White Time

This outfit is from last Thursday, and you thought I forgot... Today it's two for one!

Memorial Day was some time ago and I have not been taking advantage of my new found super power ability to wear white as much as I should/would like. That's going to stop last week now! This skirt has been one of  my "go-to" summer pieces since my college days (not to date myself but, that was a while ago.) It's been an easy item to pair with any most of the tops in my wardrobe and instantly elevate their level of summer appropriateness to "spot on." Bonus: it's super comfy. Unfortunately, my body has changed considerably since then and this might be the last summer that I am able to utilize this skirt. I was (kind of) taking a chance wearing it last week; one good tug and awkward turtle... It's a good thing no one is out there waiting to pants me. 

• Top: teal floral embellished t-shirt, Merona
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: silver peep-toe wedges, Seychelles; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

Retro Reminiscent

It's amazing what small changes do to change something as a whole. Example: add hydrogen to oxygen and it makes water. Science. I digress...  the first time I looked at these pants the only thing I could think of was golfing. I would just like to be clear and confess that I am not actually a golfer. Fortunately for me them I have preppy fashion sensibilities because that impression made it a done deal and I had to have them even though they will probably never hit the links.

As I look for items from my (now minuscule) wardrobe to pair them with (in non golfing life) this combo that I ended up with invokes images of a beehive hair-do or perhaps a headband, cat eye sunglasses, and melamine pitchers filled with lemonade at a bygone picnic that never existed in my lifetime. I think it's the shoes. What do picnics have to do with work? Nothing, but, while I am reminded of an older time this is still a professional ensemble for the office especially on a cold summer spring day.

• Top: black cardigan, Merona
• Bottom: tailored crop plaid wool pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this sweater here.

I'm linking up with Confident Twosdays 

Be(e) Happy

We are in a whole new world! That's right, my back yard. Anyway, Wednesdays are a late night for me. As I mentioned previously I am taking a certification/professional development test prep class after work for the next few weeks and I don't get home until practically bedtime. Then, I wake up at the crack of dawn (as I did this AM) to go to spin class so,  when it comes to my outfit I am definitely looking for something low key and comfortable. Besides, it's almost Friday.

Today, I am wearing clothes (yay) but, my favorite thing about my outfit is these shoes! Although the pants are a close second. They were on consignment clearance and are a size that makes me feel really amazing about myself for arbitrary reasons. But, I digress... when the announcement was made that C Wonder was going out of business I was definitely one of the vultures shoppers who investigated the closing sales. I got a few things but, my crowning (shopping) achievement were these shoes. They are comfortable (win) and fun (bonus points.) Check out a detail shot of the shoes here. Did you get anything when C Wonder was closing?

• Top: coral sweater, GAP
• Bottom: brown plaid ankle pants, J Crew via Current Consignment 
• Shoes & Accessories: navy "bee happy" loafers, C Wonder; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

I'm linking up with What I Wore to Work, Throwback Thursday, Thursday Fashion Files, Thursday Favorite Things

Night Out: The High Life

I'm, not sure what other people do when they become (f)unemployed but, I had a massage and a delicious steak dinner courtesy of BF. While that is not necessarily the most practical thing, I didn't really have a choice and I wasn't going to complain about it. I highly recommend taking moments for yourself when you find yourself in similar situations or just in general. Perhaps if I had been more adamant about taking time for myself at work I would have seen that the job wasn't a great fit sooner. Similarly, taking time now is helping me stay focused on what it is I think my strengths are and what I am interested in focusing on in my next position. How do you treat yourself on a regular basis?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Glitz Knot Ring, courtesy of Amy O Jewelry; violet Clea Clutch, Katherine Kwei/won at Blogger's Night Out (not pictured)

November 8, 2012: Winter Is Coming

Correction, winter is was here! After freezing my little piggies off trudging home through a few inches of snow in ballet flats I wanted to make sure I was prepared to stay warm during the morning commute. I went (way) against the rules and wore skinny pants to work so I could easily tuck them into my (secret commuter) black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar. I wasn't taking any chances! Of course by morning the sun had come out and by the time I left work in the evening all the snow had melted away. I suppose it's better to be over prepared... Was there snow in your area? Was it gone as quickly as it came?

• Top: teal cowl neck sweater, Mossimo for Target (same sweater different color here); gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black kitten heel pumps, Coach; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seem 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, and here. 

Don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift certificate from Shopbop!

November 5, 2012: I'm Back, It's Cold

First and foremost I would like to ask you all how you are doing? Were you at affected by the most recent weather-pocalypse? I was but, in only mildly annoying ways; I didn't lose power, I didn't lose hot water, I didn't even lose cable. I was however trapped in my apartment for a week and couldn't get to the office or anywhere else for the matter... When I finally did venture out I started to run low on gas and now I can't use my car either until that whole mess gets sorted out. Overall, I consider myself very lucky and blessed but, I can't wait for everything to go back to normal for everyone. 

Since everything is slowly but, surely going back to normal heading to the office today was inevitable and welcomed. When I checked the weather I was happy to see that the seasons are finally starting to shift appropriately. Don't get me wrong I love the heat but, I also enjoy the seasons and this fall has been a bit tepid for my taste. I'm sure I will be regretting those words after a few weeks of cold...  I bundled up when I left this morning to catch my train and I was glad for it. Even when I got to the office I was comfortable in my  chic turtleneck and blazer combo that is, until the afternoon when they started blasting heat. I was melting... I hope that I can predict the weather/office climate better tomorrow. How do you dress professionally for the cold weather/hot office combo?

• Top: gray turtleneck sweater, GAP; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein (part of this suit)
• Bottom: red a-line skirt, Ben Sherman
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; black Hanes Silk Reflections tights courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; 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.

Don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift certificate from Shopbop!

October 8, 2012: I've Got Mustard and A Studded Peter Pan Collar

Mustard is always a fall color, in my opinion. It's one of the beautiful shades that leaves turn to signal the changing of the seasons and blends perfectly with the similarly warm oranges and reds. While I generally like mustard and would wear it any time of year it feels most appropriate in the fall, don't you agree? 

If there was one trend that I broke my shopping fast for it would have been blouses with studded collars of the peter pan persuasion. I'm so in love with the grown up punk inspired style! It reminds me of high school but, I digress... Thankfully, my cousin knew my unspoken wishes and sent me the perfect birthday gift! I've had tons of fashion fun layering it with different shirts since it's sheer AKA not particularly modest or work appropriate. 

Also, I'm still rocking this oxblood manicure...

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP; mint studded peter pan collar shirt, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V
• Bottom: gray pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns  (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; 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, here, here, here, and here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a New York Fashion Week Swag Bundle!

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.

June 8, 2012: Ombre Friday

There is no secret that I love ombre, I gravitate to it even if I try not to. That being said I haven't added any new ombre pieces to my wardrobe in quite a while, this skirt was the last piece. I think it might be time to add (even) more ombre to life wardrobe. I wonder how I can do that without shopping, thoughts?

• Top: black short sleeved sweater, LOFT; black cardigan, Merona via Target 
• Bottom: gray and blue ombre skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe shoes, Payless; black headband, suunci via CVS; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF    

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

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!!

Work With What You've Got: Ripped Pants & Iron On Patches

No, this is not a post about the 90s...My skinny pants made a desperate cry for attention right before my shopping trip.  They must have been thinking that I would never wear them again because they decided to rip as I sat down on my couch, the sound was tragic, drama queen! It was almost as bad as what happened with my skinny jeans the day before but, that’s a story for another day. 

Apparently newer pants, skinny or otherwise, used regularly only have a shelf life of approximately two years. This has not only been my personal experience but, BF’s as well. Because of this limited shelf life and the new wardrobe revelations regarding work I decided that instead of shelling out $60.00+ for a pair of replacement pants from the GAP I would fix them with an iron on patch. Crafty Iris to the rescue! 

