April 11, 2011: Pattern Mixing Forever

One of the things that this blog and blogging community have given me (and I am most grateful for) is a variety of completely different perspectives on how to pair pieces of clothing from my closet together. Old me would have focused on pairing things that were very matchy matchy together thinking that it would make an amazing outfit. Throughout this experience I’ve learned that while being simple or classic is ok it is also great to break out of your comfort zone and push you personal style boundaries.


For me one of the most concrete examples of this was pattern mixing. I know I have sung it’s praises before but, yesterday the realization of how much this expands the potential of my wardrobe became completely clear to me all over again. Prior to this experience I would have never paired this gray and blue plaid blazer with this pink and navy striped shirt, craziness. Let along pairing the two pieces with a black skirt. I might have gone blue or gray but, not (gasp) black. The possibilities are endless, I really could keep remixing forever! It’s nice to have these moments where the possibilities are endless…

• Top:  pink and blue striped t-shirt, Old Navy; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

April 4, 2012: Positive Role Model

First of all I just have to tell you that my outfit last night was totally acceptable. I was definitely the only one who was over thinking it since it looked like most people just showed up in what they wore to work that day. What was even more amusing to me was that the woman giving the lecture, and a few people in the audience, were dressed in black from head to toe. Wait! Hold on. Just kidding, there was some gray in there as well… We could have matched if I had gone the cliché artist route but, I’m glad I strayed away.

In other news, I have taken on a new responsibility in my personal life. In addition to everything else I have going on I have decided to be a mentor with an excellent charity organization the helps people with their job search. I thought that a few hours a week of my time to answer some questions/give guidance is nothing if it makes a positive change in someone’s life. Hopefully it does! Bonus: tonight I think there will be pizza (provided by them) and cookies (provided by me)!

One of the things that the facilitators of this program stressed was the importance of wearing professional attire to set a positive example for the mentees. I'm sensing a trend and I could not agree more. This dress came to my rescue this morning last night while I struggled with finding a comfortable/professional outfit to wear. Dresses = The Best!

•  Top: ruffle front cotton dress with pockets, eshakti.com with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

February 7, 2012: Sticking With It

I came back!!! I'm holding to this new staggered schedule gosh darn-nit... Since picture taking Sunday happened this weekend I am able to reap the benefits of having my outfits all planned out when I wake up in the morning. It keeps me from wanting to rip my hair out because I can't find anything to wear or being too schlumpy because I just grab the first thing that I find but, most importantly it keeps me from being late to work... so far, so good.

One of the things that I have learned from this overall experience is that a sweater vest is a great was to cover up potential gaping in a button down shirt. I understand, this isn't a problem for everyone but, the inability to wear button down shirts without buttons popping open is an issue for me no matter what size I get. I know there are worse things but, it can be frustrating. While my high school dress code (you will never see me in a crested blazer ever!) has definitely put me off collared shirts as an everyday thing, every once and a while I think it might look nice. Thank goodness for sweater vests and fashion tape!

What wardrobe tips and tricks have you picked up through your blogging experience or just in general?

• Top: gray pinstripe button down shirt, The Limited via The Unique Thrift Store; purple argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here, here, and here) 
• 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 can be previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here


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

February 6, 2012: One of Those People

First I wanted to talk to you about what my new plans are for 260 Days, No Repeats. Although I have been experiencing some difficulties making my personal schedule and the blog work together I am committed to finding a way. That being said I would also like not to go crazy so, I have come up with a new plan and will only be posting three days a week. I will still put all my outfits up you just might be getting two scheduled post instead of something I do in the morning before I leave for work. Maybe as I fall into this new schedule then I will take it back up to five days a week, we shall see...

I also have a confession to make, I was one of those people who was up early waiting checking for Jason Wu for Target to be available online. When it was finally up and not giving me error messages (you still have some kinks to work out Target) this dress AKA the only thing that I was interested in was only available for purchase in store, figures. Because I am generally up at the crack of dawn on Sundays to get an early start on my groceries I figured I would swing by Target on the way and see if the dress was available. If you follow me on Twitter you might have noticed the escapades as I was politely battling the swarm of trendy ladies (and the occasional boyfriend) for anything related to Jason Wu.

