Working Stripes

Hi, friends! Checking in with you today (in the midst of PhD qualifiers) to share with you a fun look that is all about working those stripes at the office.

As you probably know by now, I am a sucker for bright colors and bold prints. So when I saw this pencil skirt a year or so ago, I knew it was an obvious choice for my closet (and a fun way to add color into my working wear attire).

I also love that this skirt is striped! As as I mentioned here, stripes pair with just about everything! …and this striped skirt is no exception. I’ve paired it here with a micro striped popover top in an updated classic cut that is work appropriate but also trendy. I was going for the stripes-on-stripes look without going too bold in the work place. I love that you can play with the proportions of your patterns to mix different ones together! (See my full guide on pattern mixing here.)

I also could’ve paired the skirt with a basic cami and cardigan for another work look alternative, or this fun printed tee for a more casual look.

Mixing unexpected color combinations into my outfits is actually one of the primary ways I show my personality in my style. So adding in this mint crossbody bag gave the outfit that extra bubbly, happy feeling I was going for this day. (Kind of like eating colorful, pastel sherbet on a hot summer day!)

And while my exact mint purse is no longer available, I just bought this similar crossbody in black and tan for fall! It has the cutest tassel detail that will be prefect for the cooler months coming.

For accessories at the office, I try to keep my jewelry to a minimum. My go-to pieces include this classic gold watch, a pave crystal bracelet, and a delicate necklace.

As for footwear, I chose my favorite pair of heels in a bright red color that compliments the stripes in my skirt nicely. Sometimes the only thing you need to finish an outfit up is a rockin’ pair of heels!

…that and stumbling upon the cutest cupcake and cake pop shop after a long day at the office! Smiles for miles, friends. Smiles. For. Miles.

As you may know from the cupcake recipes I’ve share here on the blog, I’m a huge cupcake fanatic! So taking a five minute break to indulge in this delectable strawberry cupcake was the perfect ending to my day. It’s the little things in life, right?

On another note: I also wanted to take a moment to thank you so much for all your encouragement and support over on Instagram concerning my PhD qualifying exams {in progress}. We had the written portion on Monday and next up is my oral exam next Thursday. YIKES! I’m so nervous, so please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers! I’ll try to have another post up next week after the orals finish up, but I wanted to thank you for baring with me through this momentary blogging break as I use this week and the next for studying.

Here’s to hoping the rest of your weekend (and next week) is extra sweet! Have a happy day, friends!

Photos by Dang Nguyen

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Get the Look…

Top: J. Crew ( also in blue, white, navy, chambray) | Skirt: J. Crew Factory (similar in solid color, floral print) | Shoes: J. Crew Factory (similar) | Purse: J. Crew (similar here, here) | Necklace: J. Crew Factory (similar) | Bracelet: J. Crew Factory | Watch: Fossil | Rings: Aggie Ring, KD Ring gifted | Lips: Revlon (HD Azalea)