Vacation Ready

This outfit is from last Thursday before I left for the (extra) long weekend. While it was still a regular work day I was ready for fun times with family and friends, can't you tell? Yeah, plaid skirt/shorts/pants convey a more laid back vibe to me too especially, when they are borderline madras. Even with my more casual ensemble I was looking extremely professional compared to some of my co-workers who were seemingly already on vacation. 

The interesting thing about this skirt is that while it is meant to be worn with the weird pockets in the front (as pictured) I ended up turning it around and wearing the pockets in the back. From what I could tell it looked acceptable and no one stared at me or called me out on it so, I think it was a success. At least that's what I'll tell myself. What do you think?  

• Top: orange button down shirt, Eddie Bauer
• Bottom: orange, beige, and brown plaid skirt, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; amelia drop earrings, Stella & Dot

I most recently wore this shirt here.

Back At It

I hope everyone had an amazing long weekend (even if it wasn't as long as mine) with family and friends. Mine was pretty cray cray and i will tell you all about it in due time... Right now, I am slowly integrating back into the real world via work, errands, blogging, etc. "Slowly" being the key word though because this outfit is from yesterday. I promise, by Friday afternoon we will be all caught up. Since it is another short (and hot) week I am less inclined to throw myself back into full business professional attire anyway and am instead focused on the "casual" side of my office dress code.

This shirt was something that I picked up last month while I was visiting some of my favorite shopping places my cousin. As a busty person and former prep school student I normally stay away from button down shirts. Besides the fact that almost flashing people is awkward, surviving including this simple style in every outfit for four years straight made me never want to go back. Don't even get me started on crested blazers but, I digress...  Ever since my whole new cardigan experience, however, I have been interested in/more comfortable with trying out button down things so I am trying it out, thoughts?

• Top: purple gingham shirt, J Crew via Clementine
• Bottom: khaki green skirt, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cap toe ballet flats, Guiseppe Zanotti via Buffalo Exchange; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

(Business) Casual Friday

This outfit is from last Friday, and you thought I forgot... Today it's two for one, again!

It was another non-demin (kinda) casual Friday. As much as wearing jeans on Friday is something that I love, for a number of reasons, there are times when it is just more appropriate to skip the denim. For example, performance evaluations or recruitment events. Today Last Friday was the latter. While, I wouldn't normally schedule an event like that on a Friday a community partner that I have connected with was handling everything for me so, it was only appropriate to work within the parameters of their availability. Even though I wasn't in my full interviewing regalia I was definitely in a more professional frame of mind than on an "average" casual Friday. I think that counts for something. 

• Top: white ruffle embellished shift, LOFT
• Bottom: brown and blue plaid pants, C Wonder
• Shoes & Accessories: beige flats, Coach; peach cushion cut solitaire earrings, c/o Sorelli

Retro Reminiscent

It's amazing what small changes do to change something as a whole. Example: add hydrogen to oxygen and it makes water. Science. I digress...  the first time I looked at these pants the only thing I could think of was golfing. I would just like to be clear and confess that I am not actually a golfer. Fortunately for me them I have preppy fashion sensibilities because that impression made it a done deal and I had to have them even though they will probably never hit the links.

As I look for items from my (now minuscule) wardrobe to pair them with (in non golfing life) this combo that I ended up with invokes images of a beehive hair-do or perhaps a headband, cat eye sunglasses, and melamine pitchers filled with lemonade at a bygone picnic that never existed in my lifetime. I think it's the shoes. What do picnics have to do with work? Nothing, but, while I am reminded of an older time this is still a professional ensemble for the office especially on a cold summer spring day.

• Top: black cardigan, Merona
• Bottom: tailored crop plaid wool pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this sweater here.

I'm linking up with Confident Twosdays 

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!

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!

Be(e) Happy

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

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

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

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

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.

April 23, 2012: Monday WIN

Every Monday I wake up and I want to crawl back in bed and call out sick. Sometimes it's because I'm not feeling well rested, sometimes it's because I know there is a to-do list of apartment related tasks that is calling my names but, most of the time it's because I want to cuddle with BF who doesn't work on Monday... that jerk fantastic person. When I can actually resist the urge to call out sick, which is generally every Monday, I am faced with the challenge of dressing as my best professional self despite my urge to reach for the skinny pants and/or flyaway cardigan.

This past Monday was a total win, I wore normal pants and a blazer! Granted these pants are made of a knit material and this pink blouse is basically a t-shirt but, I would still consider it a win, especially for a Monday. The important thing is that I avoided my Monday crutch pieces and persevered with a fairly professional outfit! Do you have the same problem on Mondays? How do you avoid your go to comfy pieces?

• Top: pink rosette embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, and here); gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; 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 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. 

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!!

October 27, 2011: Professional Boots

I worked from home yesterday and I wish every day could be like that figured I would take these lovely boots out for a test drive today. It is going to rain and my options for wet weather footwear that are acceptable in this new office are practically non existent. I think this pair might be a game changer on that front!

In my attempts to still keep things office appropriate I decided to pair the boots with very opaque black tights,  I think that makes all the difference. Now I have a skirt solution for the rainy/cold weather! Unfortunately, I don't think these boots would work with pants in any weather. I'm fairly certain there is something in our dress code that specifically rules out tight pants tucked into boots. That is definitely something to look into...

• Top:  yellow short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here); white tank top underneath for the modesty; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black Mirage boots, courtesy of Cougar Boots;  black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom; purple tote bag, Coach

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

October 10, 2011: New Employee Orientation, Again

So yesterday I was doing another new employee orientation thing so the outfit I put on had to make a modest and professional impact. It's even more important because the person that I was "on-boarding" is older than me and I more often than not have a problem with that.

Yes, I understand you are a seasoned professional but, you still have to listen to what I'm saying! Good I'm glad you understand that this blazer gives me a heightened level of authority (at least this is how it goes in my head...)

• Top: black and gray plaid dress with pockets, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray Le Dix/Motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

August 18, 2011: Unnecessary Hesitation

I have had this amazing dress from eshakti.com for a while and still haven't worn it. Well that is about to change today. The biggest challenge with the dress has been finding a way to make it more work appropriate. For a while I thought that it might not have been professional enough or too dressy/theatrical to wear (I can't really make up my mind) in the office but, after recent discussions I though, "Why not see how it goes" and paired it with some vintage inspired accessories.

Don't forget to check out eshakti.com for amazing customizable pieces that will fit you and your wardrobe needs perfectly. While you're at it use my discount code, 260DAYS0811, and get $20 off of a purchase of $20 or more. It's not good on overstocks but, should work fine on everything else! 

• Top: red bird motif wood block print cotton twill dress, courtesy of eshakti.com; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York/Mom's closet clean-out 
• Shoes & Accessories: yellow vintage inspired cut-out wedges, Merona for Target; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro (not pictured)

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

August 3, 2011: Back to Brown

No, I'm not completely reverting back to the hallway but, it was raining and I like to stay dry... 

Pre-blog the color combination in this outfit would have been a no brainer. Light brown plaid pants with a darker brown top = automatic; but, since taking of this personal style challenge I have constantly been challenging myself step out of my comfort zone and try new things like pairing these light brown bottoms with yellow or blue (crazy, I know). What was so wrong with just pairing it with brown? I think this phenomenon is a trap that we really should try to avoid... Yes, yellow and blue do look great with these pants (hence the shoes and bag) but, that doesn't mean that the most basic combinations don't work as well!  Do you, as a blogger, shun pairings you used to make because they are too "safe"?

• Top: brown short sleeve scoop neck sweater, GAP (same sweater different color here and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: brown plaid capris, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target; gold filagree earrings, AVON gift from Mom; yellow should bag

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

June 15, 2011: Total Humpday

I might not have felt my regular case of "The Mondays" this past Monday but, today I am painfully aware that it is only Wednesday. I am also without interesting words, darn you Wednesday...

• Top: blue crochet neck blouse (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here)
• Bottom: brown plaid capris, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Merona via Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP

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

April 5, 2011: Multiple Choice Question

You may think that you have seen this sweater before but, you would be mistaken you might have seen it's sister or maybe it's rando cousin but, this sweater is all new (to you at least.) As I've said before: I'm all about buying multiples. When you find something that works for you at a good price, why not? This sweater was no exception although, it is was a challenge for me to resist the preppy allure of argyle in general. Do you have a favorite clothing item that you buy in multiples? Or when you find something that is perfect for you do you snatch up as many as you can?

• Top: black, gray, and white argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, and here.)
• Bottom: gray plaid pencil skirt, AB Studio from Mom via Kohl's
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit and previously seen and remixed in Year 1 here and here.

November 3, 2010: Back To It

It is official, I am back to work, yay! I had a job fair today so we all know what that means... professional modest clothes and all that jazz. Thankfully the week is halfway through!

• Top: navy embellished t-shirt, second hand via Mom
• Bottom: plaid pants, Bitten for Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

October 21, 2010: Memory Lapse

Today I am operating on very little sleep and am delirious! I must be because I seem to have forgotten that it is pretty darn cold outside and am wearing an outfit that could/would probably work for spring or early summer. Note to self, check the weather before getting dressed. I should be fine once I get to my office, hopefully... On another note, I don't mean to look a gift horse in the mouth (where did that saying come from? O, here's something on that) but, since when is tomorrow Friday?

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP
• Bottom:  brown plaid capris, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here, I should have picked them up while they still had them in my size as a replacement. These are falling apart...) FYI if you pick up the the October 2010 edition of Real Simple there is a 20% off Merona coupon in there, or you could just rip it out at the grocery checkout... either way!; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; brown leather tote bag, Bulga   

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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