Teacher Dress

I'm sorry for the gap in posts; life happens, as you know. My personal style mission hasn't changed so, I am getting back to it... One of my biggest challenges this week so far was that I, kind of, hated (almost) every outfit that I put together over the weekend. So, instead of being able to post everything in advance, even pictures were taken, I ended up second guessing my ensembles, coming up with new (more awesome) outfits, and taking more pictures. Yes, it was as frustrating as it sounds. Now about those clothes...

This ensemble reminds me of something that a teacher would wear, right? Maybe I just had very fashion forward instructors when I was in school throughout the years. Either way, I was leading some trainings on Monday so, it was a teacher's outfit (technically.) This dress was my first experience with eShakti.com and I'm glad that it still fits (for the most part.) I didn't do much customization the first time around (other than adding pockets) but, the classic style and quality is something to note in the world of fast-fashion that we live in.

• Top: red blue bird printed dress, c/o eShakti.com; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; gray labradorite earrings, Pennyweights

I'm linking up with Mix It Mondays, Let It Shine, How I Spring, Monday Mingle, Creative Mondays,and Personal Style Monday

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

Half Day

Tomorrow is my test. I haven't been studying as much as I would have hoped so, it's cram time! I'm heading into work super (duper) early to get some last minute things out of the way for next week and then I'm turning around and heading back home to Starbucks to study my flash cards and take some practice tests. I am feeling 60% percent confident at this point so hopefully after all that I will be more so... I'll let you know how it goes, wish me luck.

While it is casual Friday, as well as a half day, I really wasn't feeling a denim ensemble. Instead I was feeling inspired by the season and my new found ability to wear white so, forget you (for now,) denim. While I don't strictly adhere to these unspoken known fashion rules they are in my mind from younger years when (I feel like) it was more of a "thing." Do you wear white before Memorial Day? How about after Labor Day? You rebel... Also, this is how grown ups mix patterns.

• Top: navy and white striped shirt, Christopher & Banks
• Bottom: cream and navy printed skirt, Libertine for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

I most recently wore this shirt here.

I'm linking up with Fab Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday, Passion 4 Fashion, and Casual Friday.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

Decisions, Decisions

I (unlike some people, apparently) am a proponent of a basic suit under the right circumstances. It really ups your professionalism and sometimes that is just what you need depending on the situation. Case and point, I am working out of the office today at an event so, normally, a suit combination would be my "go to" ensemble. I want to be comfortable (for the round trip drive, the running around, etc.) but, obviously I also need to represent.

Unfortunately, a perusal of my assemblage of current suits was unproductive, to say the least but, I think we already knew that. It might be time to set them free, maybe... There is always that "what if" situation where one might need a suit last minute. The real questions  is what's worse: not wearing a suit and relying on separates or showing up in a suit that is obviously one two sizes too big? I opted for the former scenario since wearing clothes that's too big (or small) looks unflattering but, is also uncomfortable.

• Top: beige floral dress, Merona via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; dangle silver bead earrings, gift from co-worker

I previously wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with  Spotlight Style, What I Wore to Work, I Feel Pretty, and  Fashion Files

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

Ray Of Light

I think this is going to be the nicest day of the week but, that's not saying much. There is actually a little sun next to the clouds in all the forecasts as opposed to little rain drops or more clouds. I hope the weather is lying again, it's almost officially summer and 50° in June doesn't work for me. Heavier jackets and turning on the heat on are done until the fall, darn it! Ok, I've complained about the weather enough.

Since there wasn't any rain forecasted I was excited to be able to wear a skirt. After reflecting on the 260 Days, No Repeats "archives" it is well documented that I (apparently) prefer skirts to pants. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's because skirts (and dresses) are easy to wear, or maybe because I have lots of them and the possibilities are endless. Either way, I have a feeling that skirts are going to be just as prevalent now as they were in the past as long as the weather gets it together but, I digress...

• Top: white, black, and pink paisley tank top, WUHOU via Big Fat Flea; black short sleeved blazer, Juicy Couture via Ashby
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

I previously wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse 

 Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

Summer Chill

I feel like this weather is really cramping my style. It's June right? Yeah, I thought so. So, shouldn't we all be commuting in flip flops and worrying about dressing for increasingly warmer weather to survive the heat instead of hauling out rain boots and scarves to stave off the cold? OK, I'm glad you agree with me... Maybe the weather will be a liar in our favor and it will say rain but, there will be sun and warmth. That would be great because I would love to grab a fun skirt or dress instead of pants (again.) At least I didn't have to tuck these... 

• Top: purple crochet embellished shirt, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: gray pants, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

Function Over Form

Today's outfit was born from necessity. After the mini tornado yesterday (hail, no joke,) non-stop torrential down pour overnight, and ongoing showers this morning things are pretty gross. Despite the fact that on Mondays I try to like to keep things positive there is no way around that statement, it's a fact. Fortunately, that doesn't mean I can't motivate and make it work; I'm channeling a "storm" outfit (that's what boots and skinny pants are for after all) which is appropriate for what the forecast suggested.

You would assume that skinny pants were something readily available to me but, you would be mistaken. I recovered these from the tailoring pile because they needed hemming. Also, these pants are a size (or three two) too big. I'm hanging on them because they are stretchy and they work for now. Also, I'm tired of having to replace clothes but, I digress... I'm not sure how much longer these pants (and other items I'm too stubborn to let go of) will last. 

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT 
• Bottom: gray skinny pants, Mossimo
• Shoes & Accessories: black motorcycle rain boots, c/o Cougar AND leopard print flats, Seychelles (not pictured;) vintage silver earrings, my Abuela 

I'm linking up with Style to Inspire, Mix It Mondays, Let It Shine, How I Spring, Monday Mingle, Creative Mondays, and Personal Style Monday

Giveaway: Nailipop Manicure Strips

Moment of honesty, I went tried to go to a local nail salon yesterday and get my nails did. Instead there was a mini tornado that kept me from leaving the house. While, sometimes you have to know when to call in the professionals and this was could have been one of those moments, it wasn't... downed trees and disabled cars prevented me from being able to get anywhere even though the weather calmed down. Since I hadn't been keeping up with my own manicures my nails and cuticles were in rough shape. Thanks to some expert pampering (by me) everything is back to normal so next week I can get back into "do it yourself" mode maybe try again.

Now for the reason your all really here, the giveaway. I can't think of a better giveaway for #manimonday than these Nailipop manicure strips. As I've mentioned before they are an excellent option is you are looking for an inexpensive, quick, and easy manicure with one of the most eclectic selections of patterns. Thankfully Nailipop threw in some extra sets with my last order (aren't they the best) and I am want to share those with you so you can try them out and flex your do it yourself manicure muscles.

This giveaway will be until June 14, 2015 and is open to ALL readers in USA. Enter via the widget below and best of luck to everyone!

Entry-Form

Weekend Wear: DIY Social Butterfly

There were a few things going on this weekend on top of of normal weekend activities (grocery/laundry/tidying up/mulching) like, brunch breakfast on the Upper East Side with a friend visiting from out of state and a baby shower out on the (almost) end of Long Island for my cousin in-law. Did I mention they were both in the same day? Nope, well you can imagine the travel involved... You're not from here? Trust me, it's a substantial amount. Since I needed to be ready to go from spin class to breakfast to baby shower I may or may not have resembled a bag lady in the morning leaving the house. Baby Gift? Check. Gym Bag? Check. Awesome outfit to seamlessly transition through the days activities? Check, although it took me a while to get there.

It was particularly challenging to identify something from my current wardrobe options that fit and was appropriate for the prescribed setting of the baby shower. Two words: Country. Club. After going through my options I wasn't left with many choices. Thanks, less body... The whole process was frustrating, to say the least, and I was about to give up when I caught a glimpse of this fun, forgotten dress in pile of clothes to be tailored/sent to the tailor. When I tried it on I resembled (the child of) a housewife (playing dress up) which felt (ironically) appropriate. I just needed to find a way to make it work despite the lack of an all night tailor in my area. Enter tiny sewing kit! I made a few simple adjustments and the dress went from falling off and almost flashing people to what you see, how do you think it came out?

• Top: yellow hot air balloon printed dress, eShakti.com
• Shoes & Accessories: blue Orissa peep toe pump, Nine West (my wedding shoes;) pearl earrings, Macy's; bronze clutch, Brahmin c/o Vogue Magazine (not pictured)

I'm linking up with Watch What I'm Wearing and Sunday FUNday

Friday Already?

Is it really Friday? Excellent! This (short) week has (seemingly) flown by and even though we are coming off of a (hypothetically) relaxing long weekend I am more than ready to have another little break. Having a long weekend can be extremely productive if you stay home but, if you go away all of your "fun" weekend chores spill over into the week which is what I have been contending with. Grocery? Nope. Laundry? Barely. Tidying up? Hahaha, you're funny but, I digress...

Today I gave up on my attempts to avoid jeans, which are normally allowable, on casual Friday. I had my reasons, at the beginning of the week when I put all these fabulous outfits together it was supposed to be cooler... thanks for lying, the weather. Also, it has been a crazy week (see aforementioned) and I am embracing the laid back attitude of casual Friday. Overall, I wanted to and is there any better reason that that?

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT; khaki green blazer, GAP
• Bottom: skinny jeans, BDG via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: tan gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless; chantilly lace chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot 

I'm linking up with Fab Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday, Passion 4 Fashion, and Casual Friday

Jacket Strongly Suggested

While I love mixing and matching separates as much as the next person sometimes you just want to wear a suit. Whether it is because the situation expressly calls for it or you are just feeling that a suit is more appropriate it is good to have at least one good suit in your wardrobe as a standby for such occasions. Even though I have amassed a moderate suit wardrobe none of them fit me (as you all know) and that is getting old. I think it's time to suck it up and buy at least one new suit even if I could still end up losing more face because today is one of those work days where a suit would have been more appropriate. 

Even though I feel like a suit might have been a more appropriate ensemble today, I am in love with the skirt I am wearing. Yay, other clothes too! But, I digress... first of all it's tweed and we all know how I feel about that. Secondly, if you look closely you'll see, the tweed has a rainbow of colors integrated amidst the overall black and white color combo. When I came across it in Goodwill I was drawn to the tweed but, I couldn't put it down after I tried it on because of all the subtle colors. What was the last item you can across while shopping that was just meant to be part of your wardrobe?

• Top: red ruffled embellished tank top, apostrophe via Goodwill; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: rainbow tweed skirt, Tahari via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with Spotlight Style, What I Wore to Work, I Feel Pretty, Look What I Got, and  Fashion Files

(Business) Casual

Did you notice that it became summer yesterday? No? Maybe it wasn't as hot by you as it was here in New York City. Even though the official start of the summer season is not for a few weeks the temperatures climbed to 88°! While I love warmer weather, I regretted wearing what I did yesterday, namely the black cardigan sweater. It felt a little oppressive especially after I left the nice air conditioned office to go get lunch. If this feels like too heat much now, how am I going to survive the (actual) summer season?

Since there isn't anything formal going on today at work I decided to lean more towards to "casual" side of business casual. Also, I was just itching to wear these pants I picked up over the weekend, aren't they great? I had been scouring stores for this kind of color/pattern combo to no avail but, finally found them at one of my favorite stores which just so happens to be in Richmond, VA. A long way to travel for clothes I know but, Ashby is just that good... kidding, I have family in the area and great thrift shopping is just a bonus. Do you have any special shopping spots to hit while your on vaca?

• Top: orange button down shirt, Eddie Bauer
• Bottom: black and white printed pants, Kenar via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: purple Reva ballet flats, Tory Burch; pearl earrings, Macys 

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse

Grind In Style

How was your Memorial Day weekend? Good, glad to hear it! Mine was relaxing and fun but, I could still use a least five three one more days since I spent a good amount of time in transit. Next holiday weekend, I think I will make it a seven six five day weekend but, I digress... One thing about taking a vacation weekend is that there is limited (if any) time for picture taking Sundays which normally enhances my ability to blog normally throughout the week. I apologize in advance for delays, if any. 

Coming back to reality from the holiday weekend and pulling myself out of bed this morning was even more of a challenge than normal but, I'm determined to get back to my daily routine. Early morning spin? Check. Getting to work a little early? Check. That about sums up my morning but, it makes me happy when I can complete these tasks as seamlessly as possible... A simple (and stylish) outfit is a huge part of making that happen. A sweater and skirt/pants is my go to combination to accomplish this. What does your ensemble look like when you are back at work after a holiday weekend?

• Top: black cardigan, Merona
• Bottom: gray lace skirt, Tara Jarmon for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

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

Happy Memorial Day

Weekend Wonting

Is it Friday yet? I feel like it should be, don't you? Can't you just feel the long weekend calling? No? Ok, fine... let's talk about this shirt. You all (should) know how I feel about stripes. They contribute heavily to a fashion wasteland but, sometimes I'm into it so it's no big deal. This simple navy and white striped shirt is a big deal (to me) though. I spent months (seriously) searching in thrift/regular stores to find the most classic of striped shirts to no avail.

I finally caved and started searching online and wasn't having significantly different luck... After a few tries perusing Google Shopping I came across the website for Christopher & Banks and they had exactly what I wanted (finally) it so I ordered it based on the size chart and waiting with bated breathe for it to arrive. When the shirt came it was HUGE, I should have just ordered a few sizes to try on because that is the story of my life but, I digress... when I went back on the website almost all the sizes were sold out in almost all the colors and I (still) had no idea what size I am was so, I took a chance and ordered the smallest size based on my experience trying on the first shirt and it fits well... who knew?

• Top: navy and white striped shirt, Christopher & Banks
• Bottom: khaki green capris, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Marshalls
• Shoes & Accessories: nude flats, Coach; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

Tweed Day

If you didn't already know, I have a thing for tweed. I will wear it whatever the season and don't necessarily limit it to clothing items (see shoes.) I'm not sure where the attraction comes from but, that's ok. Maybe it's the way that tweed can squeeze lots of colors into one item of clothing or how classic it is (two words: Chanel Suit.) Whatever the reason I have come to terms with my strong affinity for looking like a librarian or a professor. I'll draw the line at shoulder patches but, I digress...

When I saw this tweed blazer on the sale rack at ReDress in Brooklyn many moons ago, before they closed, I was instantly drawn to it (shocker.) To my surprise the blazer had a matching skirt (AKA a suit) but, in all years since I purchased it I haven't ever worn it. It's a shame since both pieces were a little tight when I bought them and are a little lot loose now... I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to be able to pull both pieces off because wearing things that are too big on you is similarly awkward to wearing things that are too small., life lessons.

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT; greed tweed blazer, H&M via ReDress
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesdays, What I Wore, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse.

Pattern Mixing Redux

When I first started blogging my fashion stylings were a little "vanilla." Then, as time progressed, I got more comfortable with the "institution" of fashion blogging I began trying new things and experimenting with bolder pairings. I can't say they were all amazing ensembles but, they were different, fun, and helped me accomplish my goal of one year, no repeats to work. One of the tools that I kept/keep coming back to when putting together outfits is pattern mixing but, as I drifted away from fashion blogging pattern mixing wasn't a thing anymore. I have a feeling it might be experiencing a come back... polka dots and snake print that's cray cray. How do you put together creative, fun outfits?

• Top: ivory ruffle embellished tank top, Ralph Lauren Sport via Current Consignment; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: snake print pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with Trend Spin, Style Swap Tuesdays, All About You, and Confident Twosdays

Basic Black "Suit"

This weekend we moved picture taking Sunday to a different part of the lawn where the sun was not trying to blind me (awkward face.) I guess later in the day would be better next time but, I digress... at least we got it done unlike last week. Like last Monday I am all about getting down to business can't you tell form my serious face? No, fine... good thing I'm wearing this "suit" to convey the serious and professional nature of my attitude. Also, I'm presenting today so my ensemble needs to be in line with that and we've I've leaned separates are the best when you are in between suits.  

Let's talk about this shirt for a moment. Have you ever found something while perusing a store that just seemed too good to be true? That was this shirt... While combing through the clearance rack at a local consignment store the bold pattern caught my eye. When I picked it up I realized, after the double take, that it was Missoni, real Missoni (yay) for 75% off the already reduced price (more yay.) After I tried it on and it fit how could I not buy it? There was no way, it was meant to be. What have been some of your greatest shopping "steals?"

• Top: orange striped tank top, Missoni via Current Consignment; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: black slacks, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with Style to Inspire, Mix It Mondays, Visible Monday, Let It Shine, How I Spring, Monday Mingle, Creative Mondays, Two Birds, and Personal Style Monday

Casual (Non-Denim) Friday

After my introspective "to jean or not to jean" question last Friday it was still on my mind as casual Friday rolled around again. As I planned my (last minute) outfit  I considered all the valid points from the article I tweeted that were made in support of skipping denim like:

• Is the traditional practice really in the best interest of the unstoppable, career-driven women of today. 
• The idea wasn't created with women’s fashions in mind...  What’s the female equivalent of skipping the tie and jacket?
• Female leaders, whether we like it or not, have long been relying on style to help gain respect, influence or power in ways in which men frankly have not had to
• While there is still a clear uniform for men, women instead have endless options, and each possible choice invites its own scrutiny from others

So, despite my true desires, I decided not to wear jeans on Fridays. While my actions were contrary to how I normally feel they were made much easier compounded by the fact that I was giving a formal performance evaluation to someone. In that moment, when your entire interaction is imbued with corporate structure and formality, it made sense. We'll see about next Friday... 

• Top: blue gray ruffle embellished cardigan, Merona 
• Bottom: black capri pants, Lands End
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, Seychelles; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

Pencil Skirt For The Win

Wednesday night was the last night of my certification/professional development test prep class (yay?) I enjoyed being back in the classroom enhancing my knowledge of things but, it wasn't all "message in a dry erase pen on the door" and frat party fun. I have a whole new respect for people who work full time while going back to school. It is exhausting. Thankfully, now that the class has come to an end I can get back to normal life (crazy work, house stuff, blogging) while continuing to study on my own time for the test in June. 

I more impressed with the fact that I pulled off a more polished outfit than last week. That's not to say that capris and a sweater are unprofessional (they're not) but, a pencil skirt and sweater trumps the former in professional style points every time, don't you think? My picture location (dressing room) is just another reminder that planning ahead for blogging things it better than winging it throughout the busy work week. Lesson learned...

• Top: purple sweater, Sonoma 
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

New (Stripe) Perspective

Stripes are everywhere! Who knew that the shopping world would be overflowing with an influx of the simplest patterns known to humans, stripes and polka dots... While I find myself frustrated with the lack of other options, when shopping, I still find myself drawn to them. That is true even despite the fact that as a curvier person I was always warned of all they ways they would negatively enhance my appearance. When I saw this dress on the sale rack in one of my favorite thrift stores I gravitated towards it immediately. It must have been the original pattern, black and tan stripes, revolutionary! Then things got cray cray. 

I was a initially deterred by the "small" size but, decided it couldn't hurt to try it on. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my body dysmorphia concern about the size was mostly unwarranted, the dress fit. Beyond that, it looked lovely and extremely professional after I paired it with a blazer. Other people said so too! However, wearing this dress to work (even with super SPANX) was a different story. Everything was out there! Not in an inappropriate way just in a "closer to my body than I am used to" way with the added bonus of stripes to highlight all the things or not...

• Top: black and tan striped dress, Spense via Ashby; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

I had said before that I wanted to highlight when I had previously worn something so I'm going to try this: I most recently wore this blazer here. We'll see how that evolves if at all...