Secondhand Star

This outfit is from last Friday, it is the last of all the off schedules errant posts that I needed to sahre with you, Success!

One of the things I have noticed recently (especially when I'm going through purchases for the month) is that I tend to shop (almost) exclusively at second hand stores. On top of that I get lots of clothes from swaps with friends/family/rando strangers of a similar size. While it is intentional (money saving and all that jazz) I like how much it benefits the environment as well. It's a small action but, hopefully it is having a wider reaching impact.

• Top: white sleeveless polo shirt, Lacoste via  Mom's closet raid
• Bottom: denim skirt, LOFT via Melissa's closet cleanout
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; vintage silver earrings, my abuela

Cobbler Friday

This outfit is from two Fridays ago... I'm keeping track I promise.

If I had know how my day was going to go after taking these pictures in the morning I might not have been as happy. Instead I would have had a look of fierce determination. Why? Well, if you follow me on Instagram and/or Twitter (like you should) you would have gotten the blow by blow of those lovely shoes I was wearing completely falling apart as I tried to make it from the train station to my office and go about my day as regularly as possible. I'm glad that, against all odds, I was able to find these shoes but, I am sad that apparently they are not built to last. Hubby has performed his at home cobbler magic and hopefully it works so that I can use them but, we shall see.

• Top: beige/metallic striped sweater, Ella Moss via Ashby
• Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever 21
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi via Buffalo Exchange; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, gift from Mom

I most recently wore this shirt here.

Casual (Non-Denim) Friday

After my introspective "to jean or not to jean" question last Friday it was still on my mind as casual Friday rolled around again. As I planned my (last minute) outfit  I considered all the valid points from the article I tweeted that were made in support of skipping denim like:

• Is the traditional practice really in the best interest of the unstoppable, career-driven women of today. 
• The idea wasn't created with women’s fashions in mind...  What’s the female equivalent of skipping the tie and jacket?
• Female leaders, whether we like it or not, have long been relying on style to help gain respect, influence or power in ways in which men frankly have not had to
• While there is still a clear uniform for men, women instead have endless options, and each possible choice invites its own scrutiny from others

So, despite my true desires, I decided not to wear jeans on Fridays. While my actions were contrary to how I normally feel they were made much easier compounded by the fact that I was giving a formal performance evaluation to someone. In that moment, when your entire interaction is imbued with corporate structure and formality, it made sense. We'll see about next Friday... 

• Top: blue gray ruffle embellished cardigan, Merona 
• Bottom: black capri pants, Lands End
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, Seychelles; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

TGIF and another things

So here we are again! I am loving it aren't you? Well, you will be. Why? Because, I said so. Now that we got that awkward turtle moment out of the way we can talk about other things like my face... One thing that you might notice if you have been clicking through pictures here on 260 Days, No Repeats is my general appearance. If you have taken time to compare it to my general appearance on (the now defunct) 260 Day Redux you might notice something (substantially?) different.

That's right, there is a bit less face as of late and you would be correct in assuming that there is a bit less of all of me. I have been going to the gym in an attempt to be a healthier, happier me. There have been some positive side effects (less of me) and some less happy side effects (fewer clothing options.) My weight loss has been substantial enough that there are lots of items I can't wear anymore because they are falling off, swimming on me, allowing too much skin to show, etc. It has been truly bitter sweet to say goodbye to old clothing favorites while shopping for new clothes out of sheer necessity. It has also been challenging for me to come to terms with this new body. I am happy, don't get me wrong but, I can't remember a time when I was ever this small in my entire tween/young adult life and I am experiencing a disconnect (at times) to say the least.

Enough about my face let's talk about my clothes. It's Friday (yay) and, unlike my old company, my current company practices Casual Friday as a regular thing (thank goodness!) I have heard/read that flared jeans are the way for spring and that skinnys are a thing of the past. That's great for everyone who isn't a (physically) hippy person but, not for those of us that are. I don't mind giving the skinny jeans a rest every now and then but, I won't be trading them in for flared jeans anytime soon. Then again maybe my new body would look good in flared jeans... I might need to explore that option the next time I go shopping. What is your take on the new 70's denim vibe? Are you already in flares or are you holding on to your skinny jeans?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein
• Bottom: wide leg jeans, Michael Kors via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cap toe ballet flats, Guiseppe Zanotti via Buffalo Exchange; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

Remember when I used to post links to where wardrobe items were previously seen in an ensemble? No? Well, look at most previous posts. I'm not going to be pulling everything up from the archives but, moving forward I would like to highlight when I utilize an item more than once. Perhaps not the same way, it was extremely laborious. We'll see what I come up with when we get to that point... next week. What? Blazers don't grow on trees.

