Close Out

What is going on with the lighting in this picture? I will have to talk with my photographer (AKA Hubby) about that.... Maybe he was letting his artistic spirit move him but, that only works when the goal of being able to see my ensemble is concurrently achieved. Perhaps flash next time? Perhaps I will check that everything came out ok on picture taking day before we head in from photos so I'm not stuck with a weird picture at the end of the week. While I could Photoshop and filter (the crap out of) this picture I prefer not to, I'm an all natural beauty kind of gal thankfully I was wearing something bright so you can see me in the darkness. If you are a blogger, do you filter your photos before you post them? If so, why?

Enough blog shop talk. Casual Friday (denim included) was alive and well with me this week. My manager was out of the office on vacation all week so, I was holding down the fort which went well enough but, was definitely exhausting. After all the craziness and running around a t-shirt and leggings jeans seemed like the perfect wardrobe solution to close out the week. It worked out especially since I ended up staying late and burning the "midnight" oil. What a way to spend a Friday, thank goodness for the weekend! Do you have any fun plans?

• Top: yellow t-shirt, Lilly Pulitzer via Clementine
• Bottom: denim cuffed capri pants, Rock & Republic via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: black Olive sandals, Dolce Vita; black pearl earrings, International Gem & Jewelry Show

I'm linking up with Fab Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday, Passion 4 Fashion, and Casual Friday

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 

Best Laid Simple Statement

While I was on the train, Thursday morning, on the way to work I started putting together this post. I was super excited to be keeping up with my new personal schedule and doing the things that I enjoy doing like blogging and thinking about clothes. Unfortunately, thanks to Verizon's crappy service while traveling, I was unable to publish my post in a timely manner. In fact, I was unable to even save all the fun interesting things that I had previously written so, I had to start all over again. Sufficed to say that was less than motivating...

But, just because things get a little annoying doesn't mean it's time to give up all together so, here's that one missing outfit from last week. I was really feeling dresses, if you couldn't tell. Maybe because they are cute, or maybe it's because they are easy, or perhaps a little bit of both. Either way that's really the extent of loquaciousness that this ensemble inspired. Sometimes it is just as easy as I like this outfit and I need to wear something so, I will wear the outfit I liked!

• Top: purple and orange floral patterned jersey knit dress, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; amelia drop earrings, Stella & Dot

Diamond in the Rough

I would love to say that commuting and work have gotten smoother but, that would be a bold faced lie which I'm sure you could determine since we are getting a bit off schedule. Let's not talk about that, let's instead talk about this amazing blouse that I dug up at H&M. When H&M opened it's first store in New York City I was like any other high school girl at the time and flocked there for the quirky items and "deals" that everyone, from my peer group to iconic magazines, were raving about. I had no problem digging though the racks to snag fairly basic items but, be extremely excited about them because they were something new and popular; also, let's face it... high school.

When I shop now H&M is not a store that I normally frequent because I have found the time spent searching for something I like, that is good quality, the fits my body type, etc. not worth it having had so few shopping successes. This shirt is an exception to all that. As I was quickly breezing through my local H&M this shirt caught my eye. The color is one my favorites, the delicate details are spot on, and I needed clothing for work. The only negative thing (for me) was a humongous rhinestone right at the collar but, I decided to try it on anyway. We should all be happy I did because it looked is really cute, as you can see. Where is the rhinestone now? Excised.

• Top: mustard pintuck blouse, H&M; black blazer, Juicy Couture via Ashby 
• Bottom: black and white leopard pencil skirt, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this blazer 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.

Part Time Party Planner

As someone who (apparently) exudes creativity and organizational prowess I often find myself tasked with putting together celebrations or acknowledgements (of some kind) in the office from conceptualization to day of implementation. Recently, my department has had groups of interns coming through and while we don't pay them we want to acknowledge their efforts and tremendous assistance, things don't just file themselves you know! Today Yesterday it was time for an intern appreciation celebration.

On days like today yesterday I have to wrap gifts, circulate thank you cards, stop and pick up a cake (that I order in advance,) all while making sure that my normal work obligations are seen to as well. Not unlike any other day I want to be professional but, on these days (especially) I want to be extremely comfortable. Comfy top? Check. Skirt? Check. Not high heels? Check. Mission accomplished. Also, the celebration was a huge success.

