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

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

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

Weekly Manicure: Rawr

While I enjoy the options and creative possibilities that nail polish allows I have not yet perfected the manicure process to the point where I can avoid chipping. I think I am in line with what most would consider “best practice” but, still see my manicure falling to pieces (literally) after two or three days. What advice would you have to create or maintain a long lasting manicure? I’d be happy to put this into practice next week when I sit down and do my nails.

Based on this seemingly inevitable manicure disappointment over the past two weeks I have decided to go with Sally Hansen Manicure Strips this week to avoid (almost) immediate chipping. I picked this specific pattern up on complete impulse when I saw it at CVS. I just can’t ignore that lipstick nail polish effect especially when it’s something new and exciting. There have a bunch of fun colors/patterns in this Rock of Ages collection but, Rock N' Roar was the only one calling to me as I glanced over my options. Who can resist a good animal print? That’s right, nobody…

Ironically Sally Hansen Manicure Strips would be against the “advice” of a mall kiosk person I met last weekend. Let me set the scene: I was shopping with my cousin and giving consultative wardrobe advice. As we were crawling the malls near her I spotted a kiosk that sold Incoco strips and Konad plates. I was super excited because I haven’t had the option to buy either in person yet. When I walked over to browse I was immediately assaulted greeted and the salesperson asked if I wanted to try a sample. I said yes (to a Konad design) but, she assumed that I meant the Incoco strips and proceeded to try to remove the polish (gasp) I had on my nail.

The crisis was averted and she stamped my nail, it came out really well. I suggested that my cousin try the strips because of their convenience and ease of use. While I tried to tell my cous about my personal experience with Incoco the conversation was peppered with comments from the sales person. While I said they were similar to Sally Hansen she insisted they were nothing alike and that Incoco is superior. When I said they were both nail polish strips she said Sally Hansen was plastic and Incoco was seven layers of polish. When I said that they lasted for at least a week she insisted that it was more like 14 days. The only thing that she didn’t contradict me on was when I said that there were a lot of great patterns on the website. It was a very awkward experience especially since I am familiar with/an advocate of Incoco nail strips.

While I went Sally Hansen this time around I think my nails came out pretty well, don’t you?

Do you utilize manicure strips or do you think they are just a passing trend? If you do are you a Sally Hansen or Incoco person or do you use some cool new thing that I’ve never heard about?

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!

November 8, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere Has Colored Tights

When colored tights came up at the theme for this month over at Everybody, Everywear I knew that I had this in the bag. Remember rainbow tights week? Yeah... I'm excited to break the stretchy goodness out of hibernation! Unfortunately, it is uncommonly warm today. Why not have a snow storm then an almost 70° day within a few weeks of each other? It makes total sense to me but, I might need to hold off on breaking out the rest for a little while longer...

• Top:  gray camo/animal print ruffle button down shirt, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; teal tights, Merona for Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

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

August 24, 2011: You Say Goodbye And I Say Hello

Last night I said goodbye so long for now to my college roommate. I have to keep reminding myself that it's not forever, she will be back soon! Plus, now they make these magical things called phones and Skype so we should be able to keep in touch no problem. Tonight I am meeting up with one of my cousins to help her with her resume/job search. Thankfully we're meeting at a place not far from my job so tonight shouldn't be a late one. She's not one of the cousins that I am super close with but, I am happy to help. Maybe I'll make a new friend, Hello!

This dress is one of my thrifting treasures. When my Mom and I went this year for a potential birthday extravaganza I didn't end up finding as much stuff as last year but, that's ok. It's the nature of thrifting! I was definitely at a loss when it came to accessorizing this posh polyester prize. I originally picked out a pair of gold hoop earrings but, ended up going with a different pair. I was really aware that those types of earrings might send a message (I'm Puerto Rican if you didn't know) to people who think in negative stereotypes.

Maybe I'm just being self conscious but, I tend to stay away from certain types of jewelry (ahem, gold hoops) because of the message that it could send. Mostly, I just don't prefer gold though. Do you ever find yourself limiting your wardrobe so people don't judge you based on any kind (sex, nationality, etc.) of stereotypes ?

• Top: purple vintage dress, birthday gift from mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: brown giraffe print peep toe shoes, Adrienne Vitadinni via DSW/gift from BF; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; brown tote bag, Bulga  

My Stella and Dot picks for this outfit are:

Estate Chandelier Earrings

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

July 14, 2011: A Neutral Party

Apparently these pants lead themselves to be paired with neutral items of clothing. I will have to shake that up moving forward... next time hot pink sweater (or something similar)! There is no reason to play it safe every time I wear them, right? Maybe it's this new office which has led me to be a little more conservative maybe...

Do you have clothing items like this? You know, the ones the draw you to other staples like they were made to be put together... How do you break out of that mold?

• Top: white ruffle button down blouse, LOFT; brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black capri pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; purple shoulder bag, Coach

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

July 11/July 12, 2011: Monday and Tuesday

If I can get todays outfit up later and keep the momentum going for the rest of the week I will be officially caught up! I am so excited about the propect because that means I can venture into some of the extra things that I have been thinking about. Wish me luck!

July 12, 2011

• Top: cream embellished tissue tee, Banana Republic;  brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target; mixed metal earrings, gift from Natalia/ModCloth; purple shoulder bag, Coach (not pictured)

July 13, 2011

• Top: blue floral dress with metallic bead embellishment, LOFT borrowed from Mom; white linen blazer, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple shoulder bag, Coach (not pictured)

July 5, 2011: Getting Back To It

I hope everyone had a lovely long weekend. Did you see fireworks? Did you rock your stylish red, white, and blue? I'm sure you all looked fabulous in your patriotic wares!

First of all I would like to say thanks BF for snapping pictures of me mid blink, I look a bit tired/skeptical/ridiculous but, I digress... I am ready to get back to work today and it is going to be a hot one! A blazer seemed absolutely unbearable so I tried to think of a professional alternative; enter the vest! What do you wear when you want to stay work appropriate but, you can't stand the heat of a suit or blazer?

• Top: orange short sleeved button down shirt, Eddie Bauer via Melissa; brown embellished tank top as vest, croft & barrow via Mom
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown giraffe print peep toe shoes, Adrienne Vitadinni via DSW; gold perforated earrings, New York & Company; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

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

FBFF: Spring Trends

 What are the top 5 Spring trends that you are looking forward to seeing/sporting this season?

1. Wide Leg Pants - I have learned to appreciate skinny pants and jeggings as much as the next girl but, my first love is a wide leg pant! This is definitely the trend that I am most excited for.
2. Animal Print - I feel like animal prints are one of the spot on trends every other season which in my mind makes them more classic than anything else.
3. Longer Skirts - I wasn't sure that maxi dresses would work for me but, I have found ways to make that happen and they are so comfortable and easy I don't know why I ever questioned it.
4. Bright Colors - This is one trend that I am more excited to see other people wear although, I'm sure I could rock the coral color that everyone is loving!
5. Stripes - I feel the same way about stripes that I do about animal prints, you hear about them every other season especially with all the nautical stuff that was going on last spring and before that... classic!

I think it might be time for another "You've Got This" Week... What spring trend are you most excited about?

February 25, 2011: You Were The One I Loved, The One Thing That I Tried To Hold On To

Sorry for being so MIA things have been a little hectic around here; new jobs are crazy! I will be catching up as quickly as I can. Anyway... remember how I had said there would be no more Friday jeans for me well, that wasn't entirely accurate. The new office where I am does a charity day one Friday a month where if you donate to a worthy cause you can delight in denim. Sufficed to say I had no problem finding a few bucks especially because it was rainy and gross outside. Money can buy happiness... at least in terms of corporate casual Friday.

One cause that I was unfortunately lax about this month was wearing red to promote heart health. There were a few days where I did but, not on Fridays. I tried to stick with it for the last Friday of the month especially after I found a donation kit from the American Heart Association in my new desk. My new boss informed me that they always send something and to just toss it because that wasn't a chosen charity for 2011 (she's not as rough as she sounds, I promise.) In the kit there was a bag of red dress pins so I snagged one for myself. I have lots of extras so, if you interested please email me. I'd be happy to send one your way (US addresses only)

On another note, I miscounted when I said I had three months left. Really this personal style challenge comes to a close on April 1, 2011 since it started (way back in the day) on April 1, 2010. So that means that this is the last month. I know I can't believe it either.

• Top: white crochet neck top, LOFT (same shirt different color here,here, here, here, and here); brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; red dress pin, American Heart Association; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

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January 31, 2011: Dress For Success

Monday I went to work on a mission, I was going to give my two weeks notice. No, not on a whim; I got a new job! I have actually been look for a while sporadically but, recently it took a turn for the serious and within a week or two I was going on first and second round interviews and apparently acing them. More on that later though...

I was super nervous about giving my notice for a whole bunch of reasons like what if my boss gets mad at me or what is he offers me more money to stay (which wouldn't work) or what if he gets super sad? More importantly though, what if he gets mad at me? I was still hoping for a recommendation on top of the fact that I genuinely like my boss and want to stay BFF4L!

So, in an effort to calm my nerves I did that thing I do... got dressed. I know we've talked about this before but, I would just like to reiterate my firm belief in the fact that when you look put together you exude more confidence and in turn feel more confident of yourself or at least I do. So animal print mixed with animal print and killer heels in the snow it was. Too bad he was on vacation yesterday.

• Top: purple v-neck sweater, H&M; leopard tank top underneath for the modesty, Express
• Bottom:  ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; gray tights, We Love Colors; gray labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns 

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

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January 26/28, 2011: Catching Up

So as you all know last weekend was pretty lousy for me. Thankfully the week to follow was filled with some seriously good things despite all the other junk. More to come on that later...

Wednesday was cold, kind of like the day before that and the day before that. Now let me tell you how I really feel... this cold is never going to end. I'm ready for you now spring, I really am! I am trying not to fall into the cozy style faux pas of skinnies tucked into snow boots every day but, it's SO hard. Do you have any advice on how to fight this? I welcome suggestions...

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

Thursday I was hip deep in snow when I left my apartment so... I stayed home. Thankfully so did BF and we dug out the car for my Friday trek to work. I had a job fair scheduled so I really wanted to make it into the office and off to the fair. The outfit was a little on the casual side for job fairs but, had a mentioned it was cold? Also, it was Friday and I hate to give up my denim. I sit behind a table anyway so no one really sees my legs anyway. Although, when I walked in someone mistook me for a student, awkward... I wouldn't wear this ensemble to a job fair! 

• Top: cream, yellow, and brown argyle sweater, GAP; orange tank top underneath, New York and Company 
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: brown suede boots, Chinese Laundry via DSW; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

Night Out: New Years House Party

What did you end up doing for New Years? I was performing in a chorus line... no wait, that's not right. One of my friends had a house party and heading over there before the ball dropped was a no brainer. BF took this picture at 4 in the morning when we got home; I just had to bring down the house with my assorted performing arts skills but, I digress... What to wear took a little more thought. I knew I wanted to keep it casual and wear jeans but, just any old jeans wouldn't do! Thankfully I found these chic trouser jeans while I was exchanging/returning some Christmas gifts at LOFT. These pants had some weird buttons on the pockets that I removed and I hemmed them because apparently I am shrinking but, other than that perfect! I should just quit my day job and become a tailor or a dancer, decisions decisions...

I also knew even though I wasn't going to be super fancy I still wanted to shine and/or sparkle (dancer for sure.) I had this shirt waiting in the wings but, was hoping to come across something else. My fashion prayers were answered when I stopped into TJ Maxx to pick up the last part of the awesome gift my brother I and myself got our mom. Thankfully I still had a little bit of cash left over from the shopping errands I ran for my dad and this glitzy number was on super sale. Mission accomplished now let's dance!

• Top: green t-shirt with sequins embellishment, Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx/gift from Dad; white tank top, New York and Company
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York and Company; Swarovski crystal teardrop earrings, V'ta jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

December 14, 2010: First Snow

When I woke up yesterday I was greeted by a layer of the white stuff on the ground. That sneaky overnight precipitation added nicely to my feeling of blah after the non-stop weekend, it was an epic battle to get out of bed and both sides suffered casualities. Snow (even if it's only a half an inch) always makes me want to crawl back under the covers, adults should have snow days too! I don't know who says it's not winter yet but, I would beg to differ. Anyway... I toughed it out (in the words of my boss) and got ready for work but, there was no room for chances. I threw on my trusty Cougar boots and a big comfy sweater to keep warm, a stylish compromise. What's your favorite way to stay stylish and keep warm?

• Top: beige cowl neck sweater, Old Navy; white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; moonstone earrings, V'ta jewelry; leopard print headband, Target $1.00 bin (marked down to $.25!); black spy bag, Fendi 

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

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Weekend Wear: Christmas Tree

For the first time in my life I went to a Christmas tree farm to get our tree with BF and a friend. I had always envisioned that trip to be one where I would be bundled up in my trusty coat with a hat, gloves, and crazy snow boots to combat the winter chill. That was not the case yesterday since it was unseasonably warm and raining... One thing I did stick with though was the boots because I couldn't wait to try out my new Cougar snow boots! It is taking too long for the white stuff to get here...

I have to say they are every bit as fantastic in practical use and they were when I tried them on in my apartment! They fit perfectly even though they are a half size smaller than I would normally wear. They were 100% waterproof (which I tested by sloshing around in puddles like a small child) and they kept my feet nice and toasty. I was a little apprehensive about the fur around the top of the boot when I tried them on at home because I have pretty large calves and the fur (in my opinion) made my calf look even bigger when I wore it folded down. Thankfully the extra long laces allowed me to tie the cuffs up and control the fluff! Plus, I could show of the little Cougar logo in the back. Lastly, on top of everything else they garnered lots of compliments! I would call that an awesome boot...

We also ended up getting a lovely tree! It was definitely different from driving around locally and buying a tree from some people who have set up shop outside a super market/gas station/pharmacy under the subway (which sounds like oxymoron I know but, it's not) I don't know if I would want to have to drive as far next year but, it was worth the experience plus, we got to see one of my cousin's who lives near there. Awesome boots, great tree, and fun times with family and friends sounds like an amazing trip to me!

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; yellow and leopard print tank tops (for the modesty) Proenza Schouler for Target and Express respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; blue goldstone earrings, mall kiosk in California; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

Weekend Wear: A Ruby Anniversary

One of my dearest friends parents (who are also very dear to me) are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary next weekend. Congratualtions to them!! My friend, her brother, and sister-in-law are throwing them a party this weekend (to throw them off) and I was more than happy to attend and help out! In terms of what to wear and the gift I was at a loss. It was a casual affair but, still a special ocassion so... jeans? They're fancy and in italics so, that must be right. How about a shirt that "matches" the year's gift? Sounds good to me but, what is that? Plus, what do you get a couple of parents who seemingly have everything?

I'm sure everyone knows that for a 25th wedding anniversary you are supposed to buy the couple or your respective spouse silver, for the 50th anniversary it's gold and so on... but, what about the other anniversaries that are in no way less significant? Well, that's what the internet is for! The 40th wedding anniversary is the ruby anniversary so, I promptly headed out to the store to buy my friend's parents the biggest ruby I could find... then I snapped back to reality and realized I am quite cash poor and needed to find a little something that was significant without breaking the bank. Scroll down to see what I came up with... Happy Anniversary Anne and Rufus!

• Top: maroon sweater, ABStudio via Mom with a white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black and gray leopard print peep toe pumps, Hollywould for Target; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray balenciaga le-dix/motorocylce bag (not pictured)
• Gift: awesome ornament, Iris & BF... PRICELESS! 

Disclaimer: That is a heart to signify their love and anniversary-ness... I am not pregnant!
BF seemed to think this picture gave that message.

December 10, 2010: Broken Rules? Almost...

When I was day dreaming about what my Friday outfit would be on Thursday I had this great, totally unique idea... it looked something like this. Actually, it was exactly that with my trusty flyaway cardi belted over the tank with leopard print flats instead of sandals. I almost repeated an outfit, (gasp) for shame... Thankfully my groggy Friday morning self remembered wearing the zipper embellished tank top to work and put it all together before I made an egregious faux pas! (phew) I need to remember to check here so a potential disaster doesn't happen again...

Do you have any fun things planned for the weekend? I actually have quite a whirlwind ahead of me starting in about an hour and continuing into Monday but, that means potential fun weekend wear looks for you, wish me luck!

• Top: olive green rhinestone embellished tank top, New York and Company; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach outlet 

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