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

Infectious Relaxation

Aren't holiday weekends supposed to be relaxing? Right, we've already had this conversation... While I had a fairly low-key long weekend spending time with family and doing things around the house I woke up this yesterday morning coughing and sneezing; even worse I had a fever (gasp!) How did that happen?! It took every ounce of my grown up responsibility feelings to go to work after I started feeling better, that is. I am definitely not that person who goes to work super sick and then gets everyone else sick because they are coughing and sneezing and touching the copier with their germs but, I digress...

When I was getting reach for the week I had a hard time conceptualizing amazing outfits that inspire me to want to talk about them. I would suspect it was due to the fact that I was so relaxed and embracing the vacation/legging lifestyle; Or maybe it was because I was delirious from my impending sickness... either way there is definitely still a summer feel going through my outfits for the week because it is still summer after all despite everyone heading back to a normal schedule and the impending PSL craze.

• Top: pink ruffle embellished tshirt, Merona
• Bottom: black and white capri pants, Kenar via Clementine
• Shoes & Accessories: black Olive sandals, Dolce Vita; pearl earrings, Macys 

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

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.

Summer Casual Friday Uniform

So, last night Thursday night I didn't get home until 11:00pm, the night before that it was 10:00pm, and the night before that it was 8:30pm. Sufficed to say it's been a long week. Last night I was lucky though because instead of taking the train I was chauffeured home care of Hubby/an actual car service. What nice guys! He (Hubby) noted that I have been working really hard and deserved a break. It was appreciated although, I have a fleeting suspicion that he didn't want to have to come and pick me up at the train station if I couldn't make a good connection... Either way I got a ride home after a long week so far and that was nice.

This morning when I woke up I felt that the amount/lack of sleep that I have gotten this week is catching up with me. Thanks goodness I had picked this outfit out in advance! This Friday compilation wasn't too hard to begin with though... Top? Check. Cute skirt? Check. Boat Shoes? Check. I think I could have managed that on the minimal amount of sleep I had. Either way, it is a perfect outfit for a Friday (Saturday or Sunday) in the summer. What is your go to summer ensemble?

• Top: teal ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: denim skirt, LOFT via Melissa's closet cleanout
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

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

Blazer Vacation

This outfit is from last Thursday. We're almost all caught up...

It's hot outside, did you guys notice that? Yay, summer! While I couldn't be happier to wear white, head to the beach, barbecue, enjoy sunlight until late evening hours, and the many other things that come with summer I am not excited about dealing with the heat which is unusual. I pride myself on being summer baby and keeping it cool in warmer than warm temperatures but, this year I'll be honest, I am struggling. Enter, all the sleeveless things or at least "see you later" blazers! At least until it cools down a little...

• Top: pink ruffle embellished shirt: LOFT via Clementine
• Bottom: gray pants, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe t-strap sandals, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

I most recently wore these pants here.

Like A Champ

Life happens, motivation gets focused elsewhere momentarily but, not for long! Get ready for ALL the outfits... or just from this week so far.

I am here and ready to go, Monday! Even though I am feeling completely drained from my weekend (ALL the barbecues) and having a less than smooth morning I am still in the mind frame of getting things done. I'm sure getting my morning coffee will just keep that momentum going and I will be the most productive me I can be when I get to the office. Or at least that's what I am focusing on to continue the motivational attitude.

• Top: teal ruffle embellished shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze gladiator sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em; tigers eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories

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

(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

TGIF and another things

So here we are again! I am loving it aren't you? Well, you will be. Why? Because, I said so. Now that we got that awkward turtle moment out of the way we can talk about other things like my face... One thing that you might notice if you have been clicking through pictures here on 260 Days, No Repeats is my general appearance. If you have taken time to compare it to my general appearance on (the now defunct) 260 Day Redux you might notice something (substantially?) different.

That's right, there is a bit less face as of late and you would be correct in assuming that there is a bit less of all of me. I have been going to the gym in an attempt to be a healthier, happier me. There have been some positive side effects (less of me) and some less happy side effects (fewer clothing options.) My weight loss has been substantial enough that there are lots of items I can't wear anymore because they are falling off, swimming on me, allowing too much skin to show, etc. It has been truly bitter sweet to say goodbye to old clothing favorites while shopping for new clothes out of sheer necessity. It has also been challenging for me to come to terms with this new body. I am happy, don't get me wrong but, I can't remember a time when I was ever this small in my entire tween/young adult life and I am experiencing a disconnect (at times) to say the least.

Enough about my face let's talk about my clothes. It's Friday (yay) and, unlike my old company, my current company practices Casual Friday as a regular thing (thank goodness!) I have heard/read that flared jeans are the way for spring and that skinnys are a thing of the past. That's great for everyone who isn't a (physically) hippy person but, not for those of us that are. I don't mind giving the skinny jeans a rest every now and then but, I won't be trading them in for flared jeans anytime soon. Then again maybe my new body would look good in flared jeans... I might need to explore that option the next time I go shopping. What is your take on the new 70's denim vibe? Are you already in flares or are you holding on to your skinny jeans?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein
• Bottom: wide leg jeans, Michael Kors via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cap toe ballet flats, Guiseppe Zanotti via Buffalo Exchange; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

Remember when I used to post links to where wardrobe items were previously seen in an ensemble? No? Well, look at most previous posts. I'm not going to be pulling everything up from the archives but, moving forward I would like to highlight when I utilize an item more than once. Perhaps not the same way, it was extremely laborious. We'll see what I come up with when we get to that point... next week. What? Blazers don't grow on trees.

Night Out: The High Life

I'm, not sure what other people do when they become (f)unemployed but, I had a massage and a delicious steak dinner courtesy of BF. While that is not necessarily the most practical thing, I didn't really have a choice and I wasn't going to complain about it. I highly recommend taking moments for yourself when you find yourself in similar situations or just in general. Perhaps if I had been more adamant about taking time for myself at work I would have seen that the job wasn't a great fit sooner. Similarly, taking time now is helping me stay focused on what it is I think my strengths are and what I am interested in focusing on in my next position. How do you treat yourself on a regular basis?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Glitz Knot Ring, courtesy of Amy O Jewelry; violet Clea Clutch, Katherine Kwei/won at Blogger's Night Out (not pictured)

(F)Unemployment Files: The First Day

One of the things that I was initially most excited about regarding my (f)unemployment was the amount of free time that I anticipated I would have. I didn't really have time to see my friends or do the things that I wanted to do as much as I would have liked while working in that position. Naturally, the first thing I decided to do was meet some former co-workers for lunch and catch up. Effectively taking advantage of the seemingly unlimited amount free time is one of the important things about (f)unemployment. While you need to be an effective job seeker (if that's what you're looking for) you also need to break up the monotony of the search by doing nice things for yourself like grabbing a coffee with friends, heading to a museum, or getting a mani/pedi if you can manage the expense. I was also in the midst of holiday shopping so this outfit had dual purposes as I ran all over the area hunting down the best gifts/deals for family and friends after lunch.

• Top: gray tunic, Frazier Lawrence via Mom
• Bottom: peach skinny jeans, Demin Licious via Torrid/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white ruffled snake print flats, Coconuts via DSW; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; black tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

November 7, 2012: Corporate Professional

As you might have guessed Wednesday was career day in my office. The annual biannual quarterly event has been such a success in the past the powers that be are interested in keeping them coming. I'm excited to be coordinating the whole day and that starts with recruitment and scheduling the right people my outfit! If you think my attire would compliment my professional manicure then you are correct. I can't expected everyone to show up interview ready and not be dressed in a complimentary manner. This is actually one of the suits I wore when I was interviewing for this new job. What do you think?

The one thing that I regretted about my outfit choice was the shoes. Sure, awesome metallic embellished flats are great for running around the office like a crazy person while looking stylish but, they do nothing to keep your feet warm. As I left work it was beginning to precipitate and by the time the train pulled into my station there was a nice layer of slippery snow on the ground. I has to trudge through it slowly and carefully to make sure I didn't slip and fall or make my still finicky ankle worse. My feet were freezing by the time I walked through my door! I could go for summer again please, thanks...

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: navy pinstripe pants, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; 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, and here. 

Don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift certificate from Shopbop!

August 24, 2012: An All Day Outfit

While Friday tends to be a more casual day there are some mornings where it doesn't matter that it's almost the weekend, I just want to be my fancy self! It's a vicious cycle... Thankfully, wearing any office appropriate dress is a nice compromise between polished and comfortable. This dress in particular is a great example because it is made of light, stretchy (but, not super tight) material. I have no idea what company it's from I found it in the madness that was The Big Fat Flea. Have you ever been? What did you think? My only gripe about the dress is the awkward diagonal seam that goes right under my stomach and definitely (or I'm paranoid) highlights that area... awkward but, easy enough to forget about because of the extreme comfort. 

