February 14, 2012: Happy Anniversary To Me!

One year ago today yesterday I took my first steps into the next leg of my career at a new job! Honestly, it has flown by a bit but, at that same time I feel like I've been there for the longest... Weird, right? Either way, I'm so happy I made this move and am looking forward to what the upcoming year brings me.

One of the things that I am happy about is that my hair has grown considerably since last year; No more Dutch boy haircut for me! Thanks, biotin/fish oil supplements and intrinsic speedy hair growth. Without you, I wouldn't have made it this far. Lesson learned: make sure your translator understands what you want before you let the hair stylist touch you hair or just go to someone who speaks your language...

I wanted to wear something special to celebrate the "momentous" occasion of my job-iversary/Tuesday so I reached for one of my Monif C convertible dresses. They claim that you can tie it into 27+ different ensembles but, after attempting to change it up my verdict is: not really or maybe with some additional assistance. Thank goodness I was wearing a jacket and a tank top because if I hasn't been my co-workers would have been privy some precarious wardrobe moments. Maybe I needed some fashion tape to keep it all together, I probably just need some more practice... Do you have a dress like this? How do you make it work?

• Top: orange convertible dress, Monif C (same dress different color here and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; Inkwenkwezi Safety Pin necklace, Smithsonian/Christmas gift from Mom; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items ftom this outfit are prefviously seen and remixed here, here, and here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a Shopbop giftcard!! 

February 10, 2012: Splitting My Time

I did go to work today and this is what I wore but, halfway through the day I had to leave for a personal appointment. I needed to be comfy because I was sitting for hours and also because I was still online and answering emails... How is that different from every other day? Well, I didn't really have alot of options in terms of moving around so, I have to be committed and comfortable! Ideally, I would have preferred some yoga pants but, that's definitely unacceptable for work...

What kind of comfy clothes can you get away with at work, if at all?

• Top: white, blue, and green argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, and here); black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a Shopbop giftcard!!

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.

December 20, 2011: The Morning After

I am a trooper! Despite the state I found myself in after my company holiday party I still made it into work on time the next day sans (most) usual hangover symptoms. I can't say that I was in love with the outfit though... 

• Top: cream scoopneck sweater, LOFT (same sweater different color here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: red a-line skirt, Ben Sherman
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede-ish kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

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 16, 2011: Jeans Day

This month there was a welcome casual Friday at my job. While I was excited to dress down I still needed to keep it professional, enter blazer and fab blouse. Did I mention I'm a sucker for anything ombre? Yeah, I know you know... 

• Top: gray ombre blouse, Trulli for LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor Loft via Melissa
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser, tailored by me via LOFT/Christmas gift 
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; moonstone earrings, V'ta jewelry; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

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!

November 8, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere Has Colored Tights

When colored tights came up at the theme for this month over at Everybody, Everywear I knew that I had this in the bag. Remember rainbow tights week? Yeah... I'm excited to break the stretchy goodness out of hibernation! Unfortunately, it is uncommonly warm today. Why not have a snow storm then an almost 70° day within a few weeks of each other? It makes total sense to me but, I might need to hold off on breaking out the rest for a little while longer...

• Top:  gray camo/animal print ruffle button down shirt, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; teal tights, Merona for Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; 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.

October 10, 2011: New Employee Orientation, Again

So yesterday I was doing another new employee orientation thing so the outfit I put on had to make a modest and professional impact. It's even more important because the person that I was "on-boarding" is older than me and I more often than not have a problem with that.

Yes, I understand you are a seasoned professional but, you still have to listen to what I'm saying! Good I'm glad you understand that this blazer gives me a heightened level of authority (at least this is how it goes in my head...)

• Top: black and gray plaid dress with pockets, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray Le Dix/Motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

October 4, 2011: Emergency Shoes

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

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

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

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

October 3, 2011: Remixing Forever

When the weather man predicted rain (again, see unamused face) I aired on the side of practicality and reached for these pants. When I subsequently reached for this top I couldn't believe that I hadn't put these two pieces together before. It makes me so confident that I could literally remix everything in my closet forever without having to purchase tons of new clothes. At the same time I couldn't believe that it had not occurred to me to make this pairing before now! It's days like these that make me really excited to shop my closet because there is so much potential there... 

• Top: dark teal ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT 
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze flats, Me Too via DSW; mixed metal earrings, gift from Natalia/ModCloth; brown woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

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

September 27, 2011: Running The Show

Today I have work but, tonight I have the first meeting of the year for a young professional non-profit committee that I sit on. I am special, I am a co-chair (whatever that means) so I want to keep it professional even after hours. Although, I might bring some commuter shoes... What?! I know it's because I have to trudge across town for the meeting and then back to catch my train after. Yeah, I knew you'd understand.

