Monica blogs about design and style at Our Designed Life. I love her finds and style picks — particularly the amazing art she unearths from Etsy. Here she presents an outfit that transitions from working at home to meetings with clients.

Job Description

I like to think of myself as a do it all designer. I have a background in interior design, creating spaces for high end residential interiors, commercial art galleries, trade show exhibits and have even served as set designer for indie films. I also work with clients on a smaller scale creating customized design guides, a do it yourself style booklet filled with ideas on creating a new look on tight budgets, though there are talks of me designing a bathroom renovation in a downtown skyscraper. Aside from designing spaces, I’ve also been known to dabble in graphic design creating logos and marketing materials to fit each client’s needs. Being a flexible designer has been wonderful and has given me the ability to truly embrace my creative side through different mediums. When I am not working on a design project, I also am in charge of running a vegetarian household, maintaining the blog Our Designed Life and am responsible for keeping this dog of mine entertained. Sometimes a full time job in itself.

Why I Chose These Pieces

Since I work from home, my clothing needs to be comfortable enough for running errands but still transition to the occasional networking event or client meeting. Since moving, I have discovered the joys of layering pieces, not only for a more interesting look but to keep warm when the pesky fog rolls in. I’ve also learned flats are a girl’s best friend when it comes to tackling some of the hills around here. When selecting new finds, each piece needs to blend well with other items in my closet and also fit within a realistic budget. However, throw in a vintage piece and I am one happy camper! The outfit I chose today is a little casual with a comfortable jean and basic stripped tee, but add in a few layers of jewelry and a blazer style coat and its ready for a fun night out.

Alloy Shoes ($43). With a faux leather finish, these shoes are the perfect girly accessory to spruce up any old pair of jeans.

Levi’s Jeans ($118). I just love the relaxed fit of these and the straight ankle is perfect to show off a flashy pair of heels or in my case, adorable flats.

Anthropologie Tee ($68). You really can’t go wrong with a basic stripped tee, you can dress it up or down and grey is just so versatile.

Urban Outfitters Lace Blouse ($59, not pictured). To give the look a little more color and fun, I would add a contrasting hue like this raspberry lace blouse.

J.Crew Jacket ($198). If there is one color I am really into these days it’s mustard yellow. And I know I’m not the only one. There is something about this color and style of jacket that just makes me feel fancy.

ASOS Satchel ($60). Made from polyurethane but with a look like leather, this Pieces Dertan small flap satchel is perfect for day or night. I find the best bags for me these days must have a long adjustable strap.

And because no outfit is done without a few layers of necklaces, here are three I would love to mix together. I am a big fan of combining gold and silver, and well that squirrel, he’s to bring in the fun. All from Etsy: Gold Spotlight Necklace ($30), Turquoise Pendant Necklace ($22, not pictured), and Squirrel Silhouette Necklace ($43, not pictured).

Thanks Monica!

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