Customer Service On Fleek

You can't stop my onslaught of continuous white after Labor Day; Wednesday was only the beginning! Muah haha... Ok, ok I'm getting carried away.

The first time I wore this (style of) Lafayette 148 skirt it broke. I sat down, some seams popped, totes embarrassing. Then the most amazing thing happened: I promoted the post, as I do, Lafayette 148 actually checked it out (yay, social media works!,) and when they saw what had transpired they contacted me. Yes, a real life person emailed me/called me and sent me a new skirt which is what I was wearing yesterday. They even sent it to me in a larger size because, apparently, I was in denial about my actual size but, I digress... To this day I count that whole exchange as one of the best customer service experiences I have ever had and remember Lafayette 148 and Nora (the rep who contacted me) fondly.

Fast forward to less face and this Lafayette 148 skirt was under criticism again because it didn't fit for a second time! After all the time I spent working on my fitness the skirt was swimming on me (yay?) I had removed it from my regular wardrobe circulation but, I couldn't bring myself to put it in the donation pile or even Poshmark it because of the positive memories tied to it. Also, rainbow and tweed? That combination couldn't be more me so, I took it to the tailor and now it fits like a glove but, not too tight. There will be no repeat of Seam Bust 2011, at least I hope not.

• Top: red ruffle embellished tank top, apostrophe via Goodwill
• Bottom: rainbow tweed pencil skirt, Lafayette 148
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; pearl earrings, Macys

I'm linking up with What I Wore to Work, Throwback Thursday, and Thursday Fashion Files

Summer Interviewing

Today Yesterday Wednesday was another interview open house for work. As you (probably) know that means that I lean towards traditionally professional office attire AKA suits but, that had been a challenge for me given my recent weight loss. Yup, you've heard this all before. Either way today yesterday Wednesday/picture taking Sunday I couldn't wrap my head around idea of wearing all that anyway, it's hot outside! Yay, summer but, I digress... instead I went with the next best thing, a dress. I think it will be like the moving forward in the summer as the interviewer perhaps not if I was the interviewee...

While this dress still fits, for the most part, it is lower cut than I would like. I am excited that I am able to wear different things and smaller sizes now because of my less body that doesn't mean that it's all going on display; modesty, remember? As you might notice I didn't take the picture while wearing a tank top underneath but, after I put the dress on in the morning and went through my morning ablutions, I quickly noticed that things kept popping out so, tank top to the rescue, for the modesty.

• Top: purple, white, and black floral print dress, LOFT; black tank top, Old Navy (not pictured)
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; pearl earrings, Macys

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse 

Friday Already?

Is it really Friday? Excellent! This (short) week has (seemingly) flown by and even though we are coming off of a (hypothetically) relaxing long weekend I am more than ready to have another little break. Having a long weekend can be extremely productive if you stay home but, if you go away all of your "fun" weekend chores spill over into the week which is what I have been contending with. Grocery? Nope. Laundry? Barely. Tidying up? Hahaha, you're funny but, I digress...

Today I gave up on my attempts to avoid jeans, which are normally allowable, on casual Friday. I had my reasons, at the beginning of the week when I put all these fabulous outfits together it was supposed to be cooler... thanks for lying, the weather. Also, it has been a crazy week (see aforementioned) and I am embracing the laid back attitude of casual Friday. Overall, I wanted to and is there any better reason that that?

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT; khaki green blazer, GAP
• Bottom: skinny jeans, BDG via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: tan gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless; chantilly lace chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot 

I'm linking up with Fab Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday, Passion 4 Fashion, and Casual Friday

Tweed Day

If you didn't already know, I have a thing for tweed. I will wear it whatever the season and don't necessarily limit it to clothing items (see shoes.) I'm not sure where the attraction comes from but, that's ok. Maybe it's the way that tweed can squeeze lots of colors into one item of clothing or how classic it is (two words: Chanel Suit.) Whatever the reason I have come to terms with my strong affinity for looking like a librarian or a professor. I'll draw the line at shoulder patches but, I digress...

