Blaze Laser Blazer

You thought I was done with blazers for the season, right? Well, that would make both of us but, we were wrong. Even though the temperatures have been climbing it still seemed appropriate to incorporate a blazer in this outfit for professionalism. While it might have been a good idea in terms of the office dress code it was a bad idea in terms of surviving the day. Although it was rainy and that helped cool things down but, by the time I made it into the office I was still melting and since our air conditioning is controlled by someone who must always be hot it wasn't as refreshing as I would have liked. I ended up spending portions of the day with my blazer off (scandalous) thank goodness for this cute shirt.

Speaking of this shirt, I picked it up while I was away this past weekend. While perusing the racks as one of my favorite second hand shops I was reminded (by myself) that I didn't need to be relegated to only searching the M, L, XL racks for clothes and that I could take a peek at the S or even XS (gasp) racks. This is partly due to the fact that my body has changed but, also  because clothing sizes are skewed depending on material, designer, production year. Remember that when you are shopping second hand and you might find some treasures (like this shirt) that you would have missed otherwise. I was initially attracted to the rainbow of muted colors but, was sold when I saw the embellishment around the collar. Can you see it? No, well they are basically fabric colored bead necklaces sewn to the collar; sounds weird, looks adorbs.

• Top: multi-color dot shirt, Boden via Ashby; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: khaki pencil skirt, The Limited via Current Consignment
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steven Madden; blue goldstone earrings, International Gem and Jewelry show; 

I most recently work this blazer here.

April 18, 2012: I've Got Orange and Metallic Shoes

It seems to me that this season there are alot more trendy colors than there are styles. I'm definitely ok with that since it is much easier to find a shade range or select color than a specific type of clothing in ones own closet. Do you agree?

• Top: coral sundress, LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty; khaki safari jacket (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, and here)  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; silver watch, Fossil; citrine and sterling silver ring, Designs by Terra via International Gem and Jewelry Show/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen 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 3, 2012: Overthinking My Style

Tonight I am going to a lecture about the artwork of Diego Rivera after work. While I probably would have time to scoot home and change that seems silly considering how close the lecture location is to my office. This morning Last night I faced the challenge of picking an outfit that would be appropriate for work, as well as, this artsy event afterwards. Let me walk you through my thought process because it’s actually kind of ridiculous/hilarious.

The one painting that pops into my mind when I think of Diego Rivera (after his self portraits and his weird crazy face/lazy eye) is this one:

Image courtesy of art-prints-gallery.com

I didn’t want to dress up like a Mexican peasant (not work appropriate) but, I thought it might be interesting to take inspiration from the Calla Lilys that are present throughout many of his works. Everything that I came up with felt like I was trying way too hard i.e: Iris as a Calla Lily? I would never probably not get to that outfit combo (a green skirt with white and yellow on top) organically. Then I saw this painting:

Image courtesy of northjersey.com

I thought I could be the woman defending against a soldier’s attack while holding her baby but, I don’t really have an office appropriate dress that fits my interpretation of that ensemble or a baby… Then I thought about swaddling myself from head to toe in neutral colors AKA black, as most artist do in cliché portrayals. Thankfully, I came to my senses and decided to dress like I normally would! Also, 2 + 2 = 4, revelations…

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here and here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)   
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies for Kohls; Camilla Ring, Stella & Dot; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; brown self-winding watch, Kenneth Cole/borrowed from BF; 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, here, here and here.

January 4, 2012: Corporate Bohemian

I got more comments last week about what I was wearing to work that I have in a long time beginning with purple tights and continuing with this outfit. Apparently this fall color palette was so comment worthy that I had a full gamut of people give me their opinion about it. My favorite was a male co-worker of mine who told me that mustard yellow was his favorite color and that I was awesome for wearing it in the office; The new hire who called me a corporate bohemian and this quite girl who never speaks telling me that maroon and gold were her school colors was cool as well. I didn't even think of it when I got dressed but, these are my high school colors as well... awkward?   

What is your favorite color palette to wear to the office? Is there anything that is off limits?

• Top: red long sleeved shirt, Van Heusen (same shirt different color here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom:  yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bead necklace, Vintage; 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, and here.

September 8/9, 2011: KO'd

Sorry for the blip in posting. I have actually been slightly sick since Monday (fooled you didn't I?) and burning that candle at both ends while experiencing persistent symptoms (fever, sore throat, ridic congestion) was not a good idea. I completely crashed Thursday night when I got home in the early evening. Yes, that's right I missed all the FNO events... it's ok, I will survive. Fighting throngs of people for free manis or hair styling just didn't seem like as much fun as sleeping.

Thankfully the R&R gave me enough strength to power through yesterday and work plus the fun stuff in the evening. I got to go to a fun event last night thanks to an invite Katy from Modly Chic (thanks!) and after that I attended Blogger's Night Out (so much fun!) I will put a post up about all my Fashion Week shenanigans once I have wrapped them all up; No, I'm not finished but, let's talk what I wore.

September 8, 2011:

• Top: olive and pumpkin striped tee, Mossimo for Target; khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: gray slacks, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black sneaker/shoes Rocket Dog; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

September 9, 2011:

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; silver knotted necklace, gift from my dear friend; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

June 29, 2011: Self Inspired

Do you like the progression of curly hair? First day it is down, then half up, then all up. If I don't do something drastic (like wash it) there is going to be some craziness! Or I will just put it up in a ponytail again but, I digress... 

When trying to plan out today's outfit I wasn't really struck with any great ideas until I caught a glimpse of this skirt hanging in my closet. I remembered that fun combo that I wore the other night to go out and thought why not do something similar for today? I could have gone with the same exact thing and just thrown a blazer over it (that is allowed by the rules) but, that would be too easy. Maybe I'll save that for another day... How do you make your weekend looks work for the professional/academic world? Is there even a need for you to differentiate?

• Top: aqua dolman sleeve top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here,here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: pink and coral polka dots skirt, New York & Company (same skirt different color here)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW/gift from BF; mixed metal earrings, gift from Natalia/ModCloth; vintage Louis Vuitton speedy, eBay

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

June 13, 2011: No Mondays Here

Yesterday was the first Monday in a long time that I don't feel like I'm have a case of "the Mondays". Unfortunately, it wasn't so much like any other week day that I managed to get all my posting in... That's ok we;re not falling so behind!

• Top: yellow short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple cardigan, Merona via Target 
• Bottom: khaki a-line skirt, Merona via Target 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Merona via Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP

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

June 10, 2011: T.G.I.F!

I am so ready for the weekend! Even though the past few days have been (almost) unbearably hot I can't wait to spend some time in the sun! Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?

• Top: yellow ribbed tank top, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here, and here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: red, blue, white, and yellow floral print skirt, Talbots via The Unique Thrift Shop
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Merona via Target; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

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

April 8, 2011: Colorblind Again?

This is where things get totally bonkers; I was really reaching for thing that I have not worn in the parameters of what I wanted to wear today. Does that make sense? I think so... In other words I didn't want to force myself to wear something just because it had never been worn if I wasn't feeling it. This outfit took some stretching but, in the end I like the color combination and it's comfy. I can't say that this dress works as well as a skirt compared to others but, it gets the job done. This outfit isn't that crazy right?

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT; khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, and here)
• Bottom: coral sundress as skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze flats, Me Too via DSW; rainbow beaded earrings, Moxie Bee; rainbow beaded necklace, Moxie Bee; gold chain necklace, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

February 7, 2011: Ladies Make Some Noise If You Wanna Be My Replacement

Today I have alot on my work plate, I am going to be interviewing candidates to fill my role where I work when I leave this Friday. I can't believe it's all happening so quickly, I feel like I just gave my notice yesterday instead of a week ago. That being said I am hoping to find someone to replace me before I go even though my boss says I'm irreplaceable, awww... 

I am keeping it more professional today (AKA wearing a jacket) because I want to make a serious impression on the people who I meet. As my last week working in a business casual environment continues I might push that to it's limit as the week goes on! No, I don't think the teal tights count... 

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT via Mom; khaki safari jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: brown jersey knit skirt, Old Navy 
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's;  teal tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas gift from Cousin V (on sale here); tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; brown Loeffler Randall bag, Target (same bag different color here) 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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. 

August 3, 2010: The Longest Day

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

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

Items from this outfit are previsouly seen here:

July 26, 2010: Mondays Are "The Best"...

Today I am rocking the first pair of forgotten sandals from my personal mini shoe challenge inspired by Lyddiegal from Chic on the Cheap. I thought there would be alot more contrast between my striped top and the floral pattern of the wedges but, you really can't tell. They are also not overwhelmingly comfortable. I think it might be time to let these go... eBay here they come! Hopefully all my forgotten shoe experiences won't be this disappointing. At one point I must have thought all of these sandals were the coolest or I would not have purchased them. On a completely unrelated note, wish me luck because I have my annual performance evaluation this afternoon!

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie (yes, there is a hood but, it hides well), GAP outlet
• Bottom: khaki a-line skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: floral wedges, Delman via Neiman Marcus; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; purple bag, Coach

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

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May 25, 2010

Leaving work early yesterday was sooo nice! It makes me think that I probably need a real vacation. Getting away from work and home would be great even just for a long weekend to start but, I digress... I'll have to hit the ground running today with all the things I have on my plate: a seminar in midtown and lunch with my old boss down at South Street Seaport (lucky for me the weather is gorgeous) then back to the office to finish out the day. Maybe I'll "hit traffic" and won't make it back in time, muah haha! Just kidding... This outfit is comfy and cool (temperature wise, as well as, pretty snazzy) AKA perfect for running around in NYC on a hot day!

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, Ann Taylor Loft
• Bottom: khaki a-line skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar here); tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; brown leather bag, Kooba

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

April 29, 2010

My favorite accessories by far are my handbags. For some ladies it's shoes, others jewelry but, all I need to be truly happy (with my wardrobe) is a great bag!

On my trip to London in 2004 (wow it doesn't feel that long ago) with my fav cousin V and our mutual friend Alex we took in as many sites as we could during our brief time there. As a fledgling fashionista one of my stops had to be Harrods. It was exceedingly similar to Macy's Herald Square and one of the few things I remeber from the inside of the store was the Tracey Emin for Longchamp posters plastered all over and those beautiful bags in the glass cases obviously too expensive for me to purchase at their retail price. But, less than a year later those same ah-mazing bags were available at the Longchamp outlet and the rest is history... Today's outfit was definitely put together to showcase the tote I loved, lost, and later purchased! Either way, I am quite fond of the whole outfit's classic simplicity.

• Top: white short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft (similar here)
• Bottom: khaki a-line skirt, Merona for Target (similar here)
• Shoes & Accessories: denim (on trend for spring) slingbacks, Christian Louboutin via A Second Chance Resale; limited edition Tracey Emin for Longchamp Pliage via the outlet (the floral print is representative of another sping '10 trend); silver, amethyst, and some other light blue stone earring from Pennyweights