First Day of School, I Mean Work

An outfit of the day post already? Yup! Don't worry, I'm not falling back into old habits. However, I have started a new job (yay, me) and I thought it only appropriate to show you what I wore on my first day in my new position. While I am still working in human resources/recruiting I have switched industries from non-profit to a more corporate environment. There has definitely been a bit of a learning curve in terms of industry specific practices, terminology, etc. and I am excited to learn them all. One thing that I am confident saying is that I do know is how to dress appropriately for work. That being said, I noticed throughout the interview process how laid back everyone was in my new office in terms of their wardrobe, leggings and jeans abound. While that might be acceptable for other parties involved that is not something I am comfortable with for work on a daily basis let alone my first day. Concurrently I did not want to show up in a full suit; that might have been a bit off putting to my new colleagues, albeit not inappropriate. I ended up going with a business casual standby: coordinating blazer/skirt combo with a cute top, it's the a perfect combination.

• Top: red floral print blouse, Anne Klein; black blazer, Calvin Klein
• Bottom: gray plaid pencil skirt, ABStudio
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Bandolino; pearl earrings, Macys 

June 11, 2012: Monday IS Suit Day!

Ok, Maybe two weeks in a row is not a solid basis from which to draw an infallible conclusion but, I'm going to anyway... Suits are just so easy on Monday morning especially when I need to lead portions of a new employee orientation. They are (almost) as easy as dresses but, the connote an even higher sense of professionalism that dresses don't always. 

On another note, I was so excited to make it outside to take this picture! Picture taking Sundays seem like a distant memory but, with daylight hanging around later it's an (often overlooked) option to take a picture each day before heading home. Do I sense a new plan forming? Maybe... 

• Top: ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns 
• Bottom: beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories:  gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys;  Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

May 3, 2011: Cool Waves

I was all ready for Tuesday to be gray and dismal as predicted but, it really wasn't that bad at all. Thanks for misleading me Weather.com... I'm glad I threw caution to the wind when getting dressed though because if I had paid any attention I would have swaddled myself in clothing and thrown on a pair of boots. Instead I wore a pretty gifted dress (the best kind) and the day was all the better for it!

This is one of those times where something new entered my wardrobe and I might not have necessarily made a huge effort to mention it but, I will moving forward so you don't think I'm shopping on the sly. While my mom was at the thrift store she saw this dress and picked it up for me. She said it was "so Iris!" I guess I could agree with that, I do love a jersey knit dress...  What kinds of pieces are "so you"?

• Top: blue wave patterned jersey knit dress, Scarlett via The Unique Thrift Store/Mom; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede-ish kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a pair of Tiffany style silver earrings like mine!

April 11, 2011: Wrapped In Bits Of Silver

So we are having some difficulties over here in 260 Days, No Repeats world. I can't find the charger for my camera battery so, it was a process to get the pictures of the memory card but, here they are. I found a fairly inexpensive one on Amazon so I might have to bite the bullet because I have absolutely no idea where the charger might be! 

Now let's cheer each other up and focus on something else like, this awesome shirt. I love the little silver pieces sewn in near the collar, they almost look like a necklace. All in all it's a triple threat: inexpensive, stylish, and comfortable! That's what I want my entire wardrobe to be!! What's would your triple threat consist of?

• Top: navy silver square t-shirt, Merona via Target (on sale here); brown jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: beige tweed Ann Taylor Loft skirt via Mom who thrifted
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP (not pictured)

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

April 8, 2011: Colorblind Again?

This is where things get totally bonkers; I was really reaching for thing that I have not worn in the parameters of what I wanted to wear today. Does that make sense? I think so... In other words I didn't want to force myself to wear something just because it had never been worn if I wasn't feeling it. This outfit took some stretching but, in the end I like the color combination and it's comfy. I can't say that this dress works as well as a skirt compared to others but, it gets the job done. This outfit isn't that crazy right?

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT; khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, and here)
• Bottom: coral sundress as skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze flats, Me Too via DSW; rainbow beaded earrings, Moxie Bee; rainbow beaded necklace, Moxie Bee; gold chain necklace, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

April 7, 2011: Late Night, Early Morning

Last night I went to a "secret" V'ta Jewelry sale and was out quite past my bedtime looking at pretty sparkly things, enjoying the good company of friends, and drinking rosé. It was a great night but, I had trouble tearing myself away from my bed this morning. It's a good thing I managed to take pictures on Sunday so I had an outfit in mind when I finally got up. Thankfully tomorrow is Friday and then the weekend which will be really relaxing and fun jam packed and super busy, wait that's wrong...

