Weekend Wear: I'm On a (Birthday) Boat

You may or may not know that August is my birthday month! If you follow me on Instagram (like you should) then you would have gotten a proverbial play by play of all the fun things that have been going on. Sufficed to say birthdays are a big thing for me. In keeping with that fact I had charged Hubby with putting together a celebration since this year was a big one but, I am not a huge fan of logistics and planning when it comes to my own birthday. What he, and his assistants/besties of mine, came up with was completely unexpected; he charted a boat (the whole thing) for me and my friends to sail around New York City for the entire evening. There was excellent company, dancing, drinking, yummy food, and amazing views; it was so much fun!

I had picked this dress out for my birthday celebration months ago having no prior knowledge of what we were going to be doing, other than having a great time. While, I may not have known what the exact plans were I knew this dress fit and showed off my transitioned self in a great way so it, as well as the accompanying four inch heels, became non-negotiable in my mind. In retrospect my fixation on wearing this specific ensemble undoubtedly stemmed from the fact this is not a look I could have pulled off a few years ago, at least not comfortably. I am in better shape now that I was in high school and if a party for me (or everyday generally speaking) is not the time to celebrate/flaunt that, I don't know when will be.

• Top: beige striped bandage dress, Bailey 44 via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: silver peep toe booties, Carlos by Carlos Santana; vintage silver earrings, my abuela

Secondhand Star

This outfit is from last Friday, it is the last of all the off schedules errant posts that I needed to sahre with you, Success!

One of the things I have noticed recently (especially when I'm going through purchases for the month) is that I tend to shop (almost) exclusively at second hand stores. On top of that I get lots of clothes from swaps with friends/family/rando strangers of a similar size. While it is intentional (money saving and all that jazz) I like how much it benefits the environment as well. It's a small action but, hopefully it is having a wider reaching impact.

• Top: white sleeveless polo shirt, Lacoste via  Mom's closet raid
• Bottom: denim skirt, LOFT via Melissa's closet cleanout
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; vintage silver earrings, my abuela

Denim Who?

Don't panic, I haven't completely forgotten about or given up on denim. It's just that sometimes it's (almost) summer and you want to wear a skirt with boat shoes to work instead of jeans. Also, sometimes you want to wear primary colors in a non-patriotic way but, I digress...  The skirt and topsider combination has happened before and I'm sure it will happen again before the summer has ended. While on a whole I feel like this ensemble is a little too casual for your average day at work, it's the shoes, (again,) it's perfect for casual Friday. Isn't it amazing how one small items makes such a big impact? Although, if I was wearing them with pants I'm not sure these shoes would have such a noticeable impact. Thoughts?

• Top: blue shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: red eyelet lace skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

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

Weekend Wonting

Is it Friday yet? I feel like it should be, don't you? Can't you just feel the long weekend calling? No? Ok, fine... let's talk about this shirt. You all (should) know how I feel about stripes. They contribute heavily to a fashion wasteland but, sometimes I'm into it so it's no big deal. This simple navy and white striped shirt is a big deal (to me) though. I spent months (seriously) searching in thrift/regular stores to find the most classic of striped shirts to no avail.

I finally caved and started searching online and wasn't having significantly different luck... After a few tries perusing Google Shopping I came across the website for Christopher & Banks and they had exactly what I wanted (finally) it so I ordered it based on the size chart and waiting with bated breathe for it to arrive. When the shirt came it was HUGE, I should have just ordered a few sizes to try on because that is the story of my life but, I digress... when I went back on the website almost all the sizes were sold out in almost all the colors and I (still) had no idea what size I am was so, I took a chance and ordered the smallest size based on my experience trying on the first shirt and it fits well... who knew?

• Top: navy and white striped shirt, Christopher & Banks
• Bottom: khaki green capris, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Marshalls
• Shoes & Accessories: nude flats, Coach; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

Be(e) Happy

We are in a whole new world! That's right, my back yard. Anyway, Wednesdays are a late night for me. As I mentioned previously I am taking a certification/professional development test prep class after work for the next few weeks and I don't get home until practically bedtime. Then, I wake up at the crack of dawn (as I did this AM) to go to spin class so,  when it comes to my outfit I am definitely looking for something low key and comfortable. Besides, it's almost Friday.

