Thanks, ladies! Glad to know that yesterday wasn't a total disaster even though I felt that way walking out the door.
@Una, the second outfit is definitely a formula outfit for me. I swap the top out, but I have a button down and a yellow top that I really like with it, so somehow finding another alternative was a real struggle. I nixed a cobalt one because the color didn't seem right, but now that feels like just complete ridiculous pickiness. The jeans, shoes, jacket are really my FFBO for Fridays. Fridays are jeans days in my office, but I like to wear a jacket too just in case I have to meet with a client.
@rae and modgirl, I really wanted to belt to work, but it does seem like a little much. I put it on before the patterned shoes. Thanks for the suggestion of dropping it.
Rae, you have such a good eye! The belt doesn't fit at my natural waist without the black patent and buckle being off center. That drives me crazy in something like this belt where the symmetry is part of the design (note to self: don't buy belts like this again), so rather than notching it up again, I left it loose. Too loose apparently.