Summertime Scandal

I know you're shocked, I am wearing white after Labor Day... I am a rebel! You might have gleaned from my post yesterday that I am a firm believe in the fact that summer doesn't actually end until the official end not, Labor Day. Just because everyone goes back to school and summer Fridays end in the office (if you, unlike me, get that amazing benefit) doesn't mean that there's not still fun in the sun to be had and white to be worn. Besides that is a vintage fashion rule instituted by high society back in the day and what credence does that hold over us? That's right, we're all rebels to those snobby ladies of the past!

As rebellious as I am being with all my white I felt that this outfit was a little more work appropriate than what I was wearing on Monday Tuesday when I cam back from the long weekend. Not a T-shirt? Awesome. Not Sandals? Bonus! While neither of those items are inherently bad there I definitely feel more polished and put together when I am wearing a more structured shirt or fabulous dress, possibly a cute skirt or trousers, and actual shoes. On top of that, as the weather cools down blazers can again be integrated again and the business casual possibilities are endless but, we're not quite there yet...  

• Top: orange button down shirt, Eddie Bauer via Melissa's closet cleanout
• Bottom: ivory and navy printed skirt, Libertine for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver open toe wedges, Seychelles; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse 

A Favorite Contradiction

This dress is definitely one of my favorites. If I wasn't trying to wear a different ensemble to work everyday for a year you would be seeing more of this dress, for sure. Naturally, as I considered what items to keep, tailor, donate, or sell from my recent closet purge this dress made it's way into the tailoring pile quickly. When the Jason Wu for Target look book came out this was my absolute favorite of all the items out of the few that I was interested in. On top of that fact it was the only item that I could get my hands on when I went to the store. How could I donate or sell something I all but, had to fight for? Obviously, it wasn't even an option.

While we are in the month of September I am still clinging to summer; It is my (favorite) season. The hotter the better... I realize I am in the minority with that sentiment. Pumpkin spice, Halloween decorations, and changing leaves can put a pin in their inevitable decent. Conversely, the one thing I am excited for is to be able to get back to layering things; Blazers? Yay! Sweaters? Wonderful! While this is contradictory to my appreciation for warmer temperatures it is one of the things I appreciate about the fall season. I am a contradiction, wrapped in an enigma but, I digress...This dress would look so cute paired with a blazer, don't you think?

• Top: navy poplin dress, Jason Wu for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver peep toe wedges, Seychelles; dangle silver bead earrings, gift from co-worker

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Mid-Week Muse, Style Me Wednesdays, Oh Hey Girl!,Trendy Wednesday, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, The Wednesday Pants, Style Elixer

Half Day

Tomorrow is my test. I haven't been studying as much as I would have hoped so, it's cram time! I'm heading into work super (duper) early to get some last minute things out of the way for next week and then I'm turning around and heading back home to Starbucks to study my flash cards and take some practice tests. I am feeling 60% percent confident at this point so hopefully after all that I will be more so... I'll let you know how it goes, wish me luck.

While it is casual Friday, as well as a half day, I really wasn't feeling a denim ensemble. Instead I was feeling inspired by the season and my new found ability to wear white so, forget you (for now,) denim. While I don't strictly adhere to these unspoken known fashion rules they are in my mind from younger years when (I feel like) it was more of a "thing." Do you wear white before Memorial Day? How about after Labor Day? You rebel... Also, this is how grown ups mix patterns.

• Top: navy and white striped shirt, Christopher & Banks
• Bottom: cream and navy printed skirt, Libertine for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

I most recently wore this shirt here.

I'm linking up with Fab Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday, Passion 4 Fashion, and Casual Friday.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

Function Over Form

Today's outfit was born from necessity. After the mini tornado yesterday (hail, no joke,) non-stop torrential down pour overnight, and ongoing showers this morning things are pretty gross. Despite the fact that on Mondays I try to like to keep things positive there is no way around that statement, it's a fact. Fortunately, that doesn't mean I can't motivate and make it work; I'm channeling a "storm" outfit (that's what boots and skinny pants are for after all) which is appropriate for what the forecast suggested.

