Girlboss

I'm sure you've noticed that things have been a little cray cray for me recently. No? I guess I'm doing a better job at covering it up than I thought but, it's time to come clean... While life things can sometimes feel overwhelming things at work, specifically, are out of control right now. Long story short; two higher level people in my department resigned for other opportunities (yay for them) then, my director was asked to resign per an internal investigation (we wish her the best) and the same day someone who she brought on walked off the job due to the aforementioned requested resignation (I have no words.)

In the course of thirty six(ish) hours the staff in my department decreased by fifty percent and everyone is being asked to step up and help out because, naturally, the work load has not decreased. I have also been asked to take a key role in finding/training replacement and taking on more things. This is my moment... As such, I have picked out outfits this week with the knowledge that everyone will have their eyes on the remaining members of my department. This jumpsuit was an easy "yes" because it is professional but, comfortable. Also, there will be blazers! At least when I think I can handle the heat. I am ready to get to work and make sure that everything continues as needed (professionally and personally) and am confident that it will but, wish me luck anyway.

• Top: black and white jumpsuit, Mossimo via Ashby; black blazer, Juicy Couture, Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver wire flower earrings, MOMA 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

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

Questionable Decision

Remember how I said I hated all the outfits that I put together this past weekend? This ensemble was a prime example; more specifically the first iteration of it. That outfit went something like this: Pants? Yes. Sweater? Whaaaa? That's right, for a hot second I was going to wear a sweater to work in the middle of June. In my defense it was a lighter weight sweater but, as the awkward colder weather has passed and temperatures are (appropriately) warming up I might have melted. So, to prevent melting I went through my closet again and came up with a different outfit. Thoughts?

• Top: orange crochet embellished t-shirt, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: gray plaid pants, Womyn via Current Consignment
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with All About You, and Confident Twosdays 

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

Summer Chill

I feel like this weather is really cramping my style. It's June right? Yeah, I thought so. So, shouldn't we all be commuting in flip flops and worrying about dressing for increasingly warmer weather to survive the heat instead of hauling out rain boots and scarves to stave off the cold? OK, I'm glad you agree with me... Maybe the weather will be a liar in our favor and it will say rain but, there will be sun and warmth. That would be great because I would love to grab a fun skirt or dress instead of pants (again.) At least I didn't have to tuck these... 

• Top: purple crochet embellished shirt, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: gray pants, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with All About You, and Confident Twosdays

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

Weekend Wear: DIY Social Butterfly

There were a few things going on this weekend on top of of normal weekend activities (grocery/laundry/tidying up/mulching) like, brunch breakfast on the Upper East Side with a friend visiting from out of state and a baby shower out on the (almost) end of Long Island for my cousin in-law. Did I mention they were both in the same day? Nope, well you can imagine the travel involved... You're not from here? Trust me, it's a substantial amount. Since I needed to be ready to go from spin class to breakfast to baby shower I may or may not have resembled a bag lady in the morning leaving the house. Baby Gift? Check. Gym Bag? Check. Awesome outfit to seamlessly transition through the days activities? Check, although it took me a while to get there.

It was particularly challenging to identify something from my current wardrobe options that fit and was appropriate for the prescribed setting of the baby shower. Two words: Country. Club. After going through my options I wasn't left with many choices. Thanks, less body... The whole process was frustrating, to say the least, and I was about to give up when I caught a glimpse of this fun, forgotten dress in pile of clothes to be tailored/sent to the tailor. When I tried it on I resembled (the child of) a housewife (playing dress up) which felt (ironically) appropriate. I just needed to find a way to make it work despite the lack of an all night tailor in my area. Enter tiny sewing kit! I made a few simple adjustments and the dress went from falling off and almost flashing people to what you see, how do you think it came out?

• Top: yellow hot air balloon printed dress, eShakti.com
• Shoes & Accessories: blue Orissa peep toe pump, Nine West (my wedding shoes;) pearl earrings, Macy's; bronze clutch, Brahmin c/o Vogue Magazine (not pictured)

I'm linking up with Watch What I'm Wearing and Sunday FUNday

Pattern Mixing Redux

When I first started blogging my fashion stylings were a little "vanilla." Then, as time progressed, I got more comfortable with the "institution" of fashion blogging I began trying new things and experimenting with bolder pairings. I can't say they were all amazing ensembles but, they were different, fun, and helped me accomplish my goal of one year, no repeats to work. One of the tools that I kept/keep coming back to when putting together outfits is pattern mixing but, as I drifted away from fashion blogging pattern mixing wasn't a thing anymore. I have a feeling it might be experiencing a come back... polka dots and snake print that's cray cray. How do you put together creative, fun outfits?

