Casual (Non-Denim) Friday

After my introspective "to jean or not to jean" question last Friday it was still on my mind as casual Friday rolled around again. As I planned my (last minute) outfit  I considered all the valid points from the article I tweeted that were made in support of skipping denim like:

• Is the traditional practice really in the best interest of the unstoppable, career-driven women of today. 
• The idea wasn't created with women’s fashions in mind...  What’s the female equivalent of skipping the tie and jacket?
• Female leaders, whether we like it or not, have long been relying on style to help gain respect, influence or power in ways in which men frankly have not had to
• While there is still a clear uniform for men, women instead have endless options, and each possible choice invites its own scrutiny from others

So, despite my true desires, I decided not to wear jeans on Fridays. While my actions were contrary to how I normally feel they were made much easier compounded by the fact that I was giving a formal performance evaluation to someone. In that moment, when your entire interaction is imbued with corporate structure and formality, it made sense. We'll see about next Friday... 

• Top: blue gray ruffle embellished cardigan, Merona 
• Bottom: black capri pants, Lands End
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, Seychelles; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

February 15, 2012: Escape From The Office

For the first time in a long time I went to a job fair! In my new company there was not an established college recruitment program that is, until I came... Now it is growing and there might be more job fairs in my future, we shall see. I would have been happy to schlep to work yesterday in skinny pants a comfy top but, that is not appropriate attire to meet and greet potential employees so, I got it together.

I'm glad that I did because as I was meeting students their ensembles were consistently well dressed; Like full suit, clean shaven (for boys), natural makeup (for girls, fresh mani (for all)... it was very impressive! I would have felt so out of place if I, as an employer, were not equally dressed to impress.

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 

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

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

February 8, 2012: Date Night, The Redux

I am going out tonight and I am exited because it's date night! Not with BF but, with my GF. We are headed downtown to a chic trendy restaurant for the seemingly endless Restaurant Week! I am eager to meet up with her and catch up on things it's been a while...

Because I am going to be meeting her downtown after work I figured this outfit should be a little easier to travel in. Stomping the pavement in New York City is a million times more comfy in flats (in leiu of a weird commuter shoes) and a great pair of pants. Also, there had been skirts this week so far and sometimes a girl just wants to wear pants...

On another note, now that I have realized that I can roll up the sleeves on most of my blazers I just can't stop! It instantly make an outfit more comfy when you roll up the sleeves on a stiff jacket. I feel like I have been missing out this whole time while holding off because I didn't have the perfect oversized boyfriend blazer and I refused to pick one up because it was too trendy/impermanent. I could have been rollin' with the blazers I had in my closet! Also 2 + 2 = 4 still, revelations!

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished shoes, Preview via Nordstrom Rack;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit can be previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

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

November 8, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere Has Colored Tights

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

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

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

November 4, 2011: Why Midi?

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!

This has been a fun theme week, don't you agree? While it has been enjoyable I think I have been playing it safe for the most part. I really wanted to push myself out of my ever shifting comfort zone and try a trend that I'm not really a huge fan of: the midi skirt.

I think they are an extremely unflattering style unless you are tall with super long legs. Not that shorter/non leggy people can't make it work but, it is a challenge I have very little desire to make an attempt at, until now... Since I wasn't going to buy anything new for this week (or in general) I decided to attempt a faux midi by wearing my Monif C Converitble Dress lower on my hips which I think worked out well but, if you could see how I wrapped the 9 ft. sashes around myself to keep them in check you would probably laugh; my torso looks like a stylin' mummy!

Let me continue by saying that I am not a short person (5'8 ish on most days) but, I think that this length of skirt makes me look short and there isn't really a great way to combat other than skyscraper heels which I wasn't in the mood for. Do I think I look bad? No. I just don't think it is flattering which is what I want my daily attire to be! Are there any trends that you are finding look great on other people, just not on you?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona via Target; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: Marilyn Convertible Dress as midi-skirt, Monif C (on sale)
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; rose quartz earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmanns

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here.

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 4, 2011: Emergency Shoes

We all know how I feel about the commuter shoe but, today I found myself in a situation with an unexpected amount of schlepping around. I got a panicked phone call shortly after arriving at work from a friend telling me that another mutual friend of ours was dizzy, vomiting, and (worst of all) alone. When she was describing the symptoms to me it sounded like vertigo which I can say from past experience is one of the worst things to experience.

So I talked with my boss and rushed to my sick friends aide but, after pounding the pavement from my office to her apartment I had to take off my shoes to hike up the five flights of stairs to her place. Sufficed to say at that point I was done with all the fancy-ness of those t-straps and I needed an alternative pair of shoes. Thankfully, she lent me some flats. I love how well they complimented my outfit. As much as I might have helped her today by getting her to the doctor and back home she totally saved my feet!

