Holiday Capsule Wardrobe

I wrote this post for Sugar & Spice back in 2011 and focused on using a few key items from my own existing wardrobe to create a plethora of holiday outfits. What is fascinating to me is that here we are, five years later, and this is still extremely relevant. I'm sure you have similar staple items in your wardrobe that you could mix together so create your own holiday capsule wardrobe for "go-to: outfits so you don't have to worry about what to wear at the last minute. Check it out for some inspiration!

Hi Everyone, I’m Iris from 260 Days, No Repeats! I have challenged myself to wear remixed outfits from my closet… It started out as a one-year thing but, has since evolved and kept on going. During this experience, I have learned that you don’t need all new items of clothes to have a fresh new look. I am constantly finding ways to take the things I wear every day and pair them with completely different items! There are no limits... With the holidays on the horizon, I’m sure everyone’s social calendars are filling up. While you might feel like there is nothing in your closet that is going to work you can take a few key pieces and put together a plethora of fabulous outfits! I chose a great dress, sparkly sweater, sparkly t-shirt, classic pencil skirt, and pinstripe blazer and mixed them into 12 different holiday ready ensembles. What pieces would you pick? How would you put them together?

Lace Yoke Sleeveless Dress – LOFT

Red Embellished Sweater – RED via Loehmanns

Green Sequins Embellished T-shirt – Ellen Tracey via TJ Maxx

Black Pencil Skirt – Old Navy

Black Pinstripe Blazer – Calvin Klein via SYMS

1

1+5

1+2

1+2+5

1+3

1+3+5

1+4

1+4+5

2+4

2+4+5

3+4

3+4+5

Mixed Metal Earrings – ModCloth
Belle Fleur Ring – Stella & Dot
Rhinestone Earrings – New York & Company
Gold/Silver Teardrop Earrings – V’ta Jewelry

Black Pumps – Candies via Kohl’s

Black Belt – Adrienne Vitadinni

Can you see yourself utilizing similar pieces from your own wardrobe in similar fashions? What would you do differently? It doesn’t have to be exact; You could throw a pair of pants or jeans in the mix for more casual gatherings and you are covered for every situation!

Fall Palette

I feel like it's finally Fall. While PSL has been in our faces since September 1 the weather (hello 80° days) has not been in alignment with that autumn reality and all the other fall paraphernalia until more recently. While summer is my favorite thing, I appreciate the changing of the seasons and get excited about the opportunity to be super basic and wear a flannel/plaid/puffy vest combination to do some sort of autumnal activity. How serious am I being? You will never know... but, in all seriousness I do get excited about the changing of the seasons because that means fun things are on the horizon like, holidays, seeing family, layering, and wearing amazing fall colors like mustard. When I put this ensemble together it really struck me as being a great combination of less traditional fall colors (read: not red orange, yellow) but, still in line with cooler weather. Thoughts? On another note, I have to share a secret with you... these were Hubby's pants. Could you tell? I didn't think so. When Hubby was getting rid of them because they were too tight on him I thought, "Why get rid of a perfectly good pair of (fancy) pants? I could incorporate them into my wardrobe instead of picking up a trendy 'boyfriend chino'." That's a win!

• Top: lace trim shell, Merona; black cardigan, 14th & Union
• Bottom: Sharp Grey Emerson straight chino, Banana Republic
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Sam Edelman; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co; paisley infinity scarf , gift from Mom

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday

Don't forget to enter the Nordstrom gift card giveaway! 

Nambé at Macy's

Recognized for its award-winning designs for more than 60 years, Nambé’s commitment to timeless beauty, artistic integrity, and uncompromising quality is evident in the brand’s collection of serveware, barware, home décor and gift items. I'm sure you've seen them and might not have even realized! Nambé collaborates with the world’s most esteemed designers to develop products that bring function and style into the home. From The British Museum in London to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Nambé pieces are exhibited in renowned galleries around the world. What to do after you have already achieved such accolades? Well, keep going... Nambé is now partnering with Macys  to bring a stylish, sophisticated line of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings to you. Working with designer Carolyn Pollack (pictured below) they are offering a line of timeless and unique accessories (also pictured below) that were created with the stylish woman in mind. Even better, everything from the line is made here in America, New Mexico to be exact. Most importantly, all the items for Nambé at Macys will be available at a reasonable price especially considering the quality, luxury, and design aesthetic that goes into each piece.

