(Business) Casual Friday

This outfit is from last Friday, and you thought I forgot... Today it's two for one, again!

It was another non-demin (kinda) casual Friday. As much as wearing jeans on Friday is something that I love, for a number of reasons, there are times when it is just more appropriate to skip the denim. For example, performance evaluations or recruitment events. Today Last Friday was the latter. While, I wouldn't normally schedule an event like that on a Friday a community partner that I have connected with was handling everything for me so, it was only appropriate to work within the parameters of their availability. Even though I wasn't in my full interviewing regalia I was definitely in a more professional frame of mind than on an "average" casual Friday. I think that counts for something. 

• Top: white ruffle embellished shift, LOFT
• Bottom: brown and blue plaid pants, C Wonder
• Shoes & Accessories: beige flats, Coach; peach cushion cut solitaire earrings, c/o Sorelli

Weekend Wonting

Is it Friday yet? I feel like it should be, don't you? Can't you just feel the long weekend calling? No? Ok, fine... let's talk about this shirt. You all (should) know how I feel about stripes. They contribute heavily to a fashion wasteland but, sometimes I'm into it so it's no big deal. This simple navy and white striped shirt is a big deal (to me) though. I spent months (seriously) searching in thrift/regular stores to find the most classic of striped shirts to no avail.

I finally caved and started searching online and wasn't having significantly different luck... After a few tries perusing Google Shopping I came across the website for Christopher & Banks and they had exactly what I wanted (finally) it so I ordered it based on the size chart and waiting with bated breathe for it to arrive. When the shirt came it was HUGE, I should have just ordered a few sizes to try on because that is the story of my life but, I digress... when I went back on the website almost all the sizes were sold out in almost all the colors and I (still) had no idea what size I am was so, I took a chance and ordered the smallest size based on my experience trying on the first shirt and it fits well... who knew?

• Top: navy and white striped shirt, Christopher & Banks
• Bottom: khaki green capris, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Marshalls
• Shoes & Accessories: nude flats, Coach; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

Night Out: Playing Hostess

I found this post as a draft when I was going some "spring cleaning" before getting down to regular posting business. I'm not sure why I didn't post it before...
                                                                                                                                                                  

I love going out to socialize with friends and try new experiences/cuisines but, being (f)unemployed has naturally limited my ability to do that. Despite that I can still spend time with everyone by staying in instead of going out! It's not as fancy but, can be just as fun if not more... While I was keeping things on the casual side (ahem, leggings) I still wanted to be a little fancy. How do you think I did?

• Top: guipure lace top, Lela Rose for Nieman Marcus/Target
• Bottom: great shapes leggings, courtesy of No Nonsense
• Shoes & Accessories: black kitten heel pumps, Coach; modified beige pearl earrings, Charming Charlie.gift from Cousin V

November 8, 2012: Winter Is Coming

Correction, winter is was here! After freezing my little piggies off trudging home through a few inches of snow in ballet flats I wanted to make sure I was prepared to stay warm during the morning commute. I went (way) against the rules and wore skinny pants to work so I could easily tuck them into my (secret commuter) black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar. I wasn't taking any chances! Of course by morning the sun had come out and by the time I left work in the evening all the snow had melted away. I suppose it's better to be over prepared... Was there snow in your area? Was it gone as quickly as it came?

• Top: teal cowl neck sweater, Mossimo for Target (same sweater different color here); gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black kitten heel pumps, Coach; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift certificate from Shopbop!

November 6, 2012: Layering Is My Friend

What's this? A bonus Tuesday post? Nah... I'm going back to the original way of doing things around here. Why? Because I think it would be better for everyone me and I'm going to try to make it work. I'm also going to try to make this whole cold weather/hot office thing work. Even though no one suggested layering when I asked for advice yesterday (thanks much) I think that might be the best route. 

• Top: black sheath dress, no tag via The Big Fat Flea; orange ballet neck chiffon flower embellished top, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black kitten heel pumps, Coach; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift certificate from Shopbop! 

Happy Easter

There is no reason to break tradition now, time to share my Easter outfit. Last weekend, in all the hubbub of my normal life I got a text message from my mother informing me that the Easter color was lilac… Can you see my unamused face? I’m sorry, I’m a little scarred from all the years of posing for portraits with my brother in matching ensembles or going to crowded public places wearing identical outfits. Perhaps, we were easier to find that way (I think) but, I digress…

When I received the message I had no idea what I was going to wear and just hoping I could find something in my closet and I did! Unfortunately for my mother and her matchy matchy schemes it’s not lilac. I was hoping to be able to squeeze into this last minute wedding guest dress but, have gained enough weight that’s it’s not the most flattering ensemble. It wasn’t hopeless AKA I could still zip it up but, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of wearing it to church or to brunch/dinner afterwards. Maybe next year. What are your plans for this holiday weekend?

