Purchases & Acquisitions: December 2012

Normally I try not to shop in December, the holidays are imminent and I know I'm hard enough to shop for as it is without taking potential gift options off the table. I totally broke my own rules this time around and picked up a pair of shoes that I was lusting over since the summer. If you follow me on Instagram you might remember the ones I'm talking about...

Image courtesy of polyvore.com

When I wandered into my local Aldo to see what they had going on there was a pair of these same shoes in the corner on the clearance rack and by some miracle they had them in my size. I jumped at the opportunity to snatch them up at a discount combined with an in store coupon; Original price, $69.98. Final price after discounts with tax: $45.91. It might not seem like a huge discount but, I kind of love them so, it was totally worth it. That was it for December shopping, on top of potential holiday gifts I didn't really have a large disposable income anyway... Have you gotten on the spikes/studs trend? How would you style these shoes?

August 13, 2012: Suiting Up

Over the weekend I had a conversation with my father about work. He is closing in on retirement but, still goes to work everyday and does what he needs to do to the best of his ability everyday. I am nowhere near retirement and sometimes I have trouble motivating and taking care of business in the most efficient way. There should be no reason for that, it's time to get down to business. There really is something about a suit/blazer that gets me into a hyper professional mind set hence Monday/Suit Day continues!

Monday was also the day where an unusually large number of new employees started so I needed to set a good example. Especially because they were all recent college graduates. While I don't wasn't to knock my slightly younger peers I am comfortable saying that many of them do not always know how to dress in a professional setting. This is not an assumption, it is something I have witnessed first hand. 

• Top: red bella swan blouson, eShakti.com; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns 
• Bottom:  beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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 14, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere is Loving Lace

I haven't participated in alot of these Everybody, Everywear things but, I am going to try to stay more on top of it. There is another reason besides my bad timing; I haven't really been super into everything they have selected. I'm only going to wear things that I like on my body and already have in my closet. Today, I can definitely get on board with lace. I don't think it's the easiest thing to wear in an everyday capacity but, when it's done well it's really lovely, I can't wait to see what Everybody, Everywear comes up with!

• Top: teal corsage embellished t-shirt, Merona via Target (not to be confused with this one) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray lace skirt, Tara Jarmon for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Merona via Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; yellow alley bag

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

June 7, 2011: Wishing For Double

Do you have things in your wardrobe that you wish you had bought multiples of? Or do buy multiples of? Not in different colors or patterns; I'm talking about actually purchasing two for the same exact thing for when the first one eventually falls apart due to consistent use. Well, I have learned my lesson regarding that. When I find something I love and use all the time I am totally buying two from now on... 

This doesn't really pertain to clothes as much as it does shoes. I am so in love with these flats! I can't believe I didn't think of them before when I was struggling to find office appropriate shoes in my shoe closet. The problem is that I have had them for close to three years now and they are literally falling apart. The same can be said for my silver gladiator sandals, nothing is ever quite the same color.  If I had known in May 2008 that I would be in this position now I would totally have ponied up another $20 or $25 for duplicates!

Also, I'm wearing stuff on my body not just my feet. The outfit I'm wearing today is very similar to this outfit.

• Top: orange tank top, J Crew; beige short sleeved jacket, GAP
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut out flats, Merona for Target (similar here); turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; turquoise and silver bead necklace. gift from Mom; brown tote bag, Bulga

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

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• April 7, 2010
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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 4, 2011: From Mom

My mother and I are very similar in alot of ways. It's one of those things that I didn't fully realize but, still tried to fight when I was a teenager. Now, I'm cool with it! For one we look like each other... don't you see the resemblance? But, other things like our penchant for word games, hardwood floors, altruistic natures, and love of unique handcrafted jewelry (to name a few) grow day by day. This Christmas (thanks to Mom and the latter) I found this great necklace sitting under the tree. A small group of native Johannesburg, South Africa, artisans, called Inkwenkwezi, began making safety-pin jewelry in 1992 and this is one of those items. I would not have instantly gravitated towards this piece for more than it's novel appearance but, mother knows best (don't tell her I said that) and I am really loving the way it fills in the space around the collar of this sweater. How else would you style this piece? Mom says with a black turtleneck but, I am skeptical...

• Top: orange v-neck sweater, Banana Republic outlet with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; Inkwenkwezi Safety Pin necklace, Smithsonian Christmas gift from Mom; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach

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

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October 21, 2010: Memory Lapse

Today I am operating on very little sleep and am delirious! I must be because I seem to have forgotten that it is pretty darn cold outside and am wearing an outfit that could/would probably work for spring or early summer. Note to self, check the weather before getting dressed. I should be fine once I get to my office, hopefully... On another note, I don't mean to look a gift horse in the mouth (where did that saying come from? O, here's something on that) but, since when is tomorrow Friday?

