December 20, 2011: The Morning After

I am a trooper! Despite the state I found myself in after my company holiday party I still made it into work on time the next day sans (most) usual hangover symptoms. I can't say that I was in love with the outfit though... 

• Top: cream scoopneck sweater, LOFT (same sweater different color here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: red a-line skirt, Ben Sherman
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede-ish kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

December 19, 2011: Office Holiday Party

Last Monday was my office holiday party and it was quite the shindig. My company definitely spared no expense finding us one of the hottest places in the city to celebrate at and footing the bill for the open bar; maybe next year they can find a place that has more food. Let's just say after a three hour open bar and a handful of appetizers I was in fine form!

It was a good thing that I had written this guest post for Sugar and Spice utilizing almost exactly what I wore to work that day/the party (minus tights so, just imagine they are there) because I completely crashed when I got home!

• Top: Lace Yoke Sleeveless Dress, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; black belt, from this dress; rhinestone studs, New York & Company; Belle Fluer ring, Stella & Dot; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

And The Winner Is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will be in touch shortly regarding your prize! Thanks to everyone who participated, stay tuned because there might be more fun things coming sooner than you think...

December 16, 2011: Jeans Day

This month there was a welcome casual Friday at my job. While I was excited to dress down I still needed to keep it professional, enter blazer and fab blouse. Did I mention I'm a sucker for anything ombre? Yeah, I know you know... 

• Top: gray ombre blouse, Trulli for LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor Loft via Melissa
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser, tailored by me via LOFT/Christmas gift 
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; moonstone earrings, V'ta jewelry; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here,here, here, here, here, and here:

eShakti New Years Picks

I know we've talked about this a few times already but, that awesome eShakti.com coupon code and the deals are still going strong! You can get $20 off of a purchases of $20 or more with code: 260DAYS0811 until 12/31/11! They just keep adding new dresses to their catalog and the constant rotating stock includes a plethora of lovely dresses for any social engagments that you have left on your plate AKA New Years!

Beaded Tulle Dress

Dandelions Dress

Bow Tied Waist Cotton Dress

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

December 15, 2011: 101 Dalmatians

As you know, I have been blogging for a while and sometimes I feel like the pressure is on to come up with interesting outfits and push the fashion envelope. What's up with that?

When I pair black and white together it is now compulsory natural to go for the pop of color to spice it up but, there isn't really anything wrong with basic black and white... Besides if I had thrown some red in there I would have reminded myself of Cruella DeVille. 

• Top: cream scoopneck sweater, LOFT (same sweatrer different color here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: ivory and black leopard print skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

December 14, 2011: Just Another Tuesday

As excited as I might look this was just another day at the office amidst crazy Christmas preparation... 

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple cardigan, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here)
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target;  coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

Best Christmas Gift Ever

To: Iris

From: BF

LOVE IT

Merry Christmas

From: Iris
To: You

Zoya Giveaway Reminder

There are only three days left for the chance to win the full Mirrors Collection from Zoya!! Don't miss this great chance to be able to get your self a full set of this fabulous polish for free! Check out the original post to enter.

December 13, 2011: Magic Vest

After putting this outfit together I have decided that this best goes with everything! More specifically every shirt; I have worn it a few different times always with very different button down shirts. I'm not sure why it is that it goes so seamlessly in my mind with a plethora of oxfords that reside in my closet but, it does. Unfortunately, I can't seem to break away from pairing it with this skirt... Now I know what my next challenge is! Also, I wonder what I can pair it with besides an button down shirt, thoughts?

• Top:  magenta pinstripe button down, New York & Company; gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York and Company (same vest different color here)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; moonstone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

poll by twiigs.com

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

December 12, 2011: Swaddled

December has been a month of craziness as expected... On a positive note most of it has been planned and scheduled around work but, on a negative note that leaves little time for things that normal people do like sleeping, watching tv, showering (just kidding.) There were some days when I went to work and was the  polished, pulled together professional I normally am and other days where I wanted to wrap my bed around me before I walked out the door. This past Monday was one of those days... 

