Half Day

Tomorrow is my test. I haven't been studying as much as I would have hoped so, it's cram time! I'm heading into work super (duper) early to get some last minute things out of the way for next week and then I'm turning around and heading back home to Starbucks to study my flash cards and take some practice tests. I am feeling 60% percent confident at this point so hopefully after all that I will be more so... I'll let you know how it goes, wish me luck.

While it is casual Friday, as well as a half day, I really wasn't feeling a denim ensemble. Instead I was feeling inspired by the season and my new found ability to wear white so, forget you (for now,) denim. While I don't strictly adhere to these unspoken known fashion rules they are in my mind from younger years when (I feel like) it was more of a "thing." Do you wear white before Memorial Day? How about after Labor Day? You rebel... Also, this is how grown ups mix patterns.

• Top: navy and white striped shirt, Christopher & Banks
• Bottom: cream and navy printed skirt, Libertine for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

I most recently wore this shirt here.

I'm linking up with Fab Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday, Passion 4 Fashion, and Casual Friday.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

December 20, 2011: The Morning After

I am a trooper! Despite the state I found myself in after my company holiday party I still made it into work on time the next day sans (most) usual hangover symptoms. I can't say that I was in love with the outfit though... 

• Top: cream scoopneck sweater, LOFT (same sweater different color here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: red a-line skirt, Ben Sherman
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede-ish kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

August 26, 2011: Happy Hour Again?

When friend and I went to the bar for my birthday we went because I had won a happy hour. That night some of the promo girls were going around collecting phone number and email addresses to find another lucky winner. They happened to find one in the boyfriend of a friend so I'm sure you can guess what they plans are for tonight! It would be a nice way to kick off the weekend.

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target; black safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black sneaker/shoes, Rocket Dog; blue stone necklace, Gem Gove/birthday gift from Mom; blue stone earrings, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

My Stella & Dot pick:

Contessa Jade Necklace

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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)

June 6, 2011: Business Alternatives

After last week's craziness, I am going with a more traditional office look today. I have a feeling that I couldn't have gotten away with it forever... This is also because all of the college graduates that I recruited on Career Day are starting and I want to set a good example! The safest bet would have been a full suit but, I wanted to show them that there are other equally professional alternatives. Do you mix and match your suits as separates? What do you wear when you want to be professional that isn't a suit?

• Top: purple 3/4 sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target (same shirt different color here); brown tweed jacket with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Store
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown snake skin kitten heel shoes, Coach; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; cream woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

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

June 3, 2011: These Foolish Games

I am taking all sorts of fashion risks today! First of all just look at those sandals, I am asking for trouble.. or maybe not since no one really said anything to me yesterday about what I was wearing. I am totally bringing a pair of pack up shoes today.

Other than that my outfit seems normal right? Perhaps even totally stylin' and Tory Burch inspired? I'll feel your resounding "Yes!" and you would be mistaken. It is totally stylin' and definitely Tory Burch inspired but, not completely normal. Don't tell anyone but, this fab dress is a sleepshirt from Target. I know my secret is safe with you but, now you can see how I'm really pushing the envelope... What is the most shocking thing you've ever worn out in public?

• Top: navy and white patterned "dress", Gilligan & O'Malley via Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target; silver knotted necklace, Christmas gift from my dear friend; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; cream woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

May 31, 2011: Baby Needs A New Pair Of Shoes

While planning out my outfits for the week I found myself faced with a very unexpected problem: the lack of office appropriate summer shoes. What does that mean? To be honest I'm not entirely sure. I think peep toe flats would work, the final goal is something I don't have to wear hosiery with. I am seeking inspiration: What is your idea of a professional summer shoe?

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: brown tweed skirt with floral details, George via Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers vintage; cream woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

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

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.

Weekend Wear: The 2010 Christmas Roadshow

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas (if that's your thing) and found everything you wanted from Santa under the tree! How did you spend the holiday? Was it at home with your family or travelling to see relatives? I would say BF and I always do a little of both, spending Christmas morning with my family but also gracing various areas of New York and New Jersey with our holiday cheer to see friends and other family! This year was no different...

On Christmas Eve we had alot on our plate with events in both states; some last minute errands to run and Christmas Eve dinner/gifts with BF's family while at midnight BF had to head to work (gasp, I know) and I had to head off to midnight mass with my parents. So, I needed an outfit that would work for all of those situations. Enter skinny pants... they are now a wardrobe workhorse for sure!

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target; blue tank top underneath, for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver knotted necklace, Christmas gift from my dear friend; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)
  
  
  

 I spend the most critical parts of Christmas Day in my pajamas! You know... making brunch and opening gifts. Apparently they were very stylish and fancy. My mother thought that was I would be wearing to Christmas dinner but, I digress. This Christmas was a good one and any stress that I incurred participating in the prep was totally worth it! The top three moments of the morning were:

1. Mom's reaction to her gift from my brother I and myself.
2. The delicious food (it was a joint effort) and brunch conversation.
3. Everyone being so surprised and grateful for all their gifts and the time spent together since no body had a very strict list of things they wanted it really worked out!

After the magic of Christmas and some Jeopardy on the Wii my family headed home while BF and I got ready to head upstate and continue the roadshow... on to Aunt B's for dinner. I think I would have been a bit over dressed if I had worn anything but jeans but, I tried to keep it fancy for the holidays with a sparkly sweater!

• Top: black sparkly sweater, LOFT; a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: faux patent leather red flats, American Eagle for Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured) 

 BF and I enjoyed a nice quiet morning together the day after Christmas but, headed out in the late afternoon for NJ again with my brother in tow for some celebrations with our cousins. Yes, you read correctly I braved that ridiculous blizzard! I didn't realize it was going to be as serious as it was but, as we saw all the cars pulled over, time dragged on, fierce winds blew and lightning lit up the sky it set in that my desire to stick with our original plans might not have resulted in the smartest course of actions. It took us three times as long as it normally does to get there but, we made it safely! This picture was taken mid snow fall but, by the time we ventured outside the next day to shovel our cars out of the driveways I was thigh high in snow.

• Top: pink short sleeved sweater, GAP; white tank top underneath for the modesty; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

The day after the Snowpocalypse we didn't do much of anything other than shovel snow. One of my cousins had gotten stuck overnight on an impassable highway so we waited up until 4AM for her only to find out that she would not be able to get moving until the next morning... When she finally arrived all any of us wanted to do was stay in, celebrate the holidays, and enjoy each other's company.The roads were still pretty bad by the end of the day so we decided to stay another night. The next day we ventured out and it was surprisingly warm or maybe that was just my sweater... There was still post blizzard wreckage but, not so much to keep us away from brunch or from eventually heading home.

• Top: gray chunky sweater, GAP; brown and black tank tops underneath for the modesty, New York & Company/Old Navy respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black sunglasses, Ray Ban; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

December 20, 2010: Patience Is A Virtue

I'm sure you are all well aware of my desire for a white lace top. If not you're obviously new, Welcome! Just so we're all on the same page... I have been wanting a while lace top since the fall but, since I am trying to curb my spending and utilize what I have I didn't cave to my wants. That is, until last weekend... kind of.

I went last minute Christmas shopping on behalf of my Dad because I had some free time and he had other important stuff on his plate. I kept it local with cash in hand and a very specific list of things to get (literally). I went to Target and while I was digging through the sale racks I came across the quintessential off-white lace shirt; it seemed like it waiting for me to find it! On top of that the shirt was on super sale ($23 originally marked down to $5) so I tried it on to make sure it wasn't some sort of shopping mirage and when it fit, I threw it on the pile of stuff so I could continue my shopping.

Normally, I don't purchase things for myself around Christmas (even pre 260 Days, No Repeats) because I always end up getting myself something that someone had already gotten for me. But, since this was obtained on Daddy's dime I'm counting it as an early Christmas gift! Thanks, Dad.

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a red tank top underneath, for the modesty.
• Bottom: black striped pencil skirt, LOFT via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; In-Power Line Super High Shaping Sheers, Spanx; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi

September 23, 2010: Somewhat Autumn

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

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

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

September 9, 2010: WWW - Classic Prints

This might be Wardrobe Workhorse Week but, it's also Iris Workhorse Week (witty, I know) at my job just in case you couldn't tell from the look on my face... It has been non-stop. All I can say is that I hope it lightens up a little bit so I can get back to my early morning posting and legitimate witty repartee.