• Top: blue ruffled blouse, Atelier via Loehmanns; tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; blue multi colored peep toe flats, Madden Girl via Katie; black ultra sheer stockings, Hanes Silk Reflections via Robert Veridi's Luxe Lab; Femme Fatale Necklace, Stella & Dot; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

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

October 3, 2011: Remixing Forever

When the weather man predicted rain (again, see unamused face) I aired on the side of practicality and reached for these pants. When I subsequently reached for this top I couldn't believe that I hadn't put these two pieces together before. It makes me so confident that I could literally remix everything in my closet forever without having to purchase tons of new clothes. At the same time I couldn't believe that it had not occurred to me to make this pairing before now! It's days like these that make me really excited to shop my closet because there is so much potential there... 

• Top: dark teal ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT 
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze flats, Me Too via DSW; mixed metal earrings, gift from Natalia/ModCloth; brown woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

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

September 27, 2011: Running The Show

Today I have work but, tonight I have the first meeting of the year for a young professional non-profit committee that I sit on. I am special, I am a co-chair (whatever that means) so I want to keep it professional even after hours. Although, I might bring some commuter shoes... What?! I know it's because I have to trudge across town for the meeting and then back to catch my train after. Yeah, I knew you'd understand.

• Top: gray lace embellished top, LOFT via Mom; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: black and white tweed skirt, Unique Thrift Store (vintage/no tag)
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; black belt, came with this dress; estate chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

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

September 6, 2011: Setting An Example

This week is going to be just as crazy as last week when it comes to work but, I'm sending a shout out to Labor Day for making it a little shorter!

Today I am kicking it off with the first day of New Employee Orientation for six people! That might not sound like alot but, generally we only start one-three new peeps at a time so doubling the number and having them in different groups is going to be interesting. Also, did I mention the orientation is seven days long? No? Well, now you know what I'm going to be doing at the office for the rest of the week among other things but, I digress... Since dress code is always a question that I am asked I figured why not just lead by example today (at least.) I'm not really the biggest fan of full suits and would much prefer to wear the pieces as separates but, that would miss the mark.

Tonight I don't have anything going but, the same cannot be said for the rest of the week. I got invited to a few FNO events and I am excited to attend and shamelessly hand out business cards network with other stylish bloggers. The challenge for the rest of the week will be wearing things to the office that are still stylish enough for Fashion's Night Out without a major evening outfit overhaul since I won't be heading home in between to change. Do you have any FNO plans? We might bump into each other...

• Top: white ruffle button down blouse, LOFT; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns/gift from BF
• Bottom: gray pinstripe pencil skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; pink chalcedony and mother of pearl necklace, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; pink chalcedony and mother of pearl earrings,  Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro 

My Stella & Dot pick:

Femme Fatale Necklace

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

eShakti Picks for Fall

I have been wearing alot of dresses/skirts this week and even though I am being more weather appropriate today and wearing pants I still have them on my mind. I decided to check out some of the eShakti.com to fill my imaginary shopping cart with things for the fall. Here's what I came up with:

Ruffle front cotton knit dress

Ruffled neck print dress

Ruffle trim mock two piece dress

Exposed metal zipper statement necklace

Remember these are my top picks; there are so many other great items on the website and you could build a wardrobe consisting of mostly them! Don't forget to take advantage of the coupon right now and get $20 off of a purchase of $20 or more from eShakti.com with code: 260DAYS0811! It is not valid on over stocks but, that's ok most of the good stuff is brand new anyway...  

August 24, 2011: You Say Goodbye And I Say Hello

Last night I said goodbye so long for now to my college roommate. I have to keep reminding myself that it's not forever, she will be back soon! Plus, now they make these magical things called phones and Skype so we should be able to keep in touch no problem. Tonight I am meeting up with one of my cousins to help her with her resume/job search. Thankfully we're meeting at a place not far from my job so tonight shouldn't be a late one. She's not one of the cousins that I am super close with but, I am happy to help. Maybe I'll make a new friend, Hello!

This dress is one of my thrifting treasures. When my Mom and I went this year for a potential birthday extravaganza I didn't end up finding as much stuff as last year but, that's ok. It's the nature of thrifting! I was definitely at a loss when it came to accessorizing this posh polyester prize. I originally picked out a pair of gold hoop earrings but, ended up going with a different pair. I was really aware that those types of earrings might send a message (I'm Puerto Rican if you didn't know) to people who think in negative stereotypes.

Maybe I'm just being self conscious but, I tend to stay away from certain types of jewelry (ahem, gold hoops) because of the message that it could send. Mostly, I just don't prefer gold though. Do you ever find yourself limiting your wardrobe so people don't judge you based on any kind (sex, nationality, etc.) of stereotypes ?

• Top: purple vintage dress, birthday gift from mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: brown giraffe print peep toe shoes, Adrienne Vitadinni via DSW/gift from BF; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; brown tote bag, Bulga  

My Stella and Dot picks for this outfit are:

Estate Chandelier Earrings

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

August 9, 2011: Channeling Drowned Rat

Yesterday was pretty rough... hence no post. My boss was out sick which was kind of a blessing and a curse. You face the temptation to slack off because there is no one there to check in on you but, you know you have to get everything done anyway. Don't worry, I took care of business. 

The only liberty I took yesterday was leaving 10 minutes early so that I could make my train. Good thing I did because it was pouring outside when I left; open toe shoes + torrential downpour = serious challenge. I honestly almost missed my train and got drenched in the process! I swear my hair was straight in the morning and there was a jacket in my ensemble but, I used it as an umbrella to keep myself dry. Not, the most effective thing as you can see. 

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor (not pictured)
• Bottom: black, gray, and white skirt (with pockets), Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver and pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; purple tote bag, Coach

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

July 14, 2011: A Neutral Party

Apparently these pants lead themselves to be paired with neutral items of clothing. I will have to shake that up moving forward... next time hot pink sweater (or something similar)! There is no reason to play it safe every time I wear them, right? Maybe it's this new office which has led me to be a little more conservative maybe...

Do you have clothing items like this? You know, the ones the draw you to other staples like they were made to be put together... How do you break out of that mold?

• Top: white ruffle button down blouse, LOFT; brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black capri pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; purple shoulder bag, Coach

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

July 6, 2011: Perfect Combinations

This outfit fit the bill on so many levels! I woke up feeling a bit under the weather but, headed to work despite that. The comfort and ease of capris combined with the loose drapey fit of the top was completely ideal. Also, I am loving this new purple cardigan with yellow!

After work some people wanted to go out and grab a drink for a co-worker's birthday at a local pub. I was happy to oblige and this outfit worked perfectly. Not that I think that anyone there was caring what I wore...

Even after I said goodbye to the birthday girl I still had a few errands to run but, these new sandals carried me through without any issues except for when someone let a door close on my pinkie toe... that hurt alot! You'll be seeing alot more sandals while I heal, I can't confine by poor tootsie to a real shoe right now.

What are your go to comfy outfits? Do they fit it with the dress code at work?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; purple cardigan, Merona via Target
• Bottom: white pinstripe capris, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW, my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

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

June 9, 2011: Remain Neutral

Guys, it is going to be 100°!! Well, not quite yet but, it will be by the afternoon. With all this heat I struggled to put an outfit together that was office appropriate but, wouldn't melt me. Ironically, I have been trying wear blazers all week and make that work for the summer but, it's just too hot!

In that arduous search I discovered another summer staple of professional wear that I am missing, traditional cardigans! I have three, honestly (this one, this one, and this one.) I also realized that the cardigan is the best alternative to the blazer during the warmer month when they are out of the question unless you want to fade from heat stroke trying to make it to your air conditioned office building. I know, I know 2 + 2 = 4... Do you have any other blazer alternatives that you utilize during the summer?

• Top: brown tank top, New York & Company with another tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's parents
• Bottom: black capri pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black Dolce Vita sandals, via Nordstrom; pearl earrings, pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro 

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

June 1, 2011: Off Season

Some people might think that tweed is one of those things that should only be worn in the winter. I am not one of those people (obvi.) Perhaps, it's because I don't stores my "winter clothes" in the summer and vice versa. With this skirt specifically it's probably because I picked the it up while I was in California so that must mean it's for warmer weather, right? Either way I will ignore the funny looks I get for wearing tweed when it's 80°+ outside. What are some seasonal barriers that you ignore?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: rainbow tweed skirt, Lafatyette 148 via Saks
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; purple tote bag, Coach

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

May 3, 2011: Cool Waves

I was all ready for Tuesday to be gray and dismal as predicted but, it really wasn't that bad at all. Thanks for misleading me Weather.com... I'm glad I threw caution to the wind when getting dressed though because if I had paid any attention I would have swaddled myself in clothing and thrown on a pair of boots. Instead I wore a pretty gifted dress (the best kind) and the day was all the better for it!

This is one of those times where something new entered my wardrobe and I might not have necessarily made a huge effort to mention it but, I will moving forward so you don't think I'm shopping on the sly. While my mom was at the thrift store she saw this dress and picked it up for me. She said it was "so Iris!" I guess I could agree with that, I do love a jersey knit dress...  What kinds of pieces are "so you"?

• Top: blue wave patterned jersey knit dress, Scarlett via The Unique Thrift Store/Mom; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede-ish kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a pair of Tiffany style silver earrings like mine!

April 13, 2011: Career Day

My company is hosting a career day for upcoming graduates at our office today. Guess who was in charge of setting everything up and making sure it goes off without a hitch? Yup that would be me... I am dressing to impress today AKA full suit! Wish me luck, I'm already running late.

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's 

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