Weekend Wear: Completely Caved

I'll be honest, I feel like the summer is already over... It didn't help that when I went shopping with Mom for my birthday (YAY LOFT Friends and Family Sale) the majority of the things I saw were for the fall. As I sarted to embrace the layers and jewel tones of the upcoming season's palatte I couldn't help but, be drawn to the super trendy and apprently inescapable "jegging." That's right people... I am a sucker!  I tried them on (even though I had been vehemently against them for me) and loved the look plus the extreme level of comfort. I took them for a real road test today running some errands and they did not dissapoint. I kind of hate to admit it but, I might be the newest jegging convert!

• Top: ivory tank top with embroidered neck, Patrick Robinson for Target with another tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; brown belt, New York and Company; gold and mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth

July 6, 2010: Slave To The Grind

How was your long weekend? Mine was like a breath of fresh air! But, it's back to work today... I'm attempting a little pattern mixing with polka dots and argyle but, should I have gone all the way and added the pinstripe skirt? I thought about it but, it just felt to me like I was trying too hard.

On another note, the roundup is coming soon... I'll be honest, I checked out these past few days and didn't even attempt to finish it. This weekend was all about relaxing with loved ones so I barely checked my personal facebook or email and I'm pretty sure my BB was off. Speaking of Facebook, you can like 260 Days, No Repeats or follow us on Twitter... I am 5 people away from a unique URL so any love would be appreciated!

• Top: white polka dot button down, Merona for Target; gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York and Company
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, Ann Taylor Loft; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

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

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June 30, 2010: Three Months Down!

I cannot believe that I have been at this personal style challenge for three months! I am definately going to do a roundup so I can take a comprehensive look at my progress but, I will say one thing right now... I can see the benefit!

These shoes are a perfect example, I got them at an end of season sale at Target last summer and they have been sitting in my (shoe) closet every since (shocker I know, they are too cute.) I don't think I would have made such a concerted effort to utilize them if it had not been for the way I am challenging myself. Do you have items in your closet that you had/have trouble using? What did/are you do(ing) to resolve that issue?

• Top: blue short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft (same shirt different color here and here)
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: yellow vintage inspired cut-out wedges, Merona for Target; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; brown leather bag with silver floral embellishments, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 29, 2010: Back To Reality

The long weekend was great and I am very much looking forward to this one coming up for the 4th but, I could definitely use a longer vacation (who doesn't want more time off?) My birthday is right around the corner... that is a reason for a getaway, wouldn't you say?

On another note, does anyone else read the title of this post and have this song pop into their head? Maybe it's just me...

• Top: green sleeveless collared shirt, Ann Taylor Loft via Melissa
• Bottom: gray, black, and white skirt (with pockets), Target
• Shoes and Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; cut steel necklace, V'ta Jewelry; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 22, 2010: Planning My Escape

It's official! I just got some requested vacation days approved so BF and I are going away for a long weekend this Friday!! We booked our hotel last night and I am counting down the days/hours/minutes until we jump in the car and head down to the shore. It won't be anything super fancy or lengthy but, it's nice to get out of the city and spend time together relaxing and celebrating our million and a half (six and a half) year anniversary!

• Top: brown v-neck t-shirt with a (teal) tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: beige tweed Ann Taylor Loft skirt via Mom who thrifted
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 1, 2010

Today starts my foray into theme weeks of my own creation and conscious utilization of spring trends! I am being joined by Frances Joy at Mad Dress Game! It's not too late to join us if your interested...

I've got ruffles today! I was gifted this shirt in the fall (I think) but, these ruffles are still spot-on! I am head to toe LOFT today! I'll take a sponsorship please, thanks. I have to laugh at my outfit shot because this picture looks super posed but, it's not it's just the best out of the five I snapped in a hurry before I bolted to work.

• Top: white ruffle button down blouse, Ann Taylor Loft
• Bottom: gray skirt, Ann Taylor Loft
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, Ann Taylor Loft; tourmaline earrings, V'ta; black Fendi spy bag

Purchases: May 2010

I barely shopped at all this month! I'm talking not even window shopping!! I have to be honest it's getting a little harder; especially this month with all the great Memorial Day sales and coupons. I didn't go to any stores of any kind this weekend just to avoid the temptation. I am feeling more frustrated than accomplished... I would like to think that going to the movies or getting a mani/pedi with friends would win out over shopping hands down (and it has been) but, I can't help feeling like I'm missing out on something else. When your sticking to a budget how do you deal with your "limitations"?

The only thing I bought this month was a pair of shorts from Ann Taylor Loft similar to these: same color, different pattern, also on sale. I see me wearing those with a thin navy sweater and flip flops when BF and I go on vaca in August and are taking romantic moonlit strolls on the beach in Cali or whatever... They are the first pair of short(er) shorts that I have bought in close to 10 years! I couldn't resist them because they actually fit really well and don't make me feel self conscious about the length or lack there of.

So that's that, hopefully I don't go off the deep end next month!

May 28, 2010

I'm totally feeling that Friday theme! I am also pumped for a potential early dismissal for the holiday weekend. I have a few things to take care of before I hit the BBQs and beaches so it would be great to get to have a little extra time to work on those. What are you doing for the holiday?

On another note, finalizations are being made for theme week and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you guys! I hope you participate.

• Top: dusty blue t-shirt with peacock feather, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, Ann Taylor Loft
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar here... FYI if you pick up the June 2010 edition of Real Simple there is a 20% off Merona coupon in there, or you could just rip it out at the checkout... either way); jade earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; cream Loeffler Randall for Target purse (mostly because I didn't feel like swapping everything out)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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May 25, 2010

Leaving work early yesterday was sooo nice! It makes me think that I probably need a real vacation. Getting away from work and home would be great even just for a long weekend to start but, I digress... I'll have to hit the ground running today with all the things I have on my plate: a seminar in midtown and lunch with my old boss down at South Street Seaport (lucky for me the weather is gorgeous) then back to the office to finish out the day. Maybe I'll "hit traffic" and won't make it back in time, muah haha! Just kidding... This outfit is comfy and cool (temperature wise, as well as, pretty snazzy) AKA perfect for running around in NYC on a hot day!

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, Ann Taylor Loft
• Bottom: khaki a-line skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; brown leather bag, Kooba

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

May 24, 2010

Sorry for the not regularly scheduled post. I was running late this morning and even though I got out of work early I was not near a computer....

Getting out of work early is fun! I have been running around for the past few days (AKA last week) like a chicken without a head. It must have been pretty apparent because my boss (out of pity) told me to leave. YAY! Although it's not the nicest day outside I was glad to be home and even got to catch a movie with BF (who took the picture and is relentless in trying to make me laugh)! But, in the few hours that I was at work I still had to dress the business casual part...

• Top: red floral print blouse, Old Navy
• Bottom: beige Marissa pant, Ann Taylor Loft via mom/thrifted
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Steve Madden; gold and mixed metal earrings, gift from Natalia/ModCloth; brown leather bag; Kooba

Work With What You've Got: Last Minute Wedding Guest

I have "lovingly" dubbed this chronological point in my life my transitional twenties. "What does the transitional twenties entail?," you might ask. Let me give you the breakdown: recent college graduate, being significantly underpaid and/or under appreciated at an entry level job if you can get one, being in debt; whether it's credit cards, student loans, or both, in/applying to/graduating from grad school, buying a house, moving out of your house (if you haven't already), moving back home with mom and dad (because you can't afford to be on your own), moving forward in significant personal relationships if applicable (i.e.: getting engaged, getting married) being part of other people moving forward in significant personal relationships (i.e.: bridesmaid, wedding guest) Although none of these life events are exclusive to one's twenties it seems that this definitely the inception of when the proverbial *&^% hits the fan.

While many of these things apply to me the one that keeps popping up recently has been: being part of other people moving forward in significant personal relationships (i.e.: bridesmaid, wedding guest) specifically as the wedding guest. While being part of people's special day is all good it is not really when you only have a week or two notice before you have to show up and on top of that it's not someone you are particularly close to (i.e: BF's co-worker) What is an indebted underpaid/under appreciated recent college grad working an entry level job with aspirations of going to grad school to do? Well, I'll tell you what I did... I dug in my closets (and mom's jewelry box) and came up with something! The only monies spent (by mom) were for a voluntary mani/pedi because... What do you think?

May 14, 2010

Today is the last day of academichic's Dress Your Best Week and I'm a little saddened by it. It's been amazing reading about how everyone is celebrating their bodies. S. summed it up best when she noted how great it is that we can all celebrate our uniqueness and not be caught up in aiming to celebrate the same body parts for their uniformity and similarity, but rather for what makes them unique on each one of us.

I really appreciate everyone's positive comments and I hope that you all keep reading 260 Days, No Repeats! While Dress Your Best Week is over for now it has definitely left an impression on me. Moving forward I will undoubtedly keep in mind celebrating the parts of myself that I love instead of covering/minimizing the ones that I don't every morning when I get dressed. Hopefully that reflects as I navigate through my closet and try to wear everything I have in fun new ways without any repeats! (of course)

I am celebrating the largest organ in my body today, my skin! I love my skin; it still heals pretty quickly, it's soft and smooth, it does everything it's supposed to do (with minor issues, adult acne anyone) while looking fab! Today is unfortunately wet and rainy outside so, I can't really flaunt my skin (within the business casual/casual friday parameters I am bound to) like I was originally planning but, I am going to protect it from the grossness outside!

• Top: gray short sleeve sweater with orange tank top (for the modesty), both from New York and Company; brown jacket, Ann Taylor Loft
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: brown suede PUMA sneakers (best ever), Mandee; striped headband, via CVS; rainbow beaded earrings, via now defunct Moxie Bee; purple Coach bag

April 29, 2010

My favorite accessories by far are my handbags. For some ladies it's shoes, others jewelry but, all I need to be truly happy (with my wardrobe) is a great bag!

On my trip to London in 2004 (wow it doesn't feel that long ago) with my fav cousin V and our mutual friend Alex we took in as many sites as we could during our brief time there. As a fledgling fashionista one of my stops had to be Harrods. It was exceedingly similar to Macy's Herald Square and one of the few things I remeber from the inside of the store was the Tracey Emin for Longchamp posters plastered all over and those beautiful bags in the glass cases obviously too expensive for me to purchase at their retail price. But, less than a year later those same ah-mazing bags were available at the Longchamp outlet and the rest is history... Today's outfit was definitely put together to showcase the tote I loved, lost, and later purchased! Either way, I am quite fond of the whole outfit's classic simplicity.

• Top: white short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft (similar here)
• Bottom: khaki a-line skirt, Merona for Target (similar here)
• Shoes & Accessories: denim (on trend for spring) slingbacks, Christian Louboutin via A Second Chance Resale; limited edition Tracey Emin for Longchamp Pliage via the outlet (the floral print is representative of another sping '10 trend); silver, amethyst, and some other light blue stone earring from Pennyweights

April 22, 2010 - Happy Earth Day!

Also, Happy Belated Administrative Professionals Day! I totally forgot, silly me. Though, when I realized that it was I became a little bummed because no one did anything for me this year. While technically I'm not sure if I fall into the category of "Administrative Professional", I got free lunch last year, what gives?

In the spirit of Earth Day I scoured my closet for something to wear that I felt would be a good representation of "being green". I decided that I would try to find things that are second hand and throw together an outfit with that because the average American throws away 68 pounds of textiles per year only 10 of which are recycled. Thrifting and buying vintage isn't only for style it's to help the Earth!

Thankfully, when my dear friend Melissa moved to London I inherited a bunch of her clothes during the closet purge/packing extravaganza and my mom is always giving me things after she wears them once or twice and decides that's enough for her... In the end, I think this entire experience is a movement towards "being green" because it's more about working with what you have not, buying tons of thing to make new outfits and adding to it. It's no Uniform Project (which is wrapping up in 10 days, kudos! see here for more info) but, it works for me! How are you celebrating Earth Day? On to my outfit:

• Top: orange button down Eddie Bauer shirt via Melissa
• Bottom: beige tweed Ann Taylor Loft skirt via Mom... definitely thrifted
• Shoes & Accessories: taupe Steve Madden pumps; blue Foley & Corrina city clutch, V'ta moonstone earrings and "bubble gum" bracelet.

April 15, 2010

Just to follow up from yesterday; they DID provide a shuttle from the parking lot to the main campus but, I must have missed it the past few times I was there for a job fair. Now I know...

Tonight my BF is taking me out for a surprise. When I asked him last night what I should wear he said whatever I wore to work would be acceptable. Thinking about it now I realize how not helpful that statement was but, since I think I have an idea/wishful thoughts about what it is, I can plan accordingly. Either way I will have enough time to change quickly when I get home after work anyway so this really doesn't need to be taken into account heavily.

• Top: white polka dot button down, Merona fromTarget topped with a purple scoopneck sweater vest, New York & Company. I have had this blouse for years it was part of the whole menswear/bow craze and come with additional fabric to make a tie/bow that I have set aside until that trend returns...
• Bottom: beige Marissa pant (love the cut), Ann Taylor Loft via my mom probably thrifted. Loft is having a big sale now, check out the clearance section and get an additional 40% off with the code SALE40 for a limited time.
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; black beaded necklace from a craft space in Laguna Beach; black onyx earrings, V'ta; and the yellow alley bag... yes it is time to switch. I have had these black pumps for even longer than the white shirt and they have visited my shoe guy, who works magic, a few times for new heels, polishing, and other repairs but always come out looking like new. If you love your shoes I would recommend taking your tired soles for some time with a cobbler and it's drastically cheaper than buying a whole new pair.

April 13, 2010

Today I have to give a presentation to a bunch of teens on the job search/application/interviewing process. My boss started out by warning me that I needed to wear pants and I realized I definitely need to have a pretty darn professional and covered up look. After all there will be a large amount of incorrigible teenage boys there. Wish me luck!!! Today I am wearing:

• Top: dark teal ruffle t-shirt from Ann Taylor Loft
• Bottom: brown gaucho pants from Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats from Nordtrom Rack, Tiffany silver earrings, and my yellow Avorio purse that I got in a secret store down a back alley in Florence, Italy. I know that it might not have been a good idea to follow a random stranger that friends and I met a street fair in a foreign country where we didn't speak the language down a secluded alley but, it seemed OK at the time and we got some great deals on some normally very expensive handbags. WOO HOO! It definitely needs a cleaning though...

April 9, 2010

Today is so blah outside but, TGIF!!! I can't muse much because I am running late but, here's the outfit...

• Top: black and white striped long sleeved t-shirt from the Proenza Schouler capsule collection at Target
• Bottom: Marisa jeans from Ann Taylor Loft. (YAY Casual Friday)
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent flat American Eagle via Payless, my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings, and (I changed it up) gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here.

April 8, 2010

It's almost Friday and I could not be more excited for this week to be over,... there's nothing heinous going on at work but, spring fever is setting in and all I want to do is be outside even if it is a little overcast!

You may or may not have noticed the difference between the bottom of the sweater and the opening of the skirt. That is due to some craftiness on my (but, mostly my mom's) part... I have had that skirt for a LONG time and absolutely love it first of all because it's classic but also because it had the modern twist of pockets! I LOVE pockets on skirts and dresses. In the past few years I have shed some weight and that skirt is from heavier days. I asked my mom (the expert seamstress) to take up the hem a few inches to a normal knee length because it now sits on my hips and the hem was at my mid calf. The project was a huge success!

I highly recommend altering clothes before you chuck them and go buy new stuff, even if you don't have an expert seamstress like my mom. What you spend in tailoring for a raised hem or adding some buttons will most likely be less then a new piece of clothes and is more than worth it if you love that item.

On to the actual outfit...

• Top: gray short sleeve sweater with green and white argyle from Target. This is another classic item that Target has rolled out this year (but I bought last year) as well with a slightly different twist.
• Bottom: black pencil skirt from Old Navy.
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather T-straps from LOFT, jade earrings from Elizabeth Showers Vintage, and yes... you guessed it the purple Coach bag (not pictured)

April 5, 2010

Right about now I am very strongly wishing that I had a three day weekend for the Easter holiday like just about everyone I know. It is going to be about 73° and that is great weather for doing anything! Heading into the office is not my idea of a good time but, I gotta bring home some bacon and am getting ready for the day while fighting every urge not to wear yoga pants. Hopefully the day will go by quickly...

• Top: pink Ann Taylor Loft rosette embellished t-shirt
• Bottom: gray pinstripe wide-leg pants(via Kohl's)
• Shoes & Accesories: black pointy toe flats (via DSW), black Fendi spy bag, gray shell earrings (gift from BF's mom)