Don't Be Basic

Last Monday my mood was pretty serious/annoyed/tired/synonym despite my happy face. While I was not necessarily excited to get back to the craziness that is work at this moment I was excited to wear this blazer! Mainly because I just got it I was still waiting for all of my tailoring to come back and my blazer options were/are limited, to say the least. Also, how cute is it? I can always count on Current Consignment, one of my favorite places to shop (in the tri-state area,) to have interesting, authentic, and generally affordable items. It's even better when they are having a 50% off sale.

But, about those Mondays... I think the easiest way to deal with less than fun situations (like Mondays) is just to dress your best and act as well put together as you look, even if you don't feel it. Most of the time people are convinced. No? Maybe that just works for me. Either way, it's worth a shot when you are feeling less than motivated. Even if it doesn't work at least you would look good trying!

• Top: blue short sleeved sweater, LOFT; beige blazer, Nanette Leopore via Current Consignment
• Bottom: yellow fresh bloom pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: taupe pumps, Steven Madden; pearl earrings, Macys 

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

Blaze Laser Blazer

You thought I was done with blazers for the season, right? Well, that would make both of us but, we were wrong. Even though the temperatures have been climbing it still seemed appropriate to incorporate a blazer in this outfit for professionalism. While it might have been a good idea in terms of the office dress code it was a bad idea in terms of surviving the day. Although it was rainy and that helped cool things down but, by the time I made it into the office I was still melting and since our air conditioning is controlled by someone who must always be hot it wasn't as refreshing as I would have liked. I ended up spending portions of the day with my blazer off (scandalous) thank goodness for this cute shirt.

Speaking of this shirt, I picked it up while I was away this past weekend. While perusing the racks as one of my favorite second hand shops I was reminded (by myself) that I didn't need to be relegated to only searching the M, L, XL racks for clothes and that I could take a peek at the S or even XS (gasp) racks. This is partly due to the fact that my body has changed but, also  because clothing sizes are skewed depending on material, designer, production year. Remember that when you are shopping second hand and you might find some treasures (like this shirt) that you would have missed otherwise. I was initially attracted to the rainbow of muted colors but, was sold when I saw the embellishment around the collar. Can you see it? No, well they are basically fabric colored bead necklaces sewn to the collar; sounds weird, looks adorbs.

• Top: multi-color dot shirt, Boden via Ashby; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: khaki pencil skirt, The Limited via Current Consignment
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steven Madden; blue goldstone earrings, International Gem and Jewelry show; 

I most recently work this blazer here.

Child of the Zodiac

This outfit is from yesterday. Yes, I am all over the place with posting but, will be back to normal next week. You'll see...

Is this week eShakti week? That would be fun (and possible now) but, no... but, as I mentioned last month I was tempted at the eleventh hour to purchase some dresses from eShakti. Those coupons and sales are hard to resist! While I was combing through their extensive collection of dresses, skirts, jumpsuits etc. there were a few that I kept coming back to in my attempts to meet my minimum purchase requirements to get the maximum savings. This dress was (obviously) one of them. How fun is this pattern? As a former teenage girl I was immediately drawn to the mystical zodiac symbols, what's your sign?

When I was trying to select the appropriate size to order I was faced with a new challenge. Although eShakti is great and saves all of your measurements when you create an account with them for easy ordering none of the measurements that were saved in their system applied to me anymore. Thanks, less face. I had to bust out the tape measure and determine my new measurements. No biggie except while trying to determine my (newer) size I came to a realization (again) that my body shape is not standard and most of the stock sizes wouldn't fit me even though I now have less face. Thank goodness for affordable customization! The best moment was later when I my order finally came. I opened the package, took out the dress, and thought, "that is really small I totally messed up on the measurements" but, subsequently tried it on and it fit. Have you ordered through eShakti? How has your experience been?

• Top: star signs stripe waist cotton dress, eShakti
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toes wedges, Steve Madden; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

Decisions, Decisions

I (unlike some people, apparently) am a proponent of a basic suit under the right circumstances. It really ups your professionalism and sometimes that is just what you need depending on the situation. Case and point, I am working out of the office today at an event so, normally, a suit combination would be my "go to" ensemble. I want to be comfortable (for the round trip drive, the running around, etc.) but, obviously I also need to represent.

Unfortunately, a perusal of my assemblage of current suits was unproductive, to say the least but, I think we already knew that. It might be time to set them free, maybe... There is always that "what if" situation where one might need a suit last minute. The real questions  is what's worse: not wearing a suit and relying on separates or showing up in a suit that is obviously one two sizes too big? I opted for the former scenario since wearing clothes that's too big (or small) looks unflattering but, is also uncomfortable.

• Top: beige floral dress, Merona via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; dangle silver bead earrings, gift from co-worker

I previously wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with  Spotlight Style, What I Wore to Work, I Feel Pretty, and  Fashion Files

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

June 11, 2012: Monday IS Suit Day!

Ok, Maybe two weeks in a row is not a solid basis from which to draw an infallible conclusion but, I'm going to anyway... Suits are just so easy on Monday morning especially when I need to lead portions of a new employee orientation. They are (almost) as easy as dresses but, the connote an even higher sense of professionalism that dresses don't always. 

On another note, I was so excited to make it outside to take this picture! Picture taking Sundays seem like a distant memory but, with daylight hanging around later it's an (often overlooked) option to take a picture each day before heading home. Do I sense a new plan forming? Maybe... 

• Top: ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns 
• Bottom: beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories:  gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macys;  Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

April 30, 2012: Change Of Heart

So despite various awkward conversations I was still very dedicated to my goal of no purchases unless they were entirely necessary. However, after the most recent conversation I started to doubt my original decision that I didn’t need to stock up on suits for this new job. My mother was kind enough to hit the thrift store for me and pick up a few things. But, after much contemplation and checking in the status of my (paltry) disposable income I decided to bite the bullet and go shopping to get some more suits.

While I will spare you the details of my shopping trip (for now) I will let you know that I did pick up a few really appropriate things for work like, this suit. YAY? While I wasn’t so keen on the pressure I felt to go shopping and purchases more suits this definitely fits the bill for what I would want: cute muted pattern, interesting details, high stance… overall success! What do you think?

• Top: red floral print blouse, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: beige skirt with side pleat details, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; 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, and here.

February 14, 2012: Happy Anniversary To Me!

One year ago today yesterday I took my first steps into the next leg of my career at a new job! Honestly, it has flown by a bit but, at that same time I feel like I've been there for the longest... Weird, right? Either way, I'm so happy I made this move and am looking forward to what the upcoming year brings me.

One of the things that I am happy about is that my hair has grown considerably since last year; No more Dutch boy haircut for me! Thanks, biotin/fish oil supplements and intrinsic speedy hair growth. Without you, I wouldn't have made it this far. Lesson learned: make sure your translator understands what you want before you let the hair stylist touch you hair or just go to someone who speaks your language...

I wanted to wear something special to celebrate the "momentous" occasion of my job-iversary/Tuesday so I reached for one of my Monif C convertible dresses. They claim that you can tie it into 27+ different ensembles but, after attempting to change it up my verdict is: not really or maybe with some additional assistance. Thank goodness I was wearing a jacket and a tank top because if I hasn't been my co-workers would have been privy some precarious wardrobe moments. Maybe I needed some fashion tape to keep it all together, I probably just need some more practice... Do you have a dress like this? How do you make it work?

• Top: orange convertible dress, Monif C (same dress different color here and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; Inkwenkwezi Safety Pin necklace, Smithsonian/Christmas gift from Mom; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items ftom this outfit are prefviously seen and remixed here, here, and here.

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

February 22. 2011: Losing My Touch?

