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

June 13, 2012: The Bird Is The Word

Are you ever moved to purchase something just because you saw it in an email advertisement or store window. I don't normally get a chance to do that but, the fantastic size options provided by eShakti.com (and the coupon code I had) made it a no brainer.   

• Top: Birds Who Gossip Dress, eShakti.com with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 

April 27, 2012: Professional Casual Friday

Even though I have made a pledge to focus more moving forward on upping my professionalism regarding my work wardrobe that doesn't mean that I am going to miss out on a chance to wear jeans to the office! Since the once a month casual Friday is linked to supporting a worthy charity I feel like it is win win for everyone! With all that being said I still made a concerted effort to keep the pointers that had been made in mind when putting together my outfit. How do you think I did? 

• Top: black and white zig zag blouse, Missoni for Target; black short sleeved sweater, LOFT 
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather flats, Payless; silver and pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers 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, and here

November 4, 2011: Why Midi?

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!

This has been a fun theme week, don't you agree? While it has been enjoyable I think I have been playing it safe for the most part. I really wanted to push myself out of my ever shifting comfort zone and try a trend that I'm not really a huge fan of: the midi skirt.

I think they are an extremely unflattering style unless you are tall with super long legs. Not that shorter/non leggy people can't make it work but, it is a challenge I have very little desire to make an attempt at, until now... Since I wasn't going to buy anything new for this week (or in general) I decided to attempt a faux midi by wearing my Monif C Converitble Dress lower on my hips which I think worked out well but, if you could see how I wrapped the 9 ft. sashes around myself to keep them in check you would probably laugh; my torso looks like a stylin' mummy!

Let me continue by saying that I am not a short person (5'8 ish on most days) but, I think that this length of skirt makes me look short and there isn't really a great way to combat other than skyscraper heels which I wasn't in the mood for. Do I think I look bad? No. I just don't think it is flattering which is what I want my daily attire to be! Are there any trends that you are finding look great on other people, just not on you?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona via Target; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: Marilyn Convertible Dress as midi-skirt, Monif C (on sale)
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; rose quartz earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmanns

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here.

August 11, 2011: Awkward Conversations

What's so funny? Well BF was having a little trouble standing up straight to take this picture. I think it was a combination of tiredness and alcohol. No he's not a lush but, once and a while he will go out with his friends from work and have a few. Mix that with a long day of work and it's pretty funny but, a little awkward if you are trying to do something important like take blog pictures, have a conversation, or stand up straight...

Speaking of work I had a really strange conversation with my director about the fact that I looked tired and haven't been my normal self. To which I responded that I was a bit tired and since I have been taking new medications and vitamins I speculated that was the reason. She said she understood and said that it showed in my appearance and that people noticed. She also said that I should really push to appear/dress more professionally because my department was the face of the company and we needed to represent (insert gang hand sign here) The final remark was that I should walk around dressing/acting like I owned the place. It was very strange and very awkward. I think I need to buy more suits... What would you take from that conversation?

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT/Mom's closet clean-out; blue embellished cardigan, Merona for Target/b-day gift from BF's parents
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; white mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

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

June 28, 2011: The Easy Way Out

As the weather heats up in New York I find myself heading to the other side of my closet: Dress (and Skirt) Land. It is just so much more convenient to throw a dress over my head or slide a skirt on and head out the door. Plus, it can still be super professional if need be... How do you keep yourself cool in the warm weather while still staying professional?

• Top: purple and orange floral patterned jersey knit dress, New York & Company (same dress different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black cropped jacket, Express
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; carnelian earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage;  gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

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.

