Thursday, July 23, 2015

Diamond in the Rough

I would love to say that commuting and work have gotten smoother but, that would be a bold faced lie which I'm sure you could determine since we are getting a bit off schedule. Let's not talk about that, let's instead talk about this amazing blouse that I dug up at H&M. When H&M opened it's first store in New York City I was like any other high school girl at the time and flocked there for the quirky items and "deals" that everyone, from my peer group to iconic magazines, were raving about. I had no problem digging though the racks to snag fairly basic items but, be extremely excited about them because they were something new and popular; also, let's face it... high school.

When I shop now H&M is not a store that I normally frequent because I have found the time spent searching for something I like, that is good quality, the fits my body type, etc. not worth it having had so few shopping successes. This shirt is an exception to all that. As I was quickly breezing through my local H&M this shirt caught my eye. The color is one my favorites, the delicate details are spot on, and I needed clothing for work. The only negative thing (for me) was a humongous rhinestone right at the collar but, I decided to try it on anyway. We should all be happy I did because it looked is really cute, as you can see. Where is the rhinestone now? Excised.
  • Top: mustard pintuck blouse, H&M; black blazer, Juicy Couture via Ashby 
  • Bottom: black and white leopard pencil skirt, LOFT 
  • Shoes & Accessoriesblack t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Delayed

This week is starting out less positively than I had hoped. Who didn't get home until 9:00pm last night? This gal! The sad thing is it wasn't for lack of trying, let me explain.While I departed work at a (quasi) reasonable hour (6:00ish) and met up with Hubby to grab a quick bite and catch the train because our schedules lined up (which is rare) we ended up sitting in a tunnel on a train trying to get home for hours, thanks delays! While I want today to be better than the craziness it's already a bit off, I forgot to set my alarm last night and missed my morning spin class (sad face.) I hope that's isn't indicative of how the rest of the day is going to go.

WE INTERRUPT THIS POST TO BRING YOU ADDITIONAL (Tuesday Morning) TRAIN DELAYS

The aforementioned resulted in my immediately heading to my car and driving to work. Annoying but, not the end of the world. On the other hand, clearly the end of writing that post until now though... I would have been happy to finish it when I got home but, it was 10:00pm (ONLY because I was able to drive home) at that time and I needed to eat dinner, priorities. Also, clothes...

I'm glad that I was wearing something comfortable while I was navigating all the commuting/work difficulties. Capris (and pants in general) are a life saver when it comes to a quick, comfortable, work appropriate ensemble component. Skirts are great (and obviously my preference most of the time) but, sometimes you just want to be able to sit cross legged on the floor of your cubicle to organize things without having to be concerned about modesty. No? O, maybe that's just me.
  • Top: black short sleeved sweater, LOFT
  • Bottom: beige pinstripe capri pants, New York & Company via Unique Thrift Store
  • Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Dr. Scholls; black pearl earrings, The International Gem and Jewelry Show

I most recently wore this shirt here.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Inspired Monday

How was you weekend? Mine was a productive and (sort of) relaxing. I got lots of my house chores and personal errands out of the way but, as still able to veg out a bit which I needed. After the intense week last week I needed to take a break and be a bit of a homebody. The only thing I wish I had been able to do was make it to the beach with the high heat but, it didn't work out with Hubby getting ALL the work calls. Maybe next weekend...

Let's talk about this outfit. We wear clothes everyday (hopefully) but, do you ever put something together that you just love? This is one of those combinations for me! I am so comfortable and absolutely in love with the overall combination of clothing and different accessories (these shoes tho.) Bonus, it's professional enough to wear to the office so it makes a great Monday motivation outfit; I am looking put together, feeling good, and wholly ready to keep up the momentum of last week. I am just hoping that that doesn't mean I am in the office every night until all hours. 
  • Toppink ruffle embellished shirt: LOFT via Clementine
  • Bottom: gray pencils skirt, New York & Company
  • Shoes & Accessoriesblack and white retro inspired pumps, Bakers via Unique Thrift Store; pearl earrings, Macys

I most recently wore this shirt here. I most recently wore this skirt here.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Summer Casual Friday Uniform

So, last night Thursday night I didn't get home until 11:00pm, the night before that it was 10:00pm, and the night before that it was 8:30pm. Sufficed to say it's been a long week. Last night I was lucky though because instead of taking the train I was chauffeured home care of Hubby/an actual car service. What nice guys! He (Hubby) noted that I have been working really hard and deserved a break. It was appreciated although, I have a fleeting suspicion that he didn't want to have to come and pick me up at the train station if I couldn't make a good connection... Either way I got a ride home after a long week so far and that was nice.

This morning when I woke up I felt that the amount/lack of sleep that I have gotten this week is catching up with me. Thanks goodness I had picked this outfit out in advance! This Friday compilation wasn't too hard to begin with though... Top? Check. Cute skirt? Check. Boat Shoes? Check. I think I could have managed that on the minimal amount of sleep I had. Either way, it is a perfect outfit for a Friday (Saturday or Sunday) in the summer. What is your go to summer ensemble?

I most recently wore this shirt here. I most recently wore this skirt here.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Secondhand Star

This outfit is from last Friday, it is the last of all the off schedules errant posts that I needed to sahre with you, Success!

One of the things I have noticed recently (especially when I'm going through purchases for the month) is that I tend to shop (almost) exclusively at second hand stores. On top of that I get lots of clothes from swaps with friends/family/rando strangers of a similar size. While it is intentional (money saving and all that jazz) I like how much it benefits the environment as well. It's a small action but, hopefully it is having a wider reaching impact.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Bright Eyes

This morning was (relatively) smooth sailing despite last night's debauchery. In the earlier part of the evening it was (mostly) professional; discussing the incumbents' next steps, extending well wishes, and getting excited for them to take said steps. By the end of the night it had definitely gotten less professionally focused and became just a bunch of co-workers having a good time which was fine by me. I try to limit my discussions about work when I am outside of work to few and far between, I'm there a good portion of my time anyway, why do I want to talk about it (or things related to it) when I'm not?

Speaking of work... Today is definitely jam packed with meetings, endless emails, and all around non-stop craziness. While I think I am getting things done and keeping afloat I am definitely feeling the effects of this level of intense work under such high level of scrutiny. What does that mean? Bottom line, I'm tired. Thankfully, I see a light at the end of the tunnel! Unfortunately, it's just a tiny pinpoint a long ways away at this juncture. Time to grind.
  • Top: yellow t-shirt, Lilly Pulitzer via Clementine
  • Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
  • Shoes & Accessoriesblack t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this skirt here.

I'm linking up with Spotlight Style and Fashion Files

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Work Day; Night Out

Since the colleagues from my department that resigned are still here until the end of the week it's only natural that we give them some sort of going away celebration, right? No? You're heartless... There was an in office "meeting" which involved members from our organization at all levels with cake, cookies, and other dainties but, that wasn't really what my manager and I had in mind. We were envisioning the kind of celebration for a smaller group, happy hour cocktails, and delicious cuisine at a swanky lounge so, that's what we're doing this evening.

With that in mind I put together this outfit knowing I would not have time to go home after work and change before heading out to drink and dine with my co-workers. Naturally, this ensemble needed to be something that I could wear in the office but, would not garner any judgmental side glances from the fellow revelers during my evening excursion. Night life in NYC is it's own little world with it's own set of rules. That's being said it is Wednesday so, who are they to judge I'm not worried.
  • Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT; brown blazer, LOFT
  • Bottom: beige pleated skirt, Theory via Mom's closet raid
  • Shoes & Accessoriesnude snake sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift Store; chantilly lace chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot 

I most recently wore this shirt here. I most recently wore this blazer here.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Spot On

Out of all of the things that I got from my Mom's recent closet clean out this skirt is one of my favorites. I am a sucker for anything that has a plethora of colors. Perhaps it's because of my name, Greek mythology anyone? Nerd alert! Also, polka dots are the best but, I digress... I recall the few times that my Mom wore this skirt I  thought, in the back of my mind, that I had to find a way to annex it from her wardrobe. My patience paid off!

The shirt that I am wearing is also from my Mom's recent closet clean out. Ironically, this shirt was something I had given to her, back in the day, when it didn't fit me anymore. Like I said before, I guess it's (maybe) good that she doesn't get rid of things. Since I am still going to the gym and my body keeps changing shape and getting less face I'm not sure what the shelf life for this shirt is but, I am going to take advantage of a basic addition (which I needed) to my wardrobe while I can.

Also, I got a haircut, what do you think? No one has really noticed except for one rando co-worker.
  • Top: red scoopneck t-shirt, New York & Company via Mom's closet clean out
  • Bottom: multi-color polka dot skirt, Paniz via Mom's closet clean out 
  • Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; yellow shell earrings, Steve & Barry's

I'm linking up with All About You, and Confident Twosdays 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Girlboss

I'm sure you've noticed that things have been a little cray cray for me recently. No? I guess I'm doing a better job at covering it up than I thought but, it's time to come clean... While life things can sometimes feel overwhelming things at work, specifically, are out of control right now. Long story short; two higher level people in my department resigned for other opportunities (yay for them) then, my director was asked to resign per an internal investigation (we wish her the best) and the same day someone who she brought on walked off the job due to the aforementioned requested resignation (I have no words.)

In the course of thirty six(ish) hours the staff in my department decreased by fifty percent and everyone is being asked to step up and help out because, naturally, the work load has not decreased. I have also been asked to take a key role in finding/training replacement and taking on more things. This is my moment... As such, I have picked out outfits this week with the knowledge that everyone will have their eyes on the remaining members of my department. This jumpsuit was an easy "yes" because it is professional but, comfortable. Also, there will be blazers! At least when I think I can handle the heat. I am ready to get to work and make sure that everything continues as needed (professionally and personally) and am confident that it will but, wish me luck anyway.
  • Top: black and white jumpsuit, Mossimo via Ashby; black blazer, Juicy Couture, Ashby
  • Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver wire flower earrings, MOMA 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Blaze Laser Blazer

You thought I was done with blazers for the season, right? Well, that would make both of us but, we were wrong. Even though the temperatures have been climbing it still seemed appropriate to incorporate a blazer in this outfit for professionalism. While it might have been a good idea in terms of the office dress code it was a bad idea in terms of surviving the day. Although it was rainy and that helped cool things down but, by the time I made it into the office I was still melting and since our air conditioning is controlled by someone who must always be hot it wasn't as refreshing as I would have liked. I ended up spending portions of the day with my blazer off (scandalous) thank goodness for this cute shirt.

Speaking of this shirt, I picked it up while I was away this past weekend. While perusing the racks as one of my favorite second hand shops I was reminded (by myself) that I didn't need to be relegated to only searching the M, L, XL racks for clothes and that I could take a peek at the S or even XS (gasp) racks. This is partly due to the fact that my body has changed but, also  because clothing sizes are skewed depending on material, designer, production year. Remember that when you are shopping second hand and you might find some treasures (like this shirt) that you would have missed otherwise. I was initially attracted to the rainbow of muted colors but, was sold when I saw the embellishment around the collar. Can you see it? No, well they are basically fabric colored bead necklaces sewn to the collar; sounds weird, looks adorbs.

  • Top: multi-color dot shirt, Boden via Ashby; brown blazer, LOFT
  • Bottom: khaki pencil skirt, The Limited via Current Consignment
  • Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steven Madden; blue goldstone earrings, International Gem and Jewelry show; 


I most recently work this blazer here.

Cobbler Friday

This outfit is from two Fridays ago... I'm keeping track I promise.

If I had know how my day was going to go after taking these pictures in the morning I might not have been as happy. Instead I would have had a look of fierce determination. Why? Well, if you follow me on Instagram and/or Twitter (like you should) you would have gotten the blow by blow of those lovely shoes I was wearing completely falling apart as I tried to make it from the train station to my office and go about my day as regularly as possible. I'm glad that, against all odds, I was able to find these shoes but, I am sad that apparently they are not built to last. Hubby has performed his at home cobbler magic and hopefully it works so that I can use them but, we shall see.
  • Topbeige/metallic striped sweater, Ella Moss via Ashby
  • Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever 21
  • Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi via Buffalo Exchange; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, gift from Mom

I most recently wore this shirt here.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Vacation Ready

This outfit is from last Thursday before I left for the (extra) long weekend. While it was still a regular work day I was ready for fun times with family and friends, can't you tell? Yeah, plaid skirt/shorts/pants convey a more laid back vibe to me too especially, when they are borderline madras. Even with my more casual ensemble I was looking extremely professional compared to some of my co-workers who were seemingly already on vacation. 

The interesting thing about this skirt is that while it is meant to be worn with the weird pockets in the front (as pictured) I ended up turning it around and wearing the pockets in the back. From what I could tell it looked acceptable and no one stared at me or called me out on it so, I think it was a success. At least that's what I'll tell myself. What do you think?  

  • Top: orange button down shirt, Eddie Bauer
  • Bottomorange, beige, and brown plaid skirt, LOFT 
  • Shoes & Accessoriesbrown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; amelia drop earrings, Stella & Dot


I most recently wore this shirt here.

Back At It

I hope everyone had an amazing long weekend (even if it wasn't as long as mine) with family and friends. Mine was pretty cray cray and i will tell you all about it in due time... Right now, I am slowly integrating back into the real world via work, errands, blogging, etc. "Slowly" being the key word though because this outfit is from yesterday. I promise, by Friday afternoon we will be all caught up. Since it is another short (and hot) week I am less inclined to throw myself back into full business professional attire anyway and am instead focused on the "casual" side of my office dress code.

