Motivational Monday

So last week worked really well in terms of picture taking Sunday, getting all of the awesome posts out on time, and scheduling a sprinkling of social media posting. Yup, crushed it! This weekend didn't work out the way I wanted it to. Besides Mother's Day being this weekend I find that there normally isn't enough time to do all the things I would hope to get done in a weekend. It becomes a balancing act of social obligations, chores (mulching anyone?) and other personal responsibilities. How about you?

No wonder Mondays have a bad rep! After coming out of the weekend where you may or may not have accomplished all the goals you set out for yourself it makes sense that you don't want to tear yourself out of bed and go to work. Maybe that's just me but, when you think about that how is that different that any day of the week? I multitask, as I'm sure most of you do, and run errands during lunch or after work able to get up the next morning ready to go, more or less... Maybe if we approach Mondays with a more "ass kicking" "can do" attitude  like other days of the week it will kick the proverbial case of the Mondays to the curb. So, that's what I'm going to try this week: I am super excited to get to work this morning and get things done!

• Top: purple sleeveless sweater, New York & Company; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow fresh bloom pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohls; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage

April 3, 2012: Overthinking My Style

Tonight I am going to a lecture about the artwork of Diego Rivera after work. While I probably would have time to scoot home and change that seems silly considering how close the lecture location is to my office. This morning Last night I faced the challenge of picking an outfit that would be appropriate for work, as well as, this artsy event afterwards. Let me walk you through my thought process because it’s actually kind of ridiculous/hilarious.

The one painting that pops into my mind when I think of Diego Rivera (after his self portraits and his weird crazy face/lazy eye) is this one:

Image courtesy of art-prints-gallery.com

I didn’t want to dress up like a Mexican peasant (not work appropriate) but, I thought it might be interesting to take inspiration from the Calla Lilys that are present throughout many of his works. Everything that I came up with felt like I was trying way too hard i.e: Iris as a Calla Lily? I would never probably not get to that outfit combo (a green skirt with white and yellow on top) organically. Then I saw this painting:

Image courtesy of northjersey.com

I thought I could be the woman defending against a soldier’s attack while holding her baby but, I don’t really have an office appropriate dress that fits my interpretation of that ensemble or a baby… Then I thought about swaddling myself from head to toe in neutral colors AKA black, as most artist do in cliché portrayals. Thankfully, I came to my senses and decided to dress like I normally would! Also, 2 + 2 = 4, revelations…

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here and here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)   
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies for Kohls; Camilla Ring, Stella & Dot; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; brown self-winding watch, Kenneth Cole/borrowed from BF; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

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

January 4, 2012: Corporate Bohemian

I got more comments last week about what I was wearing to work that I have in a long time beginning with purple tights and continuing with this outfit. Apparently this fall color palette was so comment worthy that I had a full gamut of people give me their opinion about it. My favorite was a male co-worker of mine who told me that mustard yellow was his favorite color and that I was awesome for wearing it in the office; The new hire who called me a corporate bohemian and this quite girl who never speaks telling me that maroon and gold were her school colors was cool as well. I didn't even think of it when I got dressed but, these are my high school colors as well... awkward?   

What is your favorite color palette to wear to the office? Is there anything that is off limits?

• Top: red long sleeved shirt, Van Heusen (same shirt different color here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom:  yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bead necklace, Vintage; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

December 19, 2011: Office Holiday Party

Last Monday was my office holiday party and it was quite the shindig. My company definitely spared no expense finding us one of the hottest places in the city to celebrate at and footing the bill for the open bar; maybe next year they can find a place that has more food. Let's just say after a three hour open bar and a handful of appetizers I was in fine form!

It was a good thing that I had written this guest post for Sugar and Spice utilizing almost exactly what I wore to work that day/the party (minus tights so, just imagine they are there) because I completely crashed when I got home!

• Top: Lace Yoke Sleeveless Dress, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; black belt, from this dress; rhinestone studs, New York & Company; Belle Fluer ring, Stella & Dot; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

November 3, 2011: I've Got Lace

If you are participating in this theme week please link up below and put the trend that you are representing where it asks for your name. Please leave a comment after you post, thanks!

Many of the trends this fall make me think of a more classic style and lace is definitely one of them. The other thing that lace reminds me of is a doily. Thankfully, this shirt channels the classic style and not the latter but, despite that it is still a challenging piece to wear to work. Completely see through tops are not what I think of when I imagine professional business attire. O, you do? Then I should be ok... I rocked this top at my last job no problem but, this new office is decidedly more conservative. We shall see how it goes. What other items of clothing do you think push the corporate dress code? 

