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 6, 2012: Trendy Birthday - A High Low Hem

As you know today isn't any ordinary day, it's my birthday! This year my birthday has taken a back seat to all the other things in my everyday life. I haven't really thought much about what I want or even how I want to celebrate it. The one thing I was certain of, though, was my need for a special birthday outfit! Since BF said he would foot the bill for my birthday ensemble I started (legitimately) thinking about things that I would want to wear but, aren't like anything I already have. The one summer trend that I couldn't find in my closet but, is everywhere/I am completely in love with is the high low hem.

As I started shopping online and pinning things that I loved I kept coming back to this dress. Not only does it have the high low hem that I was looking for but, it also incorporates other summer trends like pleats and color blocking. After hemming and hawing a bit over whether it was "the dress" or not I bit the bullet and placed the order; Two days later it was sitting at my door! Finding something I could wear over the dress to cover my shoulders and make it more office appropriate was one of the biggest challenges but, thankfully I can fall back on my flowy flyaway cardigan. Have you rocked the high low hem this summer?

Just to clarify I am wearing flip flops at work right now but, they are paired with a less than glamorous air cast because I sprained my ankle pretty badly a few weeks ago and it's still on the mend. It was nice to be more casual in the beginning but, I can't wait to get back in my heels!

• Top: Jessica Simpson Sleeveless Pleated Colorblock Dress, Loehmanns/gift from BF; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company  
• Shoes & Accessories: gray flip flops, Old Navy; gold filagree earrings, AVON gift from Mom; 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, and here. 

October 5. 2010: Four More Days

What's happening then you ask? Well, I am super excited because in four days I will be on a plane traveling to California for a much needed long vacation! Will you miss me when I'm gone? Until then it's work, getting everything ready for our cat sitter/house guest (AKA my little bro), and packing. Seems simple enough but, is surprisingly stressful! Hopefully I can get it all done...

Now you may ask, "Why are you wearing flip flops? It's rainy and cold outside!" The answer to that is simple, it doesn't feel that cold to me and I am prepping for the unseasonably hot California weather (which is apparently cooling down, sigh...) Also, I am in recovery from the 5K is ran walked this weekend for one of my favorite charities. I got the worst blisters on my heels and the idea of putting on shoes is not a happy one!

• Top: black v-neck top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: gray corduroy skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: paisley flip flops; rainbow beaded earrings, Moxie Bee; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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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 3, 2010: The Longest Day

This has been a really rough and hectic day. Case and point, I could not get my morning post and picture up before I left for work or even right when I came home from work. I'm glad I was able to finally get it out but, after quite the day... hopefully tomorrow will be calmer.

• Top: green 3/4 length scoop-neck t-shirt Xhiliration via Target
• Bottom: khaki pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: paisley flip flops (because I didn't feel like wearing real shoes); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; limited edition Tracey Emin for Longchamp Pliage via the outlet

Items from this outfit are previsouly seen here:

July 23, 2010: Friday Finally

It's back to normal today. No makeup or contacts (did you guys even notice?) just plain old me in my casual friday best, complete with pejorative eyesight and "natural beauty." I still have no idea what the weekend might entail but, I am pumped for it to start! Do you have any fun plans?

Don't forget, I will be "drawing" the winner of the silver and smoky quartz necklace tonight! Good luck to everyone who entered...

• Top: teal tank top, Old Navy with another tank top underneath for the modesty and layering fun!
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: purple flip flops, Bitten via Steve & Barry's; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; yellow alley bag; multicolor polka dot scarf, New York and Company (not pictured)

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

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Last Chance! Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

July 9, 2010: Going Through The Motions

I got so many compliments yesterday on my sandals! Which was great but, as an added bonus I noticed that they are already stretching a bit. I passed along the info to everyone who asked me where I got them. In one case the person in questions literally ran back to her office so she could order them in her size... Sure Payless, I'll take some free sandals as commission for all my promoting! How about these?

I'm excited about it being Friday today but, at the same time not as much as I could be if I didn't have a million important things to do this weekend. So getting ready this morning was all about going through the motions... Denim on the bottom? Check. Flip Flops (even though they are not allowed)? Check. T-Shirt? Check. Shirt I would normally wear to work? Check. Counting down the minutes till 5PM? Check!