• Top: yellow striped faux wrap shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor (not pictured) 
• Bottom: gray pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather flats, Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

April 6, 2011: Polka Dot Tail

This is where things start to get a little wonky in terms of my outfit choices. What do I mean by that? Well, I can see why these things have been hanging out in my closet unworn for a while. They have a slightly funny fit, seasonal limitations, or they are less than appropriate for work. This dress is the latter; while the length and fit are good, the straps and bust area are completely inappropriate in general let alone in the office. I've only ever worn it with a cropped jacket to an evening event. While all the difficulties regarding this particular clothing item are true there is no point in keeping it if I am not going to wear it so, what is easier than using the dress as a skirt? What is one of your harder to style clothing items and how do you make it work?

• Top: red short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here, here, here); black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: black and white polka dot dress as skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

Don't forget to enter the Orient Watch USA Giveaway!

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.

March 30, 2011: I Laugh With Broken Teeth

Guys, I cracked a tooth! I would take pictures too but, it's a molar. First let me say that you should really take care of your teeth which I try my very best to. That being said, pony up the dough and go to a decent dentist. The last guy I went to on Sketch Street off of Shady Road seemed nice but, obviously did a really crappy job with my filling. It had been bugging me for a while but, I don't have dental insurance yet with this new job so I put it on hold. But, my tooth must not have heard that it needed to wait another 60 days before it started acting up more and decided to crack, that jerk! So, I am headed off the dentist for an emergency appointment then to work because I also don't have time off yet, FUN!

Also, I'm wearing clothes... very similar to this outfit.

• Top: navy and white striped button down, New York and Company; gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York and Company
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

poll by twiigs.com

March 29, 2011: Reaching Beyond The Ordinary

When I started with this outfit it was terribly unimpressive. Solid colored sweater? Check. Solid colored skirt? Check. Black pumps? Check Scratch that, I almost put myself to sleep with that boring nonsense! Thank goodness I have an excellent ok memory and remembered these fantastic tweed shoes that I haven't worn in quite a while. They are from a time before I had my shopping under control and whatever struck my fancy  and was priced "within reason" would come home with me. I guess on some level I'm happy I was so unencumbered by fiscal responsibility because now I have a pretty fabulous selection of accessories. On another level I'm sad because it will not continue to grow as it had been... Do I have a matching bag to go with these shoes? I may or may not... If so, is it tiny and completely impractical for the more grown up Iris? Yes. What an inexperienced fashionista I was, paying close attention to such silly fashion rules! But, I digress... I'm shocked that year one is almost finished and there are still things in my closet/accessory collection that I haven't worn on this blog yet. Do I sense a year two coming? Perhaps.

• Top: lime green scoopneck sweater (same sweater different color here, here, and here)
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: green tweed kitten heel pumps, Coach; fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

March 28, 2011: Time Flies When Your Super Busy

I can't believe that I am almost at the end of one year wearing no repeats to work! It seems like only a month or two ago I started. Maybe that's why I almost repeated an outfit this morning. Thankfully, I have been very accurate in my cataloging of outfits. I guess you can't help leaning towards your first instinct, too bad I already went with that! On a related note, I have almost finished compiling all of my "lost outfits" you know... the ones I've been too busy to post. Thank goodness because it's just about time for me to sum it all up. I wonder where I'll find time for that? 

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

March 22, 2011: Everything Comes Naturally

I almost can't believe that it has taken me so long to wear this skirt. I was so excited to get it in the mail after customer service from Lafayette 148 got in touch with me regarding the unfortunate demise of the one I picked up while I was on vacation. Don't you remember? No? Well you need to visit me here more often and keep up...

I went in the opposite direction in terms of colors to pair with it this time. Last time it was vibrant yellow, this time a color palette that is al natural. I feel a bit like I'm channeling mossy tree but, I kind of like it despite the fact that it is such an unlikely color combination for me. What  is the most out of the box color combo you've ever put together?

• Top: green short sleeve sweater, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty (same shirt different color here); brown jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: rainbow tweed skirt, Lafayette 148 via Saks
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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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.

March 8, 2011: Everybody, Everywear Loves Polka Dots!

On Tuesday I was keeping up with Everybody, Everywear and sporting one of my personal favs, polka dots. While some people might relegate them to children's clothes or retro throwbacks I love it most when I can find them in colors other than black and white. Everyone can't say that they have purple polka dots now can they?

• Top: purple and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here); black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

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Purchases: February 2011

Wow guys I did it again, that makes four whole months in a row! As much as I would love to attribute it to my unwavering self control I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the fact that this was a fiscally tricky month for me. Changing jobs combined with our proximity to tax season (where I generally get a decent refund that acts as a safety net) didn't allow me enough wiggle room in my budget to even consider shopping. Thankfully Mom and BF came to the rescue to fill in the wardrobe gaps that needed plugging in this new office. 

