November 8, 2012: Winter Is Coming

Correction, winter is was here! After freezing my little piggies off trudging home through a few inches of snow in ballet flats I wanted to make sure I was prepared to stay warm during the morning commute. I went (way) against the rules and wore skinny pants to work so I could easily tuck them into my (secret commuter) black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar. I wasn't taking any chances! Of course by morning the sun had come out and by the time I left work in the evening all the snow had melted away. I suppose it's better to be over prepared... Was there snow in your area? Was it gone as quickly as it came?

• Top: teal cowl neck sweater, Mossimo for Target (same sweater different color here); gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black kitten heel pumps, Coach; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

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August 8, 2012: On The Mend

I am wearing real shoes for the first time in weeks! When I first sprained my ankle I was excited to shirk my office dress code and wear flip flops to work because my air cast doesn't fit in any of my shoes. Thankfully, my boss was understanding about the whole thing. After the first week I was back to putting together outfits complete with complimentary wedges or heels but, was unable to wear them without putting unnecessary stress on my ankle without further injuring myself.I'm not 100% better but, I am able to downgrade the air cast for a stretchy brace and wear real shoes. I can't wait to get back in some heels!

• Top: pink embroidered dress, Unique Thrift Store/gift from Mom; black v-neck cardigan, 14th & Union/gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; rainbow swarovski crystal earrings, V'ta Jewelry; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen here.

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)

May 31, 2012: She Wolf

Say hello to my Shakira hair! I didn't realize how out of control it was when we were taking the pictures but, at least it was the end of the day, it couldn't have looked that out of control in the morning, right? Don't answer that. I am in need of a hair cut but, have to figure out what I want exactly and where I am going to go. My normal hair stylist is fantastic but, I haven't learned enough Español to be confident that my communications will be understood. I am set (for better or for worse) on leaving my hair curly for now... I dream of large loose beautiful curls on the beach and spritzing Keratin all over my hair will definitely kill any chance of that, however unlikely it is. 

Do I look shorter to you? I did to me when I glanced over these pictures even with all the crazy curls. It's definitely because I was wearing leather ballet slippers (key word being slippers) that give me no additional height whatsoever in fact, I think they might actually make me a little shorter. I wasn't sure how these slippers were going to pan out in the office but, no one said a thing and my aching feet were grateful! 

• Top: gray ruffled v-neck tank top, New York and Company; beige blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Bottom: white skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: brown leather slippers, Sue London; blue and green stone 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 $100 Shopbop giftcard!

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

May 29, 2012: Holiday Hangover

Normally this term is synonymous with gorging oneself on too much food or imbibing a few too many cocktails but I find myself out of sorts for a different reason… too much relaxation? I know, that doesn’t really make a lot of sense. I spent Memorial Day weekend catching up on sleep and doing low key things around the house. Nevertheless, I still had SO much trouble peeling myself out of bed on Monday Tuesday morning to go to work; It was like I had just attempted a triathlon or something equally strenuous. What’s up with that?

That being said I am especially proud of myself for keeping it together wardrobe wise and rocking a professional ensemble complete with blazer! The feeling of sheer exhaustion wasn’t the only hurdle I had to overcome when putting my outfit together. The weather in NYC has been pretty gross. We’re talking high temps, 100% humidity (my hair loves this), overcast, misty rain nonsense... ick! I would really love a sunny summer! Is that too much to ask? Sorry, I digress... Picking out clothes to wear in my air conditioned office is hard when I feel like I won’t survive the commute there in what I’m wearing. Do you have any tips and tricks for summer office dressing that I could utilize?

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom; gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (from this suit) 
• Bottom: black skirt, Proenza Schouler for Target 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

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

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!!

February 21, 2012: Getting In The Mood

Long weekend are the best! Did I just have one? In this picture I did. This is sad face all over again but, for real! My floor's really not that awesome... It's always a bummer to head back into the office after you've had an extra day to spend at home for "free" AKA not taking a vacation day. I have generally been trying to consistently wear professional outfits at work. Dress for the job you want and all that jazz, plus it helps me refocus after the weekend. How do you get back into the groove on Mondays?

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

January 3, 2011: Best Foot Forward

Heading back to the office last week was bittersweet. On some level I was excited to be back at work getting the first quarter of 2012 off to a great start! On another level I really wanted to spend a few more days at home cleaning up after the Christmas whirlwind and resting to get my personal relationship with 2012 off to a great start! Work won, obvi...

I also wanted to get my wardrobe back into a fun space! The days before I left for Christmas I was grabbing whatever just so that I was wearing clothes to work. For shame, I know but, I digress... While rainbow tights were a norm in my wardrobe last fall and winter I haven't been as comfortable this time around; I work in a completely different type of environment now. That being said I figured purple wouldn't be a big deal, right?

Wrong(ish)!Wardrobe wise there wasn't anything bad about it (I'm HR and will stick with the dress code) but, I got alot of compliments/comments about my "crazy" colorful tights. It was a little wierd... What is something that you've worn to work that has garnered comments? Was it really that out of the box? Were you comfortable with all the attentions?

• Top: black sweater dress, New York & Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; purple tights, Hue via Loehmanns; rainbow swarovski crystal earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

December 21, 2011: The Final Countdown

The week before Christmas was spent frantically wrapping things up in the office and at home. The holidays really are my most favorite and concurrently least favorite time of the year; There is just so much going on! I just wanted to be comfortable and still somewhat put together as I wrapped things up, the last few days were definitely some of the craziest.

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom:  black true straight pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; 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, here, here, here, here, and here. 

December 16, 2011: Jeans Day

This month there was a welcome casual Friday at my job. While I was excited to dress down I still needed to keep it professional, enter blazer and fab blouse. Did I mention I'm a sucker for anything ombre? Yeah, I know you know... 

• Top: gray ombre blouse, Trulli for LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor Loft via Melissa
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser, tailored by me via LOFT/Christmas gift 
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; moonstone earrings, V'ta jewelry; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

December 14, 2011: Just Another Tuesday

As excited as I might look this was just another day at the office amidst crazy Christmas preparation... 

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple cardigan, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here)
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target;  coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Items from 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 the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

December 13, 2011: Magic Vest

After putting this outfit together I have decided that this best goes with everything! More specifically every shirt; I have worn it a few different times always with very different button down shirts. I'm not sure why it is that it goes so seamlessly in my mind with a plethora of oxfords that reside in my closet but, it does. Unfortunately, I can't seem to break away from pairing it with this skirt... Now I know what my next challenge is! Also, I wonder what I can pair it with besides an button down shirt, thoughts?

• Top:  magenta pinstripe button down, New York & Company; gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York and Company (same vest different color here)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; moonstone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

poll by twiigs.com

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the complete Mirrors Collection from Zoya!

November 9, 2011: Far From Favorite

Sorry for the delay, I wasn't falling off the face of the earth again I promise... there were posts! But, let's have a moment of honesty about what did happen in terms of outfit posts: I kind of HATED Wednesday's look. You might ask, "Why would you wear it out of the house then? Also, why do you not like it, I think it looks ok!" to which I would answer "It's a long story..."

Baisically, I picked out all of my outfits for the week but, didn't end up taking pictures in advance or trying anything on so when Wednesday morning rolled aroung and this outfit was a FAIL I didn't really have time to change into something else. Why was it a fail? First of all the shirt was way too short which wouldn't have been a huge problem if the pants hadn't been super tight. Lastly, while these shoes were a great find initally they have stretched to the point where they are difficult to walk in as in, I trip over my own feet! I might have to say goodbye to them unless someone knows how to shrink shoes... 

Sufficed to say I was uncomfortable and will never be putting those items together again beyond my personal style challenge. What do you do when your outfit is uncomfortable do you run out at lunch and buy something new, go home and change, or tuff it out for the rest of the day?

• Top: red embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here); tank top underneath for the modesty; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (part of this suit)
• Bottom: brown pinstripe pants, New York and Company (not be confused with these)
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry, purple tote bag, Coach 

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

November 8, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere Has Colored Tights

When colored tights came up at the theme for this month over at Everybody, Everywear I knew that I had this in the bag. Remember rainbow tights week? Yeah... I'm excited to break the stretchy goodness out of hibernation! Unfortunately, it is uncommonly warm today. Why not have a snow storm then an almost 70° day within a few weeks of each other? It makes total sense to me but, I might need to hold off on breaking out the rest for a little while longer...

• Top:  gray camo/animal print ruffle button down shirt, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; teal tights, Merona for Target; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

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

November 3, 2011: I've Got Lace

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!

Many of the trends this fall make me think of a more classic style and lace is definitely one of them. The other thing that lace reminds me of is a doily. Thankfully, this shirt channels the classic style and not the latter but, despite that it is still a challenging piece to wear to work. Completely see through tops are not what I think of when I imagine professional business attire. O, you do? Then I should be ok... I rocked this top at my last job no problem but, this new office is decidedly more conservative. We shall see how it goes. What other items of clothing do you think push the corporate dress code? 

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple wool blazer, Victoria Holley/Mom's closet cleanout
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; brown woven tote, Loeffler Randall

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

November 1 2011: I've Got (More) Chunky Heels and a Sheath Dress?

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!

I feel like today's outfit is a bit of a cop out... Didn't I do chunky heels yesterday? Yeah, I did... I promise there is a good reason for all this repetition which you will learn about later. Let's just say I didn't really consider social events I have going on when I decided that it would be theme week this week, silly me.

The working girl dress/office dress/sheath dress was a trend I saw intermittently sprinkled throughout different lists so it works that I'm rocking that too although I would really consider this look classic all the way! What other trends do you see now that you would consider timeless?

• Top: ivory sheath dress, Adrianne Vitadinni via Loehmans/gift from Mom; black long cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black suede pumps,Missoni for Target; tourmaline earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

October 10, 2011: New Employee Orientation, Again

So yesterday I was doing another new employee orientation thing so the outfit I put on had to make a modest and professional impact. It's even more important because the person that I was "on-boarding" is older than me and I more often than not have a problem with that.

Yes, I understand you are a seasoned professional but, you still have to listen to what I'm saying! Good I'm glad you understand that this blazer gives me a heightened level of authority (at least this is how it goes in my head...)

• Top: black and gray plaid dress with pockets, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray Le Dix/Motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

August 24, 2011: You Say Goodbye And I Say Hello

Last night I said goodbye so long for now to my college roommate. I have to keep reminding myself that it's not forever, she will be back soon! Plus, now they make these magical things called phones and Skype so we should be able to keep in touch no problem. Tonight I am meeting up with one of my cousins to help her with her resume/job search. Thankfully we're meeting at a place not far from my job so tonight shouldn't be a late one. She's not one of the cousins that I am super close with but, I am happy to help. Maybe I'll make a new friend, Hello!

This dress is one of my thrifting treasures. When my Mom and I went this year for a potential birthday extravaganza I didn't end up finding as much stuff as last year but, that's ok. It's the nature of thrifting! I was definitely at a loss when it came to accessorizing this posh polyester prize. I originally picked out a pair of gold hoop earrings but, ended up going with a different pair. I was really aware that those types of earrings might send a message (I'm Puerto Rican if you didn't know) to people who think in negative stereotypes.

Maybe I'm just being self conscious but, I tend to stay away from certain types of jewelry (ahem, gold hoops) because of the message that it could send. Mostly, I just don't prefer gold though. Do you ever find yourself limiting your wardrobe so people don't judge you based on any kind (sex, nationality, etc.) of stereotypes ?

• Top: purple vintage dress, birthday gift from mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: brown giraffe print peep toe shoes, Adrienne Vitadinni via DSW/gift from BF; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; brown tote bag, Bulga  

My Stella and Dot picks for this outfit are:

Estate Chandelier Earrings

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