Purchases & Acquisitions: December 2012

Normally I try not to shop in December, the holidays are imminent and I know I'm hard enough to shop for as it is without taking potential gift options off the table. I totally broke my own rules this time around and picked up a pair of shoes that I was lusting over since the summer. If you follow me on Instagram you might remember the ones I'm talking about...

Image courtesy of polyvore.com

When I wandered into my local Aldo to see what they had going on there was a pair of these same shoes in the corner on the clearance rack and by some miracle they had them in my size. I jumped at the opportunity to snatch them up at a discount combined with an in store coupon; Original price, $69.98. Final price after discounts with tax: $45.91. It might not seem like a huge discount but, I kind of love them so, it was totally worth it. That was it for December shopping, on top of potential holiday gifts I didn't really have a large disposable income anyway... Have you gotten on the spikes/studs trend? How would you style these shoes?

October 8, 2012: I've Got Mustard and A Studded Peter Pan Collar

Mustard is always a fall color, in my opinion. It's one of the beautiful shades that leaves turn to signal the changing of the seasons and blends perfectly with the similarly warm oranges and reds. While I generally like mustard and would wear it any time of year it feels most appropriate in the fall, don't you agree? 

If there was one trend that I broke my shopping fast for it would have been blouses with studded collars of the peter pan persuasion. I'm so in love with the grown up punk inspired style! It reminds me of high school but, I digress... Thankfully, my cousin knew my unspoken wishes and sent me the perfect birthday gift! I've had tons of fashion fun layering it with different shirts since it's sheer AKA not particularly modest or work appropriate. 

Also, I'm still rocking this oxblood manicure...

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP; mint studded peter pan collar shirt, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V
• Bottom: gray pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns  (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a New York Fashion Week Swag Bundle!

Weekly Manicure: Oxblood

I have had every intention of doing something spectacular with my nails for my manicure this week but, I have been busy sick and entirely unmotivated. I was long overdue for a manicure but, instead of busting out the makeup sponges, loofahs, or old maps I went in the completely opposite direction and grabbed some manicure strips. Do you think that falls in the category of ultimate laziness or savvy convenience? For my sake let's just say it's the latter...

I went with a shade of maroon called Red Velvet from Incoco but, doesn't it remind you of the quintessential Fall 2012 color? Yup, this shade is SO oxblood! For better of worse I'm not going to look at maroon, burgundy, wine, claret, rosewood, or carmine the same way. Regardless, they are prefect for fall and I am in love with the color, perhaps I am being brainwashed. Have you fallen for oxblood yet?

Normally, I have an extremely positive experience with Incoco manicure strips but, this time they were chipping after the third day. I wonder if it's because I have had this set of manicure strips for a while (think Christmas gift). Have you ever used an older batch of Incoco manicure strips and had a similar experience or did I do something wrong?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a New York Fashion Week Swag Bundle!

"I've Got This!" Week: Fall 2012

Yeah it's that time again! The temptation to shop for new trends is nagging at me and I am trying my best to resist! How about you? It's time to be real about what's actually hanging in my closet... that's right, time another "I've Got This" week! This has been an amazing way for me to familiarize myself with what I have in my closet all over again!

I am going to do things the same as last year since Mr. Linky makes everything so much easier I will put one up everyday next week starting Monday and if you want to participate you can just link up! Just leave me a comment now so I know you're in, grab the banner, pick some trends, and work with what you've got! I'm sure you have things in your closet that fit the trends so put some fantastic outfits with your stuff. No buying anything new!! I know you've got this... 

Here are some trends to be inspired by next week:

• Oxblood
• Equestrian
• Metallics
• Pattern Mixing/Prints on Prints
• Cobalt
• Mustard
• Hunter Green
• Brocade
• Peplum
• Floral
• Menswear
• Military
• Colored Denim
• Gold
• Leather
• Houndstooth
• Sheath Dress
• Printed Pants
• Brooches
• Jewel Tones

Purchases & Acquisitions: September 2012

September was CRAZY as I'm sure you deduced from my silence. There was so much going on with work, life, Fashion Week, etc. that I barely had time to breathe, let alone shop. However, that doesn't mean I didn't squeeze in a little bit of time at the mall. Attending Fashion Week events brings different wardrobe pressures than everyday life. Even if you don't go to every event that you are invited to you still, at times, find yourself surrounded by industry professionals and fellow fashion lovers. These fabulous people have a keen eye for sartorial hits and misses. You don't want to be rocking a miss. The other challenge for me was the combination of still warm weather and an expectation of fall trends. I wasn't ready to bust out all my fall goodies at that time, it was still summer. For the most part I was able to make it work but, I picked up a couple of things at Target to fill in my Fashion Week wardrobe gaps.

Mossimo® Women's Floral Print Asymmetrical Dress

Mossimo® Natural Envelope Clutch

This high low-hem dress from Target was an excellent find; spot on for fall while being appropriate for the tepid weather we were having. I also grabbed this over-sized snakeskin clutch. While the dress is fantastic, the clutch has already been on my arm at a few late night events. Snakeskin goes with everything, end of story! How is this still a month of no purchases if I got these two items? Two words: gift card, thanks Mom and Dad!

Purchases & Acquisitions: August 2012

This time last year I kept it together and didn't shop at all during my birthday month. I try to look at birthdays the same way I view Christmas; People are going to buy you things so you don't necessarily need to buy anything for yourself. It didn't work out so well this year... I wanted to get fancy for the my weekend birthday celebration and couldn't very well wear that same dress as I did on my actual birthday. While wandering around in I ended up getting this fab color block maxi dress for my party. It was spot on in terms of summer trends, comfort, and all around fabulous-ness AKA totally worth the $29.99.

In terms of other things I got as gifts there were a few fun things that you might have already seen if you are stalking following me on Instagram like a gorgeous Maggy London dress from BF's parents, some lovely dresses from eShakti that my parents bought me, a box of goodies from my cousin including a shirt that I am dying to wear, and some basics (white tank tops, yoga pants) from my parents, as well as, the trendy dress I wore on my actual birthday from BF. I am so thankful for everything! I feel so lucky to be so loved and by such stylish people to boot.

eShakti.com Picks: Fall 2012

I feel like everywhere I look fall is creeping in. While I love the crisp weather, seasonal celebrations, and fabulous fashions these things will never replace my deep, unwavering romance with summer. That being said I can' t keep the seasons from changing and I need to embrace the impending shift. What better was to do that than with some gorgeous dresses. eShakti.com's fall line is truly beautiful! There are so many options for different occasions and personalities in a plethora of colors and patterns. 

These are a few of my favorite picks from Fall 2012 but, eShakti's stock is always in flux and they are continuously adding new styles everyday. On top of that eShakti,com is currently having an unprecedented sale with 40% off specific selections for Labor Day, 25% off Summer styles, and a pre-season 25% off of their Fall line. On top of ALL that those discounts can be combined with the additional 10% off that you get with code: SH24LXN. Now the only question is, what should you get? Here are some suggestions courtesy of my lusting...

Autunno Beaded Dress

Sequined Bow Tweed Sheath Dress

Vintage Houndstooth Print Dress

Primavera Beaded Dress

                  

Owls In A Row Pencil Skirt

Deep Plum Applique Dress

Guest Post: Iris @ I Have A Degree In This

Happy Monday and thanks so much for all of the birthday wishes! I just wanted to let you all know about a guest post that I wrote over at I Have A Degree In This for my fellow August baby Kimberlee while she is away celebrating...  I'm talking about birthday outfits for all different occasions AKA my wish list if I was shopping for the perfect ensemble, check it out!

Weekly Manicure: Kookoo for Coral

This utterly depressing, dour, and all around dismal weather has not completely destroyed my desire for warmer things. I am craving summer and could not think of a better way to channel that than with my manicure this week! Enter my favorite summer polish, Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in Kook-A-Mango (similar to my first coral manicure love Boat House by Essie)! I absolutely love the color, which is best complemented by tan skin and sandy surroundings. Normally, I would have thought twice before wearing such a bright polish to work but, after my boss was sporting a similarly carol manicure last week I felt fairly confident in my choice. What is your polish color of choice for a fun in the sun summer manicure?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $100 Shopbop giftcard!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a free dress from eShakti.com!!

April 17, 2012: I've Got (Pastel) Yellow

As I have said before pastels are something that always make me thing of spring, warmer weather, easter, etc. While I would still wear pastels even if they weren't trendy it's nice that they are. What I found the most difficult about this pairing was the fact that a pastel yellow eyelet lace skirt might not be the most office appropriate thing but, paired with a blazer I think it's passable... what do you think? 

• Top: white short sleeved sweater, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, and here); khaki safari blazer, LOFT  (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, and here)   
• Bottom: yellow eyelet lace skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: nude patent leather pumps, Apt. 9 via Kohl's; shell hoop earrings, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF   

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

April 16, 2012: I've Got Polka Dots

What happened to me this week? O, just life but, it’s no biggie. I’ve still be writing post (sort of) and will be sorting them out and posting this weekend. I still shopped my closet for trends all week and I’m going to share that with you! Sorry I didn’t get the Linky up if you wanted to play with me but, if you shopped your closet for trends let me know in the comments. I would love to check it out.

One of my favorite trends for spring ever is polka dots. It might not always be at the forefront of style (like it is this season) but, no one is ever going to say that polka dots are wrong. If they do they’re wrong… just saying.

• Top: blue and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here); gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; citrine and sterling silver ring, Designs by Terra via International Gem and Jewelry Show/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

"You've Got This!" Week Spring 2012

Yeah it's that time again! While in prior "You've Got This!" Weeks the main purpose was to help me quell the urge to shop for new trends this season it's a preemptive thing! I haven't really had much time to think about shopping I've been so busy Have you invested in any trends yet? I know other people have been doing some similar theme weeks but, since I've been doing this for myself since the inception of 260 Days, No Repeats I want to stick with it! I hope you will join me.

The Linky made participating so much easier I will put one up everyday next week starting Monday and if you want to participate you can just link up! Just leave me a comment so I know you're in, grab the banner, pick some trends, and work with what you've got! I'm sure you have things in your closet that fit the trends so put some fantastic outfits with your stuff. No buying anything new!! I know you've got this...

Here are some spring trends to be inspired by next week:

• Polka Dots
• Neon
• Pastels
• Mint
• Mesh 
• Sporty
• Cobalt Blue
• Orange
• Printed Pants
• Colored Blazers
• Jumpsuits
• Tie Front Blouse
• Fringe
• Yellow
• High-Low Hems
• Geometric
• Colored Leather
• Metallic Shoes

February 13, 2012: Not Sure How This Happened

I am working with what I have today in an unexpected way! One of the trends that keeps popping up on my radar is peplum. I’ll come right out and say it, I don’t think it works for me at all. My hips don’t lie don’t need any help and in my eyes that is the only things that is accented by a peplum blouse or dress. When I decided to play around with this dress as a top the excess fabric manifested iteself into a faux peplum because of the way it's gathered at the waist. After all, a peplum is is a short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's jacket, dress, or blouse that pretty much sums up what happened here, kind of. 

How do you feel about peplums? What trends are you less than excited about?

• Top: beige, black, and red vintage "Geometry is Sexy" dress, Kathy via Re/Dress NYC; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: black pinstripe a-line skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

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

October 31, 2011: Polka Dots + Chunky Heels = Minnie Mouse

If you are participating in this theme week please link up below and put the trend that you are representing where it asks for your name. Please leave a comment after you post, thanks!

Happy Halloween!! Yes, I am dressing up to go to work today. There is actually a tradition of "newbies" (AKA people who have not yet experienced Halloween at the firm) dressing up to celebrate. It started out as a practical joke where one group tricked their new employees into dressing up for the holiday and everyone has been continuing it every since. This year it has gotten a bit more official, a firm wide email went out and lots of people have been pressuring asking me if I am going to dress up.

I want to be a good sport but, I didn't want to have to buy a costume; it (always) seems like an unnecessary expense, especially considering how ridiculously expensive Halloween costumes can get. So, I racked my brain for options that existed in my closet that would also work with the theme week. There were so many criteria to meet!

I remeber that the last time I wore this fab polka dot dress someone mentioned that it reminded them of Minnie Mouse, I could totally work with that! What a great way to debut these fab yellow shoes. Minnie apparently had these trends from the start!

Besides, I've done this before in October 1989:

I don't consider wearing this dress again a repeat since I have (very) different accessories and it is a main part of my Halloween costume. Are you dressing up for Halloween at work or did you dress up this weekend? What were/are you? I hope no one says "sexy ketchup" or "sexy chinese takeout" Yes, those costumes exist. If you are going to work all dressed up did you try to incorporate the trends? Or are you trending without a costume? 

• Top: red and black polka dot dress, Clues Collections (Vintage) via The Unique Thrift Store/gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories: yellow Password Pumps, Seychelles via DSW; Minnie Mouse Ears, Party City; red ribbon belt, Michael's; pearl earrings, pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

"You've Got This!" Week: Fall 2011

Yeah it's that time again! As you might remember from prior "You've Got This!" Weeks the temptation to shop for new trends is nagging at me and I am trying my best to resist! How about you? I know other people have been doing some similar theme weeks but, since I did it last year I want to stick with it! I hope you will join me.

I am going to do things a little differently this time since Mr. Linky makes everything so much easier I will put one up everyday next week starting Monday and if you want to participate you can just link up! Just leave me a comment so I know you're in, grab the banner, pick some trends, and work with what you've got! I'm sure you have things in your closet that fit the trends so put some fantastic outfits with your stuff. No buying anything new!! I know you've got this... 

Here are some fall trends that we can all be inspired by for next week:

• Cropped Trousers
• Tie Neck Blouses
• Faux Fur
• Lace
• Midi Skirts 
• Maxi Skirts
• Color Blocking
• Polka Dots 
• Chunky Heels
• Mustard
• Peplum
• Poncho
• Plaid
• Mustard
• Leather 

FBFF: Spring Trends

 What are the top 5 Spring trends that you are looking forward to seeing/sporting this season?

