Cobbler Friday

This outfit is from two Fridays ago... I'm keeping track I promise.

If I had know how my day was going to go after taking these pictures in the morning I might not have been as happy. Instead I would have had a look of fierce determination. Why? Well, if you follow me on Instagram and/or Twitter (like you should) you would have gotten the blow by blow of those lovely shoes I was wearing completely falling apart as I tried to make it from the train station to my office and go about my day as regularly as possible. I'm glad that, against all odds, I was able to find these shoes but, I am sad that apparently they are not built to last. Hubby has performed his at home cobbler magic and hopefully it works so that I can use them but, we shall see.

• Top: beige/metallic striped sweater, Ella Moss via Ashby
• Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever 21
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi via Buffalo Exchange; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, gift from Mom

I most recently wore this shirt here.

Like A Champ

Life happens, motivation gets focused elsewhere momentarily but, not for long! Get ready for ALL the outfits... or just from this week so far.

I am here and ready to go, Monday! Even though I am feeling completely drained from my weekend (ALL the barbecues) and having a less than smooth morning I am still in the mind frame of getting things done. I'm sure getting my morning coffee will just keep that momentum going and I will be the most productive me I can be when I get to the office. Or at least that's what I am focusing on to continue the motivational attitude.

• Top: teal ruffle embellished shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze gladiator sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em; tigers eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories

I'm linking up with Mix It Mondays, Let It Shine, How I Spring, Monday Mingle, Creative Mondays,and Personal Style Monday

Sandal-foot

This ensemble was another example of me not appropriately judging the season that we are in. It wasn't as serious as "sweater-gate" but, there was a definite disconnect between what I had selected over the weekend based on the weather report and the actual weather. The swap that I made from the original ensemble was sandals for shoes, a simple but, awesome smart move. When else am I going to wear the oodles of sandals that are occupying space in my shoe closet?

• Top: maroon dolman sleeve blouse, Style & Co.
• Bottom: yellow/brown and rainbow plaid skirt, WDNY 
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze gladiator sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, gift 

I most recently wore this shirt here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

Friday Already?

Is it really Friday? Excellent! This (short) week has (seemingly) flown by and even though we are coming off of a (hypothetically) relaxing long weekend I am more than ready to have another little break. Having a long weekend can be extremely productive if you stay home but, if you go away all of your "fun" weekend chores spill over into the week which is what I have been contending with. Grocery? Nope. Laundry? Barely. Tidying up? Hahaha, you're funny but, I digress...

Today I gave up on my attempts to avoid jeans, which are normally allowable, on casual Friday. I had my reasons, at the beginning of the week when I put all these fabulous outfits together it was supposed to be cooler... thanks for lying, the weather. Also, it has been a crazy week (see aforementioned) and I am embracing the laid back attitude of casual Friday. Overall, I wanted to and is there any better reason that that?

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT; khaki green blazer, GAP
• Bottom: skinny jeans, BDG via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: tan gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless; chantilly lace chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot 

I'm linking up with Fab Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday, Passion 4 Fashion, and Casual Friday

August 5, 2011: For a Cause

Today I am taking part in Spoils of Wear's Traveling Bag for a Cause to bring attention to the great works of one of Jill's favorite charitable organizations Feed My Starving Children. She purchased this tote bag for $35 from the FMSC Marketplace and has been sharing it with other bloggers like me! It represents approximately 35 life-saving meals for a starving child. Check out how other people styled it here.

On another note, I am also wearing clothes. After last nights festivities and this really hectic work week in general I am definitely feeling the need to be beyond comfy today! 

• Top: gray lace embellished top, LOFT via Mom
• Bottom: black capri pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black Dolce Vita sandals, via Nordstrom; tourmaline earrings, V'ta jewelry; Traveling Bag, Feed My Starving Children Marketplace

July 6, 2011: Perfect Combinations

This outfit fit the bill on so many levels! I woke up feeling a bit under the weather but, headed to work despite that. The comfort and ease of capris combined with the loose drapey fit of the top was completely ideal. Also, I am loving this new purple cardigan with yellow!

After work some people wanted to go out and grab a drink for a co-worker's birthday at a local pub. I was happy to oblige and this outfit worked perfectly. Not that I think that anyone there was caring what I wore...

Even after I said goodbye to the birthday girl I still had a few errands to run but, these new sandals carried me through without any issues except for when someone let a door close on my pinkie toe... that hurt alot! You'll be seeing alot more sandals while I heal, I can't confine by poor tootsie to a real shoe right now.

What are your go to comfy outfits? Do they fit it with the dress code at work?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; purple cardigan, Merona via Target
• Bottom: white pinstripe capris, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW, my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

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

Purchases and Aquisitions: June 2011

I will start out by saying that this month was a bit bonkers when it came to shopping and wardrobe additions in general! I know that might come as a shock to you considering the small amount of money I spent last year and all the months where I didn't shop at all but, it is the truth.

How? Well, it's a two fold story... First of all, remember when I was lamenting my need for office appropriate summer shoes? Well if not click that link and get up to speed! If so, you will be happy to know that BF really came through for our anniversary on the 25th. Not only did we go eat at a nice restaurant and spend some time together but, he took me shopping for (yeah, you guessed it) office appropriate summer shoes and some work wardrobe things as well. Four cardigans and six pairs of peep toes later I am feeling pretty confident about my ability to fulfill all my work wardrobe needs.

After all the fun gift stuff I still felt the need for more shoes if you can believe that and this is where things got really crazy. I have been wearing some of my shoes to death, literally and they have been overdue for replacements. They were all from the same shopping trip to Target in the summer of 2008. If I'm doing the math right that was three years and a few tubes of Krazy Glue ago! Yup, Krazy Glue; I'm allowed to get new shoes, right?  Check out the pictures and let me know if you saw that same need I did...

Now that we have established that I will admit that when I went looking for new shoes I was searching for something that would last just as long if not longer than my old shoes. When I hit the mall I experienced a bit of sticker shock after I found these three pairs of shoes (which I think fit the bill) and finally checked out. The grand total was $156.84!! That's more than I spent on everything last year in total! Let's just say after that shopping trip I had a freak out moment or two/ten. Was I really justified in spending all that money on shoes?

In the end I think yes and I have to keep reminding myself of that! Here's how I came to that conclusion:

• Even though I spent a good chunk of change I shopped smart and saved over $100.00 compared to the original retail prices.
• I hadn't purchased shoes like this since 2008, it's not like I had tons of replacements waiting in the wings.
• I wore the old ones so much that they literally fell apart and I had to glue them back together. I will probably get the same use out of these.
• I did some math and realized that even with this "crazy" expense I have spent an average of $20 per month in total since I started this blog and my personal style challenge.

Pre-blog Iris wouldn't have needed this justification, she wouldn't have given it a second thought... I reference pre-blog Iris everyone once and a while here on 260 Days, No Repeats but,  I don't think that anyone who didn't know me in person can completely grasp it. Would I consider myself a shopaholic? No, not really. Would I have considered myself one of these young people? No, my self confidence is pretty solid. When reflecting on my past shopping habits I would say that I was unconcerned with consequences, let me explain; I wasn't going to die if I didn't have "it" (whatever "it" was at the time) but, if I wanted "it" why not just get "it"? I could pay my bills and afford "it" (at least that's what I thought) so there was nothing to hold me back. Then reality set in...

I don't really have the money to spend like that. I'm still paying for things that I purchased back then (approx 4 years ago) not even thinking that it might be something that of concern years down the road. After a year of keeping my metaphorical purse strings tight, I had alot of trouble incorporating the real need/the money I needed to spend to fulfill it with my new "shop your closet/no shopping" mentality. In the end it worked out but, I'm just hoping I don't need to do it again anytime soon! Do you ever find yourself having difficulty justifying the cost of something you need? How do you work that out in the end?

June 2, 2011: Because I Have To

I don't really like this outfit, this is one of those mornings where I woke up and put on clothes... The weather has been getting increasingly warmer and more beautiful (YAY) which has found me headed towards the skirts and dresses in my closet. Except for today, I felt like pants.