• Top: black short sleeved sweater, LOFT
• Bottom: teal, brown, black, and ivory pattern skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black Olivia sandals, Dolce Vita; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

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

August 10, 2012: Trendy Birthday - A Colorblock Maxi Dress

On my birthday, I was very excited about my fantastic high low dress but, that was Monday and while stylin' in the office was great I couldn't very well wear the same thing to go out and celebrate at the end of the week. To deal with my clothing conundrum I started to go through my mental closet but, couldn't think of anything that would be a good fit for the occasion. It was only natural to step into a few stores on my way home from dinner during the week and see what sort of summer stuff they had on sale. Thankfully I found  this maxi dress amidst the incoming fall styles. Unfortunately it hasn't reached the summer markdown rack yet but, it's my birthday so I went with it! 

There are alot of things I love about this dress: the saturated blue, the colorblocking, the thick straps, and the comfy-ness of it to name a few. The challenge that I was faced with was how to wear it in my professional office environment, a free flowing colorful maxi dress is a far cry from a structured suit. I threw on a cardigan and stayed at my desk most of the day. While it wasn't inappropriate per say I think I was lucky with my pass. That being said, it was an easy transition from work to drinks and dinner after! I only wish there was more time left this summer so I could wear the dress again. 

• Top: blue colorblock maxi dress, Spense via Bolton's with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray cardigan, New York & Company 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

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

July 6, 2012: Almost Half Day

Even though it was a short day on Friday things were fairly normal AKA busy in my office. I even had a few people coming for interviews (not as normal) so I definitely needed to be the most professional me that I could be and we all know nothing is easier than a dress... Enter the quintessential dress for the professional woman: Diane von Furstenberg's wrap dress. It’s such an easy way to create or accent an hour glass shape while looking polished and office appropriate. What is your go to dress for work?

• Top: brown wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehamanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snakeskin sandals, Bandolino via The Unique Thrift Store; petrified wood necklace, V'ta Jewelry; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

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

Weekend Wear: My Cousin's Wedding

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

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

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

June 1, 2012: Swaddled In Neutrals

On Friday I had a doctor's appointment (way to suck the fun out of Friday, doc) but, I was still at work for a portion of the morning. While this outfit is a little less than professional I needed something that would work in the office (on a Friday) and be super comfy for my long appointment with the doctor. I think this was a nice compromise although, comfort got the better end of the deal. I didn't even make an effort to avoid mixing all these neutrals together. I would have never made a crazy move like that in the beginning! Don't worry, I didn't wear the sandals at work just while I was commuting, sitting at my desk, and anything that wasn't walking around the office. I had my Sue London slippers for that...  

• Top: gray short sleeve sweater, New York & Company (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: gray sparkle embellished sandals, Steve Madden Luxe via DSW; gold filagree earrings, AVON gift from Mom; 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, 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!!

Purchases and Aquisitions: June 2011

I will start out by saying that this month was a bit bonkers when it came to shopping and wardrobe additions in general! I know that might come as a shock to you considering the small amount of money I spent last year and all the months where I didn't shop at all but, it is the truth.

How? Well, it's a two fold story... First of all, remember when I was lamenting my need for office appropriate summer shoes? Well if not click that link and get up to speed! If so, you will be happy to know that BF really came through for our anniversary on the 25th. Not only did we go eat at a nice restaurant and spend some time together but, he took me shopping for (yeah, you guessed it) office appropriate summer shoes and some work wardrobe things as well. Four cardigans and six pairs of peep toes later I am feeling pretty confident about my ability to fulfill all my work wardrobe needs.

After all the fun gift stuff I still felt the need for more shoes if you can believe that and this is where things got really crazy. I have been wearing some of my shoes to death, literally and they have been overdue for replacements. They were all from the same shopping trip to Target in the summer of 2008. If I'm doing the math right that was three years and a few tubes of Krazy Glue ago! Yup, Krazy Glue; I'm allowed to get new shoes, right?  Check out the pictures and let me know if you saw that same need I did...

