Summertime Scandal

I know you're shocked, I am wearing white after Labor Day... I am a rebel! You might have gleaned from my post yesterday that I am a firm believe in the fact that summer doesn't actually end until the official end not, Labor Day. Just because everyone goes back to school and summer Fridays end in the office (if you, unlike me, get that amazing benefit) doesn't mean that there's not still fun in the sun to be had and white to be worn. Besides that is a vintage fashion rule instituted by high society back in the day and what credence does that hold over us? That's right, we're all rebels to those snobby ladies of the past!

As rebellious as I am being with all my white I felt that this outfit was a little more work appropriate than what I was wearing on Monday Tuesday when I cam back from the long weekend. Not a T-shirt? Awesome. Not Sandals? Bonus! While neither of those items are inherently bad there I definitely feel more polished and put together when I am wearing a more structured shirt or fabulous dress, possibly a cute skirt or trousers, and actual shoes. On top of that, as the weather cools down blazers can again be integrated again and the business casual possibilities are endless but, we're not quite there yet...  

• Top: orange button down shirt, Eddie Bauer via Melissa's closet cleanout
• Bottom: ivory and navy printed skirt, Libertine for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver open toe wedges, Seychelles; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse 

A Favorite Contradiction

This dress is definitely one of my favorites. If I wasn't trying to wear a different ensemble to work everyday for a year you would be seeing more of this dress, for sure. Naturally, as I considered what items to keep, tailor, donate, or sell from my recent closet purge this dress made it's way into the tailoring pile quickly. When the Jason Wu for Target look book came out this was my absolute favorite of all the items out of the few that I was interested in. On top of that fact it was the only item that I could get my hands on when I went to the store. How could I donate or sell something I all but, had to fight for? Obviously, it wasn't even an option.

While we are in the month of September I am still clinging to summer; It is my (favorite) season. The hotter the better... I realize I am in the minority with that sentiment. Pumpkin spice, Halloween decorations, and changing leaves can put a pin in their inevitable decent. Conversely, the one thing I am excited for is to be able to get back to layering things; Blazers? Yay! Sweaters? Wonderful! While this is contradictory to my appreciation for warmer temperatures it is one of the things I appreciate about the fall season. I am a contradiction, wrapped in an enigma but, I digress...This dress would look so cute paired with a blazer, don't you think?

• Top: navy poplin dress, Jason Wu for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver peep toe wedges, Seychelles; dangle silver bead earrings, gift from co-worker

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Mid-Week Muse, Style Me Wednesdays, Oh Hey Girl!,Trendy Wednesday, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, The Wednesday Pants, Style Elixer

White Time

This outfit is from last Thursday, and you thought I forgot... Today it's two for one!

Memorial Day was some time ago and I have not been taking advantage of my new found super power ability to wear white as much as I should/would like. That's going to stop last week now! This skirt has been one of  my "go-to" summer pieces since my college days (not to date myself but, that was a while ago.) It's been an easy item to pair with any most of the tops in my wardrobe and instantly elevate their level of summer appropriateness to "spot on." Bonus: it's super comfy. Unfortunately, my body has changed considerably since then and this might be the last summer that I am able to utilize this skirt. I was (kind of) taking a chance wearing it last week; one good tug and awkward turtle... It's a good thing no one is out there waiting to pants me. 

• Top: teal floral embellished t-shirt, Merona
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: silver peep-toe wedges, Seychelles; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

Function Over Form

Today's outfit was born from necessity. After the mini tornado yesterday (hail, no joke,) non-stop torrential down pour overnight, and ongoing showers this morning things are pretty gross. Despite the fact that on Mondays I try to like to keep things positive there is no way around that statement, it's a fact. Fortunately, that doesn't mean I can't motivate and make it work; I'm channeling a "storm" outfit (that's what boots and skinny pants are for after all) which is appropriate for what the forecast suggested.

You would assume that skinny pants were something readily available to me but, you would be mistaken. I recovered these from the tailoring pile because they needed hemming. Also, these pants are a size (or three two) too big. I'm hanging on them because they are stretchy and they work for now. Also, I'm tired of having to replace clothes but, I digress... I'm not sure how much longer these pants (and other items I'm too stubborn to let go of) will last. 