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple wool blazer, Victoria Holley/Mom's closet cleanout
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; brown woven tote, Loeffler Randall

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

October 24, 2011: Just Another Manic Monday

Today is just your normal, run of the mill Monday: there are things to accomplish in the upcoming week at work (as well as, at home), there are social obligations that are looming throughout the rest of the week, and all while that Monday malaise is, making you feel like it would really be best if you jumped back in bed for more quality time with your pillows. You know what I'm talking about...

In my opinion one of the best cures for "the Mondays" is a great outfit! Something that will carry you through the entire day from work to a drink after, errands, or just the train back home. It gives you the boost you need to start the week out sans extra pillow time which is exactly what I am trying to do here!

• Top: black, brown, and red paisley dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; black belt, came with this dress; hammered silver and garnet earrings, jewelry by lis; purple tote bag, Coach

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

April 13, 2011: Career Day

My company is hosting a career day for upcoming graduates at our office today. Guess who was in charge of setting everything up and making sure it goes off without a hitch? Yup that would be me... I am dressing to impress today AKA full suit! Wish me luck, I'm already running late.

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's 

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


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February 7, 2011: Ladies Make Some Noise If You Wanna Be My Replacement

Today I have alot on my work plate, I am going to be interviewing candidates to fill my role where I work when I leave this Friday. I can't believe it's all happening so quickly, I feel like I just gave my notice yesterday instead of a week ago. That being said I am hoping to find someone to replace me before I go even though my boss says I'm irreplaceable, awww... 

I am keeping it more professional today (AKA wearing a jacket) because I want to make a serious impression on the people who I meet. As my last week working in a business casual environment continues I might push that to it's limit as the week goes on! No, I don't think the teal tights count... 

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT via Mom; khaki safari jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: brown jersey knit skirt, Old Navy 
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's;  teal tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas gift from Cousin V (on sale here); tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; brown Loeffler Randall bag, Target (same bag different color here) 

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

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January 31, 2011: Dress For Success

Monday I went to work on a mission, I was going to give my two weeks notice. No, not on a whim; I got a new job! I have actually been look for a while sporadically but, recently it took a turn for the serious and within a week or two I was going on first and second round interviews and apparently acing them. More on that later though...

I was super nervous about giving my notice for a whole bunch of reasons like what if my boss gets mad at me or what is he offers me more money to stay (which wouldn't work) or what if he gets super sad? More importantly though, what if he gets mad at me? I was still hoping for a recommendation on top of the fact that I genuinely like my boss and want to stay BFF4L!

So, in an effort to calm my nerves I did that thing I do... got dressed. I know we've talked about this before but, I would just like to reiterate my firm belief in the fact that when you look put together you exude more confidence and in turn feel more confident of yourself or at least I do. So animal print mixed with animal print and killer heels in the snow it was. Too bad he was on vacation yesterday.

• Top: purple v-neck sweater, H&M; leopard tank top underneath for the modesty, Express
• Bottom:  ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; gray tights, We Love Colors; gray labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns 

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

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January 11, 2011: They Call Me Mellow Yellow

Not rightly though because I am anything but that. In fact, I am so amped up I'm blurry... Not really this was just the best picture of the bunch but, I digress... Mustard yellow is one of my favorite colors in any wardrobe. I was so excited that these tights are such a great shade! It really punches up your outfit and goes well with a surprising amount of other colors "complimentary" or not. One of my favorites is with navy blue but, teal will do in a pinch! What is your favorite pop of color?

• Top: ivory sweater, Old Navy with a beige tank top underneath, for the modesty
• Bottom: blue, brown, black, and ivory pattern skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; yellow tights, We Love Colors; glass bead necklace, Christmas gift from Cousin M; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

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 16, 2010: Too Much Knit

I had meeting after meeting yesterday so, comfort was key and with all this cold it naturally meant cocooning myself in chunky knit fabric! I might have gone too far though since toward the end of the day I was having trouble keeping my eyes open... Next time only half as much knit!

• Top: gray sweater dress, Kensie
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohls; black ribbed tights, Assets by Sara Blakely via Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach

December 8, 2010: Life Is Short, Be Nice

As the temperatures continue to hover in the 30's and below I will be bringing out lots of new things to keep me warm but, still stylish. No, puffy snow gear for me... yet ever! One of the things that I love to wear when the weather is cold (and even when it isn't) is tweed. I have been saving this skirt for an appropriate occasion and I'm not really sure what I thought that was. I figured it would be some time in November but, that came and went and the skirt sat untouched in my closet. Today seemed like as good a time as any to bust it out, life's too short. Do you hold on the special pieces of clothing for the "right" occasion even though you may not have a specific one in mind? If so, does it generally pan out?

