Teacher Dress

I'm sorry for the gap in posts; life happens, as you know. My personal style mission hasn't changed so, I am getting back to it... One of my biggest challenges this week so far was that I, kind of, hated (almost) every outfit that I put together over the weekend. So, instead of being able to post everything in advance, even pictures were taken, I ended up second guessing my ensembles, coming up with new (more awesome) outfits, and taking more pictures. Yes, it was as frustrating as it sounds. Now about those clothes...

This ensemble reminds me of something that a teacher would wear, right? Maybe I just had very fashion forward instructors when I was in school throughout the years. Either way, I was leading some trainings on Monday so, it was a teacher's outfit (technically.) This dress was my first experience with eShakti.com and I'm glad that it still fits (for the most part.) I didn't do much customization the first time around (other than adding pockets) but, the classic style and quality is something to note in the world of fast-fashion that we live in.

• Top: red blue bird printed dress, c/o eShakti.com; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; gray labradorite earrings, Pennyweights

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

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

Weekend Wear: My Cousin's Wedding

I've (kinda) been going on and on about my cousin's wedding so the least I could do is share pictures of me in the fabulous Adrianna Papell dress that I wore! I was so happy when I found it hiding on the sales rack at Macy's after a lengthy search; all it needed was a little tailoring (funky zipper popping out problems) and then it was perfect. I might have said this before but, if you are ever in a pinch for a special occasion dress you should Google Adrianna Papell and see what they have to offer. I'm sure there will be something for you. 

I was equally happy about the fact that I was able to find jewelry and shoes to go with this dress and the occasion in my accessory arsenal so I didn't have to purchase anything else. While my natural old inclination would have been to scrounge up some pink, purple, or yellow jewelry to matchy match the dress my newer style inspired me to go with neutral silver... it goes with everything! What would you have paired this dress with?

• Top: Sleeveless Pleated Surplice Floral Printed Faux Wrap, Adrianna Papell
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW;  labradorite necklace, V'ta Jewelry; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; brown sunglasses, Mossimo for Target; White Monogram Multicolore Alma, Louis Vuitton (not pictured)

June 5, 2012: How To Incorporate Color Into Your Work Wardrobe

If you asked me what colors I thought personified summer I would say orange/coral and turquoise. Those three two colors just scream sun kissed fun in the sun to me. One of the things that I have been trying to do with them is incorporate them into my work wardrobe in fun and appropriate ways. While little pops of color are always most appropriate in very corporate environments, I think this outfit might push the envelope a bit... or maybe I'm just totally paranoid about dressing for work. After thinking about it here are a few tips and tricks I have under my belt for bringing more color into my (work) life:

• Neutral + Pop Of Color - One of the easiest and least jarring ways to accomplish the goal of incorporating bright colors into a work wardrobe is by including small amounts of color in a largely neutral or basic outfit. And this rule applies  The easiest way to do this is with jewelry but, really any small amount of color thrown in there does the trick!

• Nail It - If you can't reconcile wearing bright colored clothing or accessories in the office then maybe you can get on board with polishing your nails in a stand out shade. This is a good first step for those who might have an aversion to color generally.   

• One Focal Point - It is also easier to wear a bright color when you create one point to focus on so, instead of wearing multiple eye catching pieces you just wear one and anchor your look with that. It could be a a simple shirt, a piece of jewelry, or a pair of shoes... whatever works for you.
  

• Fun shoes/Fun tights - I feel like this tip might be a little trickier to pull off especially when it comes to tights. People might do a double take if you are wearing some killer shoes in an eye catching color but, probably not think twice about it. However, Tights occupy alot more space on your body, naturally and draw significant attention. Purple and teal are normally safe bets. Get ready for the comments either way!

And now onto what I wore... I guess with this outfit I combined a few all of the rules but, as we know I'm not afraid of color. I think overall it's still work appropriate but, bright and perfect for the summer. How do you incorporate color into your work wardrobe?

• Top: orange crochet embellished shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here and here); beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, xhiliration for Target; turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; 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, and here.

April 26, 2012: Comfy Professional

I was on my feet all day at my big spring recruiting event but, it was totally worth it because it was a success. While I was still exhausted the next morning when I woke up I put together a pretty professional outfit, no? I know I've said it before but, you really can't go wrong with a dress! It's such an easy and comfortable, way to present yourself at work while remaining acceptable professional. I was happy with that!

• Top: black and gray plaid dress with pockets, LOFT; black cardigan, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; gray swarovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 7, 2011: Wishing For Double

Do you have things in your wardrobe that you wish you had bought multiples of? Or do buy multiples of? Not in different colors or patterns; I'm talking about actually purchasing two for the same exact thing for when the first one eventually falls apart due to consistent use. Well, I have learned my lesson regarding that. When I find something I love and use all the time I am totally buying two from now on... 

This doesn't really pertain to clothes as much as it does shoes. I am so in love with these flats! I can't believe I didn't think of them before when I was struggling to find office appropriate shoes in my shoe closet. The problem is that I have had them for close to three years now and they are literally falling apart. The same can be said for my silver gladiator sandals, nothing is ever quite the same color.  If I had known in May 2008 that I would be in this position now I would totally have ponied up another $20 or $25 for duplicates!

Also, I'm wearing stuff on my body not just my feet. The outfit I'm wearing today is very similar to this outfit.

• Top: orange tank top, J Crew; beige short sleeved jacket, GAP
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut out flats, Merona for Target (similar here); turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; turquoise and silver bead necklace. gift from Mom; brown tote bag, Bulga

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

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• April 7, 2010
• Wishing For Double

Created on Jun 7, 2011

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January 31, 2011: Dress For Success

Monday I went to work on a mission, I was going to give my two weeks notice. No, not on a whim; I got a new job! I have actually been look for a while sporadically but, recently it took a turn for the serious and within a week or two I was going on first and second round interviews and apparently acing them. More on that later though...

I was super nervous about giving my notice for a whole bunch of reasons like what if my boss gets mad at me or what is he offers me more money to stay (which wouldn't work) or what if he gets super sad? More importantly though, what if he gets mad at me? I was still hoping for a recommendation on top of the fact that I genuinely like my boss and want to stay BFF4L!

So, in an effort to calm my nerves I did that thing I do... got dressed. I know we've talked about this before but, I would just like to reiterate my firm belief in the fact that when you look put together you exude more confidence and in turn feel more confident of yourself or at least I do. So animal print mixed with animal print and killer heels in the snow it was. Too bad he was on vacation yesterday.

• Top: purple v-neck sweater, H&M; leopard tank top underneath for the modesty, Express
• Bottom:  ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; gray tights, We Love Colors; gray labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns 

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

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December 15, 2010: Keeping Tradition Alive

Everything that I wore yesterday was new to 260 Days, No Repeats even the shoes! After the holidays I am definitely going to do some sort of theme week; forgotten shoes, new to you, maybe both but, I digress... I love the idea of this outfit but, it wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world. The skirt is a little small but, also a little short. It was very awkward sitting in a meeting full of program directors and assistant directors while checking to make sure that I wasn't flashing too much thigh! Note to self: Don't wear this skirt again until you have shrunk a few inches or lose a few pounds, thanks! Also, don't be fooled by BF's picture taking cues or your face will freeze like that...

The only thing that was comfortable about the outfit was the shoes. I haven't worn them in a while but, only because I had forgotten about them (not an excuse I know) not because they weren't practical, comfortable, and stylish. I even wore them while traipsing around midtown after work to fulfill a Christmas tradition of BF's and mine: getting an ornament from Saks Fifth Avenue and seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. We have gotten a Christopher Radko ornament each year since we moved in together and each of them signifies an event/s from the year. This year it was this one to commemorate our trip to the tree farm which my Mom later informed me was not the first time, I went when I was very young. I'm sure there are pictures somewhere... What are your favorite christmas traditions?