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP
• Bottom:  brown plaid capris, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here, I should have picked them up while they still had them in my size as a replacement. These are falling apart...) FYI if you pick up the the October 2010 edition of Real Simple there is a 20% off Merona coupon in there, or you could just rip it out at the grocery checkout... either way!; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; brown leather tote bag, Bulga   

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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Purchases: September 2010

This (past) month I only bought two things. The fabulous teal ALDO flats (same shoe different color and on sale here) from my trip Re/Dress NYC for Fashion's Night Out. They were only $12.60 with the discount they had going on that night. The other thing I bought was a pair of beautiful natural stone earrings from a street fair in Morningside Heights this past weekend. You haven't seen them yet but, they are really beautiful and were a steal at only $2.00!! Total spent $14.60 for an awesome pair of shoes that I'm sure I will get a ton of use out of and great earrings which will be utilized soon... Honestly I'm not even sure that I should count the earrings because I only said I was going to limit my spending on clothes. Should that include accessories as well, what do you think? Either way, I think I got alot of bang for my buck and am happy with what I got!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

September 14, 2010: Pattern Mixing Compulsion

Today I am back in the office. The craziness of last week (and prospective craziness of this week) really pushed me over the edge in terms of my stress level and the sudden cold weather kinda kicked my butt. You know... the sniffling, headache, congestion, I have a cold but, not really jazz just because of a slight drop in temperature and compromised immune system. Lame!

I can't say I'm happier to be here then home but, you gotta do what you gotta do. Honestly, I think the stress of the knowledge that work was piling up would have made my cold worse so in some ways it's good that I sucked it up and came in! This week might involve some crazy hours so I apologize in advance for the off schedule (or highly scheduled) posting. When I was picking out my outfit this morning I was seriously intent on matching this floral patterned shirt with a patterned skirt. I know you can't see it but, there is a very subtle plaid happening in the bottom half of my outfit. That would be a great theme week...

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: gray plaid pencil skirt, AB Studio from Mom via Kohl's
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, Aldo via Re/Dress NYC (same shoe different color here) I love that I am already getting to put these shoes to good use!; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

June 10, 2010

Is it Friday yet? I am having so much fun with Summer Black-Out 2010 but, can't wait for the weekend. In the spirit of weekends, summer, and all around fun times I'll give you some random news. Today is National Iced Tea Day! Click here for a buy one get one free Snapple coupon to celebrate...

On another note, I just realized that I am pairing pink and blue together today like Frances Joy of A Mad Dress Game did yesterday, great minds!

• Top: pink embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here, like I said Tuesday I'm all about buying multiples)
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hard wear embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

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 9, 2010

Today is so blah outside but, TGIF!!! I can't muse much because I am running late but, here's the outfit...

• Top: black and white striped long sleeved t-shirt from the Proenza Schouler capsule collection at Target
• Bottom: Marisa jeans from Ann Taylor Loft. (YAY Casual Friday)
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent flat American Eagle via Payless, my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings, and (I changed it up) gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here.

April 5, 2010

Right about now I am very strongly wishing that I had a three day weekend for the Easter holiday like just about everyone I know. It is going to be about 73° and that is great weather for doing anything! Heading into the office is not my idea of a good time but, I gotta bring home some bacon and am getting ready for the day while fighting every urge not to wear yoga pants. Hopefully the day will go by quickly...

• Top: pink Ann Taylor Loft rosette embellished t-shirt
• Bottom: gray pinstripe wide-leg pants(via Kohl's)
• Shoes & Accesories: black pointy toe flats (via DSW), black Fendi spy bag, gray shell earrings (gift from BF's mom)

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.
  

April 1, 2010

I love shopping as much as the next girl but, times are tough and even though the man says things are getting better I'm just not seeing it yet. Thankfully, I am employed but, working in an office (HR at that) there is definitely a business-casual standard that I need to meet when I dress for work in the morning. At the same time, I don't want to show up everyday in the same outfit. So, what's a girl to do about it? In-debt herself further to have all the latest things, take on extra jobs to make up the gap, borrow, steal, or make do with what she has? I will take the latter!

I have a pretty large closet... and another one for shoes. Sufficed to say I have ALOT of clothes. The vast majority of them are work appropriate so, I was thinking that I should be able to come up with enough combinations of clothes to last me for at least a year or more utilizing what I have. A different outfit for work everyday, hence 260 since that's about how many work days there are in a year. It sounds very daunting but, I think I'm up for the challenge Occasionally I might get a gift certificate, go shopping with my mom (who always buys me something *love ya mom*) or buy something myself but, it would definitely be something I have a need for since I will be hyper aware of what I have in my closet. As a person who did a significant amount of research in college I feel the need to define my terms. What I mean by an outfit is a different combination of top and bottoms (ex: Day 1 Top A and Bottom A, Day 2: Top B and Bottom A). This does not include shoes, accessories, or handbags. But, I will show them to you for the fun of it!

My goal with this is not to show off how much clothes I have or even that I can put a stylish outfit together. It is simply to show myself and others that you can make great things with what you already have not just "make-do" You don't have to go to the store and buy a whole new outfit for an event (even though that is fun) you might be able to find a dress in your closet with the tags still on it (yes, that has happened to me). And for all those times that you throw up you hands and say, "I have nothing to wear!!" I want to show that you probably do have something you haven't seen all the potential in the things you already own. Another thing that I want to show myself, and I suppose everyone could learn from it, is the use-value of my clothes (ex: basic black ballet flats that cost $12.99 are much more valuable than a prom dress that costs $199.99) I can agree that there are basic pieces that should be of higher quality because you will wear them more but, the trendy stuff that you could pay a fortune store in designer boutiques is better purchased somewhere like Target because it will be out of style next season.

Now, lets get down to business.

• Top: yellow ruffle front blouse from Ann Taylor Loft
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt from New York & Company (high use-value item I bet)
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats from Target and an amazing carved bone and turquoise necklace. I will also be throwing all my crap in a patent leather purple Coach purse (not pictured).

I will try to take better pictures moving forward but, day one is very rushed. Check back tomorrow as this experiment continues!!!