There was a hidden benefit to wearing nothing but skirts this week so far as I discovered while putting this ensemble NONE of my pants fit me anymore. Well that's an exaggeration... MOST of my pants don't fit me right now and that is so frustrating. Desk jobs are bad for your health. For me it's not that I weight that much more since starting this new job it's just that everything is being redistributed to my hips that don't lie and my derrière... I will not buy fat pants! I am going to work on this problem. If you work a desk job how do you keep yourself active?

I also decided to be really bold and wear sandals today. Part of my pants not fitting can be attributed to the fact that I barely leave my desk so... I figured I can hide my feet and feel out people's receptiveness when I get up to grab my lunch from the fridge or another cup of hot water for tea. I actually am not sure it's going to work out. Either way I still do need to go shoe shopping, I'm thinking at least two or three pairs if I can find things I like.

• Top: green ribbed tank top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; beige short sleeved jacket, GAP
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments,bo'em via DSW; mother of pearl teardrop earrings, V'ta jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit have been previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here:

Night Out: From The Mouths Of Babes

Not only has my work schedule been a little bonkers but, my social life has been a bit cray cray too. I really shouldn't complain; I get stir crazy when there aren't fun things going on, it's such a catch twenty two but, I digress...

With so many things going on I actually got a little stunted when getting dressed. I couldn't decide what to wear on Friday night so I threw a few things on and bounced the ensembles of my little brother and his friend. We collaborated and came up with this outfit which worked perfectly. Who do you bounce fashion ideas off of?

• Top: teal ribbed tank top, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: pink and coral polka dots skirt, New York & Company (same skirt different color here)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; Cerises Pochette, Louis Vuitton (not pictured)

Review: Swappeez Sandals

While on my haitus someone from Swappeez reached out to me to review their sandals. With the warm weather on our door step I was more the happy to comply, the timing couldn't be more perfect!

O, you've never heard of them? Neither had I but, now that I have learned a little more about them I LOVE the idea! Honestly, what girl wouldn't? You can take one pair of sandals and make it many pairs of sandals just by adding accessories. It sounds so familiar to me but, I digress... Swappeez was conceived with the quintessential modern girl in mind. The result was a series of interchangeable straps, buckles and accessories. These colorful and fun components come together creating various styles and designs. So whether you're hitting the beach, planning a vacation, on a tight budget or like the rest of us, just can't get enough shoes...

This is The Organizer, so you can keep your sandals, straps and few extra buckles to swap (you love how I did that I know) depending on the occasion. Not only can you be exceptionally fashionable you can be practical AND organized. This is sounding better and better!

There was, unfortunately, one thing that didn't work for me. I had trouble tying them so that they didn't shorten my leg or flop around. In the end I suppose I could try a different type of strap besides the one included, perhaps one that is longer/shorted until I find something that works for me. Maybe I just need to practice like with a Monif C dress. I'll let you know how that works out. I would recommend trying them out first but, definitely think they could be a great buy!

September 10, 2010: WWW - Compilation

As I mentioned yesterday, this week has been a rough one! When I was getting dressed this morning I couldn't really come up with any one item (or classification of items) that fits the bill "Workhorse" so I instead decided to make a grouping of all those things that I stated I rely on so heavily specifically: classic prints and great accessories. I guess that speaks to their true nature as Wardrobe Workhorses or the fact that my brain is absolutely fried... Either way I am so happy to bring you this outfit (however anti-climactic it is) and that it's Friday! I am excited to take part in some of the Fashion's Night Out festivities. Are you planning on attending any of these festivities? If so, which ones? Although there are a plethora of options in Manhattan I have opted to head to Brooklyn and attend Re/Dress NYC's Fashion Night Out event. I have an outfit change planned so, I will take some pictures of that and the festivities for sure!

• Top: green sleeveless shirt with bronze embellishment, LOFT; brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; purple bag, Coach

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

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September 7, 2010: WWW - Great Accessories

For me my wardrobe isn't only about clothes, despite the word's defined meaning. While items of attire are, naturally, the key components of any good look I feel that accessories need to be given equal appreciation! I don't know where I would be without the perfect purse to tote all my bits and bobs in or a chic pair of earrings to make my outfit shine. How many of us would be disoriented while putting looks together without our red, leopard print, or metallic shoes? Or perhaps the perfect necklace to pull the ensemble together!?

Today I salute some of the hardest working accessories by making them work a little more (wait, what?) and highlighting them! First of all there are the ever present (during the summer at least) silver gladiator sandals. You can't go wrong with metallic shoes and these are no exception.  I bought these two years ago and have been wearing them consistently ever since, to the point where they are falling apart! They pull my outfits together when I'm running errands, going to work, and even for a night out at the club on my birthday. Although, I can't keep wearing these come fall I do have some great silver and bronze flats that will stand in nicely, it's all about the metallic!

The next accessory that works it are my super classic and simply elegant silver bead earrings from Tiffany & Co. They were a gift from BF and I have definately gotten good use out of them. I mean how could you go wrong with basic silver earrings and from Tiffany's to boot? Yeah, I don't know either... They have made it work for special meetings, everyday work, casual things, and any other occasion that might need a little shine. I think the sandals and these earrings compliment each other well and make this whole get up (as well as many others) work from head to toe, literally!

I saved the best for last! I've mentioned before that handbags are my favorite accessory! I have so many (not quite Imelda Marcos [of bags]... I can dream) but, there are a few that I just keep coming back to because they work so well with everything. One of these is my yellow alley bag. Considering how much I use it (one of the zippers just broke) and the fun story that I can tell every time someone compliments me on it, I think it is one of the best purchases I have ever made! It is spacious and utilitarian but, any bag that gives a nice contrasting pop of color is a must for me... I can't wait to share more of my wardrobe workers with you, this is a great challenge!

• Top: blue and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy 
• Bottom: khaki bermuda shorts, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; chunky cluster statement necklace, LOFT (similar here); yellow alley bag. 

September 3, 2010: Birthday Wishes Etc...

First of all, I just want to say HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to my little brother I (we do not have the same name either but, we do have the same initials) I'm sure my family and I will have a blast celebrating the birthday festivities this weekend.

Moving on... I was had to be at work super early this morning I didn't take a picture of myself so, you get an after 5 o'clock picture. Sorry for the disheveled look but, it was a long day. Thing have been crazy at work, I'm not going to harp on it but, I will say I need to be a little more prepared with my daily picture post if I expect to get it out in the morning. At least it's Friday!

• Top: black and white Pentina Blouse, for joseph. I only know the exact name of the blouse because right after I graduated from college I worked in their NYC showroom while I looked for a more permanent full time gig. I had never head of them before that but, they had some really cute items and I learned alot. This was the only thing I used my (crazy 50% off wholesale) discount to buy and I still love it!
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom (same shoe different color 40% off sale with code LABORDAY40 here); red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; white Hardcore Dior tote, Christian Dior via outlet. Yes, these are the same accessories as yesterday, I'm ok with that, they look super cute!

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

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August 27, 2010: Third Time's A Charm

I was hoping to keep the outdoor picture thing going but, BF woke up late and had to rush out the door leaving me photographer-less. I'm all for independence and doing it myself but, traipsing downstairs with my tripod during the morning rush seems like a bit much or, maybe I'm just lazy... Either way, back to the hallway! I am so ready for the weekend, can't you tell?

• Top: teal zipper trim top, Mossimo via Target/gift from BF. I think it's a little long but, I couldn't resist the zipper detail! It reminds me of one of my fav Project Runway looks... Jeffrey where did you go?; tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em via DSW; tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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August 24, 2010: Grayness Go Away

I have nothing against the rain but, I really don't like the gray cloudyness it brings. It is so unmotivating! I am completely a morning person but, when I look out my window and see that hot mess in the sky all I want to do is go back to bed. I'll admit it I woke up a little later than planned this morning so posting was out of the question, here's the late edition! Now that I'm looking at the outfit the pants look like PJ's, no?

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT via Mom
• Bottom: brown herringbone pants, New York and Company. That's right, I finally finished lengthening the pants (with a little help from Mom) I love that you can't even tell that they used to be cuffed!
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em via DSW; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

Items from this outfit are previsouly seen here and here:

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August 20, 2010: Twice In A Row

Today is another "need to be comfy" day (this time it's BF who needs an early morning ride) cleverly disguised as casual friday and the perfect excuse to rock my jeggings. I am a total convert but, I digress...  Today's fantastic and comfy outfit makes me feel (on some level) like I'm relying to much on clothes that could be worn when the weather gets a bit cooler and that I'm not utilizing all my warm weather things to their best advantage. I could totally see myself wearing this exact same outfit, for example, with a scarf/ballet flats and it being perfect for the fall but, according to my official rules that would be cheating. O well, I will make it work when the temperature starts to drop!

As for today, I'm sure you would (correctly) expect that I am so excited this week is over, especially after these past two days of early morning rising. At least I have fun things to look forward to this weekend. Dinner with one of my besties after work today and a visit from my fav cousin tomorrow... fun times! Maybe I'll snap some pictures while we're out and about. What are your plans this weekend?

• Top: gray v-neck top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless; rainbow beaded earrings, via now defunct Moxie Bee; purple Coach bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 19, 2010: Before The Sun Rises

I told one of my friends that I would give them a ride to the airport this morning since it would take them significantly longer to get there on public transportation at this time. Due to the earlier than normal hour of today's departure from home I am all about being super comfortable but, still work appropriate since I will probably head straight into the office once I drop her off. Is it the most flattering look in the world? Perhaps not although, the rhinestone epaulets are pretty awesome but, I digress... Either way, the aforementioned flattery wasn't really the driving force behind today's outfit. Ideally, I strive for comfortable and stylish looks but, occasionally there are days like today where practicality trumps the norm. Does every outfit you wear need to be complimentary to your body or are there days when you sacrifice that for comfort?

• Top: gray jewel drapey top, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Bottom: white pinstripe capris, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 17, 2010: Hard and Soft

When I was piecing this outfit together this morning. I couldn't help but feel a little like a candystriper. I think it was the pink and stripe combination or more specifically the stripes in this skirt. I think this T-Shirt with a gray pinstripe skirt (note to self: get gray pinstripe skirt) would be great!  But, I digress... I needed to find a way to make this a little less sterile so I have added some chunky accessories and am ready to go! Tomorrow's outfit I might have to plan out tonight when I get home because I have a meeting downtown and I always feel like that creates a new standard of style that I have to meet resulting in a clothes hurricane in my bedroom and tardiness at work. What kind of situations create an new level of pressure or a style challenge for you?

• Top: light pink Mossimo t-shirt, Mossimo for Target via Mom (similar and on sale here)
• Bottom: gray and white striped skirt with lace trim, Merona for Target via Unique Thrift Store during "Birthday Beginnings" 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); chunky cluster statement necklace, LOFT (similar here); cream Loeffler Randall bag, Target;

Weekend Wear: Party Like It's Your Birthday!

On the night of my birthday I went dancing with a few friends of mine... This was definitely not office friendly attire but, I think I managed to keep it club appropriate yet classy AKA not an over sized t-shirt, I mean dress from Forever 21. That totally works for some people but would be a fashion disaster on me! What would you wear for a night out dancing? 

• Top: beige tiered dress, New York and Company via store credit from BF's Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here) I was going to wear these ridiculously amazing gladiator booties from Carlos by Carlos Santana but, I pulled a muscle in my leg and would not have made it an hour on the dance floor let alone until the sun came up! It was totally the right move in the end I think because I had a fantastic time with no pain; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver beaded necklace, Bitten via Steve and Barry's

Approximately 3:30 in the morning and we were still going after that but, I was getting tired...

August 4, 2010: Endless Possibilities

One of the reasons why I love the summer (besides the warmth and sun neither of which are happening today) is the simple yet chic wardrobe choices. It is so easy to create a perfect summer outfit by throwing on one or two basic pieces, jazzing them up with metallic accessories, and going on your merry way.

This dress does it all with it's lack of zippers or buttons (I literally threw it over my head) and embellished collar AKA attached necklace! All I have to do is grab my purse, shoes, and earrings and I am on my way. This dress also works because althought I am wearing it for work right now I could easily change/add some accessories and make it work for drinks after, a night out with friends, date night, a special event... almost anything else you can think of!

• Top:  blue floral dress with metallic bead embellishment, LOFT borrowed from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; yellow alley bag