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 

Inspired Monday

How was you weekend? Mine was a productive and (sort of) relaxing. I got lots of my house chores and personal errands out of the way but, as still able to veg out a bit which I needed. After the intense week last week I needed to take a break and be a bit of a homebody. The only thing I wish I had been able to do was make it to the beach with the high heat but, it didn't work out with Hubby getting ALL the work calls. Maybe next weekend...

Let's talk about this outfit. We wear clothes everyday (hopefully) but, do you ever put something together that you just love? This is one of those combinations for me! I am so comfortable and absolutely in love with the overall combination of clothing and different accessories (these shoes tho.) Bonus, it's professional enough to wear to the office so it makes a great Monday motivation outfit; I am looking put together, feeling good, and wholly ready to keep up the momentum of last week. I am just hoping that that doesn't mean I am in the office every night until all hours. 

• Top: pink ruffle embellished shirt: LOFT via Clementine
• Bottom: gray pencils skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white retro inspired pumps, Bakers via Unique Thrift Store; pearl earrings, Macys

I most recently wore this shirt here. I most recently wore this skirt here.

October 25, 2011: Hoping For A 7-10 Split

While I was planning my outfits out for the week I forgot about this "moral/team building" thing that my company has organized. You guessed it from the title, bowling. I honestly can't tell you the last time I went bowling and that's probably because I was a single digit in age. If I had to describe my feelings about the whole thing it would be "skeptical", what is up with those shoes?

Since it's company wide undertaking they paired it with a fundraiser (think 5K meets bowling) from the start and we have raised a nice chunk of change for a charity in need. Who beat her fundraising goal into the ground? Yeah that would be me but, I digress... I can definitely get on board with supporting a worthy cause but, coming up with an outfit that would take me from work to the bowling alley was not something I thought I would have to do. What goes with those shoes?

• Top: orange ballet neck chiffon flower embellished top, New York & Company; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa 
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

February 15/16 2011: What's Black and White and Red All Over?

The past two days have been a whirlwind! Acclimating to this new job and lengthier commute while incorporating the things that I would normally have on my schedule is definitely taking some getting used to. And based on my clean laundry situation it has been really difficult not to fall into the "city uniform" situation each day so far. It's something that I am definitely aware of so, I will try not to do so for the rest of the week, I need some color in my life...

• Top: white button down shirt, New York & Company; gray jewel drapey top, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS 
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent flat American Eagle, Payless; silver and garnet earrings made by an old co-worker; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns 

Items from this outfit have been previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here:

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• Top: black and white sweater shirt combo, August Silk via Mom's closet purge 
• Bottom: gray pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent flat American Eagle, Payless; leopard headband, Target; floral wire earrings, MOMA/gift from an old friend; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

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

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January 25, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere Loves Stripes

Breton Stripes to be more specific! Here's a little history on that if you are unfamiliar. And here's a little history on stripes and myself: I love stripes but, was always told that more voluptuous ladies (like myself) should avoid them like the plague, "They will make you look broader, more masculine, wider, fatter, etc..." I get it but, I still love them. Lesson over...

If you are nervous about those well known pitfalls a small, thin stripe works better than a bold, wide one. Also adding accessories, like a chunky necklace or fun scarf, can break up the line that the stripes create. Lastly they don't always have to be black or navy. You could wear a brighter color (yellow, red, etc.) and since the contrast is not as stark the horizontal line is less noticeable. How do you like to wear your stripes?

• Top: black and white striped long sleeved t-shirt, Proenza Schouler for Target
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesy of Cougar; black and silver scarf, Old Navy/gift from BF's family; silver coin pearl necklace, V'ta; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns
  

 

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

 

January 5, 2011: Dance To The Music Of The Sun

I won't let these Wenesdays get me down! I am determined to fight the doldrums with so fun florals and bright colors. Hopefully that will trick me into a more positive state of mind; the glass is half full, the week is half over... Sounds good to me. We already know that I was (apparently) destined to be a dancer, so why not? How do you dance dress to put a smile on your face?

• Top: yellow scoopneck sweater, LOFT; floral print t-shirt, Vera Wang for Kohl's
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store/birthday gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories:  black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black tights, Just My Size via CVS; gray swarovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights; purple tote bag, Coach 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

December 21, 2010: Exhaustion Setting In

As you have probably (correctly) assumed Christmas is a very hectic time for me. Don't get me wrong it is my favorite holiday (aside from my birthday) but, with everything that is going on I need to remeber to take a break before I fall asleep standing up... uh oh, too late.

