Welcome to the new website! I’ll be updating this page soon. Come back to read more shortly! In the meantime, come say hi on instagram — @maryorton : )
Thanks for reminding us professionals that we need to represent!
ALB
Angelica
Hi there, I came across your blog in Pinterest while searching for work appropriate outfits inspiration. My office is mot business formal, but I have always thought that it is very important for working women to look put together and polished. Thank you for sharing the outfits! Great inspiration!
Kim and Anna McDonnell
We really enjoyed looking at your 2014 year in review. Such beautiful outfits for all seasons and venues! Although I’ve been out of the workforce for some time, it’s helpful to see what “classy” sophisticated women are wearing this days, and my “tween” daughter is getting educated on fun, appropriate clothing – rather than the “grunge” she unfortunately gets exposed to on a daily basis! We LOVE this blog!
Gabriela Arleen
Hi there! I just found your blog. I have to say you are a breath of fresh air!! I love your style, it’s beautiful, classy, stylish, oh and REAL!!.. Thank you so much for the lovely inspiration. Looking forward to all your lovely styling tips and outfits!!
Tanya Walker
I totally agree! Fresh air. It is nice to finally see chic and elegance for professional and at play.
I love love love your blog. Are you able to do an edit on wardrobe basics – the items which are your go to. I am looking at updating my wardrobe and would love to know where to start! Keep up the inspirational work!
Mary Orton
Thank you! That’s a great idea — I’ll definitely give it some thought and hopefully come up with something good!
Loren
What’s your dress ‘code’ like at work according to Mary’s categories…corporate, creative or casual? It would be my pleasure to help you with a list of basics that you could rotate/mix/match. I have a ‘corporate’ list I already made for spring/summer. Creating wardrobe edits and clothing in general is my hobby.
jennifer
I love this blog. My favorite fashion blog ever because you GET it. I work in a conservative environment and I love clothes and fashion and I find that it can be hard to mix the two.
Helen
Amen!
Benchwarmer
I actually don’t work in the workforce but couldn’t agree with you more about looking more polished in general. I get dressed to go to the supermarket and pick up my kids just because I enjoy clothes. Cashiers have asked me, where I’m going and I’m like, here. I joke to my friends, I wish I had a job because then my clothes would have a chance to get out and be seen lol. I have never followed a blog before or been one to look at instagram pictures. I don’t often relate to the style that people pull together but I absolutely LOVE your style. I looked through a bunch of archives and I recognize clothing from Brooks Brothers and J Crew and even spotted a few things I already have lol. What really excited me was when I saw you paired the Amber Olive multi regent blazer from J Crew with the same olive no. 2 wool pencil skirt (it matches the maroon no. 2 pencil also). To give it a casual edge I pair it with a chambray shirt, either a light blue wash from Eddie Bauer or J Crew’s keeper chambray in dark rinse. I got the matching amber olive multi skirt too with the zipper but didn’t put them together bec. it’s more formal. I love that zipper style skirt and got it in charcoal too. I’m looking forward to following your blog and thank you again for getting me to pull the trigger on a new brand…Boden. I seriously never would have bought it had I not discovered your blog. I got the catalogue in the mail, loved the clothes but thought I’m not buying clothes from England lol and I have no patience to figure out my size lol. That fit projector advice was fantastic. You are a fashion fairy godmother!
Benchwarmer
Oops! I made a mistake on the brand of the light wash chambray shirt I pair with the J Crew Regent blazer in amber olive multi, it’s from LL Bean Signature, Medium Indigo. I prefer the look of the J Crew keeper chambray in dark rinse with that blazer, but it’s an alternative look to go with the light color too.
Catherine
My favorite place for fresh inspiration – love the chic look. and all very doable combos!
Lauren
You are my go-to for style inspiration! I just bought several pieces from Boden, and was so excited to see you wearing their pieces as well. I love your unique + classy taste. Thank you!
Michelle O
Can we see a shot of your mother in her style options:
– to see how her impeccable style choices have now transferred to her descendants
– in celebration of Mother’s Day
Thank you.
M. Olsheski
Kathleen
Hi Mary!
I am obsessed with your blog. Thank you for creating a place for workplace fashion inspiration that is classy, conservative, and cute!
Currently, I am struggling with finding ideas on how to professionally decorate my office. And if your wardrobe is any indication, I bet your office or cubicle is decorated perfectly. You should create some posts or let us peek into your office!
Thanks!
Kathleen
Annie
I recently graduated from college and am reluctant to admit that since I have joined the working world, my “favorite over-sized cardigan” is still a go-to option.Thanks for the inspiration and insight into a more professional wardrobe. I haven’t cut the cardigan habit cold turkey but we’re making progress. I’ve enjoyed your sense of style & humor– looking forward to future posts!
Suwayda
I never comment on blogs but I have to say that I really appreciate yours. I recently graduated from university and office dressing no longer feels daunting! Your blog really captures the art of dressing. Thank you.
P.s I love that you incorporate colour in a lot of your outfits.
Helen
Thank you for your lovely blog, Mary. Your timeless style is much appreciated in a world of one-size-fits-all women’s ready mades. I look forward to the hunt!
Agata
Thank you so much for creating a content for a professional working woman!!! Amazing website!
Salim Dawood
Very nice articles please can I enquire what the name of the grey colour on the walls for yiur backdrop in your Christmas decoration article
Mary Orton
Thank you! The wall color in our dining room is “Dior Grey” by Benjamin Moore. : )
Megan
Hi Mary,
First off, I love your blog and the inspiration you bring to working women everywhere.
Secondly, I have some questions that I feel many of your other readers would love to see you address in new posts. Namely:
– What’s your approach to budgeting (or not) for your clothing purchases?
– What’s your approach to/recommendation for shopping to create a work-appropriate wardrobe? I.e. do you shop all the time? Only seasonally? Buy things in outfits? Make lists to fill holes in your wardrobe?
– A little detail around tailoring, which I assume that you do. How much should one spend to tailor an item relative to it’s price? What’s worth tailoring and what isn’t? How to find a good tailor? etc.
Thank you so much for all of the inspiration!
ireeny
we need more classic styled beauties like her in the blogworld!! please don’t stray from your style I am an avid fan!
fashion articles
I’ve learn a few excellent stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for
revisiting. I surprise how a lot effort you put to mmake one of these fantastic
informative web site.
good holiday destinations
Nice post. I was cecking consrantly this blog and I am
impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part :
) I care for such info much. I waas seeking this particular info for a very long time.
Thwnk you and best of luck.
Cindi Brankin
I love your blog! Your style is totally simple, yet chic and elegant. As a mom of teenagers, I am especially careful with my wardrobe choices. I never want to look “old” nor do I want to look like I raided my daughter’s closet. I know you are far from your mid-forties, but your blog carries over to woman in my age group that want to look current and chic. Thanks.
CHRISTINE GATES
Love all that you do. Keep it up!
Maheswari
I love this blog! Great Idea. Keep it up.
Angela J.
I love this blog. I am horrible when it comes to styling for work. I love your style, and would LOVE to see more options that are “cost friendly”. Since I am building a whole new wardrobe for work, budget friendly items are a MUST. I look forward to seeing more of your post.
Rachel Cumberland
Hi!
First off, I LOVE your website!
I’m a wedding planner working with a bride who loves the tags you used with your key escort cards at your wedding. Could you pass along how you made those tags?
I just stumbled upon your blog and what caught my eye was your amazing sense of fashion! I later saw that you are a Milwaukee Wisconsin native…this is also my hometown and where I currently live : ) I am so drawn to fashion and blogs such as yours, how did you become such a professional in this field? I often feel I have chosen the wrong profession, currently a nurse, but dreaming of trying something I actually have a passion for. I love Milwaukee but its not necessarily the most happening and stylish city out there, but you’ve seem to make it happen. Any suggestions or advise would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Iwona Falkiner
I have only recently discovered your blog. So wonderful to see your styling options for the corporate world. Thank you for sharing.
You are also a great role model for younger women just starting their careers, both in terms of the fashion advice you provide but also your entrepeneurial spirit.
.
Resham Sethi
Hi Mary! I just found your blog and I absolutely love your style! Very elegant and sophisticated yet fun and practical !! Your styles resonate with what I’ve always believed in: Work wear shouldn’t be boring and we are not Gwen Stefani! LOL!!
Im addicted to your blog and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all your styling tips!
Resham Sethi
Hi Mary! I absolutely love your style! Very elegant and sophisticated yet fun and practical !! Your styles resonate with what I’ve always believed in: Work wear shouldn’t be boring and we are not Gwen Stefani! LOL!!
Im addicted to your blog and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your styling tips!
Tobi Roberts
This is so needed. I can’t wait to see if you can help with my wardrobe!
Tobi Roberts
This is so needed. I can’t wait to see how you can help my wardrobe!
Jessica Khourie
I cannot believe I am just now discovering your blog. You are speaking to my soul, girl! Love the point of view and voice you are bringing to the conversation. Literally, every detail counts to move women forward. Thank you.
Toni C.
Hi Mary!
You are truly one of my favorite fashionistas. I enjoy your content and how transparent you are about fashion and work-wear and combining the two. You may have already stated this in your original “About” page, but could you share how got started with Memorandum (or moreso with Classy Cubicle)? Where does your inspiration come from…like who inspires your personal style? How do you get work with such big brands and sponsors? Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions!
Ann Stane
Hello, what size and color ( I am very interested in the color) of the Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag that you have? Is it medium? The color is something that I am concerned as I am looking to purchase it. Is it tan or beige or they are the same?
Mary Orton
I have the small Sicily bag in a nude/beige color. I’m sorry I don’t have the technical color name. XO
Precious
Hello! I wanted to let you know how much your posts inspire me! I love your fashion taste! So classy and elegant! May I ask how tall you are? I really want to order all the dresses you are wearing but i’m so hesitant since I can’t measure whether it will fit a short girl like me! Thank you Mary!
Sarah
I love that your blog is for professional women! Everything you post is work appropriate and so classy and elegant. It’s been a constant source of inspiration for me.
44 responses to “About This Blog”
Thanks for reminding us professionals that we need to represent!
ALB
Hi there, I came across your blog in Pinterest while searching for work appropriate outfits inspiration. My office is mot business formal, but I have always thought that it is very important for working women to look put together and polished. Thank you for sharing the outfits! Great inspiration!
We really enjoyed looking at your 2014 year in review. Such beautiful outfits for all seasons and venues! Although I’ve been out of the workforce for some time, it’s helpful to see what “classy” sophisticated women are wearing this days, and my “tween” daughter is getting educated on fun, appropriate clothing – rather than the “grunge” she unfortunately gets exposed to on a daily basis! We LOVE this blog!
Hi there! I just found your blog. I have to say you are a breath of fresh air!! I love your style, it’s beautiful, classy, stylish, oh and REAL!!.. Thank you so much for the lovely inspiration. Looking forward to all your lovely styling tips and outfits!!
I totally agree! Fresh air. It is nice to finally see chic and elegance for professional and at play.
Come visit http://www.jagressintimates.com to learn more about custom made intimate apparel; made in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Hi Mary
I love love love your blog. Are you able to do an edit on wardrobe basics – the items which are your go to. I am looking at updating my wardrobe and would love to know where to start! Keep up the inspirational work!
Thank you! That’s a great idea — I’ll definitely give it some thought and hopefully come up with something good!
What’s your dress ‘code’ like at work according to Mary’s categories…corporate, creative or casual? It would be my pleasure to help you with a list of basics that you could rotate/mix/match. I have a ‘corporate’ list I already made for spring/summer. Creating wardrobe edits and clothing in general is my hobby.
I love this blog. My favorite fashion blog ever because you GET it. I work in a conservative environment and I love clothes and fashion and I find that it can be hard to mix the two.