• Top: red floral print blouse, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for fun
• Bottoms: dark denim capris, Macy's
• Shoes & Accessories: purple flip flops, Bitten via Steve & Barrys (just as comfortable as Havianas but, a small fraction of the cost... come back Steve! How about you Barry?); Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too (not pictured because you've seen them before and I'm being a bit lazy)

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

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Weekend Wear: Perfect Roadtrip Outfit

This past (long) weekend was spent with BF working on my tan at the shore and celebrating our anniversary. It was great to lay back and relax for a few days away from all the craziness of the home front. My biggest goal when getting ready for the weekend was to be as comfortable as possible on the 3ish hour long drive. Our super awesome Honda Fit (pictured with me) is deceptively small AKA roomy inside but, every little bit of added comfort helped. Normally I prefer much more structured clothes but, this dress was perfect for the weekend as an outfit for traveling and then a beach coverup! What are the items of clothes that you love because they serve more than one purpose?

• Top: black and white striped trapeze dress (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

Weekend Wear: Mixing It Up!

I would like to think that I am a fashion forward person but, after perusing a plethora of similar fashion blogs, I am seeing areas where I can push the envelope even more! What are your biggest style challenges? How do you overcome them? Case and point for me, mixing patterns. Do you mix it up? If so what are your tips and tricks?

I understood the concept of pattern mixing but, I still couldn't make it work consistently. Most times I attempted it the outfit didn't look right to me and I gave up. That is, except for yesterday when I successfully paired stripes and polka dots! I think this works best because the pattern in the top is subtle. Next time, bolder patterns...

• Top: navy tank top with silver stripes, GAP
• Bottom: blue polka dot skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; yellow alley bag (not pictured)

June 18, 2010: Free At Last!

It might sound dramatic but, even though I went out Thursday night I was at work early and stayed late. I didn't take the picture until the end of the day which explains why I've got no earrings and my hair is being CRAZY! It also explains why the lighting in the picture is all off, thanks BF AKA evening photographer. Dedication? Maybe. Lots of things to do? Definitely! You can't blame me for feeling trapped! That's why I didn't have a chance to post Friday's outfit until now. Here's a pic of BF and me at the event...

• Top: green sleeveless shirt with bronze embellishment, Ann Taylor Loft
• 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; Louis Vuitton Speedy via eBay

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



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Weekend Wear: The Perfect Summer Outfit

This, in my opinion, is one of the simplest things to achieve with a few basic items you probably have in your closet already, like me! You'll need a tank top, linen (or other lightweight) pants, sparkly sandals and accessories plus a great bag! You can even throw in a fedora or a jacket if it gets chilly! The general look can take you through any event (even work) that you have to attend throughout the summer. For example: I am going out to brunch with one of my bestest friends but, have to head to New Jersey immediately after for a family BBQ and sleepover with fav cousin. That will probably include some evening activities AKA going to local venues for imbibing, etc.. I will weather it all with my perfect summer outfit!

• Top: green ribbed tank top, Old Navy before they started making them super long (ick)
  
• Bottom: white linen pants, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; coin peal necklace, V'ta ; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered (not pictured); brown leather bag with silver floral embellishments, GAP

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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Work With What You've Got: Last Minute Wedding Guest

I have "lovingly" dubbed this chronological point in my life my transitional twenties. "What does the transitional twenties entail?," you might ask. Let me give you the breakdown: recent college graduate, being significantly underpaid and/or under appreciated at an entry level job if you can get one, being in debt; whether it's credit cards, student loans, or both, in/applying to/graduating from grad school, buying a house, moving out of your house (if you haven't already), moving back home with mom and dad (because you can't afford to be on your own), moving forward in significant personal relationships if applicable (i.e.: getting engaged, getting married) being part of other people moving forward in significant personal relationships (i.e.: bridesmaid, wedding guest) Although none of these life events are exclusive to one's twenties it seems that this definitely the inception of when the proverbial *&^% hits the fan.

While many of these things apply to me the one that keeps popping up recently has been: being part of other people moving forward in significant personal relationships (i.e.: bridesmaid, wedding guest) specifically as the wedding guest. While being part of people's special day is all good it is not really when you only have a week or two notice before you have to show up and on top of that it's not someone you are particularly close to (i.e: BF's co-worker) What is an indebted underpaid/under appreciated recent college grad working an entry level job with aspirations of going to grad school to do? Well, I'll tell you what I did... I dug in my closets (and mom's jewelry box) and came up with something! The only monies spent (by mom) were for a voluntary mani/pedi because... What do you think?