From Desk to Dinner: Houndstooth and Cowl Neck

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Top: Ann Taylor – size 00P (buy HERE or similar)
Skirt: H&M {recent} – size 2 (similar HERE and HERE and HERE)
Blazer: Theory {old} – size 00 (similar HERE and HERE)
Shoes: Talbots – size 5 (similar HERE)
Pearls: Gifted from Mom (similar HERE and HERE)
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These two items are a couple of my favorite and cheap finds recently.  The Ann Taylor top was only $21 and the H&M skirt (in-stores now) is only $24.95 (with belt included) and is fully lined. See my fitting room post here for style # and measurements.  I wanted to show you how easy this outfit is to wear to work and then quickly transition to a dinner outfit.  
WORK OUTFIT:

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I added my Theory cropped blazer to cover up and make the outfit a little demure and to hide bra straps.  I clearly wore the wrong bra but was too lazy to change:) This top has a full back hidden zipper so it makes it easy to put on and take off w/out getting makeup on your clothes (pet peeve). It’s cut very slim so it makes tucking in a skirt or pants a cinch. 
DINNER OUTFIT:

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I took off the blazer and added my Chanel WOC as a clutch and voila…you have a sophisticated, sexy but classy outfit for dinner.  This entire outfit (minus the purse) was under $75. The top was $21, skirt $24.95 and shoes were $27…not too shabby right? Love me a good deal 🙂 

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If you are like me and always in a rush, outfits like this make it easy to just go straight to dinner after work without having to do too much. I like to simplify my life as much as possible so this is definitely a good way to save some time. See side by side photo HERE.
Do you have any tricks on transitioning from work to evening attire?
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  1. Annie, you and your outfit are beautiful. The cowl neck blouse is beautiful in its design and in its beautiful cherry red color. The blazer and skirt are chic and stylish along with the pumps. This is a truly charming outfit. And of course, your hair, face, and smile remain as sweet as ever to compliment this lovely outfit.

    johnbmarine.blogspot.com

  2. Annie, you and your outfit are beautiful. The cowl neck blouse is beautiful in its design and in its beautiful cherry red color. The blazer and skirt are chic and stylish along with the pumps. This is a truly charming outfit. And of course, your hair, face, and smile remain as sweet as ever to compliment this lovely outfit.

    johnbmarine.blogspot.com

  3. I was just in H&M on Saturday and didn’t see that skirt. Boo! I would have bought it. I’ve been liking small-scale houndstooth lately. Love it with the red!

    • Hi Erin, make sure to check in the modern work classic section (usually towards back of store)…you should find it there with all the other houndstooth items and blazers:)

  4. I was just in H&M on Saturday and didn't see that skirt. Boo! I would have bought it. I've been liking small-scale houndstooth lately. Love it with the red!

  5. I love your pearls. I see the links to purchase but do you know what size the pearls are, by chance? I’m guessing 9 or 10 mm, 18 inches in length? I’m shopping around. You’ve demonstrated a good scale of pearl size and petiteness that I’d like to emulate. I don’t want to go all Wilma Flinstone.

    • Hi there! Hum..I am not 100% sure what size these are but if I compare them to my 7-8 mm, they seem like possibly 10mm? Maybe even 12mm….The length is adjustable but the longest one is prob 18″ and the shorter one 16″ is a good guess. I hope this helps 🙂

  6. I love your pearls. I see the links to purchase but do you know what size the pearls are, by chance? I'm guessing 9 or 10 mm, 18 inches in length? I'm shopping around. You've demonstrated a good scale of pearl size and petiteness that I'd like to emulate. I don't want to go all Wilma Flinstone.

  7. This is a very nice, classy outfit. And I love the price! It’s nice when my favorite bloggers wear outfits that I consider affordable. Under $75 I can do! (Under $200? Not so much). Thanks!

  8. This is a very nice, classy outfit. And I love the price! It's nice when my favorite bloggers wear outfits that I consider affordable. Under $75 I can do! (Under $200? Not so much). Thanks!

  9. Hi there! Hum..I am not 100% sure what size these are but if I compare them to my 7-8 mm, they seem like possibly 10mm? Maybe even 12mm….The length is adjustable but the longest one is prob 18" and the shorter one 16" is a good guess. I hope this helps 🙂

  10. Hi Erin, make sure to check in the modern work classic section (usually towards back of store)…you should find it there with all the other houndstooth items and blazers:)

  11. Such a pretty outfit!!

    I can wear whatever I want at my work as long as it isn’t too short, no shorts or doesn’t have holes but if I know I’m going out I try to make sure it’s something that will look great by end of day. I hate looking wrinkled. hehe

  12. Such a pretty outfit!!

    I can wear whatever I want at my work as long as it isn't too short, no shorts or doesn't have holes but if I know I'm going out I try to make sure it's something that will look great by end of day. I hate looking wrinkled. hehe

  13. Your look really beautiful in this outfit!
    Thank you so much for showing us this skirt. I went to my local H&M yesterday and bought it.
    So glad i’ve found your blog,it is so inspiring!
    Kind Regards from Switzerland,
    Claudia

  14. Your look really beautiful in this outfit!
    Thank you so much for showing us this skirt. I went to my local H&M yesterday and bought it.
    So glad i've found your blog,it is so inspiring!
    Kind Regards from Switzerland,
    Claudia

  15. Beautiful outfit Annie! My tricks are: jacket, no jacket (surprise surprise), different jewellery tucked in my purse, and higher shoes waiting in the car. A quick question – I am going to invest a great pair of black pumps and I noticed you have Louboutins, Ann Taylor, and Talbots. Which are the your favourite if you could only have one pair?

  16. Beautiful outfit Annie! My tricks are: jacket, no jacket (surprise surprise), different jewellery tucked in my purse, and higher shoes waiting in the car. A quick question – I am going to invest a great pair of black pumps and I noticed you have Louboutins, Ann Taylor, and Talbots. Which are the your favourite if you could only have one pair?