Denim Who?

Don't panic, I haven't completely forgotten about or given up on denim. It's just that sometimes it's (almost) summer and you want to wear a skirt with boat shoes to work instead of jeans. Also, sometimes you want to wear primary colors in a non-patriotic way but, I digress...  The skirt and topsider combination has happened before and I'm sure it will happen again before the summer has ended. While on a whole I feel like this ensemble is a little too casual for your average day at work, it's the shoes, (again,) it's perfect for casual Friday. Isn't it amazing how one small items makes such a big impact? Although, if I was wearing them with pants I'm not sure these shoes would have such a noticeable impact. Thoughts?

• Top: blue shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: red eyelet lace skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

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

Grind In Style

How was your Memorial Day weekend? Good, glad to hear it! Mine was relaxing and fun but, I could still use a least five three one more days since I spent a good amount of time in transit. Next holiday weekend, I think I will make it a seven six five day weekend but, I digress... One thing about taking a vacation weekend is that there is limited (if any) time for picture taking Sundays which normally enhances my ability to blog normally throughout the week. I apologize in advance for delays, if any. 

Coming back to reality from the holiday weekend and pulling myself out of bed this morning was even more of a challenge than normal but, I'm determined to get back to my daily routine. Early morning spin? Check. Getting to work a little early? Check. That about sums up my morning but, it makes me happy when I can complete these tasks as seamlessly as possible... A simple (and stylish) outfit is a huge part of making that happen. A sweater and skirt/pants is my go to combination to accomplish this. What does your ensemble look like when you are back at work after a holiday weekend?

• Top: black cardigan, Merona
• Bottom: gray lace skirt, Tara Jarmon for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

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

August 22, 2012: Classic Fashion Rules

We've ruminated over the 'no white after labor day' rule before. Frankly I'm still not all in but, that doesn't necessarily mean that I don't enjoy the judgement free summer days of wearing white. Because the dress code of my office is not technically strictly professional I've been hesitant to wear this crisp white eyelet lace dress; It's normally a go to pick for barbeques not boardrooms. After I glanced at the calendar and realized summer is coming to a close I thought, "There's no time like the present!" or something like that... The ensemble went off without a hitch any awkward conversations and I would deem that a success. A cardigan really works wonders in keeping an outfit professional!

While the outfit was perfect acceptable for the office, it a great ensemble for another fun after hours event with The Blogger Collective.  We had a meet and greet with one of the founders of Snapette and her team. There were cupcakes, a product demonstration, and all around fun times. It's actually a really cool app for all you super shoppers out there. Launched in 2011, Snapette has quickly become the must-have mobile app for fashion lovers. The members are obsessed with snapping photos of all the beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories they see and sharing them for others to discover. Snapette also partners with a number of brands for peeks at their newest offerings and special discounts. Download the free app (for iPhone or Android) today and follow me!

• Top: white eyelet lace dress, dELiA*s; blue embellished cardigan, Merona for Target/b-day gift from BF's parents    
  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; blue stone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 
  

Items from this outfit are previously seen  here.

August 8, 2012: On The Mend

I am wearing real shoes for the first time in weeks! When I first sprained my ankle I was excited to shirk my office dress code and wear flip flops to work because my air cast doesn't fit in any of my shoes. Thankfully, my boss was understanding about the whole thing. After the first week I was back to putting together outfits complete with complimentary wedges or heels but, was unable to wear them without putting unnecessary stress on my ankle without further injuring myself.I'm not 100% better but, I am able to downgrade the air cast for a stretchy brace and wear real shoes. I can't wait to get back in some heels!

• Top: pink embroidered dress, Unique Thrift Store/gift from Mom; black v-neck cardigan, 14th & Union/gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; rainbow swarovski crystal earrings, V'ta Jewelry; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen 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 

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 19, 2011: Office Holiday Party

Last Monday was my office holiday party and it was quite the shindig. My company definitely spared no expense finding us one of the hottest places in the city to celebrate at and footing the bill for the open bar; maybe next year they can find a place that has more food. Let's just say after a three hour open bar and a handful of appetizers I was in fine form!

It was a good thing that I had written this guest post for Sugar and Spice utilizing almost exactly what I wore to work that day/the party (minus tights so, just imagine they are there) because I completely crashed when I got home!

• Top: Lace Yoke Sleeveless Dress, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; black belt, from this dress; rhinestone studs, New York & Company; Belle Fluer ring, Stella & Dot; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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 10, 2011: Wrapping It Up

While I posting all sorts of good stuff last week I missed out on my last two outfits. No worries, there were pictures. I am dedicated this month to not falling behind. If I can't make it through November/Thanksgiving how will I survive the upcoming doom holidays?

Last week on Thursday I went to a Connecticut university to do some on campus interviewing. I wanted to be comfortable (yoga pants?) for the long drive but, also wanted to be professional (sigh, no yoga pants) when I got there. Now only was I meeting with some students I was also meeting with my contact in career services so, I needed to make a good impression for sure. I think everything went well! Also, was trying out a new background... what do you think? Less court house for sure...

• Top: coral artist tank, Merona for Target; brown hounds-tooth jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too/gift from BF

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

On Friday I was so happy for the week to be at an end! There have been so many things happening on my social calendar that I just really wanted to go home for some rest and relaxation. Unfortunately those social obligations carried over into the weekend. At least I finished out my work week in some semblance of comfort.

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP; gray pinstripe blazer (part of this suit), Calvin Klein via Loehmanns
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
  
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; purple tote bag. Coach

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, and here.

Please vote for my Fashion Malfunction, Poppin' Buttons!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

August 26, 2011: Happy Hour Again?

When friend and I went to the bar for my birthday we went because I had won a happy hour. That night some of the promo girls were going around collecting phone number and email addresses to find another lucky winner. They happened to find one in the boyfriend of a friend so I'm sure you can guess what they plans are for tonight! It would be a nice way to kick off the weekend.

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target; black safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black sneaker/shoes, Rocket Dog; blue stone necklace, Gem Gove/birthday gift from Mom; blue stone earrings, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

My Stella & Dot pick:

Contessa Jade Necklace

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

August 19, 2011: Time Flies When There Is Less

No, I'm not trying to push my luck with these awesomely professional jeans as normal pants; it is that one Friday a month where they are actually acceptable to wear to work! That is a pretty great way to end the shortest work week that I have had in a long time. 

• Top: coral artist tank, Merona for Target; beige short sleeved jacket, GAP
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser, tailored by me LOFT/Christmas gift 
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target/gift from BF; garden party chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot/birthday gift; brown tote bag, Bulga  

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

August 17, 2011: Staycation Fail

I haven't been late on the posts (as is often the case) I have actually had a few days off. I wish I could say that BF and I did something super fun but, we didn't; the weather was so terrible and we didn't plan ahead so we just ended up staying at home for the most part. And while I will definitely say that a few days off was really nice it wasn't fully what I wanted and did I mention the weather was just terrible? Enough of this melancholy nonsense... it's getting me all depressed.

I am going back to work today and am really excited that it is a short week! I am definitely making an effort to put my best professional foot forward after the awkward conversation last week. I am trying to work with what I have in my closet in the mean time while I wait for Target to stop putting grocery sections in their stores and put out their fall clothes (seriously every single store near me, I can't escape it!) which I am hoping includes a suit since I have a gift card... Please let me know if you see anything at a store near you!

• Top: black sweater, LOFT/Mom's closet clean-out 
• Bottom: gray lace skirt, Tara Jarmon for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; black beaded necklace, craft space in Laguna Beach; black onyx earrings, V'ta; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

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

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

June 14, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere is Loving Lace

I haven't participated in alot of these Everybody, Everywear things but, I am going to try to stay more on top of it. There is another reason besides my bad timing; I haven't really been super into everything they have selected. I'm only going to wear things that I like on my body and already have in my closet. Today, I can definitely get on board with lace. I don't think it's the easiest thing to wear in an everyday capacity but, when it's done well it's really lovely, I can't wait to see what Everybody, Everywear comes up with!

• Top: teal corsage embellished t-shirt, Merona via Target (not to be confused with this one) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray lace skirt, Tara Jarmon for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Merona via Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; yellow alley bag

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

Weekend Wear: The 2010 Christmas Roadshow

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas (if that's your thing) and found everything you wanted from Santa under the tree! How did you spend the holiday? Was it at home with your family or travelling to see relatives? I would say BF and I always do a little of both, spending Christmas morning with my family but also gracing various areas of New York and New Jersey with our holiday cheer to see friends and other family! This year was no different...

On Christmas Eve we had alot on our plate with events in both states; some last minute errands to run and Christmas Eve dinner/gifts with BF's family while at midnight BF had to head to work (gasp, I know) and I had to head off to midnight mass with my parents. So, I needed an outfit that would work for all of those situations. Enter skinny pants... they are now a wardrobe workhorse for sure!

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target; blue tank top underneath, for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver knotted necklace, Christmas gift from my dear friend; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)
  
  
  

 I spend the most critical parts of Christmas Day in my pajamas! You know... making brunch and opening gifts. Apparently they were very stylish and fancy. My mother thought that was I would be wearing to Christmas dinner but, I digress. This Christmas was a good one and any stress that I incurred participating in the prep was totally worth it! The top three moments of the morning were:

1. Mom's reaction to her gift from my brother I and myself.
2. The delicious food (it was a joint effort) and brunch conversation.
3. Everyone being so surprised and grateful for all their gifts and the time spent together since no body had a very strict list of things they wanted it really worked out!

After the magic of Christmas and some Jeopardy on the Wii my family headed home while BF and I got ready to head upstate and continue the roadshow... on to Aunt B's for dinner. I think I would have been a bit over dressed if I had worn anything but jeans but, I tried to keep it fancy for the holidays with a sparkly sweater!

• Top: black sparkly sweater, LOFT; a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: faux patent leather red flats, American Eagle for Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured) 

 BF and I enjoyed a nice quiet morning together the day after Christmas but, headed out in the late afternoon for NJ again with my brother in tow for some celebrations with our cousins. Yes, you read correctly I braved that ridiculous blizzard! I didn't realize it was going to be as serious as it was but, as we saw all the cars pulled over, time dragged on, fierce winds blew and lightning lit up the sky it set in that my desire to stick with our original plans might not have resulted in the smartest course of actions. It took us three times as long as it normally does to get there but, we made it safely! This picture was taken mid snow fall but, by the time we ventured outside the next day to shovel our cars out of the driveways I was thigh high in snow.

• Top: pink short sleeved sweater, GAP; white tank top underneath for the modesty; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

The day after the Snowpocalypse we didn't do much of anything other than shovel snow. One of my cousins had gotten stuck overnight on an impassable highway so we waited up until 4AM for her only to find out that she would not be able to get moving until the next morning... When she finally arrived all any of us wanted to do was stay in, celebrate the holidays, and enjoy each other's company.The roads were still pretty bad by the end of the day so we decided to stay another night. The next day we ventured out and it was surprisingly warm or maybe that was just my sweater... There was still post blizzard wreckage but, not so much to keep us away from brunch or from eventually heading home.

• Top: gray chunky sweater, GAP; brown and black tank tops underneath for the modesty, New York & Company/Old Navy respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black sunglasses, Ray Ban; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

December 20, 2010: Patience Is A Virtue

I'm sure you are all well aware of my desire for a white lace top. If not you're obviously new, Welcome! Just so we're all on the same page... I have been wanting a while lace top since the fall but, since I am trying to curb my spending and utilize what I have I didn't cave to my wants. That is, until last weekend... kind of.

I went last minute Christmas shopping on behalf of my Dad because I had some free time and he had other important stuff on his plate. I kept it local with cash in hand and a very specific list of things to get (literally). I went to Target and while I was digging through the sale racks I came across the quintessential off-white lace shirt; it seemed like it waiting for me to find it! On top of that the shirt was on super sale ($23 originally marked down to $5) so I tried it on to make sure it wasn't some sort of shopping mirage and when it fit, I threw it on the pile of stuff so I could continue my shopping.

Normally, I don't purchase things for myself around Christmas (even pre 260 Days, No Repeats) because I always end up getting myself something that someone had already gotten for me. But, since this was obtained on Daddy's dime I'm counting it as an early Christmas gift! Thanks, Dad.

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a red tank top underneath, for the modesty.
• Bottom: black striped pencil skirt, LOFT via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; In-Power Line Super High Shaping Sheers, Spanx; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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 8, 2010: Happy Monday

Happy Monday! It seems a bit backwards that I am in such a positive mood considering the grayness caused by a nor'easter (hence the clenched fists and wind blown hair in my pic, it's cold!) that my tri-state area is dealing with today. If there was any way to keep you in the Monday doldrums yucky weather would be it but, I am feeling fine. Maybe it's these fun tights...

In the spirit of practicality I have decided to wear my awesome new rain boots again. I definitely feel like Erin from Work With What You've Got; Cute dress, fun socks, and kick ass boots, an excellent combination for whoever is sporting it! 

Lastly to all the brave souls who are taking part in Kendi's 30 for 30 challenge. I wish you the best of luck! I'm definitely making it sound more dramatic than it really is... you'll all do great! Every time it comes up I think about doing it but, I can't bring myself to jump on board. I am already remixing the heck out of my wardrobe and to limit it so extremely seems insurmountable. Sorry my flair for drama is getting away from me again. Bad flair! Come back... 

• Top: black lace dress, H&M via Unique Thrift Shop/gift from Mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty 
• Shoes & Accessories:  Regal black rain boot, courtesy of Cougar; purple tights, Duane Reade; gray shell earrings, gift from BF's mom; yellow alley bag