• Top: purple sweater, Geric via Conway with tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom:  black true straight pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; gray shell earrings, gift from BF's Mom; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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


Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

Happy Hannukah

From: Iris
To: You

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations! I will be in touch shortly with details about your prize. Thanks to everyone who participated. I have one more giveaway in the works for this month so don't forget to enter!

December 9. 2011: Ladies Night

The Friday before last my co-workers planned an after work happy hour event. I wanted to wear something to work that would be appropriate for both so I wouldn't have to change. This dress/cardigan combo was the perfect solution.

• Top: blue polka dot dress, Ezra courtesy of ModCloth with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black cardigan, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, and here)
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

Giveaway: Zoya Nail Polish

I've got one more giveaway for you guys this month! You are entering to win the Mirrors Collection from Zoya. These are some fantastic fall and winter colors with just the right amount of sparkle and shine that makes it the ideal polish for New Years Eve.

This giveaway will be until December , 2011 and is open to ALL readers in USA! I will pick the winner via Rafflecopter. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your doing for New Years. Check out the Rafflecopter widget for more ways to enter! Keep in mind that this is just one of a few fun things I have going on this month there is more to come...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post: Iris @ Sugar & Spice

I hope everyone is enjoying there long weekend so far! I just wanted to let you all know about a guest appearance I am making today... on the internet again. Over at Sugar & Spice I am showing giving some examples of how to make the most out of your closet during the demanding holiday social season. I remixed the five pieces below into twelve party ready outfits! Check it out for some inspiration...

Don't forget to enter to win the Spanish Steps dress from Shabby Apple!

FBFF: Christmas Quiz

No holiday party is complete without:  Coquito an eggnog like drink with rum, very traditional for a Puerto Rican family like mine.


My favorite Christmas song/album: I love the Carol of the Bells among many other traditional songs but, my favorite iteration of it was the way that Saks Fifth Avenue used it in their snowflake show a few years ago.






 I wish they were still doing that instead of the bubble thing they have now... 


The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes: Sequins, without a doubt!

Eggnog, good or bad? Yuck, it needs to be Coquito or not at all... 


Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall? I don't know. I don't think so or at least I don't remember it...  we should ask my Mom.


Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha: Creme Brulée Latte!

My best bargain find for a gift this year: Well, I can't really answer that question yet. People still haven't gotten their gifts! 


If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I'd shop at: Target, you could probably find a gift for everyone on your list there. It might not be the best gift but, it will be something they like. 


My favorite holiday memory: My mom's reaction to the gift my brother and I gave her last year


My favorite Christmas movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas... or is that a Halloween movie? 


The best part about holiday decorations is: The ornaments since I was a little kid...

Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape: Rip It!


Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life: I honestly can't remember either, I have that bad habit with tons of movies


It doesn't feel like the holiday season until: BF and I go buy our ornament.


All I want for Christmas is: For it to be here already!!! 




Don't forget to enter to win the Spanish Steps dress from Shabby Apple!

And the Winner Is...

Congratulations! I will be in touch shortly with details about your prize. Thanks to everyone who participated. I have one more giveaway in the works for this month so stay tuned!

Shabby Apple Giveaway Reminder

There are only three days left for the chance to win a Spanish Steps Dress from Shabby Apple, don't miss this great chance to be able to get your self a stylin' outfit for the holidays for free! Check out the original post to enter.

Purchases and Acquisitions: November 2011

I didn't forget about November purchases! There have just been lots of other things to focus on at the moment. Also, I was finding it difficult to own up to the fact that I purchased something this month when I was at Re/Dress NYC for the last time. It's crazy, I'm not necessarily trying not to shop I'm just trying to be aware of my shopping so I don't go overboard. The idea of buying something for no real reason other than that I liked it and I wanted it doesn't fit in with that thought process. During this overall experience I have become so stringent about my shopping ban that it was a hard thing to reconcile the $36.00 expense but, in the end I love dress so, it all worked out!

