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:

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

October 6, 2010: It's That Time Of Year

The fall means can mean lots of things to different people like changing leaves, temperatures dropping, and new fashions to name a few. To me it means all these things but, it also means that job fair season has begun! I know I can't contain my excitement either... I got a small taste of it last week but, today and tomorrow I have some big ones. I will probably throw a light blazer over this to enhance the business part of my business casual look! Also, I need to work out a better time to take my pictures; just as I decide I am taking them all outside, it starts getting darker earlier! Boo...

• Top: red long sleeved t-shirt, Van Heusen via The Outlets
• Bottoms: brown corduroy skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; multi colored beaded necklace, LOFT/b-day gift from Mom;

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

October 5. 2010: Four More Days

What's happening then you ask? Well, I am super excited because in four days I will be on a plane traveling to California for a much needed long vacation! Will you miss me when I'm gone? Until then it's work, getting everything ready for our cat sitter/house guest (AKA my little bro), and packing. Seems simple enough but, is surprisingly stressful! Hopefully I can get it all done...

Now you may ask, "Why are you wearing flip flops? It's rainy and cold outside!" The answer to that is simple, it doesn't feel that cold to me and I am prepping for the unseasonably hot California weather (which is apparently cooling down, sigh...) Also, I am in recovery from the 5K is ran walked this weekend for one of my favorite charities. I got the worst blisters on my heels and the idea of putting on shoes is not a happy one!

• Top: black v-neck top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: gray corduroy skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: paisley flip flops; rainbow beaded earrings, Moxie Bee; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

September 30, 2010: I've Got Camel Print

 

Camel and animal print... yeah I know, I'm so witty! Anyway, I have a job fair to go to today so, I am dressing the part of a young Human Resources professional... like every other day. Why am I trying to escape, you ask? I don't know what you are talking about! Ok fine, job fairs are mixed bag, sometimes they can be really fun but, I have a feeling that today is not going to be one of those occasions. Hopefully it will go quickly so I can get back to the office. You didn't see anything... Except for my awesome outfit, that is!

• Top: camel v-neck sweater, GAP; gray leopard tank top (for the modesty), Express/gift from BF's mom
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom  
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

 

September 23, 2010: Somewhat Autumn

This first day of fall doesn't really feel like fall yet but, the calendar (and my challenge) don't lie! Regardless, I have a meeting this morning at 8:30 (what is up with that?) so, I need to look put together despite the slightly ridiculous hour. I think this sweater with the pearls and these fabulous shoes really do the trick! I might even throw on a blazer to combat the morning chill and enhance the professional look! I know, I'm going all out...

• Top: cream sweater with natural stone collar embellishment, August Silk via Mom
• Bottom: red eyelet trim skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift Store; pearl earrings, birthday gift from mom a few years ago; brown leather tote, Bulga

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

September 22, 2010: The Right Time

I wanted to wear this dress the minute I got it (yes, I'm one of those people) but, since it was the beginning of August in one of the hottest summers in a while I decided to hold off. The black fabric, sleeves, and high neck definitely helped with that decision. But, now that the weather is cooling down (but, still warm) I excited to liberate it from my closet. Are there any items that you have been holding off on wearing until the weather cools down?

• Top: black dress, Maggy London via Unique Thrift Store/Mom. This was a great find! Maggy London dresses can normally run you anywhere from $100-$200.
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; black belt, from these Apt.9 via Kohl's pants; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.;  silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

September 21, 2010: Getting Back To It

Mondays are the worst and this Tuesday isn't feeling much better! I'll admit it: I am so burnt out from work (and life in general) that I am going to go insane if I don't get a vacation (hence some down time yesterday)! Thankfully BF and I will be going away in less than three weeks!! Part of me thinks that sounds a million years away but, when I check back into reality I know I have alot of things to get done in that short while. Ominous much? Perhaps...

Today I was feeling like wearing PJ's to work so I picked the next best thing: skinnies and an oversized sweater. I'm telling you, this picture does not do the sweater justice. It looks so much better in person AKA like a slouchy sweater not a potato sack... The outfit also works for the Young Professional's Committee (YPC) meeting I have to go to after work in the city. Speaking of work...

• Top: gray jewel drapey top, LOFT (now on sale)/birthday gift from mom
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach outlet

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

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:

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

September 15, 2010: Early Morning Again

It's been a while since I had to wake up super early but, today is one of those days. I could totally go back to bed but, unfortunately I have some things to take care of...  While I want to be comfy and pajama-like I have a job fair to go to later today so (unfortunately) that can't happen. Instead I am keeping the pattern mixing thing going with polka dots and stripes!

• Top: teal corsage embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target
• Bottom: brown pinstripe skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); polka dot scarf, New York and Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag 

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

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

September 14, 2010: Pattern Mixing Compulsion

Today I am back in the office. The craziness of last week (and prospective craziness of this week) really pushed me over the edge in terms of my stress level and the sudden cold weather kinda kicked my butt. You know... the sniffling, headache, congestion, I have a cold but, not really jazz just because of a slight drop in temperature and compromised immune system. Lame!

I can't say I'm happier to be here then home but, you gotta do what you gotta do. Honestly, I think the stress of the knowledge that work was piling up would have made my cold worse so in some ways it's good that I sucked it up and came in! This week might involve some crazy hours so I apologize in advance for the off schedule (or highly scheduled) posting. When I was picking out my outfit this morning I was seriously intent on matching this floral patterned shirt with a patterned skirt. I know you can't see it but, there is a very subtle plaid happening in the bottom half of my outfit. That would be a great theme week...

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: gray plaid pencil skirt, AB Studio from Mom via Kohl's
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, Aldo via Re/Dress NYC (same shoe different color here) I love that I am already getting to put these shoes to good use!; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

September 7, 2010: WWW - Great Accessories

For me my wardrobe isn't only about clothes, despite the word's defined meaning. While items of attire are, naturally, the key components of any good look I feel that accessories need to be given equal appreciation! I don't know where I would be without the perfect purse to tote all my bits and bobs in or a chic pair of earrings to make my outfit shine. How many of us would be disoriented while putting looks together without our red, leopard print, or metallic shoes? Or perhaps the perfect necklace to pull the ensemble together!?

Today I salute some of the hardest working accessories by making them work a little more (wait, what?) and highlighting them! First of all there are the ever present (during the summer at least) silver gladiator sandals. You can't go wrong with metallic shoes and these are no exception.  I bought these two years ago and have been wearing them consistently ever since, to the point where they are falling apart! They pull my outfits together when I'm running errands, going to work, and even for a night out at the club on my birthday. Although, I can't keep wearing these come fall I do have some great silver and bronze flats that will stand in nicely, it's all about the metallic!

The next accessory that works it are my super classic and simply elegant silver bead earrings from Tiffany & Co. They were a gift from BF and I have definately gotten good use out of them. I mean how could you go wrong with basic silver earrings and from Tiffany's to boot? Yeah, I don't know either... They have made it work for special meetings, everyday work, casual things, and any other occasion that might need a little shine. I think the sandals and these earrings compliment each other well and make this whole get up (as well as many others) work from head to toe, literally!

I saved the best for last! I've mentioned before that handbags are my favorite accessory! I have so many (not quite Imelda Marcos [of bags]... I can dream) but, there are a few that I just keep coming back to because they work so well with everything. One of these is my yellow alley bag. Considering how much I use it (one of the zippers just broke) and the fun story that I can tell every time someone compliments me on it, I think it is one of the best purchases I have ever made! It is spacious and utilitarian but, any bag that gives a nice contrasting pop of color is a must for me... I can't wait to share more of my wardrobe workers with you, this is a great challenge!

• Top: blue and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy 
• Bottom: khaki bermuda shorts, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; chunky cluster statement necklace, LOFT (similar here); yellow alley bag. 

September 1, 2010: I'm Back

Sorry for being MIA the past few days. Monday I had taken the day off for a long weekend at the beach but, ended up staying home sick which carried over into yesterday. Now I am feeling a little better... good enough to go back to work, at least, because another day off and I will return to an avalanche of paperwork and e-mails (as if I'm not going to already!) I thought about keeping it super casual today (AKA yoga [like] pants) but, I need to finish wearing the forgotten shoes!

• Top: purple tank top, Old Navy; another tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: floral print wedges, Hollywould. I will be bringing flip flops as well, just incase; rainbow beaded earrings, via now defunct Moxie Bee; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

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

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

August 26, 2010: Urban Safari

Yesterday when I said I only had four pairs of forgotten shoes left I wasn't being entirely accurate... I had one pair of completely fabulous forlorn shoes that I could not make an outfit with but, would could not part with because they are too fabulous! Enter, Dior Vintage Flower Slingbacks!

Aren't they fabulous? I didn't even factor them into my shoe project because I figured if I hadn't been able to do anything with them by now I wouldn't be able to moving forward. Either way, I wasn't going to get rid of them (I love them) so, they were better off in my closet as a memory.

That all changed this morning when I was getting ready. Originally I had planned on wearing these great comfy Due Farina shoes but, I just wasn't feeling the purple and green combo (shocker, I know) and I was inspired to give the forlorn shoes a try... I think it worked out fabulously! I'll be honest they are not the most comfortable things in the world (I bought flip flops just in case) but, they are super cute and I'm so glad I got to use them! Do you have items like that in your closet that you just can't bring yourself to part with but, will probably never use? How do you justify keeping them (other than continuously searching for a way to wear them)?

I've talked so much about the shoes I have completely neglected the awesome dress I got myself for my birthday! I love the look of shirt dresses but, the cut is not always the most flattering on me depending on the placement of the belt loops and that's if it even had a belted waist (crucial). The Calvin Klein dress I wore a week or so ago was close but, the pockets plus the completely perfect shape make this dress absolutely irresistible (despite it's wrinkled state)! This will certainly not be forgotten, neglected,  or forlorn!

• Top: khaki green sleeveless shirt dress, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: Dior Vintage Flower Slingbacks, Dior Outlet; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; brown leather bag, Kooba

August 24, 2010: Grayness Go Away

I have nothing against the rain but, I really don't like the gray cloudyness it brings. It is so unmotivating! I am completely a morning person but, when I look out my window and see that hot mess in the sky all I want to do is go back to bed. I'll admit it I woke up a little later than planned this morning so posting was out of the question, here's the late edition! Now that I'm looking at the outfit the pants look like PJ's, no?

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT via Mom
• Bottom: brown herringbone pants, New York and Company. That's right, I finally finished lengthening the pants (with a little help from Mom) I love that you can't even tell that they used to be cuffed!
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em via DSW; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

Items from this outfit are previsouly seen here and here:

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

August 23, 2010: Sunshine, Where Did You Go?

This week is going to be an absolute mess weather wise; humid, raining, and at the same time cold. What happened to the summer? I thought I still had more time to wear the oodles of dresses and forgotten shoes that I have yet to utilize. I'm looking forward to the last weekend in August being appropriately warm and sunny. I guess they will just have to wait... Either way, I can't wear everything that I have been holding off on in such a short period of time! Today I am trying to get the ball rolling but, I'm not going to stress. This personal style challenge won't come to a close until April and hopefully it will be warming up all over again at that point! Can you believe we are closing in on 6 months already? I can't. Do you hold off on wearing certain items only to realize that you have missed your window? Apparently, I do.

• Top: red crochet embellished tank top, LOFT; brown and black zebra print cardigan (for the modesty), New York and Company
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too

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

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

August 19, 2010: Before The Sun Rises

I told one of my friends that I would give them a ride to the airport this morning since it would take them significantly longer to get there on public transportation at this time. Due to the earlier than normal hour of today's departure from home I am all about being super comfortable but, still work appropriate since I will probably head straight into the office once I drop her off. Is it the most flattering look in the world? Perhaps not although, the rhinestone epaulets are pretty awesome but, I digress... Either way, the aforementioned flattery wasn't really the driving force behind today's outfit. Ideally, I strive for comfortable and stylish looks but, occasionally there are days like today where practicality trumps the norm. Does every outfit you wear need to be complimentary to your body or are there days when you sacrifice that for comfort?

• Top: gray jewel drapey top, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Bottom: white pinstripe capris, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 18, 2010: In The City

Today is my lunch downtown and I think I found a comfy and stylin' dress that is also professional AKA works perfectly in this situation. Plus, I even managed to incorporate a pair of forgotten shoes! Even though I picked out the dress last night my accessories didn't really work out the way I planned so I am still running a little behind. I'll keep this quick.

• Top: Calvin Klein khaki dress, Loehmann's (same dress on the weekend here) 
• Shoes & Accessories: brown suede Prada wedges, DSW; chunky cluster statement necklace, LOFT (similar here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; vintage Louis Vuitton speedy, eBay  

August 17, 2010: Hard and Soft

When I was piecing this outfit together this morning. I couldn't help but feel a little like a candystriper. I think it was the pink and stripe combination or more specifically the stripes in this skirt. I think this T-Shirt with a gray pinstripe skirt (note to self: get gray pinstripe skirt) would be great!  But, I digress... I needed to find a way to make this a little less sterile so I have added some chunky accessories and am ready to go! Tomorrow's outfit I might have to plan out tonight when I get home because I have a meeting downtown and I always feel like that creates a new standard of style that I have to meet resulting in a clothes hurricane in my bedroom and tardiness at work. What kind of situations create an new level of pressure or a style challenge for you?

• Top: light pink Mossimo t-shirt, Mossimo for Target via Mom (similar and on sale here)
• Bottom: gray and white striped skirt with lace trim, Merona for Target via Unique Thrift Store during "Birthday Beginnings" 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); chunky cluster statement necklace, LOFT (similar here); cream Loeffler Randall bag, Target;

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 12, 2010: Double Take

Yesterday was surprising for me in that apparently curly hair is no big deal! Barely anybody commented (IRL) on it, I'm not sure if that's disappointing or negligible. I guess there are other things to focus on at work besides the state of my locks. Today it's up in a messy bun because I am in a rush and it's being a little wild. This easy fix is the one thing I missed about curly hair! This bun looks alot more interesting than one with pin straight hair. Maybe it was all the humidity and "nature" that I was exposed to at Boscobel last night... I would actually recommend going to take in some Shakespeare or just the beautiful gardens if you have the time but, bring bug spray! Here are a few shots of last night before the show started:

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

Today's outfit might seem similar to you and that's because it is! I wore an almost identical outfit in July and I'm not sure which works better. In the previous one I was just looking for something that "matched" with but, I think this might "go" better. Let me know what you think in the poll below!

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT via Mom
• Bottom: blue polka dot skirt, New York and Company (same skirt on the weekend here)
• Shoes & Accessories: gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless; gold perforated earrings, New York and Company; brown leather tote, Bulga

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

poll by twiigs.com