July 12, 2010: Dressing For Dinner

Today is the start of New York City Restaurant Week and I am excited to get my eat on! For those of you who don't know, NYC Restaurant Week debuted in 1992 when it was developed as a one-time culinary event to welcome the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to the City. Though created to appeal to delegates and other DNC attendees, the program also found a strong following among residents excited to dine at some of the City’s top restaurants for a fraction of the usual cost—$19.92 for three courses—and who wanted NYC Restaurant Week to be a recurring event. Now it's slightly more expensive ($24/lunch and $35/dinner) but, totally worth it!

I have a few reservations over the next two weeks and tonight is Asia de Cuba. I've actually eaten there before (delish!) but, it's been a while and since BF has never been there we are going so I can introduce him to the culinary wonder that is Asian Latin fusion. Because our dinner reservation is on the earlier side of things I have to be able to seamlessly transition from work to acceptable dinner attire. The easiest solution: a comfy yet chic dress, the right accessories, and a touch of make up before I leave! How would you dress for dinner?

• Top: navy blue jersey knit dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: yellow vintage inspired cut-out wedges, Merona for Target; semi-precious multi-stone necklace and earrings, custom V'ta jewlery; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

July 9, 2010: Going Through The Motions

I got so many compliments yesterday on my sandals! Which was great but, as an added bonus I noticed that they are already stretching a bit. I passed along the info to everyone who asked me where I got them. In one case the person in questions literally ran back to her office so she could order them in her size... Sure Payless, I'll take some free sandals as commission for all my promoting! How about these?

I'm excited about it being Friday today but, at the same time not as much as I could be if I didn't have a million important things to do this weekend. So getting ready this morning was all about going through the motions... Denim on the bottom? Check. Flip Flops (even though they are not allowed)? Check. T-Shirt? Check. Shirt I would normally wear to work? Check. Counting down the minutes till 5PM? Check!

• Top: red floral print blouse, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for fun
• Bottoms: dark denim capris, Macy's
• Shoes & Accessories: purple flip flops, Bitten via Steve & Barrys (just as comfortable as Havianas but, a small fraction of the cost... come back Steve! How about you Barry?); Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too (not pictured because you've seen them before and I'm being a bit lazy)

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

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July 8, 2010: Second Hand Treasures

I would just like to follow up on yesterday's post. The dress was very well received by everyone in my department who cared to notice, including my bosses. In fact, I got lots of compliments. So, I'm happy with that!

Moving along... Do you ever have those moments where you look at your closet and think, "What is all of this? Time to clean!"? That happens to me alot and just a few days ago the mood struck my mother. I love to help her go through her clothes, give her honest feedback, and snag a few pieces that she is letting go. This top is one of those gems! What are some of your secondhand finds that you absolutely love?

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT via Mom
• Bottom: pink and coral polka dot skirt, New York and Company (same skirt different color here)
• Shoes & Accessories: gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless. I decided to keep them (obviously, which brings my June spending total to $9.00! I'm breaking the bank, haha) and ended up going with the 8.5 (I'm normally a 9) so they are a little tight but still comfortable and, I know will stretch just enough; gold and mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/free gift with her purchase from ModCloth; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too

July 7, 2010: It's Getting Hot In Here

It was 102° yesterday and the temperature isn't really taking a dive so I'm trying to keep cool and, still remain work appropriate. Enter this breezy, lightweight, and slightly shapeless dress. If I add a belt to give it more shape it's too short to wear in the office so I would normally save this for a more casual event but, the temperature is definitely forcing me to work with what I've got. If it wasn't so crazy hot I would probably throw on a little cardi to increase my level of modesty but, overall I don't think this is that bad. My office is extremely laid back... What do you think?

• Top: black and white print dress, White House Black Market part of a gift from my fab cousin V for my graduation
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); silver beaded necklace, Bitten via Steve & Barry's; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too

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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Weekend Wear: Patriotic Barbeque

People can go astray with their wardrobe choices for Independence Day but, that doesn't mean that everyone should. I wasn't sure if I was going to go the red, white, and blue route for my fourth of July outfit but, after reading an article that Jessica of What I Wore had written on the topic I was inspired to give it a whirl! Especially, after I found this fabulous skirt when Mom and I were out thrifting. This was what I wore to a BBQ at a friends and to a movie after but, it would be great for a celebration at a pool party, casual summer cocktail event, or picnic in the park!

• Top: red ribbed tank top, GAP
• Bottom: white skirt with blue embroidery, Willi Smith via Unique Thrift (thanks Mom)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); silver beaded necklace, Bitten via Steve & Barry's; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings

Happy Fourth of July

From: Iris

To: You and Yours

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:

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 23, 2010: From The Office

I was literally running out the door to work this morning so I am updating "on location" from my office. Posting was not one of the things I got to finish before I had to leave. I lost track of time while wrapping BF's anniversary gift this morning because I can't think of any other time to get that done. We are leaving the day after tomorrow and I have a million and one things to do before we're off (and actually get out of town, YAY!) How does that always seem to happen?

• Top: ivory t-shirt with beaded rosette detail, Merona for Target
• Bottom: blue, brown, black, and ivory pattern skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

Weekend Wear: Mixing It Up!

I would like to think that I am a fashion forward person but, after perusing a plethora of similar fashion blogs, I am seeing areas where I can push the envelope even more! What are your biggest style challenges? How do you overcome them? Case and point for me, mixing patterns. Do you mix it up? If so what are your tips and tricks?

I understood the concept of pattern mixing but, I still couldn't make it work consistently. Most times I attempted it the outfit didn't look right to me and I gave up. That is, except for yesterday when I successfully paired stripes and polka dots! I think this works best because the pattern in the top is subtle. Next time, bolder patterns...

• Top: navy tank top with silver stripes, GAP
• Bottom: blue polka dot skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; yellow alley bag (not pictured)

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

June 10, 2010

Is it Friday yet? I am having so much fun with Summer Black-Out 2010 but, can't wait for the weekend. In the spirit of weekends, summer, and all around fun times I'll give you some random news. Today is National Iced Tea Day! Click here for a buy one get one free Snapple coupon to celebrate...

On another note, I just realized that I am pairing pink and blue together today like Frances Joy of A Mad Dress Game did yesterday, great minds!

• Top: pink embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here, like I said Tuesday I'm all about buying multiples)
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hard wear embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

June 8, 2010

Day 2 of Summer Black-Out 2010! I am rushing out the door for work (I really need to wake up earlier) but, thankfully it will be a pretty standard work day. Though, there is no "standard" black here since I'm using gray and flesh tones as my neutrals! I will be trying to sneak out early to run some pre-dinner errands AKA buy vino because my friend Alex (who I haven't seen in FOREVER) is coming over tonight. Vino is a very fundamental component of girly friend dinner! I'm excited so, in the words of Alex, "Squeeee!"

• Top: blue crochet neck blouse, Ann Taylor Loft, (same shirt different color here, I'm all about buying multiples)
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift; silver, amethyst, and some other light blue stone earring from Pennyweights; purple Coach bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

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May 17, 2010

This is a Monday when I could definitely have called out sick (as if there is any other kind) after the whirlwind weekend I have had but, I am being a responsible adult and going to work! Here are some shots from the wedding, BF steals the camera so there are always more pictures of me...

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Today is going to be a whirlwind day as well. My boss is in Bermuda (lucky) so I will be the point person on projects we were working on together also I also have interviews and the same old day to day stuff. 5 O'clock where are you?

• Top: blue ruffled blouse, Atelier via Loehmanns; tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray plaid pencil skirt, from mom via Kohl's
• Shoes & Accessories: nude patent leather pumps, Apt. 9 via Kohl's; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; V'ta cut steel necklace; black Fendi spy bag

May 3, 2010

Rain, rain go away! I thought it was supposed to be April Showers bringing May Flowers! Dressing for a day like this is so hard because I'm not a huge fan of wellies (either way mine don't fit me, my feet shrunk?!?) and I don't want to cover up like crazy because it is still supposed to be near 80°... How would you dress on a day like this? I could use some pointers because I feel like my outfit is a little uninspired.

• Top: orange embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (similar here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: plaid pants, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: black Rocket Dog sneaker/shoes, V'ta multistone earrings (a gift from one of the great ladies who worked there), blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

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...

April 23, 2010

We are still in keeping with the Friday theme hence the unamused look and the quick and easy front hair poof. Keep tuned for potential "cosmetic" changes over the weekend! To the blog sillies, not me. Items from this outfit are previously seen here but today:

• Top: yellow short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company with a gray tank top underneath (for the modesty)
• Bottom: jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white snake print flats, Coconuts via DSW; tourmaline earrings, V'ta; blue Foley & Corrina city clutch via Plaza Too (now that I think about it)