Photo credit: Kent Miller Studios for Macy’s Inc.

Photo credit: Kent Miller Studios for Macy’s Inc.

A photo posted by Iris (@260daysnorepeats) on Oct 18, 2016 at 6:25pm PDT

Photo Credit: Kent Miller Studios for Macy’s Inc.

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

Weekend Wear: I'm On a (Birthday) Boat

You may or may not know that August is my birthday month! If you follow me on Instagram (like you should) then you would have gotten a proverbial play by play of all the fun things that have been going on. Sufficed to say birthdays are a big thing for me. In keeping with that fact I had charged Hubby with putting together a celebration since this year was a big one but, I am not a huge fan of logistics and planning when it comes to my own birthday. What he, and his assistants/besties of mine, came up with was completely unexpected; he charted a boat (the whole thing) for me and my friends to sail around New York City for the entire evening. There was excellent company, dancing, drinking, yummy food, and amazing views; it was so much fun!

I had picked this dress out for my birthday celebration months ago having no prior knowledge of what we were going to be doing, other than having a great time. While, I may not have known what the exact plans were I knew this dress fit and showed off my transitioned self in a great way so it, as well as the accompanying four inch heels, became non-negotiable in my mind. In retrospect my fixation on wearing this specific ensemble undoubtedly stemmed from the fact this is not a look I could have pulled off a few years ago, at least not comfortably. I am in better shape now that I was in high school and if a party for me (or everyday generally speaking) is not the time to celebrate/flaunt that, I don't know when will be.

• Top: beige striped bandage dress, Bailey 44 via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: silver peep toe booties, Carlos by Carlos Santana; vintage silver earrings, my abuela

Summer Casual Friday Uniform

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

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

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

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

Secondhand Star

This outfit is from last Friday, it is the last of all the off schedules errant posts that I needed to sahre with you, Success!

One of the things I have noticed recently (especially when I'm going through purchases for the month) is that I tend to shop (almost) exclusively at second hand stores. On top of that I get lots of clothes from swaps with friends/family/rando strangers of a similar size. While it is intentional (money saving and all that jazz) I like how much it benefits the environment as well. It's a small action but, hopefully it is having a wider reaching impact.

• Top: white sleeveless polo shirt, Lacoste via  Mom's closet raid
• Bottom: denim skirt, LOFT via Melissa's closet cleanout
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; vintage silver earrings, my abuela

Girlboss

I'm sure you've noticed that things have been a little cray cray for me recently. No? I guess I'm doing a better job at covering it up than I thought but, it's time to come clean... While life things can sometimes feel overwhelming things at work, specifically, are out of control right now. Long story short; two higher level people in my department resigned for other opportunities (yay for them) then, my director was asked to resign per an internal investigation (we wish her the best) and the same day someone who she brought on walked off the job due to the aforementioned requested resignation (I have no words.)

In the course of thirty six(ish) hours the staff in my department decreased by fifty percent and everyone is being asked to step up and help out because, naturally, the work load has not decreased. I have also been asked to take a key role in finding/training replacement and taking on more things. This is my moment... As such, I have picked out outfits this week with the knowledge that everyone will have their eyes on the remaining members of my department. This jumpsuit was an easy "yes" because it is professional but, comfortable. Also, there will be blazers! At least when I think I can handle the heat. I am ready to get to work and make sure that everything continues as needed (professionally and personally) and am confident that it will but, wish me luck anyway.