After all the craziness I found what I was looking for on the discard rack in the dressing room. After I tried it on, decided it was perfect, and wandered around the store I decided it would be best to head out because people kept coming up to me and asking me if I was going to take the dress, awkward... I was curious to see the purses and the light blue striped skirt but, the people who had showed up before the store opened were still shopping, bartering, and checking out in droves with carts full of the good stuff. It was really disappointing overall but, I'm really glad I found what I was looking for!

While I am excited to wear this new dress because it's a symbol of my victory fabulous and comfy BF noted that it is a perfect color combo for the Giants Superbowl victory. While I am not much of a football fan (and those are pink stripes not whiter) I wonder if anyone else will make the same connection? I am even more excited to be able to wear it when the weather gets warmer with some fun sandals but, I digress... The bottom line is that the dress is perfect for work and the dinner plans I have after for starters.

Did anyone else brave their local Target for a chance at Jason Wu? What did you get?

• Top: navy poplin dress, Jason Wu for Target; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 

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

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

December 16, 2011: Jeans Day

This month there was a welcome casual Friday at my job. While I was excited to dress down I still needed to keep it professional, enter blazer and fab blouse. Did I mention I'm a sucker for anything ombre? Yeah, I know you know... 

• Top: gray ombre blouse, Trulli for LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor Loft via Melissa
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser, tailored by me via LOFT/Christmas gift 
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; moonstone earrings, V'ta jewelry; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

Wicked Weekend

I had so much fun last week at A Little Wicked and am thrilled to share this invite with you! If you are going to be in the area stop by, browse select vintage pieces, sip some bubbly, be styled by Sammy, save 20% on your purchases and hang out with other fashionable ladies and blogger guests! Hopefully, I'll see you there...  

November 7, 2011: Back To School

The time of year where everyone heads back to the classroom has passed or so I thought; I am going back to college today! Let me explain... while working with an assortment of local colleges to set up recruiting events for my company I naturally reached out to my alma mater. After having many lovely conversations with the people in career services one of them invited me back to speak at an event about job search tactics for upcoming liberal arts graduates. I was more than happy to oblige!

On a related note, this dress makes me feel like a teacher (completely unintentional, I swear). I think my 7th grade teacher had one just like it... she had serious style! I got this dress during one of my final trips to Re/Dress NYC. They will be closing their doors in a few weeks and I wanted to take advantage of this great store while I can. I took my Mom because she has never been and needed to experience it before the final party. The dress had some wicked shoulder pads (which I removed) and after seeing it in pictures I think it needs to be hemmed but, there was something about the weird pattern (and pockets) that drew me in. Perhaps it was hypnotic suggestion, it's the perfect pattern for that; You are getting sleepy... You really love this dress... Excellent!

• Top: black and white checker print dress (with pockets), Studio Collection via Re/Dress with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black belt, from this dress; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach

Wicked Vintage

Two nights ago I spent the evening hanging out with lots of fashionable bloggers at A Little Wicked boutique downtown. Touted as “the chicer way of doing vintage” A Little Wicked is a streamlined store filled with handpicked and thoughtful finds. It's a nice change from the normal vintage shopping experience where you can find yourself combing through racks for hours and hours just to hope to find something that is legitimately vintage and works for you. 

Stop by the store, located at 279 Houston Street btwn. Clinton & Suffolk, especially in the coming weeks as they debut their holiday picks! Think gorgeous glam and sexy sparkles which is holiday dressing in a nut shell! You can also schedule a private styling session with one of their wicked stylist by emailing Sammy at Sammy@alittlewicked.com. That right Sammy from Sammy Davis Vintage, she's a doll!

I did take pictures but, they were with my phone so they came out lame (note to self: remember camera next time) so here is one from their blog:

Check out more pictures here! I'm in a few but, please excuse my sleepy face it was a long day... Also, there was a snazzy goody bag which I did manage to snap some pics of when I got home. I can't wait to use that scarf!

November 3, 2011: I've Got Lace

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!

Many of the trends this fall make me think of a more classic style and lace is definitely one of them. The other thing that lace reminds me of is a doily. Thankfully, this shirt channels the classic style and not the latter but, despite that it is still a challenging piece to wear to work. Completely see through tops are not what I think of when I imagine professional business attire. O, you do? Then I should be ok... I rocked this top at my last job no problem but, this new office is decidedly more conservative. We shall see how it goes. What other items of clothing do you think push the corporate dress code? 

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple wool blazer, Victoria Holley/Mom's closet cleanout
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; brown woven tote, Loeffler Randall

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

October 25, 2011: Hoping For A 7-10 Split

While I was planning my outfits out for the week I forgot about this "moral/team building" thing that my company has organized. You guessed it from the title, bowling. I honestly can't tell you the last time I went bowling and that's probably because I was a single digit in age. If I had to describe my feelings about the whole thing it would be "skeptical", what is up with those shoes?

Since it's company wide undertaking they paired it with a fundraiser (think 5K meets bowling) from the start and we have raised a nice chunk of change for a charity in need. Who beat her fundraising goal into the ground? Yeah that would be me but, I digress... I can definitely get on board with supporting a worthy cause but, coming up with an outfit that would take me from work to the bowling alley was not something I thought I would have to do. What goes with those shoes?

• Top: orange ballet neck chiffon flower embellished top, New York & Company; 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 ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

October 24, 2011: Just Another Manic Monday

Today is just your normal, run of the mill Monday: there are things to accomplish in the upcoming week at work (as well as, at home), there are social obligations that are looming throughout the rest of the week, and all while that Monday malaise is, making you feel like it would really be best if you jumped back in bed for more quality time with your pillows. You know what I'm talking about...

In my opinion one of the best cures for "the Mondays" is a great outfit! Something that will carry you through the entire day from work to a drink after, errands, or just the train back home. It gives you the boost you need to start the week out sans extra pillow time which is exactly what I am trying to do here!

• Top: black, brown, and red paisley dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; black belt, came with this dress; hammered silver and garnet earrings, jewelry by lis; purple tote bag, Coach

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

October 11, 2011: Geometry is Sexy

With all the talk of Re/Dress NYC closing it's doors I felt a strong urge to finally bust out this dress that I have been saving for the right occasion. I think I've made this "mistake" before; what is really the "right time" to wear awesome clothes other than everyday? That being said, I definitely had to wait until the weather got cooler before I swaddled myself in polyester because it doesn't breathe at all!

Also, I just want to point out that I did not come up with "Geometry is Sexy" myself (as much as I might have wished I did) it was on the tag for the dress that I picked up at the $20 Vintage Dress sale in June! Yes, I saved the tag... No, you shouldn't judge me. If you are a blogger, where do you come up with inspiration for your blog post titles?

Now on to the shoes... I know I expressed a fair share of condemnation towards Target in response to their frustrating Missoni launch but, while I was at Target looking for something completely unrelated I spotted an endcap with a bunch of these shoes and one pair in my size! Since I have a gift card to Targét burning a hole in my wallet I decided to pick them up. Then I may or may not have fallen prey to the Missoni for Target craze and gone to different Target's looking for more stuff...

• Top: beige, black, and red vintage "Geometry is Sexy" dress, Kathy via Re/Dress NYC
• Shoes & Accessories: black suede pumps,Missoni for Target; black belt, came with this dress; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; gray Le Dix/Motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

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.

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: 

August 25, 2011: Sexy Librarian

Sorry for the delay Blogger was giving me some serious problems this morning that I did not have time to deal with in the morning rush. Normally I will run a search when updating on items that I have previously worn and it told me that I have never written anything about "tweed"... seriously!? So since I couldn't get the whole post together and still make my bus I decided to put it off until I got home. This allowed me to get a few compliments at work that I could tell you about. Apparently, my professional pattern mixing is appreciated!

This title is what BF described my look as when I put on this outfit to take the pictures. That wasn't really the look I was going for but, I'll take what I can get... Isn't is funny how when you put on something that is very covered up but, form hugging it instantly becomes "sexy." To combat the pulling/inappropriateness of the third button (the one that sits over my bosom, that jerk) I put on a cardigan. I figured worse comes to worse I could always pull that closed if things for out of control which they (thankfully) didn't. Do you have a "sexy" but, covered up look? What does it consist of?

It took alot of self control to not have a title that was earthquake related but, obviously I don't have a ton since I still mentioned it. I'll be honest I didn't feel a thing because I was "hoofing it" from one end of the office to another but, then all of a sudden people talking about it, running downstairs, our phones weren't working, etc. and it was confirmed by CNN.com moments later. All this experience did (for me) was allow me to say that I survived it, get a few swarm badges on foursquare, and reaffirm that NYC is not the place to be when buildings shake or anything else happens, everyone jumps to "terrorism" and panics. How was it for you guys? Did anyone else feel the Earth shake?

• Top: pink striped button down shirt, GAP; black cardigan, Merona via Target/gift from BF
• 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; chalcedony and mother of pearl earrings, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; black belt, came with this dress; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

My Stella & Dot Pick:

After the Rain Bracelet

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

August 18, 2011: Unnecessary Hesitation

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

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

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

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

August 17, 2011: Staycation Fail

I haven't been late on the posts (as is often the case) I have actually had a few days off. I wish I could say that BF and I did something super fun but, we didn't; the weather was so terrible and we didn't plan ahead so we just ended up staying at home for the most part. And while I will definitely say that a few days off was really nice it wasn't fully what I wanted and did I mention the weather was just terrible? Enough of this melancholy nonsense... it's getting me all depressed.

I am going back to work today and am really excited that it is a short week! I am definitely making an effort to put my best professional foot forward after the awkward conversation last week. I am trying to work with what I have in my closet in the mean time while I wait for Target to stop putting grocery sections in their stores and put out their fall clothes (seriously every single store near me, I can't escape it!) which I am hoping includes a suit since I have a gift card... Please let me know if you see anything at a store near you!

• Top: black sweater, LOFT/Mom's closet clean-out 
• Bottom: gray lace skirt, Tara Jarmon for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; black beaded necklace, craft space in Laguna Beach; black onyx earrings, V'ta; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

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

Purchases and Aquisitions: July 2011

At least something haven't changed around here; I am still (successfully) trying not to shop! There was no real need for shopping. Actually there was a need for some closet cleanout...  Remember in May when my Mom gave me that pile of clothes? Well, that really strained my closet space so I have actually been going through a serious closet clean out! Also, with this weight gain (and no subsequent loss) I'm pretty sure none of my pants are going to fit me. Have you notice that I haven't really been wearing pants? I can blame it on the summer but, it's because they don't fit...

While I didn't purchase anything I did get two new dresses.The first one was from my mom which you got to see here because I already wore it to work. The other dress was a hand me down from my friend Caroline which I also wore to work but, you didn't get to see. No, I don't wonder how my closet gets so full but, I know it't not necessarily my fault. Would you say no to awesome free clothes? Would you find a way to make it work or would you get rid of things?

August 2, 2011: Same Shizzle, Different Day

Despite everything else that is going on this week today is another day at the office... when I was younger this would not have been the case. I probably would have taken the week off for my birthday or work as little as humanly possible to prepare for the celebration that was my birthday. Why is that? Because my birthday might as well have been national holiday in my house... Maybe my parents totally (over)compensated for the fact that no one is around at this time in the summer to celebrate or maybe I'm just that awesome, either way birthdays were fantastic. As I get older they aren't as grandiose and that's ok. I don't really have the effort to put into planning and coordinating a party and it's still a challenge to find people that haven't evacuated NYC for the summer.

Also, as I get older there is more going on this week than just my birthday I have appointments that I need to keep and other things that need to get taken care of... I guess that is the glamour of growing up!

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom;
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; 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, here, here, here, and here:

June 13, 2011: Held On

I love this dress! I have had it for a long time and this is the first time that I have ever worn it out in public. Why? Well because it has a fairly open back and this deep drapey v-neck in the front. I'm glad I ignored the (logical) part of my brain that had told me to donate it so many times before and held on to it.

Since I was wearing it to work the easiest thing was to throw something over it. I think it might have been a bit more structured with a blazer or cardi, maybe next time... I also figured out (through much trial and error) that I can get away with a strapless bra and tank top for the modesty by day or night when I have plans with friends! I know, I know 2 + 2 = 4... revelations.

Do you have an item that you are holding on to because you're not sure how to wear it but, can't bear to get rid of it? Did you have such an item? How did you end up making it work?

• Top: blue gray draped jersey knit dress, BCBG MaxAzria with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; purple shoulder bag, Coach

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: