Back to Normal

Last week was one of the longest weeks of my life. Work was insane, for a few days I was gone from 6 am to 10-11 pm, hardly saw the kids (I felt so guilty!). Then when that was over our basement floor was flooded on Friday. And on Sunday we had planned a mother-daughter garden party at our house, which included two full meals (a brunch at noon and a barbecue later in the afternoon).. The party was great, but I was so busy that didn't even take any pictures.

After all this I was beat!

But this week things are back to normal. My work schedule is manageable and I get to see the girls in the morning as well as after work.

Here is today's outfit: Marimakko top, Calvin Klein pants, Kate Spade bag, Bottega Veneta shoes, Toy Watch, and ancient H&M necklace.

Good Morning

Recently I've been taking the early train to work. Early means 6:19 am! It's a pain to get up early (5:30 am), but also kind of nice to get up when it's still really quiet and peaceful. Even the roads are sort of empty, but once you get to the station, you find out you're not the only early bird.

I get ready so much faster if the kids are still sleeping. Not that I take that much time anyway, I have perfected a morning routine of 30 minutes from bed to out of the door. (Now you know why I mostly wear my hair on a ponytail to work). I do give myself a small buffer though, and pack some healthy snacks or lunch to go.

Proud Mama

Yesterday was one of those days when you're in meeting after meeting and don't have time to come up for air. But how lucky was I to have a delicious meal waiting for me when I got home. The meal was  prepared from start to finish by my 9 year old daughter. I am such a proud mama!

The words Gucci and Comfort are usually not heard in the same sentence, but these Gucci flats are my comfort shoes..

The chef came to give me a little bow and invite me to dinner.

The Office outfit: Banana Republic jacket, Mac and Jac pants, Jones New York top, F21 necklace, Chloe bag

Office Outfits: Tops

Overheard on the train yesterday two college students, apparently about to graduate this spring, speaking about what they wear going to interviews. The other girl was actually on her way to one, wearing a light colored cute blazer, skinny jeans and ballerinas. A cute outfit in and of itself, but not an interview outfit. The girl actually said to her friend that she does not want to look too formal. I wanted to give her some advice, but kept it to myself because I did not want to ruin her confidence before the interview. The thing is, I don't think it is ok to go to an interview wearing jeans. If you are interviewing to a professional position, or even to a job that will lead to a professional position, you have to wear professional clothes, and worn out skinny jeans are not it. Of course companies have different cultures, but I don't think that any serious company would punish you for making the effort to dress nice and somewhat conservative for an interview. Or am I too old, and have been in the financial industry for too long and know nothing about real life?

Anyway, here are some of my recent, more relaxed, business outfits or, tops:

Conquering Color Phobia

Yesterday I went out of my comfort zone and forced myself to wear a bright yellow BCBG sweater. Combined with black and gray Ann Taylor tweed skirt it was office appropriate and I guess getting out of my usual black and gray color palette was good as I actually received some compliments on the colorful sweater. Will try this again!

Office Outift

Here is another recent office outfit: dark blue Magaschoni cashmere open cardigan, Banana Republic white wool skirt (must be 10 years old, and used to be really loose on me, and fits now perfectly due to weight gain), Banana Republic necklace, the stripy top is from a discount store and the label was cut off.

The Best Part of the Picture: the little piano player in the background

Office Outfit

Not sure anyone wants to see my outfits, but here is yesterday's office outfit. This is full on H&M, jacket, shirt and pants and even the necklace are all from the same store, bought at various times. Only the boots are not H&M. They are a find from Finland; super comfy, and good quality, German made Caprice.