November 7, 2012: Corporate Professional

As you might have guessed Wednesday was career day in my office. The annual biannual quarterly event has been such a success in the past the powers that be are interested in keeping them coming. I'm excited to be coordinating the whole day and that starts with recruitment and scheduling the right people my outfit! If you think my attire would compliment my professional manicure then you are correct. I can't expected everyone to show up interview ready and not be dressed in a complimentary manner. This is actually one of the suits I wore when I was interviewing for this new job. What do you think?

The one thing that I regretted about my outfit choice was the shoes. Sure, awesome metallic embellished flats are great for running around the office like a crazy person while looking stylish but, they do nothing to keep your feet warm. As I left work it was beginning to precipitate and by the time the train pulled into my station there was a nice layer of slippery snow on the ground. I has to trudge through it slowly and carefully to make sure I didn't slip and fall or make my still finicky ankle worse. My feet were freezing by the time I walked through my door! I could go for summer again please, thanks...

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: navy pinstripe pants, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen 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! 

August 24, 2012: An All Day Outfit

While Friday tends to be a more casual day there are some mornings where it doesn't matter that it's almost the weekend, I just want to be my fancy self! It's a vicious cycle... Thankfully, wearing any office appropriate dress is a nice compromise between polished and comfortable. This dress in particular is a great example because it is made of light, stretchy (but, not super tight) material. I have no idea what company it's from I found it in the madness that was The Big Fat Flea. Have you ever been? What did you think? My only gripe about the dress is the awkward diagonal seam that goes right under my stomach and definitely (or I'm paranoid) highlights that area... awkward but, easy enough to forget about because of the extreme comfort. 

While my ensemble was great for the office, with brownie points (in my mind) for keeping it super professional on a summer Friday it was also perfect for a night out on the town. I met up with a good friend of mine whose visiting from Florida. We had a delish dinner and took in a play. You guys might think that everyday living in New York City is like that for everyone but, I can assure you it's not... at least not for me. On the average day I'm just happy to get home after work and take some time to catch up on blog stuff, hang out with BF, do responsible adult things like clean/laundry, and catch up on my DVR. Yes, my 20-something life is indeed glamorous...

• Top: black sheath dress, no tag via The Big Fat Flea; gray ruffle front cardigan, LOFT/gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: black flip flops, Rocket Dog via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

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

August 22, 2012: Classic Fashion Rules

We've ruminated over the 'no white after labor day' rule before. Frankly I'm still not all in but, that doesn't necessarily mean that I don't enjoy the judgement free summer days of wearing white. Because the dress code of my office is not technically strictly professional I've been hesitant to wear this crisp white eyelet lace dress; It's normally a go to pick for barbeques not boardrooms. After I glanced at the calendar and realized summer is coming to a close I thought, "There's no time like the present!" or something like that... The ensemble went off without a hitch any awkward conversations and I would deem that a success. A cardigan really works wonders in keeping an outfit professional!

While the outfit was perfect acceptable for the office, it a great ensemble for another fun after hours event with The Blogger Collective.  We had a meet and greet with one of the founders of Snapette and her team. There were cupcakes, a product demonstration, and all around fun times. It's actually a really cool app for all you super shoppers out there. Launched in 2011, Snapette has quickly become the must-have mobile app for fashion lovers. The members are obsessed with snapping photos of all the beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories they see and sharing them for others to discover. Snapette also partners with a number of brands for peeks at their newest offerings and special discounts. Download the free app (for iPhone or Android) today and follow me!

• Top: white eyelet lace dress, dELiA*s; blue embellished cardigan, Merona for Target/b-day gift from BF's parents    
  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; blue stone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 
  

Items from this outfit are previously seen  here.

