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Business Casual Superstar #491: One Day Deal: Madison Paige Sheath Dress!

January 27, 2012 by humarashid

As most of you know, I’ve been on hiatus since late 2011 because of the Bar exam. I’ll be taking it for the first time in February, and I’m terrified. But that’s neither here nor there. I’ve put the blog mostly on hold, but I’ll be back after the Barzam (early March-ish?) with hopefully a new banner, since I’m no longer a law student, much less a reasonably prudent one, and my daily posts. Seriously. Things will get crazy up in here.

Speaking of crazy, though, I’m trying something new today. Y’all know that I belong to every sample sale site on the planet. I even belong to a couple sample sale sites that don’t even exist yet. I do this all for you guys. I’m not much of a shopper (except for gadgets, and except when I’m stressed), and I never really buy much for myself, but I keep an eye on the deals so that I can share them with you. Unless, you know, something good’s on TV. Then you guys can SUCK IT.

:|

Anyway, you guys know I love the daily deal sites, because they’re fun. They have new things up every day, and there’s the element of surprise, and there are often bright colors and things that flash, and it really keeps my attention, like most of the shows on PBS.

Today’s daily deal is actually … a dress.

I KNOW.

That’s weird, isn’t it? Like, you’d think a daily deal would be a watch or a thing of jewelry (earrings? necklace?) or even a pair of shoes would maybe be okay, but an actual dress?

I had to share it with you anyway. Just because. In the spirit of this blog, dontchaknow. I’ve ordered things from NoMoreRack, the sample site in question, before. I have no complaints. I ordered 2 Marc Jacobs cotton scarves, and the other day I ordered 2 Perry Ellis silk scarves. The PE haven’t arrived yet, but the MJ arrived within a week and were just as described. So I have no complaints thus far.

For that reason, I figured it couldn’t hurt to share this one. This is a Corey P dress for Madison Paige, marked down from $70 to $24. I’ve gotten emails from a bunch of you talking, amidst other things, about how you’d like to have a couple of work dresses that didn’t cost so dang much, without having to wait for sales at the Limited.

So I figured this would be helpful. It’s black and grey, totally a work dress, and if you throw on a bright cardigan, a pair of bold shoes (or black, whatever), and/or a piece of statement jewelry in a bright color (hint: you might not want to do a bright cardigan, shoes, AND jewelry – surely I’ve taught and shown you better), and you’ve got an outfit.

As always, click the image for the purchase info.

Also, you have to join NoMoreRack in order to buy, and if you decide to do that, if you could use THIS REFERRAL LINK, that would be pretty cool of you. :D (Spoiler alert: That would be MY referral link. I think I get a gift card or some crap if enough people use it. Spoiler alert: I DON’T CARE WHAT RANDOM FREEBIE I GET I WANT IT. And if it turns out to be something stupid I’ll just give it to Andy anyway, so whatever.)

$24

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Business Casual Superstar #490: OMGah: “Wrap Up With A Good Book” Scarf!

December 21, 2011 by humarashid

Yes, I am expanding the category of “OMGah That Dress” to include things that are not dresses, per se, and are actually available for purchase. Allow me to offer up a scarf that any fan of classic, nineteenth century British literature is SURE to love: the “wrap up with a good book scarf!”

It’s probably a little too late to buy this and have it arrive for Christmas, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t gift it a little later, or save it for a special occasion.

This scarf is screen-printed with text from Pride & Prejudice, A Tale of Two Cities, and a prayer from Ephesians. It’s a polyester blend, so, bleh, but still, it’s lovely and is available on Etsy for just $39. Unfortunately, at this time, the author cannot do custom orders.

Click here or on the picture to get on over there!

Wrap Up With A Good Book Scarf - $39

I’m always on the look out for cute, creative, unique things that will set you apart and still be appropriate for work, and this scarf totally makes that list. I’d pair it with pants/jeans, a brightly colored tee, and a brightly colored cardigan (not matching, just colors that go well together and don’t clash). I wouldn’t pick anything with print (although I can’t say I’d never pick anything with print – I have a thickly striped tee that would look just fine with this) or floral designs. And I’d loop this around my neck and not be offended when strangers leaned into my personal space to figure out just what was written on the scarf.

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Business Casual Superstar #489: Hermes Limited Edition Sarees … Yeah, No.

December 21, 2011 by humarashid

Observe, mortals.

These are the new limited edition sarees from Hermes.

:|

Yeah, no.

These are not sarees. These are abominations.

(And yes, this is filed under OMGah That Dress in a very bad sense of OMGah.)

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Business Casual Superstar #488: A Totally Romantic Skirt

December 8, 2011 by humarashid

Generally, I am of the opinion that when it comes to what you wear to work, “romantic” should not be one of the words used to describe your outfit. “Pretty,” yes. “Delicate,” sure. “Feminine,” no reason why not. But “romantic?” Yeah, um, no.

However, I totally have to make an exception for the gorgeous skirt that I built this ensemble around. I’m majorly coveting it, and I had to share it with all of you. To be fair, there’s nothing racy about this skirt or this outfit. It’s a knee-length skirt, totally opaque, no cut-outs, none of that nonsense. It’s just that it’s trimmed with lace, and that’s a very feminine fabric, and the effect is just lovely, so as soon as I saw it, the first word that flashed in my head was “romantic.”

Also, it didn’t help that ModCloth’s item description totally banked on that image as well. They even directly refer to romance novels! Oh, we’re hopeless.

Love in Literature Skirt ………. $42.99
Pleaser Vanity Women’s Pumps in Black Patent ………. $31.45
Bold Champagne & Black Necklace ………. $16.06

There! Isn’t that a fabulous skirt? So whimsical and pretty, and what a great color. I adore that rust color. That kind of dark pumpkin-y orange goes well with purple, but I confess that I just didn’t want to use a neutral color, or go all matchy-matchy with white. I like the way the purple and orange work together. Ideally I might have chosen a pretty deep or royal purple sweater with 3/4 sleeves, but with my budget, my options were slightly limited, and a comfy tee works just as well. Besides, the skirt is fancy enough: the top doesn’t need to compete.

I know brown would have worked well, but I felt like going for black with the shoes and a matching necklace. Patent just seemed like a fun choice – more fun that matte – and I wanted a black and white necklace to tie in the white  lace on the skirt, and to stand out a bit from the purple shirt.

Sigh.

I really adore this skirt, you guys. I don’t know why.

:|

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Business Casual Superstar #487: A Classic Sweaterdress Outfit Inspired By Emma Stone

December 5, 2011 by humarashid

Sweaterdresses are awesome. They make for a great, simple, comfortable look that is absolutely perfect for this time of year. Plus, a sweaterdress with a nice bag and nice shoes and not much else makes a great statement. That’s what I had in mind for today’s look, which is inspired by Emma Stone.

And here is what I came up with:

Cotton Ribbed Turtleneck Sweaterdress in Black ………. $24.50
Sam & Libby Anistacia Shoes in Black ………. $25.99
Aldo Fretwell Bag ………. $48

I couldn’t get a picture of that dress in black, but yes, it’s indeed supposed to be a simple, black, turtlenecked sweater dress. The belt is not included, and I’m glad for that, because I don’t like it that much. And I have a general aversion to dresses that are already belted. I would much rather prefer to belt them on my own, with belts I already have, or not at all, and not have to deal with empty belt loops.

I went with this dress because it’s got short sleeves. Emma’s is sleeveless, which might be appropriate enough in some offices, and inappropriate in others. I figured I’d play it safe and go with sleeves that wouldn’t be objectionable. It’s also a perfect, office-appropriate length.

I paired it with peep toe pumps, which are generally office-appropriate, and threw in a purple bag, because purple works so well with black.

And there we have a lovely, comfortable look inspired by Emma Stone!

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OMGah That Dress: Everything about this McQueen is unbelievable

December 4, 2011 by humarashid

You guys, I can’t even. Just … just see for yourself.

Alexander McQueen

I ADORE the color combination: the dusky, rosy pink oatmeal? The deep, rich crimson? YES PLEASE.

I love the built-in shrug. Delicate and pretty and demure.

The printed border is reminiscent of Indian saris, and so intricate and pretty, while the overall look of this gown is Grecian, in a way, at least to me, probably because of the skirt peeking out at the bottom. Wrinkly and crepey and delicate.