• Top: ivory sweater, Old Navy with a beige tank top underneath, for the modesty
• Bottom: purple houndstooth skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: brown snake skin kitten heel shoes, Coach; brown tights, Merona for Target; moonstone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; moonstone and peridot (my birthstone) necklace, Pennyweights/gifted; brown Loeffler Randall bag, Target (same bag different color here)

December 2, 2010: Crack of Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

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October 26, 2010: A Day Late, A Dollar Short

Sorry for the delay. I am still having trouble acclimating to the CA/NY time difference. I'm sure I'll get back into my groove soon enough but, for the rest of this week I am going to be featuring the day before's outfit... what can I say? Life happens but, it should even out.

Yesterday I was focusing on comfort over everything. As I'm getting used to taking these outdoor pictures I followed a bit of advice from JoAnn of Sidewalk Chalk about posing in pictures, one foot in front of the other (life lessons people, life lessons) I need some balance before I attempt that again, I almost went down.

• Top: blue ruffled blouse, Atelier via Loehmanns; tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; labradorite necklace, V'ta Jewelry; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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October 19, 2010: Hit The Ground Running

It's good to be back! No, not from vacation... to the blog! I wish I was still in California (they have the internet there too, I could have made it work) but, I digress... Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things AKA not take tomorrow's picture in the hallway but, transitioning back to normal life is harder that I remember! Today, I need to make it work because it is back to the office this morning and then to a committee meeting this evening.

Please forgive the pajama-like outfit, with all these things I have to take care of I appreciate/need the comfort while tihngs get back to normal! Plus, I'm not used to this chilly weather quite yet but, I am going be inspired by Nina and Lyddiegal's advice and layer! What are your tips for dressing in the falling temperatures?

• Top: red ribbed tank top, GAP; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: brown and red pinstripe pants, New York & Company (these are one of the pairs of pants that I needed to lengthen and let the cuffs down, how do you think they came out?) 
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede-ish kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; turquoise and silver cross necklace; black Spy Bag, Fendi 

September 8, 2010: WWW - Plain White Tanks

Please excuse my asleep appearance, I woke up super early to head into the city for a training (hence the casual attire, jeans three times in one week that is crazy!) and had BF snap a few shots before we ran for the bus, this was the least terrible! Hopefully tomorrow will be better...

When I took part in academichic's Dress Your Best Week one of the things that I noted as being a fav part of myself was my "girls." But... as I had previously lamented; they are fairly ample so I need to take measures to keep them in check. Mostly that means a supportive bra and tank tops "for the modesty" as I like to say. I have a myriad of colors to chose from but, the ones that I make the most use of are the white ones. They might be simple and seemingly inconsequential but, I would be indecent and limited in my wardrobe selection without them...

• 
  
  Top: purple dotted blouse, New York and Company, with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway sweater, New York and Company
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: black flip flops, Rocket Dog; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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

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August 23, 2010: Sunshine, Where Did You Go?

This week is going to be an absolute mess weather wise; humid, raining, and at the same time cold. What happened to the summer? I thought I still had more time to wear the oodles of dresses and forgotten shoes that I have yet to utilize. I'm looking forward to the last weekend in August being appropriately warm and sunny. I guess they will just have to wait... Either way, I can't wear everything that I have been holding off on in such a short period of time! Today I am trying to get the ball rolling but, I'm not going to stress. This personal style challenge won't come to a close until April and hopefully it will be warming up all over again at that point! Can you believe we are closing in on 6 months already? I can't. Do you hold off on wearing certain items only to realize that you have missed your window? Apparently, I do.

• Top: red crochet embellished tank top, LOFT; brown and black zebra print cardigan (for the modesty), New York and Company
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch gifted via Plaza Too

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

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July 29, 2010: The Sincerest Form

I went to a wedding a few months ago and it was one of the best weddings I have been to in my adult life! Everything was so laid back and relaxed; all the guests were just having a good time and celebrating. Most importantly there was no bridezilla! She was having a ball in her cocktail length wedding dress (with pockets!!) hot pink shoes and button bouquet! These forgotten shoes and simple dress are an homage to her relaxed style even on one of the most important days of her life! Hopefully I can be as laidback while I wait for Friday...

• Top: black convertible dress, Monif C. Although Monif C is a fabulous plus size brand this particular dress will fit anyone size 8-24 and is a great addition to your wardrobe! There are about 22 different ways to tie/pin/gather the dress and I am keeping it modest for the office. I could shift a few things around for happy hour after or date night with the right accessories.
• Shoes & Accessories: hot pink espadrilles, Chrisitan Louboutin; pink swawrovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

July 28, 2010: I Though I Was...

I'm was going to give the forgotten shoes a break today. But, I know they are itching to be worn and I was struck inspiration for this outfit while I was getting ready to run out the door. I really was not intending for all of these shoes to be worn in the order that they are pictured but, it seems to be working out that way...

I'm not sure that I LOVE this final choice but, I only have so much time in the morning to come up with an outfit. One would say, "You should lay out your clothes the night before"  and in this case I had but, when I put it on this morning it just wasn't working for me, such is life.

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: gray cropped pants, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise wedges, born; turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; multi-stone bracelet, V'ta (not pictured); purple bag, Coach

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

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Night Out: Birthday!

My friend Natalia (awesome earring gifter) is having a birthday party tonight. I am heading into the city to partake in the festivities at Verlaine. Although 260 Days, No Repeats is mainly meant to be about what I wear to work it's fun to show you a few of my after hour/special occasion looks.

• Top: gray ruffled v-neck tank top, New York and Company; black blazer (not pictured)
• Bottom: dark wash trouser jeans, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Nordstrom Rack
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; gray swarovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights

May 7, 2010

Yesterday I got SO many compliments on my dress! I love when something so simple and classic can be such cause for conversation!

Today I am not feeling the standard Friday theme. Maybe it's because I had a break mid-week, or because I have alot of work to do, or perhaps it's some other unknown reason... I just can't put my finger on it! Don't get me wrong I love the weekends but, I have a feeling that this one will come and go pretty quickly without that satisfying sense of rest.

• Top: lilac vintage Lacoste polo, via mom/thrifted
• Bottom: dark denim capris, random brand that fit via Macy's
• Shoes & Accessories: black Rocket Dog sneakers; handmade silkscreened scarf from Lyon, France via Little Brother during his study abroad tied as a headscarf for a vintage feel; swarovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

April 29, 2010

My favorite accessories by far are my handbags. For some ladies it's shoes, others jewelry but, all I need to be truly happy (with my wardrobe) is a great bag!

On my trip to London in 2004 (wow it doesn't feel that long ago) with my fav cousin V and our mutual friend Alex we took in as many sites as we could during our brief time there. As a fledgling fashionista one of my stops had to be Harrods. It was exceedingly similar to Macy's Herald Square and one of the few things I remeber from the inside of the store was the Tracey Emin for Longchamp posters plastered all over and those beautiful bags in the glass cases obviously too expensive for me to purchase at their retail price. But, less than a year later those same ah-mazing bags were available at the Longchamp outlet and the rest is history... Today's outfit was definitely put together to showcase the tote I loved, lost, and later purchased! Either way, I am quite fond of the whole outfit's classic simplicity.

• Top: white short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft (similar here)
• Bottom: khaki a-line skirt, Merona for Target (similar here)
• Shoes & Accessories: denim (on trend for spring) slingbacks, Christian Louboutin via A Second Chance Resale; limited edition Tracey Emin for Longchamp Pliage via the outlet (the floral print is representative of another sping '10 trend); silver, amethyst, and some other light blue stone earring from Pennyweights