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.

Casual Friday, With a Twist

While tweeting up a storm last week I came across an article about reasons for opting out of Casual Friday. I was intrigued, as I'm sure you are. What would possess someone to want to give up their well earned Friday comfy time? Well, after perusing the article I noted some very valid points and gave the whole idea some more consideration. It lead me to realize that many of the senior members of my department (all women) choose not to wear jeans on Friday. They might wear fun colored or patterned pants but, no jeans. Maybe it's time to give it try and do something different so today I am not wearing jeans! I am wearing a denim skirt, baby steps.

We also have to talk about my sandals. I bought these sandals in 2008 then in 2011 they died, then a few weeks ago we crossed paths again! I was wandering around Brooklyn with a friend and we stopped at an awesome local thrift store. I found these sandals (brand new with the tags) in my new skinnier shoe size... it was meant to be. The only issue was that because of how long they had been sitting around unworn the heels were falling off which I didn't notice until after I tried to wear them for the first time, awkward... Lucky for me Hubby is pretty handy at fixing things, even shoes, problem solved. Now, inquiring minds want to know: Do you think it's a good idea to opt out of casual Friday? Would you skip your office jeans time?

• Top: floral t-shirt, Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohls; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: denim pencil skirt, Torrid
• Shoes & Accessories: silver sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via Buffalo Exchange; silver wire flower earrings, MOMA

I'm linking up with Fashion Fun Friday

An Unexpected End

Well, you all know what happened... I got the proverbial boot. At least I looked well put together and professional when it happened. I think it would have been much more difficult if I looked like a hot mess while we discussed the less than pleasant details. While I was (and still am) feeling strangely positive about the whole thing, I was melancholy that afternoon... no one likes rejection.

• Top: red embellished sweater, RED via Loehmanns/gift from Mom; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Happy Easter

There is no reason to break tradition now, time to share my Easter outfit. Last weekend, in all the hubbub of my normal life I got a text message from my mother informing me that the Easter color was lilac… Can you see my unamused face? I’m sorry, I’m a little scarred from all the years of posing for portraits with my brother in matching ensembles or going to crowded public places wearing identical outfits. Perhaps, we were easier to find that way (I think) but, I digress…

When I received the message I had no idea what I was going to wear and just hoping I could find something in my closet and I did! Unfortunately for my mother and her matchy matchy schemes it’s not lilac. I was hoping to be able to squeeze into this last minute wedding guest dress but, have gained enough weight that’s it’s not the most flattering ensemble. It wasn’t hopeless AKA I could still zip it up but, I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of wearing it to church or to brunch/dinner afterwards. Maybe next year. What are your plans for this holiday weekend?

This dress, on the other hand, has been sitting in my closet forever! I got it on super sale clearance (read: $9.00) when Target was phasing out the last of the Isaac Mizrahi line. I haven't had a good occasion to wear it but, could not bring myself to get rid of it. I'm glad I held on to it because it works for this occasion. Do you have pieces like that in your closet? 

• Top: ivory lace dress, Isaac Mizrahi for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black cropped jacket, Express
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; rhinestone earrings, New York and Company/gift from BF's parent's; black plume brooch, Stella & Dot; black cat eye sunglasses, Enzo Angiolini; purple patent leather tote, Coach

To: You
From: Iris

November 9, 2011: Far From Favorite

Sorry for the delay, I wasn't falling off the face of the earth again I promise... there were posts! But, let's have a moment of honesty about what did happen in terms of outfit posts: I kind of HATED Wednesday's look. You might ask, "Why would you wear it out of the house then? Also, why do you not like it, I think it looks ok!" to which I would answer "It's a long story..."

Baisically, I picked out all of my outfits for the week but, didn't end up taking pictures in advance or trying anything on so when Wednesday morning rolled aroung and this outfit was a FAIL I didn't really have time to change into something else. Why was it a fail? First of all the shirt was way too short which wouldn't have been a huge problem if the pants hadn't been super tight. Lastly, while these shoes were a great find initally they have stretched to the point where they are difficult to walk in as in, I trip over my own feet! I might have to say goodbye to them unless someone knows how to shrink shoes... 

Sufficed to say I was uncomfortable and will never be putting those items together again beyond my personal style challenge. What do you do when your outfit is uncomfortable do you run out at lunch and buy something new, go home and change, or tuff it out for the rest of the day?

