February 10, 2012: Splitting My Time

I did go to work today and this is what I wore but, halfway through the day I had to leave for a personal appointment. I needed to be comfy because I was sitting for hours and also because I was still online and answering emails... How is that different from every other day? Well, I didn't really have alot of options in terms of moving around so, I have to be committed and comfortable! Ideally, I would have preferred some yoga pants but, that's definitely unacceptable for work...

What kind of comfy clothes can you get away with at work, if at all?

• Top: white, blue, and green argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, and here); black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

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February 7, 2012: Sticking With It

I came back!!! I'm holding to this new staggered schedule gosh darn-nit... Since picture taking Sunday happened this weekend I am able to reap the benefits of having my outfits all planned out when I wake up in the morning. It keeps me from wanting to rip my hair out because I can't find anything to wear or being too schlumpy because I just grab the first thing that I find but, most importantly it keeps me from being late to work... so far, so good.

One of the things that I have learned from this overall experience is that a sweater vest is a great was to cover up potential gaping in a button down shirt. I understand, this isn't a problem for everyone but, the inability to wear button down shirts without buttons popping open is an issue for me no matter what size I get. I know there are worse things but, it can be frustrating. While my high school dress code (you will never see me in a crested blazer ever!) has definitely put me off collared shirts as an everyday thing, every once and a while I think it might look nice. Thank goodness for sweater vests and fashion tape!

What wardrobe tips and tricks have you picked up through your blogging experience or just in general?

• Top: gray pinstripe button down shirt, The Limited via The Unique Thrift Store; purple argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here, here, and here) 
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 

Items from this outfit can be previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here


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December 13, 2011: Magic Vest

After putting this outfit together I have decided that this best goes with everything! More specifically every shirt; I have worn it a few different times always with very different button down shirts. I'm not sure why it is that it goes so seamlessly in my mind with a plethora of oxfords that reside in my closet but, it does. Unfortunately, I can't seem to break away from pairing it with this skirt... Now I know what my next challenge is! Also, I wonder what I can pair it with besides an button down shirt, thoughts?

• Top:  magenta pinstripe button down, New York & Company; gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York and Company (same vest different color here)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; moonstone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

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April 5, 2011: Multiple Choice Question

You may think that you have seen this sweater before but, you would be mistaken you might have seen it's sister or maybe it's rando cousin but, this sweater is all new (to you at least.) As I've said before: I'm all about buying multiples. When you find something that works for you at a good price, why not? This sweater was no exception although, it is was a challenge for me to resist the preppy allure of argyle in general. Do you have a favorite clothing item that you buy in multiples? Or when you find something that is perfect for you do you snatch up as many as you can?

• Top: black, gray, and white argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, and here.)
• Bottom: gray plaid pencil skirt, AB Studio from Mom via Kohl's
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit and previously seen and remixed in Year 1 here and here.

April 1, 2011: April Fools

In actuality I've been wearing the same outfit everyday for the past year, I just like to take pictures of myself! Not really... Sorry, I have no (good) silly little joke to play on you guys. I'm the worst at April Fools.

This sweater was an awesome find at Re-Dress on the day that I played dress up (see my Facebook page.) That excursion wasn't all about crazy blanket pants and maribou feather trimmed sweaters! I was happy to leave with something I could wear to work. What are some of your favorite thrift store finds?

• Top: pink argyle sweater, IZOD via ReDress
• Bottom: gray pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; pearl earrings, Mom via Macy's; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)  

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

March 21, 2011: Back From Beyond

No, you're not seeing a mirage, I am the real Iris. Sorry for my absenteeism; life, work, and catching a wicked cold have really messed with my outfit posting rhythm. I'm trying to get back in the groove and in an effort not to get even more behind think it's best to just jump right back in with today's outfit. I know we are missing almost a week and a half of outfits but, I promise I took pictures each and everyday and I will get those up ASAP.

It feels like spring has sprung here and I could not be happier. I will take the proverbial April showers over snow any day! That being said there is still a chill in the air so we're not quite at the point where outfits like this are appropriate yet but, I know it's coming and that makes me happy. What types of warm weather clothes are you most excited to wear?

• Top: brown and cream argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: dark gray Hudson Wide Leg Pant, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown suede boots, Chinese Laundry via DSW; gray headband, scunci via CVS; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

February 17/18, 2011: Finishing Strong

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth but, I had some serious time management issues. A new commute and different work hours will do that to you. But, I kept it classy this week! I'll be honest though... I'm not loving these last two outfits. This new companies blazer preference is really throwing me off. I can't say that I'm so in love with either of this outfits but overall, I think I'm getting a feel for the office culture and, in turn, the dress code. Who knew it could be so complicated to put on some clothes in the morning? 

