Touro Law's continuing orientation program. Correct me if I'm wrong). These shoes happen to be Louis Vuitton.. the design is masculine, yet elegant, and totally timeless. They will last longer than the tall tale told by a client whose retainer would pay for these bad boys.


It's good to know that a Touro alum is out there spreading the fashion love, and setting the bar high for those who desire to look fresh while practicing law. Effortless, yet totally put together. Strive for it every day. At least in Autumn. And check out Professor Schwartz' LinkedIn profile, accolades included. It's equally as stellar as his fashion sense. http://www.linkedin.com/in/evansschwartz

like the desert misses the rain..

This post is an inevitable one. It's a love story. And it's about heartbreak.

It's been exactly 36 days since I tore my meniscus, MCL, and LCL. As if the physical pain wasn't enough to deal with, I'm banished to flats (and a horrible black and grey knee brace) until further notice. Note, I've broken this rule only on two occasions. Special ones. We all know mini skirts and flats are not friends.

One would think this would be a blessing, bestowed upon my pocketbook. But I'm too loyal for that.

They (Vincent VanGogh, actually) say "to know life is to love many things." So the purpose of this post is to share with you my newest love. Her name is Pavan.


Actually she has a twin. She is a pair. She is a pair of delicious nude (my favorite color) pumps that blend tradition with fashion-forward subtlety. Lined in gold, featuring classic lines, Pavan stands firm on a perfect little platform, with a center-seam perfectly rounded toe, that hangs over the platform for a touch of modern. And while pointed toes will never be out, changing it up with a round toe might be just the thing to give your toes a little wiggle room.

A thicker-than-average stiletto provides enough support for a day at the office, or a night full of city strides, without the fear of a heel break. That happened to me once. Blew my mind. Don't let it happen to you.

When it comes to shoes, taupe is the new black. They literally go with everything. And I hate to try to say I invented the flesh-toned pump, but I would be remiss to fail to give credit where credit is due. This trend, likely here to stay, is in your face thanks to your neighborhood pageant girls. We have been treating our feet to nude pumps for years and years.. Since we got the memo that they create a visual effect of longer legs. As if I need longer legs.

So for now, I will just admire these perfect heels from afar. I literally will be throwing a heels only party when my doctor gives me the stiletto go-ahead.

Want a pair of Pavans of your own? Good luck. They were my monthly Shoedazzle pick. But if the stars are aligned for you, too, maybe a pair will show up in your showroom. Da!

Click www.shoedazzle.com/invite/15111y0zcx to get in on the action.


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Location:Park Pl,Mastic Beach,United States