• Top: ivory ruffle embellished tank top, Ralph Lauren Sport via Current Consignment; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: snake print pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with Trend Spin, Style Swap Tuesdays, All About You, and Confident Twosdays

Separates Attract

I know, I know, my secret is out, we Hubby took all of my outfit pictures over the weekend. It was better for me given my schedule between gym, work, and this certification/professional development test prep class I am in for the next few weeks. The only issue with advance outfit planning/pictures is that I have to rely on the weather as it is available over the weekend and as we all know meteorology can sometimes feel about as scientific and accurate as fortune telling. I was under the impression that yesterday and today were supposed to be rainy and terrible so, I went with pants and was even getting ready to tuck them into my boots on the way to work... maybe a little overkill.

If you had followed along with my foray into the world of Wordpress you might have seen the post I wrote about suit separates/faking a suit. That's the vibe I am getting from my outfit today even though that was not necessarily my intention. Although, it should have been because I have a recruitment event today but, I digress... As you read (and could probably deduce) most all of my suits don't fit me. I resemble a child playing dress up. It's frustrating to say the least, Suits don't grow on trees! But, enough about my wardrobe "problems," I'll make it work. Overall, I like the way this "suit-esque" ensemble came out even though I wasn't distinctly trying to fake a suit. What do you prefer, suits or separates?

• Top: maroon dolman sleeve blouse, Style & Co.; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: black pinstripe pants, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys

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

(Jump)suit

Today is my Monday this week and I am getting back to business. Can't you tell from my serious face? You're right, this isn't a serious face at all... I'll work on that. Especially since I am starting today out at the gym and my spin instructor is no joke. On another note, what do you think of the new picture location? That's our deck (squeee,) home ownership has it's perks!

Now lets talk about my outfit, I got this jumpsuit about a year ago to wear during my bachelorette weekend extravaganza. My thought was that the jumpsuit would look fancy enough to go to a club (or where my bridesmaids ended up taking me) and, comfy enough to stay out all night long. I was correct, it totally was. Given the bachelorette success I have been utilizing it on other ways so, why not wear it to the office? The word suit is in the name after all, totes professional. I know that it will be a super comfy ensemble so I can catch up on anything I missed yesterday or at least that's the plan. What is your go to comfy work outfit?

• Top: black jumpsuit, Tiana B via Marshalls; black short sleeved blazer, Juicy Couture via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; signature clover chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot

May 30, 2012: A Blazer Alternative

In this tangible humidity it is really hard to wake up in the morning and motivate twoards a blazer. It's just too darn hot! Enter the equally almost as professional cardigan. Without the stuffy polyester lining a cardigan makes the heat and humidity a little more bearable don't you agree? I thought so... 

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT (same shirt different color here); black cardigan, Merona for Target
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  my abuela's vintage silver hoops; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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!!

April 16, 2012: I've Got Polka Dots

What happened to me this week? O, just life but, it’s no biggie. I’ve still be writing post (sort of) and will be sorting them out and posting this weekend. I still shopped my closet for trends all week and I’m going to share that with you! Sorry I didn’t get the Linky up if you wanted to play with me but, if you shopped your closet for trends let me know in the comments. I would love to check it out.

One of my favorite trends for spring ever is polka dots. It might not always be at the forefront of style (like it is this season) but, no one is ever going to say that polka dots are wrong. If they do they’re wrong… just saying.

• Top: blue and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here); gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; citrine and sterling silver ring, Designs by Terra via International Gem and Jewelry Show/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil; 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, here, here,here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. 

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. 

April 10, 2012: Everybody, Everywhere Is In Pastels

I didn't forget about you yesterday. I was actually feeling a little under the weather and didn't make it into the office. Easter was a great day full of fun with friends and family and unnecessary amount of food... let me stress the unnecessary part. I ate until I was about to explode and was feeling pretty under the weather yesterday. In the future I need to remember to eat with my tummy not with my eyes, life lessons people...

On another note, I know pastels are one of the things that I can be wearing next week but, all the cool kids are rocking this trend and I don't want to be left out. Pastels are one of those things, on trend or not, that always remind me of spring, warmer weather, and all around good times. 

• Top: purple scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: gray, black, and white skirt (with pockets), Mossimo for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

April 2, 2012: Keep It Classy...

Have you all heard that there is going to be another Anchorman movie? I was pretty excited but, I digress... This Monday is the emergence of a new professional Iris. As you might remember I have had multiple conversations with my boss about wardrobe. In the end I have come to the conclusion that I need to be nothing less than my most professional me at all times. Besides that fact that we have had these discussions I am hoping to continue/move up in my career at this firm and dressing to impress won’t hurt. Aren’t you supposed to dress for the job you want anyway?

Another motivator for dressing my best was the new hire orientation that I had to facilitate today. Besides the fact that I always want to set a good example this fantastic new professional joining my firm previously worked in a military environment. I took that to meant that she would be professionally dressed to say the nines without a doubt. It would be pretty bad if I decided to show up in super comfy clothes.

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's;  black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS 
• Bottom:  black pinstripe a-line skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; 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 21, 2012: Getting In The Mood

Long weekend are the best! Did I just have one? In this picture I did. This is sad face all over again but, for real! My floor's really not that awesome... It's always a bummer to head back into the office after you've had an extra day to spend at home for "free" AKA not taking a vacation day. I have generally been trying to consistently wear professional outfits at work. Dress for the job you want and all that jazz, plus it helps me refocus after the weekend. How do you get back into the groove on Mondays?

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

February 15, 2012: Escape From The Office

For the first time in a long time I went to a job fair! In my new company there was not an established college recruitment program that is, until I came... Now it is growing and there might be more job fairs in my future, we shall see. I would have been happy to schlep to work yesterday in skinny pants a comfy top but, that is not appropriate attire to meet and greet potential employees so, I got it together.

I'm glad that I did because as I was meeting students their ensembles were consistently well dressed; Like full suit, clean shaven (for boys), natural makeup (for girls, fresh mani (for all)... it was very impressive! I would have felt so out of place if I, as an employer, were not equally dressed to impress.

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• 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, here, here, here, here, here, here, 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 Shopbop giftcard!! 

February 13, 2012: Not Sure How This Happened

I am working with what I have today in an unexpected way! One of the trends that keeps popping up on my radar is peplum. I’ll come right out and say it, I don’t think it works for me at all. My hips don’t lie don’t need any help and in my eyes that is the only things that is accented by a peplum blouse or dress. When I decided to play around with this dress as a top the excess fabric manifested iteself into a faux peplum because of the way it's gathered at the waist. After all, a peplum is is a short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's jacket, dress, or blouse that pretty much sums up what happened here, kind of. 

How do you feel about peplums? What trends are you less than excited about?

• Top: beige, black, and red vintage "Geometry is Sexy" dress, Kathy via Re/Dress NYC; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: black pinstripe a-line skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; 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, and here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a Shopbop giftcard!! 

February 10, 2012: Splitting My Time

I did go to work today and this is what I wore but, halfway through the day I had to leave for a personal appointment. I needed to be comfy because I was sitting for hours and also because I was still online and answering emails... How is that different from every other day? Well, I didn't really have alot of options in terms of moving around so, I have to be committed and comfortable! Ideally, I would have preferred some yoga pants but, that's definitely unacceptable for work...

What kind of comfy clothes can you get away with at work, if at all?

• Top: white, blue, and green argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, and here); black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a Shopbop giftcard!!

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!!

December 23, 2011: Not With a Fizzle But, With a Bang

Sequins can be a difficult thing to pull off in the office but, it's not impossible; Especially when it's the day before Christmas weekend and a few people are showing up to the office in jeans even though it is clearly not jeans day, awkward... I thought the last day before the holiday weekend (and a few extra days off for rest and relaxation family gatherings) would  be relatively relaxing but, it was pretty hectic! At least the comfort thing carried through.

• Top: green t-shirt with sequins embellishment, Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx/gift from Dad with a tank top underneath
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; green bugle bead earrings, Mandees/gift; 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, here, and here.