I'm going to be starting as an intern at a law firm soon and I was wondering if you had any outfit ideas, or clothing pieces to recommend for me. They have a very strict dress code, no open-toed shoes, and no bare legs etc. I'm also really looking for a purse that is big enough to carry files and notebooks, but still looks classic and stylish (preferably black). —Erica K.

Your new best friends for dressing in a strict corporate environment will be Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and J. Crew - outlets, that is! My best advice would be to hit up an outlet mall during a holiday weekend when the discounts are steepest. Hmm, kinda like this July 4th weekend! I know that Premium Outlets will be having extra discounts on top of the usual 25 - 65% everyday prices. Mind you, outlets aren't what they used to be and many stores carry clothes especially made for said outlet stores but you can still find some great deals on the pieces you're going to need for work.

On that note, here are 5 conservative work wardrobe essentials to look out for:

1. The Pantsuit
If you're going to be working in a law office, you'll need a few good suits. I like the sleek modern look of this suit in smoked oyster gray by Ann Taylor ($198 plus 40% off). When picking a suit, look for impeccable fit and a quality fabric that won't wrinkle. All-season wool blends work well year-round.

I need your advice: I love the Hermes Picotin bag, but of course do not love the price. I have searched, but I haven't been able to find a bag similar at a more reasonable price. Any ideas or suggestions? —Amy

The Hermes Picotin bag is a gorgeous handbag that retails for $2,200 at usa.hermes.com.

I'm not sure what color you're looking for, but I recently saw a picture of Katie Holmes carrying her Picotin in orange, and it's really eye-catching. I love the classic shape and vibrant color.

So when I popped into Zara yesterday during a trip to NYC and spotted this bag (below), I was instantly reminded of the Picotin. The Zara bag is made from genuine leather and sells for $149.90. It appears more red in my photo but it's more orange in real life. It's also a bit bigger than the Picotin, maybe one-third larger, but for the price, I think it's a great way to get the look on a budget. Visit your nearest Zara store to purchase.





P.S. Zara's semi-annual sale started today! Shop items like blazers from $29.99, party dresses from $15.99, summer shorts from $15.99 and accessories from $12.99.

I have been trying to get into the swing of things, fashion-wise, which isn't always so easy, especially with the crazy weather going on (at least here in NYC!). One obstacle that I've been trying to overcome is the lack of affordably priced flatform shoes. When this trend was announced early in the spring, I danced a little jig because I am a bit on the short side (I'm 5'2") and I am not used to high-heeled shoes or wedges with a sharp incline. I find I can't wear them for more than 20 minutes without my feet crying for relief. But these seem to be a fantastic alternative to that since they will give me the height, but not the pain. I keep searching, though, and I can't seem to find anything that isn't exorbitantly priced. Do you think you could help me out? —Sam

I've also noticed the lack of affordable flatforms this season, and I think it's because most budget retailers decided this was not a trend for the masses. Your best bet is to stalk runway-conscious brands like Steve Madden or Topshop. Here are some options mostly under $100:

More Steve Madden...

Alternatively, I would recommend trying a low wedge from a comfort brand like Aerosoles, Naya or Kork-Ease. Pick something with straps that don't dig into your feet and good arch support and you'll be stylishly set all summer long!

Here are some ideas, if you can try them on in person before you buy that would be ideal:

More Spring Step...

Last month I wrote a post on NewlyMaid.com, a new service from The Dessy Group that lets you trade in an old bridesmaid dress (or any special occasion dress) in exchange for a discount on a brand new little black dress. It sounded like a great idea: Your old dress would either find a new home through a charity or get recycled into something new. It seemed like a win-win, so I requested my free mailer from the company and shipped them two dresses I no longer wanted (I was going to send a bridesmaid dress but sentimentality got the best of me at the last second, so I opted to send them two polyester dresses I had only worn a few times from Forever 21 instead).

My brother is getting married in September. I need to find a dress that covers a tattoo my parents (still!) don't know I have, and I don't want them to find out at the wedding. The tattoo is on my inner arm just below my elbow. It's so hard to find cute dresses with sleeves, I was wondering if you had any ideas? Love your blog, thanks! —Alicia D.

I have just the thing: A one-sleeve dress will look gorgeous and on-trend while at the same time concealing your tattoo (until you're ready to reveal it, all in due time!)

Here are some affordable options:

1. MM Couture One Shoulder Pleated Dress, $66
With it's bell sleeves and fitted waist, this dress exudes drama. The accordion pleats give it such great dimension and texture.