1. Wide Leg Pants - I have learned to appreciate skinny pants and jeggings as much as the next girl but, my first love is a wide leg pant! This is definitely the trend that I am most excited for.
2. Animal Print - I feel like animal prints are one of the spot on trends every other season which in my mind makes them more classic than anything else.
3. Longer Skirts - I wasn't sure that maxi dresses would work for me but, I have found ways to make that happen and they are so comfortable and easy I don't know why I ever questioned it.
4. Bright Colors - This is one trend that I am more excited to see other people wear although, I'm sure I could rock the coral color that everyone is loving!
5. Stripes - I feel the same way about stripes that I do about animal prints, you hear about them every other season especially with all the nautical stuff that was going on last spring and before that... classic!

I think it might be time for another "You've Got This" Week... What spring trend are you most excited about?

October 1, 2010: I've Got Minimalism

First of all I would like to thank all the lovely ladies who joined me in this challenge especially: Frances Joy from Mad Dress Game, Shey from Modesty is Pretty, and Lyddiegal from Chic on the Cheap! The outfits they came up with were truly inspired and completely trendy. Just more proof that you don't need to break the bank to dress stylishly, what you really need to do is head to your closet!

I feel like the outfit I have chosen to wrap up the challenge is a little anticlimactic but, it's going to be wet and gross outside all day and I have some cleaning organizing to do at work, sorry. Also, I'm still stuck in the stairwell after my escape attempt yesterday. It didn't go as well as I planned and exciting clothes is hard to come by... but, I digress. I think this look falls under the minimalism trend for sure, what could be more basic than a white tee and jeans? I am so excited for the weekend (even though it is chock full of things errand to run) do you have any fun plans?

• Top: white rosette embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, Aldo via Re/Dress NYC (same shoe different color here); gray scarf, H&M; black spy bag, Fendi

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

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

September 29, 2010: I've Got A Long Skirt

Actually, what I really have is a a maxi dress disguised as a long skirt. I was inspired by other bloggers who make their clothes (mainly dresses) do double duty; whether it's a skirt as a dress, or a dress as a shirt, or some other cool thing that I couldn't come up with it's absolutely motivating but, I digress...

I honestly wasn't really sold on this fall trend... I'm still not sure how I feel about it... no, not yet... not now either... How about you? I just think that shorter skirts are more flattering on me and long skirts make me look oddly proportioned. But, as they (whoever they are) say: "you never know until you try" and I'm glad I did but, I'm not sure I would do it again. Are there any fall trends that you're not sure about?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: black maxi dress, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

September 28, 2010: I've Got Jewel Tones, Skinny Pants, and a Little Leopard!

I have another training in the city today, exciting I know! The last time I was in the city for training I was the only person who was wearing jeans. I felt a bit under dressed to say the least. I was also the youngest and most "junior" position wise so it felt even more awkward. Today I decided to dress it up a little more to avoid that but without going overboard. The trends weren't the only focus but, I still made a concerted effort to include a few. I mostly wanted to keep it casual and comfy for the commute, a long bus ride in a suit doesn't work for me. But, this comfy sweater, skinny jeans, and flats are perfect for that. I think I reached a nice middle ground, no? I'm also throwing on a khaki green jacket (not pictured) to ward off any chill which gives a little military vibe.

• Top: purple sweater, ABStudio via Mom; white embellished tank top for the modesty, LOFT
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  leopard print flats, New York & Company; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; black spy bag, Fendi

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

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"You've Got This!" Week - Fall 2010

I have a confession... I have been SUPER tempted to buy things for fall. I know, it's the complete opposite of what I should be doing given my personal style challenge but, nevertheless I have been making a mental shopping list (ivory lace shirt anyone?) and popping into a few favorite stores to look for some new "must have" trendy items on the cheap. That is, until I realized that I already have so many of these things in my closet already and it would be a shame for me not to utilize them! Enter, "You've Got This!" Week - Fall 2010!!

We've been here before but, I'll go over it again. Basically, the theme of this coming week for anyone who wants to join me is to form trendy outfits with things you already have in your closet. No buying anything new! I a little nervous about this one because although it was getting cool things are starting to warm up again. I have this awesome camel sweater that will not work at all in 80° weather but, I hope am sure I'll figure it out. It just seemed so apropos to announce this challenge on the first day of autumn tepid temps or not but, I digress... If you are interested in joining me please leave a comment with your name and a link to your blog, I will compile a list of all participants for the first post on Monday, September 27, 2010. Also, please grab the banner and link back to 260 Days, No Repeats,

Here are some Fall 2010 trends we can be inspired by:

• leather (or faux) jackets
• faux (or real) fur 
• animal prints
• camel (as the new neutral)
• military chic
• lace
• jewel tones
• longer skirts
• capes/ponchos
• chunky knits
• pants suits
• menswear inspired
• minimalism
• layers
• skinny pants/jeans
• pearls