This Bird is all for being comfortable in the workplace, as heaven knows we spend enough of our day working for The Man, being a cubicle jockey, but a tall glass of judgement must be served up for the fact that just because the weather has turned chilly, doesn't mean you go to the office one step away from wearing a Snuggie to work. You know who you are...

This certainly doesn't include everyone, and really, who hasn't just thrown on a wrinkled pile of whatever to get to work on a morning where you're running late? But on a normal, non-rush weekday, why not eschew the free company picnic or product launch t-shirts for something that's professional, visually interesting, and still cozy? The Magpie found inspiration in a wool blend vest from Rare Woman, featured in Lucky magazine's October issue, and Rick Owens' drapey, chic angora toga sweater.

Shopping the Jaunty Wardrobe, this Bird discovered her softer side with a layered striped gray turtleneck and chunky gray sweater (Macys), paired with the colorful pop of a magenta pencil skirt (JC Penneys). Interest pieces were a silver cuff (this was a gift) and a Magpie-made felt flower pin, plus a favorite giant black and white tote bag from Nordstrom that could probably swallow Nebraska if it wanted to. The patent leather and navy suede boots from Piperlime make for a kicky finish. I've worn this to the office and can honestly say it's a comfortable way to face the workday, as well as spend that extra-long lunch to avoid doing that pesky TPS report and enjoying a pumpkin spice latte.

We'll dress like Minnie Pearl, just you and me, punk rock girl -- The Dead Milkmen composed the funny, off-beat soundtrack of my disillusioned hormonal youth, and Punk Rock Girl, probably one of their more widely-heard songs, is one of those ditties that becomes helplessly stuck in one's head. That, and the I Dream of Jeanie theme song.

The Magpie was slow to take on the return to the rocker-chic look that has made a comeback in recent times. Mostly because I was dressing a bit like this back in the rad old days of high school, usually worn with a scowl and unkempt hair, and I wasn't keen on returning to those days too soon. But I admit to being Inspired by the stylings of Lucky Magazine, a newsstand indulgence that I've been fortunate to peruse regularly via a magazine share amongst friends. In their September issue, their Rocking Out feature took the best of the rockin' past and made some really fun day and nighttime looks that made one truly feel like they could truly travel 'round the world, just you and me, punk rock girl.

Rummaged through this Bird's closet were the following finds: black sequined tank top, red tights, and faux snakeskin wide belt from Express; black blazer from Benetton; pewter faux croc skin flats from Piperlime; silver glovelets from Nordstrom. The plaid shirt was borrowed from Mr. Jaunty's wardrobe, the satin purse with the gold chain was a gift, the rhinestone pin on the jacket is vintage, and I can't recall where the tie-waist gray shorts came from, but it was most likely from the juniors section in Macys. I know Stacy London and Clinton Kelly from What Not to Wear bemoan the sin of shopping in the juniors' section, but I have to admit I find some cute, inexpensive things there!

No white after labor day? Call this Bird a rebel in white, then. I know there are usually a couple of images to represent a particular look or trend, but this Inspire was particularly fixated on the September issue of Lucky Magazine, in a spread called 40s Modern, which I quite liked. The photos featured several different classic looks, but then added a bit of a modern nod, whether it was a surprising pop of color or an asymmetrical cut. My beady, Jaunty eye caught sight of the white skirt combined with the printed tights and it was love. Classic silhouette and cut, but with a bit of irreverence. The Jaunty Wardrobe was shopped through, and this was the result of the inspiration.