Rainy Dinner with Son #2

Rainy Dinner with Son #2 by tarheelmom featuring word wall art

J Crew button down shirt / J Crew black blazer, $170 / J.Crew j. crew pants / Riding boots, $350 / Ebel white bracelet, $5,710 / Bee Charming vintage rhinestone necklace / Burberry umbrella / Word wall art

Rainy Dinner with Son #2

Sketched Pear Charley "Deep Closet" Styling Idea

Sketched Pear Charley "Deep Closet" Styling Idea by tarheelmom featuring glass jewelry

J Crew polka dot blouse / Cotton sweater / Skinny trousers / J.Crew ballet flat shoes / Ebel wrap around bracelet, $5,795 / J Crew glass necklace / J Crew glass jewelry

Sketched Pear Charley "Deep Closet" Styling Idea

Business Meeting OOTD 5.5.13 featuring Stuart Weitzman Blog

Business Meeting OOTD 5.5.13 featuring Stuart Weitzman Blog by tarheelmom featuring a brahmin satchel

J.Crew j crew / J.Crew herringbone blazer / J.Crew j crew / Stuart Weitzman patent shoes / Stuart Weitzman patent shoes / Brahmin satchel / Ebel steel jewelry, $2,800 / David Yurman sterling silver pearl earrings / J.Crew necklace / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics lip makeup / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics lipstick

Here's what I'm wearing to an important fundraising "ask" meeting tomorrow for a big charity event I'm co-chairing later this year.  All items are exactly as in my closet, except my handbag which is similar in a high-gloss leather.  

The goal is to look elegant and professional, but because I'll be presenting myself as a community service volunteer I don't think I have to toe the conservative line quite like I would if I were, say, going to try a case in court.  In this situation, I think I'm actually better served by adding in an unexpected touch like the wonderful J. Crew engineered-stripe top in subtle gold metallic.  I want to project a subtle message to my audience:  "Hmmm, this gal has imagination and creativity; 'll bet she'll spend my money well to promote this event!" :-)

I highly recommend these Stuart Weitzman pumps in the perfect neutral spring nude patent, a  color called "Adobe Aniline".  If you follow me on Polyvore, you know I don't wear heels much and when I do they're not high.  These pumps are the worthwhile exception; very comfortable and stunning on the foot.  I have worn them for an evening of dancing and I'm your witness, my feet and legs felt great the whole time.

Business Meeting OOTD 5.5.13 featuring Stuart Weitzman Blog

Cutie Pie Tie: Borrowing from the Boys

Cutie Pie Tie: Borrowing from the Boys by tarheelmom featuring high waisted skinny jeans

J.Crew tailored shirt / J.Crew high waisted skinny jeans / Cole Haan arch support shoes / Ebel white watch, $5,485 / David Yurman gold earrings / Antique gold jewelry / Nautical jewelry / Boys' neon sailboat chambray tie


I spotted this Crewcuts tie for next to $0 on FS -- nice chambray linen with neon sailboats. Adorable!

Wearing today with a white shirt (mine's a summerweight J. Crew Perfect Shirt) and the new Midrise Toothpick Jeans in Carbon (LOVE them, fit is TTS to slightly small for your J. Crew toothpick size).

Also wearing (socklessly preppy of course) my Cole Haan Air Penny suede driver loafers in 'India Ink', quite possibly the most comfortable shoe I have ever put on my foot.  This is a color from 2011, but if you see it somewhere on clearance grab it.  The color isn't navy; it's more like a cross between navy and cobalt and it's fantastic!

My young-adult son tells me that going sockless with loafers or driving mocs is a hot new craze for Fall 2012 for guys his age, and that this is called the "mankles" fad.  Too funny!

Cutie Pie Tie: Borrowing from the Boys