January 4, 2012: Corporate Bohemian

I got more comments last week about what I was wearing to work that I have in a long time beginning with purple tights and continuing with this outfit. Apparently this fall color palette was so comment worthy that I had a full gamut of people give me their opinion about it. My favorite was a male co-worker of mine who told me that mustard yellow was his favorite color and that I was awesome for wearing it in the office; The new hire who called me a corporate bohemian and this quite girl who never speaks telling me that maroon and gold were her school colors was cool as well. I didn't even think of it when I got dressed but, these are my high school colors as well... awkward?   

What is your favorite color palette to wear to the office? Is there anything that is off limits?

• Top: red long sleeved shirt, Van Heusen (same shirt different color here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom:  yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bead necklace, Vintage; 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, and here.

November 9, 2011: Far From Favorite

Sorry for the delay, I wasn't falling off the face of the earth again I promise... there were posts! But, let's have a moment of honesty about what did happen in terms of outfit posts: I kind of HATED Wednesday's look. You might ask, "Why would you wear it out of the house then? Also, why do you not like it, I think it looks ok!" to which I would answer "It's a long story..."

Baisically, I picked out all of my outfits for the week but, didn't end up taking pictures in advance or trying anything on so when Wednesday morning rolled aroung and this outfit was a FAIL I didn't really have time to change into something else. Why was it a fail? First of all the shirt was way too short which wouldn't have been a huge problem if the pants hadn't been super tight. Lastly, while these shoes were a great find initally they have stretched to the point where they are difficult to walk in as in, I trip over my own feet! I might have to say goodbye to them unless someone knows how to shrink shoes... 

Sufficed to say I was uncomfortable and will never be putting those items together again beyond my personal style challenge. What do you do when your outfit is uncomfortable do you run out at lunch and buy something new, go home and change, or tuff it out for the rest of the day?

• Top: red embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here); tank top underneath for the modesty; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (part of this suit)
• Bottom: brown pinstripe pants, New York and Company (not be confused with these)
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry, purple tote bag, Coach 

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

Night Out: Gala 2011

Do you remember last year when I went to a gala? Well, I am going to the gala again. Actually I'm at the cocktail hour right now thanks to the magic of previously scheduled posts. You can just imagine that my hair is flawless and my makeup is polished because I didn't really feel like going through all that trouble for picture taking Sundays. Maybe I will have some actually pictures from the event tomorrow and you can see what is really going on...

I find this evening outfit to be an amazingly excellent example of going from day to night. I mean, you saw what I was wearing earlier! I make a couple of simple swaps and the dress becomes a whole new world thing. I find it even more amazing for the work to evening swap because I've already used it that way a few times. The fact that I was able to make it come together for a formal affair makes it the best piece ever! I don't know what this dress is going to do next. Do you have anything like that in your closet: a piece you can take from day to evening and maybe even a fancy event?

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vitadinni via Loehmans/gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: silver t-strap shoes, Due Farina; rhinestone studs, New York & Company/gift from BF's parents; Isadora Pearl Bib, stella & dot; violet Clea Clutch, Katherine Kwei/won at Blogger's Night Out 

October 17, 2011: Floating In On The Breeze

Hello Everyone! That's right I am back from my mini vacation. I had so much fun with my cous and definitely could have used a few more days in the Windy City with her but, it was time to come back to reality home.

It was back to work yesterday and I just wanted to be comfy while I was getting down to business (my inbox was bonkers!) So I went with pieces that I thought would be professional and (extra) comfy all at the same time. I think that will be the theme for the rest of the week.

I'm not sure that I will get today/tomorrow's outfits up in a super timely manner since I have late meetings both days but, I am going to try to make Thursday the day for outfit posts if I don't!

• Top:  floral print t-shirt, Vera Wang for Kohl's; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black wide leg knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black suede sneaker shoes, Rocket Dog; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; beige linen satchel, Volcom courtesy of Lulus.com/Blogger's Night Out 

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 8/9, 2011: KO'd

Sorry for the blip in posting. I have actually been slightly sick since Monday (fooled you didn't I?) and burning that candle at both ends while experiencing persistent symptoms (fever, sore throat, ridic congestion) was not a good idea. I completely crashed Thursday night when I got home in the early evening. Yes, that's right I missed all the FNO events... it's ok, I will survive. Fighting throngs of people for free manis or hair styling just didn't seem like as much fun as sleeping.

Thankfully the R&R gave me enough strength to power through yesterday and work plus the fun stuff in the evening. I got to go to a fun event last night thanks to an invite Katy from Modly Chic (thanks!) and after that I attended Blogger's Night Out (so much fun!) I will put a post up about all my Fashion Week shenanigans once I have wrapped them all up; No, I'm not finished but, let's talk what I wore.

September 8, 2011:

• Top: olive and pumpkin striped tee, Mossimo for Target; khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: gray slacks, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black sneaker/shoes Rocket Dog; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

September 9, 2011:

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; silver knotted necklace, gift from my dear friend; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

September 7, 2011: Stranded Blogger

So, I totally stole that title from Katy over at Modly Chic. It is the hashtag for her event tonight and I am so excited to go and meet up with other stylish bloggers! Actually, I am honestly more excited about this that any other FNO related events. I will try to snap some pictures to share with you so you can live vicariously through me...

That being said I needed to make sure that my outfit for tonight was work appropriate and let me just say I flipping love this dress! I found it while I was shopping with my Mom at the thrift store a while ago and she tailored it for me. Now I think it fits the bill on all levels. It is vintage for real and even has pockets!! The only thing I wish I could do differently with this outfit is add a snazzier belt. My mom said red but, she is a poster girl lady for matchy matchy. I was thinking snake print but, I'll make do with what I have for now... What color belt would you pair with this dress?

Another challenge that I faced was the precipitation. Remember yesterday when my hair was straight? Yeah not so much anymore as you can see. I spent all my time while commuting yesterday dodging the proverbial bullet AKA rain drops only to be defeated by the extreme humidity and a tiny hole in the top of my umbrella (Really Totes? You are supposed to be for life!) Are you experiencing a drought? I'll come and get my hair done where you are I guarantee you it will rain (sans Keratin) but, I digress... I just gave in and am going al natural which doesn't always feel as "stylish" to me. Do you prefer straight hair or curly hair? What seems more stylish to you?

• Top: red and black polka dot dress, Clues Collections (Vintage) via The Unique Thrift Store/gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; black belt, came with this dress; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

My Stella & Dot pick:

Bardot Spiral Bangle - Silver

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 27, 2011: State of Anticipation

So first it was an earthquake and now it's a hurricane! What's next, Earth? When I was getting ready in the morning I was very focused on taking advantage of the second to last summer Friday (meaning we get out early) that I have left and wearing something that was a testament to the quickly ending summer season and less to the potential "impending doom" that is on the way hence, white linen...

The way the the city (both government and occupants) have been talking about Irene I was mostly concerned about getting home before the "storm of the century" hit. I am planning on camping out in my apartment with good DVR and a small stack of September Issues. Are you going to have to deal with Hurricane Irene? What are you doing to weather the storm?

• Top: white short sleeve sweater, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); white linen blazer, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; pink rhodochrosite and mother of pearl necklace, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; pink rhodochrosite and mother of pearl earrings,  Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro   

Here is my Stella & Dot pick:

Carnival Necklace

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, 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 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 10, 2011: The Joker Strikes Back

I just can't get away from this color combination; purple and green always sucks me in. Maybe they were meant to be together from the start... Also, lime green is a favorite of my old college roomie and I had her over for dinner so it seemed kind of meant to be! Do you have any "strange" color combinations that you are always drawn too?

• Top: purple ribbed tank top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; lime green spotted cardigan, Merona for Target/gift from BF
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earring; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

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

August 9, 2011: Channeling Drowned Rat

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

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

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

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

August 8, 2011: Time Flies When You're Having Fun

First of all thanks for all the birthday wishes. You guys are the bestest! Overall, I had a pretty awesome weekend with friends and family and seeing a few notes from you just made it even better.

As great as it was to spend the weekend celebrating with everyone and generally shirking all responsibilities I felt like it might not have been the best idea when I rolled out of the bed this morning and realized I had to go to work. I was all thrown off! What happened to my weekend? I really could have used at least one more day to do all my normal weekend stuff AKA laundry/cleaning/groceries or maybe just more celebrating... 

• Top: coral sweater, LOFT
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target; semi precious stone necklace, V'ta jewelry; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP

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

August 1, 2011: A Whole New World

So, we all know that I've been a little MIA (sorry) and it hasn't been just about life (work, personal obligations, health, etc.)  The obligation that I felt to keep up with the days I had missed was very daunting. Because I have pledged not to wear a repeated outfit to work for another year I  was stuck on the idea of documenting every single one even when I wasn't at a point where I was realistically able to due to other more pressing obligations.

I have finally gotten a good handle on my schedule, commuting, the job expectations, etc. and am more comfortable in general. These past six months have honestly been a huge challenge. So, I sat down with myself and had a conversation where we unanimously decided that it would be best if I just left all the old unfinished posts behind and kept moving forward. Not to say that I won't try to revisit the missing outfits but, I just can't keep scrambling to catch up to the point of burning myself out which is exactly what has been happening.

On to more fun things; It's my birthday this week and I am making even less of a big deal about it than last year. I planned a few small get togethers but, haven't really thought of anything I want. What I could probably use most would be a vacation but, that isn't happening for quite a while and now that I've figured my schedule out that isn't such a big deal but, when the time comes it will be glorious! What would you ask for if it was your birthday?

And now on to the clothes... keeping it professional while staying cool has been a challenge. The proverbial "they" says "Dress for the job you want" but, I would melt in a suit! So, a sweater vest seemed like a good compromise to me. What are some of your summer work staples?

• Top: white polka dot button down, Merona for Target; purple, gray, white, and black argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here and here)
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, Ann Taylor Loft; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black and gray purse, Pietro Alessandro

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

July 14, 2011: A Neutral Party

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

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

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

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

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: