All The Dots

In my current work environment, I could show up to work in leggings or jeans everyday and not get a second look from my co-workers or supervisors. That practice is not something that I find to be acceptable especially, on an everyday basis. Most days, I keep it professional meaning a nice shirt, non-denim or non-spandex bottom, and probably a blazer or cardigan. Some days the combinations of mundane raiments are next level. Maybe it's the just the former "outfit of the day blogger" in me but, when an exceptional pairing happens it needs to be memorialized! This ensemble was inspired by the amazing shoes which I picked up on super clearance at a nearby outlet mall. While they are comfortable and could be worn everyday they are unique and don't go with everything in my wardrobe. The "one of a kind" finds often are but, I digress... While a solid colored dress or jumpsuit would be an obvious and mediocre choice I wanted to put together an ensemble that was as amazing as these shoes are.When considering items that I could pair together I ended up with a plethora of polka dots that worked perfectly, in my opinion.

• Top: Glad-Zooks! Bees Top, ModCloth; black and white tweed blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: black pencil skirt with pockets, Old Navy 
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white polka dot pumps, Jason Wu; pearl earrings, Macys; 

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday

What Goes Around...

This outfit is from yesterday, I think I might have a two post a day limit in terms of what I can churn out. Maybe today I will break that streak and catch up. Better yet, maybe I can even get ahead of the curve! Whoa. I know, I know, I need to take it one steps at a time and not get ahead of myself. Anyway, clothes...

I picked this dress up at Old Navy a long time ago like, years. Do you remember it? I feel like you probably do because it was all over their ad campaign that season but, I digress... Then, I didn't really wear it all that often because it got too small/was a little too short. I did the only logical thing at that point and gave it to my Mom so someone could take advantage of it. Fast forward to now and it's back in my closet. Isn't it funny how that works out sometimes?  

• Top: blue and gray dress, Old Navy/Mom's closet raid
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift Store; peach cushion cut solitaire earrings, c/o Sorelli

Bright Eyes

This morning was (relatively) smooth sailing despite last night's debauchery. In the earlier part of the evening it was (mostly) professional; discussing the incumbents' next steps, extending well wishes, and getting excited for them to take said steps. By the end of the night it had definitely gotten less professionally focused and became just a bunch of co-workers having a good time which was fine by me. I try to limit my discussions about work when I am outside of work to few and far between, I'm there a good portion of my time anyway, why do I want to talk about it (or things related to it) when I'm not?

Speaking of work... Today is definitely jam packed with meetings, endless emails, and all around non-stop craziness. While I think I am getting things done and keeping afloat I am definitely feeling the effects of this level of intense work under such high level of scrutiny. What does that mean? Bottom line, I'm tired. Thankfully, I see a light at the end of the tunnel! Unfortunately, it's just a tiny pinpoint a long ways away at this juncture. Time to grind.

• Top: yellow t-shirt, Lilly Pulitzer via Clementine
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this skirt here.

I'm linking up with Spotlight Style and Fashion Files

Denim Who?

Don't panic, I haven't completely forgotten about or given up on denim. It's just that sometimes it's (almost) summer and you want to wear a skirt with boat shoes to work instead of jeans. Also, sometimes you want to wear primary colors in a non-patriotic way but, I digress...  The skirt and topsider combination has happened before and I'm sure it will happen again before the summer has ended. While on a whole I feel like this ensemble is a little too casual for your average day at work, it's the shoes, (again,) it's perfect for casual Friday. Isn't it amazing how one small items makes such a big impact? Although, if I was wearing them with pants I'm not sure these shoes would have such a noticeable impact. Thoughts?

• Top: blue shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: red eyelet lace skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

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

Tweed Day

If you didn't already know, I have a thing for tweed. I will wear it whatever the season and don't necessarily limit it to clothing items (see shoes.) I'm not sure where the attraction comes from but, that's ok. Maybe it's the way that tweed can squeeze lots of colors into one item of clothing or how classic it is (two words: Chanel Suit.) Whatever the reason I have come to terms with my strong affinity for looking like a librarian or a professor. I'll draw the line at shoulder patches but, I digress...

When I saw this tweed blazer on the sale rack at ReDress in Brooklyn many moons ago, before they closed, I was instantly drawn to it (shocker.) To my surprise the blazer had a matching skirt (AKA a suit) but, in all years since I purchased it I haven't ever worn it. It's a shame since both pieces were a little tight when I bought them and are a little lot loose now... I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to be able to pull both pieces off because wearing things that are too big on you is similarly awkward to wearing things that are too small., life lessons.

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT; greed tweed blazer, H&M via ReDress
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage

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

Unposted Outfits: Summer 2011

Now that I have some free time on my hands, for obvious reasons, I decided to do some housekeeping. I have honestly worn a different outfit to work everyday for the last three(ish) years but, with my last position taking up an immense amount of my time it became a struggle to post everything as I had been from the beginning. But, as I said there were pictures pretty much everyday so now I am going to go through them and sort out the fab outfits that you haven't seen yet. Get ready for some throwbacks... 

You've already caught a glimpse of this outfit when I talked about my purchases and acquisitions for July 2011 but, I never put up a post. I don't remember exactly what I was doing that day but, it was definitely work related and obviously fun-tastic... can't you see that smile on my face? That dress was a great addition to my wardrobe thanks to a dear friend's closet clean out. What girl doesn't need another little black dress, especially when it's free?

• Top: second hand black dress, Mossimo for Target via Caroline with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW

I really have no idea what was going on this day but, given the level of comfort happening with this outfit I'm going to guess it was a Friday. Now I appreciate the craziness effectiveness of my original method of tracking my outfits. When I get back into wearing work outfits there is going to be a revival! These polka dot shirts are some of the comfiest that I own and I have had them forever! Do you have pieces in your closet like that? Shirts? Pants? Do tell... 

• Top: blue and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here)
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil

There are few things that struck me about this photo: Firstly, look at how short my hair is!!! I know it's not considerable shorter than in all of these other pictures but, curls definitely take some length. I think it will probably be a while before I get my hair cut that short again... While I love the idea of this outfit it doesn't work... the skirt is too tight (I probably haven't worn it since) and the shirt is just a t-shirt. Perhaps a blazer would have helped make it a little more professional... next time but, no repeats! 

• Top: green and white scroll print t-shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; gray head band, scuunci; mixed metal earrings, Modcloth/gift from Natalia; silver watch, Fossil

There must have been a noise in the hallway or something... or I was bored with picture taking; Either is a strong possibility. This outfit just screams 'warm weather' to me with the combination of one of my favorite summer colors, the picnic table cloth plaid skirt, and the fab sandals. While it was definitely a work outfit I would wear it to hang out with friends or run errands. What work outfits do double duty for you?

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: orange, beige, and brown plaid skirt, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless

I'm glad that I had at least made it outside during the day for one picture!  I'm obvi exaggerating but, hopefully in whatever my next job role is I will have time to keep doing the things that I enjoy like blogging and laundry groceries cleaning spending time with friends etc. In terms of the outfit, this is another one my favorite color combos. You can't go wrong with red, black, and white it's so classic! Also, seeing this outfit is a nice reminder of a great shirt which no longer has real estate in my closet AKA I donated it. After lots and lots of outfits (and washes) it shrunk quite a bit and wasn't flattering anymore. I hope it's found a nice new home in someone else's wardrobe.

• Top: red embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom:  black, gray, and white skirt (with pockets), Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; silver watch, Fossil

Stay tuned for more unposted outfits as I go through the innumerable amount of photos on my computer. Up next... Fall 2011? Wow, we are really going WAY back. 

August 6, 2012: Trendy Birthday - A High Low Hem

As you know today isn't any ordinary day, it's my birthday! This year my birthday has taken a back seat to all the other things in my everyday life. I haven't really thought much about what I want or even how I want to celebrate it. The one thing I was certain of, though, was my need for a special birthday outfit! Since BF said he would foot the bill for my birthday ensemble I started (legitimately) thinking about things that I would want to wear but, aren't like anything I already have. The one summer trend that I couldn't find in my closet but, is everywhere/I am completely in love with is the high low hem.

As I started shopping online and pinning things that I loved I kept coming back to this dress. Not only does it have the high low hem that I was looking for but, it also incorporates other summer trends like pleats and color blocking. After hemming and hawing a bit over whether it was "the dress" or not I bit the bullet and placed the order; Two days later it was sitting at my door! Finding something I could wear over the dress to cover my shoulders and make it more office appropriate was one of the biggest challenges but, thankfully I can fall back on my flowy flyaway cardigan. Have you rocked the high low hem this summer?

Just to clarify I am wearing flip flops at work right now but, they are paired with a less than glamorous air cast because I sprained my ankle pretty badly a few weeks ago and it's still on the mend. It was nice to be more casual in the beginning but, I can't wait to get back in my heels!

• Top: Jessica Simpson Sleeveless Pleated Colorblock Dress, Loehmanns/gift from BF; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company  
• Shoes & Accessories: gray flip flops, Old Navy; gold filagree earrings, AVON gift from Mom; 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, and here. 

Sponsored Post: Summer Time Old Navy Style

As I’m sure you’ve noticed I have summer on the brain. Not just the season but, everything that it entails. My thoughts linger on running through sprinklers, ice cream cones, barbecues with friends and family but, mostly vacation! I am looking forward to taking a break from my day to day minutia, having some fun in the sun, and hitting the beach or lounging poolside. The first thing on my shopping list for the endeavor is a fabulous bathing suit!

Did you feel that? It was all my excitement slipping away… bathing suit shopping?! I couldn't look forward to it less. How am I going to get to my fun summer endeavors? Enter Old Navy; their wide variety of swimwear makes it the perfect one stop shop to prepare for a trip to the beach for the entire family. After perusing the selections for women I am seeing lots of possibilities for myself all different body types that you should check out if you need a suit!

The first thing that pops into my mind when I think of beach bodies are cute bikinis! While that isn't something I am extremely comfortable with personally if that works for you I would head for this lovely ruffle embellished bikini. If this doesn't float your boat there are plenty of other options to in a variety of patterns, cuts, and colors that you can mix and match.

Women's Ruffle Trim Bandeau Bikinis

While I can't rock that look I was excited to see that they have a tankini with a similar ruffle detail. That would be right up my alley and in one of my favorite summer colors... it's the perfect match! If your not head over heels for ruffles (like I obviously am) there are some other options that you can mix and match to make your own perfect swim look

Women's Ruffle Tiered Tankini Top and Bottom

Lastly, if two piece bathing suits don't work for you Old Navy has some great one piece options. This would probably be the route I went. I love the print but, if you're looking for something other than (totally awesome) animal print there are choices that might be more fitting. 

Woman's Animal Print Halter Swimsuits

This all being said, what would your bathing suit choice be; are you a bikini, tankini, or one piece girl? 


Thank you again to Old Navy for sponsoring my post. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own.

Purchases and Acquisitions: April 2012

­­­­This month I went shopping with a vengeance! Also, my Mom got me some stuff but, I digress... I had a goal in mind (suits) but, tragedy stuck and in the short span of two days I was down one pair of skinny jeans and one pair of skinny pants. While neither of those items are work necessities they are some of the things I wear most on the weekends. The universe was telling me to go shopping.

I went shopping for replacement jeans with one of my close friends (who stuck with me the whole time, love ya!) the weekend after tragedy struck twice. While I wasn’t 100% on board with the idea of going shopping I knew I needed to replace my broken pants. We went to a ton of stores, trying on lots of different types/brands of jeans. Naturally, the ones that I was most comfortable in were at the last store that we went to, Forever 21. I know, I know… it isn’t where I would have thought either but, I’m glad I checked it out because I’m happy with what I got in the end. They had a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans for only $13.50! I bought two with a Visa gift card I had been holding on to. I also hit the GAP and bought another pair of pants to replace my ripped ones. Ouch, 'nuff said.

Next weekend the next stop on my shopping extravaganza was the Unique Thrift Store near my house. While I had every intention of going there to pick out more suits it ended up being a total bust on that front. I did, however, end up finding two lovely vintage dresses that fit perfectly for $4.99 each! I had no doubts or reservations in my mind as I headed to the register to check out, the shopping bug had caught me! I tried to pay for the total with some Unique Thrift Store gift cards that I had received for placing in their costume contest this past October but, they didn’t work… thanks? Fortunately I had another Visa gift card that I have been holding on to and there were no issues with that.

