What Goes Around...

This outfit is from yesterday, I think I might have a two post a day limit in terms of what I can churn out. Maybe today I will break that streak and catch up. Better yet, maybe I can even get ahead of the curve! Whoa. I know, I know, I need to take it one steps at a time and not get ahead of myself. Anyway, clothes...

I picked this dress up at Old Navy a long time ago like, years. Do you remember it? I feel like you probably do because it was all over their ad campaign that season but, I digress... Then, I didn't really wear it all that often because it got too small/was a little too short. I did the only logical thing at that point and gave it to my Mom so someone could take advantage of it. Fast forward to now and it's back in my closet. Isn't it funny how that works out sometimes?  

• Top: blue and gray dress, Old Navy/Mom's closet raid
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift Store; peach cushion cut solitaire earrings, c/o Sorelli

Pattern Mixing Redux

When I first started blogging my fashion stylings were a little "vanilla." Then, as time progressed, I got more comfortable with the "institution" of fashion blogging I began trying new things and experimenting with bolder pairings. I can't say they were all amazing ensembles but, they were different, fun, and helped me accomplish my goal of one year, no repeats to work. One of the tools that I kept/keep coming back to when putting together outfits is pattern mixing but, as I drifted away from fashion blogging pattern mixing wasn't a thing anymore. I have a feeling it might be experiencing a come back... polka dots and snake print that's cray cray. How do you put together creative, fun outfits?

• Top: ivory ruffle embellished tank top, Ralph Lauren Sport via Current Consignment; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: snake print pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

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

(F)Unemployment Files: The First Day

One of the things that I was initially most excited about regarding my (f)unemployment was the amount of free time that I anticipated I would have. I didn't really have time to see my friends or do the things that I wanted to do as much as I would have liked while working in that position. Naturally, the first thing I decided to do was meet some former co-workers for lunch and catch up. Effectively taking advantage of the seemingly unlimited amount free time is one of the important things about (f)unemployment. While you need to be an effective job seeker (if that's what you're looking for) you also need to break up the monotony of the search by doing nice things for yourself like grabbing a coffee with friends, heading to a museum, or getting a mani/pedi if you can manage the expense. I was also in the midst of holiday shopping so this outfit had dual purposes as I ran all over the area hunting down the best gifts/deals for family and friends after lunch.

• Top: gray tunic, Frazier Lawrence via Mom
• Bottom: peach skinny jeans, Demin Licious via Torrid/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white ruffled snake print flats, Coconuts via DSW; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; black tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

November 12, 2012: Any Given Monday

We've been over this before... Mondays are suit days and while this was last two Mondays ago it wasn't any different. There was orientation and other business to be had and any this suit was a no brainer. I have been mixing and matching the things in my closet for three years now which leads to some creative and fashion forward interesting combinations but, sometimes a suit is best. I have been conflicted about defaulting back to suits as an everyday wardrobe choice but, as I establish myself in the office it feels more comfortable and easy. The challenge is keeping it fashion forward. How do you keep your suits interesting but, still work appropriate?

• Top: purple long sleeved t-shirt, VanHeusen (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, and here); brown tweed blazer with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Shop 
• Bottom: brown tweed skirt with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Shop
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; silver circle necklace, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; 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 to win a $50 Shabby Apple gift card!

December 14, 2011: Just Another Tuesday

As excited as I might look this was just another day at the office amidst crazy Christmas preparation... 

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple cardigan, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here)
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target;  coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

June 6, 2011: Business Alternatives

After last week's craziness, I am going with a more traditional office look today. I have a feeling that I couldn't have gotten away with it forever... This is also because all of the college graduates that I recruited on Career Day are starting and I want to set a good example! The safest bet would have been a full suit but, I wanted to show them that there are other equally professional alternatives. Do you mix and match your suits as separates? What do you wear when you want to be professional that isn't a suit?

• Top: purple 3/4 sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target (same shirt different color here); brown tweed jacket with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Store
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown snake skin kitten heel shoes, Coach; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; cream woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

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

January 6, 2011: Sparkle and Fade

Whoever said you shouldn't wear sequins in the office obviously never saw this shirt! I think it just screams "office appropriate amount of sparkle." In fact that's what it did when I was getting ready, it threw a little tantrum so I had to wear it! If only that went as well for me in real life but, I digress... It worked out for both of us (the shirt and I) since I have a belated Christmas dinner/gift exchange with my friend Alex immediately after work. What? We (Alex and I) made it just in time for the Epiphany, it's still the Christmas season. We (you and I) already know this top is an excellent choice for evening! It should have been a no brainer from the start. What do you wear when you need to hear from work to dinner/drinks/show?

• Top: green t-shirt with sequins embellishment, Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx/gift from Dad
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; purple tights, Duane Reade; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; brown Loeffler Randall bag, Target (same bag different color here)
  
  
  

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

December 15, 2010: Keeping Tradition Alive

Everything that I wore yesterday was new to 260 Days, No Repeats even the shoes! After the holidays I am definitely going to do some sort of theme week; forgotten shoes, new to you, maybe both but, I digress... I love the idea of this outfit but, it wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world. The skirt is a little small but, also a little short. It was very awkward sitting in a meeting full of program directors and assistant directors while checking to make sure that I wasn't flashing too much thigh! Note to self: Don't wear this skirt again until you have shrunk a few inches or lose a few pounds, thanks! Also, don't be fooled by BF's picture taking cues or your face will freeze like that...

The only thing that was comfortable about the outfit was the shoes. I haven't worn them in a while but, only because I had forgotten about them (not an excuse I know) not because they weren't practical, comfortable, and stylish. I even wore them while traipsing around midtown after work to fulfill a Christmas tradition of BF's and mine: getting an ornament from Saks Fifth Avenue and seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. We have gotten a Christopher Radko ornament each year since we moved in together and each of them signifies an event/s from the year. This year it was this one to commemorate our trip to the tree farm which my Mom later informed me was not the first time, I went when I was very young. I'm sure there are pictures somewhere... What are your favorite christmas traditions?

• Top: ivory sweater, Old Navy with a beige tank top underneath, for the modesty
• Bottom: purple houndstooth skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: brown snake skin kitten heel shoes, Coach; brown tights, Merona for Target; moonstone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; moonstone and peridot (my birthstone) necklace, Pennyweights/gifted; brown Loeffler Randall bag, Target (same bag different color here)

October 22, 2010: No Rest

But, I'm not wicked... I've just got alot of catching up to do post vacation. What up with that? You take a vacation to refresh yourself but when you get back to work/home things are busier than ever. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have changed going on vacation but, I think that whole phenomenon is pretty ironic. Craziness... I'm sure I would not be able to deal with this if I hadn't taken a break!

On another note, my curly hair is finally getting into it's groove! It's been more than two months since I let it be itself but, it wasn't quite right. There were still some straight bits in the front that wouldn't go back to normal until today, that is... What do you think?

• Top: teal cable knit sweater, LOFT
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; multi-stone tiered earrings, handmade in Peru/local store; purple tote bag, Coach outlet 

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

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September 23, 2010: Somewhat Autumn

This first day of fall doesn't really feel like fall yet but, the calendar (and my challenge) don't lie! Regardless, I have a meeting this morning at 8:30 (what is up with that?) so, I need to look put together despite the slightly ridiculous hour. I think this sweater with the pearls and these fabulous shoes really do the trick! I might even throw on a blazer to combat the morning chill and enhance the professional look! I know, I'm going all out...

• Top: cream sweater with natural stone collar embellishment, August Silk via Mom
• Bottom: red eyelet trim skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift Store; pearl earrings, birthday gift from mom a few years ago; brown leather tote, Bulga

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

July 1, 2010: Out Of It

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

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

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

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

June 8, 2010

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

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

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

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June 2, 2010

It's the second day of my (short) theme week and I've got military(ish) style with a side of nude shoes! I originally thought I was going to be representing cargo pants but, when I pulled these out of my closet I found that they didn't possess the key characteristic of side pockets... Tradegy! But, I think on my feet (sometimes) and pulled this khaki green blazer that I have since high school out. The somewhat "edgy yet professional" attitude of the outfit is kind of perfect for the job fair I had to go to today... Success!

• Top: white short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft; khaki green blazer, GAP
• Bottom: gray cropped pants, Bitten vis Steve & Barry's
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; black Fendi Spy Bag, Saks 5th Avenue

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

May 11, 2010

It's day two of Dress Your Best Week and the second thing on my list of things that I like about myself is my boobs which I think I will now refer to going forward as my girls... I'm really not sure what I was thinking when I typed that.

I have a pretty ample bosom which makes sense because I am a grown woman. The thing is, as a teenager I had a pretty ample bosom as well. At one point I would have even called it a defining characteristic, which is sad on so many levels. But, being a 13 years old who could (and did) pass for a college student and getting (good or bad) attention based on that from lots of people I met had an impact for sure.

This potentially misguided attention was only a small part of our love/hate relationship. When all my friends were in the size 0/2 range it was hard for me to reconcile that being curvy did not make me fat. Or strapless gowns (we had so many formal events) being difficult to wear was not because I was fat, per say, just that I had girls who needed more support.

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Now I am very aware of keeping my girls supported, modest, and appropriate which sometimes means covered up but, despite our ups and downs they have become one of my favorite parts of me. I think an easy way to accent them without being crude is with a nice v-neck top that has embellishment around the neck area and making sure I have a good bra! It's all about foundations.

• Top: gray ruffled v-neck tank top, New York and Company
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake print sandals, Bandalino via Unique Thrift which I think are in keeping with yesterday's theme of legs since nude shoes make legs look endless but, I digress; gray shell earrings, gift from BF's mom; purple Coach bag, via outlet

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

April 27, 2010

Another dreary and sad day, unfortunately... but, there is not point in harping on it! The weather man said it will be better on Thursday. Hopefully he's right and not just talking nonsense to appease me and the masses.

• Top: fuschia turtleneck sweater, New York and Company
• Bottom: black knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white ruffled snake print flats, Coconuts via DSW; tourmaline earrings, V'ta; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmanns.

April 23, 2010

We are still in keeping with the Friday theme hence the unamused look and the quick and easy front hair poof. Keep tuned for potential "cosmetic" changes over the weekend! To the blog sillies, not me. Items from this outfit are previously seen here but today:

• Top: yellow short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company with a gray tank top underneath (for the modesty)
• Bottom: jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white snake print flats, Coconuts via DSW; tourmaline earrings, V'ta; blue Foley & Corrina city clutch via Plaza Too (now that I think about it)
  
  

April 2, 2010

This week has gone by very quickly, thank goodness! I am looking forward to the beautiful weather this weekend and celebrating the holiday with family and friends. Easter was always an occasion when my mom would take my brother and myself to get spiffy new Easter outfits and as an adult I still have the overwhelming urge to do just that but, in the spirit of responsibility I have opted to shop in my closet for a fabulous and appropriate outfit to wear. Perhaps I will let you have a glimpse on Sunday... as for today:

• Top: green 3/4 length scoop-neck t-shirt from Target with brown houndstooth jacket from Ann Taylor Loft.
  
• Bottom: Marisa jeans from Ann Taylor Loft. (YAY Casual Friday)
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats from Target, long brass and ribbon necklace from Ann Taylor Loft with Elizabeth Showers Vintage mother of pearl earrings. I will also be keeping all my crap in a patent leather purple Coach purse. I will probably throw a pashmina in there to keep warm as I walk to my car since it's still a little nippy outside.
  

April 1, 2010

I love shopping as much as the next girl but, times are tough and even though the man says things are getting better I'm just not seeing it yet. Thankfully, I am employed but, working in an office (HR at that) there is definitely a business-casual standard that I need to meet when I dress for work in the morning. At the same time, I don't want to show up everyday in the same outfit. So, what's a girl to do about it? In-debt herself further to have all the latest things, take on extra jobs to make up the gap, borrow, steal, or make do with what she has? I will take the latter!

I have a pretty large closet... and another one for shoes. Sufficed to say I have ALOT of clothes. The vast majority of them are work appropriate so, I was thinking that I should be able to come up with enough combinations of clothes to last me for at least a year or more utilizing what I have. A different outfit for work everyday, hence 260 since that's about how many work days there are in a year. It sounds very daunting but, I think I'm up for the challenge Occasionally I might get a gift certificate, go shopping with my mom (who always buys me something *love ya mom*) or buy something myself but, it would definitely be something I have a need for since I will be hyper aware of what I have in my closet. As a person who did a significant amount of research in college I feel the need to define my terms. What I mean by an outfit is a different combination of top and bottoms (ex: Day 1 Top A and Bottom A, Day 2: Top B and Bottom A). This does not include shoes, accessories, or handbags. But, I will show them to you for the fun of it!

My goal with this is not to show off how much clothes I have or even that I can put a stylish outfit together. It is simply to show myself and others that you can make great things with what you already have not just "make-do" You don't have to go to the store and buy a whole new outfit for an event (even though that is fun) you might be able to find a dress in your closet with the tags still on it (yes, that has happened to me). And for all those times that you throw up you hands and say, "I have nothing to wear!!" I want to show that you probably do have something you haven't seen all the potential in the things you already own. Another thing that I want to show myself, and I suppose everyone could learn from it, is the use-value of my clothes (ex: basic black ballet flats that cost $12.99 are much more valuable than a prom dress that costs $199.99) I can agree that there are basic pieces that should be of higher quality because you will wear them more but, the trendy stuff that you could pay a fortune store in designer boutiques is better purchased somewhere like Target because it will be out of style next season.

Now, lets get down to business.

• Top: yellow ruffle front blouse from Ann Taylor Loft
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt from New York & Company (high use-value item I bet)
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats from Target and an amazing carved bone and turquoise necklace. I will also be throwing all my crap in a patent leather purple Coach purse (not pictured).

I will try to take better pictures moving forward but, day one is very rushed. Check back tomorrow as this experiment continues!!!