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 18, 2011: Unnecessary Hesitation

I have had this amazing dress from eshakti.com for a while and still haven't worn it. Well that is about to change today. The biggest challenge with the dress has been finding a way to make it more work appropriate. For a while I thought that it might not have been professional enough or too dressy/theatrical to wear (I can't really make up my mind) in the office but, after recent discussions I though, "Why not see how it goes" and paired it with some vintage inspired accessories.

Don't forget to check out eshakti.com for amazing customizable pieces that will fit you and your wardrobe needs perfectly. While you're at it use my discount code, 260DAYS0811, and get $20 off of a purchase of $20 or more. It's not good on overstocks but, should work fine on everything else! 

• Top: red bird motif wood block print cotton twill dress, courtesy of eshakti.com; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York/Mom's closet clean-out 
• Shoes & Accessories: yellow vintage inspired cut-out wedges, Merona for Target; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro (not pictured)

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

August 2, 2011: Same Shizzle, Different Day

Despite everything else that is going on this week today is another day at the office... when I was younger this would not have been the case. I probably would have taken the week off for my birthday or work as little as humanly possible to prepare for the celebration that was my birthday. Why is that? Because my birthday might as well have been national holiday in my house... Maybe my parents totally (over)compensated for the fact that no one is around at this time in the summer to celebrate or maybe I'm just that awesome, either way birthdays were fantastic. As I get older they aren't as grandiose and that's ok. I don't really have the effort to put into planning and coordinating a party and it's still a challenge to find people that haven't evacuated NYC for the summer.

Also, as I get older there is more going on this week than just my birthday I have appointments that I need to keep and other things that need to get taken care of... I guess that is the glamour of growing up!

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom;
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro 

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

Purchases and Aquisitions: May 2011

I went shopping this month again which might seen crazy to you since I broke the bank last month but, I had a good reason: $20 vintage dress sale at Re/Dress NYC. Say it with me, "$20 vintage dress." You know you would at least go look and when I did I found something that I liked. You'll see it when the time is right... probably really soon!

May is one of those months where it might be challenging to avoid shopping, $20 vintage dresses aside. All retailers are looking to unload the last of the spring wares to make room for the fresh summer stuff and Memorial Day gives them the perfect boost. I avoided the mall like the plague, it was much more fun to be outside anyway... 

I have also inherited alot of hand me downs from my Mom this month. She is going through a major wardrobe change and getting rid of things she doesn't want or can't wear right now. I will be specific about them when I wear them in outfits but, at this point I'm just going to show them to you in pile form since there's a whole lot of stuff going on and it's easier. How was your May? Did you find any great deals or avoid shopping all together? 

May 5, 2010: So Mom

Everything about this outfit scream "Mom" to me. No, not your Mom, my Mom! It might be because alot of the items in this outfit were originally hers but, I could completely see her wearing this outfit minus the shoes plus shorter pants (she's a half a foot shorter than me.) That crazy teal pop of color is all me!

• Top: maroon sweater, ABStudio via Mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: black knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; coin pearl/stone necklace, borrowed from mom; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

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 pair of Tiffany style silver earrings like mine!

May 4, 2011: One Point For The Weatherman

Let me start of by saying, please ignore my bad hair day. You would think it was the rain but, it wasn't, my blow dryer and I had a disagreement we're not speaking at the moment but, I digress...

Yesterday I listened to the weather forecast and they got it right so I'm glad that I did. It started pouring while I was on my way to the train station. I even remembered my umbrella, GO ME! Ok, so maybe ballet flats weren't the most practical shoe but, I didn't feel like tucking my skinnies into boots! It isn't winter after all...

• Top: purple and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here and here); blue tweed blazer, K Studio via Unique Thrift Store (same with this dress)
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; black reversible headband, Mandees; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro (not pictured)

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a pair of Tiffany style silver earrings like mine!

February 7, 2011: Ladies Make Some Noise If You Wanna Be My Replacement

Today I have alot on my work plate, I am going to be interviewing candidates to fill my role where I work when I leave this Friday. I can't believe it's all happening so quickly, I feel like I just gave my notice yesterday instead of a week ago. That being said I am hoping to find someone to replace me before I go even though my boss says I'm irreplaceable, awww... 

I am keeping it more professional today (AKA wearing a jacket) because I want to make a serious impression on the people who I meet. As my last week working in a business casual environment continues I might push that to it's limit as the week goes on! No, I don't think the teal tights count... 

