Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

I wrote this post for Sugar & Spice back in 2011 and focused on using a few key items from my own existing wardrobe to create a plethora of holiday outfits. What is fascinating to me is that here we are, five years later, and this is still extremely relevant. I'm sure you have similar staple items in your wardrobe that you could mix together so create your own holiday capsule wardrobe for "go-to: outfits so you don't have to worry about what to wear at the last minute. Check it out for some inspiration!

Hi Everyone, I’m Iris from 260 Days, No Repeats! I have challenged myself to wear remixed outfits from my closet… It started out as a one-year thing but, has since evolved and kept on going. During this experience, I have learned that you don’t need all new items of clothes to have a fresh new look. I am constantly finding ways to take the things I wear every day and pair them with completely different items! There are no limits... With the holidays on the horizon, I’m sure everyone’s social calendars are filling up. While you might feel like there is nothing in your closet that is going to work you can take a few key pieces and put together a plethora of fabulous outfits! I chose a great dress, sparkly sweater, sparkly t-shirt, classic pencil skirt, and pinstripe blazer and mixed them into 12 different holiday ready ensembles. What pieces would you pick? How would you put them together?

Lace Yoke Sleeveless Dress – LOFT

Red Embellished Sweater – RED via Loehmanns

Green Sequins Embellished T-shirt – Ellen Tracey via TJ Maxx

Black Pencil Skirt – Old Navy

Black Pinstripe Blazer – Calvin Klein via SYMS

1

1+5

1+2

1+2+5

1+3

1+3+5

1+4

1+4+5

2+4

2+4+5

3+4

3+4+5

Mixed Metal Earrings – ModCloth
Belle Fleur Ring – Stella & Dot
Rhinestone Earrings – New York & Company
Gold/Silver Teardrop Earrings – V’ta Jewelry

Black Pumps – Candies via Kohl’s

Black Belt – Adrienne Vitadinni

Can you see yourself utilizing similar pieces from your own wardrobe in similar fashions? What would you do differently? It doesn’t have to be exact; You could throw a pair of pants or jeans in the mix for more casual gatherings and you are covered for every situation!

Fall Palette

I feel like it's finally Fall. While PSL has been in our faces since September 1 the weather (hello 80° days) has not been in alignment with that autumn reality and all the other fall paraphernalia until more recently. While summer is my favorite thing, I appreciate the changing of the seasons and get excited about the opportunity to be super basic and wear a flannel/plaid/puffy vest combination to do some sort of autumnal activity. How serious am I being? You will never know... but, in all seriousness I do get excited about the changing of the seasons because that means fun things are on the horizon like, holidays, seeing family, layering, and wearing amazing fall colors like mustard. When I put this ensemble together it really struck me as being a great combination of less traditional fall colors (read: not red orange, yellow) but, still in line with cooler weather. Thoughts? On another note, I have to share a secret with you... these were Hubby's pants. Could you tell? I didn't think so. When Hubby was getting rid of them because they were too tight on him I thought, "Why get rid of a perfectly good pair of (fancy) pants? I could incorporate them into my wardrobe instead of picking up a trendy 'boyfriend chino'." That's a win!

• Top: lace trim shell, Merona; black cardigan, 14th & Union
• Bottom: Sharp Grey Emerson straight chino, Banana Republic
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Sam Edelman; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co; paisley infinity scarf , gift from Mom

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday

Don't forget to enter the Nordstrom gift card giveaway! 

All The Dots

In my current work environment, I could show up to work in leggings or jeans everyday and not get a second look from my co-workers or supervisors. That practice is not something that I find to be acceptable especially, on an everyday basis. Most days, I keep it professional meaning a nice shirt, non-denim or non-spandex bottom, and probably a blazer or cardigan. Some days the combinations of mundane raiments are next level. Maybe it's the just the former "outfit of the day blogger" in me but, when an exceptional pairing happens it needs to be memorialized! This ensemble was inspired by the amazing shoes which I picked up on super clearance at a nearby outlet mall. While they are comfortable and could be worn everyday they are unique and don't go with everything in my wardrobe. The "one of a kind" finds often are but, I digress... While a solid colored dress or jumpsuit would be an obvious and mediocre choice I wanted to put together an ensemble that was as amazing as these shoes are.When considering items that I could pair together I ended up with a plethora of polka dots that worked perfectly, in my opinion.

