July 6, 2012: Almost Half Day

Even though it was a short day on Friday things were fairly normal AKA busy in my office. I even had a few people coming for interviews (not as normal) so I definitely needed to be the most professional me that I could be and we all know nothing is easier than a dress... Enter the quintessential dress for the professional woman: Diane von Furstenberg's wrap dress. It’s such an easy way to create or accent an hour glass shape while looking polished and office appropriate. What is your go to dress for work?

• Top: brown wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehamanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snakeskin sandals, Bandolino via The Unique Thrift Store; petrified wood necklace, V'ta Jewelry; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

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

Weekly Manicure: Zoya Summer 2012 - Arizona

This past Friday I stopped to pick up some flowers at a local bodega for my boss' birthday (I'm nice like that) and I saw the most beautiful peach roses. I have had peach on the brain and after seeing the lovely flowers that was the polish color I was craving for this week's manicure!

I ended up skipping the store and searching through the loads of polish I already have to find something in the same color family... No, a bright orange manicure is not the same as a peach one but, it was enough to fill that craving for now! I thought about mixing Zoya's Arizona with a white polish to create the desired shade I had in mind but, that last time I did that my nails weren't drying. I guess you can mix colors but, only if the polishes are similar formulas... What color are you rocking for your manicure this week?

July 5, 2012: Back From Somewhere

This past week was fantastic! Why? Because I was off Monday through Wednesday. I needed a break after spending the entire weekend submerged in wedding related responsibilities, festivities, and travel. BF and I kept it low key and hit a museum and the beach... it was alot of fun! What was even better was Thursday was the only full day I had to work since summer Fridays began in my office this past week. We get out at two for the next seven weeks so last week total amount of time in the office last week = one and a half days WIN! What did you do for the holiday weekend?

When I headed back to work I wanted to start off back in a super professional outfit to ward off any post vacation lamentations. I am generally a super productive person after whatever days I have off  and the whole ensemble just enhanced that! My favorite part of the whole look was the shoes. I found them while thrift shopping with my Mom during Unique Thrift Store's huge 50% off sale on the Fourth of July. BF said they look like they were made out of torture devices or something that a character in Skyrim would wear but, I think they're pretty awesome. What do you think? 

• Top: pink floral embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); brown blazer, Talbots via The Unique Thrift Store 
• Bottom: beige tweed skirt, LOFT via Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: brown and camel studded heels, Kensie via The Unique Thrift Store; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

FBFF: Manicures, and Pedicures, and Nails... Oh My!

I'm sure you've noticed that I have really gotten into doing my own nails. After looking at some amazing nail  blogs I thought, "Everyone has to start somewhere" or "Practice makes perfect" or some combination of those things. That feeling combined with my new(ish) found inability to spend money has been an inspiration and motivated me to lacquer it up.

While simply painting my nails is great practice I have also been trying to mix it up: making my own colors, trying out different types of polishes, using different patterned nail strips. I know it's nothing crazy but, everyone DOES have to start somewhere!  

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

And another one bites the dust! I have been continuing with this additional challenge and am slowly but, surely making my way through the heaps and heaps of products I have. It has even gotten to the point where I am running low on lotion. Yes, that's right only a small bottle and a half left. Just when I thought I was going to be able to shop for more lotions via the grocery or drug store (I had my coupons ready to go) my Mom gave me a Bath and Body Works gift card. I guess we all know where I'm going for more when I finally run out... 

Something that I have noticed in my storage space is a an overwhelming amount of facial products. Not makeup but, cleansers, toners, and acne treatments. I think my initial intention of taming my occasional acne problems has gotten a bit out of control and I really need to work on using everything I have before I buy more. Sounds familiar... I'll update the overall list and let you know how it's going.


Check out my progress here.

Weekend Wear: My Cousin's Wedding

I've (kinda) been going on and on about my cousin's wedding so the least I could do is share pictures of me in the fabulous Adrianna Papell dress that I wore! I was so happy when I found it hiding on the sales rack at Macy's after a lengthy search; all it needed was a little tailoring (funky zipper popping out problems) and then it was perfect. I might have said this before but, if you are ever in a pinch for a special occasion dress you should Google Adrianna Papell and see what they have to offer. I'm sure there will be something for you. 

I was equally happy about the fact that I was able to find jewelry and shoes to go with this dress and the occasion in my accessory arsenal so I didn't have to purchase anything else. While my natural old inclination would have been to scrounge up some pink, purple, or yellow jewelry to matchy match the dress my newer style inspired me to go with neutral silver... it goes with everything! What would you have paired this dress with?

• Top: Sleeveless Pleated Surplice Floral Printed Faux Wrap, Adrianna Papell
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW;  labradorite necklace, V'ta Jewelry; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; brown sunglasses, Mossimo for Target; White Monogram Multicolore Alma, Louis Vuitton (not pictured)

Weekly Manicure: Accent Nail

This week's manicure was really all about complementing the ensemble that I wore to my cousin's wedding on Saturday. Sure, I could have gone with a classic french manicure but, I wanted my mani/pedi to be a little more interesting. Of all the fun manicures that I have tried I haven't done the whole trendy one accent nail thing and that seemed like a good option. I wanted to use baby blue and silver nail polish so it complimented my labrodorite jewelry as opposed to purple or pink which would have been beyond matchy matchy. I think the manicure came out great and it went perfectly with my dress. What do you think?

Purchases & Acquisitions: June 2012

Let's talk about June. Last month was probably one of the busiest months I have had in a while. With my work obligations, my other volunteer obligations, my everyday life obligations, and my cousin's wedding on the horizon I had no time to do anything let alone, go shopping. Maybe it was better that way.

June 13, 2012: The Bird Is The Word

Are you ever moved to purchase something just because you saw it in an email advertisement or store window. I don't normally get a chance to do that but, the fantastic size options provided by eShakti.com (and the coupon code I had) made it a no brainer.   

• Top: Birds Who Gossip Dress, eShakti.com with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF