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

Customer Service On Fleek

You can't stop my onslaught of continuous white after Labor Day; Wednesday was only the beginning! Muah haha... Ok, ok I'm getting carried away.

The first time I wore this (style of) Lafayette 148 skirt it broke. I sat down, some seams popped, totes embarrassing. Then the most amazing thing happened: I promoted the post, as I do, Lafayette 148 actually checked it out (yay, social media works!,) and when they saw what had transpired they contacted me. Yes, a real life person emailed me/called me and sent me a new skirt which is what I was wearing yesterday. They even sent it to me in a larger size because, apparently, I was in denial about my actual size but, I digress... To this day I count that whole exchange as one of the best customer service experiences I have ever had and remember Lafayette 148 and Nora (the rep who contacted me) fondly.

Fast forward to less face and this Lafayette 148 skirt was under criticism again because it didn't fit for a second time! After all the time I spent working on my fitness the skirt was swimming on me (yay?) I had removed it from my regular wardrobe circulation but, I couldn't bring myself to put it in the donation pile or even Poshmark it because of the positive memories tied to it. Also, rainbow and tweed? That combination couldn't be more me so, I took it to the tailor and now it fits like a glove but, not too tight. There will be no repeat of Seam Bust 2011, at least I hope not.

• Top: red ruffle embellished tank top, apostrophe via Goodwill
• Bottom: rainbow tweed pencil skirt, Lafayette 148
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; pearl earrings, Macys

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

Diamond in the Rough

I would love to say that commuting and work have gotten smoother but, that would be a bold faced lie which I'm sure you could determine since we are getting a bit off schedule. Let's not talk about that, let's instead talk about this amazing blouse that I dug up at H&M. When H&M opened it's first store in New York City I was like any other high school girl at the time and flocked there for the quirky items and "deals" that everyone, from my peer group to iconic magazines, were raving about. I had no problem digging though the racks to snag fairly basic items but, be extremely excited about them because they were something new and popular; also, let's face it... high school.

When I shop now H&M is not a store that I normally frequent because I have found the time spent searching for something I like, that is good quality, the fits my body type, etc. not worth it having had so few shopping successes. This shirt is an exception to all that. As I was quickly breezing through my local H&M this shirt caught my eye. The color is one my favorites, the delicate details are spot on, and I needed clothing for work. The only negative thing (for me) was a humongous rhinestone right at the collar but, I decided to try it on anyway. We should all be happy I did because it looked is really cute, as you can see. Where is the rhinestone now? Excised.

• Top: mustard pintuck blouse, H&M; black blazer, Juicy Couture via Ashby 
• Bottom: black and white leopard pencil skirt, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

Inspired Monday

How was you weekend? Mine was a productive and (sort of) relaxing. I got lots of my house chores and personal errands out of the way but, as still able to veg out a bit which I needed. After the intense week last week I needed to take a break and be a bit of a homebody. The only thing I wish I had been able to do was make it to the beach with the high heat but, it didn't work out with Hubby getting ALL the work calls. Maybe next weekend...

Let's talk about this outfit. We wear clothes everyday (hopefully) but, do you ever put something together that you just love? This is one of those combinations for me! I am so comfortable and absolutely in love with the overall combination of clothing and different accessories (these shoes tho.) Bonus, it's professional enough to wear to the office so it makes a great Monday motivation outfit; I am looking put together, feeling good, and wholly ready to keep up the momentum of last week. I am just hoping that that doesn't mean I am in the office every night until all hours. 

• Top: pink ruffle embellished shirt: LOFT via Clementine
• Bottom: gray pencils skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white retro inspired pumps, Bakers via Unique Thrift Store; pearl earrings, Macys

I most recently wore this shirt here. I most recently wore this skirt here.

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

Blaze Laser Blazer

You thought I was done with blazers for the season, right? Well, that would make both of us but, we were wrong. Even though the temperatures have been climbing it still seemed appropriate to incorporate a blazer in this outfit for professionalism. While it might have been a good idea in terms of the office dress code it was a bad idea in terms of surviving the day. Although it was rainy and that helped cool things down but, by the time I made it into the office I was still melting and since our air conditioning is controlled by someone who must always be hot it wasn't as refreshing as I would have liked. I ended up spending portions of the day with my blazer off (scandalous) thank goodness for this cute shirt.