When I saw this tweed blazer on the sale rack at ReDress in Brooklyn many moons ago, before they closed, I was instantly drawn to it (shocker.) To my surprise the blazer had a matching skirt (AKA a suit) but, in all years since I purchased it I haven't ever worn it. It's a shame since both pieces were a little tight when I bought them and are a little lot loose now... I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to be able to pull both pieces off because wearing things that are too big on you is similarly awkward to wearing things that are too small., life lessons.

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT; greed tweed blazer, H&M via ReDress
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesdays, What I Wore, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse.

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

Basic Black "Suit"

This weekend we moved picture taking Sunday to a different part of the lawn where the sun was not trying to blind me (awkward face.) I guess later in the day would be better next time but, I digress... at least we got it done unlike last week. Like last Monday I am all about getting down to business can't you tell form my serious face? No, fine... good thing I'm wearing this "suit" to convey the serious and professional nature of my attitude. Also, I'm presenting today so my ensemble needs to be in line with that and we've I've leaned separates are the best when you are in between suits.  

Let's talk about this shirt for a moment. Have you ever found something while perusing a store that just seemed too good to be true? That was this shirt... While combing through the clearance rack at a local consignment store the bold pattern caught my eye. When I picked it up I realized, after the double take, that it was Missoni, real Missoni (yay) for 75% off the already reduced price (more yay.) After I tried it on and it fit how could I not buy it? There was no way, it was meant to be. What have been some of your greatest shopping "steals?"

• Top: orange striped tank top, Missoni via Current Consignment; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: black slacks, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with Style to Inspire, Mix It Mondays, Visible Monday, Let It Shine, How I Spring, Monday Mingle, Creative Mondays, Two Birds, and Personal Style Monday

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:

June 10, 2011: T.G.I.F!

I am so ready for the weekend! Even though the past few days have been (almost) unbearably hot I can't wait to spend some time in the sun! Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?

• Top: yellow ribbed tank top, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here, and here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: red, blue, white, and yellow floral print skirt, Talbots via The Unique Thrift Shop
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Merona via Target; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

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

June 9, 2011: Remain Neutral

Guys, it is going to be 100°!! Well, not quite yet but, it will be by the afternoon. With all this heat I struggled to put an outfit together that was office appropriate but, wouldn't melt me. Ironically, I have been trying wear blazers all week and make that work for the summer but, it's just too hot!

In that arduous search I discovered another summer staple of professional wear that I am missing, traditional cardigans! I have three, honestly (this one, this one, and this one.) I also realized that the cardigan is the best alternative to the blazer during the warmer month when they are out of the question unless you want to fade from heat stroke trying to make it to your air conditioned office building. I know, I know 2 + 2 = 4... Do you have any other blazer alternatives that you utilize during the summer?

• Top: brown tank top, New York & Company with another tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's parents
• Bottom: black capri pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black Dolce Vita sandals, via Nordstrom; pearl earrings, pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro 

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

Night Out: From The Mouths Of Babes

Not only has my work schedule been a little bonkers but, my social life has been a bit cray cray too. I really shouldn't complain; I get stir crazy when there aren't fun things going on, it's such a catch twenty two but, I digress...

With so many things going on I actually got a little stunted when getting dressed. I couldn't decide what to wear on Friday night so I threw a few things on and bounced the ensembles of my little brother and his friend. We collaborated and came up with this outfit which worked perfectly. Who do you bounce fashion ideas off of?

• Top: teal ribbed tank top, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: pink and coral polka dots skirt, New York & Company (same skirt different color here)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; Cerises Pochette, Louis Vuitton (not pictured)

November 15, 2010: Monday Not Funday

Monday is here, I'm off to work. I'm feeling a little under the weather hence the pajama-like outfit. I am so excited that the GAP makes these amazingly comfy pants in another color. I am not thrilled that they close via a zipper in the back. Why mess with a good thing? Either way, they were too good to be passed up!

Where did the weekend go? Note to self: make zero plans for next weekend. O, we have BFF's birthday party/ies Friday and Saturday nights? Fine, make that the weekend after. What do you mean, Thanksgiving? Already?! I'm almost scared to ask but, how about the weekend after? Thank goodness that looks clear, I thought I was going to need to take some scheduled time off from work again... No self, you don't have vacations days you're per diem.

• Top: purple ribbed tank top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black long cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF (same pants different color here)
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's
  
  
  
  

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

October 19, 2010: Hit The Ground Running

It's good to be back! No, not from vacation... to the blog! I wish I was still in California (they have the internet there too, I could have made it work) but, I digress... Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things AKA not take tomorrow's picture in the hallway but, transitioning back to normal life is harder that I remember! Today, I need to make it work because it is back to the office this morning and then to a committee meeting this evening.

Please forgive the pajama-like outfit, with all these things I have to take care of I appreciate/need the comfort while tihngs get back to normal! Plus, I'm not used to this chilly weather quite yet but, I am going be inspired by Nina and Lyddiegal's advice and layer! What are your tips for dressing in the falling temperatures?

• Top: red ribbed tank top, GAP; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: brown and red pinstripe pants, New York & Company (these are one of the pairs of pants that I needed to lengthen and let the cuffs down, how do you think they came out?) 
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede-ish kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; turquoise and silver cross necklace; black Spy Bag, Fendi 

September 8, 2010: WWW - Plain White Tanks

Please excuse my asleep appearance, I woke up super early to head into the city for a training (hence the casual attire, jeans three times in one week that is crazy!) and had BF snap a few shots before we ran for the bus, this was the least terrible! Hopefully tomorrow will be better...

When I took part in academichic's Dress Your Best Week one of the things that I noted as being a fav part of myself was my "girls." But... as I had previously lamented; they are fairly ample so I need to take measures to keep them in check. Mostly that means a supportive bra and tank tops "for the modesty" as I like to say. I have a myriad of colors to chose from but, the ones that I make the most use of are the white ones. They might be simple and seemingly inconsequential but, I would be indecent and limited in my wardrobe selection without them...

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  Top: purple dotted blouse, New York and Company, with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway sweater, New York and Company
• Bottom: Marisa jeans, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: black flip flops, Rocket Dog; labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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

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Work With What You've Got: Secondhand Dress

A while ago one of my aunts, Titi I (no we don't have the same name), gave me this dress. She said she didn't like the way it looked on her and that she thought it might be perfect on me. The problem was that when I got the dress it was at least three inches longer. Mid calf length dress and skirts are not something that I find flattering, it's an awkward length... What made the dress even more awkward was that the extra fabric on the bottom was the printed pattern from the top half (trust me it looked wierd) What to do?

It was simple! I just removed the bottom panels and now the dress hits just below the knee. I was going to hem it because the edge is a little raw but, I haven't gotten around to it (you couldn't even tell could you?) I wear it either way! Since then it has become one of my favorite outfits to run errands in when the weather is warm. I just thrown it over my head grab some flip flops and I look put together but, am super comfy... the perfect combination! Thanks Titi I!

• Top: printed dress, Magic; gift from Titi I altered by me; tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes and Accessories: purple flip flops, Bitten via Steve and Barrys

August 27, 2010: Third Time's A Charm

I was hoping to keep the outdoor picture thing going but, BF woke up late and had to rush out the door leaving me photographer-less. I'm all for independence and doing it myself but, traipsing downstairs with my tripod during the morning rush seems like a bit much or, maybe I'm just lazy... Either way, back to the hallway! I am so ready for the weekend, can't you tell?

• Top: teal zipper trim top, Mossimo via Target/gift from BF. I think it's a little long but, I couldn't resist the zipper detail! It reminds me of one of my fav Project Runway looks... Jeffrey where did you go?; tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em via DSW; tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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August 20, 2010: Twice In A Row

Today is another "need to be comfy" day (this time it's BF who needs an early morning ride) cleverly disguised as casual friday and the perfect excuse to rock my jeggings. I am a total convert but, I digress...  Today's fantastic and comfy outfit makes me feel (on some level) like I'm relying to much on clothes that could be worn when the weather gets a bit cooler and that I'm not utilizing all my warm weather things to their best advantage. I could totally see myself wearing this exact same outfit, for example, with a scarf/ballet flats and it being perfect for the fall but, according to my official rules that would be cheating. O well, I will make it work when the temperature starts to drop!