• Top: Glad-Zooks! Bees Top, ModCloth; black and white tweed blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: black pencil skirt with pockets, Old Navy 
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white polka dot pumps, Jason Wu; pearl earrings, Macys; 

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday

Close Out

What is going on with the lighting in this picture? I will have to talk with my photographer (AKA Hubby) about that.... Maybe he was letting his artistic spirit move him but, that only works when the goal of being able to see my ensemble is concurrently achieved. Perhaps flash next time? Perhaps I will check that everything came out ok on picture taking day before we head in from photos so I'm not stuck with a weird picture at the end of the week. While I could Photoshop and filter (the crap out of) this picture I prefer not to, I'm an all natural beauty kind of gal thankfully I was wearing something bright so you can see me in the darkness. If you are a blogger, do you filter your photos before you post them? If so, why?

Enough blog shop talk. Casual Friday (denim included) was alive and well with me this week. My manager was out of the office on vacation all week so, I was holding down the fort which went well enough but, was definitely exhausting. After all the craziness and running around a t-shirt and leggings jeans seemed like the perfect wardrobe solution to close out the week. It worked out especially since I ended up staying late and burning the "midnight" oil. What a way to spend a Friday, thank goodness for the weekend! Do you have any fun plans?

• Top: yellow t-shirt, Lilly Pulitzer via Clementine
• Bottom: denim cuffed capri pants, Rock & Republic via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: black Olive sandals, Dolce Vita; black pearl earrings, International Gem & Jewelry Show

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

Customer Service On Fleek

You can't stop my onslaught of continuous white after Labor Day; Wednesday was only the beginning! Muah haha... Ok, ok I'm getting carried away.

The first time I wore this (style of) Lafayette 148 skirt it broke. I sat down, some seams popped, totes embarrassing. Then the most amazing thing happened: I promoted the post, as I do, Lafayette 148 actually checked it out (yay, social media works!,) and when they saw what had transpired they contacted me. Yes, a real life person emailed me/called me and sent me a new skirt which is what I was wearing yesterday. They even sent it to me in a larger size because, apparently, I was in denial about my actual size but, I digress... To this day I count that whole exchange as one of the best customer service experiences I have ever had and remember Lafayette 148 and Nora (the rep who contacted me) fondly.

Fast forward to less face and this Lafayette 148 skirt was under criticism again because it didn't fit for a second time! After all the time I spent working on my fitness the skirt was swimming on me (yay?) I had removed it from my regular wardrobe circulation but, I couldn't bring myself to put it in the donation pile or even Poshmark it because of the positive memories tied to it. Also, rainbow and tweed? That combination couldn't be more me so, I took it to the tailor and now it fits like a glove but, not too tight. There will be no repeat of Seam Bust 2011, at least I hope not.

• Top: red ruffle embellished tank top, apostrophe via Goodwill
• Bottom: rainbow tweed pencil skirt, Lafayette 148
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; pearl earrings, Macys

I'm linking up with What I Wore to Work, Throwback Thursday, and Thursday Fashion Files

Infectious Relaxation

Aren't holiday weekends supposed to be relaxing? Right, we've already had this conversation... While I had a fairly low-key long weekend spending time with family and doing things around the house I woke up this yesterday morning coughing and sneezing; even worse I had a fever (gasp!) How did that happen?! It took every ounce of my grown up responsibility feelings to go to work after I started feeling better, that is. I am definitely not that person who goes to work super sick and then gets everyone else sick because they are coughing and sneezing and touching the copier with their germs but, I digress...

When I was getting reach for the week I had a hard time conceptualizing amazing outfits that inspire me to want to talk about them. I would suspect it was due to the fact that I was so relaxed and embracing the vacation/legging lifestyle; Or maybe it was because I was delirious from my impending sickness... either way there is definitely still a summer feel going through my outfits for the week because it is still summer after all despite everyone heading back to a normal schedule and the impending PSL craze.

• Top: pink ruffle embellished tshirt, Merona
• Bottom: black and white capri pants, Kenar via Clementine
• Shoes & Accessories: black Olive sandals, Dolce Vita; pearl earrings, Macys 

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

Best Laid Simple Statement

While I was on the train, Thursday morning, on the way to work I started putting together this post. I was super excited to be keeping up with my new personal schedule and doing the things that I enjoy doing like blogging and thinking about clothes. Unfortunately, thanks to Verizon's crappy service while traveling, I was unable to publish my post in a timely manner. In fact, I was unable to even save all the fun interesting things that I had previously written so, I had to start all over again. Sufficed to say that was less than motivating...

But, just because things get a little annoying doesn't mean it's time to give up all together so, here's that one missing outfit from last week. I was really feeling dresses, if you couldn't tell. Maybe because they are cute, or maybe it's because they are easy, or perhaps a little bit of both. Either way that's really the extent of loquaciousness that this ensemble inspired. Sometimes it is just as easy as I like this outfit and I need to wear something so, I will wear the outfit I liked!

