Summer stripes from desk to dinner

desk to dinnerLeft: H&M; blazer (old, similar), Parentesi bag (old) Sole Society Jenn pumps c/o
Right: Loft skirt (altered) and halter (very old), Sole Society Anneke heels c/o, Coach bag

I spend a good portion of my days at the office, so love stretching “work” pieces for double duty use. This Loft skirt was adorable and good quality in-person, so it was a keeper for me but did need alterations (full review coming soon). The left outfit above is pretty much my work staple formula, with a conservative blazer and solid pumps. Swapping those out for a flirty top and strappy heels makes for a perfect summer night pairing to sip cocktails in. I usually default right to dresses for nighttime, but love how this look makes use of an old piece found in the back of my closet.
sole society studs For the second half of my collaboration with Sole Society, I wanted to show their popular Anneke heels which are now available from sizes 4 through 12. The studs on here are subtle (and per Nick, less intimidating) but enough to spice up a solid pump. I thought these were unexpectedly comfy for a strappy, pointy, and studded shoe, all of which are features that could typically be problem areas.

sole society studs1 The strap was comfortable for me because I noticed it sits right below my ankle, versus squarely on top or at some odd chaffing angle. The studs are rounded in-person which is good news for clumsy feet (have self-kicked quite a few times in Rockstuds with painful results!). As mentioned before I found this style to run narrow – I’m usually between a 5 and 5.5 and need the latter for these, whereas a 5 in the Jenn d’orsay are a perfect fit. For reference, the sizing in these felt similar to J.Crew shoes both length and width-wise.sole society studs2The Anneke comes in 5 colors, with two in genuine suede and the rest in faux patent. After trying both materials I personally prefer the suede, but the faux patent is lower maintenance as marks rubbed right off. I stain my suede shoes pretty easily and end up with cramped hands scrubbing at them with a toothbrush (any at-home cleaning tips would be appreciated!). sole society coralThank you to Sole Society for sponsoring this post. See all styles available in extended sizing.

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55 Comments

  1. Julie wrote:

    You look lovely! Those pale, summery colors look awesome on you!

    Style by Joules

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  2. Jean wrote:

    Thank you Alexis and the ladies below for the shoe care tips!

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  3. Jean wrote:

    Hi Mindy, I did try it a while ago and it ran similar to Talbots petites. I think most of their stuff will be too big for 00p wearers, but the quality was good when I tried it.

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  4. Jean wrote:

    some of the in-store prices are amazing! Happy you were able to score it : )

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  5. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – I don't, but will check out this site! Thanks for letting me know : )

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    Thank you so much, and for saying hello all the way from the Netherlands!

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    Thank you for your kind comment! I completely agree with Graciela – I don't own AGL flats personally but have heard nothing but rave reviews for comfort right off the bat. They are pricier but you can find them oftentimes on sale during pre-season promos (like Nordstrom anniversary sales next week) or end of season.

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – unfortunately it looks like they don't for the time being. Hopefully in the future!

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    ^ Hi ladies! You're too kind, but there is no secret, just regular light lifting with weights from 5-10lbs. I'm not a fitness expert so just do the standard lifts over the head several times (repeat until too tired), to the sides, and then curls.

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    Sure thing! I posted closer up photos in today's post as well. Measurements of 00P were 13.5" across the waist and 17" across the hips

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  11. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – it's a grayish blue in my opinion : )

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  12. Jean wrote:

    Thanks so much for letting me know! Need to proofread better : )

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  13. Mindy wrote:

    Hi Jean. I found Jcrew petite sizing a bit odd… some too loose, some too tight. I noticed that Brooks Brothers carry petite too, but you have not posted anything about them yet. If you, or other petite bloggers here know their petite sizing, would you share? They are having a sale and was wondering if they are worth trying…

    Posted 7.10.14 Reply
  14. Amy @ Long Drive Journey wrote:

    Jean, I just wanted to let you know that I went into J. Crew last week and picked up the Schoolboy Blazer. It was 50% off in store, so I got it for even cheaper. Thanks again for the heads up!

    Posted 7.9.14 Reply
  15. Anonymous wrote:

    Love your blog! Do you have a Bib + Tuck account? Would love to be able to shop your closet on their site! You can also now make money on their site!

    Posted 7.9.14 Reply
  16. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean,
    I've been following you for a while. You look awesome and your personal style inspires me to create mine.
    Good luck. From the Netherlands

    Posted 7.9.14 Reply
  17. andrea wrote:

    I love both looks! The blush H+M blazer gives the first look a sophisticated vibe, but that pale grey halter is stunning! Perfection!

    xoxo,
    Andrea

    http://www.andreaeveryday.com

    Posted 7.9.14 Reply
  18. IH wrote:

    Agreed! I'm curious too.

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  19. IH wrote:

    so is her ab! Please share your fitness routine.

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  20. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks! I will give them a try,

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  21. Polly @ Tasty Food Project wrote:

    I love both outfits! So simple yet classy!

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  22. rodelma lopez wrote:

    i have the same halter like this and its old too but i keep it and i love it…my sisters keep asking me to hand over but then i cant let it go its one of my favorites…as usual you look good jean

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  23. Berty Morales wrote:

    Both looks are so beautiful, and elegant.

    In case you are wondering where is Mad For Fashion For Less the blog, sadly is no longer available, but you can become a Mad For Fashion For Less fan via Facebook.

    Click Here – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mad-For-Fashion-For-Less/310725935696887

    Again thank you so much for your support. Wish me luck in this new journey!

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  24. Petite-ish wrote:

    Love both these looks and the lighting in your new home is incredible!

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  25. Raquelita wrote:

    Love the work to dinner look, Jean! The coral/orange suede pumps are great for work- appropriate, but gives you a little kick of style- I think I need to look into them!
    XO Rach
    http://www.lamariposablog.com

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  26. Anonymous wrote:

    So stylish and classy – beautiful neutral colors. Love –Anu from Finland 🙂

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  27. Li wrote:

    I like your outfit!
    Li (simplyli.com)

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  28. Taramixandmatch wrote:

    That skirt is so pretty, I love the colors of it!

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  29. Graciela wrote:

    Jean, you look wonderful! Love the little top on the right, so frilly and feminine !
    Have a great week!
    Graciela
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/graciellabredehoeft

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  30. Graciela wrote:

    Hi anonymous! Try AGL shoes, they are a bit pricey but sooooo comfy and beautiful. I wear all heels but when my day calls for on my feet, My AGLs got my back, literally! Big department stores carry them, at first they don't really strike your fancy but you put them on and the magic comes out, just like frosty and his hat
    Regards,
    Graciela
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/graciellabredehoeft

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  31. Anonymous wrote:

    Such a versatile skirt! Do you mind sharing what size you got and waist and hips measurements before alterations (if possible)?
    Thank you!

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  32. Anonymous wrote:

    Where Is your necklace from (left pic)? Love it!

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  33. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean,
    Does this skirt have graywhite stripes as in your pics or are the stripes more brownishoff-white as on Loft website?
    Thanks

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  34. Mei Fleming wrote:

    Beautiful outfits. Love the summery color palette. The blouse is so pretty.

    http://www.eyelikefashion.com

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  35. Carla Krae wrote:

    Rust-Oleum NeverWet.

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  36. Anonymous wrote:

    Very nice composition, great elegance and refinement!

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  37. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, I love your blog and have been following you for a while. Congrats on a beautiful and very informative blog!

    You profile some very nice shoes but unfortunately I am a girl with a bad back so don't wear heals and have semi flat feet. Or I rather try to stay with heals < 1 & 1/4 inches with good arch support (think Clarks Artisan or Unstructured collection low/no heel but very unglamorous). Any recommendations for nice looking comfortable shoes that don't make me feel I am 65 :)!

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  38. Anonymous wrote:

    I got a kit like this at DSW. It works pretty well. Definitely put some Scotchgard or other weather proofing spray on suede shoes before wearing though. Good luck!

    https://sofsole.com/product/suede_and_nubuck_brush_kit

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  39. Happiness at Mid Life wrote:

    I now always spray protectant on all my fabric /suede shoes since I get them so easily. I've had the Anneke heels for some time and love them.

    I adore both looks.

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  40. Gina G wrote:

    So lovely. And goodness, my Momma has petite feet too and I'm so jealous because she will literally take home an entire bag of shoes from the kids section equaling my one pair of shoes!

    Gina
    Pink Wings

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  41. AlexisB wrote:

    I used to use Scotchgard on suede items. I remember it working well. Look it up on Amazon for more info. If you're nervous to do it yourself, you can have it done at a shoe repair place.

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  42. Liz | Shopping My Closet wrote:
    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  43. Yuching Lin wrote:

    Hi Jean! Your LOFT skirt link leads to sole society pumps instead of the skirt, just letting you know. 🙂

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  44. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, would you know if Solesociety ships to Sydney? My tiny feet need one of those!

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  45. Miss Hot Couture wrote:

    Love the muted and neutral colors here!

    http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com

    Posted 7.8.14 Reply
  46. A Golden Tulip wrote:

    Love the night look, that top is flirty…and those sole society studded pumps are fab.

    xo

    Posted 7.7.14 Reply
  47. InspiringNancy wrote:

    You selected great transitioning pieces. I also love both outfits. I am looking for a nude pair and thinking of getting the ones you now own. Not too sure if I would rather invest the money on a more known brand or just solesociety. These will be one of my staples and I am slowly adding my basics only. Would you rather invest for a basic or just get something cheaper?

    Posted 7.7.14 Reply
  48. Anonymous wrote:

    yes, please share your fitness secret!

    Posted 7.7.14 Reply
  49. Anonymous wrote:

    Your arms are so toned! What's your fitness secret?! 🙂

    Posted 7.7.14 Reply

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