Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Classiques Entier Herringbone Pants

Perhaps best for the upcoming spring, these unlined "dynamic herringbone" pants feature a wide, contoured waistband and cuffed trousers. The pants have a slight flare below the knee to create a boot-cut silhouette. I especially enjoy the row of three buttons at either hip. The pants come in the pictured color. Pair them with a dark sweater set or button-down shirt to create a classic business-casual look. They are made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. $168; find them here via Nordstrom.

Vegan Purchase: Trousers From Talbots

On sale! A few days ago I shopped Talbots' after-Christmas sale and purchased a couple pairs (two different colors -- black and brown) of the same vegan (polyester, rayon, and spandex blend) bootcut trousers. They are great for more dressy business casual, and heavy enough that their lack of lining isn't that much of a concern in the winter. Originally $79, I got them for $37.49 each. I tried to find them online, but only came up with the below vegan sale items from Talbots, each very professional (and vegan) on its own:

Bi-stretch twill seamed pant: these are made from the same polyester, rayon, and spandex blend as the pants I purchased. However, I think they have a slightly higher waist and the leg-opening is much straighter. They come in the pictured "cool taupe" and 7 other colors. Originally $79, they are on sale for $26.24. Find all the colors and a variety of fits and lengths (regular, petite, woman, long) here.

Cable-knit turtleneck sweater: if you like the limited (light green, red, an orange-red, and the pictured pink) that Talbots has left, this turtleneck sweater might be a rather inexpensive way to complement a full dark suit. Made entirely from cotton, it is vegan. Originally $59, on sale for $33.74. Find the sweater in a variety of fits here.

Jewel-neck cardigan : made from a blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex, this cardigan would look nice over a collared shirt paired with slacks, or with a matching cami (find some on sale here). It is available in four rather neutral colors, including the pictured "pine cone." Originally $59, on sale for $29.99. Find it here in misses and petite sizes. And for a similar cardigan, but with a cable-knit and three-quarter length sleeves, see here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Classiques Entier Jacket and Black Pants

Not exactly a fully matching suit, but still, I like the look of Classiques Entier's "Chevron" jacket (pictured left) paired with Classiques Entier's "Luxe Twill" pants (pictured right). Both are available via Nordstrom (and both are relatively new to Nordstrom). The jacket is made from cotton and acrylic, and comes in the pictured "black multi." The pants are made from polyester, viscose, and spandex, and come in the pictured, but different, "black multi." I like the slight shine of the pants, although the fact that they are unlined combined with the fact that it is getting colder, makes me like them a little less. Perhaps the twill of the fabric makes up for the lack of lining?

Depending on the weather, I would pair the jacket and pants with a lower-cut white or black sweater (maybe even a cami), or a black turtleneck. The jacket is $268; find it here. The pants are $168; find them here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: New York & Co. Pinstripe Suit

New from New York & Co. This deep charcoal suit with off-white tiny pinstripes features a two-button completely lined jacket and matching wide-legged, low-rise pants with a slightly extended-tab waistband that closes with two buttons. I love waistbands with button closures; much better than tab closures of any sort in my opinion.

The suit is made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. The jacket is $69.95 and the pants are $46.95. NY&Co. is running several potentially applicable promotions: select tops and pants, including these items, buy one get one 50% off. So, with the promotion, the entire suit is $93.43. Then possibly use promo code 1650 to get $25 off any purchase of $75, bringing the suit to $68.43.

Find the jacket in regular and tall sizes here. Find the pants in petite, regular, and tall sizes here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Kenneth Cole Blazer

Not exactly a full suit, but this Kenneth Cole blazer is on sale during Nordstrom's half-yearly sale. I'm not all that into these oversized blazer jackets with ties at the waist, but I've seen them on some (admittedly taller) women, and they've looked good. As this blazer has elbow-length sleeves, perhaps pair it with a black (or dark) turtleneck and black trousers for a more business casual (also dark and mysterious) look. The blazer is made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. It comes in the pictured "dark heather grey." Originally $129, on sale for $85.90 (33% off). Find it here.

