Weekend Wear: I'm On a (Birthday) Boat

You may or may not know that August is my birthday month! If you follow me on Instagram (like you should) then you would have gotten a proverbial play by play of all the fun things that have been going on. Sufficed to say birthdays are a big thing for me. In keeping with that fact I had charged Hubby with putting together a celebration since this year was a big one but, I am not a huge fan of logistics and planning when it comes to my own birthday. What he, and his assistants/besties of mine, came up with was completely unexpected; he charted a boat (the whole thing) for me and my friends to sail around New York City for the entire evening. There was excellent company, dancing, drinking, yummy food, and amazing views; it was so much fun!

I had picked this dress out for my birthday celebration months ago having no prior knowledge of what we were going to be doing, other than having a great time. While, I may not have known what the exact plans were I knew this dress fit and showed off my transitioned self in a great way so it, as well as the accompanying four inch heels, became non-negotiable in my mind. In retrospect my fixation on wearing this specific ensemble undoubtedly stemmed from the fact this is not a look I could have pulled off a few years ago, at least not comfortably. I am in better shape now that I was in high school and if a party for me (or everyday generally speaking) is not the time to celebrate/flaunt that, I don't know when will be.

• Top: beige striped bandage dress, Bailey 44 via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: silver peep toe booties, Carlos by Carlos Santana; vintage silver earrings, my abuela

Weekend Wear: (Surprise) Wedding Guest

I am alive! I know it's been a while and I will get into that but, right now I have a much more important question: Have you ever had someone close to you call you and announce that they are getting married? Yeah ok, totes normal. How about with the ceremony occurring within 48 hours of that conversation?! Me neither, that is until my cousin (bestie/partner in crime) called me on Thursday afternoon, before the most recent long weekend, to inform me that her and her boyfriend of a decade were going to tie the knot on Saturday. After the initial shock/excitement/panic/happiness I went into honorary bridesmaid mode trying to determine what the plans were, what (if anything) she needed me to bring, and how I could assist with things leading up to the ceremony.

It wasn't until much later that day that I started thinking about what my plans would be for the wedding? More specifically, what would I wear for the festivities? With the limited amount of time I had (understatement,) I needed to find something in my closet that would be appropriate. Thankfully, over the past few months, since the purge, I have been intermittently shopping and picking up items, with no rhyme or reason but, that fill gaps in my wardrobe. This amazing maxi dress seemed like a no brainer for a summer soiree but, not really for a wedding ensemble. My apprehension stemmed from the fact that "they" say you shouldn't wear black to weddings. In the end my cousin was ok with it so, what do "they" really know anyway?

• Top: black, red, and white polka dot maxi dress, Banana Republic via Clementine
• Shoes & Accessories: tortoise shell Wayfarers, Ray Ban via Lenscrafters; black Olivia sandals, Dolce Vita; pearl earrings, Macys

What Goes Around...

This outfit is from yesterday, I think I might have a two post a day limit in terms of what I can churn out. Maybe today I will break that streak and catch up. Better yet, maybe I can even get ahead of the curve! Whoa. I know, I know, I need to take it one steps at a time and not get ahead of myself. Anyway, clothes...

I picked this dress up at Old Navy a long time ago like, years. Do you remember it? I feel like you probably do because it was all over their ad campaign that season but, I digress... Then, I didn't really wear it all that often because it got too small/was a little too short. I did the only logical thing at that point and gave it to my Mom so someone could take advantage of it. Fast forward to now and it's back in my closet. Isn't it funny how that works out sometimes?  

• Top: blue and gray dress, Old Navy/Mom's closet raid
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift Store; peach cushion cut solitaire earrings, c/o Sorelli

Don't Be Basic

Last Monday my mood was pretty serious/annoyed/tired/synonym despite my happy face. While I was not necessarily excited to get back to the craziness that is work at this moment I was excited to wear this blazer! Mainly because I just got it I was still waiting for all of my tailoring to come back and my blazer options were/are limited, to say the least. Also, how cute is it? I can always count on Current Consignment, one of my favorite places to shop (in the tri-state area,) to have interesting, authentic, and generally affordable items. It's even better when they are having a 50% off sale.

But, about those Mondays... I think the easiest way to deal with less than fun situations (like Mondays) is just to dress your best and act as well put together as you look, even if you don't feel it. Most of the time people are convinced. No? Maybe that just works for me. Either way, it's worth a shot when you are feeling less than motivated. Even if it doesn't work at least you would look good trying!

• Top: blue short sleeved sweater, LOFT; beige blazer, Nanette Leopore via Current Consignment
• Bottom: yellow fresh bloom pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: taupe pumps, Steven Madden; pearl earrings, Macys 

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

Purchases & Acquisitions: July 2015

Even though things were crazy last month (and continue to be so) I was still able to find time to do a little shopping... I am talented like that.

Clementine - $29.48 (gift card)

• yellow and pink t shirt, Lilly Pulitzer 

Ashby - $45.28 (secret gift from Hubby)

• black and white jumpsuit, Mossimo
• multicolor tank top, Boden

Target - $22.99

• green crepe shell blouse, Merona

Current Consignment - $39.50

• beige blazer, Nanette Lepore
• green gingham blouse, GAP

While I spent $62.49 this past month on clothes (and that's ok I guess) I am more focused on what's coming next in August. As you (should) know it's my birthday month so that means I get lots of things for my birthday and don't shop at all, shop like crazy because it's my birthday and I can, or both. We'll see how it goes. 

What was even more exciting than shopping was getting all of the items that I dropped off at the tailor back completely fitted to my new body shape. I may or may not have tried everything on and flounced around the house. I can't wait to share them with you too!