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT 
• Bottom: gray skinny pants, Mossimo
• Shoes & Accessories: black motorcycle rain boots, c/o Cougar AND leopard print flats, Seychelles (not pictured;) vintage silver earrings, my Abuela 

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

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. 

June 12, 2012: White on White, A Risky Endeavor

You may or may not have gathered from my awkward poses and goofy faces that I am occasionally a klutzy/awkward person. No? Stop lying... Anyway, I say occasionally because sometimes I have ninja like reflexes that make absolutely NO sense, it's very hit or miss.  I thought I would tempt fate by trying this white on white combination again.

If you follow me on Twitter and listen to my ramblings you might have noticed that it didn't go so well this time around. As luck would have it I got salad dressing all over my top in the middle of the day. Thankfully I was able to save the day with some CVS Instant Stain Remover. It worked like a charm! Unfortunately, I then got black pen on my linen jacket and the stain remover was not as effective. I ended up in the office bathroom scrubbing away like a wash woman and there is still the slightest hint of a black line. Feeling that these things always come in threes I was totally paranoid for the rest of the day and managed to avoid whatever was headed my way, for now... How do you do when wearing white on white? Do you avoid it or embrace it?

• Top: white short sleeve sweater, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here and here); white linen blazer, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; shell hoop earrings, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V; 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, and here.

May 29, 2012: Holiday Hangover

Normally this term is synonymous with gorging oneself on too much food or imbibing a few too many cocktails but I find myself out of sorts for a different reason… too much relaxation? I know, that doesn’t really make a lot of sense. I spent Memorial Day weekend catching up on sleep and doing low key things around the house. Nevertheless, I still had SO much trouble peeling myself out of bed on Monday Tuesday morning to go to work; It was like I had just attempted a triathlon or something equally strenuous. What’s up with that?

That being said I am especially proud of myself for keeping it together wardrobe wise and rocking a professional ensemble complete with blazer! The feeling of sheer exhaustion wasn’t the only hurdle I had to overcome when putting my outfit together. The weather in NYC has been pretty gross. We’re talking high temps, 100% humidity (my hair loves this), overcast, misty rain nonsense... ick! I would really love a sunny summer! Is that too much to ask? Sorry, I digress... Picking out clothes to wear in my air conditioned office is hard when I feel like I won’t survive the commute there in what I’m wearing. Do you have any tips and tricks for summer office dressing that I could utilize?

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (from this suit) 
• Bottom: black skirt, Proenza Schouler for Target 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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!!

I've Got A (Pastel) Colored Blazer and Metallic Shoes

I'll be honest when I first but this outfit together it reminded me SO much of the 80's but, then again so does neon, printed pants, and geometric prints. What's old is new again... Do you think is outfit is too retro or just modern enough?

In the search for (even) more professional clothes my Mom took a trip to the local thrift store and picked up some suits for me; Yes, one of them was a pink suit. I'm not sure that I would ever wear the blazer and skirt together (so pink) but, at the same time through this blog I've learned to never say never about fashion. I'm doing things (style-wise) all the the time that I never thought that I would. Yes, I'm talking to you skinny jeans. 

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment with a tank top underneath for the modesty; pastel pink blazer, Jones New York via Unique Thrift Store/Mom
• Bottom: gray pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories:  silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

April 18, 2012: I've Got Orange and Metallic Shoes

It seems to me that this season there are alot more trendy colors than there are styles. I'm definitely ok with that since it is much easier to find a shade range or select color than a specific type of clothing in ones own closet. Do you agree?

• Top: coral sundress, LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty; khaki safari jacket (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, and here)  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; silver watch, Fossil; citrine and sterling silver ring, Designs by Terra via International Gem and Jewelry Show/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

October 31, 2011: Polka Dots + Chunky Heels = Minnie Mouse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

Purchases and Acquisitions: September 2011

Ok, so I'm back for now on the regular on the regular for now. Expect a bunch of posts this week especially. Moving on...

I did actually buy something this month, a fantastic pair of shoes. Do I really need more shoes? I suppose not but, when these presented themselves to me I could not resist. I have been lusting over the Urban Outfitter's Suede Pump for months possibly even a year since I saw them on other blogs but, I couldn't justify the $49.00 impulse purchase for something that wasn't an immediate need.

