My sister was presenting for the first time at a conference, and I went along for moral support. Obviously, I couldn't make her look bad, so I followed the business casual dress code to blend in. I brought 3 top & 3 bottom options & let her pick the final combo; luckily for me, she chose my favourite silk blouse. It's my favourite because of the colour of course, a rich green with hints of blue and grey that matches my eyes. But I also love the drapey silk, the sheer sleeves, the round neckline with frilly detailing, and the interesting knit cuffs add a bit of texture. The easy waist surrendering shapes makes for easy wearing too: I can tuck it into a skirt for waist definition or if I'm wearing with trousers, eat a nice big lunch with no one the wiser (like today). I reach for it automatically for momentous photo occasions & always feel confident! Last year one of the sleeves ripped a little at the seam where it joins the bodice, so I had to do a tricky mending job (sheer fabric=no room for error) with the tiniest stitches I could manage, folding the ends under as I went. It took awhile but it was worth it to save my favourite top, and now I can't even tell which sleeve had the problem. I love mending, how it can breathe new life into a beloved piece of clothing.

The trousers are actually one of my February purchases (in my never ending quest for grey trouser perfection, hehe), so more on them later. I'm sure this length is not Angie's cup of tea. But they weren't out of place at the conference! I wore the dressy mary janes I wore for my sister's wedding, which don't photograph well when I'm standing on carpet, to keep the outfit fairly formal. Finally, I added my pearls for a touch of class; pearls are my favourite gem, with their creamy colours and sea connections.

Looking at this outfit in the photos, I'm not sure the proportions are the most flattering on me. But I felt self confident and quietly put together for the conference, and felt good whenever I passed a mirror, so I'm still giving it a high happiness factor.

Suggestions & comments & critiques welcome!