February 25, 2011: You Were The One I Loved, The One Thing That I Tried To Hold On To

Sorry for being so MIA things have been a little hectic around here; new jobs are crazy! I will be catching up as quickly as I can. Anyway... remember how I had said there would be no more Friday jeans for me well, that wasn't entirely accurate. The new office where I am does a charity day one Friday a month where if you donate to a worthy cause you can delight in denim. Sufficed to say I had no problem finding a few bucks especially because it was rainy and gross outside. Money can buy happiness... at least in terms of corporate casual Friday.

One cause that I was unfortunately lax about this month was wearing red to promote heart health. There were a few days where I did but, not on Fridays. I tried to stick with it for the last Friday of the month especially after I found a donation kit from the American Heart Association in my new desk. My new boss informed me that they always send something and to just toss it because that wasn't a chosen charity for 2011 (she's not as rough as she sounds, I promise.) In the kit there was a bag of red dress pins so I snagged one for myself. I have lots of extras so, if you interested please email me. I'd be happy to send one your way (US addresses only)

On another note, I miscounted when I said I had three months left. Really this personal style challenge comes to a close on April 1, 2011 since it started (way back in the day) on April 1, 2010. So that means that this is the last month. I know I can't believe it either.

• Top: white crochet neck top, LOFT (same shirt different color here,here, here, here, and here); brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; red dress pin, American Heart Association; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

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February 11, 2011: Goodbye To Everything That I Knew...

Today is my last day at my current company (peace out) and I am not going to lie I'm a total ball of emotions... Since it is the last chance I am going to have to wear jeans in the office for a while I pleased to be able to do so within the confines of this dress code not being wild and crazy like I was on Wednesday. I'm not really sure how things are going to be next week but, I feel sure that what happens will be positive!

• Top: purple and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: black sneaker/shoes, Rocket Dog; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

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The Roundup: 9 Months, 3 Months Left

Wow, today is a day of revelations! I just realized that I am nearing the end of my one year of wearing no repeated outfits to work, time flies... With everything that has happened in recent weeks I don't have a cool summary for you of the past nine months like I did at three months or six months but, I will say this: there were no purchases, no repeats, and February is shaping up to be a month of surprises/good things for everyone, including you!

January 26/28, 2011: Catching Up

So as you all know last weekend was pretty lousy for me. Thankfully the week to follow was filled with some seriously good things despite all the other junk. More to come on that later...

Wednesday was cold, kind of like the day before that and the day before that. Now let me tell you how I really feel... this cold is never going to end. I'm ready for you now spring, I really am! I am trying not to fall into the cozy style faux pas of skinnies tucked into snow boots every day but, it's SO hard. Do you have any advice on how to fight this? I welcome suggestions...

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

Thursday I was hip deep in snow when I left my apartment so... I stayed home. Thankfully so did BF and we dug out the car for my Friday trek to work. I had a job fair scheduled so I really wanted to make it into the office and off to the fair. The outfit was a little on the casual side for job fairs but, had a mentioned it was cold? Also, it was Friday and I hate to give up my denim. I sit behind a table anyway so no one really sees my legs anyway. Although, when I walked in someone mistook me for a student, awkward... I wouldn't wear this ensemble to a job fair! 

• Top: cream, yellow, and brown argyle sweater, GAP; orange tank top underneath, New York and Company 
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: brown suede boots, Chinese Laundry via DSW; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

January 21, 2011: For A Minute... Finally

Sorry for the hiatus, you know... life happens. Posting might be a little sporadic because I have lost my laptop. Either way, I am trying my best to avoid that... life goes on. What? Yeah, you read right, the brand new one that I got just less than a year ago, I'm a jerk. I accidentally left it at a weekend recruiting event at Lehman College and when I called security to ask if anyone had turned it in they said no. Totally my fault but, if you're the person who found it AKA an HP in the Music Hall with this website as a homepage please email me and I will gladly retrieve it from you.

Moving along... there was snow on Friday by here, for a few hours which almost feels like the blink of an eye when you are indoors. There was not a ridiculous amount of snow but, enough to force me into boots again. Is anyone else tired of the snow or is it just me? Hmmm I see you hiding with your snowball, it must just be me.

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

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

FBFF: Planning Ahead

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?

I organize my closet by color of clothing (it's just easier for me) and I go by that ex: "I am going to wear something red today!" The rest of it builds from that one piece I pick. Also, theme weeks/challenges help because they limit what I have to work with.

2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month, weekend?

I didn't used to plan my outfits in advance but, recently I have been looking at things a week at a time. This is mostly because my photographer AKA BF didn't really appreciate having to traipse downstairs after a long day everyday just to take my picture but, we discussed this already... It has kind of backfired on me though because thing happen (ahem, snow) and it hijacks me into altering the plan. I don't cry about it or anything but, I like to be authentic!

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?

This was the first question I was asked by a reader, here is my answer. Long story short: I am a nerd. To be honest though, I haven't really been great at keeping up with it but, if I think I might be repeating an outfit I just search a piece of it on 260 Days, No Repeats and cross reference what I want to wear with what comes up. It's worked out so far...

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet? (Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)

I'm sure there are a bunch of different ways for this but, not being able to wear the same combination of things definitely helps. I can't rely on the same outfits over and over so I'm forced to be creative. Normally, I start by throwing things together on the bed and if I like the way that looks I'll try them on then search for accessories, it's a process.

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?

I think the pre-planning of outfits will help tremendously and I have a few more theme weeks in the works so I am forced to focus on specific things in my closet but, I am open to suggestions!

Check out everyone elses answers over at Modly Chic!

January 7, 2010: Unintentional Deception

I have something to confess: all those fab pictures of my outfits this week were taken last Sunday, I know shocker! I'm sorry for deceiving you. I tried something different and planned my outfits for the week partly to save time in the morning and also to save my photographer from having to get up after he's come home from work to traipse downstairs and take my picture. I think he preferred it this way and I was able to be more calm in the morning so it worked out for everyone. Perhaps this will become a permanent thing at 260 Days, No Repeats but, I digress... kind of.

The reason that I am mentioning this now is because it is snowing and there is no way Target ballet flats are the shoe choice I am going to make to brave the snow. Granted it is only going to be 2-5 inches but, still! I opted for my new riding boots and am hoping that all the weather pre-treating that I did serves me well. Sadly, there will probably be no picture to communicate the new finished outfit to you since I am (hopefully) headed to the gym after work. Check back this weekend, I might have a surprise for you!

• Top: blue crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here); yellow tank top underneath (for the modesty), Proenza Schouler for Target; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company (not pictured)
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos (not originally pictured);  tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

December 17, 2010: Office Space

Sorry for the lapse in posts, Christmas has been consuming my life as you can see from my slightly disheveled state! But, in the end I think it's been worth it... I'm just waiting for the last of the packages to arrive in the mail and then they can go here with the rest of their friends!

I'll be catching up during my brief respite tomorrow, hopefully I can squeeze everything in before the Christmas road show begins! Friday was the last day that everyone in my department was guaranteed to be present and not completely inundated with work so, we had our holiday office pot luck. I baked cupcakes and wish I had taken a picture because they were pretty festive but, alas... I did not. They were yummy though! I wanted to keep the festive spirit going with my outfit without going overboard, no ugly holiday sweaters here. The little metallic threads in the tunic really did the trick!

• Top: black Thompson Street Caftan, New York and Company/gift from Mom with a red tank top underneath for the modesty; black cardigan, LOFT
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: black sneaker/shoes Rocket Dog; gold perforated earrings, New York and Company; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

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

December 3, 2010: Feeling Neutral

This outfit might seem a little fancy for casual Friday. I had meetings but, that wasn't the main reason for busting out these chic jeans. Immediately following work I needed to meet some girlfriends in midtown for dinner at a Korean restaurant. I didn't want to be over the top but, a t-shirt and jeans just wouldn't cut it! I think the outfit was a successful compromise.

I have to say this color palette is a bit revolutionary for me! Why, you might ask, it's just a bunch of neutrals? Well if you must know, I am a total chicken when it comes to mixing some of my neutrals, specifically black and brown. But, when I tried the outfit on with brown or gray shoes they just didn't work the same way as these simple black ones. They have seen better days but, I digress... Is it a hard thing for you to mix your neutrals or are you a neutral mixing pro? If so maybe you can give me some tips!

