Night Out: Gala

I got an invite to the very exclusive gala for my company about a week ago. Last minute, I know but, I was more than happy to oblige. I mean who wouldn't be excited for free dinner in a fancy hotel on Fifth Avenue?! Plus, this was a low stress situation; I already had a dress to wear, or so I thought... This unfortunate weight gain made that prospect null and void (maybe next year) and I was all of a sudden dress-less.

I resigned myself to try and make my Monif C. Marilyn Convertible dress work for the event; With 22+ different ways to tie it there had to be something that worked for this occasion, right? Not so much... Even though the event was not black tie the dress was too plain for evening wear. Now I was really in a tight spot, let the stress commence.

Enter my local Loehmann's! I got a coupon in the mail and thought, "Why not?" It was a good move because they saved me with a nice selection of modest pieces (it was a work event after all) and this lovely Calvin Klein dress was the winner. Seriously, if you are ever in need of a dress for a fancy occasion head to Loehmann's, if you can, they have an awesome selection! What do you think of the final ensemble?

The best part of this dress is that I don't have to count it in my purchases for November! Why, you ask? Because it was free! BF had gotten a rebate on our new cell phones and he gave it to me to get the dress (what a sweetie.) Still, I didn't want to squander all our free money so I was a discount ninja when it came time to check out. Let me break it down for you: Original cost of the dress $128.00, Loehmann's price $59.99, Gold member discount: $6.00, 15% off coupon discount: $8.10, Price after discounts, $47.90 (w/ tax) minus a gift card: $15.00, Final price: 32.90. I was honestly impressed with all that and still had money to give back to BF! I love it when things work out like this... What's your favorite discount ninja memory?

• Top: gray sheath dress with pearl embellishment, Calvin Klein via Loehmann's
• Shoes & Accessories: black and gray leopard print peep toe pumps, Hollywould for Target. Does anyone else remember that line?; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black satin clutch, Old Navy (not pictured)

October 28, 2010: Pajama Like

I'm getting back into the groove of things... slowly but surely. At the end of last week I was all about making it to the weekend. Surprisingly it wasn't for the normal reasons, I had plans to hang out with my fav cousin before she moves to Chicago (in a hot second.) As you might have gathered the whole thing has happened in a flash but, it is really happening so I was glad to spend some quality time with her! Are any of you from Chicago? Do you have some advice for her before she heads off? How about some fun places to check out when she gets there? Hopefully I will time this right and we will be back to the regular outfit posting schedule tomorrow... hopefully.

• Top: gray short sleeve sweater, New York & Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York & Company; tourmaline earrings, V'ta jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach outlet (not pictured)

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

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October 26, 2010: A Day Late, A Dollar Short

Sorry for the delay. I am still having trouble acclimating to the CA/NY time difference. I'm sure I'll get back into my groove soon enough but, for the rest of this week I am going to be featuring the day before's outfit... what can I say? Life happens but, it should even out.

Yesterday I was focusing on comfort over everything. As I'm getting used to taking these outdoor pictures I followed a bit of advice from JoAnn of Sidewalk Chalk about posing in pictures, one foot in front of the other (life lessons people, life lessons) I need some balance before I attempt that again, I almost went down.

• Top: blue ruffled blouse, Atelier via Loehmanns; tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; labradorite necklace, V'ta Jewelry; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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October 5. 2010: Four More Days

What's happening then you ask? Well, I am super excited because in four days I will be on a plane traveling to California for a much needed long vacation! Will you miss me when I'm gone? Until then it's work, getting everything ready for our cat sitter/house guest (AKA my little bro), and packing. Seems simple enough but, is surprisingly stressful! Hopefully I can get it all done...

Now you may ask, "Why are you wearing flip flops? It's rainy and cold outside!" The answer to that is simple, it doesn't feel that cold to me and I am prepping for the unseasonably hot California weather (which is apparently cooling down, sigh...) Also, I am in recovery from the 5K is ran walked this weekend for one of my favorite charities. I got the worst blisters on my heels and the idea of putting on shoes is not a happy one!

• Top: black v-neck top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: gray corduroy skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: paisley flip flops; rainbow beaded earrings, Moxie Bee; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

What To Wear To A Job Fair

When you are going to an interview you know that your best bet is to get a really spiffy suit and some sort of basic blouse (I'm not a fan of button downs. A largely catholic school education will do that to you) classic low heeled shoes or flats and pearls, studs, etc... But, what about a job fair? After my experience today I feel like many people aren't sure what to wear to these events and sometimes the impression you make there can be the only chance you get.

