Masquerading As "Professional": The Perfect Spring/Summer Jacket To Turn Comfort Into Business Attire and Also To Throw Over Your Jeans ($70)

Anyone who knows me knows that I generally favor jersey over suiting, comfort over stodgy, and am far from the buttoned up Suited Professional who tends to wander the halls of my office. However, as part of my new goal to at least masquerade as a Suited Professional (and hopefully avoid shrinking into the corner of the elevator with sheepish embarrassment when the The Suited Professional(s) With Power enter), I've been on the hunt for jackets that I can throw on over my jersey dresses, hopefully appearing more tailored and "official". Somehow cardigans, while cute, don't lend that extra level of professionalism. Enter this little number. I apologize about the lack of a picture but it wouldn't let me save it as a separate file; and really, how much effort is it to click on a link? Now, I know it is from JC Penney, but take comfort in the fact that it is JonesWear (which is part of the same company as Jones New York - I think). In my online shopping obsessiveness, you should also know that I experimented with several jackets from Calvin Klein, Nordstrom, Banana, Ann Taylor, Macys and others.

This one was a keeper and so far has shown the most use out of the few that I actually kept. The linen-rayon fabric is lined, but it is also light and tailored, and looks just as good worn opened, buttoned, or tied smartly at the waist. Though it does wrinkle a bit, it does not wrinkle anymore than a regular gabardine suit, nor does it wrinkle as much as other linen that I have owned, so don't let that deter you. The length is perfect over a skirt, dress, or slacks, and works equally well thrown over a pair of jeans for those Sunday birthday brunches where you want to look a little nicer, but don't want to forfeit your weekend opportunity to go casual. The light tan color compliments dark colors, light colors and patterns. It is truly the most versatile jacket that I've ever owned and in the last three weeks I've received several compliments on my outfits - in fact, the outfits themselves were ones that I'd donned many times in the past without the jacket and which had previously resulted in nary a peep from anyone; this has lead me to believe that yes, this jacket is magic. Also, the tan is a shade darker and not nearly as monotone as how it appears in the photo. The overall effect is chameleon-like, with the jacket appearing more casual with jeans and more suited with business wear. Just the masquerading effect I was going for. I have long arms and a long torso, so keep that in mind if you decide to order. I am not sure how it would work on someone with a more petite frame, but I do encourage you to give it a try, and if it doesn't work out for you, you can always return it via mail or to to any JC Penney location (yes, there is one at the Fox Hills Mall and I paid my first-ever visit to that mall recently - returns were easy peasy - just head up the third floor catalog department and you'll be out of there in less than seven minutes (including parking)).

Delightful and Affordable Sun Hat!

Doesn't every woman secretly want a big floppy straw hat, preferably the kind that can be adorned with a grosgrain ribbon for a garden wedding (that you will probably never attend, but must be prepared for) or left plain, as you see fit. One that imparts glamor and functionality, while at the same time allowing you a mysterious cover under which you can sip your umbrella cocktail poolside while sneaking flirtatious glances of a nearby hottie. Unfortunately, most of us end up with a visor, an old baseball cap, a towel slung over our eyes, or a random floppy canvas hat that has been crunched in the bottom of the beach bag for an entire season. No longer. This hat is delightful, affordable, appropriately glamorous and yet can be decorated with frilly flowers and ribbons should the occasion arise. I did find this a few weeks ago online and, unfortunately, the merchant has since recognized all of these qualities and recently raised the price about $10 (to $45 dollars). Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at. Ignore the skin blemishes on the model. She clearly did not get her sun hat soon enough; further reason to jump on it asap. http://www.tribalsociete.com/P1460_woven_summer_hat.aspx