Summer work wear -- black and white and bright again

This printed skirt is the fruit of one of many patient digs through the racks at Ross. It is several years old, and I think I paid somewhere around 5 bucks for it. It's the sort of skirt I wouldn't have bought if it hadn't been cheap, but I love the art-deco-ish print and the way the cobalt blue and touches of bright yellow look with the simple black and white. I love to wear it in the summer because it is made of light-weight cotton and the full shape keeps the air circulating. The blouse is from Wal-mart and the cardigan is from Target.

This necklace is perfect for me for the summer because it is beaded all the way around, so it won't make me break out the way metal sometimes does when I wear it in the heat. I love the bright color of the made-in-Africa paper beads and the fact that the purchase benefited the women who made it. Unfortunately, I can't remember the brand of this necklace, but here is a similar company.

Finally, the cornerstone of any work wardrobe is a great pair of comfortable black pumps. I got mine at an Easy Spirit outlet last fall and I love them. They are the perfect height, they're soft and flexible, the bottoms have nice traction, and I don't get tired of wearing them. Here's where you can find yours. (P.S. they're on sale right now!)