Part Time Party Planner

As someone who (apparently) exudes creativity and organizational prowess I often find myself tasked with putting together celebrations or acknowledgements (of some kind) in the office from conceptualization to day of implementation. Recently, my department has had groups of interns coming through and while we don't pay them we want to acknowledge their efforts and tremendous assistance, things don't just file themselves you know! Today Yesterday it was time for an intern appreciation celebration.

On days like today yesterday I have to wrap gifts, circulate thank you cards, stop and pick up a cake (that I order in advance,) all while making sure that my normal work obligations are seen to as well. Not unlike any other day I want to be professional but, on these days (especially) I want to be extremely comfortable. Comfy top? Check. Skirt? Check. Not high heels? Check. Mission accomplished. Also, the celebration was a huge success.

• Top: black short sleeved sweater, LOFT
• Bottom: teal, brown, black, and ivory pattern skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black Olivia sandals, Dolce Vita; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I'm linking up with Trend Spin, All About You, and Confident Twosdays 

Tweed Day

If you didn't already know, I have a thing for tweed. I will wear it whatever the season and don't necessarily limit it to clothing items (see shoes.) I'm not sure where the attraction comes from but, that's ok. Maybe it's the way that tweed can squeeze lots of colors into one item of clothing or how classic it is (two words: Chanel Suit.) Whatever the reason I have come to terms with my strong affinity for looking like a librarian or a professor. I'll draw the line at shoulder patches but, I digress...

When I saw this tweed blazer on the sale rack at ReDress in Brooklyn many moons ago, before they closed, I was instantly drawn to it (shocker.) To my surprise the blazer had a matching skirt (AKA a suit) but, in all years since I purchased it I haven't ever worn it. It's a shame since both pieces were a little tight when I bought them and are a little lot loose now... I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to be able to pull both pieces off because wearing things that are too big on you is similarly awkward to wearing things that are too small., life lessons.

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT; greed tweed blazer, H&M via ReDress
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesdays, What I Wore, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse.

Pattern Mixing Redux

When I first started blogging my fashion stylings were a little "vanilla." Then, as time progressed, I got more comfortable with the "institution" of fashion blogging I began trying new things and experimenting with bolder pairings. I can't say they were all amazing ensembles but, they were different, fun, and helped me accomplish my goal of one year, no repeats to work. One of the tools that I kept/keep coming back to when putting together outfits is pattern mixing but, as I drifted away from fashion blogging pattern mixing wasn't a thing anymore. I have a feeling it might be experiencing a come back... polka dots and snake print that's cray cray. How do you put together creative, fun outfits?

• Top: ivory ruffle embellished tank top, Ralph Lauren Sport via Current Consignment; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: snake print pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with Trend Spin, Style Swap Tuesdays, All About You, and Confident Twosdays

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. 

May 30, 2012: A Blazer Alternative

In this tangible humidity it is really hard to wake up in the morning and motivate twoards a blazer. It's just too darn hot! Enter the equally almost as professional cardigan. Without the stuffy polyester lining a cardigan makes the heat and humidity a little more bearable don't you agree? I thought so... 

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT (same shirt different color here); black cardigan, Merona for Target
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  my abuela's vintage silver hoops; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

April 25, 2012: My Big Day

Awkward conversation number seventy two three had no bearing on how I chose my outfit this day. April 25th was my big spring recruiting event and I was definitely planning on dressing to impress from the get go. I even went another step further and wore my contacts and did my makeup (crazy, I know)! How do you dress at work when you need to set a good example?

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vittadini via Loehmanns; black safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here)
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; 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, and here

I've Got A (Pastel) Colored Blazer and Metallic Shoes

I'll be honest when I first but this outfit together it reminded me SO much of the 80's but, then again so does neon, printed pants, and geometric prints. What's old is new again... Do you think is outfit is too retro or just modern enough?

In the search for (even) more professional clothes my Mom took a trip to the local thrift store and picked up some suits for me; Yes, one of them was a pink suit. I'm not sure that I would ever wear the blazer and skirt together (so pink) but, at the same time through this blog I've learned to never say never about fashion. I'm doing things (style-wise) all the the time that I never thought that I would. Yes, I'm talking to you skinny jeans. 

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment with a tank top underneath for the modesty; pastel pink blazer, Jones New York via Unique Thrift Store/Mom
• Bottom: gray pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories:  silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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.