This shirt was something that I picked up last month while I was visiting some of my favorite shopping places my cousin. As a busty person and former prep school student I normally stay away from button down shirts. Besides the fact that almost flashing people is awkward, surviving including this simple style in every outfit for four years straight made me never want to go back. Don't even get me started on crested blazers but, I digress...  Ever since my whole new cardigan experience, however, I have been interested in/more comfortable with trying out button down things so I am trying it out, thoughts?
  • Top: purple gingham shirt, J Crew via Clementine
  • Bottom: khaki green skirt, Merona
  • Shoes & Accessories: silver cap toe ballet flats, Guiseppe Zanotti via Buffalo Exchange; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.


Saturday, July 4, 2015

Happy 4th of July


Friday, July 3, 2015

Long(er) Weekend


So after the last three four day weekend and subsequent lack of feeling relaxed upon my return to the real world I decided to extend this three day weekend to five days. Crazy, I know... I'll be going away again for fun times with family and friends but, this time I will have one full day of decompressing when I get back before heading to the office. Hopefully that's enough. What are your plans for the weekend? ALL the barbecues? Roadtrip? I can't wait to hear all about it!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Child of the Zodiac

This outfit is from yesterday. Yes, I am all over the place with posting but, will be back to normal next week. You'll see...

Is this week eShakti week? That would be fun (and possible now) but, no... but, as I mentioned last month I was tempted at the eleventh hour to purchase some dresses from eShakti. Those coupons and sales are hard to resist! While I was combing through their extensive collection of dresses, skirts, jumpsuits etc. there were a few that I kept coming back to in my attempts to meet my minimum purchase requirements to get the maximum savings. This dress was (obviously) one of them. How fun is this pattern? As a former teenage girl I was immediately drawn to the mystical zodiac symbols, what's your sign?

When I was trying to select the appropriate size to order I was faced with a new challenge. Although eShakti is great and saves all of your measurements when you create an account with them for easy ordering none of the measurements that were saved in their system applied to me anymore. Thanks, less face. I had to bust out the tape measure and determine my new measurements. No biggie except while trying to determine my (newer) size I came to a realization (again) that my body shape is not standard and most of the stock sizes wouldn't fit me even though I now have less face. Thank goodness for affordable customization! The best moment was later when I my order finally came. I opened the package, took out the dress, and thought, "that is really small I totally messed up on the measurements" but, subsequently tried it on and it fit. Have you ordered through eShakti? How has your experience been?
  • Top: star signs stripe waist cotton dress, eShakti
  • Shoes & Accessories: black peep toes wedges, Steve Madden; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

Blazer Vacation

This outfit is from last Thursday. We're almost all caught up...

It's hot outside, did you guys notice that? Yay, summer! While I couldn't be happier to wear white, head to the beach, barbecue, enjoy sunlight until late evening hours, and the many other things that come with summer I am not excited about dealing with the heat which is unusual. I pride myself on being summer baby and keeping it cool in warmer than warm temperatures but, this year I'll be honest, I am struggling. Enter, all the sleeveless things or at least "see you later" blazers! At least until it cools down a little...
  • Top: pink ruffle embellished shirt: LOFT via Clementine
  • Bottom: gray pants, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
  • Shoes & Accessoriesblack peep toe t-strap sandals, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

I most recently wore these pants here.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Lady In Red

This outfit is from yesterday. I only have a few stragglers to post and by next week I will be all caught up. Anyway, after getting an influx of new clothing items over the weekend I had to immediately start wearing them (obviously.) One of the challenges in wearing clothes that was from someone else's wardrobe is that it might need some tweaking stylistically or size wise but, that wasn't going to stop me! In the case of this dress, it was both. While the overall fit was sufficient it was a little big in the top. What made that more challenging to pull off was the sweetheart neckline. Tank top to the rescue, again,

Now on to the star of this ensemble, these shoes! I spotted them in the thrift store and just had to at least try them on, right? Yup. After walking around for five seconds a bit I just knew I had to add them to my shoe wardrobe, right? Exactly. They couldn't have been a more perfect match for this dress (ALL the retro inspired things) but, what else should I pair them with? Decisions, decisions....
  • Top: red sweetheart neckline dress, eShakti.com/Mom's closet raid; black tank top, Old Navy
  • Shoes & Accessories: black and white retro inspired pumps, Bakers via The Unique Thrift Store; vintage silver earrings, my Abuela