February 24, 2011: Out Of Practice

I love my BF. I wouldn't bother listing all the reasons why but, I know there's alot of evidence to support that fact. One which only came to light last night when I came home after work and set up my tripod to take an outfit picture (picture taking Sunday really needs to happen this week, for serious!) I snapped 5 or 6 pictures but, after a long day of work/commuting I figured I had gotten the shot and wrapped it up. After viewing the results I have to say it is official, I have lost my touch! Where would I be without my BF? I would be subjecting you to months of me figuring it all out again in my hallway. No, you're right we'll just wait for BF...

• Top: pink rosette embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, and here); black safari jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: dark gray Hudson Wide Leg Pant, New York and Company/new job gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; black and gray leopard print headband, 75% off $1.00 bin at Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Also, The Fuzz says "Hi!" Actually he's probably saying, "What's that over there?"

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

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February 22. 2011: Losing My Touch?

In my extreme sense of tired after this long weekend I decided to pick an outfit that was safe easy and wear a suit yesterday. I'll be honest I almost feel like I'm copping out. Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely suit that has some really beautiful floral details (note to self take close up pictures next time) but, it's just... a suit. There were no colorful tights or crazy shoes to spice it up. The closest I got was a little pop of color in the shirt which worked nicely with the little flecks of color in the tweed (note to self seriously take close up pictures next time) but, that isn't much. I can't help but, feel that this new office culture is sucking the creativity out of me in terms of getting dressed. Or maybe it's just that I don't want people to think I'm crazy or color blind right off the bat. What do you do to spice it up when you feel like you're in a wardrobe funk?

• Top: blue short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft (same shirt different color here and here); brown tweed jacket with floral details, George via Unique Thrift Store
• Bottom: brown tweed skirt with floral details, George via Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom a few years ago; beige pantyhose, No Nonsense via Stop and Shop; yellow alley bag

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

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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.

February 14, 2011: The Best Laid Plans...

In an attempt to smoothly conform with my new company dress code I am take part in Modest Fashion Week... also, I'm pretty darn classy!

I should be super excited (and maybe a little nervous) about headed to my new job today. Instead I am something else. I'm not exactly sure what (aggravated, angry, frustrated, nervous, helpless, all of the above?) but, I can tell you why... I am now a dead ringer for the little kid from Dutch Boy paint. I thought that it would be a great confidence booster to get my hair cut; not just a trim like a serious cut. So, I headed to my hair dresser (who primarily speaks Spanish) with my Mom (who translates). Long story short... Mom needs to get her hearing checked because this is what I ended up with. It's not bad and hair grows I get that but, I'm not going to lie my confidence took a major hit. I am so unbelievably uncomfortable and slightly more nervous than expected... I didn't even want to post this picture.

• Top: magenta pinstripe button down, New York & Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black long cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black tights, Just My Size via CVS; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns 

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


Don't forget to enter the Shopbop Giveaway!

What To Wear To An Interview

So, as I mentioned before I did a little looking before I landed this job and while I was going through all that I decided to catalog my interview outfits. I figured it would be a good lesson for anyone who isn't sure what to wear when that big day comes.

In November I had an interview with another non-profit the same day as a job fair. I just swapped the cardigan I was wearing for a the suit jacket and it was a done deal. That day I was just happy I wasn't expected back in the office... In the end it wasn't the job for me (we were both on the same page about that) but, at least I got a little interview practice.

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

My next interview was about two weeks ago. Like I said before, things took a turn for the serious! I didn't want to wear the same old suit that I wear for every occasion that calls for a suit (see above) so I reached into my closet to find something different. This was one of the few moments where I was grateful for my past shopping transgressions! Years ago I had purchased this Isaac Mizrahi suit from Target on SUPER clearance (like less than $20 SUPER) and had never utilized it fully. My mom took in the skirt but, I never had a need for the jacket until now... I think it was a total winner!

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP (not pictured)

My second interview for my new job occurred on the same day that NYC was hit with 19 inches of snow. Thanks snow! I think this suit was the one thing that went right because I didn't worry at all about the cold or wetness just how I was going to make it there on time... thankfully I got a very early start and BF was home to help dig the car out and I drove since the bulk of NYC's public transportation was shut down/delayed/who knew.

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: navy pinstripe pants, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; pearl earrings, gift from mom; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP (not pictured)

To sum it all up, here are some thing that I now know undoubtedly to be true about what to wear when interviewing:

• You cannot go wrong with a suit, ever.
• That being said, it doesn't have to be an expensive suit just a well made one.
• When it comes to accessories: the simpler the better.
• Boots are OK when there are almost two feet of snow on the ground.
• A solid bright color top really makes you shine.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!