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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June 11, 2010

I am definitely feeling that Friday theme! It has been a looong week. One of the few fun things going on has been this Summer Black-Out Challenge 2010, In retrospect it really wasn't that hard at all but it was, at times, very inconvenient. I applaud Sal and her decision to go all summer without black! I'm sure I could do it but, I think I would get extremely frustrated with that limitation and I want getting dressed to be fun. Therefore, I will allow myself to get back to it and wear black starting Wednesday! (I have a day off on Monday and Tuesday)

In relation to today's outfit: What are you're opinions about graphic t-shirts? During college they were a main staple of my wardrobe but, after graduation I (literally) put them on the shelf and wrote them off. I might have said, at the time, that they were too juvenile but, I really think I just wanted a change of pace. Now that all I wear is business casual they are creeping back into my wardrobe, I'm not sure how I feel about that but, I only kept the ones I love so it can't be all bad, right? For example, today's T says "Haiku's are easy but, sometimes they don't make sense Refrigerator" Hilarious, I know! If you are feeling my t-shirt vibe you can shop the Threadless $10 Sale where ALL T's are $10 until 6/14/10!

• Top: brown graphic t-shirt, Threadless
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, Ann Taylor Loft
• Shoes & Accessories: brown flip flops (shhh don't tell they're not really allowed in the office), Rocket Dog via DSW: Purchase here at 30% off and get free shipping with code 4UDAD until Sunday June 13, 2010; yellow citrine earrings, Elizabeth Showers vintage; limited edition Tracey Emin for Longchamp Pliage via the outlet

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

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May 28, 2010

I'm totally feeling that Friday theme! I am also pumped for a potential early dismissal for the holiday weekend. I have a few things to take care of before I hit the BBQs and beaches so it would be great to get to have a little extra time to work on those. What are you doing for the holiday?

On another note, finalizations are being made for theme week and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you guys! I hope you participate.

• Top: dusty blue t-shirt with peacock feather, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, Ann Taylor Loft
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar here... FYI 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); jade earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; cream Loeffler Randall for Target purse (mostly because I didn't feel like swapping everything out)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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April 8, 2010

It's almost Friday and I could not be more excited for this week to be over,... there's nothing heinous going on at work but, spring fever is setting in and all I want to do is be outside even if it is a little overcast!

You may or may not have noticed the difference between the bottom of the sweater and the opening of the skirt. That is due to some craftiness on my (but, mostly my mom's) part... I have had that skirt for a LONG time and absolutely love it first of all because it's classic but also because it had the modern twist of pockets! I LOVE pockets on skirts and dresses. In the past few years I have shed some weight and that skirt is from heavier days. I asked my mom (the expert seamstress) to take up the hem a few inches to a normal knee length because it now sits on my hips and the hem was at my mid calf. The project was a huge success!

I highly recommend altering clothes before you chuck them and go buy new stuff, even if you don't have an expert seamstress like my mom. What you spend in tailoring for a raised hem or adding some buttons will most likely be less then a new piece of clothes and is more than worth it if you love that item.

On to the actual outfit...

• Top: gray short sleeve sweater with green and white argyle from Target. This is another classic item that Target has rolled out this year (but I bought last year) as well with a slightly different twist.
• Bottom: black pencil skirt from Old Navy.
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather T-straps from LOFT, jade earrings from Elizabeth Showers Vintage, and yes... you guessed it the purple Coach bag (not pictured)

April 2, 2010

This week has gone by very quickly, thank goodness! I am looking forward to the beautiful weather this weekend and celebrating the holiday with family and friends. Easter was always an occasion when my mom would take my brother and myself to get spiffy new Easter outfits and as an adult I still have the overwhelming urge to do just that but, in the spirit of responsibility I have opted to shop in my closet for a fabulous and appropriate outfit to wear. Perhaps I will let you have a glimpse on Sunday... as for today:

• Top: green 3/4 length scoop-neck t-shirt from Target with brown houndstooth jacket from Ann Taylor Loft.
  
• Bottom: Marisa jeans from Ann Taylor Loft. (YAY Casual Friday)
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats from Target, long brass and ribbon necklace from Ann Taylor Loft with Elizabeth Showers Vintage mother of pearl earrings. I will also be keeping all my crap in a patent leather purple Coach purse. I will probably throw a pashmina in there to keep warm as I walk to my car since it's still a little nippy outside.