This might seem to some like I'm stating the obvious but, don't wear jeans or pajamas! This isn't a casual affair for most employers this is them casting a net to potential employees and if you want to be thought of as such you should dress the part. The same goes for wearing clothes that is too big or too small, you will look sloppy and unkempt. If you think you look that way people probably see what you see especially when they are trained to do so. You can wear a suit but, if you don't have one or want to save that look for a potential interview you can try out some of the styles I've illustrated below.

These are just a few general ideas of what you could wear. I wouldn't say that you have to dress in completely formal business attire to attend a job fair (although, it wouldn't hurt.) Perhaps you don't even own a suit yet (ahh, college) either way, you do want to convey a sense of professionalism in what you are wearing. The person you meet at the fair, whether hiring manager or recruiter, is your ticket in and you don't want to make the wrong impression!

September 30, 2010: I've Got Camel Print

 

Camel and animal print... yeah I know, I'm so witty! Anyway, I have a job fair to go to today so, I am dressing the part of a young Human Resources professional... like every other day. Why am I trying to escape, you ask? I don't know what you are talking about! Ok fine, job fairs are mixed bag, sometimes they can be really fun but, I have a feeling that today is not going to be one of those occasions. Hopefully it will go quickly so I can get back to the office. You didn't see anything... Except for my awesome outfit, that is!

• Top: camel v-neck sweater, GAP; gray leopard tank top (for the modesty), Express/gift from BF's mom
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom  
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

 

September 28, 2010: I've Got Jewel Tones, Skinny Pants, and a Little Leopard!

I have another training in the city today, exciting I know! The last time I was in the city for training I was the only person who was wearing jeans. I felt a bit under dressed to say the least. I was also the youngest and most "junior" position wise so it felt even more awkward. Today I decided to dress it up a little more to avoid that but without going overboard. The trends weren't the only focus but, I still made a concerted effort to include a few. I mostly wanted to keep it casual and comfy for the commute, a long bus ride in a suit doesn't work for me. But, this comfy sweater, skinny jeans, and flats are perfect for that. I think I reached a nice middle ground, no? I'm also throwing on a khaki green jacket (not pictured) to ward off any chill which gives a little military vibe.

• Top: purple sweater, ABStudio via Mom; white embellished tank top for the modesty, LOFT
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  leopard print flats, New York & Company; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; black spy bag, Fendi

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

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September 16, 2010: Stripes and Stripes

In this impromptu pattern mixing theme week I have tried polka dots, stripes, florals, and plaid. I think it's been going well! Each day I get a little more comfortable putting together outfits that I would normally consider out of that zone. You know... the one of comfort? Anyway, one thing that I have realized (and maybe I'm the last one) is that stripes are the universal pattern mixer, they go with EVERYTHING!! Originally, I was thinking of pairing this navy and white shirt with a polka dot skirt but, it's another early day and these pants are super comfy. Which left me with a new connundrum: what pattern to mix with this top? How about more stripes? I think it works perfectly, don't you?

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; navy tank top with silver stripes (for the modesty), GAP
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

September 8, 2010: WWW - Plain White Tanks

Please excuse my asleep appearance, I woke up super early to head into the city for a training (hence the casual attire, jeans three times in one week that is crazy!) and had BF snap a few shots before we ran for the bus, this was the least terrible! Hopefully tomorrow will be better...

When I took part in academichic's Dress Your Best Week one of the things that I noted as being a fav part of myself was my "girls." But... as I had previously lamented; they are fairly ample so I need to take measures to keep them in check. Mostly that means a supportive bra and tank tops "for the modesty" as I like to say. I have a myriad of colors to chose from but, the ones that I make the most use of are the white ones. They might be simple and seemingly inconsequential but, I would be indecent and limited in my wardrobe selection without them...

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  Top: purple dotted blouse, New York and Company, with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway sweater, New York and Company
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: black flip flops, Rocket Dog; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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

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September 6, 2010: Wardrobe Workhorse Week Begins

I can't think of a more apropos occasion for Scholar Style Guide's Wardrobe Workhorse Week to begin than Labor Day! It was interesting considering what items of clothing I wear most frequently since I am in fact concerned with style. It added a whole new factor in my outfit selection this morning, that's for sure. Being that I actually had the day off today, I was definitely going to wear jeans. But, I questioned if it was a cop out to do so much like Katie from Interrobangs Anonymous noted how her black jersey dress could be looked at in the same light. When you really think about it, there are very few items of clothing that are actual workhorses in the same way that denim jeans are, that is what they were made for back in the day!

Personally, my denim style has evolved considerably over the years. I used to wear relaxed fit, baggy jeans, even baggier jeans, bootcut, flare, etc... but, the most flattering ones that I have ever worn are trouser jeans. They are casual enough to worn in everyday laid back situations but, can be dressed up for fancier events especially if they are a darker wash. If they were allowed in the everyday workplace I would wear them for that as well. Although, as I have admitted I am falling for the jegging they can't replace the trouser! 

• Top: aqua dolman sleeve top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; vintage Louis Vuitton speedy, eBay (not pictured)

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

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September 1, 2010: I'm Back

Sorry for being MIA the past few days. Monday I had taken the day off for a long weekend at the beach but, ended up staying home sick which carried over into yesterday. Now I am feeling a little better... good enough to go back to work, at least, because another day off and I will return to an avalanche of paperwork and e-mails (as if I'm not going to already!) I thought about keeping it super casual today (AKA yoga [like] pants) but, I need to finish wearing the forgotten shoes!

• Top: purple tank top, Old Navy; another tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: floral print wedges, Hollywould. I will be bringing flip flops as well, just incase; rainbow beaded earrings, via now defunct Moxie Bee; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

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

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Work With What You've Got: Secondhand Dress

A while ago one of my aunts, Titi I (no we don't have the same name), gave me this dress. She said she didn't like the way it looked on her and that she thought it might be perfect on me. The problem was that when I got the dress it was at least three inches longer. Mid calf length dress and skirts are not something that I find flattering, it's an awkward length... What made the dress even more awkward was that the extra fabric on the bottom was the printed pattern from the top half (trust me it looked wierd) What to do?

It was simple! I just removed the bottom panels and now the dress hits just below the knee. I was going to hem it because the edge is a little raw but, I haven't gotten around to it (you couldn't even tell could you?) I wear it either way! Since then it has become one of my favorite outfits to run errands in when the weather is warm. I just thrown it over my head grab some flip flops and I look put together but, am super comfy... the perfect combination! Thanks Titi I!

• Top: printed dress, Magic; gift from Titi I altered by me; tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes and Accessories: purple flip flops, Bitten via Steve and Barrys

August 27, 2010: Third Time's A Charm

I was hoping to keep the outdoor picture thing going but, BF woke up late and had to rush out the door leaving me photographer-less. I'm all for independence and doing it myself but, traipsing downstairs with my tripod during the morning rush seems like a bit much or, maybe I'm just lazy... Either way, back to the hallway! I am so ready for the weekend, can't you tell?

• Top: teal zipper trim top, Mossimo via Target/gift from BF. I think it's a little long but, I couldn't resist the zipper detail! It reminds me of one of my fav Project Runway looks... Jeffrey where did you go?; tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em via DSW; tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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August 25, 2010: Get Your White In

I'm not sure who said don't wear white after Labor Day but, it's one of the few silly fashion rules that I always have stuck in my head. So, now that I'm feeling the pinch of summers imminent close some part of me says that I have to get all my random white pieces in! Either way, you can bet that I will be breaking this skirt out no questions! Whales and jolly rogers just don't seem as appropriate for fall as a fabulous animal print! Plus, this ensemble gave me a great venue to showcase a pair of forgotten shoes. Only four pairs left, piece of cake! Are there pieces in your wardrobe that prompt you to break fashion rules? Do you follow the "no white after labor day" rule? What rules do you follow?

• Top: yellow short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company; gray tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: cream and navy printed skirt, Libertine for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: Marianna espadrilles, Coach; red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; purple bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 23, 2010: Sunshine, Where Did You Go?

This week is going to be an absolute mess weather wise; humid, raining, and at the same time cold. What happened to the summer? I thought I still had more time to wear the oodles of dresses and forgotten shoes that I have yet to utilize. I'm looking forward to the last weekend in August being appropriately warm and sunny. I guess they will just have to wait... Either way, I can't wear everything that I have been holding off on in such a short period of time! Today I am trying to get the ball rolling but, I'm not going to stress. This personal style challenge won't come to a close until April and hopefully it will be warming up all over again at that point! Can you believe we are closing in on 6 months already? I can't. Do you hold off on wearing certain items only to realize that you have missed your window? Apparently, I do.