You would assume that skinny pants were something readily available to me but, you would be mistaken. I recovered these from the tailoring pile because they needed hemming. Also, these pants are a size (or three two) too big. I'm hanging on them because they are stretchy and they work for now. Also, I'm tired of having to replace clothes but, I digress... I'm not sure how much longer these pants (and other items I'm too stubborn to let go of) will last. 

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT 
• Bottom: gray skinny pants, Mossimo
• Shoes & Accessories: black motorcycle rain boots, c/o Cougar AND leopard print flats, Seychelles (not pictured;) vintage silver earrings, my Abuela 

I'm linking up with Style to Inspire, Mix It Mondays, Let It Shine, How I Spring, Monday Mingle, Creative Mondays, and Personal Style Monday

Weekend Wonting

Is it Friday yet? I feel like it should be, don't you? Can't you just feel the long weekend calling? No? Ok, fine... let's talk about this shirt. You all (should) know how I feel about stripes. They contribute heavily to a fashion wasteland but, sometimes I'm into it so it's no big deal. This simple navy and white striped shirt is a big deal (to me) though. I spent months (seriously) searching in thrift/regular stores to find the most classic of striped shirts to no avail.

I finally caved and started searching online and wasn't having significantly different luck... After a few tries perusing Google Shopping I came across the website for Christopher & Banks and they had exactly what I wanted (finally) it so I ordered it based on the size chart and waiting with bated breathe for it to arrive. When the shirt came it was HUGE, I should have just ordered a few sizes to try on because that is the story of my life but, I digress... when I went back on the website almost all the sizes were sold out in almost all the colors and I (still) had no idea what size I am was so, I took a chance and ordered the smallest size based on my experience trying on the first shirt and it fits well... who knew?

• Top: navy and white striped shirt, Christopher & Banks
• Bottom: khaki green capris, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Marshalls
• Shoes & Accessories: nude flats, Coach; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

Be(e) Happy

We are in a whole new world! That's right, my back yard. Anyway, Wednesdays are a late night for me. As I mentioned previously I am taking a certification/professional development test prep class after work for the next few weeks and I don't get home until practically bedtime. Then, I wake up at the crack of dawn (as I did this AM) to go to spin class so,  when it comes to my outfit I am definitely looking for something low key and comfortable. Besides, it's almost Friday.

Today, I am wearing clothes (yay) but, my favorite thing about my outfit is these shoes! Although the pants are a close second. They were on consignment clearance and are a size that makes me feel really amazing about myself for arbitrary reasons. But, I digress... when the announcement was made that C Wonder was going out of business I was definitely one of the vultures shoppers who investigated the closing sales. I got a few things but, my crowning (shopping) achievement were these shoes. They are comfortable (win) and fun (bonus points.) Check out a detail shot of the shoes here. Did you get anything when C Wonder was closing?

• Top: coral sweater, GAP
• Bottom: brown plaid ankle pants, J Crew via Current Consignment 
• Shoes & Accessories: navy "bee happy" loafers, C Wonder; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

I'm linking up with What I Wore to Work, Throwback Thursday, Thursday Fashion Files, Thursday Favorite Things

November 9, 2012: Back To Business

Since winter had passed and the weather was warming up again it was time to come out of hibernation. Nothing says spring more than a fun dress, too bad it's not really spring... either way a modest dress is always a good professional wardrobe option no matter what season it is especially when you are inclined to put on the comfiest thing possible.

One part of this outfit that could be deemed less than professional are the tights. When I think of fishnets the first thing that comes to mind are burlesque shows and lingerie at least before I started wearing them myself. Fishnets are just another great accessory! I still wasn't completely confident about wearing them in my super professional office. Thankfully no one said anything, I even had a meeting with my CEO sans comments. What kinds of clothing items or accessories have you taken  a chance with at the office? How did it work out?

• Top: navy blue dress, Adrienne Vitadinni via Loehmanns; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; black fishnet stockings, courtesy of No Nonsense; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys; 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, and here.

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

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. 

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

Purchases & Acquisitions: July 2012

Last month while I was running around like a chicken without a head I was also able to get some shopping done... Yeah, that sounded weird to me too especially given my ability to avoid shopping. My main motivator was a gift certificate from eShakti.com that was burning a proverbial hole in my inbox and was about to expire. It would have been a shame to let that happen if there was something in their collection that I liked.

After searching my options and hemming/hawing over how much I was willing to pay out of my own pocket I picked this shirt. After everything it came out to $23.96. I think it's going to be perfect for the rest of summer and fall. To be really honest, I'll probably just rock it all year long because that is how I am despite "seasonal limitations" and then it will be worth it even more.

Bella Swan Blouson - eshakti.com

In addition, while out shopping at Target for a various gifts I was drawn into the shoe department by the siren song of some stylin' ballet flats. Even since I wore my old purple ballet flats to death I have been on the search for a replacement pair that wasn't going to break that bank. When I saw these I immediately tried them on and they were a good fit, So much so, that I picked up another pair of the Merona Madge Ballet Flat in Orange. If they had had the mustard yellow color in the store I might have picked those up as well.

Merona Madge Ballet Flat - Target

I did also notice these cute navy blue ballet flats and since they were a good fit as well I threw them on the pile. I really can't go wrong with ballet flats in my office and having different colors gives me the opportunity to spice things up a little. I'm sure navy and purple ballet flats will go over swimmingly, I'm not so sure about the orange ones but, I am willing to give it a try. Ballet flats are also a great way for me to transition back to "real shoes" after getting used to peep toes. Sigh... I wish summer was longer but, I digress.

Mossimo Ona Ballet Flat - Target

Going shoe crazy might have broken the bank if it wasn't for that fab Target gift card my parent's gave me for my birthday last year that keeps coming to the rescue. Seriously: Best. Gift. Ever.

FBFF: Manicures, and Pedicures, and Nails... Oh My!

I'm sure you've noticed that I have really gotten into doing my own nails. After looking at some amazing nail  blogs I thought, "Everyone has to start somewhere" or "Practice makes perfect" or some combination of those things. That feeling combined with my new(ish) found inability to spend money has been an inspiration and motivated me to lacquer it up.

While simply painting my nails is great practice I have also been trying to mix it up: making my own colors, trying out different types of polishes, using different patterned nail strips. I know it's nothing crazy but, everyone DOES have to start somewhere!  

April 11, 2011: Pattern Mixing Forever

One of the things that this blog and blogging community have given me (and I am most grateful for) is a variety of completely different perspectives on how to pair pieces of clothing from my closet together. Old me would have focused on pairing things that were very matchy matchy together thinking that it would make an amazing outfit. Throughout this experience I’ve learned that while being simple or classic is ok it is also great to break out of your comfort zone and push you personal style boundaries.


For me one of the most concrete examples of this was pattern mixing. I know I have sung it’s praises before but, yesterday the realization of how much this expands the potential of my wardrobe became completely clear to me all over again. Prior to this experience I would have never paired this gray and blue plaid blazer with this pink and navy striped shirt, craziness. Let along pairing the two pieces with a black skirt. I might have gone blue or gray but, not (gasp) black. The possibilities are endless, I really could keep remixing forever! It’s nice to have these moments where the possibilities are endless…

• Top:  pink and blue striped t-shirt, Old Navy; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  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, here, here, and here. 