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target
• Bottom: black and white tweed pants, Mandee
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; multi colored beaded necklace, LOFT/b-day gift from Mom; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

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

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September 17, 2010: Stripes and Flowers

Sorry for the late post. It really has been quite a week and this is the earliest chance I got to let you see my outfit today. The sad thing is it isn't over; I have to go to work tomorrow (yes, I know... it's Saturday) then it's my grandmother's 89th birthday celebration (Happy Birthday Mamá!) and some birthday gift shopping with BF for his little cousin (she's turning 16 and I'm thinking a little blue box might be in order) But, I digress... As I have discovered this week stripes go with EVERYTHING so, I decided to keep it going today by layering a long sleeved striped t-shirt under a short sleeved flower patterned one... I think it translated well to casual friday.

• Top: floral print t-shirt, Vera Wang for Kohl's; black and white striped long sleeved t-shirt, Proenza Schouler for Target 
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; yellow alley bag

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

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September 3, 2010: Birthday Wishes Etc...

First of all, I just want to say HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to my little brother I (we do not have the same name either but, we do have the same initials) I'm sure my family and I will have a blast celebrating the birthday festivities this weekend.

Moving on... I was had to be at work super early this morning I didn't take a picture of myself so, you get an after 5 o'clock picture. Sorry for the disheveled look but, it was a long day. Thing have been crazy at work, I'm not going to harp on it but, I will say I need to be a little more prepared with my daily picture post if I expect to get it out in the morning. At least it's Friday!

• Top: black and white Pentina Blouse, for joseph. I only know the exact name of the blouse because right after I graduated from college I worked in their NYC showroom while I looked for a more permanent full time gig. I had never head of them before that but, they had some really cute items and I learned alot. This was the only thing I used my (crazy 50% off wholesale) discount to buy and I still love it!
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom (same shoe different color 40% off sale with code LABORDAY40 here); red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; white Hardcore Dior tote, Christian Dior via outlet. Yes, these are the same accessories as yesterday, I'm ok with that, they look super cute!

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

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August 16, 2010: Make It Work Monday

I think everybody has been where I am this morning... You have an idea in your head but, you just can't make it work out that way. While browsing blogs I noticed that Kendi from Kendi Everyday was wearing the same LOFT skirt that I got for my birthday as a(n exchanged) gift. After that, I was completely inspired and set on wearing the skirt today! While searching through my closet I came up with a few really great outfits but, none that were appropriate for high humidity 85°+ weather. I guess those will appear as the weather gets cooler and this will have to do for today. Do you give up on an outfit when it's not working out like you planned or try to salvage it?

• Top: purple scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here and here); tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; silver feather headband, LOFT birthday gift from Mom; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom a few years ago; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 11, 2010: I've Been Keeping A Secret...

If you take one look at this picture you'll know what it is... My hair is crazy curly! I have had it straight for about two years since my graduation from college and today is a first day in a long time that I am letting it free. I didn't straighten it because I dislike my curls, I in fact LOVE them! I did it because I chopped all my hair off (or to my chin) and liked it better straight. I actually think it's still a bit too short in all it's curly glory but, I couldn't resist leaving it natural once I realized that the keratin had finally started to wear out and (I'll be honest) was feeling a little too lazy to blow it out last night! There are still a few pieces in the front that are straight so I just pulled them back.

Maybe my no hassle attitude is because my schedule is packed today: employer breakfast at a local college, goodbye lunch with one of my fav interns, regular work stuff, and a picnic dinner tonight at Boscobel while seeing Taming of the Shrew with family at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. I will be floating through it all in these forgotten shoes! I really wish I had used them sooner, they are so light and comfortable much like their predecessors (which I never owned a pair of) but,  less scary. Plus, I love the fact that I could get a little pattern mixing in! Polka dots and tweed anyone?

• Top: red tank top with rosette embellishment, LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: black and white tweed skirt, thrifted/no tag
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white polka dot wedges, Very Volatile via Mandee; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; black Spy Bag, Fendi

August 10, 2010: Wearer's Remorse

I have alot of options when I get dressed every morning (as I'm sure you can imagine) so I try to pick something out the night before or at least have an idea in my head of what I would like to wear. I thought I would wear a certain black dress with a pair of forgotten shoes but, when I tried the ensemble on I realized the dress might actually be better for when the weather is a little cooler... So, I turned to this dress (comfy, stylin, and work appropriate) and although I'm feeling better about the outfit I'm a little sad because now this dress is done until next year. I've felt that way about all my dresses and have been trying to think about ways to remix them but, it's trickier than I thought!  

• Top: black and white faux wrap dress, White House Black Market/gift from cousin 
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; black reversible headband, Mandee; red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Use Your Shoes

Inspired by Lyddiegal's Shoe Challenge I took a look at my own shoe collection. I have a "few" pairs of sandals that I still have not utilized this summer (or ever*). Well, I am going to rectify this by following her example and wearing my forgotten shoes! How would you style these fab kicks?

floral wedges, Delman

yellow wedges, Born

tourquoise wedges, Born*

purple espadrilles, Christian Louboutin

hot pink espadrilles, Christian Louboutin

fish espadrilles, Coach

floral print wedges, Hollywould

lilac sandals, Due Farina (worn here but, it was not during the summer)

brown suede wedges, Prada

nude wedges, Prada*

polka dot wedges, Volatile*

Weekend Wear: Perfect Roadtrip Outfit

This past (long) weekend was spent with BF working on my tan at the shore and celebrating our anniversary. It was great to lay back and relax for a few days away from all the craziness of the home front. My biggest goal when getting ready for the weekend was to be as comfortable as possible on the 3ish hour long drive. Our super awesome Honda Fit (pictured with me) is deceptively small AKA roomy inside but, every little bit of added comfort helped. Normally I prefer much more structured clothes but, this dress was perfect for the weekend as an outfit for traveling and then a beach coverup! What are the items of clothes that you love because they serve more than one purpose?

• Top: black and white striped trapeze dress (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

June 17, 2010: Where Is The Weekend?

I'm a little confused and definitely aggravated... I don't understand why any company would give you any extra time off if you are going to have to work twice as hard when you return. Whatever relaxation you had achieved is completely negated by the onslaught of work you have to handle when you get back. For example: I am going in early today and would probably be staying late if I did not have another charity event to attend tonight that is, after a doctor's appointment. Seriously, what is the point and where is the weekend!?!

Sorry, I had to get that out of my system. On another note, I think I've done a good job of finding something I can wear to work, errands, and to the event without changing. Hooray for jersey knit dresses! The only thing I am adding is makeup later because I generally don't wear it during the day and for some (strange) reason can't go out at night without it. If these shoes weren't like walking on clouds I would probably swap them out for flats during the day but, that is definitely the case...

• Top: black and white faux wrap dress, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's. Yes, you read right these aren't your mom's original; blue swarovski crystal earrings, V'ta; black Fendi Spy Bag

June 16, 2010: Back To Work

First of all what do you think about 260 Days, No Repeats make over? Blogger has made it really easy to customize the layout and manipulate the template in almost every aspect. It's been a long time coming and I couldn't be happier! I hope you like it...

I'm headed back to work today which I'm sure is going to be a whirlwind of emails, voicemails, and people stopping by to visit but, that's ok. Unfortunately, I still feel like I need a legit vacation. But, thank goodness it's going to be a short week!

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration via Target
• Bottom: white pinstripe capris, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

May 10, 2010

Happy Monday! This week is officially Dress Your Best Week at academichic and I have decided to participate because so often, our focus when getting dressed in the morning is how to minimize or downplay aspects of our bodies that we’re just not crazy about. Does this skirt smooth my hips? Does this top hide my tummy? Do these pants make my thighs look slimmer? They wondered, as did I, what would happen if you inverted that thought process? What if, instead of dressing to mitigate your so-so, you dressed to highlight the parts of your body that you love most? What if, for a whole week, you committed to self-consciously dressing your best bits? See who else is dressing their best...

I am so excited to participate but, I have to confess coming up with five things that I like about myself was difficult. We live in a society where airbrushed and digitally altered people are the mainstream of beauty. For everyone I know (myself included), there are always parts of one's self that can be improved upon. The five part of myself that I picked (the last one was a suggestion by BF) were:

1. my legs/calves
2. my boobs
3. my cheekbones (although I don’t know how one dresses to accentuate that)
4. my hourglass shape
5. my soft skin

Today, I am dressing for my legs which doesn't necessarily mean short skirts or cut off shorts! I think one of the way to make them look their best is a modest (but sexy) pencil skirt which comes to the knee and some killer heels. Your legs look miles long! The pencil skirt is easy but, picking shoes is a little more difficult to choose because I still need to be comfortable at work. Hopefully, I am achieving the best look for my legs, what do you think?

• Top: black and white sweater shirt combo, August Silk via Mom's closet purge
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; onxy and hematite necklace, via local jewelry store; onxy earrings, V'ta; purple Coach bag, via outlet

Items from this post can been previously seen here:

April 30, 2010

I needed to take a sick day yesterday, total bummer. First of all because I was sick but, also because it was gorgeous outside and instead of being cooped up in my cubicle I was cooped up at home. But, a girl's gotta eat so I threw on a jersey knit dress and some sandals and ran to the grocery store. While I was getting my cart some random stranger actually came up to me, complimented me on my ensemble, and asked me where I got it. Sick busy me was totally caught off guard but, extremely flattered... Since she thought it was so nice I figured I would share it with you, I made BF take the pictures outside because it was so nice although I'll have to look for more places in my 'hood that might be nicer for outdoor shots than standing on a hill...

• Top: blue, gray, white, and black jersey knit dress, New York and Company with a black tank top underneath (for the modesty)
• Shoes & Accesories: black Dolce Vita sandals, Nordstrom (you can still get them here), tourquise earrings, the yellow alley bag, and Ray Ban percription (I am pretty myopic) sunglasses...