In my extreme sense of tired after this long weekend I decided to pick an outfit that was safe easy and wear a suit yesterday. I'll be honest I almost feel like I'm copping out. Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely suit that has some really beautiful floral details (note to self take close up pictures next time) but, it's just... a suit. There were no colorful tights or crazy shoes to spice it up. The closest I got was a little pop of color in the shirt which worked nicely with the little flecks of color in the tweed (note to self seriously take close up pictures next time) but, that isn't much. I can't help but, feel that this new office culture is sucking the creativity out of me in terms of getting dressed. Or maybe it's just that I don't want people to think I'm crazy or color blind right off the bat. What do you do to spice it up when you feel like you're in a wardrobe funk?

• Top: blue short sleeved sweater, Ann Taylor Loft (same shirt different color here and here); brown tweed jacket with floral details, George via Unique Thrift Store
• Bottom: brown tweed skirt with floral details, George via Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom a few years ago; beige pantyhose, No Nonsense via Stop and Shop; yellow alley bag

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

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

What To Wear To An Interview

So, as I mentioned before I did a little looking before I landed this job and while I was going through all that I decided to catalog my interview outfits. I figured it would be a good lesson for anyone who isn't sure what to wear when that big day comes.

In November I had an interview with another non-profit the same day as a job fair. I just swapped the cardigan I was wearing for a the suit jacket and it was a done deal. That day I was just happy I wasn't expected back in the office... In the end it wasn't the job for me (we were both on the same page about that) but, at least I got a little interview practice.

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

My next interview was about two weeks ago. Like I said before, things took a turn for the serious! I didn't want to wear the same old suit that I wear for every occasion that calls for a suit (see above) so I reached into my closet to find something different. This was one of the few moments where I was grateful for my past shopping transgressions! Years ago I had purchased this Isaac Mizrahi suit from Target on SUPER clearance (like less than $20 SUPER) and had never utilized it fully. My mom took in the skirt but, I never had a need for the jacket until now... I think it was a total winner!

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP (not pictured)

My second interview for my new job occurred on the same day that NYC was hit with 19 inches of snow. Thanks snow! I think this suit was the one thing that went right because I didn't worry at all about the cold or wetness just how I was going to make it there on time... thankfully I got a very early start and BF was home to help dig the car out and I drove since the bulk of NYC's public transportation was shut down/delayed/who knew.

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: navy pinstripe pants, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; pearl earrings, gift from mom; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP (not pictured)

To sum it all up, here are some thing that I now know undoubtedly to be true about what to wear when interviewing:

• You cannot go wrong with a suit, ever.
• That being said, it doesn't have to be an expensive suit just a well made one.
• When it comes to accessories: the simpler the better.
• Boots are OK when there are almost two feet of snow on the ground.
• A solid bright color top really makes you shine.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

January 10, 2011: Yo, Yo Check Her Out!

That is what someone yelled to his buddy as I walked to my car this morning. I'm going to pretend it was in admiration of my bold fashion statement not anything mean or lecherous. New York City is well known for off color catcalls. I used to get them all the time when I was in high school but, they have lessened in frequency throughout the years. I suppose I'm not that young catholic school girl anymore (and I can't complain) but, I wonder if it is because I am older or more modest? Must be the modesty...

Anyway... Rainbow Tights Week! Lydia from Chic on the Cheap and I are focusing solely on the primary colors. I'm excited! Though, I'm a little on the fence about Friday because normally I can wear jeans to work and that doesn't really allow for tons of tight visibility. We are also going to be joined by Paul (a dancer) who started a blog just for this event! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

• Top: black, brown, and red paisley dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black and nude vintage inspired peep toe mary janes, Madden Girl via Loehmanns; red tights, We Love Colors; onyx earrings, V'ta; black belt, included with these pants; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

December 20, 2010: Patience Is A Virtue

I'm sure you are all well aware of my desire for a white lace top. If not you're obviously new, Welcome! Just so we're all on the same page... I have been wanting a while lace top since the fall but, since I am trying to curb my spending and utilize what I have I didn't cave to my wants. That is, until last weekend... kind of.

