Weekend Wear: (Surprise) Wedding Guest

I am alive! I know it's been a while and I will get into that but, right now I have a much more important question: Have you ever had someone close to you call you and announce that they are getting married? Yeah ok, totes normal. How about with the ceremony occurring within 48 hours of that conversation?! Me neither, that is until my cousin (bestie/partner in crime) called me on Thursday afternoon, before the most recent long weekend, to inform me that her and her boyfriend of a decade were going to tie the knot on Saturday. After the initial shock/excitement/panic/happiness I went into honorary bridesmaid mode trying to determine what the plans were, what (if anything) she needed me to bring, and how I could assist with things leading up to the ceremony.

It wasn't until much later that day that I started thinking about what my plans would be for the wedding? More specifically, what would I wear for the festivities? With the limited amount of time I had (understatement,) I needed to find something in my closet that would be appropriate. Thankfully, over the past few months, since the purge, I have been intermittently shopping and picking up items, with no rhyme or reason but, that fill gaps in my wardrobe. This amazing maxi dress seemed like a no brainer for a summer soiree but, not really for a wedding ensemble. My apprehension stemmed from the fact that "they" say you shouldn't wear black to weddings. In the end my cousin was ok with it so, what do "they" really know anyway?

• Top: black, red, and white polka dot maxi dress, Banana Republic via Clementine
• Shoes & Accessories: tortoise shell Wayfarers, Ray Ban via Lenscrafters; black Olivia sandals, Dolce Vita; pearl earrings, Macys

Weekend Wear: My Cousin's Wedding

I've (kinda) been going on and on about my cousin's wedding so the least I could do is share pictures of me in the fabulous Adrianna Papell dress that I wore! I was so happy when I found it hiding on the sales rack at Macy's after a lengthy search; all it needed was a little tailoring (funky zipper popping out problems) and then it was perfect. I might have said this before but, if you are ever in a pinch for a special occasion dress you should Google Adrianna Papell and see what they have to offer. I'm sure there will be something for you. 

I was equally happy about the fact that I was able to find jewelry and shoes to go with this dress and the occasion in my accessory arsenal so I didn't have to purchase anything else. While my natural old inclination would have been to scrounge up some pink, purple, or yellow jewelry to matchy match the dress my newer style inspired me to go with neutral silver... it goes with everything! What would you have paired this dress with?

• Top: Sleeveless Pleated Surplice Floral Printed Faux Wrap, Adrianna Papell
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW;  labradorite necklace, V'ta Jewelry; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; brown sunglasses, Mossimo for Target; White Monogram Multicolore Alma, Louis Vuitton (not pictured)

April 30, 2010

I needed to take a sick day yesterday, total bummer. First of all because I was sick but, also because it was gorgeous outside and instead of being cooped up in my cubicle I was cooped up at home. But, a girl's gotta eat so I threw on a jersey knit dress and some sandals and ran to the grocery store. While I was getting my cart some random stranger actually came up to me, complimented me on my ensemble, and asked me where I got it. Sick busy me was totally caught off guard but, extremely flattered... Since she thought it was so nice I figured I would share it with you, I made BF take the pictures outside because it was so nice although I'll have to look for more places in my 'hood that might be nicer for outdoor shots than standing on a hill...

• Top: blue, gray, white, and black jersey knit dress, New York and Company with a black tank top underneath (for the modesty)
• Shoes & Accesories: black Dolce Vita sandals, Nordstrom (you can still get them here), tourquise earrings, the yellow alley bag, and Ray Ban percription (I am pretty myopic) sunglasses...

Happy Easter

So, I had mentioned that I was going to try to shop in my closet for the perfect Easter outfit as opposed to going to the store and purchasing a new one. I am sorry to say that this was not a overwhelming success.

It all started with the shoes. I have this gorgeous pair of Due Farina pale lilac sandals and was (still am) dead set on wearing them for the Easter events I have planned today. I proceeded to go through all the dresses I had in my closet that might match and while doing so I hit a few figurative snags. First of all they were all sleeveless and while the weather is going to be gorgeous today that is not entirely appropriate for church. Secondly they all showed an extreme amount of cleavage which is also inappropriate for church, as well as, life in general. Lastly, the one that I had settled on (black and white polka dot spaghetti strap sundress) encompassed my first two problems but, is also a little big so I had to wear a tank top under and a jacket over with some safety pins placed here and there... too much work.

You can now understand why when my mom mentioned that she was going to Loehmann's because she needed a shirt/dress/outfit to go with a jacket she had selected in her closet I seized the opportunity to accompany and find something for myself plus, she had asked me to give her a ride. Regardless, we made a killing there each getting outfits for Easter and my mom picked up some other items most of which will come to me after she wears them *thanks Mom*.

• Top: Calvin Klein khaki dress (via Loehmann's) wrinkled from sitting in the car for a while.
• Shoes & Accesories: Due Farina lilac sandals, Louis Vuitton Murakami Alma, V'ta watermelon tourmaline chip necklace, Tiffany silver earrings.

After that we went home and she was inspired to start clearing out her closet purging what she doesn't need, want, or wear anymore.Three shopping bags from one shelf in her closet plus some shoes (you no longer need to wonder where I got my love of clothes) and one for me *go Mom!!*. I made out like a bandit because some of the things that didn't work for her were classic enough and perfectly sized for me. Yay purge!! More items from that treasure hunt to come throughout the following weeks. If you are inspired to purge your closet and need a little help shoot me an email my keen eye, practicality, and honesty when it comes to clothes are just a few of the things I am known for amongst friends and acquaintances...

From: SheSpysTheBuys
To: You and Yours