Antia Barbara –  on sale (45% off) at just $59.99 $109, this cognac suede loafer has a hidden 3/4 heel and contrast stitching.  The tassel and the metal eyelets really set this shoe apart.

Taryn Rose Katelyn Loafers –  reduced to $149 $249.  Black patent surrounding the suede and cute bow to top it off, 1 inch heel.

A.P.C. wedge loafer – $326.  A lovely khaki green suede with contrast color stitching and front tie.  This quality loafer will provide comfort and will turn heads as well.

Our favorite vests of the moment are tuxedo vests that are gracefully chic whether dressed up or down, going from work to out.  Like blazers, it’s worth splurging on high quality vests to wear time after time.

For a professional ensemble, you can wear a tailored vest over a long sleeved dress shirt.  Get the suit look by pairing with matching trousers or with a pencil skirt worn with a short sleeved blouse.

Draped knit vests or zip vests are great with denim pants or over a dress as casual wear – nonchalantly cinch with a belt (especially the long style).

Vests made of airy fabrics like chiffon and silk are breezy in summer while leather and faux fur will keep you cozy in cooler months.

We rounded up some vests for you to enjoy this season.  Make it all your own – you might just inspire others (or at least make their heads turn)!

1. Vivien Tuxedo Vest
2. Linen Belted Sleeveless Suit Jacket
3. Silky Draped Vest
4. Jacquard Quilted Gilet
5. Printed Yoryu Chiffon Vest with Tank
6. Stretch Halter Vest
7. Blazer-Like Vest
8. Drape Front Suede Vest

The Sorial Colorblock Totes are now on sale for $49.99 $98 at ideeli.com.  The tote has a classic style with plenty of space to meet the daily needs of most working women, at an affordable price.  There is also a nice selection of handbags on sale right now but they are selling out like hot cakes.  Get them before they are gone!

Halogen’s Everyday Totes are also a perfect buy this summer.  Get a similar style of this Celine two-tone tote without breaking the bank.  Available for $78 – $98 depending on the finish.

We are loving the unique “plastic + leather” combo on this Le Solim tote!  The minimal style is fabulous for work as well as on vacation!  On sale for $190 $235 in pink or ivory.

Tignanello at QVC has a two-tone tote bag in a smaller size with a chic hardware accent.  Jazz up the bag by tying on a small scarf to enjoy this summer.  Again on sale for $91.68 $159 in four color combinations.

There are a few things you can do to shoes in order to reduce the noise.  Or, take them to a shoemaker.  But why all the hassle when you can simply shop at ssh-oes.com?

Ssh-oes is supposedly the only company in the world specializing in quite heels.  Apart from the quietness, the heels are also fashion-forward and available in several styles from pumps to booties.  Guaranteed to be enjoyed by heel-loving fashionistas!

I’m completely head-over-heels with my first pair from ssh-oes.com, the Madame Pumps ($139) in black suede.  Aren’t they gorgeous?  And just as importantly, the fit is great too – true to size, and comfortable considering the 4″ heel.  With a hidden platform, it feels more like 3″.

“The ssh-oes have a non-slip, sound absorbing rubber outsole and a patent pending noise reducing heel lift so, they do not make as much noise when you walk.”

As far as the sound goes, these delightful pumps are considerably quieter compared to my other heels.  The sound test passed “quietly” on concrete, stone, tile and wood surfaces.

I’m excited to wear these to attend an upcoming wedding with a floral dress and blazer.  The cutout style allows for a fabulous pairing with tights as well.

A few added bonuses are the protective pouches (for each shoe) and extra heel tips that are also included in the package.  Plus, the free shipping & returns on all orders!

Bottom line:  If you want quiet heels then Ssh-oes are a must.  They are as quiet as the company claims.  The overall fit and style are excellent as well – although I’d like to see even more styles offered in the future.

Bruni-Sarkozy often sports flat shoes on public events (so she won’t tower over her rather short husband).  She has given us plenty of examples on how to look elegant in a pair of flats including the outfit below.  Here’s our budget version featuring a light blue cardigan, navy pencil skirt, bow flats (sale!) and black satchel (sale!).

She is in a gray shift dress by her favorite designer Dior paired with Louboutin kitten heels.  Kitten heels were another go-to shoe of hers along with flats.  Get a similar look -  gray sheath dress (sale!), leather satchel (sale!) and peep-toe pumps.

Simply put together in crisp black and white.  By wearing flats instead of heels, her outfit is equal parts effortless and charming.  As for our inspired look, this white blouse and cropped pants will get you set for summer.  Ros Hommerson’s flower embellished flats look so demure in all black.  Go easy on accessories – add a hint of sparkles with these crystal stud earrings.  And, have this sweater jacket handy for those unexpected chills.  Just in case!

Photos of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy via Zimbio, Searching for Style, iDiva

You can get the Mango knit blazer in a similar style for just $80!  Available in navy & gray made of 100% cotton.  From spring to fall, these blazers effortlessly coordinate with jeans, LBDs, and trousers alike.

Look chic at the office when worn with a pencil skirt and mid-heel pumps (50% off!).  Keep it casual with jeans going out.  And these studded pumps (sale!) will provide a nice edge to the outfit.

Check out these knit blazers under $60 with contrasting piping detail in different colors!

Max Studio – Free Shipping + Free Gift Wrapping code: MAX3456 (5/3-5/6).

Shoes – Enter promo code WANT10 to get 10% off your entire order + receive Free Shipping (ends 5/5).

Yoox – Free express shipping on Mother’s Day gift ideas.

New York & Company – $40 off $100 with Code 2092 (ends 5/4).

Pure Collection – 25% OFF + FREE SHIPPING.

ideeli – New sales include Anne Klein, Spiegel, Insight, Alexis Hudson and many more.

Fashion58 – 15% Off Sitewide using Coupon Code: CJ58MOM12.  Eexpires May 13th 2012.  Excluding Clearance Items.

Anne Klein – Free shipping with any watch purchase (ends 5/6).

Dorothy Perkins – Summer Style Weekender 20% off May 3- 6 with code DPSUMMER20 (offer applies to full price lines only).

Old Navy – All shoes on sale (ends 5/9).

Fossil – Free shipping on all orders (ends 5/6).

Express – $50 off $200, $25 off $100.  Promo code 1321 (ends 5/6).

Karen Millen – Free shipping on full price merchandise.

Triple-stripe bracelet
Give your wrist some attention with this fun colorblock bracelet.  Crystals just add that extra shine.

Ivory soft waterfall jacket
Jacket that feels as light and airy as a blouse!

Pour La Victoire Mai Wedge Pumps
Simple, sophisticated suede wedges – always a do at the office!  Up the summery feel with the cobalt pair.  Take your pick from five colors.

Trish McEvoy Even Skin Glycolic Wash
Smooth operator.  Just the right cleanser to exfoliate and deep pore cleanse.  Works great as a makeup remover.

Riviera Large Shopper Denim (30% off sale!)
We love casual elegance.  The bag will look chic with maxis as well as with trousers.

Tory Burch Brigitte Cosmetic Case
Store your makeup and travel essentials in style!  The floral print vinyl is not only pretty to look at but it’s so easy to wipe clean.

Kenneth Cole New York Croc-Embossed Watch
A slender, rectangular face adds modern appeal with croco leather strap makes it the perfect everyday watch.

Eddie Bauer Jute Flats
These jute flats are perfect for summer.  Wear them with khakis on Fridays and with shorts at the beach on weekends.

Happy May everyone!  Let’s kick start this beautiful month off with a giveaway.  Modest, elegant and affordable dresses – does this sound like you?  Online boutique Mikarose features modest yet fashionable dresses, tops, skirts ranging from $20 – $60.  Oh, and accessories at even lower prices.  Big thanks to Mikarose as they are treating one of WorkChic readers with a $50 gift certificate!  One of these darling dresses could be yours?  Perhaps a ruffled blouse or printed pencil skirt?  Or both?

You tell us!  To be entered to win this giveaway, simply state here what you’d like to get at mikarose.com if you win the gift certificate.  Bonus entries for each of the following (up to 3 extra entries) – like Mikarose on Facebook, like Workchic on Facebook, & finally repin this giveaway on Pinterest!

The giveaway will run from today 5/1/12 to 5/8/12 and is open to US residents only.  Good luck!  Enter here!

Shift Dress, Square Bangle, Straw Tote, Bow Embellished Pumps, Colorblock Pumps, Raffia Coat

Jones New York Washable Herringbone Jacket and Washable Herringbone Flat Front Pant
The perfect go-to-work suit.  The ivory color gives the suit a chic, light appeal that you are sure to enjoy.  And who doesn’t want a washable suit?  Both pieces are machine washable to help save you on dry cleaning costs.  Create a little contrast with this vibrant printed top.

Banana Republic Fitted Lightweight Wool Blazer and Logan Fit Navy Lightweight Wool Crop Pant
There is no cooler suit to enjoy year round than a navy suit.  Cropped pants make the suit feel modern.  Pair with a white shirt for a refreshing summer look.  For a luxe option, Reiss’s dark blue jacket & pants will get you ready for some serious business.  A great suit is absolutely worth the investment especially if you practically live in them!

Brooks Brothers Linen One-Button Jacket and Linen Catherine Fit Pants
Easy, breezy linen suit – you’ve never felt this airy, light in a suit!  Crisp, white separates offer the ultimate summertime suiting.  Style it with a polka dot blouse to up the summery appeal.  It’s exciting to see many bloggers & fashionistas trending white suits this season.

What suits you?

Touch Shopper Handbag – This handbag is abundantly luxe in snake print without the designer price.  It’s an easy way to add wild print to your neutral outfits.

Julianne Structured Satchel – Perfectly structured style to carry to the office with plenty of space to haul all of your daily essentials.  Also available in black.

Koret Handbags Top Handle Satchel – Carry this two-tone satchel whenever you want that “put-together” feeling.  Carry as a handheld or a detachable strap to sling over your shoulder.

A moderate 3 inch heel gives you just enough lift without veering into the pain territory.  Plus the minimal style is easy-to-wear with office attire or even a night out on the town with your favorite dress!

The dressy slip-ons come in six different finishes and the sale price ranges from $58.99 – $70.99 $79.  The deep pink suede finish is sweet & stylish – just the right pop of color for your spring/summer wardrobe needs!  Also check out more fresh hues in turquoise and yellow here.

Which color is your favorite?

Here is one outfit that will work fabulously on Casual Fridays.  This Perfect Denim Skirt is surely perfect with a wonderfully faded finish, slimming lines and just the right knee-length!  A lightweight gray jersey top and dark gray cardigan creates a lovely tone-on-tone layering.  Last but not least, croco-embossed weekly organizer and stainless steel watch (huge sale!) to keep things in order, in style!

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