Thankfully they had the patches at my local CVS but, I’m sure you could pick them up if need be at any pharmacy or grocery store that has a tiny section of sewing goodies. Since the offending hole was on the inside of my thigh it didn’t matter if black of the patch wasn’t an exact match for the black of the pants. First thing was to sew up the hole to reduce the risk of any additional ripping. 

Then I placed the patch to cover as much of the hole as I could and ironed away. The instructions on the packet of patches said to do it on the highest heat setting with no steam. It was a fairly straightforward process. For some reason I got some discoloration on the patch but, it’s not really a big problem since no one will be able to see it unless I show them. Because the patch didn’t cover the entire hole I ended up having to cut an additional piece from another black patch to rectify the situation but, it all worked out.

I haven’t worn them yet but, I am sure my handiwork will hold up to the wear and tear of life and hopefully the washing machine. Either way, this endeavor has saved me a pretty penny. Have you gotten crafty with anything lately? Please share I’m always inspired when other people do creative things to make what they have work for them!

Purchases and Acquisitions: April 2012

­­­­This month I went shopping with a vengeance! Also, my Mom got me some stuff but, I digress... I had a goal in mind (suits) but, tragedy stuck and in the short span of two days I was down one pair of skinny jeans and one pair of skinny pants. While neither of those items are work necessities they are some of the things I wear most on the weekends. The universe was telling me to go shopping.

I went shopping for replacement jeans with one of my close friends (who stuck with me the whole time, love ya!) the weekend after tragedy struck twice. While I wasn’t 100% on board with the idea of going shopping I knew I needed to replace my broken pants. We went to a ton of stores, trying on lots of different types/brands of jeans. Naturally, the ones that I was most comfortable in were at the last store that we went to, Forever 21. I know, I know… it isn’t where I would have thought either but, I’m glad I checked it out because I’m happy with what I got in the end. They had a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans for only $13.50! I bought two with a Visa gift card I had been holding on to. I also hit the GAP and bought another pair of pants to replace my ripped ones. Ouch, 'nuff said.

Next weekend the next stop on my shopping extravaganza was the Unique Thrift Store near my house. While I had every intention of going there to pick out more suits it ended up being a total bust on that front. I did, however, end up finding two lovely vintage dresses that fit perfectly for $4.99 each! I had no doubts or reservations in my mind as I headed to the register to check out, the shopping bug had caught me! I tried to pay for the total with some Unique Thrift Store gift cards that I had received for placing in their costume contest this past October but, they didn’t work… thanks? Fortunately I had another Visa gift card that I have been holding on to and there were no issues with that.

Then I took a short trip down the block to my local Loehmanns to check out their suit selection. I have had great success finding suits there in the past so, it was a  no brainer! After sifting through the racks of suits I found a Tahari suit that really worked for me (high stance, shorter jacket, etc.). I had a coupon so the $99.99 price tag (down from $280.00 MSRP) was whittled down a little more to $79.99 total. WIN? Either way my Mom took pity on my situation and helped me out with that one, thanks Mom!

Unfortunately, the jeans that I bought at Forever 21 ended up being too big even after I washed them. They were a little loose at the store but, I figured one go around in the washing machine and they would be perfect. Wrong, they were still falling off. So I had to go exchange/return them for a different pair. Thankfully, I ended up finding something that worked even better: jeans with an elastic waistband. Yes, they are a hop, skip, and jump away from being pajama jeans. Yes, I’m ok with that. They fit well and are super comfortable! Even better they were only $11.50!! So, I exchanged one pair of the larger jeans for two pairs of the smaller ones. In the same trip I also returned the GAP pants since I was able to patch up my broken pair, more on that later.

Since I had a coupon for Old Navy and some dresses that I had pinned on Pinterest in my mind I decided to stop by and see if I could find them. I used to shop for EVERYTHING at Old Navy but, my tastes (and their quality) have shifted so, I normally don’t give them alot of thought. They didn’t have what I wanted but, I did find a different dress that I liked on sale. When it fit I decided to go for it since the coupon and a gift card made it an easy purchase.