• Top: gray lace embellished top, LOFT via Mom; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: black and white tweed skirt, Unique Thrift Store (vintage/no tag)
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; black belt, came with this dress; estate chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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

September 6, 2011: Setting An Example

This week is going to be just as crazy as last week when it comes to work but, I'm sending a shout out to Labor Day for making it a little shorter!

Today I am kicking it off with the first day of New Employee Orientation for six people! That might not sound like alot but, generally we only start one-three new peeps at a time so doubling the number and having them in different groups is going to be interesting. Also, did I mention the orientation is seven days long? No? Well, now you know what I'm going to be doing at the office for the rest of the week among other things but, I digress... Since dress code is always a question that I am asked I figured why not just lead by example today (at least.) I'm not really the biggest fan of full suits and would much prefer to wear the pieces as separates but, that would miss the mark.

Tonight I don't have anything going but, the same cannot be said for the rest of the week. I got invited to a few FNO events and I am excited to attend and shamelessly hand out business cards network with other stylish bloggers. The challenge for the rest of the week will be wearing things to the office that are still stylish enough for Fashion's Night Out without a major evening outfit overhaul since I won't be heading home in between to change. Do you have any FNO plans? We might bump into each other...

• Top: white ruffle button down blouse, LOFT; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns/gift from BF
• Bottom: gray pinstripe pencil skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; pink chalcedony and mother of pearl necklace, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; pink chalcedony and mother of pearl earrings,  Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro 

My Stella & Dot pick:

Femme Fatale Necklace

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

August 29, 2011: And The Hits Just Keep On Comin'

I hope everyone is doing ok after Hurricane Irene. On one level I'm really glad that the officials took it seriously and made drastic moves to keep people safe (ex: shutting down trains, evacuating people in low lying areas); on another level I'm annoyed because it really wasn't that bad where I am and my weekend was seriously impacted for some bad rain and wind: I didn't leave my house for almost two days because the storm was coming and BF had to stay at work from 12AM on Saturday to 8AM on Sunday.

Overall I'm just glad that everyone I know is safe and sound but, this morning Irene just keeps messing with me. The train I normally take to work isn't running which definitely alters my morning commute. I think she owes me the $16.00 I'm going to have to spend on parking... it's totally her fault!

Today starts a week of my boss being out on vacation so I am definitely making a concerted effort to be even more professional than before because I will be holding down the fort and I want to make a good impression. What does that mean? I'm not entirely sure. Maybe blazers all week...

• Top: red floral print top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; purple tote bag, Coach

Here is my Stella & Dot pick for this outfit:

Signature Clover Chandelier Earrings -- Silver

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

August 27, 2011: State of Anticipation

So first it was an earthquake and now it's a hurricane! What's next, Earth? When I was getting ready in the morning I was very focused on taking advantage of the second to last summer Friday (meaning we get out early) that I have left and wearing something that was a testament to the quickly ending summer season and less to the potential "impending doom" that is on the way hence, white linen...

The way the the city (both government and occupants) have been talking about Irene I was mostly concerned about getting home before the "storm of the century" hit. I am planning on camping out in my apartment with good DVR and a small stack of September Issues. Are you going to have to deal with Hurricane Irene? What are you doing to weather the storm?

• Top: white short sleeve sweater, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); white linen blazer, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; pink rhodochrosite and mother of pearl necklace, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; pink rhodochrosite and mother of pearl earrings,  Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro   

Here is my Stella & Dot pick:

Carnival Necklace

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, and here:

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 24, 2011: You Say Goodbye And I Say Hello

Last night I said goodbye so long for now to my college roommate. I have to keep reminding myself that it's not forever, she will be back soon! Plus, now they make these magical things called phones and Skype so we should be able to keep in touch no problem. Tonight I am meeting up with one of my cousins to help her with her resume/job search. Thankfully we're meeting at a place not far from my job so tonight shouldn't be a late one. She's not one of the cousins that I am super close with but, I am happy to help. Maybe I'll make a new friend, Hello!

This dress is one of my thrifting treasures. When my Mom and I went this year for a potential birthday extravaganza I didn't end up finding as much stuff as last year but, that's ok. It's the nature of thrifting! I was definitely at a loss when it came to accessorizing this posh polyester prize. I originally picked out a pair of gold hoop earrings but, ended up going with a different pair. I was really aware that those types of earrings might send a message (I'm Puerto Rican if you didn't know) to people who think in negative stereotypes.

Maybe I'm just being self conscious but, I tend to stay away from certain types of jewelry (ahem, gold hoops) because of the message that it could send. Mostly, I just don't prefer gold though. Do you ever find yourself limiting your wardrobe so people don't judge you based on any kind (sex, nationality, etc.) of stereotypes ?

• Top: purple vintage dress, birthday gift from mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: brown giraffe print peep toe shoes, Adrienne Vitadinni via DSW/gift from BF; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; brown tote bag, Bulga  

My Stella and Dot picks for this outfit are:

Estate Chandelier Earrings

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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: