Casual But Sleek!How do you find a knockout dress that will still serve as an acceptable casual business dress? It's darn tricky but I'm getting more practiced at it. I'm avoiding really mini minis, deep cleavage, bare back, long skirts with slits up to the navel, etc. More importantly, what is there left that isn't totally dull? So lets cast around for a few casual business dresses and even a couple of tops and pants that will do. First off, trot over to Sak's Fifth Avenue and see what they have to offer. Well, I know I said no deep cleavage but look at this fabulous blazer by Jean Paul Gaultier with a crochet inset. It's crafted in the traditional stretch wool blazer but has these peekaboo crochet insets at the waist and sleeves. Shawl collar. I figure you can wear it with no top or a discreet hidden bra top or you can wear it with a sweater or a top of your choice. In fact, you can ring all kinds of changes! Wear it with some Gaulthier Stretch Skinny Pants which have the look of leggings with more structure, accented with narrow zips on the legs. the blazer is item # 0418096409018 and it's priced at $1,890.00 and the pants are item # 0418099199350 priced at $550.00. Well, I have to admit that's a little pricey for the average office Jill like me so I'll look some more.
OK - this one's less expensive and is fine even though it's ostensibly a mini. It's not very short so it's OK by the hemline police! Adam + Eve Silk Parachute Mini Dress. Black silk. An update on the shirtdress, in crisp Italian taffeta with drop waist detail. Sak's item # 0477190301895 $235.00 Innocuous but a good look. I know I said no low backs for casual business dress but I think this one you can get away with and will drive the boy people wild. Ha! Ha! The rest is so business like! Donna Karan Low Back Top. Soft Italian jersey scoops dramatically at the back. In black jersey. Sak's item # 0439992503112 $595.00 One more maybe. This cashmere sweater by Vince would be a cool look with a pair of skin tight pants. Vince Cashmere Soufflé Sweater cowl-neck is ideal for warm layering. In gray - Sak's item # 0488278114887 $240.00. A black tee to go with it. Vince Ballet Tee. Scoopneck stretch cotton top is perfect for layering. And the leggings also by Vince Ponte Ski Leggings Low-rise jersey leggings, wear under tunics and dresses. Sak's item # 0488278105830 $165.00 .Again these items are very, very useful and will give me all kinds of casual business dress changes. Pretty cool! |