I went last minute Christmas shopping on behalf of my Dad because I had some free time and he had other important stuff on his plate. I kept it local with cash in hand and a very specific list of things to get (literally). I went to Target and while I was digging through the sale racks I came across the quintessential off-white lace shirt; it seemed like it waiting for me to find it! On top of that the shirt was on super sale ($23 originally marked down to $5) so I tried it on to make sure it wasn't some sort of shopping mirage and when it fit, I threw it on the pile of stuff so I could continue my shopping.

Normally, I don't purchase things for myself around Christmas (even pre 260 Days, No Repeats) because I always end up getting myself something that someone had already gotten for me. But, since this was obtained on Daddy's dime I'm counting it as an early Christmas gift! Thanks, Dad.

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a red tank top underneath, for the modesty.
• Bottom: black striped pencil skirt, LOFT via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; In-Power Line Super High Shaping Sheers, Spanx; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi

November 17, 2010: Job Fair Again

This pictures says waiting on line in a city agency. How depressing for my hallway but, I digress... If you are thinking the same thing let me clarify, BF and I didn't go to city hall to make it "official." I got the flowers from the job fair I went to today as a "thank you" for participating. That was nice of them, wasn't it?

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment, LOFT and a tank top underneath for the modesty, New York & Company; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company  
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

November 4, 2010: Important Person Perhaps?

I would just like to point out that I am completely caught up on outfit posts, YAY! It really feels good to be getting back into the groove of things. Anyway...

I feel really special today! Yesterday I got asked (kind of last minute) to participate in a county HR committee meeting. I'm not really sure what that entails but, I feel like I need to dress to impress and wear some sort of blazer. There is something about a blazer that completely raises any outfit's professionalism factor, don't you agree? This outfit makes me feel that I convey being put together and that I should be taken seriously. Not that I shouldn't but, it definitely gives me a big confidence boost when I get that vibe while looking in the mirror. Then I can dazzle everyone even further with my knowledge and witty repartee. This is a big deal tomorrow especially because I have a feeling that the vast majority of participants will be much older than me. I also have another job fair immediately following this meeting, fun times! There is also something fun going on after hours but, that is a story for another day AKA post...

• Top: purple 3/4 sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target; black jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; tourmaline earrings, V'ta; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

October 7, 2010: Bye Bye Corduroy

So far this week, I have been unintentionally leaning on corduroy skirts. I guess the fall is getting to me after all. Today though I am going in a different direction, pants! It's been a while but, I have a feeling we'll be seeing alot more of them soon... I have another job fair today at one of the local(ish) VA's. It seemed appropriate to lean twoards the menswear trend. What do you think?

• Top: orange short sleeved sweater with beige and white argyle, Merona for Target (same shirt different color here); white polka dot button down, Merona for Target. FYI if you pick up the the October 2010 edition of Real Simple there is a 20% off Merona coupon in there, or you could just rip it out at the grocery checkout... either way!
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom a few years ago; purple tote bag, Coach outlet

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

Powered by GoodWidgets.com

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

July 14, 2010: Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head

Yesterday's overcast state was just a preview of today's mess. The continuous and unrelenting rainfall adds an extra challenge to getting dressed this morning since I have work, a big presentation, and reservations for dinner with BF (who continued my culinary adventure and made me lasagna last night. Yum!) at The Russian Tea Room with no time to stop at home and change. Normally, that would mean a casual yet chic jersey knit dress but, in this weather I'd rather not. What is a girl to do? Enter classy black pants! These are the same kind of pants from New York and Company that shrink (and I am still going to fix) except for the black ones, wierd...

• Top: pink dipdye sleeveless blouse, Trulli for LOFT
• Bottom: black knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, mom then modified; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

June 21, 2010: Pink Lady

I'm so excited that it is the first day of summer but, I'm not going to burst into song ala Rizzo in Grease despite what you might thing. I hope everyone had a great Father's Day and an all around lovely weekend! The dress I'm wearing today has a really classic cut (with pockets, my fav) so I'm dressing it up with vintage inspired accessories to enhance a little bit of that throwback feel.

• Top: pink dress, Ann Taylor via mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black and nude vintage inspired peep toe mary janes, Madden Girl via Loehmanns; onyx earrings, V'ta; cat eye sunglasses, Enzo Angiolini via Century 21; black Fendi Spy Bag

May 24, 2010

Sorry for the not regularly scheduled post. I was running late this morning and even though I got out of work early I was not near a computer....

Getting out of work early is fun! I have been running around for the past few days (AKA last week) like a chicken without a head. It must have been pretty apparent because my boss (out of pity) told me to leave. YAY! Although it's not the nicest day outside I was glad to be home and even got to catch a movie with BF (who took the picture and is relentless in trying to make me laugh)! But, in the few hours that I was at work I still had to dress the business casual part...

• Top: red floral print blouse, Old Navy
• Bottom: beige Marissa pant, Ann Taylor Loft via mom/thrifted
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Steve Madden; gold and mixed metal earrings, gift from Natalia/ModCloth; brown leather bag; Kooba

Night Out: Birthday!

My friend Natalia (awesome earring gifter) is having a birthday party tonight. I am heading into the city to partake in the festivities at Verlaine. Although 260 Days, No Repeats is mainly meant to be about what I wear to work it's fun to show you a few of my after hour/special occasion looks.

• Top: gray ruffled v-neck tank top, New York and Company; black blazer (not pictured)
• Bottom: dark wash trouser jeans, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Nordstrom Rack
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; gray swarovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights

May 12, 2010

Day three of Dress Your Best Week is cold and bleak. I thought it was springtime for sure! But, since I wasn't woken by the sun peering through my window I am now running late... Please come back warm weather!

Today I am featuring my cheekbones which I think is translating more into my face shape. It's the one thing that has stayed pretty constant no matter how my weight has fluctuated and other part of me have changed which I love! I couldn't think of anyway to dress my face up (I don't wear makeup on a daily basis) besides dressing to draw the eye towards it. That has translated into a mute palette with a pop of color. How do you think I did?

• Top: black Thompson Street Caftan, New York and Company/gift from Mom (it's so strange to be wearing something current that I can actually link to) with a purple tank top underneath, for the modesty
• Bottom: gray pants, also New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black Steve Madden pumps (FYI: they are having a sale right now), black Fendi spy bag, gold and mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/free gift with her purchase from ModCloth

April 22, 2010 - Happy Earth Day!

Also, Happy Belated Administrative Professionals Day! I totally forgot, silly me. Though, when I realized that it was I became a little bummed because no one did anything for me this year. While technically I'm not sure if I fall into the category of "Administrative Professional", I got free lunch last year, what gives?

In the spirit of Earth Day I scoured my closet for something to wear that I felt would be a good representation of "being green". I decided that I would try to find things that are second hand and throw together an outfit with that because the average American throws away 68 pounds of textiles per year only 10 of which are recycled. Thrifting and buying vintage isn't only for style it's to help the Earth!

Thankfully, when my dear friend Melissa moved to London I inherited a bunch of her clothes during the closet purge/packing extravaganza and my mom is always giving me things after she wears them once or twice and decides that's enough for her... In the end, I think this entire experience is a movement towards "being green" because it's more about working with what you have not, buying tons of thing to make new outfits and adding to it. It's no Uniform Project (which is wrapping up in 10 days, kudos! see here for more info) but, it works for me! How are you celebrating Earth Day? On to my outfit:

• Top: orange button down Eddie Bauer shirt via Melissa
• Bottom: beige tweed Ann Taylor Loft skirt via Mom... definitely thrifted
• Shoes & Accessories: taupe Steve Madden pumps; blue Foley & Corrina city clutch, V'ta moonstone earrings and "bubble gum" bracelet.