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

November 9, 2012: Back To Business

Since winter had passed and the weather was warming up again it was time to come out of hibernation. Nothing says spring more than a fun dress, too bad it's not really spring... either way a modest dress is always a good professional wardrobe option no matter what season it is especially when you are inclined to put on the comfiest thing possible.

One part of this outfit that could be deemed less than professional are the tights. When I think of fishnets the first thing that comes to mind are burlesque shows and lingerie at least before I started wearing them myself. Fishnets are just another great accessory! I still wasn't completely confident about wearing them in my super professional office. Thankfully no one said anything, I even had a meeting with my CEO sans comments. What kinds of clothing items or accessories have you taken  a chance with at the office? How did it work out?

• Top: navy blue dress, Adrienne Vitadinni via Loehmanns; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; black fishnet stockings, courtesy of No Nonsense; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys; 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, and here.

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November 8, 2012: Winter Is Coming

Correction, winter is was here! After freezing my little piggies off trudging home through a few inches of snow in ballet flats I wanted to make sure I was prepared to stay warm during the morning commute. I went (way) against the rules and wore skinny pants to work so I could easily tuck them into my (secret commuter) black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar. I wasn't taking any chances! Of course by morning the sun had come out and by the time I left work in the evening all the snow had melted away. I suppose it's better to be over prepared... Was there snow in your area? Was it gone as quickly as it came?

• Top: teal cowl neck sweater, Mossimo for Target (same sweater different color here); gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black kitten heel pumps, Coach; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift certificate from Shopbop!

November 7, 2012: Corporate Professional

As you might have guessed Wednesday was career day in my office. The annual biannual quarterly event has been such a success in the past the powers that be are interested in keeping them coming. I'm excited to be coordinating the whole day and that starts with recruitment and scheduling the right people my outfit! If you think my attire would compliment my professional manicure then you are correct. I can't expected everyone to show up interview ready and not be dressed in a complimentary manner. This is actually one of the suits I wore when I was interviewing for this new job. What do you think?

The one thing that I regretted about my outfit choice was the shoes. Sure, awesome metallic embellished flats are great for running around the office like a crazy person while looking stylish but, they do nothing to keep your feet warm. As I left work it was beginning to precipitate and by the time the train pulled into my station there was a nice layer of slippery snow on the ground. I has to trudge through it slowly and carefully to make sure I didn't slip and fall or make my still finicky ankle worse. My feet were freezing by the time I walked through my door! I could go for summer again please, thanks...

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: navy pinstripe pants, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift certificate from Shopbop!

October 8, 2012: I've Got Mustard and A Studded Peter Pan Collar

Mustard is always a fall color, in my opinion. It's one of the beautiful shades that leaves turn to signal the changing of the seasons and blends perfectly with the similarly warm oranges and reds. While I generally like mustard and would wear it any time of year it feels most appropriate in the fall, don't you agree? 

If there was one trend that I broke my shopping fast for it would have been blouses with studded collars of the peter pan persuasion. I'm so in love with the grown up punk inspired style! It reminds me of high school but, I digress... Thankfully, my cousin knew my unspoken wishes and sent me the perfect birthday gift! I've had tons of fashion fun layering it with different shirts since it's sheer AKA not particularly modest or work appropriate. 

Also, I'm still rocking this oxblood manicure...

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP; mint studded peter pan collar shirt, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V
• Bottom: gray pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns  (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a New York Fashion Week Swag Bundle!

August 13, 2012: Suiting Up

Over the weekend I had a conversation with my father about work. He is closing in on retirement but, still goes to work everyday and does what he needs to do to the best of his ability everyday. I am nowhere near retirement and sometimes I have trouble motivating and taking care of business in the most efficient way. There should be no reason for that, it's time to get down to business. There really is something about a suit/blazer that gets me into a hyper professional mind set hence Monday/Suit Day continues!

Monday was also the day where an unusually large number of new employees started so I needed to set a good example. Especially because they were all recent college graduates. While I don't wasn't to knock my slightly younger peers I am comfortable saying that many of them do not always know how to dress in a professional setting. This is not an assumption, it is something I have witnessed first hand. 

• Top: red bella swan blouson, eShakti.com; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns 
• Bottom:  beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

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

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. 

July 6, 2012: Almost Half Day

Even though it was a short day on Friday things were fairly normal AKA busy in my office. I even had a few people coming for interviews (not as normal) so I definitely needed to be the most professional me that I could be and we all know nothing is easier than a dress... Enter the quintessential dress for the professional woman: Diane von Furstenberg's wrap dress. It’s such an easy way to create or accent an hour glass shape while looking polished and office appropriate. What is your go to dress for work?

• Top: brown wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehamanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snakeskin sandals, Bandolino via The Unique Thrift Store; petrified wood necklace, V'ta Jewelry; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

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

Weekend Wear: My Cousin's Wedding

I've (kinda) been going on and on about my cousin's wedding so the least I could do is share pictures of me in the fabulous Adrianna Papell dress that I wore! I was so happy when I found it hiding on the sales rack at Macy's after a lengthy search; all it needed was a little tailoring (funky zipper popping out problems) and then it was perfect. I might have said this before but, if you are ever in a pinch for a special occasion dress you should Google Adrianna Papell and see what they have to offer. I'm sure there will be something for you. 

I was equally happy about the fact that I was able to find jewelry and shoes to go with this dress and the occasion in my accessory arsenal so I didn't have to purchase anything else. While my natural old inclination would have been to scrounge up some pink, purple, or yellow jewelry to matchy match the dress my newer style inspired me to go with neutral silver... it goes with everything! What would you have paired this dress with?

• Top: Sleeveless Pleated Surplice Floral Printed Faux Wrap, Adrianna Papell
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW;  labradorite necklace, V'ta Jewelry; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; brown sunglasses, Mossimo for Target; White Monogram Multicolore Alma, Louis Vuitton (not pictured)

June 11, 2012: Monday IS Suit Day!

Ok, Maybe two weeks in a row is not a solid basis from which to draw an infallible conclusion but, I'm going to anyway... Suits are just so easy on Monday morning especially when I need to lead portions of a new employee orientation. They are (almost) as easy as dresses but, the connote an even higher sense of professionalism that dresses don't always. 

On another note, I was so excited to make it outside to take this picture! Picture taking Sundays seem like a distant memory but, with daylight hanging around later it's an (often overlooked) option to take a picture each day before heading home. Do I sense a new plan forming? Maybe... 

• Top: ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns 
• Bottom: beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories:  gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys;  Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 5, 2012: How To Incorporate Color Into Your Work Wardrobe

If you asked me what colors I thought personified summer I would say orange/coral and turquoise. Those three two colors just scream sun kissed fun in the sun to me. One of the things that I have been trying to do with them is incorporate them into my work wardrobe in fun and appropriate ways. While little pops of color are always most appropriate in very corporate environments, I think this outfit might push the envelope a bit... or maybe I'm just totally paranoid about dressing for work. After thinking about it here are a few tips and tricks I have under my belt for bringing more color into my (work) life:

• Neutral + Pop Of Color - One of the easiest and least jarring ways to accomplish the goal of incorporating bright colors into a work wardrobe is by including small amounts of color in a largely neutral or basic outfit. And this rule applies  The easiest way to do this is with jewelry but, really any small amount of color thrown in there does the trick!

• Nail It - If you can't reconcile wearing bright colored clothing or accessories in the office then maybe you can get on board with polishing your nails in a stand out shade. This is a good first step for those who might have an aversion to color generally.   

• One Focal Point - It is also easier to wear a bright color when you create one point to focus on so, instead of wearing multiple eye catching pieces you just wear one and anchor your look with that. It could be a a simple shirt, a piece of jewelry, or a pair of shoes... whatever works for you.
  

• Fun shoes/Fun tights - I feel like this tip might be a little trickier to pull off especially when it comes to tights. People might do a double take if you are wearing some killer shoes in an eye catching color but, probably not think twice about it. However, Tights occupy alot more space on your body, naturally and draw significant attention. Purple and teal are normally safe bets. Get ready for the comments either way!

And now onto what I wore... I guess with this outfit I combined a few all of the rules but, as we know I'm not afraid of color. I think overall it's still work appropriate but, bright and perfect for the summer. How do you incorporate color into your work wardrobe?

• Top: orange crochet embellished shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here and here); beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, xhiliration for Target; turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; 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, and here.

May 31, 2012: She Wolf

Say hello to my Shakira hair! I didn't realize how out of control it was when we were taking the pictures but, at least it was the end of the day, it couldn't have looked that out of control in the morning, right? Don't answer that. I am in need of a hair cut but, have to figure out what I want exactly and where I am going to go. My normal hair stylist is fantastic but, I haven't learned enough Español to be confident that my communications will be understood. I am set (for better or for worse) on leaving my hair curly for now... I dream of large loose beautiful curls on the beach and spritzing Keratin all over my hair will definitely kill any chance of that, however unlikely it is. 

Do I look shorter to you? I did to me when I glanced over these pictures even with all the crazy curls. It's definitely because I was wearing leather ballet slippers (key word being slippers) that give me no additional height whatsoever in fact, I think they might actually make me a little shorter. I wasn't sure how these slippers were going to pan out in the office but, no one said a thing and my aching feet were grateful! 

• Top: gray ruffled v-neck tank top, New York and Company; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: brown leather slippers, Sue London; blue and green stone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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!!

May 29, 2012: Holiday Hangover

Normally this term is synonymous with gorging oneself on too much food or imbibing a few too many cocktails but I find myself out of sorts for a different reason… too much relaxation? I know, that doesn’t really make a lot of sense. I spent Memorial Day weekend catching up on sleep and doing low key things around the house. Nevertheless, I still had SO much trouble peeling myself out of bed on Monday Tuesday morning to go to work; It was like I had just attempted a triathlon or something equally strenuous. What’s up with that?

That being said I am especially proud of myself for keeping it together wardrobe wise and rocking a professional ensemble complete with blazer! The feeling of sheer exhaustion wasn’t the only hurdle I had to overcome when putting my outfit together. The weather in NYC has been pretty gross. We’re talking high temps, 100% humidity (my hair loves this), overcast, misty rain nonsense... ick! I would really love a sunny summer! Is that too much to ask? Sorry, I digress... Picking out clothes to wear in my air conditioned office is hard when I feel like I won’t survive the commute there in what I’m wearing. Do you have any tips and tricks for summer office dressing that I could utilize?

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (from this suit) 
• Bottom: black skirt, Proenza Schouler for Target 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; 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 

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!!

Purchases and Acquisitions: April 2012

­­­­This month I went shopping with a vengeance! Also, my Mom got me some stuff but, I digress... I had a goal in mind (suits) but, tragedy stuck and in the short span of two days I was down one pair of skinny jeans and one pair of skinny pants. While neither of those items are work necessities they are some of the things I wear most on the weekends. The universe was telling me to go shopping.

I went shopping for replacement jeans with one of my close friends (who stuck with me the whole time, love ya!) the weekend after tragedy struck twice. While I wasn’t 100% on board with the idea of going shopping I knew I needed to replace my broken pants. We went to a ton of stores, trying on lots of different types/brands of jeans. Naturally, the ones that I was most comfortable in were at the last store that we went to, Forever 21. I know, I know… it isn’t where I would have thought either but, I’m glad I checked it out because I’m happy with what I got in the end. They had a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans for only $13.50! I bought two with a Visa gift card I had been holding on to. I also hit the GAP and bought another pair of pants to replace my ripped ones. Ouch, 'nuff said.

Next weekend the next stop on my shopping extravaganza was the Unique Thrift Store near my house. While I had every intention of going there to pick out more suits it ended up being a total bust on that front. I did, however, end up finding two lovely vintage dresses that fit perfectly for $4.99 each! I had no doubts or reservations in my mind as I headed to the register to check out, the shopping bug had caught me! I tried to pay for the total with some Unique Thrift Store gift cards that I had received for placing in their costume contest this past October but, they didn’t work… thanks? Fortunately I had another Visa gift card that I have been holding on to and there were no issues with that.

Then I took a short trip down the block to my local Loehmanns to check out their suit selection. I have had great success finding suits there in the past so, it was a  no brainer! After sifting through the racks of suits I found a Tahari suit that really worked for me (high stance, shorter jacket, etc.). I had a coupon so the $99.99 price tag (down from $280.00 MSRP) was whittled down a little more to $79.99 total. WIN? Either way my Mom took pity on my situation and helped me out with that one, thanks Mom!

Unfortunately, the jeans that I bought at Forever 21 ended up being too big even after I washed them. They were a little loose at the store but, I figured one go around in the washing machine and they would be perfect. Wrong, they were still falling off. So I had to go exchange/return them for a different pair. Thankfully, I ended up finding something that worked even better: jeans with an elastic waistband. Yes, they are a hop, skip, and jump away from being pajama jeans. Yes, I’m ok with that. They fit well and are super comfortable! Even better they were only $11.50!! So, I exchanged one pair of the larger jeans for two pairs of the smaller ones. In the same trip I also returned the GAP pants since I was able to patch up my broken pair, more on that later.

Since I had a coupon for Old Navy and some dresses that I had pinned on Pinterest in my mind I decided to stop by and see if I could find them. I used to shop for EVERYTHING at Old Navy but, my tastes (and their quality) have shifted so, I normally don’t give them alot of thought. They didn’t have what I wanted but, I did find a different dress that I liked on sale. When it fit I decided to go for it since the coupon and a gift card made it an easy purchase.

While at the mall I also decided to try Macy’s for a suit since they were having one of their sales and I had yet another coupon. I ended up finding another suit with a fantastic pattern that I’m sure you will be seeing soon! Don’t get too excited it’s still very work appropriate but, I digress… I had some gift cards and merchandise credits on top of the coupon so with all of the discounts combined the $69.99 suit (down from $260.00) ended up coming out to $10.27 which I paid for with the balance on one of my Visa gift cards.

Shopping Overview:

• Unique Thrift Store
• $9.98  Gift Card - $0
• Loehmanns
• $79.99 after coupon  Mom - $0
• Forever 21
• $36.50  Gift Card - $0
• Gap
• $62.10 Return
• Old Navy
• $9.75 after coupon  Gift Card - $0
• Macy’s
• $10.27 after coupon  Gift Card -$0

In the end I ended up getting a whole bunch of new needed stuff for no money out of my normal income. That was partly due to the fact that I returned the replacement skinny pants from the GAP since I was able to find away to make it work and my gift card hoarding tendencies. I don’t think I will be shopping like this again for a while. That’s not to say that I am done beefing up my suit selection, I just need to replenish my gift card reserves…

           

April 30, 2012: Change Of Heart

So despite various awkward conversations I was still very dedicated to my goal of no purchases unless they were entirely necessary. However, after the most recent conversation I started to doubt my original decision that I didn’t need to stock up on suits for this new job. My mother was kind enough to hit the thrift store for me and pick up a few things. But, after much contemplation and checking in the status of my (paltry) disposable income I decided to bite the bullet and go shopping to get some more suits.

While I will spare you the details of my shopping trip (for now) I will let you know that I did pick up a few really appropriate things for work like, this suit. YAY? While I wasn’t so keen on the pressure I felt to go shopping and purchases more suits this definitely fits the bill for what I would want: cute muted pattern, interesting details, high stance… overall success! What do you think?

• Top: red floral print blouse, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

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