This dress, on the other hand, has been sitting in my closet forever! I got it on super sale clearance (read: $9.00) when Target was phasing out the last of the Isaac Mizrahi line. I haven't had a good occasion to wear it but, could not bring myself to get rid of it. I'm glad I held on to it because it works for this occasion. Do you have pieces like that in your closet? 

• Top: ivory lace dress, Isaac Mizrahi for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black cropped jacket, Express
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; rhinestone earrings, New York and Company/gift from BF's parent's; black plume brooch, Stella & Dot; black cat eye sunglasses, Enzo Angiolini; purple patent leather tote, Coach

To: You
From: Iris

Weekend Wear: International Gem & Jewelry Show

Today I took my mother to the International Gem and Jewelry Show in White Plains. We had a great time! If you have nothing going on tomorrow you should totally head to the Westchester County Center and check it out. With prices starting as low as $2.00 there is something for everyone! You can also come across some fantastic one of a kind pieces like the ring my mother got me, love it! 

After we went to the jewelry show we grabbed lunch at one of my fav spots, Panera. I can't get enough of the creamy tomato soup. Mom took the outfit pictures today, it was an interesting process. She is half a foot shorter than me so the first few pictures were from completely different than BF who is taller than me. We worked it out! Have you done anything fun this weekend so far?

• Top:  lilac and white striped t-shirt, LOFT; khaki green blazer, GAP
• Bottom: denim pencil skirt, Torrid
• Shoes & Accessories: brown topsiders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago courtesy of Sebago via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; gray scarf, H&M; mockingjay pin, NECA via eBay; citrine and sterling silver ring, Designs by Terra via International Gem and Jewelry Show/gift from Mom; purple patent leather tote, Coach

November 10, 2011: Wrapping It Up

While I posting all sorts of good stuff last week I missed out on my last two outfits. No worries, there were pictures. I am dedicated this month to not falling behind. If I can't make it through November/Thanksgiving how will I survive the upcoming doom holidays?

Last week on Thursday I went to a Connecticut university to do some on campus interviewing. I wanted to be comfortable (yoga pants?) for the long drive but, also wanted to be professional (sigh, no yoga pants) when I got there. Now only was I meeting with some students I was also meeting with my contact in career services so, I needed to make a good impression for sure. I think everything went well! Also, was trying out a new background... what do you think? Less court house for sure...

• Top: coral artist tank, Merona for Target; brown hounds-tooth jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too/gift from BF

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

On Friday I was so happy for the week to be at an end! There have been so many things happening on my social calendar that I just really wanted to go home for some rest and relaxation. Unfortunately those social obligations carried over into the weekend. At least I finished out my work week in some semblance of comfort.

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP; gray pinstripe blazer (part of this suit), Calvin Klein via Loehmanns
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
  
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; purple tote bag. Coach

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, and here.

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

November 9, 2011: Far From Favorite

Sorry for the delay, I wasn't falling off the face of the earth again I promise... there were posts! But, let's have a moment of honesty about what did happen in terms of outfit posts: I kind of HATED Wednesday's look. You might ask, "Why would you wear it out of the house then? Also, why do you not like it, I think it looks ok!" to which I would answer "It's a long story..."

Baisically, I picked out all of my outfits for the week but, didn't end up taking pictures in advance or trying anything on so when Wednesday morning rolled aroung and this outfit was a FAIL I didn't really have time to change into something else. Why was it a fail? First of all the shirt was way too short which wouldn't have been a huge problem if the pants hadn't been super tight. Lastly, while these shoes were a great find initally they have stretched to the point where they are difficult to walk in as in, I trip over my own feet! I might have to say goodbye to them unless someone knows how to shrink shoes... 

Sufficed to say I was uncomfortable and will never be putting those items together again beyond my personal style challenge. What do you do when your outfit is uncomfortable do you run out at lunch and buy something new, go home and change, or tuff it out for the rest of the day?

• Top: red embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here); tank top underneath for the modesty; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (part of this suit)
• Bottom: brown pinstripe pants, New York and Company (not be confused with these)
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry, purple tote bag, Coach 

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

November 7, 2011: Back To School

The time of year where everyone heads back to the classroom has passed or so I thought; I am going back to college today! Let me explain... while working with an assortment of local colleges to set up recruiting events for my company I naturally reached out to my alma mater. After having many lovely conversations with the people in career services one of them invited me back to speak at an event about job search tactics for upcoming liberal arts graduates. I was more than happy to oblige!

On a related note, this dress makes me feel like a teacher (completely unintentional, I swear). I think my 7th grade teacher had one just like it... she had serious style! I got this dress during one of my final trips to Re/Dress NYC. They will be closing their doors in a few weeks and I wanted to take advantage of this great store while I can. I took my Mom because she has never been and needed to experience it before the final party. The dress had some wicked shoulder pads (which I removed) and after seeing it in pictures I think it needs to be hemmed but, there was something about the weird pattern (and pockets) that drew me in. Perhaps it was hypnotic suggestion, it's the perfect pattern for that; You are getting sleepy... You really love this dress... Excellent!

• Top: black and white checker print dress (with pockets), Studio Collection via Re/Dress with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black belt, from this dress; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach

November 2, 2011: I've Got a Tie-Neck Blouse, Kinda...

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!

Ok let's talk about the gala for a hot second: It was extremely fancy, I saw a bunch of people from my old job that I missed alot, it is great to see that everything is going so well for the agency overall, it made me miss working there a bit, I got to meet Brandon Jacobs (running back for the New York Giants), I almost fell going up on stage to read raffle winners (darn shoes) the food was delicious, and it was an overall lovely evening!

Now about what I'm wearing today... I used to have actual tie neck blouses in my closet but, after they went unworn for a number of years I decided to donate them. Silly me, everything always comes back! But, since I doubt they would still be sitting around the second hand store and I don't want to buy anything new I needed to find a way to make this work. Enter, really long scarf tied in a bow! I think it works out perfectly. Also, I'm wearing polka dots again... I just cant get away from those Minnie Mouse trends  

• Top: light blue short sleeved sweater, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, and here); white polka dot button down, Merona for Target; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories:  black pumps, Nine West; blue, green, and black scarf, Lane Bryant; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom; purple tote bag, Coach

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

November 1 2011: I've Got (More) Chunky Heels and a Sheath Dress?

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!

I feel like today's outfit is a bit of a cop out... Didn't I do chunky heels yesterday? Yeah, I did... I promise there is a good reason for all this repetition which you will learn about later. Let's just say I didn't really consider social events I have going on when I decided that it would be theme week this week, silly me.

The working girl dress/office dress/sheath dress was a trend I saw intermittently sprinkled throughout different lists so it works that I'm rocking that too although I would really consider this look classic all the way! What other trends do you see now that you would consider timeless?

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vitadinni via Loehmans/gift from Mom; black long cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black suede pumps,Missoni for Target; tourmaline earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

October 27, 2011: Professional Boots

I worked from home yesterday and I wish every day could be like that figured I would take these lovely boots out for a test drive today. It is going to rain and my options for wet weather footwear that are acceptable in this new office are practically non existent. I think this pair might be a game changer on that front!

In my attempts to still keep things office appropriate I decided to pair the boots with very opaque black tights,  I think that makes all the difference. Now I have a skirt solution for the rainy/cold weather! Unfortunately, I don't think these boots would work with pants in any weather. I'm fairly certain there is something in our dress code that specifically rules out tight pants tucked into boots. That is definitely something to look into...

• Top:  yellow short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here); white tank top underneath for the modesty; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black Mirage boots, courtesy of Cougar Boots;  black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom; purple tote bag, Coach

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

October 25, 2011: Hoping For A 7-10 Split

While I was planning my outfits out for the week I forgot about this "moral/team building" thing that my company has organized. You guessed it from the title, bowling. I honestly can't tell you the last time I went bowling and that's probably because I was a single digit in age. If I had to describe my feelings about the whole thing it would be "skeptical", what is up with those shoes?

Since it's company wide undertaking they paired it with a fundraiser (think 5K meets bowling) from the start and we have raised a nice chunk of change for a charity in need. Who beat her fundraising goal into the ground? Yeah that would be me but, I digress... I can definitely get on board with supporting a worthy cause but, coming up with an outfit that would take me from work to the bowling alley was not something I thought I would have to do. What goes with those shoes?

• Top: orange ballet neck chiffon flower embellished top, New York & Company; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa 
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

August 29, 2011: And The Hits Just Keep On Comin'

I hope everyone is doing ok after Hurricane Irene. On one level I'm really glad that the officials took it seriously and made drastic moves to keep people safe (ex: shutting down trains, evacuating people in low lying areas); on another level I'm annoyed because it really wasn't that bad where I am and my weekend was seriously impacted for some bad rain and wind: I didn't leave my house for almost two days because the storm was coming and BF had to stay at work from 12AM on Saturday to 8AM on Sunday.

Overall I'm just glad that everyone I know is safe and sound but, this morning Irene just keeps messing with me. The train I normally take to work isn't running which definitely alters my morning commute. I think she owes me the $16.00 I'm going to have to spend on parking... it's totally her fault!

Today starts a week of my boss being out on vacation so I am definitely making a concerted effort to be even more professional than before because I will be holding down the fort and I want to make a good impression. What does that mean? I'm not entirely sure. Maybe blazers all week...

• Top: red floral print top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; purple tote bag, Coach

Here is my Stella & Dot pick for this outfit:

Signature Clover Chandelier Earrings -- Silver

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

August 9, 2011: Channeling Drowned Rat

Yesterday was pretty rough... hence no post. My boss was out sick which was kind of a blessing and a curse. You face the temptation to slack off because there is no one there to check in on you but, you know you have to get everything done anyway. Don't worry, I took care of business. 

The only liberty I took yesterday was leaving 10 minutes early so that I could make my train. Good thing I did because it was pouring outside when I left; open toe shoes + torrential downpour = serious challenge. I honestly almost missed my train and got drenched in the process! I swear my hair was straight in the morning and there was a jacket in my ensemble but, I used it as an umbrella to keep myself dry. Not, the most effective thing as you can see. 

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor (not pictured)
• Bottom: black, gray, and white skirt (with pockets), Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver and pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; purple tote bag, Coach

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

July 14, 2011: A Neutral Party

Apparently these pants lead themselves to be paired with neutral items of clothing. I will have to shake that up moving forward... next time hot pink sweater (or something similar)! There is no reason to play it safe every time I wear them, right? Maybe it's this new office which has led me to be a little more conservative maybe...

Do you have clothing items like this? You know, the ones the draw you to other staples like they were made to be put together... How do you break out of that mold?

• Top: white ruffle button down blouse, LOFT; brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black capri pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; purple shoulder bag, Coach

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

June 13, 2011: Held On

I love this dress! I have had it for a long time and this is the first time that I have ever worn it out in public. Why? Well because it has a fairly open back and this deep drapey v-neck in the front. I'm glad I ignored the (logical) part of my brain that had told me to donate it so many times before and held on to it.

Since I was wearing it to work the easiest thing was to throw something over it. I think it might have been a bit more structured with a blazer or cardi, maybe next time... I also figured out (through much trial and error) that I can get away with a strapless bra and tank top for the modesty by day or night when I have plans with friends! I know, I know 2 + 2 = 4... revelations.

Do you have an item that you are holding on to because you're not sure how to wear it but, can't bear to get rid of it? Did you have such an item? How did you end up making it work?

• Top: blue gray draped jersey knit dress, BCBG MaxAzria with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; purple shoulder bag, Coach

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

July 11/July 12, 2011: Monday and Tuesday

If I can get todays outfit up later and keep the momentum going for the rest of the week I will be officially caught up! I am so excited about the propect because that means I can venture into some of the extra things that I have been thinking about. Wish me luck!

July 12, 2011

• Top: cream embellished tissue tee, Banana Republic;  brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target; mixed metal earrings, gift from Natalia/ModCloth; purple shoulder bag, Coach (not pictured)

July 13, 2011

• Top: blue floral dress with metallic bead embellishment, LOFT borrowed from Mom; white linen blazer, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple shoulder bag, Coach (not pictured)

Thursdays and Fridays

While posting is (in my mind) starting to catch up and become more regular there have been a few days in the past few weeks that I have missed. The theme seems to be that I start out strong on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday but, fall off the wagon when it gets to Thursday and Friday.
It's the same old story but, I'm feeling that things are evening out I'm not a month behind just a few days... progress! I'm dedicated to making it better!

June 30, 2011

• Top: brown crochet embellished tube top, Torrid; beige short sleeved jacket, GAP
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple shoulder bag, Coach (not pictured)

July 1, 2011

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vitadinni via Loehmans/gift from Mom; black cropped jacket, Express
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW/gift from BF; turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; turquoise and silver bead necklace. gift from Mom; orange snake skin tote, Beirn (not pictured)

July 7, 2011

• Top: aqua dress, Max Studio via Nordstrom Rack with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown and cream giraffe print cardigan, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; coin pearl/stone necklace, borrowed from mom; purple shouler bag, Coach (not pictured)

July 8, 2011

• Top: navy tank top with silver stripes, GAP, with tank top underneath for the modesty; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black Dolce Vita sandals, via Nordstrom; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro (not pictured)