Weekend Wear: (Surprise) Wedding Guest

I am alive! I know it's been a while and I will get into that but, right now I have a much more important question: Have you ever had someone close to you call you and announce that they are getting married? Yeah ok, totes normal. How about with the ceremony occurring within 48 hours of that conversation?! Me neither, that is until my cousin (bestie/partner in crime) called me on Thursday afternoon, before the most recent long weekend, to inform me that her and her boyfriend of a decade were going to tie the knot on Saturday. After the initial shock/excitement/panic/happiness I went into honorary bridesmaid mode trying to determine what the plans were, what (if anything) she needed me to bring, and how I could assist with things leading up to the ceremony.

It wasn't until much later that day that I started thinking about what my plans would be for the wedding? More specifically, what would I wear for the festivities? With the limited amount of time I had (understatement,) I needed to find something in my closet that would be appropriate. Thankfully, over the past few months, since the purge, I have been intermittently shopping and picking up items, with no rhyme or reason but, that fill gaps in my wardrobe. This amazing maxi dress seemed like a no brainer for a summer soiree but, not really for a wedding ensemble. My apprehension stemmed from the fact that "they" say you shouldn't wear black to weddings. In the end my cousin was ok with it so, what do "they" really know anyway?

• Top: black, red, and white polka dot maxi dress, Banana Republic via Clementine
• Shoes & Accessories: tortoise shell Wayfarers, Ray Ban via Lenscrafters; black Olivia sandals, Dolce Vita; pearl earrings, Macys

Purchases & Acquisitions: August 2012

This time last year I kept it together and didn't shop at all during my birthday month. I try to look at birthdays the same way I view Christmas; People are going to buy you things so you don't necessarily need to buy anything for yourself. It didn't work out so well this year... I wanted to get fancy for the my weekend birthday celebration and couldn't very well wear that same dress as I did on my actual birthday. While wandering around in I ended up getting this fab color block maxi dress for my party. It was spot on in terms of summer trends, comfort, and all around fabulous-ness AKA totally worth the $29.99.

In terms of other things I got as gifts there were a few fun things that you might have already seen if you are stalking following me on Instagram like a gorgeous Maggy London dress from BF's parents, some lovely dresses from eShakti that my parents bought me, a box of goodies from my cousin including a shirt that I am dying to wear, and some basics (white tank tops, yoga pants) from my parents, as well as, the trendy dress I wore on my actual birthday from BF. I am so thankful for everything! I feel so lucky to be so loved and by such stylish people to boot.

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.

September 29, 2010: I've Got A Long Skirt

Actually, what I really have is a a maxi dress disguised as a long skirt. I was inspired by other bloggers who make their clothes (mainly dresses) do double duty; whether it's a skirt as a dress, or a dress as a shirt, or some other cool thing that I couldn't come up with it's absolutely motivating but, I digress...

I honestly wasn't really sold on this fall trend... I'm still not sure how I feel about it... no, not yet... not now either... How about you? I just think that shorter skirts are more flattering on me and long skirts make me look oddly proportioned. But, as they (whoever they are) say: "you never know until you try" and I'm glad I did but, I'm not sure I would do it again. Are there any fall trends that you're not sure about?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: black maxi dress, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

Weekend Wear: Lady In Red

Yesterday I wasn't at work (obviously) but, I was taking care of business! I had alot of errands to run and appointments to keep so a personal day it was. I threw on this maxi (which I have had since at least last summer, perhaps even prior to that and have never worn) and went from laundry to, lunch a the River Cafe (which was fabulous! Their Restaurant Week menu did not disappoint!!), to a doctor's appointment, to other errands, to getting caught in a torrential rain storm (hence why I look a little disheveled and soaked in this picture) and remained chic, cool, and comfy all day long. I wanted to punch up the red of the dress with some turquoise but, I didn't have anything other than the jewelry... How do you think it turned out?

• Top: red and black maxi dress with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); turquoise and silver earrings, turquoise and silver cross necklace, black Fendi Spy Bag (not pictured)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!