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT via Mom; khaki safari jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: brown jersey knit skirt, Old Navy 
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's;  teal tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas gift from Cousin V (on sale here); tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; brown Loeffler Randall bag, Target (same bag different color here) 

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

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

January 4, 2011: From Mom

My mother and I are very similar in alot of ways. It's one of those things that I didn't fully realize but, still tried to fight when I was a teenager. Now, I'm cool with it! For one we look like each other... don't you see the resemblance? But, other things like our penchant for word games, hardwood floors, altruistic natures, and love of unique handcrafted jewelry (to name a few) grow day by day. This Christmas (thanks to Mom and the latter) I found this great necklace sitting under the tree. A small group of native Johannesburg, South Africa, artisans, called Inkwenkwezi, began making safety-pin jewelry in 1992 and this is one of those items. I would not have instantly gravitated towards this piece for more than it's novel appearance but, mother knows best (don't tell her I said that) and I am really loving the way it fills in the space around the collar of this sweater. How else would you style this piece? Mom says with a black turtleneck but, I am skeptical...

• Top: orange v-neck sweater, Banana Republic outlet with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; Inkwenkwezi Safety Pin necklace, Smithsonian Christmas gift from Mom; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach

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

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December 2, 2010: Crack of Dawn

I know you're all curious about my fun surprise from BF. He took me to see Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk! I was a bit skeptical at first since it is a more family geared production but, it did not disappoint. If any of you are in the NYC area I would recommend getting tickets since this will be it's final season here.

Yesterday morning I had a meeting in White Plains (40+ minutes north of NYC for those of you not from around here) at 8:30 in the morning. It was hard to get out of bed so early and make it there on time after the fun night out on the town but, keeping the outfit simple definitely helped! Skinny pants are a life saver. 

You might be thinking that I wore this outfit already but, naturally you are seeing things and going crazy because I would never repeat an outfit!! Well, at least not in the time frame of this year... I did wear a similar outfit during my "You've Got This" Fall challenge. Fortunately for all of us I'm keeping track.

• Top: maroon sweater, ABStudio via Mom with a white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  leopard print flats, New York & Company; silver and garnet tiered earrings, Pennyweights; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

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

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November 8, 2010: Happy Monday

Happy Monday! It seems a bit backwards that I am in such a positive mood considering the grayness caused by a nor'easter (hence the clenched fists and wind blown hair in my pic, it's cold!) that my tri-state area is dealing with today. If there was any way to keep you in the Monday doldrums yucky weather would be it but, I am feeling fine. Maybe it's these fun tights...

In the spirit of practicality I have decided to wear my awesome new rain boots again. I definitely feel like Erin from Work With What You've Got; Cute dress, fun socks, and kick ass boots, an excellent combination for whoever is sporting it! 

Lastly to all the brave souls who are taking part in Kendi's 30 for 30 challenge. I wish you the best of luck! I'm definitely making it sound more dramatic than it really is... you'll all do great! Every time it comes up I think about doing it but, I can't bring myself to jump on board. I am already remixing the heck out of my wardrobe and to limit it so extremely seems insurmountable. Sorry my flair for drama is getting away from me again. Bad flair! Come back... 

• Top: black lace dress, H&M via Unique Thrift Shop/gift from Mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty 
• Shoes & Accessories:  Regal black rain boot, courtesy of Cougar; purple tights, Duane Reade; gray shell earrings, gift from BF's mom; yellow alley bag

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)

November 3, 2010: Back To It

It is official, I am back to work, yay! I had a job fair today so we all know what that means... professional modest clothes and all that jazz. Thankfully the week is halfway through!

• Top: navy embellished t-shirt, second hand via Mom
• Bottom: plaid pants, Bitten for Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

October 25, 2010: Unseasonably Warm

I was just getting on the boat for fall and today it is extremely warm... Make up your mind weather! I wanted to try out the tights and shorts thing that lots of people are rocking and so here it is higher temp or not. Now that I've done it I'm not sure that this is really working. I know generally the idea is not a bermuda short (per say) but, that's all I have to work with and that might be what seems off to me. Am I being too critical? Does this work or should I have styled it differently?

It also might be the fact that I am not feeling as comfortable in my clothes as I normally do. I have put on a few pounds (a few = 20+) between stress and not having time to eat properly over the past few months with this recent vacation as the cherry on top. Sufficed to say, I am feeling rather blah about how I'm feeling/looking and the way my clothes are fitting. I'll be honest, it's getting to the point where when I am looking at the pictures that I take (or that are taken of me) I am just looking for the one where I look the least bulge-y, it's not a good feeling. Am I the only one?

Not to get too personal but, I used to weigh alot more that I do now (almost 40 lbs. more that now) and I know now that keeping myself from gaining all that back has to be a daily conscious decision to eat the right things, go to the gym (which I haven't done in a while), and just generally be healthier. I also feel better when I am doing those things but either way, that hasn't been the case. Maybe saying it to all of you will push me to be more accoutable! No one is going to do this (being healthy thing) for me and if I want to keep on doing this (being a happy fun blogger thing) then I need to get that (first thing) straightened out. Besides, I can't really afford to buy any new (fat) clothes...

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black bermuda shorts, dear for Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

Weekend Wear: Now I'm Feeling So Fly, Like A G6

Sorry, it's cheesy I know but, I can't get the song out of my head and I'm on vacation AKA it's ok! This morning I am flying out (crazy early) and I definitely gave some serious thought to what I am wearing on the plane. While I am certain that some form of yoga pant, a sweatshirt, and flip flops would be the most comfortable choice the fashionista in me cringes at the thought so, a compromise is in order. What would you wear to the airport?

• Top: green ribbed tank top, Old Navy; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: paisley flip flops (What? I said compromise...); coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; purple tote bag, Coach 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

October 8, 2010: Fly By

This week has gone by so quickly! That is probably due to the fact that I had (and still have) so many things to take care of in general. Cue picture of me pulling my hair out... I hope work today goes the same way and flies by. All I can say (or think, or type) is, "YAY vacation!!!" Don't worry I have a few fun surprises for you while I'm gone! Do you have any fun plans?

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; brown leather tote, Bulga

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

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

October 6, 2010: It's That Time Of Year

The fall means can mean lots of things to different people like changing leaves, temperatures dropping, and new fashions to name a few. To me it means all these things but, it also means that job fair season has begun! I know I can't contain my excitement either... I got a small taste of it last week but, today and tomorrow I have some big ones. I will probably throw a light blazer over this to enhance the business part of my business casual look! Also, I need to work out a better time to take my pictures; just as I decide I am taking them all outside, it starts getting darker earlier! Boo...

• Top: red long sleeved t-shirt, Van Heusen via The Outlets
• Bottoms: brown corduroy skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; multi colored beaded necklace, LOFT/b-day gift from Mom;

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

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 23, 2010: Somewhat Autumn

This first day of fall doesn't really feel like fall yet but, the calendar (and my challenge) don't lie! Regardless, I have a meeting this morning at 8:30 (what is up with that?) so, I need to look put together despite the slightly ridiculous hour. I think this sweater with the pearls and these fabulous shoes really do the trick! I might even throw on a blazer to combat the morning chill and enhance the professional look! I know, I'm going all out...

• Top: cream sweater with natural stone collar embellishment, August Silk via Mom
• Bottom: red eyelet trim skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift Store; pearl earrings, birthday gift from mom a few years ago; brown leather tote, Bulga

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

September 22, 2010: The Right Time

I wanted to wear this dress the minute I got it (yes, I'm one of those people) but, since it was the beginning of August in one of the hottest summers in a while I decided to hold off. The black fabric, sleeves, and high neck definitely helped with that decision. But, now that the weather is cooling down (but, still warm) I excited to liberate it from my closet. Are there any items that you have been holding off on wearing until the weather cools down?

• Top: black dress, Maggy London via Unique Thrift Store/Mom. This was a great find! Maggy London dresses can normally run you anywhere from $100-$200.
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; black belt, from these Apt.9 via Kohl's pants; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.;  silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

Weekend Wear: A Multipurpose Outfit

As I mentioned yesterday, I have a million things to do today! Well, maybe not quite that many but, half a million at least and they all involve some serious travel throughout the day. I was looking for an outfit this morning that could work for all these different events and still be comfy in the car while trekking in between and walking around once I get to the city later this evening. You know: not too fancy but, not too casual... What's a girl to do? Enter jeggings, embellished tank, and comfy cardigan! This kind of outfit (or some variation) is going to become my weekend "uniform" for the fall, I just know it!

I'll tell you a secret, I am not quite ready for the cooler weather. While many bloggers (and friends IRL) are talking about how happy they are for this season change I don't know if I am really that excited. I love the warm weather and the summer (even ones as hot as this one.) I am lamenting this one coming to a close (I only made it to the beach once!) My hope is that when I start shopping my closet (hint, hint... details to come) for fall trends I'll get more excited...

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi