Two years ago I asked whether watches were a dated accessory and the responses were mixed. With more and more people omitting watches from their wardrobe because they can check the time on their mobile phone, it seems that the watch is not a timeless accessory after all (excuse the pun). I never thought it would come to this!

Well, I’m going to continue to wear a watch. No doubt about it. My watches are integral to my ensembles and I LOVE wearing them, so much so that I feel naked without one. More importantly, I much prefer to glance at the time on my wrist than haul out my cell phone.

I’d like to update my informal poll. Who still wears a watch, and who uses their cell phone to tell the time? Team Watch or, Team Phone? I am 100% Team Watch. Which are you (and no batting for both sides)?

My harem pants are never going to fly in a strictly casual outfit because they’re made of a formal, shiny fabric. That’s why they are easy to dress up for fancier occasions like you saw in this ensemble. But I can absolutely dress them down and here’s how I do it.

I like to add a button down shirt of sorts because the stiffness and strictness of the shirt contrasts well with the flow-y softness of the pants. Also, I quite like the unexpected pairing of modern classic pieces with uber on-trend items. The top half of me looks classic in an Ann Fontaine shirt with pearls, while the bottom half is fashion forward in harem pants.

I have used a black camisole because it accentuates the shirt detailing, and because it creates a unbroken line underneath the shirt. I could have tucked in the shirt, but prefer the vibe relaxed and un-tucked. I finish off the look with flat sandals or ballet fats. These happen to be the $40 sandals from Macy’s that I put into the store.

For an even more casual look, I like to throw on my denim jacket and add a cross body bag. I’m a woven blouse or button down shirt gal so that’s my preference for under the jacket. Alternatively, substituting those with a knit top or T-shirt works just as well and further dresses down the pants.

Sure, pearls are dressy no matter how you look at it. But I wear pearls with Converse sneakers and that’s “my casual”. I painted our door frame with pearls around my neck. Enough said.

First shoulder pads, then padded bras, and now bottom pads. What’s next on the list of things to boost and lift with the help of a pad? This underwear has padding to enhance the shape of your bottom so that it looks rounder and fuller in clothing. In other words, it boosts your butt.

I’m not interested in making my bottom more round, so I don’t plan to add a butt booster to my underwear drawer. But I am curious to know what it’s like to walk, stand and sit when you are wearing one. Surely it must feel odd. Then again, you might get used it. You can’t feel padded bras or shoulder padding so perhaps that holds true for bum pads too.

Would you enhance the shape of your bottom with a butt booster?

Sleeveless tops, shirts, blouses and dresses come in many styles. Even if you’re shy about revealing the top parts of your arms and the area under the arm, some of these styles will work for you. Sleeveless doesn’t necessarily mean strappy, sloppy and overly revealing. Instead of skimpy styles, opt for silhouettes in sturdy fabrics with good underarm coverage, a fuller shoulder line and a modest neckline. That’s what I call “covered-sleeveless” dressing. By paying attention to the details, anyone can go sleeveless.

Strappy and revealing sleeveless items are never appropriate in professional settings. End of story. The question is whether “covered sleeveless” items can be. I’m going to be bold and vote yay, but with conditions. You have to feel appropriate wearing covered sleeveless items and the company’s business dress code has to allow it.

Throughout my fashion career I have worn covered-sleeveless items and felt professional and appropriate. For example, I will wear a classic sleeveless, high-necked sheath dress in a professional setting no problem. I will also wear a pretty sleeveless blouse or shirt tucked into a pencil skirt. Granted, the fashion environment is not conservative and there aren’t any written or unwritten dress code rules about wearing sleeves.

Obviously, no sleeveless allowed in a business formal setting. But business casual is different in my book, especially if your work setting errs on the creative and casual side. Also, you have the option of wearing a jacket or cardigan over the sleeveless item when you attend meetings, which means that you can cover up when necessary and then remove the layer when you’re back at your desk.

Do you think covered sleeveless dressing is appropriate in business casual settings, or is it best to always have a sleeve? Do you currently go sleeveless in your work setting? Let’s hear it.