Amen!
I actually don’t work in the workforce but couldn’t agree with you more about looking more polished in general. I get dressed to go to the supermarket and pick up my kids just because I enjoy clothes. Cashiers have asked me, where I’m going and I’m like, here. I joke to my friends, I wish I had a job because then my clothes would have a chance to get out and be seen lol. I have never followed a blog before or been one to look at instagram pictures. I don’t often relate to the style that people pull together but I absolutely LOVE your style. I looked through a bunch of archives and I recognize clothing from Brooks Brothers and J Crew and even spotted a few things I already have lol. What really excited me was when I saw you paired the Amber Olive multi regent blazer from J Crew with the same olive no. 2 wool pencil skirt (it matches the maroon no. 2 pencil also). To give it a casual edge I pair it with a chambray shirt, either a light blue wash from Eddie Bauer or J Crew’s keeper chambray in dark rinse. I got the matching amber olive multi skirt too with the zipper but didn’t put them together bec. it’s more formal. I love that zipper style skirt and got it in charcoal too. I’m looking forward to following your blog and thank you again for getting me to pull the trigger on a new brand…Boden. I seriously never would have bought it had I not discovered your blog. I got the catalogue in the mail, loved the clothes but thought I’m not buying clothes from England lol and I have no patience to figure out my size lol. That fit projector advice was fantastic. You are a fashion fairy godmother!
Oops! I made a mistake on the brand of the light wash chambray shirt I pair with the J Crew Regent blazer in amber olive multi, it’s from LL Bean Signature, Medium Indigo. I prefer the look of the J Crew keeper chambray in dark rinse with that blazer, but it’s an alternative look to go with the light color too.
My favorite place for fresh inspiration – love the chic look. and all very doable combos!
You are my go-to for style inspiration! I just bought several pieces from Boden, and was so excited to see you wearing their pieces as well. I love your unique + classy taste. Thank you!
Can we see a shot of your mother in her style options:
– to see how her impeccable style choices have now transferred to her descendants
– in celebration of Mother’s Day
Thank you.
M. Olsheski
Hi Mary!
I am obsessed with your blog. Thank you for creating a place for workplace fashion inspiration that is classy, conservative, and cute!
Currently, I am struggling with finding ideas on how to professionally decorate my office. And if your wardrobe is any indication, I bet your office or cubicle is decorated perfectly. You should create some posts or let us peek into your office!
Thanks!
Kathleen
I recently graduated from college and am reluctant to admit that since I have joined the working world, my “favorite over-sized cardigan” is still a go-to option.Thanks for the inspiration and insight into a more professional wardrobe. I haven’t cut the cardigan habit cold turkey but we’re making progress. I’ve enjoyed your sense of style & humor– looking forward to future posts!
I never comment on blogs but I have to say that I really appreciate yours. I recently graduated from university and office dressing no longer feels daunting! Your blog really captures the art of dressing. Thank you.
P.s I love that you incorporate colour in a lot of your outfits.
Thank you for your lovely blog, Mary. Your timeless style is much appreciated in a world of one-size-fits-all women’s ready mades. I look forward to the hunt!
Thank you so much for creating a content for a professional working woman!!! Amazing website!
Very nice articles please can I enquire what the name of the grey colour on the walls for yiur backdrop in your Christmas decoration article
Thank you! The wall color in our dining room is “Dior Grey” by Benjamin Moore. : )
Hi Mary,
First off, I love your blog and the inspiration you bring to working women everywhere.
Secondly, I have some questions that I feel many of your other readers would love to see you address in new posts. Namely:
– What’s your approach to budgeting (or not) for your clothing purchases?
– What’s your approach to/recommendation for shopping to create a work-appropriate wardrobe? I.e. do you shop all the time? Only seasonally? Buy things in outfits? Make lists to fill holes in your wardrobe?
– A little detail around tailoring, which I assume that you do. How much should one spend to tailor an item relative to it’s price? What’s worth tailoring and what isn’t? How to find a good tailor? etc.
Thank you so much for all of the inspiration!
we need more classic styled beauties like her in the blogworld!! please don’t stray from your style I am an avid fan!
I’ve learn a few excellent stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for
revisiting. I surprise how a lot effort you put to mmake one of these fantastic
informative web site.
Nice post. I was cecking consrantly this blog and I am
impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part :
) I care for such info much. I waas seeking this particular info for a very long time.
Thwnk you and best of luck.
I love your blog! Your style is totally simple, yet chic and elegant. As a mom of teenagers, I am especially careful with my wardrobe choices. I never want to look “old” nor do I want to look like I raided my daughter’s closet. I know you are far from your mid-forties, but your blog carries over to woman in my age group that want to look current and chic. Thanks.
Love all that you do. Keep it up!
I love this blog! Great Idea. Keep it up.
I love this blog. I am horrible when it comes to styling for work. I love your style, and would LOVE to see more options that are “cost friendly”. Since I am building a whole new wardrobe for work, budget friendly items are a MUST. I look forward to seeing more of your post.
Hi!
First off, I LOVE your website!
I’m a wedding planner working with a bride who loves the tags you used with your key escort cards at your wedding. Could you pass along how you made those tags?
This is the photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AQCCpHzcwvhHxFuJN2TVPV8iTC88ryuOwYjQ6VMZx2Fui_94A900V7I/
Thanks so much!
Cheers,
Rachel
I just stumbled upon your blog and what caught my eye was your amazing sense of fashion! I later saw that you are a Milwaukee Wisconsin native…this is also my hometown and where I currently live : ) I am so drawn to fashion and blogs such as yours, how did you become such a professional in this field? I often feel I have chosen the wrong profession, currently a nurse, but dreaming of trying something I actually have a passion for. I love Milwaukee but its not necessarily the most happening and stylish city out there, but you’ve seem to make it happen. Any suggestions or advise would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I have only recently discovered your blog. So wonderful to see your styling options for the corporate world. Thank you for sharing.
You are also a great role model for younger women just starting their careers, both in terms of the fashion advice you provide but also your entrepeneurial spirit.
.
Hi Mary! I just found your blog and I absolutely love your style! Very elegant and sophisticated yet fun and practical !! Your styles resonate with what I’ve always believed in: Work wear shouldn’t be boring and we are not Gwen Stefani! LOL!!
Im addicted to your blog and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all your styling tips!
Hi Mary! I absolutely love your style! Very elegant and sophisticated yet fun and practical !! Your styles resonate with what I’ve always believed in: Work wear shouldn’t be boring and we are not Gwen Stefani! LOL!!
Im addicted to your blog and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your styling tips!
This is so needed. I can’t wait to see if you can help with my wardrobe!
This is so needed. I can’t wait to see how you can help my wardrobe!
I cannot believe I am just now discovering your blog. You are speaking to my soul, girl! Love the point of view and voice you are bringing to the conversation. Literally, every detail counts to move women forward. Thank you.
Hi Mary!
You are truly one of my favorite fashionistas. I enjoy your content and how transparent you are about fashion and work-wear and combining the two. You may have already stated this in your original “About” page, but could you share how got started with Memorandum (or moreso with Classy Cubicle)? Where does your inspiration come from…like who inspires your personal style? How do you get work with such big brands and sponsors? Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions!
Hello, what size and color ( I am very interested in the color) of the Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag that you have? Is it medium? The color is something that I am concerned as I am looking to purchase it. Is it tan or beige or they are the same?
I have the small Sicily bag in a nude/beige color. I’m sorry I don’t have the technical color name. XO
Hello! I wanted to let you know how much your posts inspire me! I love your fashion taste! So classy and elegant! May I ask how tall you are? I really want to order all the dresses you are wearing but i’m so hesitant since I can’t measure whether it will fit a short girl like me! Thank you Mary!
I love that your blog is for professional women! Everything you post is work appropriate and so classy and elegant. It’s been a constant source of inspiration for me.