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 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. 

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November 6, 2012: Layering Is My Friend

What's this? A bonus Tuesday post? Nah... I'm going back to the original way of doing things around here. Why? Because I think it would be better for everyone me and I'm going to try to make it work. I'm also going to try to make this whole cold weather/hot office thing work. Even though no one suggested layering when I asked for advice yesterday (thanks much) I think that might be the best route. 

• Top: black sheath dress, no tag via The Big Fat Flea; orange ballet neck chiffon flower embellished top, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black kitten heel pumps, Coach; 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, and here.

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

November 5, 2012: I'm Back, It's Cold

First and foremost I would like to ask you all how you are doing? Were you at affected by the most recent weather-pocalypse? I was but, in only mildly annoying ways; I didn't lose power, I didn't lose hot water, I didn't even lose cable. I was however trapped in my apartment for a week and couldn't get to the office or anywhere else for the matter... When I finally did venture out I started to run low on gas and now I can't use my car either until that whole mess gets sorted out. Overall, I consider myself very lucky and blessed but, I can't wait for everything to go back to normal for everyone. 

Since everything is slowly but, surely going back to normal heading to the office today was inevitable and welcomed. When I checked the weather I was happy to see that the seasons are finally starting to shift appropriately. Don't get me wrong I love the heat but, I also enjoy the seasons and this fall has been a bit tepid for my taste. I'm sure I will be regretting those words after a few weeks of cold...  I bundled up when I left this morning to catch my train and I was glad for it. Even when I got to the office I was comfortable in my  chic turtleneck and blazer combo that is, until the afternoon when they started blasting heat. I was melting... I hope that I can predict the weather/office climate better tomorrow. How do you dress professionally for the cold weather/hot office combo?

• Top: gray turtleneck sweater, GAP; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein (part of this suit)
• Bottom: red a-line skirt, Ben Sherman
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; black Hanes Silk Reflections tights courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; 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 to win a $100 gift certificate from Shopbop!

August 10, 2012: Trendy Birthday - A Colorblock Maxi Dress

On my birthday, I was very excited about my fantastic high low dress but, that was Monday and while stylin' in the office was great I couldn't very well wear the same thing to go out and celebrate at the end of the week. To deal with my clothing conundrum I started to go through my mental closet but, couldn't think of anything that would be a good fit for the occasion. It was only natural to step into a few stores on my way home from dinner during the week and see what sort of summer stuff they had on sale. Thankfully I found  this maxi dress amidst the incoming fall styles. Unfortunately it hasn't reached the summer markdown rack yet but, it's my birthday so I went with it! 

There are alot of things I love about this dress: the saturated blue, the colorblocking, the thick straps, and the comfy-ness of it to name a few. The challenge that I was faced with was how to wear it in my professional office environment, a free flowing colorful maxi dress is a far cry from a structured suit. I threw on a cardigan and stayed at my desk most of the day. While it wasn't inappropriate per say I think I was lucky with my pass. That being said, it was an easy transition from work to drinks and dinner after! I only wish there was more time left this summer so I could wear the dress again. 

• Top: blue colorblock maxi dress, Spense via Bolton's with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray cardigan, New York & Company 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

Items from this outfit are seen and remixed here and 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.

July 5, 2012: Back From Somewhere

This past week was fantastic! Why? Because I was off Monday through Wednesday. I needed a break after spending the entire weekend submerged in wedding related responsibilities, festivities, and travel. BF and I kept it low key and hit a museum and the beach... it was alot of fun! What was even better was Thursday was the only full day I had to work since summer Fridays began in my office this past week. We get out at two for the next seven weeks so last week total amount of time in the office last week = one and a half days WIN! What did you do for the holiday weekend?

When I headed back to work I wanted to start off back in a super professional outfit to ward off any post vacation lamentations. I am generally a super productive person after whatever days I have off  and the whole ensemble just enhanced that! My favorite part of the whole look was the shoes. I found them while thrift shopping with my Mom during Unique Thrift Store's huge 50% off sale on the Fourth of July. BF said they look like they were made out of torture devices or something that a character in Skyrim would wear but, I think they're pretty awesome. What do you think? 

• Top: pink floral embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); brown blazer, Talbots via The Unique Thrift Store 
• Bottom: beige tweed skirt, LOFT via Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: brown and camel studded heels, Kensie via The Unique Thrift Store; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 13, 2012: The Bird Is The Word

Are you ever moved to purchase something just because you saw it in an email advertisement or store window. I don't normally get a chance to do that but, the fantastic size options provided by eShakti.com (and the coupon code I had) made it a no brainer.   

• Top: Birds Who Gossip Dress, eShakti.com with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 

June 12, 2012: White on White, A Risky Endeavor

You may or may not have gathered from my awkward poses and goofy faces that I am occasionally a klutzy/awkward person. No? Stop lying... Anyway, I say occasionally because sometimes I have ninja like reflexes that make absolutely NO sense, it's very hit or miss.  I thought I would tempt fate by trying this white on white combination again.

If you follow me on Twitter and listen to my ramblings you might have noticed that it didn't go so well this time around. As luck would have it I got salad dressing all over my top in the middle of the day. Thankfully I was able to save the day with some CVS Instant Stain Remover. It worked like a charm! Unfortunately, I then got black pen on my linen jacket and the stain remover was not as effective. I ended up in the office bathroom scrubbing away like a wash woman and there is still the slightest hint of a black line. Feeling that these things always come in threes I was totally paranoid for the rest of the day and managed to avoid whatever was headed my way, for now... How do you do when wearing white on white? Do you avoid it or embrace it?

• Top: white short sleeve sweater, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here and here); white linen blazer, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; shell hoop earrings, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 4, 2012: Monday = Suit Day?

I feel like my new Monday standard is the suit. It's not necessarily a bad thing but, it almost feels like I'm settling on it. It's hard enough to motivate out the door in the morning let alone put together a cute outfit. Enter, the reliable suit... I can roll out of bed pick one out of my closet pair it with a rando shirt and voilà, a work outfit! On some level I feel like that it's a cop out to defer to such a simple ensemble but, maybe I'm just being sensitive to the entire wardrobe situation. What do you think: cop out, work appropriate, or both?

• Top: red short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here, here, here); gray pinstripe blazer, Kasper via Macy's
• Bottom: gray pinstripe pants. Kasper via Macy's
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; 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, 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!!

June 1, 2012: Swaddled In Neutrals

On Friday I had a doctor's appointment (way to suck the fun out of Friday, doc) but, I was still at work for a portion of the morning. While this outfit is a little less than professional I needed something that would work in the office (on a Friday) and be super comfy for my long appointment with the doctor. I think this was a nice compromise although, comfort got the better end of the deal. I didn't even make an effort to avoid mixing all these neutrals together. I would have never made a crazy move like that in the beginning! Don't worry, I didn't wear the sandals at work just while I was commuting, sitting at my desk, and anything that wasn't walking around the office. I had my Sue London slippers for that...  

• Top: gray short sleeve sweater, New York & Company (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: gray sparkle embellished sandals, Steve Madden Luxe via DSW; gold filagree earrings, AVON gift from Mom; 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, 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 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!!

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 24, 2012: The Last Straw

You remember the awkward conversation that I had with my boss, right? O, you don't... catch up! I am sad to report that it happened yet again... She sat me down to inform me that someone had bought my ensemble to her attention and that it was not appropriate. The focus of the conversation was my skinny pants (which I have worn plenty of times before) but, the overall (unspoken) message was that I am personally being held to a different wardrobe standard. Here are some of the highlights of the conversation:

• The company is a business casual office
• Formal professional attire only 
• Skinny pants are not appropriate
• I should wear more suits
• I don't have to wear more suits but, cardigan sets are ok
• Also, nice suits are good
• But, and nice sweater and shirt are great

Some of these things might seem contradictory but, that is how the conversation went. I'm glad that my boss was very relatively clear about expectations. While my outfit might have prompted someone to feel that it was less than professional it was the last conversation about wardrobe that I want to have. I am going to turn over a new (hopefully not boring) leaf. What does that mean? Basically shopping for more suits. Yes, shopping and suits... We'll see how this goes. At this point, I am throwing their sad excuse for a "dress code" out the window and focusing on dressing to the high standards that I am (apparently) being held to. Goodbye skinny pants... 

• Top: beige short sleeve scoop neck sweater, GAP (same sweater different color here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; 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, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here 

April 23, 2012: Monday WIN

Every Monday I wake up and I want to crawl back in bed and call out sick. Sometimes it's because I'm not feeling well rested, sometimes it's because I know there is a to-do list of apartment related tasks that is calling my names but, most of the time it's because I want to cuddle with BF who doesn't work on Monday... that jerk fantastic person. When I can actually resist the urge to call out sick, which is generally every Monday, I am faced with the challenge of dressing as my best professional self despite my urge to reach for the skinny pants and/or flyaway cardigan.

This past Monday was a total win, I wore normal pants and a blazer! Granted these pants are made of a knit material and this pink blouse is basically a t-shirt but, I would still consider it a win, especially for a Monday. The important thing is that I avoided my Monday crutch pieces and persevered with a fairly professional outfit! Do you have the same problem on Mondays? How do you avoid your go to comfy pieces?

• Top: pink rosette embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, and here); gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; 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, here, here, here, and here,