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.
How come I cannot access the myuniqueen malang jacket website
I like the whole outfit so elegant and so beautiful…
Hi Jean – I've been trying to place an order on UniQUEEN but I can't seem to find the checkout button. I can get to the part on estimating shipping but after I add that to my grand total, how do I proceed to the next step. Is this a known issue on their site?
Hello all, this is Anna from UniQUEEN!
We launched Malang 2013 Jacket because so many people asked about the jacket!
It was out of stock but we re-stocked with 2 new colors!
Please enjoy it 🙂
http://www.myuniqueen.com/index.php/malang-2013.html
Janki, love your note. And you are right…people behind computers can be very mean. Not sure why. Jealousy maybe? You are someone who understands what the fashions blogs are for: inspiration. You don't have to purchase the expensive shoes or handbag and can always find inexpensive versions that are similar but give the same great look. It's all about the pairing and getting new ideas!! cheers, karen
I've been following your posts for quite sometime and it amazes me how you know to pick costumes that look so perfect on you! Gorgeous!
very pretty outfit – really elegant tweed jacket and studded heels!!
A
xx
http://epiquemoi.blogspot.com
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Jean,
I've just started reading your blog pretty faithfully. I saw the news about what happened, and immediately hoped that you were okay. I feel as though I have a friend in Boston to think about.
Hi Jean,
I hope you, your friends, and your family are all safe. Stay strong! The entire country is behind you. Thank you for posting as well, it helps us return to a semblance of normalcy.
Take care!
Hi Jean,
I've been following your brilliant blog (silently) for a short while now.. and I notice how you give a beatiful classic twist to any outfit by strategically placed pearl strings. You always vary it depending on the outfit – long, short, single strand, multiple strands, big pearls, small pearls, etc etc.. would you consider doing a how-to blog for us fashion accessory-challenged folks on purchasing and pairing/styling the right sort of pearls, please? I'm sure many of your readers would be interested! Pretty please! 🙂
Jean,
The past few days have been terribly sad. Remembering your blog lifted my spirits. Hope you are doing ok.
Hope you and yours are safe!
Jean, I hope you and all your loved ones are ok. Terrible news to come out of the city, but I have faith that Boston will pick up the pieces and stay strong. Best wishes from Hong Kong. x
Also a reader here, never posted before. I sincerely hope you and your loved ones are safe after the tragedy befell Boston area.
It probably depends on what kind of doctor you are and who you treat, but could it be more about wearing nail polish as a doctor than about the color (studies show that chips in nails can harbor bacteria, etc.)? I have some friends that are nurses and are prohibited from wearing nail polish altogether for that reason. I'm an attorney, and bright nail polish is common in my office and I think looks professional, but I can't remember ever having been seen by a doctor that wore nail polish.
I'm a reader, but never posted. I have thinking of you and the tragedy in Boston and hope you are hanging in there and are with loved ones.
Hi Jean, I'm a fan of your blog but I rarely comment. When I heard about the tragic news yesterday, I thought of you and my friends in the area. Hope you and your family are safe!
Wow. Gorgeous and beautiful Ms. Jean. I like how you put that studded shoes so elegant and very professional. You gave me an inspiration to look very professional despite the temptation to indulge in jeans in office. God bless you more.
Wilma
http://www.ohsopetite.com
Thinking about you and your city. My prayers to you all.
Love love love the photos! Great angles of the background and also of the outfit details!!!!!! Tks for the refreshment on the pant slimming tutorial, especially important for ankle pants. Great pumps!
Looking forward to your next post and to see your beautiful smiling face and cute outfit post. Lots of prayers and love being sent your way. XOXO
Corporate Catwalk
Jean – I regularly follow your posts and hope that you are okay after the Marathon tragedy. My thoughts go out to you, your family, and friends!
lovely look! those shoes are absolutely stunning! thanks for sharing this. xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ http://www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com