I work 99.1% of the time from home, and I like it. I became a lot better at dressing for the 0.9% of the time I go to the office. I buy less. 
I recall planning outfits for conferences and offsites, basically buying all new stuff head to toe. The looks in these conferences are comical, too often inspired by that pile of poor advice: "For women, a foolproof cocktail party outfit can consist of a little black dress, heels, and jewelry. Or, try pairing a midi-length skirt or dress pants with a silk blouse, heels, or ballet flats and jewelry." No, thank you, I will pass. I recall seeing the nude Louboutin Kate pump and Tory Burch tote in all shapes and forms. I don't miss these days.

I compartmentalized my wardrobe too much between the weekend outfits, the biking outfits, the office outfits, and the conference day outfits. I improved by building the foundation of my wardrobe; these fundamental items you can create upon and remix indefinitely, e.g., the balloon pants. It doesn't mean buying all black and white but balancing your wardrobe with suitable shapes and colors. Amy Smilovic, Founder and Creative Director at Tibi, has some good advice on how to add color responsibility. 

Since I started working from home the day the US began to implement shutdowns to prevent the spread of COVID-19, I have dressed up as if I am heading to the office, including wearing high heels and complaining that my feet hurt when my bedroom is 10 feet away from my home office. You may think such behavior is sadomasochistic, but I like dressing up for not going to the office. I feel alive. 

This week, I have to go to the office and interact with human beings, and the most common sentence after saying, "Hi, how are you?" will be "So good to see you IRL." What am I wearing? My fundamentals with a twist. 

Look #1 is the heavy satin midi bias dress from Tibi. It is a wardrobe fundamental; you all have a satin slip dress in your closet. What I like about the Tibi is the heavy satin and halter neck. I have been waiting for it to go on sale. It was available in several retailers and high stocks; yes, I checked the quantity - a good indicator that sales are likely to be good. I got it at a 70% discount. I am wearing it with the Acne jacket wired throughout and Gucci slingback shoes. Fundamental on fundamental. It works and has some humor and ease.  

Look #2 is built around the Podium pants from Dries Van Noten. I love these super high waist, light, and crisp pants. The only new buy is the shirt. I am in love with this shirt. I made a final sale bet, and it worked. The plus is the Thomas Mason fabric; the finishes are sublime, and this is a five-year lifespan garment. Note - everyone for fall has a striped blue/white shirt with a French cuff; see here, here, and here. For the pop of color - "sprinkle responsibly" the red shoes.

Let’s do business!

With love from Fannie

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