• Top: red embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here); tank top underneath for the modesty; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (part of this suit)
• Bottom: brown pinstripe pants, New York and Company (not be confused with these)
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry, purple tote bag, Coach 

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

October 25, 2011: Hoping For A 7-10 Split

While I was planning my outfits out for the week I forgot about this "moral/team building" thing that my company has organized. You guessed it from the title, bowling. I honestly can't tell you the last time I went bowling and that's probably because I was a single digit in age. If I had to describe my feelings about the whole thing it would be "skeptical", what is up with those shoes?

Since it's company wide undertaking they paired it with a fundraiser (think 5K meets bowling) from the start and we have raised a nice chunk of change for a charity in need. Who beat her fundraising goal into the ground? Yeah that would be me but, I digress... I can definitely get on board with supporting a worthy cause but, coming up with an outfit that would take me from work to the bowling alley was not something I thought I would have to do. What goes with those shoes?

• Top: orange ballet neck chiffon flower embellished top, New York & Company; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa 
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

October 4, 2011: Emergency Shoes

We all know how I feel about the commuter shoe but, today I found myself in a situation with an unexpected amount of schlepping around. I got a panicked phone call shortly after arriving at work from a friend telling me that another mutual friend of ours was dizzy, vomiting, and (worst of all) alone. When she was describing the symptoms to me it sounded like vertigo which I can say from past experience is one of the worst things to experience.

So I talked with my boss and rushed to my sick friends aide but, after pounding the pavement from my office to her apartment I had to take off my shoes to hike up the five flights of stairs to her place. Sufficed to say at that point I was done with all the fancy-ness of those t-straps and I needed an alternative pair of shoes. Thankfully, she lent me some flats. I love how well they complimented my outfit. As much as I might have helped her today by getting her to the doctor and back home she totally saved my feet!

• Top: blue ruffled blouse, Atelier via Loehmanns; tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; blue multi colored peep toe flats, Madden Girl via Katie; black ultra sheer stockings, Hanes Silk Reflections via Robert Veridi's Luxe Lab; Femme Fatale Necklace, Stella & Dot; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

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

August 25, 2011: Sexy Librarian

Sorry for the delay Blogger was giving me some serious problems this morning that I did not have time to deal with in the morning rush. Normally I will run a search when updating on items that I have previously worn and it told me that I have never written anything about "tweed"... seriously!? So since I couldn't get the whole post together and still make my bus I decided to put it off until I got home. This allowed me to get a few compliments at work that I could tell you about. Apparently, my professional pattern mixing is appreciated!

This title is what BF described my look as when I put on this outfit to take the pictures. That wasn't really the look I was going for but, I'll take what I can get... Isn't is funny how when you put on something that is very covered up but, form hugging it instantly becomes "sexy." To combat the pulling/inappropriateness of the third button (the one that sits over my bosom, that jerk) I put on a cardigan. I figured worse comes to worse I could always pull that closed if things for out of control which they (thankfully) didn't. Do you have a "sexy" but, covered up look? What does it consist of?

It took alot of self control to not have a title that was earthquake related but, obviously I don't have a ton since I still mentioned it. I'll be honest I didn't feel a thing because I was "hoofing it" from one end of the office to another but, then all of a sudden people talking about it, running downstairs, our phones weren't working, etc. and it was confirmed by CNN.com moments later. All this experience did (for me) was allow me to say that I survived it, get a few swarm badges on foursquare, and reaffirm that NYC is not the place to be when buildings shake or anything else happens, everyone jumps to "terrorism" and panics. How was it for you guys? Did anyone else feel the Earth shake?

• Top: pink striped button down shirt, GAP; black cardigan, Merona via Target/gift from BF
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; chalcedony and mother of pearl earrings, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; black belt, came with this dress; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

My Stella & Dot Pick:

After the Rain Bracelet

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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)

April 13, 2011: Career Day

My company is hosting a career day for upcoming graduates at our office today. Guess who was in charge of setting everything up and making sure it goes off without a hitch? Yup that would be me... I am dressing to impress today AKA full suit! Wish me luck, I'm already running late.

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's 

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

March 28, 2011: Time Flies When Your Super Busy

I can't believe that I am almost at the end of one year wearing no repeats to work! It seems like only a month or two ago I started. Maybe that's why I almost repeated an outfit this morning. Thankfully, I have been very accurate in my cataloging of outfits. I guess you can't help leaning towards your first instinct, too bad I already went with that! On a related note, I have almost finished compiling all of my "lost outfits" you know... the ones I've been too busy to post. Thank goodness because it's just about time for me to sum it all up. I wonder where I'll find time for that? 

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

January 5, 2011: Dance To The Music Of The Sun

I won't let these Wenesdays get me down! I am determined to fight the doldrums with so fun florals and bright colors. Hopefully that will trick me into a more positive state of mind; the glass is half full, the week is half over... Sounds good to me. We already know that I was (apparently) destined to be a dancer, so why not? How do you dance dress to put a smile on your face?

• Top: yellow scoopneck sweater, LOFT; floral print t-shirt, Vera Wang for Kohl's
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store/birthday gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories:  black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black tights, Just My Size via CVS; gray swarovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights; purple tote bag, Coach 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

December 6, 2010: It's a Dress, It's a Shirt

One of the trends this fall/winter that I am absolutely in love with (surprisingly) is lace. I was specifically on the hunt for an ivory lace top like I have seen on so many other stylish bloggers but, as we all know I am trying to curb my spending. Since that wasn't really an option I was faking it with alternative lace items from my closet but, none of them were really filling that craving...

I did something new yesterday in an attempt to create a similar look and wore my black lace dress as a shirt. I think I might have implemented the perfect solution! But, I can't take all the credit... I was inpired by other like minded equally fashionable bloggers. Thanks! I probably would not have tried somehting so seemingly out of the box before "meeting" all of you.

• Top: black lace dress, H&M via Unique Thrift Shop/gift from Mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; purple tights, Duane Reade; black belt, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray Le-Dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 

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

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November 18. 2010: Thursday Past

I am operating on a serious delay. Life happens (as we all know) but, it is my current mission to catch up and have everything back on track by Thanksgiving. Not too lofty (I hope) and considerably easier after I retrieve one of my cameras left at a friend's apartment over the weekend. I wish that one was small enough to fit in my pocket but, I digress... Thankfully, I am picking it up tonight.

I wore this outfit to regular work; no meetings, no job fairs, just hanging out in my cubicle and getting stuff done. I still look pretty put together though, right? I find that I am more productive when I fit the part of "put together young professional" even when I don't necessarily have to. Do you find a similar correlation between your level of dress and your productivity at work? If so, do you utilize the way you dress as a method of increasing your productivity?

• Tops: brown and cream argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same shirt different color here)
• Bottoms: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's (same shoes different color here); purple tights, Duane Reade; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; vintage Louis Vuitton speedy, eBay

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

November 10, 2010: Cold Feet?

Earlier this week I had no idea that people (like me and perhaps you) had off today. I knew it was Veteran's Day and all that but, not that it was recognized by my company as a holiday, everywhere is different. So today I am sitting in the comfort of my own home at 11AM(ish) sipping on a chai tea latte to talk about yesterday's outfit... it's good to have a mini break!

Yesterday was fun because I took some inspiration from other bloggers and wore my tights with open shoes! Maybe not revolutionary to you but, very foreign to me. I kinda liked it! What do you think about the socks and open toe shoe trend? Or how about the boots and knee sock thing?

• Top: red embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; gray and black houndstooth tights, Merona 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 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:

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

August 2, 2010: T-Minus...

I'm actually getting pretty excited about my birthday (it took long enough...) and so begins the countdown to the end of another year of my life and the beginning of a new one. At least I have something to look forward to this weekend other than being out of work!

• Top: yellow blouse with floral embellishment, New York and Company
• Bottom: brown pinstripe pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); coral, swarovskit, and natural stone necklace, V'ta; natural stone earrings, mall kiosk in Cali; limited edition Tracey Emin for Longchamp Pliage via the outlet  

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

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July 21, 2010: Double Duty

I have seen this color combination used in some of my other daily outfit blog reads and I love it! So, I thought there must be some similar yellow and navy in items my wardrobe somehwere that I can use to emulate this pairing... and I found it. I had actually worn this outfit a few weekends ago (with purple flip flops and a different purse) but, thought that it could be appropriate for work so I saved it for workwear instead of doing a Weekend Wear post with it. I'm glad I did because although I have my standard work duties to take care of today there is a huge picnic at one of our other locations that I will be going to in the afternoon. This outfit fits the bill for both as a more casual summer work look for a hot and humid day, as well as, cute "fun in the sun" picnic wear, no?

• Top: navy blue ribbed tank top, Old Navy (before they started making everything ridiculously long)
• Bottom: yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona for Target [remixed]
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; vintage Louis Vuitton speedy, eBay

Items froms this outfit are previously seen here:

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