• Top: purple and orange floral patterned jersey knit dress, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; amelia drop earrings, Stella & Dot

Weekend Wear: (Surprise) Wedding Guest

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

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

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

Diamond in the Rough

I would love to say that commuting and work have gotten smoother but, that would be a bold faced lie which I'm sure you could determine since we are getting a bit off schedule. Let's not talk about that, let's instead talk about this amazing blouse that I dug up at H&M. When H&M opened it's first store in New York City I was like any other high school girl at the time and flocked there for the quirky items and "deals" that everyone, from my peer group to iconic magazines, were raving about. I had no problem digging though the racks to snag fairly basic items but, be extremely excited about them because they were something new and popular; also, let's face it... high school.

When I shop now H&M is not a store that I normally frequent because I have found the time spent searching for something I like, that is good quality, the fits my body type, etc. not worth it having had so few shopping successes. This shirt is an exception to all that. As I was quickly breezing through my local H&M this shirt caught my eye. The color is one my favorites, the delicate details are spot on, and I needed clothing for work. The only negative thing (for me) was a humongous rhinestone right at the collar but, I decided to try it on anyway. We should all be happy I did because it looked is really cute, as you can see. Where is the rhinestone now? Excised.

• Top: mustard pintuck blouse, H&M; black blazer, Juicy Couture via Ashby 
• Bottom: black and white leopard pencil skirt, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

Delayed

This week is starting out less positively than I had hoped. Who didn't get home until 9:00pm last night? This gal! The sad thing is it wasn't for lack of trying, let me explain.While I departed work at a (quasi) reasonable hour (6:00ish) and met up with Hubby to grab a quick bite and catch the train because our schedules lined up (which is rare) we ended up sitting in a tunnel on a train trying to get home for hours, thanks delays! While I want today to be better than the craziness it's already a bit off, I forgot to set my alarm last night and missed my morning spin class (sad face.) I hope that's isn't indicative of how the rest of the day is going to go.

WE INTERRUPT THIS POST TO BRING YOU ADDITIONAL (Tuesday Morning) TRAIN DELAYS

The aforementioned resulted in my immediately heading to my car and driving to work. Annoying but, not the end of the world. On the other hand, clearly the end of writing that post until now though... I would have been happy to finish it when I got home but, it was 10:00pm (ONLY because I was able to drive home) at that time and I needed to eat dinner, priorities. Also, clothes...

I'm glad that I was wearing something comfortable while I was navigating all the commuting/work difficulties. Capris (and pants in general) are a life saver when it comes to a quick, comfortable, work appropriate ensemble component. Skirts are great (and obviously my preference most of the time) but, sometimes you just want to be able to sit cross legged on the floor of your cubicle to organize things without having to be concerned about modesty. No? O, maybe that's just me.

• Top: black short sleeved sweater, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe capri pants, New York & Company via Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Dr. Scholls; black pearl earrings, The International Gem and Jewelry Show

I most recently wore this shirt here.

Bright Eyes

This morning was (relatively) smooth sailing despite last night's debauchery. In the earlier part of the evening it was (mostly) professional; discussing the incumbents' next steps, extending well wishes, and getting excited for them to take said steps. By the end of the night it had definitely gotten less professionally focused and became just a bunch of co-workers having a good time which was fine by me. I try to limit my discussions about work when I am outside of work to few and far between, I'm there a good portion of my time anyway, why do I want to talk about it (or things related to it) when I'm not?

Speaking of work... Today is definitely jam packed with meetings, endless emails, and all around non-stop craziness. While I think I am getting things done and keeping afloat I am definitely feeling the effects of this level of intense work under such high level of scrutiny. What does that mean? Bottom line, I'm tired. Thankfully, I see a light at the end of the tunnel! Unfortunately, it's just a tiny pinpoint a long ways away at this juncture. Time to grind.

• Top: yellow t-shirt, Lilly Pulitzer via Clementine
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this skirt here.

I'm linking up with Spotlight Style and Fashion Files

Girlboss

I'm sure you've noticed that things have been a little cray cray for me recently. No? I guess I'm doing a better job at covering it up than I thought but, it's time to come clean... While life things can sometimes feel overwhelming things at work, specifically, are out of control right now. Long story short; two higher level people in my department resigned for other opportunities (yay for them) then, my director was asked to resign per an internal investigation (we wish her the best) and the same day someone who she brought on walked off the job due to the aforementioned requested resignation (I have no words.)