Speaking of this shirt, I picked it up while I was away this past weekend. While perusing the racks as one of my favorite second hand shops I was reminded (by myself) that I didn't need to be relegated to only searching the M, L, XL racks for clothes and that I could take a peek at the S or even XS (gasp) racks. This is partly due to the fact that my body has changed but, also  because clothing sizes are skewed depending on material, designer, production year. Remember that when you are shopping second hand and you might find some treasures (like this shirt) that you would have missed otherwise. I was initially attracted to the rainbow of muted colors but, was sold when I saw the embellishment around the collar. Can you see it? No, well they are basically fabric colored bead necklaces sewn to the collar; sounds weird, looks adorbs.

• Top: multi-color dot shirt, Boden via Ashby; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: khaki pencil skirt, The Limited via Current Consignment
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steven Madden; blue goldstone earrings, International Gem and Jewelry show; 

I most recently work this blazer here.

Ray Of Light

I think this is going to be the nicest day of the week but, that's not saying much. There is actually a little sun next to the clouds in all the forecasts as opposed to little rain drops or more clouds. I hope the weather is lying again, it's almost officially summer and 50° in June doesn't work for me. Heavier jackets and turning on the heat on are done until the fall, darn it! Ok, I've complained about the weather enough.

Since there wasn't any rain forecasted I was excited to be able to wear a skirt. After reflecting on the 260 Days, No Repeats "archives" it is well documented that I (apparently) prefer skirts to pants. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's because skirts (and dresses) are easy to wear, or maybe because I have lots of them and the possibilities are endless. Either way, I have a feeling that skirts are going to be just as prevalent now as they were in the past as long as the weather gets it together but, I digress...

• Top: white, black, and pink paisley tank top, WUHOU via Big Fat Flea; black short sleeved blazer, Juicy Couture via Ashby
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

I previously wore this blazer here.

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

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

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.

Pencil Skirt For The Win

Wednesday night was the last night of my certification/professional development test prep class (yay?) I enjoyed being back in the classroom enhancing my knowledge of things but, it wasn't all "message in a dry erase pen on the door" and frat party fun. I have a whole new respect for people who work full time while going back to school. It is exhausting. Thankfully, now that the class has come to an end I can get back to normal life (crazy work, house stuff, blogging) while continuing to study on my own time for the test in June. 

I more impressed with the fact that I pulled off a more polished outfit than last week. That's not to say that capris and a sweater are unprofessional (they're not) but, a pencil skirt and sweater trumps the former in professional style points every time, don't you think? My picture location (dressing room) is just another reminder that planning ahead for blogging things it better than winging it throughout the busy work week. Lesson learned...

• Top: purple sweater, Sonoma 
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

Casual Friday, With a Twist

While tweeting up a storm last week I came across an article about reasons for opting out of Casual Friday. I was intrigued, as I'm sure you are. What would possess someone to want to give up their well earned Friday comfy time? Well, after perusing the article I noted some very valid points and gave the whole idea some more consideration. It lead me to realize that many of the senior members of my department (all women) choose not to wear jeans on Friday. They might wear fun colored or patterned pants but, no jeans. Maybe it's time to give it try and do something different so today I am not wearing jeans! I am wearing a denim skirt, baby steps.

We also have to talk about my sandals. I bought these sandals in 2008 then in 2011 they died, then a few weeks ago we crossed paths again! I was wandering around Brooklyn with a friend and we stopped at an awesome local thrift store. I found these sandals (brand new with the tags) in my new skinnier shoe size... it was meant to be. The only issue was that because of how long they had been sitting around unworn the heels were falling off which I didn't notice until after I tried to wear them for the first time, awkward... Lucky for me Hubby is pretty handy at fixing things, even shoes, problem solved. Now, inquiring minds want to know: Do you think it's a good idea to opt out of casual Friday? Would you skip your office jeans time?

• Top: floral t-shirt, Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohls; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: denim pencil skirt, Torrid
• Shoes & Accessories: silver sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via Buffalo Exchange; silver wire flower earrings, MOMA

I'm linking up with Fashion Fun Friday

An Unexpected End

Well, you all know what happened... I got the proverbial boot. At least I looked well put together and professional when it happened. I think it would have been much more difficult if I looked like a hot mess while we discussed the less than pleasant details. While I was (and still am) feeling strangely positive about the whole thing, I was melancholy that afternoon... no one likes rejection.

• Top: red embellished sweater, RED via Loehmanns/gift from Mom; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

August 17, 2012: A Druzy Of A Time

A few weeks ago I went to a sample sale at W/A Studios in midtown. I found out about it through The Blogger Collective, a fab group of blogging fashionistas that I'm a part of because I'm cool... Anyway, some of the founders happen to know the couple that runs the jewelry design house and arranged a private sale for us with jewelry samples from current and past seasons and a sneak peek at what they are working on for the upcoming seasons. If the company doesn't sound familiar to you don't worry, I couldn't quite place it either but, when I saw some of their offerings I was knew I had seen it before. Their sparkly baubles are sold at big names like Henri Bendel and small specialty boutiques all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

While I was there I got some gifts and a few things for myself. When I had this druzy necklace in my hands I fell in love and when the designer found similar earrings it was a done deal. Because I sometimes subscribe to the school of instant gratification I wanted to pair one of those druzy items with whatever I was wearing the next day! Thankfully they are fairly neutral but, let's be honest I would have been hard pressed to find nothing in my extensive wardrobe. I was excited to rock my new earrings but, even more excited for it to be a denim Friday and most excited for my fun after work activity seeing the Yayoi Kusama exhibit at The Whitney Museum... I'm packing all the fun things in before the end of summer (darn it)? What fun things have you done so far?

• Top:  blue crochet neck blouse (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here); beige short sleeved jacket, GAP
• Bottom: denim pencil skirt, Torrid
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; pink druzy earrings, W/A Studios; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

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

Weekend Wear: International Gem & Jewelry Show

Today I took my mother to the International Gem and Jewelry Show in White Plains. We had a great time! If you have nothing going on tomorrow you should totally head to the Westchester County Center and check it out. With prices starting as low as $2.00 there is something for everyone! You can also come across some fantastic one of a kind pieces like the ring my mother got me, love it! 

After we went to the jewelry show we grabbed lunch at one of my fav spots, Panera. I can't get enough of the creamy tomato soup. Mom took the outfit pictures today, it was an interesting process. She is half a foot shorter than me so the first few pictures were from completely different than BF who is taller than me. We worked it out! Have you done anything fun this weekend so far?

• Top:  lilac and white striped t-shirt, LOFT; khaki green blazer, GAP
• Bottom: denim pencil skirt, Torrid
• Shoes & Accessories: brown topsiders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago courtesy of Sebago via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; gray scarf, H&M; mockingjay pin, NECA via eBay; citrine and sterling silver ring, Designs by Terra via International Gem and Jewelry Show/gift from Mom; purple patent leather tote, Coach

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 7, 2012: Sticking With It

I came back!!! I'm holding to this new staggered schedule gosh darn-nit... Since picture taking Sunday happened this weekend I am able to reap the benefits of having my outfits all planned out when I wake up in the morning. It keeps me from wanting to rip my hair out because I can't find anything to wear or being too schlumpy because I just grab the first thing that I find but, most importantly it keeps me from being late to work... so far, so good.

One of the things that I have learned from this overall experience is that a sweater vest is a great was to cover up potential gaping in a button down shirt. I understand, this isn't a problem for everyone but, the inability to wear button down shirts without buttons popping open is an issue for me no matter what size I get. I know there are worse things but, it can be frustrating. While my high school dress code (you will never see me in a crested blazer ever!) has definitely put me off collared shirts as an everyday thing, every once and a while I think it might look nice. Thank goodness for sweater vests and fashion tape!

What wardrobe tips and tricks have you picked up through your blogging experience or just in general?

• Top: gray pinstripe button down shirt, The Limited via The Unique Thrift Store; purple argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here, here, and here) 
• 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 can be previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here


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

November 8, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere Has Colored Tights

When colored tights came up at the theme for this month over at Everybody, Everywear I knew that I had this in the bag. Remember rainbow tights week? Yeah... I'm excited to break the stretchy goodness out of hibernation! Unfortunately, it is uncommonly warm today. Why not have a snow storm then an almost 70° day within a few weeks of each other? It makes total sense to me but, I might need to hold off on breaking out the rest for a little while longer...

• Top:  gray camo/animal print ruffle button down shirt, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; teal tights, Merona for Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

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