There is just something so luxurious about this dress. Wearing it would feel like being swaddled in silk. It’s so utterly, completely feminine, especially with that dusky rose oatmeal, but so strong and powerful and intense with that dark red.

Good God, I want this.

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Business Casual Superstar #486: Punjammies! Help Indian women rescued from forced prostitution!

December 2, 2011 by humarashid

Now, okay, I confess, this isn’t actually a business-casual find. In fact, you can’t even wear this on Casual Friday. You can basically only wear this in your bedroom, or around the house, or to your high school on “Pajama Day” during Homecoming week. (God, I loved Homecoming week.)

That’s because Punjammies are pajamas. Jammies. Jams. Pajama itself is actually an example of “Hobson Jobson,” a Hindi/Urdu/Arabic word that was Anglicized and adopted into English. Pajama is the Urdu/Hindi word meaning “pants.” But, like, loose pants, I guess. Because the word for trousers, actual pants, is “patloon” (puh-th-loon).

In fact, “Hobson Jobson” is itself an example of Hobson Jobson. It was coined when the British man who presumably coined it observed a bunch of Indian Shiite Muslims hitting themselves on the chests with their hands or metal chains or knives while yelling, “Ya Hasan! Ya Husain!”, the names of the two grandsons of Muhammad (S). It’s a Shiite thing, during the Islamic month of Muharram.  So that’s kind of funny. The Hobson-Jobson-as-Hobson-Jobson thing, not the self-flagellation. Not that I’m denigrating what anyone believes to be a religious rite/custom or anything.

You know what? I’m not saying anything.

Except that Punjammies are awesome.

Click for the website and TONS of gorgeous pajama tops and bottoms!

They are 100% cotton (with polyester borders, usually) pajama tops and bottoms made by Indian women (Punjab, from which the brand borrows a syllable and association, is a province in India and Pakistan) rescued from forced prostitution.

Aren’t they lovely? I think these are my favorite (even though I haven’t looked through all of the offerings, just most) because they’re so incredibly colorful and happy. Of course, this might just be the Power Ranger bedsheets all over again. Andy took me to Linens ‘n’ Things last week to get new bedsheets and I picked the Power Ranger ones, and I went home and tried them on but they made me really happy, and all that excess happiness made it difficult to sleep, so he has to take me back to Linens ‘n’ Things this weekend so I can return them.

I found out about Punjammies from my lovely friend Jenny Evrard. We were super good friends in high school and have remained friends since, and she is exceedingly awesome. So, here’s the deal. I need y’all to head right over to Jenny’s Etsy Shop, Tallulah’s Treasures and poke around. I need you to look at all of her gorgeous jewelry and, I don’t know, maybe buy something. Dooooo itttttt.

(And no, I am not being compensated in any way for this. I just wanted to share Jenny’s lovely creations. She’s one of the most talented people I know in many ways, but especially in joo-ree-making.)

Punjammies, like I said, help Indian women who were rescued from forced prostitution. Proceeds from sales provide fair-trade wages, savings accounts, and recovery care for these women.

And these pajamas are absolutely beautiful – way more beautiful than the pajamas I usually buy from VS or Target. (I do seriously love the flannel pajama shorts at Target. I love flannel, period. I’d say I only loved it in the winter, but let’s not lie: I’m cold ALL THE TIME.)

So if you’re the kind of person that loves having relatively unique, eye-catching, pretty things, these pajamas are going to be right up your alley.

In addition, if you’d like to donate to this project, you can learn more about that here.

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OMGah That Dress: Check out this insane purple.

December 1, 2011 by humarashid

Wow. Seriously. OMGah, that dress.

What a lovely, intense color! I absolutely adore this thing. I would TOTALLY rock it. Check out the gorgeous detailing at the waist, and the drama of that skirt. Love.

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Women’s Head Coverings in Different Religions

November 29, 2011 by humarashid

I liked this. I liked the idea of it.