In the course of thirty six(ish) hours the staff in my department decreased by fifty percent and everyone is being asked to step up and help out because, naturally, the work load has not decreased. I have also been asked to take a key role in finding/training replacement and taking on more things. This is my moment... As such, I have picked out outfits this week with the knowledge that everyone will have their eyes on the remaining members of my department. This jumpsuit was an easy "yes" because it is professional but, comfortable. Also, there will be blazers! At least when I think I can handle the heat. I am ready to get to work and make sure that everything continues as needed (professionally and personally) and am confident that it will but, wish me luck anyway.

• Top: black and white jumpsuit, Mossimo via Ashby; black blazer, Juicy Couture, Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver wire flower earrings, MOMA 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

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

Child of the Zodiac

This outfit is from yesterday. Yes, I am all over the place with posting but, will be back to normal next week. You'll see...

Is this week eShakti week? That would be fun (and possible now) but, no... but, as I mentioned last month I was tempted at the eleventh hour to purchase some dresses from eShakti. Those coupons and sales are hard to resist! While I was combing through their extensive collection of dresses, skirts, jumpsuits etc. there were a few that I kept coming back to in my attempts to meet my minimum purchase requirements to get the maximum savings. This dress was (obviously) one of them. How fun is this pattern? As a former teenage girl I was immediately drawn to the mystical zodiac symbols, what's your sign?

When I was trying to select the appropriate size to order I was faced with a new challenge. Although eShakti is great and saves all of your measurements when you create an account with them for easy ordering none of the measurements that were saved in their system applied to me anymore. Thanks, less face. I had to bust out the tape measure and determine my new measurements. No biggie except while trying to determine my (newer) size I came to a realization (again) that my body shape is not standard and most of the stock sizes wouldn't fit me even though I now have less face. Thank goodness for affordable customization! The best moment was later when I my order finally came. I opened the package, took out the dress, and thought, "that is really small I totally messed up on the measurements" but, subsequently tried it on and it fit. Have you ordered through eShakti? How has your experience been?

• Top: star signs stripe waist cotton dress, eShakti
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toes wedges, Steve Madden; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

Blazer Vacation

This outfit is from last Thursday. We're almost all caught up...

It's hot outside, did you guys notice that? Yay, summer! While I couldn't be happier to wear white, head to the beach, barbecue, enjoy sunlight until late evening hours, and the many other things that come with summer I am not excited about dealing with the heat which is unusual. I pride myself on being summer baby and keeping it cool in warmer than warm temperatures but, this year I'll be honest, I am struggling. Enter, all the sleeveless things or at least "see you later" blazers! At least until it cools down a little...

• Top: pink ruffle embellished shirt: LOFT via Clementine
• Bottom: gray pants, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe t-strap sandals, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

I most recently wore these pants here.

Lady In Red

This outfit is from yesterday. I only have a few stragglers to post and by next week I will be all caught up. Anyway, after getting an influx of new clothing items over the weekend I had to immediately start wearing them (obviously.) One of the challenges in wearing clothes that was from someone else's wardrobe is that it might need some tweaking stylistically or size wise but, that wasn't going to stop me! In the case of this dress, it was both. While the overall fit was sufficient it was a little big in the top. What made that more challenging to pull off was the sweetheart neckline. Tank top to the rescue, again,

Now on to the star of this ensemble, these shoes! I spotted them in the thrift store and just had to at least try them on, right? Yup. After walking around for five seconds a bit I just knew I had to add them to my shoe wardrobe, right? Exactly. They couldn't have been a more perfect match for this dress (ALL the retro inspired things) but, what else should I pair them with? Decisions, decisions....

• Top: red sweetheart neckline dress, eShakti.com/Mom's closet raid; black tank top, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white retro inspired pumps, Bakers via The Unique Thrift Store; vintage silver earrings, my Abuela 

Summer Interviewing

Today Yesterday Wednesday was another interview open house for work. As you (probably) know that means that I lean towards traditionally professional office attire AKA suits but, that had been a challenge for me given my recent weight loss. Yup, you've heard this all before. Either way today yesterday Wednesday/picture taking Sunday I couldn't wrap my head around idea of wearing all that anyway, it's hot outside! Yay, summer but, I digress... instead I went with the next best thing, a dress. I think it will be like the moving forward in the summer as the interviewer perhaps not if I was the interviewee...

While this dress still fits, for the most part, it is lower cut than I would like. I am excited that I am able to wear different things and smaller sizes now because of my less body that doesn't mean that it's all going on display; modesty, remember? As you might notice I didn't take the picture while wearing a tank top underneath but, after I put the dress on in the morning and went through my morning ablutions, I quickly noticed that things kept popping out so, tank top to the rescue, for the modesty.

• Top: purple, white, and black floral print dress, LOFT; black tank top, Old Navy (not pictured)
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; pearl earrings, Macys

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