If you are looking for matching pants, Nordstrom has the blazer featured with Kenneth Cole's black "Amanda" pants. Made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. $69; find them here. (And with the pants, that makes a full suit!) And, for completeness, check out this Kenneth Cole "scrunch" turtleneck: made from cotton and spandex, comes in a variety of colors (including the pictured "rich black"), $44; find it here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: T Tahari Suit

Yet another suit via Nordstrom. I just noticed this suit on the website, though in browsing through a couple Nordstrom stores last week, I noted that Elie Tahari now is designing a line exclusively for Nordstrom (as I gather). This T Tahari suit is comprised of a jacket and matching pants, both in the pictured black. The jacket has three buttons, my favorite number of buttons for a jacket, and the pants have a slight wide leg to add to the classic look of the suit.

The suit is made from polyester, viscose, rayon, and elastane. The jacket is a reasonable $98; find it here. The pants are an also reasonable $78; find them here.

To complement the suit, T Tahari is offering a classic white blouse accented with flattering front seams to add definition. The blouse is made from cotton and nylon; $58; find it here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Semantiks Check Suit on Sale

I seem to gravitate towards Nordstrom suits, especially Semantiks. As such, I had told myself I would blog a suit from a different store this week. However, that was until I read that Nordstrom has Semantiks' "Travel Size" check suit on sale. The jacket features a removable fabric flower accenting one shoulder, ruched patch pockets, and a rounded hem. I think I would remove the fabric flower, though I'm sure some will think that is the suit's best feature. The jacket pairs with trousers with the same hounds tooth check made in Semantiks' classic trouser cut.

The suit is made from polyester, rayon and spandex. The jacket is on sale for $98.90 if you purchase in regular sizes and $87.90 if you purchase in petite sizes; find it here in regular sizes and here in petite sizes. The pants are on sale for $57.90 if you purchase in regular sizes and $51.90 if you purchase in petite sizes; find them here in regular sizes and here in petite sizes.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Semantiks Line Drive Suit

I apologize for the lateness of this post . . . after more than a week, it seems lazy to say I am still getting back up to speed, but apparently I am. As usual, this week's vegan suit is available via Nordstrom and is made by Semantiks. The jacket has classic pinstripes, a notched collar, and a curved hem to create a very business professional look; and the pleating at the back hem of the jacket give the jacket a bit of a feminine edge. I especially like the three-buttons down the front of the jacket. The jacket pairs with matching pinstriped pants.

Both pieces are made from polyester, viscose, rayon and spandex, and both come in the black pinstripe color only. The jacket is $98.90; find it here. The pants are on sale for $43.90 (50% off); find them here (there are a few sizes left).

Vegan Purchase: Jeans Via Ann Taylor Loft

In the past, I haven't purchased jeans from Ann Taylor Loft, nor have I thought to. Though I usually buy designer brand jeans because they fit my lack of hips better and tend to last longer (i.e. not solely because they are designer), I have stayed away from jeans from the places I buy suits and other work clothing because their waistlines are usually way, way, way too high. But when I went to Ann Taylor Loft this weekend in search of the suit mentioned in my previous post (which was a futile search, unfortunately), I noticed that the Loft was offering $20 off every pair of its jeans and that it had introduced a new "Marisa" fit, which supposedly sat low, low, low on the waist, presumed you didn't develop much in the way of hips, and came in a "trouser" cut that naturally allowed for a slightly higher waist anyhow.

Lured by my lack of jeans, the fashionable and functional "trouser" cut, the deep dark wash that could turn "trouser" jeans into casual-Friday appropriate attire in many places, the buttons on the back pockets (I'm a sucker for buttons on the back pockets of my jeans -- see picture), and the $20 off, I tried them on. Remarkably (and unexpectedly), they fit very well! And they came in petite, with a 30" inseam, meaning I didn't have to get them hemmed. So I purchased them.

The jeans are made from 99% cotton and 1% spandex, which gives them a bit of stretch. When I tried them on, I thought I was in-between sizes. Considering the spandex, I bought the tighter size. It was a good choice: after wearing them for 15 minutes, the spandex loosened and they fit perfectly. The jeans are $69.50; with the $20, I got them for $49.50. Find the jeans here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Ann Taylor Loft City Suiting

I have blogged previously about Ann Taylor Loft's city suiting collection. Recently the Loft added a one-button suit blazer to the collection (pictured in the melange grey), and matching pants and a skirt. The blazer (and the matching pieces) also comes in black. It pairs with two different cuts of boot leg pants ("ann" and "julie") and with a pencil skirt. The suit is made from polyester, viscose, and spandex. The blazer, "ann" version of the pants, and the skirt are available in stores. All items come in petites, although only the "ann" version of the pants is available in petites in stores.

The blazer is $128; find it here. The pants are $79.50 each; find them here and here. And the skirt is $59.50; find it here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Jones New York Mini Ticking Stripe Suit

This Jones New York suit is a two-piece complete suit: the jacket and pants come together, meaning you have to buy them both in the same size. Only about 50% of the time do both pieces of such suits fit me; as such, I prefer mix-and-match suits. However, complete suits such as this one usually are less expensive in the end. This suit comes in the pictured "bark multi," which has a "subtle stripe to add some depth and interest," according to the Jones New York website. Both the pants and the jacket are fully lined. The suit is made from 92% polyester and 8% rayon. It is on sale for $159.99; find it here. Also, Jones New York is offering free shipping on all orders over $100; check out the website for more details.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Ruched Sleeve Suit

From The Limited. This suit features a longer-length jacket with three-quarter ruched sleeves with a vent on the back of each sleeve (see pictures of front and back). I like the length of the jacket combined with the sleeves: gives the jackets a traditional feel with a bit of flare. The jacket pairs with bootcut pants or a structured pencil skirt (which is lined). The suit is made from polyester, rayon, and spandex. It comes in the pictured navy.

The jacket is $158; find it here. The pants are $69.50; find them here. The skirt is $59.50; find it here. The Limited is running a relevant promotion: $25 off 2nd pant or skirt. Accordingly, the entire suit (jacket, pants, and skirt) would be $261.

Vegan Purchase: Nicole Farhi Trousers

Nicole Farhi is one of my favorite -- perhaps even favorite -- designers. So when I learned that DIANI, a boutique based out of Santa Barbara, California, carries some of her items, I immediately added their online store to my favorite websites. And then when DIANI had an online sale on some Nicole Farhi items, I splurged and purchased the Charlie Chaplin trouser (pictured). I love the relaxed fit, which is perfect for more casual days at work. Pair the trousers with a blouse or button-down shirt and a jacket (the matching jacket is also on sale, but only available in size 10) for a more formal look, or with a sweater for less formal look. The pants are deep navy blue with subtle pinstripes. They are made from cotton and lycra -- yes, vegan! The price is a bit steep: originally $285, I got them on sale at 50% off -- $142. Though my Nicole Farhi pieces last forever; sometimes it is work paying a bit extra for classic, versatile pieces -- or so I tell myself to validate my purchase.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Ingenuity "Pattern" Suit

Relatively new to Nordstrom is the line of Ingenuity suits. I posted about the line here when I first noticed Nordstrom carrying it. Originally the suit was available in mix and match pieces of solid colors. Now the line has expanded to include "patterns" of black and white "multi" and brown and white "multi." The black and white multi colored two-button jacket is pictured left. The jackets pairs with front-closure, slightly darted pants (only available online in the brown and white multi); a skirt, available in both colors, that hits slightly below the knees (perfect for the ultra-conservative office); or a sheath dress, also available in both colors (pictured right).

The suit is made from polyester, rayon, and spandex; some of the pieces are machine washable. The jacket is $210; find it here. The pants are $136; find them here. The skirt is $96; find it here. The dress is $158; find it here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Banana Republic Non-Iron Short Sleeve Shirt

Banana Republic's basic button-down shirt in a summery short-sleeve version that hits at the hip -- long enough to tuck neatly into suit pants or skirts. The shirt comes in the right pictured "summer orchid," an "imperial blue," and a classic white. Made from 100% cotton, but still incorporating the ever-popular and important non-iron technology. The shirt is $60; find it here.

Banana Republic (and Gap, Old Navy, and Athena) is holding a 30% off special -- 30% off your entire order, one time use -- 4 days (now through Sunday, August 2). If purchasing online, use code: MNNBGYY6WNXQ.

Since Banana Republic is holding a sale, I thought I'd briefly highlight a few more items:

(1) Linen/cotton embroidered blouse (pictured left): white blouse made from a blend of 2/3 linen and 1/3 cotton; I love the puffed sleeve, ruffled collar, and pleating at the bust-line. I think the blouse is work-appropriate for a casual environment, although it might be most appropriate on the weekend. The blouse is $60.

(2) Classic non-iron shirt: exactly like the short sleeve one above, but with long sleeves. Available in cerise, shark grey, ice blue, and lady slipper (my favorite). Depending on color, the shirt is $44.99 or $59.

(3) Martin skinny pant (pictured right): the skinny jean finally has made it to (semi-)work-appropriate pants. These pants are made from rayon, cotton, and elastane. They come in the pictured black and silky coal. I would pair them with a button-down shirt to make them seem a bit more work-appropriate. The pants are $90.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Armani Collezioni Double Pinstripe Suit

It's Armani and vegan! And, yes, very expensive! I love just about everything about this suit -- the large ruffle accenting the collar of the jacket, the three-button closure of the jacket, the larger buttons of that closure, the double gross-grain to accent the waist, the straight legs of the pants, the front slash pockets of the pants. And its made from polyester and polyurethane. I would pair it with a cami or a some other non-collared shirt (to accent the ruffle collar of the jacket). The only thing I don't love is the insane price. The jacket is $1,225 and the pants are $525; it's worth dreaming about, at least. Find the suit here via Saks Fifth Avenue.

Tuesday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Burberry Pants

In its Sunday book review, the New York Times reviewed a book I now really, really want to read: Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture by Ellen Ruppel Shell. I admit, I shop at discount chain stores, my favorites being Target and H&M, though I try to stay away from Wal-Mart. Sometimes I find (semi-)good clothing at these stores, but the best clothing always comes from higher-end designers, so if I can front the money, I will buy select items and wear them for years and years (instead of weeks and weeks). In short, I fully agree with (at least) one of the premises of the book.

While on the subject of high-end, pricey designer clothing, I thought I'd make today's work-appropriate clothing item on the pricey, long-lasting side. These nutmeg colored Burberry cotton pants are perfect for more business casual days, and, obviously, for the weekend. Pair them with a button-down shirt or a cardigan set for work, or a polo or t-shirt for the weekend. I especially like the button-detailed pockets in the back and the widening legs. They are $275; pre-order them from Saks here.

Monday's Vegan Suit: Semantiks "Pen and Ink" Suit

Via Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. This black-and-white suit has a tweedy knit texture -- perfect for the summer-to-fall transition. The jacket, which features a softened collar and matching rounded hems, pairs with pants and a skirt. The skirt boasts contrasting piping in black, and hits perfectly at the knees. The matching trousers have the same contrast piping in black.

The suit is made from polyester, viscose, and rayon. The jacket is on sale for $98.90 (originally $148); find it here in regular sizes, and find it here in petite sizes. The skirt, which also comes in petite sizes, is on sale for $49.90 (originally $78); find it here. The pants, which also come in petite sizes, are on sale for $58.90 (originally $88); find them here.

Thursday's Work-Appropriate Clothing Item: Nevara Pants

Yes, they are super-over-the-top expensive, but I love these Leifsdottir "Nevara" pants via Anthropologie (hence, over-the-top expensive). The pants have a high-ish waist accented by side-buttons and mini-pockets, all of which I love. I also like the dark tweed fabric (the pants come in the pictured "blue" color) and semi-wide legs. Pair the pants with a simple button-down shirt and black pumps for a crisp, business look. The pants are made from viscose and polyester. And, yes, they are a whopping $278. Find them here.

Notable Vegan Items on Sale

Thought I'd post a handful of (meaning three) items from two stores that are on sale and vegan:

(1) Calvin Klein Pleated Dress via Nordstrom: great for more casual offices or dress-down days. The cotton dress boasts an empire waist with a large, but not overbearing side-bow and a slightly flared skirt. Obviously the addition of a cami underneath is a must. The dress comes in the pictured black. Originally $108, it is on sale for $70.

(2) Jane Post for Saks Fifth Avenue Nylon Jacket via (amazingly) Saks Fifth Avenue: clearly a non-work-appropriate item. I really like the all-over ruffle front and the sleek sheen of this 100% nylon jacket. Interestingly, it comes with a nylon tote for storage, though I'm not sure how wrinkled the jacket would get in the tote. It's available in the pictured black. Originally $325, it is on sale for $161.90.

(3) Theory 'Valens - Crunch' Pants via Nordstrom: these pants are made from a combination of linen, rayon, and elastane, which gives them a textured, somewhat crinkled feel and look. Because of the linen, I might suggest these pants are more for casual days or the weekend. They come in the pictured "north sea," black, dark plaster, and white. Originally $245, they are on sale for $147.