I'm assisting my boss today in interviewing candidates for a position within our Department so wanted to look professional but not "starchy". My outfit actually started with this new patterned silk shell that I bought last week. I've been needing some sleeveless layering pieces to pop underneath my solid coloured blazers - sleeveless so that when that demon menopausal hot flush hits me, I can whip off my jacket in a sweaty frenzy and still look put together and well covered.

This shell has a blush background and then a jewelled pattern in jewel tones - emerald green, purple, cobalt, etc. I paired the shell with my knit black pencil skirt and blazer. Although I like the comfort and softness of the knit blazer, I have come to realize that knit blazers do not have enough structure for me - they don't nip in my waist at all - so will be watching for a more structured black blazer in the next little while. However, this will do for now.

I added my mossy green heeled pumps for footwear and my blush clutch for my handbag. I bought this clutch for my son's graduation dinner and more dressy events, but decided it could work in a daytime setting too. My rose gold/black watch and gold wedding band round out the outfit.

What do you think? Professional but soft and approachable? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Jacket and skirt: Cleo Petite
Top: Olsen Europe
Shoes: Calvin Klein (thrifted)
Watch: Fossil
Clutch: Danier Leather

P.S. got my hair cut Saturday and decided to go back to a bit shorter. I've kept the side swept fringe but decided that I feel so much more like ME in a shorter, funkier hair style.