While at the mall I also decided to try Macy’s for a suit since they were having one of their sales and I had yet another coupon. I ended up finding another suit with a fantastic pattern that I’m sure you will be seeing soon! Don’t get too excited it’s still very work appropriate but, I digress… I had some gift cards and merchandise credits on top of the coupon so with all of the discounts combined the $69.99 suit (down from $260.00) ended up coming out to $10.27 which I paid for with the balance on one of my Visa gift cards.

Shopping Overview:

• Unique Thrift Store
• $9.98  Gift Card - $0
• Loehmanns
• $79.99 after coupon  Mom - $0
• Forever 21
• $36.50  Gift Card - $0
• Gap
• $62.10 Return
• Old Navy
• $9.75 after coupon  Gift Card - $0
• Macy’s
• $10.27 after coupon  Gift Card -$0

In the end I ended up getting a whole bunch of new needed stuff for no money out of my normal income. That was partly due to the fact that I returned the replacement skinny pants from the GAP since I was able to find away to make it work and my gift card hoarding tendencies. I don’t think I will be shopping like this again for a while. That’s not to say that I am done beefing up my suit selection, I just need to replenish my gift card reserves…

           

April 24, 2012: The Last Straw

You remember the awkward conversation that I had with my boss, right? O, you don't... catch up! I am sad to report that it happened yet again... She sat me down to inform me that someone had bought my ensemble to her attention and that it was not appropriate. The focus of the conversation was my skinny pants (which I have worn plenty of times before) but, the overall (unspoken) message was that I am personally being held to a different wardrobe standard. Here are some of the highlights of the conversation:

• The company is a business casual office
• Formal professional attire only 
• Skinny pants are not appropriate
• I should wear more suits
• I don't have to wear more suits but, cardigan sets are ok
• Also, nice suits are good
• But, and nice sweater and shirt are great

Some of these things might seem contradictory but, that is how the conversation went. I'm glad that my boss was very relatively clear about expectations. While my outfit might have prompted someone to feel that it was less than professional it was the last conversation about wardrobe that I want to have. I am going to turn over a new (hopefully not boring) leaf. What does that mean? Basically shopping for more suits. Yes, shopping and suits... We'll see how this goes. At this point, I am throwing their sad excuse for a "dress code" out the window and focusing on dressing to the high standards that I am (apparently) being held to. Goodbye skinny pants... 

• Top: beige short sleeve scoop neck sweater, GAP (same sweater different color here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; 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, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here 

April 17, 2012: I've Got (Pastel) Yellow

As I have said before pastels are something that always make me thing of spring, warmer weather, easter, etc. While I would still wear pastels even if they weren't trendy it's nice that they are. What I found the most difficult about this pairing was the fact that a pastel yellow eyelet lace skirt might not be the most office appropriate thing but, paired with a blazer I think it's passable... what do you think? 

• Top: white short sleeved sweater, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, and here); khaki safari blazer, LOFT  (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, and here)   
• Bottom: yellow eyelet lace skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: nude patent leather pumps, Apt. 9 via Kohl's; shell hoop earrings, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V; 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 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 10, 2012: Everybody, Everywhere Is In Pastels

I didn't forget about you yesterday. I was actually feeling a little under the weather and didn't make it into the office. Easter was a great day full of fun with friends and family and unnecessary amount of food... let me stress the unnecessary part. I ate until I was about to explode and was feeling pretty under the weather yesterday. In the future I need to remember to eat with my tummy not with my eyes, life lessons people...

On another note, I know pastels are one of the things that I can be wearing next week but, all the cool kids are rocking this trend and I don't want to be left out. Pastels are one of those things, on trend or not, that always remind me of spring, warmer weather, and all around good times. 

• Top: purple scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: gray, black, and white skirt (with pockets), Mossimo for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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