So, there's a funny story behind this beautiful statement necklace...I had gone to church with my mom a few weeks ago and there were some holiday shops set up after the service. We wandered down to take a peek and I was pleasantly surprised! They has lots of great handcrafted or thrify items and we met some really nice people. One of the tables that we perused had this fantastic A. V. Max necklace lying amidst other sparkly baubles and I was instantly drawn to the details in each of the little medallions. While discussing the piece the salesperson handed me her card and I immediately recognized her name from work even though I had never met her before! Being a recruiter and reading hundreds of resumes a week will do that to you but, I digress... I let her know that her name seemed familiar and after a brief exchange we determined that I was not going crazy and that she worked at one of my company's other facilities. Then she gave us a discount on the necklace... it's a small world so, be nice!

• Top: orange v-neck sweater, Banana Republic outlet with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; brown tights, Merona for Target; gold necklace, A.V. Max via holiday bazaar at church; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

December 6, 2010: It's a Dress, It's a Shirt

One of the trends this fall/winter that I am absolutely in love with (surprisingly) is lace. I was specifically on the hunt for an ivory lace top like I have seen on so many other stylish bloggers but, as we all know I am trying to curb my spending. Since that wasn't really an option I was faking it with alternative lace items from my closet but, none of them were really filling that craving...

I did something new yesterday in an attempt to create a similar look and wore my black lace dress as a shirt. I think I might have implemented the perfect solution! But, I can't take all the credit... I was inpired by other like minded equally fashionable bloggers. Thanks! I probably would not have tried somehting so seemingly out of the box before "meeting" all of you.

• Top: black lace dress, H&M via Unique Thrift Shop/gift from Mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; purple tights, Duane Reade; black belt, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray Le-Dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 

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

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November 30, 2010: Looks Like Iris

Today at work my boss told me that I looked like I was Iris... I'm not exactly sure what that meant but, I think it was a compliment? Either way I'll take it as such. It might have been in reference to the fact that this is one of the more office appropriate ensembles that I have worn in the past week or two.

I love this dress! I have been saving it for a day like today. You know cool but, not too cold... the dress is sleeveless after all. It actually came with a matching tweed jacket but, that was a little too much for me. I'm sure the jacket will make an appearance eventually but, I opted for this comfy black cardi instead.

• Top: blue tweed sheath dress, K Studio via Unique Thrift Store; black long cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; purple tights, Duane Reade; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

 

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

November 18. 2010: Thursday Past

I am operating on a serious delay. Life happens (as we all know) but, it is my current mission to catch up and have everything back on track by Thanksgiving. Not too lofty (I hope) and considerably easier after I retrieve one of my cameras left at a friend's apartment over the weekend. I wish that one was small enough to fit in my pocket but, I digress... Thankfully, I am picking it up tonight.

I wore this outfit to regular work; no meetings, no job fairs, just hanging out in my cubicle and getting stuff done. I still look pretty put together though, right? I find that I am more productive when I fit the part of "put together young professional" even when I don't necessarily have to. Do you find a similar correlation between your level of dress and your productivity at work? If so, do you utilize the way you dress as a method of increasing your productivity?

• Tops: brown and cream argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same shirt different color here)
• Bottoms: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's (same shoes different color here); purple tights, Duane Reade; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; vintage Louis Vuitton speedy, eBay

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

October 25, 2010: Unseasonably Warm

I was just getting on the boat for fall and today it is extremely warm... Make up your mind weather! I wanted to try out the tights and shorts thing that lots of people are rocking and so here it is higher temp or not. Now that I've done it I'm not sure that this is really working. I know generally the idea is not a bermuda short (per say) but, that's all I have to work with and that might be what seems off to me. Am I being too critical? Does this work or should I have styled it differently?

It also might be the fact that I am not feeling as comfortable in my clothes as I normally do. I have put on a few pounds (a few = 20+) between stress and not having time to eat properly over the past few months with this recent vacation as the cherry on top. Sufficed to say, I am feeling rather blah about how I'm feeling/looking and the way my clothes are fitting. I'll be honest, it's getting to the point where when I am looking at the pictures that I take (or that are taken of me) I am just looking for the one where I look the least bulge-y, it's not a good feeling. Am I the only one?

Not to get too personal but, I used to weigh alot more that I do now (almost 40 lbs. more that now) and I know now that keeping myself from gaining all that back has to be a daily conscious decision to eat the right things, go to the gym (which I haven't done in a while), and just generally be healthier. I also feel better when I am doing those things but either way, that hasn't been the case. Maybe saying it to all of you will push me to be more accoutable! No one is going to do this (being healthy thing) for me and if I want to keep on doing this (being a happy fun blogger thing) then I need to get that (first thing) straightened out. Besides, I can't really afford to buy any new (fat) clothes...

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black bermuda shorts, dear for Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

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: