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

Weekend Wear: (Surprise) Wedding Guest

I am alive! I know it's been a while and I will get into that but, right now I have a much more important question: Have you ever had someone close to you call you and announce that they are getting married? Yeah ok, totes normal. How about with the ceremony occurring within 48 hours of that conversation?! Me neither, that is until my cousin (bestie/partner in crime) called me on Thursday afternoon, before the most recent long weekend, to inform me that her and her boyfriend of a decade were going to tie the knot on Saturday. After the initial shock/excitement/panic/happiness I went into honorary bridesmaid mode trying to determine what the plans were, what (if anything) she needed me to bring, and how I could assist with things leading up to the ceremony.

It wasn't until much later that day that I started thinking about what my plans would be for the wedding? More specifically, what would I wear for the festivities? With the limited amount of time I had (understatement,) I needed to find something in my closet that would be appropriate. Thankfully, over the past few months, since the purge, I have been intermittently shopping and picking up items, with no rhyme or reason but, that fill gaps in my wardrobe. This amazing maxi dress seemed like a no brainer for a summer soiree but, not really for a wedding ensemble. My apprehension stemmed from the fact that "they" say you shouldn't wear black to weddings. In the end my cousin was ok with it so, what do "they" really know anyway?

• Top: black, red, and white polka dot maxi dress, Banana Republic via Clementine
• Shoes & Accessories: tortoise shell Wayfarers, Ray Ban via Lenscrafters; black Olivia sandals, Dolce Vita; pearl earrings, Macys

Spot On

Out of all of the things that I got from my Mom's recent closet clean out this skirt is one of my favorites. I am a sucker for anything that has a plethora of colors. Perhaps it's because of my name, Greek mythology anyone? Nerd alert! Also, polka dots are the best but, I digress... I recall the few times that my Mom wore this skirt I  thought, in the back of my mind, that I had to find a way to annex it from her wardrobe. My patience paid off!

The shirt that I am wearing is also from my Mom's recent closet clean out. Ironically, this shirt was something I had given to her, back in the day, when it didn't fit me anymore. Like I said before, I guess it's (maybe) good that she doesn't get rid of things. Since I am still going to the gym and my body keeps changing shape and getting less face I'm not sure what the shelf life for this shirt is but, I am going to take advantage of a basic addition (which I needed) to my wardrobe while I can.

Also, I got a haircut, what do you think? No one has really noticed except for one rando co-worker.

• Top: red scoopneck t-shirt, New York & Company via Mom's closet clean out
• Bottom: multi-color polka dot skirt, Paniz via Mom's closet clean out 
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; yellow shell earrings, Steve & Barry's

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

Lady In Red

This outfit is from yesterday. I only have a few stragglers to post and by next week I will be all caught up. Anyway, after getting an influx of new clothing items over the weekend I had to immediately start wearing them (obviously.) One of the challenges in wearing clothes that was from someone else's wardrobe is that it might need some tweaking stylistically or size wise but, that wasn't going to stop me! In the case of this dress, it was both. While the overall fit was sufficient it was a little big in the top. What made that more challenging to pull off was the sweetheart neckline. Tank top to the rescue, again,

Now on to the star of this ensemble, these shoes! I spotted them in the thrift store and just had to at least try them on, right? Yup. After walking around for five seconds a bit I just knew I had to add them to my shoe wardrobe, right? Exactly. They couldn't have been a more perfect match for this dress (ALL the retro inspired things) but, what else should I pair them with? Decisions, decisions....

• Top: red sweetheart neckline dress, eShakti.com/Mom's closet raid; black tank top, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white retro inspired pumps, Bakers via The Unique Thrift Store; vintage silver earrings, my Abuela 

Pattern Mixing Redux

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

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

I most recently wore this blazer here.

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

Weekend Wear: Swap Style

Weekends often consist of errands, shopping, and other boring things like that but, occasionally there is something fun happening or I am wearing an outfit that I want to share. This was an outfit that I wore to my first clothing swap (among other errands, etc.) Overall the experience of the swap was alright but, your "shopping" success at any swap is entirely contingent on the other people that are attending being your size. That was not really the case in this instance, even though I am in the sweet spot in the overlap of regular and plus size, and I didn't have much luck finding items for myself. 

The other reason that I wouldn't label this experience a rousing success was because there were some unpleasant people there. There were loud complainers, line cutters, and hoarders (AKA I am going to grab everything and sort it out in the corner later). I even got into a "Filene's Basement wedding dress sale" like battle with a woman over a dress that she grabbed after I grabbed it. By battle I mean we exchanged words and then she huffed away. After everything, I think swapping is a great idea but, knowing what you are getting yourself into is the first step... what kind of items will be there? will there be items in your size? how many other people will be there? If the answers to those questions aren't favorable then it isn't worth your time. Has anyone been to a swap? Have you held your own swap? How was the experience for you? 

• Top: black and white polka dot dress, Forever 21 via The Big Fat Flea
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil; cherry print tote, Luella for Target

Don't forget to enter to win a $75 gift certificate from Shabby Apple!

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. 

October 1, 2011: Black, White, and Light Layers

Yeah, I've been having some issues keeping up with blogging. October is a new month and I am ready to get back on track without getting ahead of myself (I hope.) One of the biggest challenges I am facing in regards to getting dress is the weather. I wake up in the morning and it's cold but, by the end of the day it is extremely warm. Also, I was pretty darn sick and am still getting over the remnants of my illness so, these seemingly subtle changes in temperature are very noticeable to me. 

My solution for now is light tops and a jackets/cardi with a pashmina in my purse in case I need additional warmth. Have you come down with the rando cold/flu that is plaguing the general population right now? How are you handling the change in the weather?

• Top: black and white polka dot dress, Forever 21 via The Big Fat Flea; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather flats, Payless; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a New York Fashion Week Swag Bundle!

January 4, 2012: Corporate Bohemian

I got more comments last week about what I was wearing to work that I have in a long time beginning with purple tights and continuing with this outfit. Apparently this fall color palette was so comment worthy that I had a full gamut of people give me their opinion about it. My favorite was a male co-worker of mine who told me that mustard yellow was his favorite color and that I was awesome for wearing it in the office; The new hire who called me a corporate bohemian and this quite girl who never speaks telling me that maroon and gold were her school colors was cool as well. I didn't even think of it when I got dressed but, these are my high school colors as well... awkward?   

What is your favorite color palette to wear to the office? Is there anything that is off limits?

• Top: red long sleeved shirt, Van Heusen (same shirt different color here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom:  yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bead necklace, Vintage; 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, and here.

December 9. 2011: Ladies Night

The Friday before last my co-workers planned an after work happy hour event. I wanted to wear something to work that would be appropriate for both so I wouldn't have to change. This dress/cardigan combo was the perfect solution.

• Top: blue polka dot dress, Ezra courtesy of ModCloth with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black cardigan, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, and here)
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

November 2, 2011: I've Got a Tie-Neck Blouse, Kinda...

If you are participating in this theme week please link up below and put the trend that you are representing where it asks for your name. Please leave a comment after you post, thanks!

Ok let's talk about the gala for a hot second: It was extremely fancy, I saw a bunch of people from my old job that I missed alot, it is great to see that everything is going so well for the agency overall, it made me miss working there a bit, I got to meet Brandon Jacobs (running back for the New York Giants), I almost fell going up on stage to read raffle winners (darn shoes) the food was delicious, and it was an overall lovely evening!

Now about what I'm wearing today... I used to have actual tie neck blouses in my closet but, after they went unworn for a number of years I decided to donate them. Silly me, everything always comes back! But, since I doubt they would still be sitting around the second hand store and I don't want to buy anything new I needed to find a way to make this work. Enter, really long scarf tied in a bow! I think it works out perfectly. Also, I'm wearing polka dots again... I just cant get away from those Minnie Mouse trends  

• Top: light blue short sleeved sweater, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, and here); white polka dot button down, Merona for Target; 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; blue, green, and black scarf, Lane Bryant; 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 31, 2011: Polka Dots + Chunky Heels = Minnie Mouse

If you are participating in this theme week please link up below and put the trend that you are representing where it asks for your name. Please leave a comment after you post, thanks!

Happy Halloween!! Yes, I am dressing up to go to work today. There is actually a tradition of "newbies" (AKA people who have not yet experienced Halloween at the firm) dressing up to celebrate. It started out as a practical joke where one group tricked their new employees into dressing up for the holiday and everyone has been continuing it every since. This year it has gotten a bit more official, a firm wide email went out and lots of people have been pressuring asking me if I am going to dress up.

I want to be a good sport but, I didn't want to have to buy a costume; it (always) seems like an unnecessary expense, especially considering how ridiculously expensive Halloween costumes can get. So, I racked my brain for options that existed in my closet that would also work with the theme week. There were so many criteria to meet!

I remeber that the last time I wore this fab polka dot dress someone mentioned that it reminded them of Minnie Mouse, I could totally work with that! What a great way to debut these fab yellow shoes. Minnie apparently had these trends from the start!

Besides, I've done this before in October 1989:

I don't consider wearing this dress again a repeat since I have (very) different accessories and it is a main part of my Halloween costume. Are you dressing up for Halloween at work or did you dress up this weekend? What were/are you? I hope no one says "sexy ketchup" or "sexy chinese takeout" Yes, those costumes exist. If you are going to work all dressed up did you try to incorporate the trends? Or are you trending without a costume? 

• Top: red and black polka dot dress, Clues Collections (Vintage) via The Unique Thrift Store/gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories: yellow Password Pumps, Seychelles via DSW; Minnie Mouse Ears, Party City; red ribbon belt, Michael's; pearl earrings, pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

September 7, 2011: Stranded Blogger

So, I totally stole that title from Katy over at Modly Chic. It is the hashtag for her event tonight and I am so excited to go and meet up with other stylish bloggers! Actually, I am honestly more excited about this that any other FNO related events. I will try to snap some pictures to share with you so you can live vicariously through me...

That being said I needed to make sure that my outfit for tonight was work appropriate and let me just say I flipping love this dress! I found it while I was shopping with my Mom at the thrift store a while ago and she tailored it for me. Now I think it fits the bill on all levels. It is vintage for real and even has pockets!! The only thing I wish I could do differently with this outfit is add a snazzier belt. My mom said red but, she is a poster girl lady for matchy matchy. I was thinking snake print but, I'll make do with what I have for now... What color belt would you pair with this dress?

Another challenge that I faced was the precipitation. Remember yesterday when my hair was straight? Yeah not so much anymore as you can see. I spent all my time while commuting yesterday dodging the proverbial bullet AKA rain drops only to be defeated by the extreme humidity and a tiny hole in the top of my umbrella (Really Totes? You are supposed to be for life!) Are you experiencing a drought? I'll come and get my hair done where you are I guarantee you it will rain (sans Keratin) but, I digress... I just gave in and am going al natural which doesn't always feel as "stylish" to me. Do you prefer straight hair or curly hair? What seems more stylish to you?

• Top: red and black polka dot dress, Clues Collections (Vintage) via The Unique Thrift Store/gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; black belt, came with this dress; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

My Stella & Dot pick:

Bardot Spiral Bangle - Silver

August 10, 2011: The Joker Strikes Back

I just can't get away from this color combination; purple and green always sucks me in. Maybe they were meant to be together from the start... Also, lime green is a favorite of my old college roomie and I had her over for dinner so it seemed kind of meant to be! Do you have any "strange" color combinations that you are always drawn too?

• Top: purple ribbed tank top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; lime green spotted cardigan, Merona for Target/gift from BF
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

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

August 1, 2011: A Whole New World

So, we all know that I've been a little MIA (sorry) and it hasn't been just about life (work, personal obligations, health, etc.)  The obligation that I felt to keep up with the days I had missed was very daunting. Because I have pledged not to wear a repeated outfit to work for another year I  was stuck on the idea of documenting every single one even when I wasn't at a point where I was realistically able to due to other more pressing obligations.

I have finally gotten a good handle on my schedule, commuting, the job expectations, etc. and am more comfortable in general. These past six months have honestly been a huge challenge. So, I sat down with myself and had a conversation where we unanimously decided that it would be best if I just left all the old unfinished posts behind and kept moving forward. Not to say that I won't try to revisit the missing outfits but, I just can't keep scrambling to catch up to the point of burning myself out which is exactly what has been happening.

On to more fun things; It's my birthday this week and I am making even less of a big deal about it than last year. I planned a few small get togethers but, haven't really thought of anything I want. What I could probably use most would be a vacation but, that isn't happening for quite a while and now that I've figured my schedule out that isn't such a big deal but, when the time comes it will be glorious! What would you ask for if it was your birthday?

And now on to the clothes... keeping it professional while staying cool has been a challenge. The proverbial "they" says "Dress for the job you want" but, I would melt in a suit! So, a sweater vest seemed like a good compromise to me. What are some of your summer work staples?

• Top: white polka dot button down, Merona for Target; purple, gray, white, and black argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here and here)
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, Ann Taylor Loft; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black and gray purse, Pietro Alessandro

Items from this outfit have been previously seen and remixed here,  here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here:

June 29, 2011: Self Inspired

Do you like the progression of curly hair? First day it is down, then half up, then all up. If I don't do something drastic (like wash it) there is going to be some craziness! Or I will just put it up in a ponytail again but, I digress... 

When trying to plan out today's outfit I wasn't really struck with any great ideas until I caught a glimpse of this skirt hanging in my closet. I remembered that fun combo that I wore the other night to go out and thought why not do something similar for today? I could have gone with the same exact thing and just thrown a blazer over it (that is allowed by the rules) but, that would be too easy. Maybe I'll save that for another day... How do you make your weekend looks work for the professional/academic world? Is there even a need for you to differentiate?

• Top: aqua dolman sleeve top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here,here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: pink and coral polka dots skirt, New York & Company (same skirt different color here)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW/gift from BF; mixed metal earrings, gift from Natalia/ModCloth; vintage Louis Vuitton speedy, eBay

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