As for today, I'm sure you would (correctly) expect that I am so excited this week is over, especially after these past two days of early morning rising. At least I have fun things to look forward to this weekend. Dinner with one of my besties after work today and a visit from my fav cousin tomorrow... fun times! Maybe I'll snap some pictures while we're out and about. What are your plans this weekend?

• Top: gray v-neck top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless; rainbow beaded earrings, via now defunct Moxie Bee; purple Coach bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

July 22, 2010: Is It Friday Yet?

I resisted every urge to wear a purple tank top with this dress (it was honestly a little jarring when I tried it on) but, that didn't stop me from adding the purple bag! Joker and Barney be darned, I love the purple and green color combo!

I tried some shots this morning where I didn't look sleepy/unamused/angry/whatever I normally look like... I think it turned out ok. I don't know what I was thinking at that exact moment but, we'll just pretend that I was imaging all the fun I am going to have this weekend doing I don't know what yet! One thing that is for certain: my mom is coming home from a two week trip and I am excited and happy to see her on Saturday when she returns!

Also, just in case you didn't notice, now there is a little toolbar at the bottom of each post so you can instantly share these super cool posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. I know, I can't contain my excitment either!

• Top: green, black, and white scroll print dress, Trulli for LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; silver and garnet earrings made by an old co-worker; purple Coach bag

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Weekend Wear: Lady In Red

Yesterday I wasn't at work (obviously) but, I was taking care of business! I had alot of errands to run and appointments to keep so a personal day it was. I threw on this maxi (which I have had since at least last summer, perhaps even prior to that and have never worn) and went from laundry to, lunch a the River Cafe (which was fabulous! Their Restaurant Week menu did not disappoint!!), to a doctor's appointment, to other errands, to getting caught in a torrential rain storm (hence why I look a little disheveled and soaked in this picture) and remained chic, cool, and comfy all day long. I wanted to punch up the red of the dress with some turquoise but, I didn't have anything other than the jewelry... How do you think it turned out?

• Top: red and black maxi dress with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); turquoise and silver earrings, turquoise and silver cross necklace, black Fendi Spy Bag (not pictured)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Weekend Wear: The Perfect Summer Outfit

This, in my opinion, is one of the simplest things to achieve with a few basic items you probably have in your closet already, like me! You'll need a tank top, linen (or other lightweight) pants, sparkly sandals and accessories plus a great bag! You can even throw in a fedora or a jacket if it gets chilly! The general look can take you through any event (even work) that you have to attend throughout the summer. For example: I am going out to brunch with one of my bestest friends but, have to head to New Jersey immediately after for a family BBQ and sleepover with fav cousin. That will probably include some evening activities AKA going to local venues for imbibing, etc.. I will weather it all with my perfect summer outfit!

• Top: green ribbed tank top, Old Navy before they started making them super long (ick)
  
• Bottom: white linen pants, Bitten via Steve & Barry's
  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; coin peal necklace, V'ta ; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered (not pictured); brown leather bag with silver floral embellishments, GAP

June 7, 2010

Mondays are lame for the most part but on a positive note, today is the first day of Summer Black-Out 2010. This week I'll be challenged, yet again, to creatively utilize my wardrobe to meet this brand new goal! Today I am using beige, gray, and even denim as neutrals! I would definitely be rocking a skirt if I didn't have to sit in front of a slew of job applicants and administer a group interview but, I do therefore I'm playing it safe with pants. I learned that lesson the hard way when I was a newbie; there is no Sharon Stone via Basic Instinct here, people! But,I digress...

• Top: bright green sweater, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: beige tweed capris, Ann Taylor
• Shoes & Accessories: denim slingbacks, Christian Louboutin via A Second Chance ReSale; moonstone and peridot (my birthstone) necklace, gifted; Tiffany & Co's silver bead earrings, gifted; purple Coach bag