• Top: black and white jumpsuit, Mossimo via Ashby; black blazer, Juicy Couture, Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver wire flower earrings, MOMA 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

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

Cobbler Friday

This outfit is from two Fridays ago... I'm keeping track I promise.

If I had know how my day was going to go after taking these pictures in the morning I might not have been as happy. Instead I would have had a look of fierce determination. Why? Well, if you follow me on Instagram and/or Twitter (like you should) you would have gotten the blow by blow of those lovely shoes I was wearing completely falling apart as I tried to make it from the train station to my office and go about my day as regularly as possible. I'm glad that, against all odds, I was able to find these shoes but, I am sad that apparently they are not built to last. Hubby has performed his at home cobbler magic and hopefully it works so that I can use them but, we shall see.

• Top: beige/metallic striped sweater, Ella Moss via Ashby
• Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever 21
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi via Buffalo Exchange; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, gift from Mom

I most recently wore this shirt here.

Back At It

I hope everyone had an amazing long weekend (even if it wasn't as long as mine) with family and friends. Mine was pretty cray cray and i will tell you all about it in due time... Right now, I am slowly integrating back into the real world via work, errands, blogging, etc. "Slowly" being the key word though because this outfit is from yesterday. I promise, by Friday afternoon we will be all caught up. Since it is another short (and hot) week I am less inclined to throw myself back into full business professional attire anyway and am instead focused on the "casual" side of my office dress code.

This shirt was something that I picked up last month while I was visiting some of my favorite shopping places my cousin. As a busty person and former prep school student I normally stay away from button down shirts. Besides the fact that almost flashing people is awkward, surviving including this simple style in every outfit for four years straight made me never want to go back. Don't even get me started on crested blazers but, I digress...  Ever since my whole new cardigan experience, however, I have been interested in/more comfortable with trying out button down things so I am trying it out, thoughts?

• Top: purple gingham shirt, J Crew via Clementine
• Bottom: khaki green skirt, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cap toe ballet flats, Guiseppe Zanotti via Buffalo Exchange; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

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.

Define "Too Big?"

This dress is another example of something that might be past its (sartorial) expiration date (for me.) Moment of honesty: the first time I wore this dress it was a bit tight for me. So tight, that I split a seam at the waist while getting into my car at the beginning of the work day, awkward turtle (for real...) Thankfully, at the time, I was wearing a belt so I was able to cover it up and my Mom fixed it with her mad sewing skills. Fast forward to right now and this same dress is big.

Thankfully it still works (for now) and I am gong to give it a reprieve from the donation bin. Through this whole wardrobe purge process I've found it much easier to be forgiving (of size issues) with skirts and some dresses as opposed to pants and shirts. I have mixed feelings about keeping these clothing items around. It's a positive thing in terms of the fact that I am not completely lacking items to wear but, as a strong supporter of the closet purge, I feel it easy to get comfortable with those items, because they are there and they "work," even though they don't actually fit and they should (probably) go. Am I just being too picky?

• Top: black dress, Maggy London via Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.;

I'm linking up with Spotlight Style and Fashion Files

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. 

Past Due

While going through my closet was a monumental task, both on a physical level as well as an emotional one, there was one positive outcome that I can identify (so far) beyond simply having clothing items that fit. I came across many items that I had not worn in some time for different reasons. With this dress it was because it was a little small. While I might have been able to wear it prior to this point (metamorphoses don't happen overnight, unless you are Gregor Samsa) I haven't because when I looked at it the stigma of a small size/tight fit was attached.

Now that I have less face I was excited to try this dress on again. When I did I was disappointed to discover that it is actually a little big. Like other items in my wardrobe, which had previously been too small, this dress has passed it's point of usefulness (for me.) It's a little bitter sweet to find out that an item you had been waiting to be able to wear again is not viable and you missed the mark for whatever reason. As I have been moving around it it today I have also found it to be a little too short (modesty, remember?) Sigh, another one bites the donation bin.

• Top: gray shirt dress, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: gray cap toe ballet flats, Guiseppe Zanotti via Buffalo Exchange; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

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