I could however justify $5.19! I found a unicorn almost identical pair of Seychelles hidden in the sale section of DSW. Honestly, when I slipped them on and they fit I was so excited! They were 50% off the already reduced price and with some coupons that I had been holding on to they came out to under five dollars before tax, how could I resist? 

Have you come across any good deals like this lately? Were you able to resist?

     

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:

August 29, 2011: And The Hits Just Keep On Comin'

I hope everyone is doing ok after Hurricane Irene. On one level I'm really glad that the officials took it seriously and made drastic moves to keep people safe (ex: shutting down trains, evacuating people in low lying areas); on another level I'm annoyed because it really wasn't that bad where I am and my weekend was seriously impacted for some bad rain and wind: I didn't leave my house for almost two days because the storm was coming and BF had to stay at work from 12AM on Saturday to 8AM on Sunday.

Overall I'm just glad that everyone I know is safe and sound but, this morning Irene just keeps messing with me. The train I normally take to work isn't running which definitely alters my morning commute. I think she owes me the $16.00 I'm going to have to spend on parking... it's totally her fault!

Today starts a week of my boss being out on vacation so I am definitely making a concerted effort to be even more professional than before because I will be holding down the fort and I want to make a good impression. What does that mean? I'm not entirely sure. Maybe blazers all week...

• Top: red floral print top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; purple tote bag, Coach

Here is my Stella & Dot pick for this outfit:

Signature Clover Chandelier Earrings -- Silver

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

August 22, 2011: Monday For Real

Last week my Monday was Wednesday and having that shorter week was a fantastic way to keep the vacation vibe going. Unfortunately that couldn't last forever and I am headed back to the office today for a full work week with some social engagements sprinkled in there for good measure!

Tonight I am going to be meeting up with my old college roomie before she heads back to London. I didn't really get to spend a ton of time with here while she was here but, the time we did spend together was absolutely lovely, I'm looking forward to tonight being more of the same. In terms of style I'm glad I have pieces in my closet this dress which can double as a professional work piece by day and a fun happy hour piece by night! 

After the staycation fail and awkward conversation BF said he would put some of the money that we would have spent doing super fun things during our time off but, didn't (thanks weather) twoards beefing up my professional wardrobe. With that in mind I hit Loehmanns and found this awesome Calvin Klein suit. After all the coupons and discounts it was more than $200 off the original retail price, WIN! The one thing I didn't realize about it until this morning was that it has shoulder pads, FAIL. I have pretty broad shoulders as it is so shoulder pads are not a necessary thing; although I'm sure I would have been going crazy with the trend in the 80's had I been old enough. So this jack might need a trip to the tailor AKA my Mom to have them removed. What do you think of the fit?

On another note, since I am a now a Stella & Dot stylist I will be putting adding pieces that I think would be a great match with my daily outfit in each post. There is totally something for everyone and every outfit and this helps me pretend (in my mind) like I actually got to wear this amazing jewelry because I shouldn't can't buy everything for myself... that kind of completely defeats the purpose!

• Top: navy blue jersey knit dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; Inkwenkwezi Safety Pin necklace, Smithsonian/Christmas gift from Mom; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; yellow alley bag

My Stella and Dot pick for this outfit:

Astor Five Strand Necklace 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 4, 2011: Happy Hour

I'm working the door and my birthday celebration(s) are kicking off today! A month or so ago I had won a "free" happy hour at a very popular Irish pub near my job so I decided to cash that in for my birthday. It's actually a pretty good deal: $25 all you can drink for 3 hours or 1/2 price drinks for that same time period. So I invited some friends and am so excited to see everyone tonight!

There is no golden ticket needed to get in and I extended the invitation to some work colleagues but, there is another birthday celebration going on tongith for someone else so that has been a little bit of drama. Whatever, it's my birthday and I am not going to cry if people don't show up, we are all grown ups... besides what is really important is that I am surrounded by awesome people not just the greatest quantity or attendees, agreed? I thought so...

The most important thing in all of that is what I'm wearing (obviously) and while this outfit is very similar to the previously seen example but, there is no blazer and according to the updated rules that is ok! I wanted to dress up a little bit but, the outfit still needed to be work appropriate and comfy, this was a total winner! What is your no fail work to happy hour outfit?

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vitadinni via Loehmans/gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW/gift from BF; silver cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen 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:

June 29, 2011: Self Inspired

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

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

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

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