• Top: red crochet embellished tank top, LOFT; brown and black zebra print cardigan (for the modesty), New York and Company
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too

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

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August 20, 2010: Twice In A Row

Today is another "need to be comfy" day (this time it's BF who needs an early morning ride) cleverly disguised as casual friday and the perfect excuse to rock my jeggings. I am a total convert but, I digress...  Today's fantastic and comfy outfit makes me feel (on some level) like I'm relying to much on clothes that could be worn when the weather gets a bit cooler and that I'm not utilizing all my warm weather things to their best advantage. I could totally see myself wearing this exact same outfit, for example, with a scarf/ballet flats and it being perfect for the fall but, according to my official rules that would be cheating. O well, I will make it work when the temperature starts to drop!

As for today, I'm sure you would (correctly) expect that I am so excited this week is over, especially after these past two days of early morning rising. At least I have fun things to look forward to this weekend. Dinner with one of my besties after work today and a visit from my fav cousin tomorrow... fun times! Maybe I'll snap some pictures while we're out and about. What are your plans this weekend?

• Top: gray v-neck top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless; rainbow beaded earrings, via now defunct Moxie Bee; purple Coach bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 16, 2010: Make It Work Monday

I think everybody has been where I am this morning... You have an idea in your head but, you just can't make it work out that way. While browsing blogs I noticed that Kendi from Kendi Everyday was wearing the same LOFT skirt that I got for my birthday as a(n exchanged) gift. After that, I was completely inspired and set on wearing the skirt today! While searching through my closet I came up with a few really great outfits but, none that were appropriate for high humidity 85°+ weather. I guess those will appear as the weather gets cooler and this will have to do for today. Do you give up on an outfit when it's not working out like you planned or try to salvage it?

• Top: purple scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here and here); tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; silver feather headband, LOFT birthday gift from Mom; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom a few years ago; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 11, 2010: I've Been Keeping A Secret...

If you take one look at this picture you'll know what it is... My hair is crazy curly! I have had it straight for about two years since my graduation from college and today is a first day in a long time that I am letting it free. I didn't straighten it because I dislike my curls, I in fact LOVE them! I did it because I chopped all my hair off (or to my chin) and liked it better straight. I actually think it's still a bit too short in all it's curly glory but, I couldn't resist leaving it natural once I realized that the keratin had finally started to wear out and (I'll be honest) was feeling a little too lazy to blow it out last night! There are still a few pieces in the front that are straight so I just pulled them back.

Maybe my no hassle attitude is because my schedule is packed today: employer breakfast at a local college, goodbye lunch with one of my fav interns, regular work stuff, and a picnic dinner tonight at Boscobel while seeing Taming of the Shrew with family at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. I will be floating through it all in these forgotten shoes! I really wish I had used them sooner, they are so light and comfortable much like their predecessors (which I never owned a pair of) but,  less scary. Plus, I love the fact that I could get a little pattern mixing in! Polka dots and tweed anyone?

• Top: red tank top with rosette embellishment, LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: black and white tweed skirt, thrifted/no tag
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white polka dot wedges, Very Volatile via Mandee; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; black Spy Bag, Fendi

July 29, 2010: The Sincerest Form

I went to a wedding a few months ago and it was one of the best weddings I have been to in my adult life! Everything was so laid back and relaxed; all the guests were just having a good time and celebrating. Most importantly there was no bridezilla! She was having a ball in her cocktail length wedding dress (with pockets!!) hot pink shoes and button bouquet! These forgotten shoes and simple dress are an homage to her relaxed style even on one of the most important days of her life! Hopefully I can be as laidback while I wait for Friday...

• Top: black convertible dress, Monif C. Although Monif C is a fabulous plus size brand this particular dress will fit anyone size 8-24 and is a great addition to your wardrobe! There are about 22 different ways to tie/pin/gather the dress and I am keeping it modest for the office. I could shift a few things around for happy hour after or date night with the right accessories.
• Shoes & Accessories: hot pink espadrilles, Chrisitan Louboutin; pink swawrovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

July 22, 2010: Is It Friday Yet?

I resisted every urge to wear a purple tank top with this dress (it was honestly a little jarring when I tried it on) but, that didn't stop me from adding the purple bag! Joker and Barney be darned, I love the purple and green color combo!

I tried some shots this morning where I didn't look sleepy/unamused/angry/whatever I normally look like... I think it turned out ok. I don't know what I was thinking at that exact moment but, we'll just pretend that I was imaging all the fun I am going to have this weekend doing I don't know what yet! One thing that is for certain: my mom is coming home from a two week trip and I am excited and happy to see her on Saturday when she returns!

Also, just in case you didn't notice, now there is a little toolbar at the bottom of each post so you can instantly share these super cool posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. I know, I can't contain my excitment either!

• Top: green, black, and white scroll print dress, Trulli for LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; silver and garnet earrings made by an old co-worker; purple Coach bag

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!