Now that we have established that I will admit that when I went looking for new shoes I was searching for something that would last just as long if not longer than my old shoes. When I hit the mall I experienced a bit of sticker shock after I found these three pairs of shoes (which I think fit the bill) and finally checked out. The grand total was $156.84!! That's more than I spent on everything last year in total! Let's just say after that shopping trip I had a freak out moment or two/ten. Was I really justified in spending all that money on shoes?

In the end I think yes and I have to keep reminding myself of that! Here's how I came to that conclusion:

• Even though I spent a good chunk of change I shopped smart and saved over $100.00 compared to the original retail prices.
• I hadn't purchased shoes like this since 2008, it's not like I had tons of replacements waiting in the wings.
• I wore the old ones so much that they literally fell apart and I had to glue them back together. I will probably get the same use out of these.
• I did some math and realized that even with this "crazy" expense I have spent an average of $20 per month in total since I started this blog and my personal style challenge.

Pre-blog Iris wouldn't have needed this justification, she wouldn't have given it a second thought... I reference pre-blog Iris everyone once and a while here on 260 Days, No Repeats but,  I don't think that anyone who didn't know me in person can completely grasp it. Would I consider myself a shopaholic? No, not really. Would I have considered myself one of these young people? No, my self confidence is pretty solid. When reflecting on my past shopping habits I would say that I was unconcerned with consequences, let me explain; I wasn't going to die if I didn't have "it" (whatever "it" was at the time) but, if I wanted "it" why not just get "it"? I could pay my bills and afford "it" (at least that's what I thought) so there was nothing to hold me back. Then reality set in...

I don't really have the money to spend like that. I'm still paying for things that I purchased back then (approx 4 years ago) not even thinking that it might be something that of concern years down the road. After a year of keeping my metaphorical purse strings tight, I had alot of trouble incorporating the real need/the money I needed to spend to fulfill it with my new "shop your closet/no shopping" mentality. In the end it worked out but, I'm just hoping I don't need to do it again anytime soon! Do you ever find yourself having difficulty justifying the cost of something you need? How do you work that out in the end?

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:

Review: Swappeez Sandals

While on my haitus someone from Swappeez reached out to me to review their sandals. With the warm weather on our door step I was more the happy to comply, the timing couldn't be more perfect!

O, you've never heard of them? Neither had I but, now that I have learned a little more about them I LOVE the idea! Honestly, what girl wouldn't? You can take one pair of sandals and make it many pairs of sandals just by adding accessories. It sounds so familiar to me but, I digress... Swappeez was conceived with the quintessential modern girl in mind. The result was a series of interchangeable straps, buckles and accessories. These colorful and fun components come together creating various styles and designs. So whether you're hitting the beach, planning a vacation, on a tight budget or like the rest of us, just can't get enough shoes...

This is The Organizer, so you can keep your sandals, straps and few extra buckles to swap (you love how I did that I know) depending on the occasion. Not only can you be exceptionally fashionable you can be practical AND organized. This is sounding better and better!

There was, unfortunately, one thing that didn't work for me. I had trouble tying them so that they didn't shorten my leg or flop around. In the end I suppose I could try a different type of strap besides the one included, perhaps one that is longer/shorted until I find something that works for me. Maybe I just need to practice like with a Monif C dress. I'll let you know how that works out. I would recommend trying them out first but, definitely think they could be a great buy!

September 2, 2010: Tone It Down

I had to run to work early this morning (with a fever, FUN) so, the posting had to wait until now and I'm tired so, yeah... I like the simple neutral color palate and the pattern mixing. I think I'm getting better at it! I thought about accessorizing with a killer pair of red heels but, comfort won and I went with flats. Hopefully tomorrow I can be a little more exciting and verbose.

• Top: gray camo/animal print ruffle button down shirt, LOFT 
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom (same shoe different color here); red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; white Hardcore Dior tote, Christian Dior via outlet

 

Items from this outfit are previsouly seen here and here:

August 13, 2010: No Friggatriskaidekaphobia Here!

Today I am happy for the weekend. No silly superstitions can bring me down! Thanks for letting me know what you thought about my outfit yesterday! It was a "landslide" victory for Double Take. I had reflected that this personal style challenge is helping me to see the potential in my wardrobe and yesterday was an ideal example. A few months ago I might not have put together that blue skirt with that coral top especially when I had something that was closer to an exact match even though I (now) know that it is a color combination that works well. I'm eager to see how my style continues to evolve as I move progress through this challenge! Any fun plans for the weekend?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories:  red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; cherry print tote, Luella for Target. That's right people, as in the first Go International capsule collection for Target! Even if you don't remember this specific pattern maybe this tartan plaid dress will jog your memory...

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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August 10, 2010: Wearer's Remorse

I have alot of options when I get dressed every morning (as I'm sure you can imagine) so I try to pick something out the night before or at least have an idea in my head of what I would like to wear. I thought I would wear a certain black dress with a pair of forgotten shoes but, when I tried the ensemble on I realized the dress might actually be better for when the weather is a little cooler... So, I turned to this dress (comfy, stylin, and work appropriate) and although I'm feeling better about the outfit I'm a little sad because now this dress is done until next year. I've felt that way about all my dresses and have been trying to think about ways to remix them but, it's trickier than I thought!  

• Top: black and white faux wrap dress, White House Black Market/gift from cousin 
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; black reversible headband, Mandee; red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; black Spy Bag, Fendi

July 20, 2010: Thrown Together

One might think an extra day added to their weekend would be relaxing but,  they would be mistaken if they thought that I had experienced that yesterday. When I woke up this morning I had so much trouble getting out of bed which is normally not the case, I am one of those crazy morning people. I pulled this outfit together because it was comfy and easy but, I'm not quite sure that everything really goes together. What do you think? All I know is since this will see me through work and the meeting I have afterward I am ok!

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration via Target
• Bottom: khaki green skirt, Merona via Target
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em via DSW, coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy, eBay

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

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

July 13, 2010: Sky Might Fall

Asia de Cuba was delicioso, as expected! If you can get a reservations during NYC Restaurant Week I highly recommend it. The next stop on our culinary adventure is The Russian Tea Room tomorrow night. I've never been there before but, I hear great things and am excited to try it out.

It is crazy overcast outside today but, still hot and humid. There are supposed to be thunderstorms all day and I am just waiting for it to start. Hopefully I can get to work before that happens, since I'm running late that might not happen...

• Top: purple ruffled sleeveless top, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: black and white tweed pants, Mandee
• Shoes & Accessories: black Dolce Vita sandals, via Nordstrom (similar here); coin pearl/stone necklace and coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

July 1, 2010: Out Of It

I am so burnt out this week and I don't know why. Today for example I stood in front of my closet completely incapable of putting an outfit together. I am pretty satisfied with what I came up with but, it took twice as long as it normally would and the bedroom floor is now covered in rejects from the process. It's extra frustrating because I just got back from vacation for cripes sake! Either way, I have been waking up every morning feeling really out of it and have been fighting the urge/need to call in sick... tomorrow might be the day.

On another note, the roundup is taking longer than I thought it would. My new laptop crashing definitely set me back in terms of tracking and pictures so, I'm still working on it but, when I'm done I will (hopefully) have a really comprehensive look at what has been happening so far! Also, to celebrate the three month mark there might be some giveaway action, we shall see...

• Top: lilac short sleeved sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray cropped pants, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift; labradorite earrings (which I had loaned to a friend and recently got back YAY) Pennyweights; black Fendi Spy Bag, Saks Fifth Avenue

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 8, 2010

Day 2 of Summer Black-Out 2010! I am rushing out the door for work (I really need to wake up earlier) but, thankfully it will be a pretty standard work day. Though, there is no "standard" black here since I'm using gray and flesh tones as my neutrals! I will be trying to sneak out early to run some pre-dinner errands AKA buy vino because my friend Alex (who I haven't seen in FOREVER) is coming over tonight. Vino is a very fundamental component of girly friend dinner! I'm excited so, in the words of Alex, "Squeeee!"

• Top: blue crochet neck blouse, Ann Taylor Loft, (same shirt different color here, I'm all about buying multiples)
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift; silver, amethyst, and some other light blue stone earring from Pennyweights; purple Coach bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

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