• Top: dark brown scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Bottom: dark wash trouser jeans, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Nordstrom Rack
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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

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November 19, 2010: Friday Last

Last Friday was like any other Friday, I was so happy for the week to be over. That's kind of how I feel today, except it's Wednesday!! But, while I might be getting out of the office early today (fingers crossed, I mean who doesn't get to leave early the day before Thanksgiving? Actually who even goes in?! but, I digress...) I still have lots of errands to run in preparation for dinner and such. What are your plans for turkey day? Are any of you going to brave Black Friday shopping? Has anyone already started their shopping? Is anybody finished!? I actually know a few people who are already done, gifts wrapped and everything... crazies, I'm jealous!

On that note, throughout the holiday season I do a decent amount of online shopping research so, I am going to be posting deals and cool finds on the 260 Days, No Repeats Facebook/Twitter for your perusal. Who knows, you might find an awesome gift that you might not otherwise have come across so check it out!

• Top: gray scoop neck t-shirt, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: black sneaker/shoes Rocket Dog; black Spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

October 29, 2010: A T-Shirt & Jeans

I would have loved to participate in this theme week Monday through Friday but, my dress code is business casual (as you know) and that would not have worked out so well. Though, I was happy to jump on the band wagon for Casual Friday. There is nothing more classic than jeans and a t-shirt! I even dug up an old graphic tee to incoporate some creepiness for Halloween! Who doesn't love zombies? "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains" - Pride and Predjudice and Zombies. If you haven't read the book you totally should it's hilarious! But, I digress... This was as festive as I got for Halloween, other than munching on some candy. What did you do? Did anyone dress up?

• Top: black graphic tee, Threadless
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; onyx earrings, V'ta; black spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

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October 8, 2010: Fly By

This week has gone by so quickly! That is probably due to the fact that I had (and still have) so many things to take care of in general. Cue picture of me pulling my hair out... I hope work today goes the same way and flies by. All I can say (or think, or type) is, "YAY vacation!!!" Don't worry I have a few fun surprises for you while I'm gone! Do you have any fun plans?

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; brown leather tote, Bulga

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

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

September 3, 2010: Birthday Wishes Etc...

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

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

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

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

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August 27, 2010: Third Time's A Charm

I was hoping to keep the outdoor picture thing going but, BF woke up late and had to rush out the door leaving me photographer-less. I'm all for independence and doing it myself but, traipsing downstairs with my tripod during the morning rush seems like a bit much or, maybe I'm just lazy... Either way, back to the hallway! I am so ready for the weekend, can't you tell?

• Top: teal zipper trim top, Mossimo via Target/gift from BF. I think it's a little long but, I couldn't resist the zipper detail! It reminds me of one of my fav Project Runway looks... Jeffrey where did you go?; tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em via DSW; tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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August 20, 2010: Twice In A Row

Today is another "need to be comfy" day (this time it's BF who needs an early morning ride) cleverly disguised as casual friday and the perfect excuse to rock my jeggings. I am a total convert but, I digress...  Today's fantastic and comfy outfit makes me feel (on some level) like I'm relying to much on clothes that could be worn when the weather gets a bit cooler and that I'm not utilizing all my warm weather things to their best advantage. I could totally see myself wearing this exact same outfit, for example, with a scarf/ballet flats and it being perfect for the fall but, according to my official rules that would be cheating. O well, I will make it work when the temperature starts to drop!

As for today, I'm sure you would (correctly) expect that I am so excited this week is over, especially after these past two days of early morning rising. At least I have fun things to look forward to this weekend. Dinner with one of my besties after work today and a visit from my fav cousin tomorrow... fun times! Maybe I'll snap some pictures while we're out and about. What are your plans this weekend?

• Top: gray v-neck top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless; rainbow beaded earrings, via now defunct Moxie Bee; purple Coach bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 13, 2010: No Friggatriskaidekaphobia Here!

Today I am happy for the weekend. No silly superstitions can bring me down! Thanks for letting me know what you thought about my outfit yesterday! It was a "landslide" victory for Double Take. I had reflected that this personal style challenge is helping me to see the potential in my wardrobe and yesterday was an ideal example. A few months ago I might not have put together that blue skirt with that coral top especially when I had something that was closer to an exact match even though I (now) know that it is a color combination that works well. I'm eager to see how my style continues to evolve as I move progress through this challenge! Any fun plans for the weekend?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories:  red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; cherry print tote, Luella for Target. That's right people, as in the first Go International capsule collection for Target! Even if you don't remember this specific pattern maybe this tartan plaid dress will jog your memory...

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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