While my ensemble was great for the office, with brownie points (in my mind) for keeping it super professional on a summer Friday it was also perfect for a night out on the town. I met up with a good friend of mine whose visiting from Florida. We had a delish dinner and took in a play. You guys might think that everyday living in New York City is like that for everyone but, I can assure you it's not... at least not for me. On the average day I'm just happy to get home after work and take some time to catch up on blog stuff, hang out with BF, do responsible adult things like clean/laundry, and catch up on my DVR. Yes, my 20-something life is indeed glamorous...

• Top: black sheath dress, no tag via The Big Fat Flea; gray ruffle front cardigan, LOFT/gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: black flip flops, Rocket Dog via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

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

August 15, 2012: Dressing Appropriately

Since I am trying to pick out my clothes ahead of time weather.com has become an integral tool in the process. I have too often made the mistake of forgetting an umbrella, a coat, or generally wearing something completely inappropriate for whatever weather I will be faced with that day. When I was looking at the week ahead (last two weeks ago) everything was looking good except for Wednesday. With rain on the horizon I set aside some comfy and professional pants so I could face the impending precipitation as appropriately as possible.

My biggest struggle was finding shoes that worked with the pants since their length demands I stand a little taller but, I am still on the mend. I decided to take my life ankle into my own hands and wear a pair of shoes with a little heel. I can't say that it horrible but, it was definitely not the best idea. I'll be honest I haven't been giving my ankle the rest and relaxation or stretching that it needs; It's hard when you commute into New York City and work in a busy office; Excuses, excuses... Long story short: don't sprain ankles.

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black blazed, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black peeptoe wedges, Payless; vintage silver hoop earrings, my abuela; 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, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

June 11, 2012: Monday IS Suit Day!

Ok, Maybe two weeks in a row is not a solid basis from which to draw an infallible conclusion but, I'm going to anyway... Suits are just so easy on Monday morning especially when I need to lead portions of a new employee orientation. They are (almost) as easy as dresses but, the connote an even higher sense of professionalism that dresses don't always. 

On another note, I was so excited to make it outside to take this picture! Picture taking Sundays seem like a distant memory but, with daylight hanging around later it's an (often overlooked) option to take a picture each day before heading home. Do I sense a new plan forming? Maybe... 

• Top: ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns 
• Bottom: beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories:  gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys;  Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 4, 2012: Monday = Suit Day?

I feel like my new Monday standard is the suit. It's not necessarily a bad thing but, it almost feels like I'm settling on it. It's hard enough to motivate out the door in the morning let alone put together a cute outfit. Enter, the reliable suit... I can roll out of bed pick one out of my closet pair it with a rando shirt and voilà, a work outfit! On some level I feel like that it's a cop out to defer to such a simple ensemble but, maybe I'm just being sensitive to the entire wardrobe situation. What do you think: cop out, work appropriate, or both?

• Top: red short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here, here, here); gray pinstripe blazer, Kasper via Macy's
• Bottom: gray pinstripe pants. Kasper via Macy's
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; 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, and here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $100 Shopbop giftcard!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free dress from eShakti.com!!

May 31, 2012: She Wolf

Say hello to my Shakira hair! I didn't realize how out of control it was when we were taking the pictures but, at least it was the end of the day, it couldn't have looked that out of control in the morning, right? Don't answer that. I am in need of a hair cut but, have to figure out what I want exactly and where I am going to go. My normal hair stylist is fantastic but, I haven't learned enough Español to be confident that my communications will be understood. I am set (for better or for worse) on leaving my hair curly for now... I dream of large loose beautiful curls on the beach and spritzing Keratin all over my hair will definitely kill any chance of that, however unlikely it is. 

Do I look shorter to you? I did to me when I glanced over these pictures even with all the crazy curls. It's definitely because I was wearing leather ballet slippers (key word being slippers) that give me no additional height whatsoever in fact, I think they might actually make me a little shorter. I wasn't sure how these slippers were going to pan out in the office but, no one said a thing and my aching feet were grateful! 

• Top: gray ruffled v-neck tank top, New York and Company; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: brown leather slippers, Sue London; blue and green stone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $100 Shopbop giftcard!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free dress from eShakti.com!!

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.