19 June 2012

Dress in a lawyerly fashion

Le Smoking is the original "borrowed from the boys" look, created by Yves Saint Laurent in 1966.

These timeless tuxedos were exclusively worn by men with power until YSL came along. These have fallen out of favor daily wear even amongst the crème de la crème. Still, I think an attorney should not leave all the 3-piece suits or tuxedos for defendants... of course we ought to leave all of the polyester ones alone for the pimps.


I was a girl scout so I believe in always being prepared. As a teen, my "being prepared" motto covered having a nail repair kit in my purse (you never know when impromptu rock climbing or intensive shopping might chip your nail). Now I manipulate this motto into sartorial splendor: a lady must shop for clothes for occasions that may come up. Besides, if you buy it the occasion will come a la Field of Dreams.
   
I have heard that some law students go through their first year of law school without a suit. I think lawsuits--err, suits are just as important as laptops. Budget a quality suit into your loans. My first suggestion is Theory suiting. The quality is good, they offer free tailoring, and the cuts are classic. It is not at all that I am against cheaper clothing, as long as it is cheaper in price--not quality. I shop with longevity in mind so quality and classic looks are important to me. I will splurge on designer items but I definitely love well made affordable pieces and will not buy something just because it is designer if it is made of low quality. 


Have you bought a designer item that did not live up to your expected quality? 
  
Classic cap toe pumps
I came into law school ready to suit up at a moment's notice. I was 14 when I got my first suit because I was working in a professional environment. Since I was less than 100 pounds and just 5 feet tall, I had to get all my work clothes tailored. The fit of my professional attire looked so much better than my velour sweatsuits and made me feel so polished and grown up that I was immediately hooked. So it is hard for me to imagine not having even one suit in my wardrobe.

When did (or will) you get your first suit? 

See what this little charmer is wearing? The look is not only timeless but ageless too! 
A quality navy suit was a smart splurge for me because the pieces are versatile for work and casual attire, the color goes well with my natural or (spray) tanned skin, and the look is timeless. I feel the same way about all of the pieces in my look here. 

Outfit details:
YSL Le Smoking
Haute Hippie blouse
Banana Republic tank
Chanel heels
Rolex watch
Hermes Birkin


♥ Thanks for reading and supporting my blog! 

99 comments:

  1. Love those Chanel shoes and I agree with you on having a suit or suits in the collection being key to a women or mans wardrobe. If I ever have children I am definitely going to start them off young so they can grow up being very versatile and chic in their style. It takes a bold person in fashion to pull off a vest and you are that girl!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks! And as to the vest, I love them but don't wear them enough :) <3

      Delete
  2. Love that suit! I may just have to invest in one.

    ♥ Duckie.

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    1. Thanks! I totally suggest it! :)

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  3. Whoa. Super cool suit. Can't believe you splurged on that baby - totally worth it though.

    I'm obsessed with this quote - " if you buy it the occasion will come" .. I"m going to live by that motto! I always pass up buying things that I love, simply because I can't fathom an instance during which I'd wear it. No more!

    Great shoes too! Perfect mix between masculine and feminine. You're rockin' this whole thing.


    -Gabrielle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hadn't really planned on it. Actually had gone into YSL looking for a shoe and the she department was of no help. Then one SA snatched me up and took me to the showroom where she showed me dresses worn by the Who's Who in Hollywood and some great champagne and lattes later there was a seamstress measuring me and watching me do a catwalk! <3 ;)

      Delete
  4. Love the suit! What a versatile piece! I think if your work calls for it (as yours does) then it makes complete sense to invest in something like a suit :)

    AwayFromTheBlue.blogspot.com.au

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    1. Thanks Mica! It is definitely versatile. Well, I at least think so <3

      :)

      Delete
  5. Do you watch Fairly Legal? You seem to resemble this woman and she recently wore a bell sleeve top on the show so are these in now? I agree with comment above that you mixed right amount if feminity into this commonly masculine look. It actually looks sexy in a confident way!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I do watch that show. I think I may do a comparison post between that show and Drop Dead Diva, another legalista drama :) --If you don't know of DDD, I highly suggest it.

      As to my clothes resembling the character's clothes, I agree about the bell sleeve! I know which one you are talking about! -I think it was a white one? Overall, on that show I like this main character's look for casual or weekend wear but at work I prefer the blonde character's outfits.

      Delete
  6. I purchased my first suit when I went to work for the state legislature twelve years ago. I find that Calvin Klein petite suits fit me well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The State Legislature? That sounds awesome!

      I love Calvin Klein dresses but the next time I need--err, want--to add another suit to my collection I will try CK! I've heard good things and I love the quality of the sheath dresses I have from them.

      Delete
  7. So cute that you have your? cute little boy donning the classic tux but with the faux hawk edge.

    I see I'm first to comment on the dog photo bombing you. I think it a good touch to the photo giving you a gritty look. Saw your IG post an came to blog. Think you should post that pic on here too of you in black & white.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The cute little guy is a family friend's son. I am sans bébé.

      LOL @ the photo bomb, I noticed that and totally left him in because I also felt he added a certain je ne sais quoi to my shot! <3

      Thanks for visiting me from IG!

      Delete
  8. First of all, thanks for dropping by my blog! And wow what a nice overall blog concept....law & fashion do mix & this is one fabulous mix!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your kind words!! XD

      Delete
  9. I agree that one should always shop for what might come up! Being prepared, no matter what career path, really can make all the difference!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree that being prepared translates to all careers and areas of life :)

      Delete
  10. Wow! I think I might want you defending me if I ever get into trouble! Add a pair of navy Chanel or Hermes gloves and I think the judge might hide under the bar! Seriously though, good look and I love your blog. Excellent advice for up and comers and you have beautiful style. I do like gloves though!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You really paint an image :)

      I love the idea of Chanel gloves. I am slowly collecting gloves and Chanel gloves are definitely on my sartorial list.

      Delete
    2. I try! I'm glad you're collecting, I'll look forward to future posts. Best wishes. Btw- you look good in fur!(regarding Olsen post) I would've answered the poll but there wasn't an "all of the above option"

      Delete
  11. Ysl was the master of female suits. Power suit that is

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment. I agree about YSL. He definitely introduced and perfected the look.

      Delete
  12. those chanel shoes aare gorgeous!
    can't wait to see you on my blog!,
    www.faashiongeek.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think you look amazing in your suit. Couldn't agree more because I adore pant suits. Like you, my staple was Theory pant suits when I used to work in a corporate environment. Now that I work from home, I still continue to wear blazers and jackets but pairing them with denim for a more casual look.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment. It made me think of a phone interview I once had. It was an early morning call and even though it was not a skype interview I threw on a suit just because of how good they make me feel.

      Delete
  14. Thank you for your comment, great suit! X

    http://Heidi-likes.blogspot.co.uk

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  15. Can I say that I'm extremely jealous of your wardrobe? The suit and the shoes are both timeless and absolutely perfect ! And you're terribly lucky to be accustomed to wearing suits. I seldom do, and I always feel so funny in them. Like a child trying to play dress up. But, that's because I'm a habitual casual dresser. I'd get over it fast if I have a The YSL suit :P

    Great blog! Would love to connect with you ! I'm following on GFC and Pinterest

    Stay in touch !

    x

    - Shubana
    -- CoeurDecors

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so sweet Shubana! As for feeling like a kid playing dress up, I used to feel that way too because I "look young" but the help of a tailor is the first step in defeating that type of thinking!

      Delete
  16. What an amazing suit! I don't own anything from YSL, not even a lipgloss! It fits you amazingly well and I love the haute hippie blouse and that birkin! Remember me when you want to unload that beauty!

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    1. Now that you mention it, I have not tried their makeup department but have been interested in their shadows... Thanks for the Birkin love. With all the bags you own I would not be surprised to see a Birkin as a future addition, though you do strike me as a Kelly lady ;)

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  17. You have a unique blog....

    Who does a blog only on formal wear otherwise!

    Keep it up... Will follow you:)

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  18. oh thoses chanel shoes!!! amazing!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks!! I wore them all night with ease. Chanel heels are wide feet friendly!

      Delete
  19. Thanks so much for stopping by sweetie, I am your newest follower!:)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love your blog, it's adorable! I found you on IFB and now I am fallowing you via GFC and Pinterest :)
    http://fashionistaforever22.blogspot.com/

    -XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  21. My profession (environmental) is very laid back dress wise, but I do understand what you have to go through. Lawyers should always look good. I think you always do a fabulous job with that. It's important to have a great tailor. Because even the best brands need a little help.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes, I agree and love that line "even he best brands need a little help." -I especially love stores that have in store alterations included in their price tag, especially when the tags have many numbers!

      Delete
  22. Great post!!!

    NEW OUTFIT POST
    http://www.cheapandglamour.com/2012/06/romantic-like-doll.html

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am loving your blog header. Did you make that? Loving the post as well :D

    Thank you so much for dropping by my blog. If you want we can follow each other up. Simply follow my blog via GFC and lemme know, I will follow you back and share love :D

    Love,
    Apurva
    http://kalapalette.blogspot.in
    P.s. You can also follow me on twitter : @apurva_27

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Apurva! I actually only had the idea of what I wanted done but contracted the work out to have my header done for me. XOXO

      Delete
  24. that's a great suit. make sure to check out my $50 gift card giveaway :)

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  25. I did give anything to wear something as chic as this to work lucky girl and I answered your question about the brush on my blog.Hope you had s good weekend x

    ReplyDelete
  26. I got my first real suit for a job interview about 6 years ago. I definitely felt powerful in it. I still have the blazer and love to pull it out to dress up my casual looks.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. 6 years and it is going strong? Awesome! I love quality suiting that lives on. I bought a vest from Zara and wore it a few times before a seam started unraveling, and it was a loose fitting vest so it wasn't that I was being the incredible hulk.

      Delete
  27. Spending the money on a good quality item like a suit will be cheaper in the long run. Go for classic! I think EVERYONE needs a suit at some point in their life!
    AhkaVintage.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes, I think that going for classic cuts are the key to building a wardrobe. :)

      Delete
  28. I love how chic and put-together a professional blazer can look. Love those cap toe pumps, too! xo

    http://dreamingenfrancais.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hahaha, yes, lets leave the polyester suits for the pimps. Too funny.
    Great heels and love the professional look you put together.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yes, it's hard out here for a pimp... :)

      Delete
  30. I love those shoes! (:
    Thanks so much for the comment on my blog! <3

    xoxo


    http://purelyenvy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks, they were made for walking... and blogging :)

      Delete
  31. Lovely Chanel heels!!!

    http://mrfashiondesigner.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
  32. This look is so chic and professional! I've always admired the authority that a blazer adds to any ensemble! Thanks a bunch for stopping by and commenting, dear!
    Love
    Juneli from Fashionably Yours

    ReplyDelete
  33. very put together and i love a professional look. totally believe in dressing for success. :)

    hope you have a fabulous week!

    xoxo
    jasmine
    AdamAlexmommy

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You too Jasmine, thanks so much!

      Delete
  34. I think women look great in fitted suits! So beautiful! xx

    {Satin&Souffles}

    ReplyDelete
  35. This look is so elegant and professional! I've always popular the power that a blazer contributes to any ensemble! Thanks a collection for avoiding by and leaving comments, dear!

    ReplyDelete
  36. can i just say how much i love your blog already?!
    i had a brief moment of insanity a few years ago & had my 5 year plan to become a lawyer
    needless to say it never happened but i still have a huge appreciation for it & everyone who goes through with it!
    & i LOVE how it is a huge part of your blog and the perfect, witty mix!
    seriously, fantastic!
    in response, i have no idea how people don't own at least 1 suit as an adult, or simply getting out into the work force.
    there really is something so powerful about putting one on!
    thanks so much for your sweet comment btw!
    & i hope we can follow each other! :D
    xx Corinne
    cateyesandthighhighs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thanks so much for your kind words!

      I am sorry that becoming a lawyer did not work out for you, but I hope my blog can provide that legal escape for you :) I love the law <3

      Delete
  37. Beautiful shoes and blouse, excellent look!
    Thank you for your lovely comment, you just got one more follower!:)
    Happy Wednesday!
    Jelena

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Jelena! Both are so comfy!

      Delete
  38. Super lovely blog!


    xoxo,

    colormenana.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. You are "Smokin" in Le Smoking Suit!!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hello ;) My name is Polina and i change my link)
    http://www.pmyzas.com - this is my blog
    i start to follow you, cause i like your blog;)
    and it will be great, if you follow me too)
    i have over 1300 followers;) and i like to post photos and so on and impress people')
    be my follower
    it will be amazing;)

    with big love
    Polina.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hey lady! This week has been crazy and I can't remember if I contacted you about this, but I would love to have you participate in the "Academically Inclined" series! Shoot me an email at minimestyle 101 at gmail dot com and I'll give you more details about dates and so forth.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hey! You’re right, its been a while since I’ve been here! I love your blog so that realization actually made me pretty sad! You’ve inspired me to do some housekeeping and unfollow some blogs I no longer enjoy so that I can focus on the ones I truly do (like yours!)
    Thank you so much for your sweet comments! I agree with the suit comment, a suit is SO important in not just the law field but the business field as well!
    I’d love to see a post on what made you choose law and if its been a difficult or smooth journey so far!
    XO
    Headoverhighheelss.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thanks so much!! I am happy to be in the bunch you will follow.
      As to a post on why I chose the law, I will take that on next month for sure. <3

      And yes, young professionals in all fields would benefit from a suit.

      Delete
  43. LOVE the Chanel pumps :)

    http://styleinmiddle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. A well-cut pantsuit will never ever go out of style!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I was shocked by the amount of people in my 1L class who didn't have suits. Especially the men! Would it kill them to buy a jacket? The legal market does not call for the same dress code as your holy communion or middle school dances. When wearing a tie, wear (or at least show up in) a jacket! Sheesh!

    http://www.carpedimsum.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi! :) Love your blog, so pretty :) I´m a new follower*Hope you can follow my blog back! Kisses



    http://thefrench-fries.blogspot.pt/

    ReplyDelete
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