Diamond in the Rough

I would love to say that commuting and work have gotten smoother but, that would be a bold faced lie which I'm sure you could determine since we are getting a bit off schedule. Let's not talk about that, let's instead talk about this amazing blouse that I dug up at H&M. When H&M opened it's first store in New York City I was like any other high school girl at the time and flocked there for the quirky items and "deals" that everyone, from my peer group to iconic magazines, were raving about. I had no problem digging though the racks to snag fairly basic items but, be extremely excited about them because they were something new and popular; also, let's face it... high school.

When I shop now H&M is not a store that I normally frequent because I have found the time spent searching for something I like, that is good quality, the fits my body type, etc. not worth it having had so few shopping successes. This shirt is an exception to all that. As I was quickly breezing through my local H&M this shirt caught my eye. The color is one my favorites, the delicate details are spot on, and I needed clothing for work. The only negative thing (for me) was a humongous rhinestone right at the collar but, I decided to try it on anyway. We should all be happy I did because it looked is really cute, as you can see. Where is the rhinestone now? Excised.

• Top: mustard pintuck blouse, H&M; black blazer, Juicy Couture via Ashby 
• Bottom: black and white leopard pencil skirt, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

Bright Eyes

This morning was (relatively) smooth sailing despite last night's debauchery. In the earlier part of the evening it was (mostly) professional; discussing the incumbents' next steps, extending well wishes, and getting excited for them to take said steps. By the end of the night it had definitely gotten less professionally focused and became just a bunch of co-workers having a good time which was fine by me. I try to limit my discussions about work when I am outside of work to few and far between, I'm there a good portion of my time anyway, why do I want to talk about it (or things related to it) when I'm not?

Speaking of work... Today is definitely jam packed with meetings, endless emails, and all around non-stop craziness. While I think I am getting things done and keeping afloat I am definitely feeling the effects of this level of intense work under such high level of scrutiny. What does that mean? Bottom line, I'm tired. Thankfully, I see a light at the end of the tunnel! Unfortunately, it's just a tiny pinpoint a long ways away at this juncture. Time to grind.

• Top: yellow t-shirt, Lilly Pulitzer via Clementine
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this skirt here.

I'm linking up with Spotlight Style and Fashion Files

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