August 17, 2012: A Druzy Of A Time

A few weeks ago I went to a sample sale at W/A Studios in midtown. I found out about it through The Blogger Collective, a fab group of blogging fashionistas that I'm a part of because I'm cool... Anyway, some of the founders happen to know the couple that runs the jewelry design house and arranged a private sale for us with jewelry samples from current and past seasons and a sneak peek at what they are working on for the upcoming seasons. If the company doesn't sound familiar to you don't worry, I couldn't quite place it either but, when I saw some of their offerings I was knew I had seen it before. Their sparkly baubles are sold at big names like Henri Bendel and small specialty boutiques all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

While I was there I got some gifts and a few things for myself. When I had this druzy necklace in my hands I fell in love and when the designer found similar earrings it was a done deal. Because I sometimes subscribe to the school of instant gratification I wanted to pair one of those druzy items with whatever I was wearing the next day! Thankfully they are fairly neutral but, let's be honest I would have been hard pressed to find nothing in my extensive wardrobe. I was excited to rock my new earrings but, even more excited for it to be a denim Friday and most excited for my fun after work activity seeing the Yayoi Kusama exhibit at The Whitney Museum... I'm packing all the fun things in before the end of summer (darn it)? What fun things have you done so far?

• Top:  blue crochet neck blouse (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here); beige short sleeved jacket, GAP
• Bottom: denim pencil skirt, Torrid
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; pink druzy earrings, W/A Studios; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

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

August 15, 2012: Dressing Appropriately

Since I am trying to pick out my clothes ahead of time weather.com has become an integral tool in the process. I have too often made the mistake of forgetting an umbrella, a coat, or generally wearing something completely inappropriate for whatever weather I will be faced with that day. When I was looking at the week ahead (last two weeks ago) everything was looking good except for Wednesday. With rain on the horizon I set aside some comfy and professional pants so I could face the impending precipitation as appropriately as possible.

My biggest struggle was finding shoes that worked with the pants since their length demands I stand a little taller but, I am still on the mend. I decided to take my life ankle into my own hands and wear a pair of shoes with a little heel. I can't say that it horrible but, it was definitely not the best idea. I'll be honest I haven't been giving my ankle the rest and relaxation or stretching that it needs; It's hard when you commute into New York City and work in a busy office; Excuses, excuses... Long story short: don't sprain ankles.

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black blazed, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black peeptoe wedges, Payless; vintage silver hoop earrings, my abuela; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

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

July 5, 2012: Back From Somewhere

This past week was fantastic! Why? Because I was off Monday through Wednesday. I needed a break after spending the entire weekend submerged in wedding related responsibilities, festivities, and travel. BF and I kept it low key and hit a museum and the beach... it was alot of fun! What was even better was Thursday was the only full day I had to work since summer Fridays began in my office this past week. We get out at two for the next seven weeks so last week total amount of time in the office last week = one and a half days WIN! What did you do for the holiday weekend?

When I headed back to work I wanted to start off back in a super professional outfit to ward off any post vacation lamentations. I am generally a super productive person after whatever days I have off  and the whole ensemble just enhanced that! My favorite part of the whole look was the shoes. I found them while thrift shopping with my Mom during Unique Thrift Store's huge 50% off sale on the Fourth of July. BF said they look like they were made out of torture devices or something that a character in Skyrim would wear but, I think they're pretty awesome. What do you think? 

• Top: pink floral embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); brown blazer, Talbots via The Unique Thrift Store 
• Bottom: beige tweed skirt, LOFT via Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: brown and camel studded heels, Kensie via The Unique Thrift Store; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 11, 2012: Monday IS Suit Day!

Ok, Maybe two weeks in a row is not a solid basis from which to draw an infallible conclusion but, I'm going to anyway... Suits are just so easy on Monday morning especially when I need to lead portions of a new employee orientation. They are (almost) as easy as dresses but, the connote an even higher sense of professionalism that dresses don't always. 

On another note, I was so excited to make it outside to take this picture! Picture taking Sundays seem like a distant memory but, with daylight hanging around later it's an (often overlooked) option to take a picture each day before heading home. Do I sense a new plan forming? Maybe... 

• Top: ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns 
• Bottom: beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories:  gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys;  Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 7, 2012: Deceptively Disproportionate

I've also said that teal/turquoise/ aqua/whatever you want to call it is one of my favorite colors in the summer.  so, incorporating it into my work wardrobe more frequently is always fun! I love this look, it reminds me of dresses that look like a shirt and a skirt but, are deceptively a dress. I also love how it makes my legs look longer than the actually are. BF said it makes me look disproportionate but, only when you stop and take a moment to analyze my outfit. Isn't that what people do all the time?! O, maybe it's just me... What do you think: Does this outfit make me look disproportionate?

• Top: teal corsage embellished t-shirt, Merona via Target (not to be confused with this one) 
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; black belt, came with this Adrienne Vitadinni dress; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 5, 2012: How To Incorporate Color Into Your Work Wardrobe

If you asked me what colors I thought personified summer I would say orange/coral and turquoise. Those three two colors just scream sun kissed fun in the sun to me. One of the things that I have been trying to do with them is incorporate them into my work wardrobe in fun and appropriate ways. While little pops of color are always most appropriate in very corporate environments, I think this outfit might push the envelope a bit... or maybe I'm just totally paranoid about dressing for work. After thinking about it here are a few tips and tricks I have under my belt for bringing more color into my (work) life:

• Neutral + Pop Of Color - One of the easiest and least jarring ways to accomplish the goal of incorporating bright colors into a work wardrobe is by including small amounts of color in a largely neutral or basic outfit. And this rule applies  The easiest way to do this is with jewelry but, really any small amount of color thrown in there does the trick!

• Nail It - If you can't reconcile wearing bright colored clothing or accessories in the office then maybe you can get on board with polishing your nails in a stand out shade. This is a good first step for those who might have an aversion to color generally.   

• One Focal Point - It is also easier to wear a bright color when you create one point to focus on so, instead of wearing multiple eye catching pieces you just wear one and anchor your look with that. It could be a a simple shirt, a piece of jewelry, or a pair of shoes... whatever works for you.
  

• Fun shoes/Fun tights - I feel like this tip might be a little trickier to pull off especially when it comes to tights. People might do a double take if you are wearing some killer shoes in an eye catching color but, probably not think twice about it. However, Tights occupy alot more space on your body, naturally and draw significant attention. Purple and teal are normally safe bets. Get ready for the comments either way!

And now onto what I wore... I guess with this outfit I combined a few all of the rules but, as we know I'm not afraid of color. I think overall it's still work appropriate but, bright and perfect for the summer. How do you incorporate color into your work wardrobe?

• Top: orange crochet embellished shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here and here); beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, xhiliration for Target; turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF    

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

June 4, 2012: Monday = Suit Day?

I feel like my new Monday standard is the suit. It's not necessarily a bad thing but, it almost feels like I'm settling on it. It's hard enough to motivate out the door in the morning let alone put together a cute outfit. Enter, the reliable suit... I can roll out of bed pick one out of my closet pair it with a rando shirt and voilà, a work outfit! On some level I feel like that it's a cop out to defer to such a simple ensemble but, maybe I'm just being sensitive to the entire wardrobe situation. What do you think: cop out, work appropriate, or both?

• Top: red short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here, here, here); gray pinstripe blazer, Kasper via Macy's
• Bottom: gray pinstripe pants. Kasper via Macy's
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 

 

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $100 Shopbop giftcard!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free dress from eShakti.com!!

May 31, 2012: She Wolf

Say hello to my Shakira hair! I didn't realize how out of control it was when we were taking the pictures but, at least it was the end of the day, it couldn't have looked that out of control in the morning, right? Don't answer that. I am in need of a hair cut but, have to figure out what I want exactly and where I am going to go. My normal hair stylist is fantastic but, I haven't learned enough Español to be confident that my communications will be understood. I am set (for better or for worse) on leaving my hair curly for now... I dream of large loose beautiful curls on the beach and spritzing Keratin all over my hair will definitely kill any chance of that, however unlikely it is. 

Do I look shorter to you? I did to me when I glanced over these pictures even with all the crazy curls. It's definitely because I was wearing leather ballet slippers (key word being slippers) that give me no additional height whatsoever in fact, I think they might actually make me a little shorter. I wasn't sure how these slippers were going to pan out in the office but, no one said a thing and my aching feet were grateful! 

• Top: gray ruffled v-neck tank top, New York and Company; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: brown leather slippers, Sue London; blue and green stone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $100 Shopbop giftcard!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free dress from eShakti.com!!

April 26, 2012: Comfy Professional

I was on my feet all day at my big spring recruiting event but, it was totally worth it because it was a success. While I was still exhausted the next morning when I woke up I put together a pretty professional outfit, no? I know I've said it before but, you really can't go wrong with a dress! It's such an easy and comfortable, way to present yourself at work while remaining acceptable professional. I was happy with that!

• Top: black and gray plaid dress with pockets, LOFT; black cardigan, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; gray swarovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

April 23, 2012: Monday WIN

Every Monday I wake up and I want to crawl back in bed and call out sick. Sometimes it's because I'm not feeling well rested, sometimes it's because I know there is a to-do list of apartment related tasks that is calling my names but, most of the time it's because I want to cuddle with BF who doesn't work on Monday... that jerk fantastic person. When I can actually resist the urge to call out sick, which is generally every Monday, I am faced with the challenge of dressing as my best professional self despite my urge to reach for the skinny pants and/or flyaway cardigan.

This past Monday was a total win, I wore normal pants and a blazer! Granted these pants are made of a knit material and this pink blouse is basically a t-shirt but, I would still consider it a win, especially for a Monday. The important thing is that I avoided my Monday crutch pieces and persevered with a fairly professional outfit! Do you have the same problem on Mondays? How do you avoid your go to comfy pieces?

• Top: pink rosette embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, and here); gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

I've Got A (Pastel) Colored Blazer and Metallic Shoes

I'll be honest when I first but this outfit together it reminded me SO much of the 80's but, then again so does neon, printed pants, and geometric prints. What's old is new again... Do you think is outfit is too retro or just modern enough?

In the search for (even) more professional clothes my Mom took a trip to the local thrift store and picked up some suits for me; Yes, one of them was a pink suit. I'm not sure that I would ever wear the blazer and skirt together (so pink) but, at the same time through this blog I've learned to never say never about fashion. I'm doing things (style-wise) all the the time that I never thought that I would. Yes, I'm talking to you skinny jeans. 

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment with a tank top underneath for the modesty; pastel pink blazer, Jones New York via Unique Thrift Store/Mom
• Bottom: gray pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories:  silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

April 12, 2012: Great Hair Day

I’ll be honest I had a rough time sleeping the night before last so yesterday morning as I rolled out of bed and grasped at piles of clothes to put together an outfit for work I was less motivated by style and more so by function. In the end I am thoroughly unimpressed with my selection for today but, it’s clothes and it served the purpose.

On the other hand I will tell you something I do love about my look today, you guessed right: my hair. It is straight, relatively not frizzy, and shiny like whoa with very few split ends popping up. How did I achieve this follicular fluke? An extreme amount of deep conditioning! I spent the past two days conditioning my hair with my fav product, Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment then I did a leave in deep conditioner in the shower; I was not messing around! I am so thrilled with the results but, I don’t think this can be a regular thing. Tell me about your last great hair day.

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT (same shirt different color here) with another tank top underneath for the modesty; green khaki blazer, GAP
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; shell hoop earrings, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF   

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

April 3, 2012: Overthinking My Style

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

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

Image courtesy of art-prints-gallery.com

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

Image courtesy of northjersey.com

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

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

 

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