I also got a great Missoni shirt that I found buried in the sale rack at Target and the leopard Albertus Swanepole hat that lots of bloggers have. It's super stylish and I love it but, at the same time I feel like I should be a pimp, I digress...I'm still milking a Target gift card that my parents got me for my birthday so technically these were gifts!!

This month BF bought me some emergency pants from the GAP... it's a long story but, I needed them and the only option was the GAP. Don't get me wrong, I love their pants they just tend to be on the more expensive side of things when you don't have coupons of time to browse the sales rack. BF came to the rescue! He also got me some pants which I have already worn a few times and a fab dress which I am saving for a special occasion. No worries, you'll see it soon, like next week.

Don't forget to enter the $100 Shopbop Gift Card Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter to win the Spanish Steps dress from Shabby Apple!

December 8, 2011: Dinner at Tiffany's

Thursday was definitely my favorite day last week! While the normal hum drum (work, commuting, etc) of my day to day still carried on after hours I went to an amazing event organized by a friend of mine at the Tiffany & Co. flagship store after (free) dinner at the Harvard Club. It was delish and the presentation that we heard was fantastic!

Tiffany & Co. has played a huge role in America's history! It's so much more that the little blue box. Did you know that they make the NFL Heismann trophy or that they designed the seal of the United States that is on the one dollar bill? They have created jewelry for presidents as far back as Abraham Lincoln! I also learned that they have a whole crew of jewelers working on the top floor of the Fifth Avenue store and everything they make is created in NY/NJ, no outsourcing. 

Security Pass 

What was even more amazing about the experience was that the entire store was empty. I can say that I have not been to every floor of the massive store on 5th Avenue because it is always so crowded but, without throngs of tourists it was easy to browse and see what they had to offer. Have you ever been to the Tiffany's store on Fifth Avenue? What did you think of it? While browsing I was even able to try on some really fantastic jewelry as I sipped wine and chatted with my friends. By the way, having something that costs as much as a condo or small house on your finger is very surreal.

Bubbly

Lovely Ladies

Also, I wore clothes... 

• Top: teal embellished t-shirt, New York & Company; gray cardigan, New York & Company via Mom
• Bottom: black pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; blue goldstone earrings, mall kiosk in California; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Don't forget to enter the $100 Shopbop Gift Card Giveaway!


Don't forget to enter to win the Spanish Steps dress from Shabby Apple!

Giveaway: Shabby Apple Dress

                   

I am so thrilled to be able to team up with Shabby Apple to bring you another fantastic December giveaway! You are entering to win a fantastic dress. When they contacted me to host the giveaway (which I was more than happy to do for you guys) they gave me a few options of dresses to pick from. I chose this one named after the Spanish Steps.

If you didn't know the Spanish Steps are literally a set of steps in Rome climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. They are a strange tourist attraction because there isn't much to them. They are literally just a stair case in a fancy part of town but, the beauty is in the history and I couldn't resist them when I was there but, I digress...

Myself and a classmate on the Spanish Steps in Rome!

This giveaway will be until December 19, 2011 and is open to ALL readers in USA! I will pick the winner via Rafflecopter. Here are the rules: like Shabby Apple on Facebook ALSO become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know what dress you like from shabby apple. Check out the Rafflecopter widget for more ways to enter, there are a bunch! Keep in mind that there is still one more fun giveaway to come this month, stay tuned!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

December 7, 2011: Do Nothing Day

In the grand scheme of December this past Wednesday was really low key and I was feeling it from the moment I woke up... I have lots of things on my social calendar but, that night was spent hanging out at home after work (the daily routine) and getting a jump start on Christmas cards. Exciting I know!

• Top: yellow ruffle collar blouse, LOFT; brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP 
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; blue gemstone drop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

Don't forget to enter the $100 Shopbop Gift Card Giveaway!