February 17, 2012: Just Another Friday

This is a Friday outfit, can you tell? Yeah, I know... It's hard to be motivated to wear more than some skinny pants with a comfy top when your only hours away from the weekend especially after the kind of days I have been having; The weekend is my respite and Friday is the gateway. How about you, does Friday (or whatever day your Friday might be) influence the way you dress?

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver/rhinestone lariat, Christmas gift from a friend; 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, here, here, here, here, here, here,here, here, here, here, here, and here.

February 6, 2012: One of Those People

First I wanted to talk to you about what my new plans are for 260 Days, No Repeats. Although I have been experiencing some difficulties making my personal schedule and the blog work together I am committed to finding a way. That being said I would also like not to go crazy so, I have come up with a new plan and will only be posting three days a week. I will still put all my outfits up you just might be getting two scheduled post instead of something I do in the morning before I leave for work. Maybe as I fall into this new schedule then I will take it back up to five days a week, we shall see...

I also have a confession to make, I was one of those people who was up early waiting checking for Jason Wu for Target to be available online. When it was finally up and not giving me error messages (you still have some kinks to work out Target) this dress AKA the only thing that I was interested in was only available for purchase in store, figures. Because I am generally up at the crack of dawn on Sundays to get an early start on my groceries I figured I would swing by Target on the way and see if the dress was available. If you follow me on Twitter you might have noticed the escapades as I was politely battling the swarm of trendy ladies (and the occasional boyfriend) for anything related to Jason Wu.

After all the craziness I found what I was looking for on the discard rack in the dressing room. After I tried it on, decided it was perfect, and wandered around the store I decided it would be best to head out because people kept coming up to me and asking me if I was going to take the dress, awkward... I was curious to see the purses and the light blue striped skirt but, the people who had showed up before the store opened were still shopping, bartering, and checking out in droves with carts full of the good stuff. It was really disappointing overall but, I'm really glad I found what I was looking for!

While I am excited to wear this new dress because it's a symbol of my victory fabulous and comfy BF noted that it is a perfect color combo for the Giants Superbowl victory. While I am not much of a football fan (and those are pink stripes not whiter) I wonder if anyone else will make the same connection? I am even more excited to be able to wear it when the weather gets warmer with some fun sandals but, I digress... The bottom line is that the dress is perfect for work and the dinner plans I have after for starters.

Did anyone else brave their local Target for a chance at Jason Wu? What did you get?

• Top: navy poplin dress, Jason Wu for Target; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; 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 the giveaway for a Shopbop giftcard!!

June 3, 2011: These Foolish Games

I am taking all sorts of fashion risks today! First of all just look at those sandals, I am asking for trouble.. or maybe not since no one really said anything to me yesterday about what I was wearing. I am totally bringing a pair of pack up shoes today.

Other than that my outfit seems normal right? Perhaps even totally stylin' and Tory Burch inspired? I'll feel your resounding "Yes!" and you would be mistaken. It is totally stylin' and definitely Tory Burch inspired but, not completely normal. Don't tell anyone but, this fab dress is a sleepshirt from Target. I know my secret is safe with you but, now you can see how I'm really pushing the envelope... What is the most shocking thing you've ever worn out in public?

• Top: navy and white patterned "dress", Gilligan & O'Malley via Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target; silver knotted necklace, Christmas gift from my dear friend; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; cream woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

April 11, 2011: Wrapped In Bits Of Silver

So we are having some difficulties over here in 260 Days, No Repeats world. I can't find the charger for my camera battery so, it was a process to get the pictures of the memory card but, here they are. I found a fairly inexpensive one on Amazon so I might have to bite the bullet because I have absolutely no idea where the charger might be! 

Now let's cheer each other up and focus on something else like, this awesome shirt. I love the little silver pieces sewn in near the collar, they almost look like a necklace. All in all it's a triple threat: inexpensive, stylish, and comfortable! That's what I want my entire wardrobe to be!! What's would your triple threat consist of?

