Just dropping in with a quick hello, and hoping you guys enjoyed your weekends. Work has been time-consuming, but I hope to have some reviews up soon. Our boss implemented casual Fridays for our team, as a small “reward” of sorts. While most of my colleagues have been turning to denim and polo shirts, I’ve been using this day to experiment with items like these strappy, open-back shoes – which typically are not appropriate per business attire standards.
To balance out the trendier details on these pumps, I went very conservative with the rest of the outfit both in color scheme and coverage. It feels like Boston has regressed back to winter, so the double tweed (plus overcoat) was also necessary to survive my morning commute. 
Per my style resolutions this year, I’ve been inspired by a reader, Janki, to improve (or get rid of) things in my existing wardrobe before buying new items. So far this has meant swallowing several tailoring bills for things that I’ve been “faking the fit” with for too long. It’s also made me really think twice about buying cheapie things that don’t fit perfectly, yet aren’t “worth” alterations. I have to say, I love having an (albeit smaller) wardrobe of pieces that I can consistently rely on and feel confident in. 
These old pants are next on the list for a little fix (cuff tapering tutorial here) – I always thought they were acceptable, but the roomy ankles couldn’t escape being captured by a side view photo!
PS – I’m excited to try this Halogen jacket, offered in extended petite sizing that I’ve never seen at Nordies before (ordered 00 petite to try)! It looks just like a Gap one I loved from earlier this year, which sold out quickly and probably would not have fit. There’s only one review so far on the Halogen jacket in regular sizing, noting that it runs small.
Hi Jean,
From a sporadic commenter (but frequent reader) and ex-Bostonian, I am sending wishes that you and your family are ok. Boston is resilient, and I hope the community can find a way to heal. All my best to you, family and friends.
Jean, hope you are safe & sound.
ha ha… I don't blog! Although I have been inspired by Jean. But honestly, I don't think I have thick enough skin. People on the internet are brutal! I just follow a few bloggers and try to make (what I hope) are helpful comments. Jean is just so classy that she gives credit to ideas wherever she gets them on the blogosphere.
I immediately thought of you when I heard the news. I hope you, your friends, and family are all safe.
Tweed jackets are a perfect way to polish a more casual-ish outfit. They are great basic jackets and make any outfit more polished and ladylike!
If you'd like more ideas about how to wear tweed jackets or have other fashion questions go to theasksection.blogspot.com
Sooo great blog and beautiful styles! 🙂
http://momo-blogi.blogspot.fi/
Hi Jean! I've been a follower of your blog for a while now and feel like I can look up to you for suggestions of sophisticated, professional yet stylish looks as I am a petite Asian female too 🙂 I'm from Vancouver, Canada and have been watching the news regarding what happened today in Boston. Hope you and your loved ones are okay!
I love the color of your tweed jacket! You look elegant and beautiful as always.
I hope you and your family are safe, I know today was a terrifying day for all.
Christy
Sunnywithasideof…
Hi! I just found your blog through Bloglovin and wanted to say that I love what you're doing and the resources/advice that you're providing! I'm also the same build and also just moved close to Boston. Anyways, I look forward to following your posts 🙂
Such a pretty and sophisticated look! Love the shoes!
xo
Hi Jean, hope you and your loved ones are safe! Thoughts and prayers with your city!
Hi Jean,
I hope you, your friends, and any family you may have in the area are okay. My thoughts are with you and your city.
-G
hope you and your family and friends are ok.
Jean, I hope that you and loved ones are safe. Such a terrible thing that happened, and so many innocent people hurt. Keeping your city in my thoughts.
Thinking of you and hope that you are safe, Jean!
Jean – hope you are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your city.
You are so graceful!
My thoughts are with you and all the fellow people in your city, Jean!
Hi Jean, Hope you're doing ok and staying safe. I lived in Boston and few years back and seeing Copley Square today on the news is just heartbreaking.
I hope you're OK in Boston Jean! Stay safe!
Love the tweed on tweed look. So chic!
yamkantravel.blogspot.com
Facebook
You look so lovely, i adore your valentino's so so pretty!
http://www.beblacknblue.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.bloglovin.com
Hi Janki… would you mind sharing your blog's URL? Thanks!
I'm watching the news with great sadness. I hope you and your friends are all safe and OK.
Hi again Jean, I do have a quick question. Do you find that you have to alter LOFT pants significantly (or at all)? I have little luck with pants, and I'd like to try LOFT or Ann Taylor pants. I wear 00P or XXSP and usually still need alterations for LOFT skirts. (I'm 5'3 and weigh 90 lbs). Finding pants that do not require significant alterations is a struggle. *sigh*
Thank you in advance for your time!
I have the same style resolution! Came up with it only some weeks ago. I took a a stock of my wardrobe (took actual photos of my clothes and made a quick PPT presentation); I identified anything that I hadn't worn in a while because I either didn't quite like the item anymore, or it fit poorly, or it didn't do with anything else in my wardrobe.
