June 30, 2010: Three Months Down!

I cannot believe that I have been at this personal style challenge for three months! I am definately going to do a roundup so I can take a comprehensive look at my progress but, I will say one thing right now... I can see the benefit!

These shoes are a perfect example, I got them at an end of season sale at Target last summer and they have been sitting in my (shoe) closet every since (shocker I know, they are too cute.) I don't think I would have made such a concerted effort to utilize them if it had not been for the way I am challenging myself. Do you have items in your closet that you had/have trouble using? What did/are you do(ing) to resolve that issue?

• Top: blue short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft (same shirt different color here and here)
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: yellow vintage inspired cut-out wedges, Merona for Target; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; brown leather bag with silver floral embellishments, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 29, 2010: Back To Reality

The long weekend was great and I am very much looking forward to this one coming up for the 4th but, I could definitely use a longer vacation (who doesn't want more time off?) My birthday is right around the corner... that is a reason for a getaway, wouldn't you say?

On another note, does anyone else read the title of this post and have this song pop into their head? Maybe it's just me...

• Top: green sleeveless collared shirt, Ann Taylor Loft via Melissa
• Bottom: gray, black, and white skirt (with pockets), Target
• Shoes and Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; cut steel necklace, V'ta Jewelry; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

Weekend Wear: Perfect Roadtrip Outfit

This past (long) weekend was spent with BF working on my tan at the shore and celebrating our anniversary. It was great to lay back and relax for a few days away from all the craziness of the home front. My biggest goal when getting ready for the weekend was to be as comfortable as possible on the 3ish hour long drive. Our super awesome Honda Fit (pictured with me) is deceptively small AKA roomy inside but, every little bit of added comfort helped. Normally I prefer much more structured clothes but, this dress was perfect for the weekend as an outfit for traveling and then a beach coverup! What are the items of clothes that you love because they serve more than one purpose?

• Top: black and white striped trapeze dress (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

June 24, 2010: Friday For Me!

Today is my Friday, YAY! What else says Friday but, not really Friday better than a walking short? I know I couldn't think of anything else either.

• Top: shirt/vest combo thing from Mom via Kohl's (I wore the matching skirt here)
• Bottom: black bermuda shorts, dear for Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: faux patent leather red flats, American Eagle for Payless (same shoe different color here); my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; yellow alley bag
  
  

June 23, 2010: From The Office

I was literally running out the door to work this morning so I am updating "on location" from my office. Posting was not one of the things I got to finish before I had to leave. I lost track of time while wrapping BF's anniversary gift this morning because I can't think of any other time to get that done. We are leaving the day after tomorrow and I have a million and one things to do before we're off (and actually get out of town, YAY!) How does that always seem to happen?

• Top: ivory t-shirt with beaded rosette detail, Merona for Target
• Bottom: blue, brown, black, and ivory pattern skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

Summer Black-Out 2010 Round Up

Remember the Summer Black-Out Challenge that I did a couple of weeks ago? I know, how could you forget?!? We can all relive each of my fabulous black free outfits here. You can also check out the other participants at Already Pretty. I'm about halfway down the list in my most commented on outfit, thanks for the help picking a fav! I had so much fun participating in this challenge with the 37 other fabulous ladies and I can't wait to do it again next year!

June 22, 2010: Planning My Escape

It's official! I just got some requested vacation days approved so BF and I are going away for a long weekend this Friday!! We booked our hotel last night and I am counting down the days/hours/minutes until we jump in the car and head down to the shore. It won't be anything super fancy or lengthy but, it's nice to get out of the city and spend time together relaxing and celebrating our million and a half (six and a half) year anniversary!

• Top: brown v-neck t-shirt with a (teal) tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: beige tweed Ann Taylor Loft skirt via Mom who thrifted
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 21, 2010: Pink Lady

I'm so excited that it is the first day of summer but, I'm not going to burst into song ala Rizzo in Grease despite what you might thing. I hope everyone had a great Father's Day and an all around lovely weekend! The dress I'm wearing today has a really classic cut (with pockets, my fav) so I'm dressing it up with vintage inspired accessories to enhance a little bit of that throwback feel.

• Top: pink dress, Ann Taylor via mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black and nude vintage inspired peep toe mary janes, Madden Girl via Loehmanns; onyx earrings, V'ta; cat eye sunglasses, Enzo Angiolini via Century 21; black Fendi Spy Bag

Weekend Wear: Mixing It Up!

I would like to think that I am a fashion forward person but, after perusing a plethora of similar fashion blogs, I am seeing areas where I can push the envelope even more! What are your biggest style challenges? How do you overcome them? Case and point for me, mixing patterns. Do you mix it up? If so what are your tips and tricks?

I understood the concept of pattern mixing but, I still couldn't make it work consistently. Most times I attempted it the outfit didn't look right to me and I gave up. That is, except for yesterday when I successfully paired stripes and polka dots! I think this works best because the pattern in the top is subtle. Next time, bolder patterns...

• Top: navy tank top with silver stripes, GAP
• Bottom: blue polka dot skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; yellow alley bag (not pictured)

Happy Father's Day

From: Iris
To: You and Yours

June 18, 2010: Free At Last!

It might sound dramatic but, even though I went out Thursday night I was at work early and stayed late. I didn't take the picture until the end of the day which explains why I've got no earrings and my hair is being CRAZY! It also explains why the lighting in the picture is all off, thanks BF AKA evening photographer. Dedication? Maybe. Lots of things to do? Definitely! You can't blame me for feeling trapped! That's why I didn't have a chance to post Friday's outfit until now. Here's a pic of BF and me at the event...

• Top: green sleeveless shirt with bronze embellishment, Ann Taylor Loft
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, Ann Taylor Loft
• Shoes & Accessories: brown flip flops (shhh don't tell they're not really allowed in the office), Rocket Dog via DSW: Purchase here at 30% off; Louis Vuitton Speedy via eBay

Items from this outfit are previously seen here, here, here and here.



Powered by GoodWidgets.com

June 17, 2010: Where Is The Weekend?

I'm a little confused and definitely aggravated... I don't understand why any company would give you any extra time off if you are going to have to work twice as hard when you return. Whatever relaxation you had achieved is completely negated by the onslaught of work you have to handle when you get back. For example: I am going in early today and would probably be staying late if I did not have another charity event to attend tonight that is, after a doctor's appointment. Seriously, what is the point and where is the weekend!?!

Sorry, I had to get that out of my system. On another note, I think I've done a good job of finding something I can wear to work, errands, and to the event without changing. Hooray for jersey knit dresses! The only thing I am adding is makeup later because I generally don't wear it during the day and for some (strange) reason can't go out at night without it. If these shoes weren't like walking on clouds I would probably swap them out for flats during the day but, that is definitely the case...

• Top: black and white faux wrap dress, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's. Yes, you read right these aren't your mom's original; blue swarovski crystal earrings, V'ta; black Fendi Spy Bag

June 16, 2010: Back To Work

First of all what do you think about 260 Days, No Repeats make over? Blogger has made it really easy to customize the layout and manipulate the template in almost every aspect. It's been a long time coming and I couldn't be happier! I hope you like it...

I'm headed back to work today which I'm sure is going to be a whirlwind of emails, voicemails, and people stopping by to visit but, that's ok. Unfortunately, I still feel like I need a legit vacation. But, thank goodness it's going to be a short week!

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration via Target
• Bottom: white pinstripe capris, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

Jasmere

Don't think of this as just another group buying site! jasmere seeks out lesser-known specialty retailers that deserve serious attention. Their team of New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC- based shopaholics personally tests every product we feature, using jasmere's negotiating power to offer you an exclusive discount. But don't let the low prices fool you. Every merchant that is featured on jasmere meets the highest standards of quality. You may not have heard of these websites (which I love), but you can be sure their products and services are the best around!

Weekend Wear: The Perfect Summer Outfit

This, in my opinion, is one of the simplest things to achieve with a few basic items you probably have in your closet already, like me! You'll need a tank top, linen (or other lightweight) pants, sparkly sandals and accessories plus a great bag! You can even throw in a fedora or a jacket if it gets chilly! The general look can take you through any event (even work) that you have to attend throughout the summer. For example: I am going out to brunch with one of my bestest friends but, have to head to New Jersey immediately after for a family BBQ and sleepover with fav cousin. That will probably include some evening activities AKA going to local venues for imbibing, etc.. I will weather it all with my perfect summer outfit!

• Top: green ribbed tank top, Old Navy before they started making them super long (ick)
  
• Bottom: white linen pants, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; coin peal necklace, V'ta ; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered (not pictured); brown leather bag with silver floral embellishments, GAP

June 11, 2010

I am definitely feeling that Friday theme! It has been a looong week. One of the few fun things going on has been this Summer Black-Out Challenge 2010, In retrospect it really wasn't that hard at all but it was, at times, very inconvenient. I applaud Sal and her decision to go all summer without black! I'm sure I could do it but, I think I would get extremely frustrated with that limitation and I want getting dressed to be fun. Therefore, I will allow myself to get back to it and wear black starting Wednesday! (I have a day off on Monday and Tuesday)

In relation to today's outfit: What are you're opinions about graphic t-shirts? During college they were a main staple of my wardrobe but, after graduation I (literally) put them on the shelf and wrote them off. I might have said, at the time, that they were too juvenile but, I really think I just wanted a change of pace. Now that all I wear is business casual they are creeping back into my wardrobe, I'm not sure how I feel about that but, I only kept the ones I love so it can't be all bad, right? For example, today's T says "Haiku's are easy but, sometimes they don't make sense Refrigerator" Hilarious, I know! If you are feeling my t-shirt vibe you can shop the Threadless $10 Sale where ALL T's are $10 until 6/14/10!

• Top: brown graphic t-shirt, Threadless
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, Ann Taylor Loft
• Shoes & Accessories: brown flip flops (shhh don't tell they're not really allowed in the office), Rocket Dog via DSW: Purchase here at 30% off and get free shipping with code 4UDAD until Sunday June 13, 2010; yellow citrine earrings, Elizabeth Showers vintage; limited edition Tracey Emin for Longchamp Pliage via the outlet

Items from this outfit are previously seen here, here, and here.

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

Featured

I was featured as a guest blogger on Shop It To Me's Blog! Check out the article and let me know what you think.

June 10, 2010

Is it Friday yet? I am having so much fun with Summer Black-Out 2010 but, can't wait for the weekend. In the spirit of weekends, summer, and all around fun times I'll give you some random news. Today is National Iced Tea Day! Click here for a buy one get one free Snapple coupon to celebrate...

On another note, I just realized that I am pairing pink and blue together today like Frances Joy of A Mad Dress Game did yesterday, great minds!

• Top: pink embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here, like I said Tuesday I'm all about buying multiples)
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hard wear embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

June 9, 2010

Summer Blackout Day 3: This is definitely getting harder! I have work today but, am also going to a concert afterwards at Carnegie Hall so picking an outfit that would transition well (because I am probably not stopping at home to change) with no black was a big challenge considering the evening factor. Lots of things that I would have paired with this shirt or, dresses I would have worn were black or had black in the pattern. I'd like to think I did OK though...

• Top: purple t-shirt, Xhiliration via Target
• Bottom: brown pinstripe skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar here... don't forget if you pick up the June 2010 edition of Real Simple there is a 20% off Merona coupon in there, or you could just rip it out at the checkout... either way); silver beaded necklace, Bitten via Steve & Barry's; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; cream Loeffler Randall bag, Target

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 8, 2010

Day 2 of Summer Black-Out 2010! I am rushing out the door for work (I really need to wake up earlier) but, thankfully it will be a pretty standard work day. Though, there is no "standard" black here since I'm using gray and flesh tones as my neutrals! I will be trying to sneak out early to run some pre-dinner errands AKA buy vino because my friend Alex (who I haven't seen in FOREVER) is coming over tonight. Vino is a very fundamental component of girly friend dinner! I'm excited so, in the words of Alex, "Squeeee!"

• Top: blue crochet neck blouse, Ann Taylor Loft, (same shirt different color here, I'm all about buying multiples)
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift; silver, amethyst, and some other light blue stone earring from Pennyweights; purple Coach bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

June 7, 2010

Mondays are lame for the most part but on a positive note, today is the first day of Summer Black-Out 2010. This week I'll be challenged, yet again, to creatively utilize my wardrobe to meet this brand new goal! Today I am using beige, gray, and even denim as neutrals! I would definitely be rocking a skirt if I didn't have to sit in front of a slew of job applicants and administer a group interview but, I do therefore I'm playing it safe with pants. I learned that lesson the hard way when I was a newbie; there is no Sharon Stone via Basic Instinct here, people! But,I digress...

• Top: bright green sweater, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: beige tweed capris, Ann Taylor
• Shoes & Accessories: denim slingbacks, Christian Louboutin via A Second Chance ReSale; moonstone and peridot (my birthstone) necklace, gifted; Tiffany & Co's silver bead earrings, gifted; purple Coach bag