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

December 15, 2011: 101 Dalmatians

As you know, I have been blogging for a while and sometimes I feel like the pressure is on to come up with interesting outfits and push the fashion envelope. What's up with that?

When I pair black and white together it is now compulsory natural to go for the pop of color to spice it up but, there isn't really anything wrong with basic black and white... Besides if I had thrown some red in there I would have reminded myself of Cruella DeVille. 

• Top: cream scoopneck sweater, LOFT (same sweatrer different color here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: ivory and black leopard print skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

December 14, 2011: Just Another Tuesday

As excited as I might look this was just another day at the office amidst crazy Christmas preparation... 

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple cardigan, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here)
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target;  coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

November 3, 2011: I've Got Lace

If you are participating in this theme week please link up below and put the trend that you are representing where it asks for your name. Please leave a comment after you post, thanks!

Many of the trends this fall make me think of a more classic style and lace is definitely one of them. The other thing that lace reminds me of is a doily. Thankfully, this shirt channels the classic style and not the latter but, despite that it is still a challenging piece to wear to work. Completely see through tops are not what I think of when I imagine professional business attire. O, you do? Then I should be ok... I rocked this top at my last job no problem but, this new office is decidedly more conservative. We shall see how it goes. What other items of clothing do you think push the corporate dress code? 

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple wool blazer, Victoria Holley/Mom's closet cleanout
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; brown woven tote, Loeffler Randall

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

Night Out: Gala 2011

Do you remember last year when I went to a gala? Well, I am going to the gala again. Actually I'm at the cocktail hour right now thanks to the magic of previously scheduled posts. You can just imagine that my hair is flawless and my makeup is polished because I didn't really feel like going through all that trouble for picture taking Sundays. Maybe I will have some actually pictures from the event tomorrow and you can see what is really going on...

I find this evening outfit to be an amazingly excellent example of going from day to night. I mean, you saw what I was wearing earlier! I make a couple of simple swaps and the dress becomes a whole new world thing. I find it even more amazing for the work to evening swap because I've already used it that way a few times. The fact that I was able to make it come together for a formal affair makes it the best piece ever! I don't know what this dress is going to do next. Do you have anything like that in your closet: a piece you can take from day to evening and maybe even a fancy event?

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vitadinni via Loehmans/gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: silver t-strap shoes, Due Farina; rhinestone studs, New York & Company/gift from BF's parents; Isadora Pearl Bib, stella & dot; violet Clea Clutch, Katherine Kwei/won at Blogger's Night Out 

November 1 2011: I've Got (More) Chunky Heels and a Sheath Dress?

If you are participating in this theme week please link up below and put the trend that you are representing where it asks for your name. Please leave a comment after you post, thanks!

I feel like today's outfit is a bit of a cop out... Didn't I do chunky heels yesterday? Yeah, I did... I promise there is a good reason for all this repetition which you will learn about later. Let's just say I didn't really consider social events I have going on when I decided that it would be theme week this week, silly me.

The working girl dress/office dress/sheath dress was a trend I saw intermittently sprinkled throughout different lists so it works that I'm rocking that too although I would really consider this look classic all the way! What other trends do you see now that you would consider timeless?

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vitadinni via Loehmans/gift from Mom; black long cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black suede pumps,Missoni for Target; tourmaline earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

August 11, 2011: Awkward Conversations

What's so funny? Well BF was having a little trouble standing up straight to take this picture. I think it was a combination of tiredness and alcohol. No he's not a lush but, once and a while he will go out with his friends from work and have a few. Mix that with a long day of work and it's pretty funny but, a little awkward if you are trying to do something important like take blog pictures, have a conversation, or stand up straight...

Speaking of work I had a really strange conversation with my director about the fact that I looked tired and haven't been my normal self. To which I responded that I was a bit tired and since I have been taking new medications and vitamins I speculated that was the reason. She said she understood and said that it showed in my appearance and that people noticed. She also said that I should really push to appear/dress more professionally because my department was the face of the company and we needed to represent (insert gang hand sign here) The final remark was that I should walk around dressing/acting like I owned the place. It was very strange and very awkward. I think I need to buy more suits... What would you take from that conversation?

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT/Mom's closet clean-out; blue embellished cardigan, Merona for Target/b-day gift from BF's parents
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; white mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

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

August 4, 2011: Happy Hour

I'm working the door and my birthday celebration(s) are kicking off today! A month or so ago I had won a "free" happy hour at a very popular Irish pub near my job so I decided to cash that in for my birthday. It's actually a pretty good deal: $25 all you can drink for 3 hours or 1/2 price drinks for that same time period. So I invited some friends and am so excited to see everyone tonight!

There is no golden ticket needed to get in and I extended the invitation to some work colleagues but, there is another birthday celebration going on tongith for someone else so that has been a little bit of drama. Whatever, it's my birthday and I am not going to cry if people don't show up, we are all grown ups... besides what is really important is that I am surrounded by awesome people not just the greatest quantity or attendees, agreed? I thought so...

The most important thing in all of that is what I'm wearing (obviously) and while this outfit is very similar to the previously seen example but, there is no blazer and according to the updated rules that is ok! I wanted to dress up a little bit but, the outfit still needed to be work appropriate and comfy, this was a total winner! What is your no fail work to happy hour outfit?

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vitadinni via Loehmans/gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW/gift from BF; silver cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

January 11, 2011: They Call Me Mellow Yellow

Not rightly though because I am anything but that. In fact, I am so amped up I'm blurry... Not really this was just the best picture of the bunch but, I digress... Mustard yellow is one of my favorite colors in any wardrobe. I was so excited that these tights are such a great shade! It really punches up your outfit and goes well with a surprising amount of other colors "complimentary" or not. One of my favorites is with navy blue but, teal will do in a pinch! What is your favorite pop of color?

• Top: ivory sweater, Old Navy with a beige tank top underneath, for the modesty
• Bottom: blue, brown, black, and ivory pattern skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; yellow tights, We Love Colors; glass bead necklace, Christmas gift from Cousin M; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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December 15, 2010: Keeping Tradition Alive

Everything that I wore yesterday was new to 260 Days, No Repeats even the shoes! After the holidays I am definitely going to do some sort of theme week; forgotten shoes, new to you, maybe both but, I digress... I love the idea of this outfit but, it wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world. The skirt is a little small but, also a little short. It was very awkward sitting in a meeting full of program directors and assistant directors while checking to make sure that I wasn't flashing too much thigh! Note to self: Don't wear this skirt again until you have shrunk a few inches or lose a few pounds, thanks! Also, don't be fooled by BF's picture taking cues or your face will freeze like that...

The only thing that was comfortable about the outfit was the shoes. I haven't worn them in a while but, only because I had forgotten about them (not an excuse I know) not because they weren't practical, comfortable, and stylish. I even wore them while traipsing around midtown after work to fulfill a Christmas tradition of BF's and mine: getting an ornament from Saks Fifth Avenue and seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. We have gotten a Christopher Radko ornament each year since we moved in together and each of them signifies an event/s from the year. This year it was this one to commemorate our trip to the tree farm which my Mom later informed me was not the first time, I went when I was very young. I'm sure there are pictures somewhere... What are your favorite christmas traditions?

• Top: ivory sweater, Old Navy with a beige tank top underneath, for the modesty
• Bottom: purple houndstooth skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: brown snake skin kitten heel shoes, Coach; brown tights, Merona for Target; moonstone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; moonstone and peridot (my birthstone) necklace, Pennyweights/gifted; brown Loeffler Randall bag, Target (same bag different color here)

November 17, 2010: Job Fair Again

This pictures says waiting on line in a city agency. How depressing for my hallway but, I digress... If you are thinking the same thing let me clarify, BF and I didn't go to city hall to make it "official." I got the flowers from the job fair I went to today as a "thank you" for participating. That was nice of them, wasn't it?

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment, LOFT and a tank top underneath for the modesty, New York & Company; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company  
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

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October 7, 2010: Bye Bye Corduroy

So far this week, I have been unintentionally leaning on corduroy skirts. I guess the fall is getting to me after all. Today though I am going in a different direction, pants! It's been a while but, I have a feeling we'll be seeing alot more of them soon... I have another job fair today at one of the local(ish) VA's. It seemed appropriate to lean twoards the menswear trend. What do you think?

• Top: orange short sleeved sweater with beige and white argyle, Merona for Target (same shirt different color here); white polka dot button down, Merona for Target. FYI if you pick up the the October 2010 edition of Real Simple there is a 20% off Merona coupon in there, or you could just rip it out at the grocery checkout... either way!
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom a few years ago; purple tote bag, Coach outlet

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

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