It’s me again – the erstwhile business partner and ridiculous influence, Jen.
From the moment I started in the corporate world (as a receptionist at a real estate office, in case you’re curious) I knew I wasn’t the type of girl my mom had raised me to be. While she lauded the virtues of shopping at the Nordstrom half-yearly sale – good construction! seasonal styles! classic cuts! – I had become entrenched in the thing that all teenage women become entrenched in: trying every style, every season…and screw basics.
I had a punk phase, a preppy phase, and alt-indie-rocker phase…and at Nordstrom, I couldn’t afford them. So I turned to Delias.com and Alloy.com for the trends (and some basics) in hopes I could wear them for at least a few months before they fell apart. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I’m older and wiser now, with a new appreciation for my mother’s teachings and a Nordstrom credit card, but when a new trend catches my eye, I still shop at Alloy and Delia’s. Both keep up with the trends, and use surprisingly good construction while doing it. Even though I’m inching toward the age where I’m “not supposed to” shop trendy teen stuff…well, frankly, I don’t care. I’ll shop at Alloy with pride, because it’s way better than the crap construction at Forever 21.
Enough rambling: Alloy is having a sale this week. Through August 10, take 15% off your entire order when you type 15ALLOY at checkout.
Since Friday is the end of another corporate week, I thought I’d post my favorite work-appropriate (and more grown-up) items from Alloy.com. (All prices include the discount.)
Lola Embroidered Tunic: $25.42
Hudson Stretch Skinny: $25.42
Flare Mary Jane: $29.67
First thing’s first: you can wear skinnies to the office. The trick is to dress up the rest of your outfit: heels, silky tops, and a good balance of color are important. I’ve been stuck on early twentieth century romantic looks, lately, and the right “bohemian” top can look much more “modern twenties” if you wear it right.
Morgan Floral Chiffon Dress: $38.17
Parker Wedge: $27.97
IT’S A WHEDGLE. Ladies and gentlemen, stop calling it a wedge. Lindsay has renamed it, and the name is appropriate. (Also: I think everyone should start wearing non-neutral shoes. It’s the best thing ever.)
Hudson V-Neck: $22.87
Thompson Stretch Wide Leg Pant: $27.97
Screwball Oxford: $42.42
It usually takes time for me to warm up to trends, but I adored oxfords from the get-go. I also adore avoiding typical neutral tones all together, and replacing them with sort-of-neutral tones. Black becomes gray, brown becomes taupe.
Faux Leather Moto Jacket: $59.42
Burnout V-Neck Pocket Tee: $19.47
Scarlett Cascade Skirt: $22.87
Braided Bootie: $36.45
Alloy kicks some serious ass for putting this outfit together. If wearing a motorcycle jacket all day seems odd, replace it with a cropped cardigan (or if it’s Friday, just wear the t-shirt on its own). The only thing I’d add is a bib necklace (without the jacket) or some fun earrings.
Lastly, OMG BOOTS.
Rivington Boot: $42.42
These are not even a little work appropriate. I don’t care – I’m posting them anyway.