I've had to take a few trip to the seamstress as well or give items away. BUT, I am enjoying my wardrobe so much more! I buy pieces and accessories that I actually REALLY need and work with my existing pieces, AND I have a better idea of what to splurge on. I also have fewer "closet full of clothes with nothing to wear" moments. 🙂 It's quite liberating.
this is a lovely look for more casual fridays! the shoes are amazing.
xox P
Love this outfit! The soft colors look so good on you.
Those shoes are awesome! Love how you wore an edgier shoe with a classic outfit.
http://www.sincerelysammie.com/
I like the tweed jacket. Very chic!
yamkantravel.blogspot.com
Jean, did you wear your Masters jacket during the golf tournament this year? I hope your coworkers were happy to see its return. 😉 Bela Anzu
I like the idea of wearing a fun shoe on casual Friday. You look beautiful, as always! Troy is regressing into winter, as well.
Wow, I'm so excited to see you embracing your NE Resolutions (and thanks for the shout out!) I really like that you are showcasing another way to express Casual Friday. For many years, I wore the worst clothes on Fridays… worn jeans, very casual shoes, etc. I always figured if no one SAID anything, that it was ok.
Then, at my first management job, I had my boss ask me to join him for a lunch meeting. It happened to be on a Friday and I was dressed in my usual weekend wear. I was so embarrassed. I felt that it was worse because I was a young manager (and a woman of color) and I just looked so unprofessional.
From then on, I vowed to always be "meeting ready" no matter what the day.
Your outfit is a great example of that.
I've suddenly become obsessed about the Project 333 and a cool idea that talks about the French "10" closet. It's all about having a few perfect pieces. I went through my already small wardrobe and have started donating or altering pieces. I'm finding it easier to get dressed when I know each pieces fits perfectly. Happily my new sewing skills are coming into play!
I know I say this each time, but I really like that you are selective about new purchases. Great style isn't about a big wardrobe but about proper fit and creativity.
I love your shoes ! But they are too expensive for me 🙁
I'm not Jean, but every stylist I've seen comment on it recently says to mix metals. Totally encouraged. It looks modern.
Really like the jacket and pants combo.
Love the pants! I always struggle with getting the right fit for work and these look great on you.
I recently purchased this jacket from BR http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=3&pid;=327964002
Similiar to the Nordie's one you linked. It fits very small and I've already worn it several times because it's pretty versatile.
Such an elegant and classy outfit!!! And those heels! <3
love this outfit! I think the pant length combined with the heels make for a perfect modern twist on the classics. In my opinion, no alterations are necessary at the ankle. The pants look timeless. You'll be reaching for this combo for years to come.
This jacket is perfection, you look gorgeous.
xo
http://pinksole.com
Valentinos & Pearls…Such a Great Combo!!!
❤ Temi Truly
Love those shoes! If only I could afford them…
xoxo,
Roxanne
(www.lacedivory.com/blog)
The shoes totally make that outfit.
Gorgeous as always, Jean! Seeing you style the Uniqueen jacket in a variety of ways always makes me incredibly tempted to buy one for myself!
I love how you revisit timeless pieces in your wardrobe like the Malang jacket. I need to do that too, I feel like my wardrobe is overloaded with new stuff, that all the goodies at the back of the closet have been neglected for way too long. We don't have Casual Friday's at where I work, but I can definitely see myself wearing this outfit but opting out the studded heels for simple nude pumps.
– Christine
Petite Hues
Cute outfit Jean! I love wearing ankle pants pairing up with a short blazer to work too. I highly recommend ankle pants from Express. Not only they look very flattering but also made with great material/quality. I would usually wear a belt as well which has the same color as my shirt/blazer color. You should try that next time! 🙂
Lovely jacket! You look stunning
happymedley.blogspot.com
Love it! Please tell UniQueen to bring back this Malang in this color! 🙁 Sad I missed out the first time.
Hi Jean,
Loving the outfit, so elegant 🙂
I just have a very general question for you: What's your opinion on mixing silver- and gold-tone jewelry?
A lot of people say that it's a definite no-no while others say it's perfectly fine, so I was just wondering what do you think?
Take care,
Peggy
Beautiful outfit. I love how professional and elegant it looks, but that it still looks so young thanks to the ankle length of the trousers and the studded heels. Personally, I like the extra width at the ankle and wouldn't change a thing about this outfit!!
Cassie
http://stylecassentials.blogspot.com
So pretty and elegant Jean. I have a question,
do you think it's appropriate to wear bright
color nail polish for work. Don't get me wrong,
It looks great on you. But every time I wear
red or other bright colors, my patients ( I'm a doctor)
kept looking at my fingers which make me self
conscious . But I love red polish since it just pops!!