One of my biggest personal challenges when it comes to putting together outfits (besides the obvious) is pattern mixing. I have made a point to make this phenomenon a more regular thing and I would like to think that I have become more adept at it as this personal style blog has progressed. One of the things that I always count on when pattern mixing is the ease of utilyzing more classic patterns: argyle, animal print, polks dots, pinstripes, brenton stripes, actually any kind of stripes but, I digress... I have started to rely heavily on these prints in my pattern mixing attempts and today is no exception!

• Top: cream, yellow, and brown argyle sweater, GAP
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company (this could be a Wardrobe Workhorse as well)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops (because apparently they might be allowed at work according to our new policy handbook. I'm waiting for someone to tell me different) Xhiliration via Target; green and black striped infinity scarf, Forever 21/BF gift from my awesome friend Alex. Sorry, I didn't get a detail shot of this but, it looks really cute; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. (another Wardrobe Workhorse); blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too (the same goes for this)

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

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August 25, 2010: Get Your White In

I'm not sure who said don't wear white after Labor Day but, it's one of the few silly fashion rules that I always have stuck in my head. So, now that I'm feeling the pinch of summers imminent close some part of me says that I have to get all my random white pieces in! Either way, you can bet that I will be breaking this skirt out no questions! Whales and jolly rogers just don't seem as appropriate for fall as a fabulous animal print! Plus, this ensemble gave me a great venue to showcase a pair of forgotten shoes. Only four pairs left, piece of cake! Are there pieces in your wardrobe that prompt you to break fashion rules? Do you follow the "no white after labor day" rule? What rules do you follow?

• Top: yellow short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company; gray tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: cream and navy printed skirt, Libertine for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: Marianna espadrilles, Coach; red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; purple bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

July 16, 2010: Teeing Off

There has been alot of talk about slogan tee's that started at academichic and has spilled over into the blogosphere. I figured I would add my two cents since I had been talking about t-shirts not too long ago. I terms of slogan tee's I only own one (I think) and it is the "Fashion is Not a Luxury" tee from Bitten/Steve & Barry's. Although, I agree with what the t-shirt says I wouldn't use it as my primary means of conveying that message. I would want to show people that fashion is not a luxury by dressing stylishly and not having it cost me a fortune which I think I have been successful at thus far. I actually find it ironic that something as casual and not fashion forward as a t-shirt was briefly a messenger on it's behalf. On the other hand, graphic tee's are starting to find there way back into my wardrobe but, only if they make me laugh like the one I am wearing today! These tee's are fine for casual fridays and other similar laid back occasions, like when BF and I see Despicable Me tonight. I am so excited! Whose a 5 year old at heart? O yeah, that'd be me...

• Top: graphic tee, Threadless
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; carnelian earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

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

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

July 15, 2010: Why So Serious?

Does the purple and green color combination remind you of the Joker? Because for me that is the only thing that comes to mind. When I use it in outfits I try not to make it so jarring hence, using it as an accent color. How do you think it came out?

• Top: cream sweater with natural stone collar embellishment, Adrienne Vitandini via Mom; green tank top underneath for a pop of color, New York and Company
• Bottom: brown pinstripe skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target. Does anyone remeber when Mossimo was a big brand sold at fancy retailers like Nordstrom? Maybe it's just me; pearl earrings, birthday gift from mom a few years ago; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:


Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

June 23, 2010: From The Office

I was literally running out the door to work this morning so I am updating "on location" from my office. Posting was not one of the things I got to finish before I had to leave. I lost track of time while wrapping BF's anniversary gift this morning because I can't think of any other time to get that done. We are leaving the day after tomorrow and I have a million and one things to do before we're off (and actually get out of town, YAY!) How does that always seem to happen?

• Top: ivory t-shirt with beaded rosette detail, Merona for Target
• Bottom: blue, brown, black, and ivory pattern skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 9, 2010

Summer Blackout Day 3: This is definitely getting harder! I have work today but, am also going to a concert afterwards at Carnegie Hall so picking an outfit that would transition well (because I am probably not stopping at home to change) with no black was a big challenge considering the evening factor. Lots of things that I would have paired with this shirt or, dresses I would have worn were black or had black in the pattern. I'd like to think I did OK though...

• Top: purple t-shirt, Xhiliration via Target
• Bottom: brown pinstripe skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar here... don't forget if you pick up the June 2010 edition of Real Simple there is a 20% off Merona coupon in there, or you could just rip it out at the checkout... either way); silver beaded necklace, Bitten via Steve & Barry's; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; cream Loeffler Randall bag, Target

Items from this outfit are previously seen here: