All The Dots

In my current work environment, I could show up to work in leggings or jeans everyday and not get a second look from my co-workers or supervisors. That practice is not something that I find to be acceptable especially, on an everyday basis. Most days, I keep it professional meaning a nice shirt, non-denim or non-spandex bottom, and probably a blazer or cardigan. Some days the combinations of mundane raiments are next level. Maybe it's the just the former "outfit of the day blogger" in me but, when an exceptional pairing happens it needs to be memorialized! This ensemble was inspired by the amazing shoes which I picked up on super clearance at a nearby outlet mall. While they are comfortable and could be worn everyday they are unique and don't go with everything in my wardrobe. The "one of a kind" finds often are but, I digress... While a solid colored dress or jumpsuit would be an obvious and mediocre choice I wanted to put together an ensemble that was as amazing as these shoes are.When considering items that I could pair together I ended up with a plethora of polka dots that worked perfectly, in my opinion.

• Top: Glad-Zooks! Bees Top, ModCloth; black and white tweed blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: black pencil skirt with pockets, Old Navy 
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white polka dot pumps, Jason Wu; pearl earrings, Macys; 

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday

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

Jacket Strongly Suggested

While I love mixing and matching separates as much as the next person sometimes you just want to wear a suit. Whether it is because the situation expressly calls for it or you are just feeling that a suit is more appropriate it is good to have at least one good suit in your wardrobe as a standby for such occasions. Even though I have amassed a moderate suit wardrobe none of them fit me (as you all know) and that is getting old. I think it's time to suck it up and buy at least one new suit even if I could still end up losing more face because today is one of those work days where a suit would have been more appropriate. 

Even though I feel like a suit might have been a more appropriate ensemble today, I am in love with the skirt I am wearing. Yay, other clothes too! But, I digress... first of all it's tweed and we all know how I feel about that. Secondly, if you look closely you'll see, the tweed has a rainbow of colors integrated amidst the overall black and white color combo. When I came across it in Goodwill I was drawn to the tweed but, I couldn't put it down after I tried it on because of all the subtle colors. What was the last item you can across while shopping that was just meant to be part of your wardrobe?

• Top: red ruffled embellished tank top, apostrophe via Goodwill; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: rainbow tweed skirt, Tahari via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

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

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.

An Unexpected End

Well, you all know what happened... I got the proverbial boot. At least I looked well put together and professional when it happened. I think it would have been much more difficult if I looked like a hot mess while we discussed the less than pleasant details. While I was (and still am) feeling strangely positive about the whole thing, I was melancholy that afternoon... no one likes rejection.

• Top: red embellished sweater, RED via Loehmanns/gift from Mom; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

November 12, 2012: Any Given Monday

We've been over this before... Mondays are suit days and while this was last two Mondays ago it wasn't any different. There was orientation and other business to be had and any this suit was a no brainer. I have been mixing and matching the things in my closet for three years now which leads to some creative and fashion forward interesting combinations but, sometimes a suit is best. I have been conflicted about defaulting back to suits as an everyday wardrobe choice but, as I establish myself in the office it feels more comfortable and easy. The challenge is keeping it fashion forward. How do you keep your suits interesting but, still work appropriate?

• Top: purple long sleeved t-shirt, VanHeusen (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, and here); brown tweed blazer with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Shop 
• Bottom: brown tweed skirt with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Shop
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; silver circle necklace, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Don't forget to enter to win a $50 Shabby Apple gift card!

Review: eShakti.com

You probably know by now that I am a big proponent of eShakti.com. When I was offered the opportunity to do a review of a dress from their fall line I jumped at the chance! I was given the option to pick three dresses from their available stock online (at the time) and they would do their best to accommodate my desires. I was very excited at the possibility of ending up with a dress from my wish list that I didn't get for my birthday. When the dress finally came it was my first pick so, the Boucle Sheath Dress, and I couldn't have been happier with their selection; You know how I feel about tweed...

I envisioned myself wearing it to work as the weather cools down, to upcoming holiday events, out for drinks... the possibilities are endless! Unfortunately, when I tried the dress on I was disappointed in the way it fit. The straps were too long and the waist fell in an unflattering spot but, those things are my own fault. Instead of doing my due diligence  taking my own measurements, and custom ordering for the best fit. I knowingly rounded up from my actual size and figured it would all work out as it has in the past. I guess I'm smaller (WIN) than I think I am because this happened with the dresses I ordered for my birthday as well. Thankfully we know a great tailor in the area and they were able to make the dress work with a few seams and tucks. What do you think of the end result?

Image courtesy of falksisters.com

I would love to tell you that I'm thrilled with the way it turned out after the tailor took a crack at it but, they weren't finished with it when I stopped by to pick it up. I will certainly be taking advantage of eShakti's affordable customization options in future orders. I will also read the descriptions about length, waist, etc. more carefully because they make dresses exactly as they are described. It's a rare thing when ordering online. Finally, I will try to be a little more honest with myself about my actual size but, I digress... I know with the new fit, fantastic autumnal color palette, and aforementioned versatility of the dress it is the perfect additional to my fall wardrobe. I can't wait for a chance to wear it.

Right now there is still a great giveaway going on from Katy at ModlyChic and Still Blonde After All These Years. Enter here to win not one but, four eShakti dresses. The first place winner will win one dress per season for the next year AND three second place winners will win a dress of their choice AND three third place winners will get a skirt or top of their choice. This is over $930 worth of prizes and 7 winners! Enter to win in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

July 5, 2012: Back From Somewhere

This past week was fantastic! Why? Because I was off Monday through Wednesday. I needed a break after spending the entire weekend submerged in wedding related responsibilities, festivities, and travel. BF and I kept it low key and hit a museum and the beach... it was alot of fun! What was even better was Thursday was the only full day I had to work since summer Fridays began in my office this past week. We get out at two for the next seven weeks so last week total amount of time in the office last week = one and a half days WIN! What did you do for the holiday weekend?

When I headed back to work I wanted to start off back in a super professional outfit to ward off any post vacation lamentations. I am generally a super productive person after whatever days I have off  and the whole ensemble just enhanced that! My favorite part of the whole look was the shoes. I found them while thrift shopping with my Mom during Unique Thrift Store's huge 50% off sale on the Fourth of July. BF said they look like they were made out of torture devices or something that a character in Skyrim would wear but, I think they're pretty awesome. What do you think? 

• Top: pink floral embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); brown blazer, Talbots via The Unique Thrift Store 
• Bottom: beige tweed skirt, LOFT via Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: brown and camel studded heels, Kensie via The Unique Thrift Store; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 7, 2012: Deceptively Disproportionate

I've also said that teal/turquoise/ aqua/whatever you want to call it is one of my favorite colors in the summer.  so, incorporating it into my work wardrobe more frequently is always fun! I love this look, it reminds me of dresses that look like a shirt and a skirt but, are deceptively a dress. I also love how it makes my legs look longer than the actually are. BF said it makes me look disproportionate but, only when you stop and take a moment to analyze my outfit. Isn't that what people do all the time?! O, maybe it's just me... What do you think: Does this outfit make me look disproportionate?

• Top: teal corsage embellished t-shirt, Merona via Target (not to be confused with this one) 
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; black belt, came with this Adrienne Vitadinni dress; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

April 3, 2012: Overthinking My Style

Tonight I am going to a lecture about the artwork of Diego Rivera after work. While I probably would have time to scoot home and change that seems silly considering how close the lecture location is to my office. This morning Last night I faced the challenge of picking an outfit that would be appropriate for work, as well as, this artsy event afterwards. Let me walk you through my thought process because it’s actually kind of ridiculous/hilarious.

The one painting that pops into my mind when I think of Diego Rivera (after his self portraits and his weird crazy face/lazy eye) is this one:

Image courtesy of art-prints-gallery.com

I didn’t want to dress up like a Mexican peasant (not work appropriate) but, I thought it might be interesting to take inspiration from the Calla Lilys that are present throughout many of his works. Everything that I came up with felt like I was trying way too hard i.e: Iris as a Calla Lily? I would never probably not get to that outfit combo (a green skirt with white and yellow on top) organically. Then I saw this painting:

Image courtesy of northjersey.com

I thought I could be the woman defending against a soldier’s attack while holding her baby but, I don’t really have an office appropriate dress that fits my interpretation of that ensemble or a baby… Then I thought about swaddling myself from head to toe in neutral colors AKA black, as most artist do in cliché portrayals. Thankfully, I came to my senses and decided to dress like I normally would! Also, 2 + 2 = 4, revelations…

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here and here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)   
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies for Kohls; Camilla Ring, Stella & Dot; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; brown self-winding watch, Kenneth Cole/borrowed from BF; 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, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

October 25, 2011: Hoping For A 7-10 Split

While I was planning my outfits out for the week I forgot about this "moral/team building" thing that my company has organized. You guessed it from the title, bowling. I honestly can't tell you the last time I went bowling and that's probably because I was a single digit in age. If I had to describe my feelings about the whole thing it would be "skeptical", what is up with those shoes?

Since it's company wide undertaking they paired it with a fundraiser (think 5K meets bowling) from the start and we have raised a nice chunk of change for a charity in need. Who beat her fundraising goal into the ground? Yeah that would be me but, I digress... I can definitely get on board with supporting a worthy cause but, coming up with an outfit that would take me from work to the bowling alley was not something I thought I would have to do. What goes with those shoes?

• Top: orange ballet neck chiffon flower embellished top, New York & Company; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa 
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

October 4, 2011: Emergency Shoes

We all know how I feel about the commuter shoe but, today I found myself in a situation with an unexpected amount of schlepping around. I got a panicked phone call shortly after arriving at work from a friend telling me that another mutual friend of ours was dizzy, vomiting, and (worst of all) alone. When she was describing the symptoms to me it sounded like vertigo which I can say from past experience is one of the worst things to experience.

So I talked with my boss and rushed to my sick friends aide but, after pounding the pavement from my office to her apartment I had to take off my shoes to hike up the five flights of stairs to her place. Sufficed to say at that point I was done with all the fancy-ness of those t-straps and I needed an alternative pair of shoes. Thankfully, she lent me some flats. I love how well they complimented my outfit. As much as I might have helped her today by getting her to the doctor and back home she totally saved my feet!

• Top: blue ruffled blouse, Atelier via Loehmanns; tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; blue multi colored peep toe flats, Madden Girl via Katie; black ultra sheer stockings, Hanes Silk Reflections via Robert Veridi's Luxe Lab; Femme Fatale Necklace, Stella & Dot; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

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

September 27, 2011: Running The Show

Today I have work but, tonight I have the first meeting of the year for a young professional non-profit committee that I sit on. I am special, I am a co-chair (whatever that means) so I want to keep it professional even after hours. Although, I might bring some commuter shoes... What?! I know it's because I have to trudge across town for the meeting and then back to catch my train after. Yeah, I knew you'd understand.

• Top: gray lace embellished top, LOFT via Mom; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: black and white tweed skirt, Unique Thrift Store (vintage/no tag)
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; black belt, came with this dress; estate chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot; gray and black Ashley shoulder bag, Pietro Alessandro

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

August 25, 2011: Sexy Librarian

Sorry for the delay Blogger was giving me some serious problems this morning that I did not have time to deal with in the morning rush. Normally I will run a search when updating on items that I have previously worn and it told me that I have never written anything about "tweed"... seriously!? So since I couldn't get the whole post together and still make my bus I decided to put it off until I got home. This allowed me to get a few compliments at work that I could tell you about. Apparently, my professional pattern mixing is appreciated!

This title is what BF described my look as when I put on this outfit to take the pictures. That wasn't really the look I was going for but, I'll take what I can get... Isn't is funny how when you put on something that is very covered up but, form hugging it instantly becomes "sexy." To combat the pulling/inappropriateness of the third button (the one that sits over my bosom, that jerk) I put on a cardigan. I figured worse comes to worse I could always pull that closed if things for out of control which they (thankfully) didn't. Do you have a "sexy" but, covered up look? What does it consist of?

It took alot of self control to not have a title that was earthquake related but, obviously I don't have a ton since I still mentioned it. I'll be honest I didn't feel a thing because I was "hoofing it" from one end of the office to another but, then all of a sudden people talking about it, running downstairs, our phones weren't working, etc. and it was confirmed by CNN.com moments later. All this experience did (for me) was allow me to say that I survived it, get a few swarm badges on foursquare, and reaffirm that NYC is not the place to be when buildings shake or anything else happens, everyone jumps to "terrorism" and panics. How was it for you guys? Did anyone else feel the Earth shake?

• Top: pink striped button down shirt, GAP; black cardigan, Merona via Target/gift from BF
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; chalcedony and mother of pearl earrings, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; black belt, came with this dress; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

My Stella & Dot Pick:

After the Rain Bracelet

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

June 6, 2011: Business Alternatives

After last week's craziness, I am going with a more traditional office look today. I have a feeling that I couldn't have gotten away with it forever... This is also because all of the college graduates that I recruited on Career Day are starting and I want to set a good example! The safest bet would have been a full suit but, I wanted to show them that there are other equally professional alternatives. Do you mix and match your suits as separates? What do you wear when you want to be professional that isn't a suit?

• Top: purple 3/4 sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target (same shirt different color here); brown tweed jacket with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Store
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown snake skin kitten heel shoes, Coach; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; cream woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

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

June 1, 2011: Off Season

Some people might think that tweed is one of those things that should only be worn in the winter. I am not one of those people (obvi.) Perhaps, it's because I don't stores my "winter clothes" in the summer and vice versa. With this skirt specifically it's probably because I picked the it up while I was in California so that must mean it's for warmer weather, right? Either way I will ignore the funny looks I get for wearing tweed when it's 80°+ outside. What are some seasonal barriers that you ignore?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: rainbow tweed skirt, Lafatyette 148 via Saks
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; pearl earrings, Macy's/birthday gift from Mom; purple tote bag, Coach

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

May 31, 2011: Baby Needs A New Pair Of Shoes

While planning out my outfits for the week I found myself faced with a very unexpected problem: the lack of office appropriate summer shoes. What does that mean? To be honest I'm not entirely sure. I think peep toe flats would work, the final goal is something I don't have to wear hosiery with. I am seeking inspiration: What is your idea of a professional summer shoe?

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom: brown tweed skirt with floral details, George via Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers vintage; cream woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

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

May 4, 2011: One Point For The Weatherman

Let me start of by saying, please ignore my bad hair day. You would think it was the rain but, it wasn't, my blow dryer and I had a disagreement we're not speaking at the moment but, I digress...

Yesterday I listened to the weather forecast and they got it right so I'm glad that I did. It started pouring while I was on my way to the train station. I even remembered my umbrella, GO ME! Ok, so maybe ballet flats weren't the most practical shoe but, I didn't feel like tucking my skinnies into boots! It isn't winter after all...

• Top: purple and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here and here); blue tweed blazer, K Studio via Unique Thrift Store (same with this dress)
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; black reversible headband, Mandees; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro (not pictured)

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

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a pair of Tiffany style silver earrings like mine!

May 2, 2011: Back To Business

Yesterday was my first day back in the office after a mini sabbatical. It was a bit difficult getting dressed because the weather was so gross outside in the morning. I hope we are not having a repeat of last year! April showers bring May flowers, right? That's what I was told as a child. Don't destroy what I know to be an unequivocal fact with your reality. O, you won't? That's great, thanks. Weather.com will, that jerk...

How am I supposed to motivate and get myself out of bed knowing that is what is going to greet me when I exit my house for the rest of the week!? At least there is documented proof that I made it out yesterday, I make no promises about the remainder. How do you beat a lame forecast?

• Top: green sweater, LOFT (same sweater different color here)
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: green tweed kitten heel pumps, Coach; coin pearl necklace, V'ta Jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered, purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a pair of Tiffany style silver earrings like mine!