Silks & Lace & Second Skins

      I'm feeling very fashion-minded lately. It's not that I'm unaware of how I dress or carry myself (I'm incredibly conscious of both), just that I'm thinking about it more. Some people brush fashion off as frivolous. An idle pastime for idle women, perhaps. But I couldn't disagree more. Sure, some women may collect expensive handbags for a hobby, but I approach my wardrobe like any metaphor. It's saying so much more than what's on the surface, but you have to carefully craft that surface so that people can figure out what's being said underneath it.

      So the question is, What does my wardrobe say about me? It says a lot of things, depending on the day. What I think I need now, more than ever, is a unifying theme for the one-way conversation my wardrobe is having with the rest of the world, from people in my office to people on the street to my closest family and friends.

      Here are some inspiration points I've found while searching for my unifying theme:

I'm digging the Marian the Librarian blouse from Lace Affair. This kind of soft, feminine blouse is so stylish right now, especially with a pencil skirt in a modern color (think cobalt, jade, cotton candy pink). I sometimes worry about having large bows close to my face, but this one is artful enough that I think I'd be okay, and it's offset by the slightly puffed sleeves. Too bad they're out of my size, otherwise I'd be snapping this up.

This navy number by Heartbreaker also caught my eye. It's buttoned-up enough for the office, but seamlessly transitions to date night. The neckline gives it class and sophistication and the fitted waist and hip give it sass. What's not to love?

And now what about this one? I can't imagine ever being as beautiful and stylish as Jamie Beck. This Amelia Earhart inspired outfit is just one example of her shining sense of fashion. But the other thing to remember is that you can't just roll out of bed and look this amazing. It pretty much has to be your job...