Then I took a short trip down the block to my local Loehmanns to check out their suit selection. I have had great success finding suits there in the past so, it was a  no brainer! After sifting through the racks of suits I found a Tahari suit that really worked for me (high stance, shorter jacket, etc.). I had a coupon so the $99.99 price tag (down from $280.00 MSRP) was whittled down a little more to $79.99 total. WIN? Either way my Mom took pity on my situation and helped me out with that one, thanks Mom!

Unfortunately, the jeans that I bought at Forever 21 ended up being too big even after I washed them. They were a little loose at the store but, I figured one go around in the washing machine and they would be perfect. Wrong, they were still falling off. So I had to go exchange/return them for a different pair. Thankfully, I ended up finding something that worked even better: jeans with an elastic waistband. Yes, they are a hop, skip, and jump away from being pajama jeans. Yes, I’m ok with that. They fit well and are super comfortable! Even better they were only $11.50!! So, I exchanged one pair of the larger jeans for two pairs of the smaller ones. In the same trip I also returned the GAP pants since I was able to patch up my broken pair, more on that later.

Since I had a coupon for Old Navy and some dresses that I had pinned on Pinterest in my mind I decided to stop by and see if I could find them. I used to shop for EVERYTHING at Old Navy but, my tastes (and their quality) have shifted so, I normally don’t give them alot of thought. They didn’t have what I wanted but, I did find a different dress that I liked on sale. When it fit I decided to go for it since the coupon and a gift card made it an easy purchase.

While at the mall I also decided to try Macy’s for a suit since they were having one of their sales and I had yet another coupon. I ended up finding another suit with a fantastic pattern that I’m sure you will be seeing soon! Don’t get too excited it’s still very work appropriate but, I digress… I had some gift cards and merchandise credits on top of the coupon so with all of the discounts combined the $69.99 suit (down from $260.00) ended up coming out to $10.27 which I paid for with the balance on one of my Visa gift cards.

Shopping Overview:

• Unique Thrift Store
• $9.98  Gift Card - $0
• Loehmanns
• $79.99 after coupon  Mom - $0
• Forever 21
• $36.50  Gift Card - $0
• Gap
• $62.10 Return
• Old Navy
• $9.75 after coupon  Gift Card - $0
• Macy’s
• $10.27 after coupon  Gift Card -$0

In the end I ended up getting a whole bunch of new needed stuff for no money out of my normal income. That was partly due to the fact that I returned the replacement skinny pants from the GAP since I was able to find away to make it work and my gift card hoarding tendencies. I don’t think I will be shopping like this again for a while. That’s not to say that I am done beefing up my suit selection, I just need to replenish my gift card reserves…

           

April 30, 2012: Change Of Heart

So despite various awkward conversations I was still very dedicated to my goal of no purchases unless they were entirely necessary. However, after the most recent conversation I started to doubt my original decision that I didn’t need to stock up on suits for this new job. My mother was kind enough to hit the thrift store for me and pick up a few things. But, after much contemplation and checking in the status of my (paltry) disposable income I decided to bite the bullet and go shopping to get some more suits.

While I will spare you the details of my shopping trip (for now) I will let you know that I did pick up a few really appropriate things for work like, this suit. YAY? While I wasn’t so keen on the pressure I felt to go shopping and purchases more suits this definitely fits the bill for what I would want: cute muted pattern, interesting details, high stance… overall success! What do you think?

• Top: red floral print blouse, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

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 5, 2012: Impromptu Girls Night Out

Today is my Friday and I am so excited! What are my big plans for tomorrow? O, nothing just hanging out because my office is closed! I have some personal errands to run but, it’s ok because there is all the time in the world all day to take care of them. Did I mention my excitement? Yeah… The temptation to wear skinny pants and a comfy, flowy shirt was overwhelming but, I resisted. After all, I am trying to be the most professional me that I can be!

What I was most excited for was 5:00. I have been doing things after work pretty much every night this week so far and am excited to head home and take it easy! What ended up happening was something totally different but, isn't that always the way? Some of my co-workers were meeting up at a place really close to my house so I decided to join them for a bit which turned into longer... good times! Do you have any fun plans for this holiday weekend?

• Top: aqua dolman sleeve top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here )
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pointy toe flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; gray shell earrings, gift from BF’s parents; 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, 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!!