• Top: navy silver square t-shirt, Merona via Target (on sale here); brown jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: beige tweed Ann Taylor Loft skirt via Mom who thrifted
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP (not pictured)

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

April 8, 2011: Colorblind Again?

This is where things get totally bonkers; I was really reaching for thing that I have not worn in the parameters of what I wanted to wear today. Does that make sense? I think so... In other words I didn't want to force myself to wear something just because it had never been worn if I wasn't feeling it. This outfit took some stretching but, in the end I like the color combination and it's comfy. I can't say that this dress works as well as a skirt compared to others but, it gets the job done. This outfit isn't that crazy right?

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT; khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, and here)
• Bottom: coral sundress as skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze flats, Me Too via DSW; rainbow beaded earrings, Moxie Bee; rainbow beaded necklace, Moxie Bee; gold chain necklace, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

March 30, 2011: I Laugh With Broken Teeth

Guys, I cracked a tooth! I would take pictures too but, it's a molar. First let me say that you should really take care of your teeth which I try my very best to. That being said, pony up the dough and go to a decent dentist. The last guy I went to on Sketch Street off of Shady Road seemed nice but, obviously did a really crappy job with my filling. It had been bugging me for a while but, I don't have dental insurance yet with this new job so I put it on hold. But, my tooth must not have heard that it needed to wait another 60 days before it started acting up more and decided to crack, that jerk! So, I am headed off the dentist for an emergency appointment then to work because I also don't have time off yet, FUN!

Also, I'm wearing clothes... very similar to this outfit.

• Top: navy and white striped button down, New York and Company; gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York and Company
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

poll by twiigs.com

March 28, 2011: Time Flies When Your Super Busy

I can't believe that I am almost at the end of one year wearing no repeats to work! It seems like only a month or two ago I started. Maybe that's why I almost repeated an outfit this morning. Thankfully, I have been very accurate in my cataloging of outfits. I guess you can't help leaning towards your first instinct, too bad I already went with that! On a related note, I have almost finished compiling all of my "lost outfits" you know... the ones I've been too busy to post. Thank goodness because it's just about time for me to sum it all up. I wonder where I'll find time for that? 

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

What To Wear To An Interview

So, as I mentioned before I did a little looking before I landed this job and while I was going through all that I decided to catalog my interview outfits. I figured it would be a good lesson for anyone who isn't sure what to wear when that big day comes.

In November I had an interview with another non-profit the same day as a job fair. I just swapped the cardigan I was wearing for a the suit jacket and it was a done deal. That day I was just happy I wasn't expected back in the office... In the end it wasn't the job for me (we were both on the same page about that) but, at least I got a little interview practice.

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

My next interview was about two weeks ago. Like I said before, things took a turn for the serious! I didn't want to wear the same old suit that I wear for every occasion that calls for a suit (see above) so I reached into my closet to find something different. This was one of the few moments where I was grateful for my past shopping transgressions! Years ago I had purchased this Isaac Mizrahi suit from Target on SUPER clearance (like less than $20 SUPER) and had never utilized it fully. My mom took in the skirt but, I never had a need for the jacket until now... I think it was a total winner!

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP (not pictured)

My second interview for my new job occurred on the same day that NYC was hit with 19 inches of snow. Thanks snow! I think this suit was the one thing that went right because I didn't worry at all about the cold or wetness just how I was going to make it there on time... thankfully I got a very early start and BF was home to help dig the car out and I drove since the bulk of NYC's public transportation was shut down/delayed/who knew.

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: navy pinstripe pants, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; pearl earrings, gift from mom; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP (not pictured)

To sum it all up, here are some thing that I now know undoubtedly to be true about what to wear when interviewing:

• You cannot go wrong with a suit, ever.
• That being said, it doesn't have to be an expensive suit just a well made one.
• When it comes to accessories: the simpler the better.
• Boots are OK when there are almost two feet of snow on the ground.
• A solid bright color top really makes you shine.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!