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's/gift from BF; black safari jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; gray tights, We Love Colors; black onyx earrings, V'ta Jewelry;  silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns (not pictured)

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

I almost forgot to tell you, the following was my Friday outfit. That's right... no more jeans. BF and I also went out to dinner at  a fancy restaurant in the city since Restaurant Week became Restaurant Month at some places. I guess it worked out well plus, it was a nice way to end my first week at a new job.

• Top: orange short sleeved sweater with beige and white argyle, Merona for Target (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, Aldo via Re/Dress NYC; brown tights, Merona for Target; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom; brown leather tote bag, Bulga (not pictured)

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

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.

November 18. 2010: Thursday Past

I am operating on a serious delay. Life happens (as we all know) but, it is my current mission to catch up and have everything back on track by Thanksgiving. Not too lofty (I hope) and considerably easier after I retrieve one of my cameras left at a friend's apartment over the weekend. I wish that one was small enough to fit in my pocket but, I digress... Thankfully, I am picking it up tonight.

I wore this outfit to regular work; no meetings, no job fairs, just hanging out in my cubicle and getting stuff done. I still look pretty put together though, right? I find that I am more productive when I fit the part of "put together young professional" even when I don't necessarily have to. Do you find a similar correlation between your level of dress and your productivity at work? If so, do you utilize the way you dress as a method of increasing your productivity?

• Tops: brown and cream argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same shirt different color here)
• Bottoms: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's (same shoes different color here); purple tights, Duane Reade; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; vintage Louis Vuitton speedy, eBay

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

October 7, 2010: Bye Bye Corduroy

So far this week, I have been unintentionally leaning on corduroy skirts. I guess the fall is getting to me after all. Today though I am going in a different direction, pants! It's been a while but, I have a feeling we'll be seeing alot more of them soon... I have another job fair today at one of the local(ish) VA's. It seemed appropriate to lean twoards the menswear trend. What do you think?

• Top: orange short sleeved sweater with beige and white argyle, Merona for Target (same shirt different color here); white polka dot button down, Merona for Target. FYI if you pick up the the October 2010 edition of Real Simple there is a 20% off Merona coupon in there, or you could just rip it out at the grocery checkout... either way!
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom a few years ago; purple tote bag, Coach outlet

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

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September 9, 2010: WWW - Classic Prints

This might be Wardrobe Workhorse Week but, it's also Iris Workhorse Week (witty, I know) at my job just in case you couldn't tell from the look on my face... It has been non-stop. All I can say is that I hope it lightens up a little bit so I can get back to my early morning posting and legitimate witty repartee.

One of my biggest personal challenges when it comes to putting together outfits (besides the obvious) is pattern mixing. I have made a point to make this phenomenon a more regular thing and I would like to think that I have become more adept at it as this personal style blog has progressed. One of the things that I always count on when pattern mixing is the ease of utilyzing more classic patterns: argyle, animal print, polks dots, pinstripes, brenton stripes, actually any kind of stripes but, I digress... I have started to rely heavily on these prints in my pattern mixing attempts and today is no exception!

• Top: cream, yellow, and brown argyle sweater, GAP
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company (this could be a Wardrobe Workhorse as well)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops (because apparently they might be allowed at work according to our new policy handbook. I'm waiting for someone to tell me different) Xhiliration via Target; green and black striped infinity scarf, Forever 21/BF gift from my awesome friend Alex. Sorry, I didn't get a detail shot of this but, it looks really cute; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. (another Wardrobe Workhorse); blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too (the same goes for this)

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

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July 27, 2010: Piece of Cake

I didn't intend on wearing my forgotten shoes in the order that they are listed but, it's kind of working out that way. So far, it has been fairly easy to incorporate them into my wardrobe (knock on wood.) Maybe I was just being complacent before, relying to heavily on the easy combination i.e.: silver gladiator sandals that go with everything. Do you have any "go to" items that make you forsake all others? Either way I'm glad I have pushed myself to make these work with what I have!

• Top: white, blue, and green argyle sweater, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here)
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: yellow suede wedges, born (their shoes are not my thing but, the sandals are fabulous); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple bag Coach

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

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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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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)