Posted in Islam/Culture | Leave a Comment »

Business Casual Superstar #485: She Sells Sea Shells By the Sea Shore

November 29, 2011 by humarashid

Man, is anyone else exhausted by this Black Friday/Cyber Monday mess? I sat both of them out. Frankly, I find BF/CM intimidating. I find most things intimidating, really, but that’s my cross to bear. I don’t want you guys to worry about it. And if I find you worrying…

>:(

Anyway, I was browsing the Ann Taylor Loft sale – not to buy anything, just to look around – and found myself paying particular attention to the shells. I don’t know about you guys, but I don’t have enough of them. Shells are great for under suits, and I also like wearing them with cardigans and flats for a business casual look, or a slightly dress casual look (when I’m running errands but don’t want to look like a slouch).

So I thought I’d put together a little collection of shells to be worn with fancy-schmancy suits, and with flats and a sweater for a prim little casual look. Let’s get started! As always, click the picture to purchase.

$40-$45

I love the color red. I wear it often enough. My handbag, as you guys saw, is red. Two of them are, at any rate: my Longchamp and a Liz Claiborne leather tote that my BFF Nida gave me when I graduated from law school (it’s gorgeous and perfectly my taste – we rarely shop together but that girl always gets things I just love; I have no idea how she does it!).

But what I really like about this is the beading or sequins or whatever up top. I like shiny things, you guys. I can’t help it. Once, Andy gave me a big jar of nuts and bolts to play with, and I was happy alllll day. But then I learned that he removed those nuts and bolts from my car, so I wasn’t happy after that. After I set something that he owned on fire, though, I felt better.

$19.99

It’s purple-y, but with sparkle. Slight sheen, really.

$20.99

I like shells with tiny little prints like this. And I like the gentle pleating at the top.

$39.99

I also like colorblock, often enough. And this color pattern is nice. I would totally wear this, with my black editor pants, silver ballet flats, and a lovely cropped grey crochet sweater. And maybe something yellow in my hair. Yellow flower. Yellow ribbon. Something yellow, for a bright splash of color.

I had two great tops to show you from Ann Taylor but the site was down for maintenance and otherwise being buggy for HOURS, so they don’t get any linkbacks.

This image represents what I feel like when I want to buy something and the website is like LOL NO NICE TRY.

:|

$27.99

It’s shimmery and it’s got a drape neck. Therefore, I like it. I like drape necks a lot. I like anything that adds interest around the neckline, really, now that I think of it. Not always, but usually.

I’d wear this with a bold splash of color. A colored sweater. Brightly colored flats or heels. Or I’d throw on a bright red trench and leave it open while I ran errands, weather permitting. I’m a big fan of bright trenches and not buttoning them up.

…I don’t know what’s wrong with me.

:|

$47.40

OMGah, I love this top. It’s everything I love put together: red, silk(y), pleated. (OK, I don’t always love pleats. Sometimes I hate them. But whatever, give me this one, yeah?) How great would this look under a suit jacket? And it’s a great top to wear out with skinny pants and the highest heels you can find. (Not me, though. I’d just fall over. And look ridiculous, like a child playing dress up.)

$13.99

Now, everyone’s all “DON’T SHOP AT EXPRESS IF YOU’RE A LAWYER!!1!” I’ve heard all that. I just don’t agree.

The reason is that Express’s clothes are too sexy. That’s fine, I get that. I don’t think, however, that ALL their clothes are ‘too sexy,’ or even ‘sexy.’ I think this top, while fitted, and quite feminine (due to the lace, which is a very feminine fabric/accent to use), isn’t all that sexy. Your sweater puppies certainly won’t be hanging out. There aren’t any cut-outs. There’s nothing overtly sexy about it.

The other reason is that Express’s clothes may fit women better than they should.  Especially if the women in question, you know, buy the size that they normally wear.

:|

This crap about ‘buying a size up’ so that your clothes are slightly looser and not form-fitting and you don’t tempt anyone in the office or give the ol’ boys an excuse not to take you seriously is just that – crap. I’m not advising any of you to prance around the office in a tight pencil skirt and this top and nothing else. (Well, shoes.)

All I’m saying is that this top is cute. It’s flattering. It’s not going to leave your sweater puppies out there for the world to ogle. It’ll look great with a blazer.

So forget that crap about not shopping at Express if you want to be taken seriously in the corporate world. If you like this top, if you also think it would look sharp with a blazer and a skirt, get it. It’s that simple.

Anyway, there we have it! A bunch of shells. Hopefully, you saw something you liked.

 

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