Today, I am wearing clothes (yay) but, my favorite thing about my outfit is these shoes! Although the pants are a close second. They were on consignment clearance and are a size that makes me feel really amazing about myself for arbitrary reasons. But, I digress... when the announcement was made that C Wonder was going out of business I was definitely one of the vultures shoppers who investigated the closing sales. I got a few things but, my crowning (shopping) achievement were these shoes. They are comfortable (win) and fun (bonus points.) Check out a detail shot of the shoes here. Did you get anything when C Wonder was closing?

• Top: coral sweater, GAP
• Bottom: brown plaid ankle pants, J Crew via Current Consignment 
• Shoes & Accessories: navy "bee happy" loafers, C Wonder; pearl earrings, Macys; vintage pearl necklace, my grandmother's jewelry box 

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

August 15, 2012: Dressing Appropriately

Since I am trying to pick out my clothes ahead of time weather.com has become an integral tool in the process. I have too often made the mistake of forgetting an umbrella, a coat, or generally wearing something completely inappropriate for whatever weather I will be faced with that day. When I was looking at the week ahead (last two weeks ago) everything was looking good except for Wednesday. With rain on the horizon I set aside some comfy and professional pants so I could face the impending precipitation as appropriately as possible.

My biggest struggle was finding shoes that worked with the pants since their length demands I stand a little taller but, I am still on the mend. I decided to take my life ankle into my own hands and wear a pair of shoes with a little heel. I can't say that it horrible but, it was definitely not the best idea. I'll be honest I haven't been giving my ankle the rest and relaxation or stretching that it needs; It's hard when you commute into New York City and work in a busy office; Excuses, excuses... Long story short: don't sprain ankles.

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black blazed, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black peeptoe wedges, Payless; vintage silver hoop earrings, my abuela; 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, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

August 10, 2012: Trendy Birthday - A Colorblock Maxi Dress

On my birthday, I was very excited about my fantastic high low dress but, that was Monday and while stylin' in the office was great I couldn't very well wear the same thing to go out and celebrate at the end of the week. To deal with my clothing conundrum I started to go through my mental closet but, couldn't think of anything that would be a good fit for the occasion. It was only natural to step into a few stores on my way home from dinner during the week and see what sort of summer stuff they had on sale. Thankfully I found  this maxi dress amidst the incoming fall styles. Unfortunately it hasn't reached the summer markdown rack yet but, it's my birthday so I went with it! 

There are alot of things I love about this dress: the saturated blue, the colorblocking, the thick straps, and the comfy-ness of it to name a few. The challenge that I was faced with was how to wear it in my professional office environment, a free flowing colorful maxi dress is a far cry from a structured suit. I threw on a cardigan and stayed at my desk most of the day. While it wasn't inappropriate per say I think I was lucky with my pass. That being said, it was an easy transition from work to drinks and dinner after! I only wish there was more time left this summer so I could wear the dress again. 

• Top: blue colorblock maxi dress, Spense via Bolton's with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray cardigan, New York & Company 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

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

June 13, 2012: The Bird Is The Word

Are you ever moved to purchase something just because you saw it in an email advertisement or store window. I don't normally get a chance to do that but, the fantastic size options provided by eShakti.com (and the coupon code I had) made it a no brainer.   

• Top: Birds Who Gossip Dress, eShakti.com with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF 

May 30, 2012: A Blazer Alternative

In this tangible humidity it is really hard to wake up in the morning and motivate twoards a blazer. It's just too darn hot! Enter the equally almost as professional cardigan. Without the stuffy polyester lining a cardigan makes the heat and humidity a little more bearable don't you agree? I thought so... 

• Top: ivory tank top, LOFT (same shirt different color here); black cardigan, Merona for Target
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  my abuela's vintage silver hoops; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed 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!!

April 27, 2012: Professional Casual Friday

Even though I have made a pledge to focus more moving forward on upping my professionalism regarding my work wardrobe that doesn't mean that I am going to miss out on a chance to wear jeans to the office! Since the once a month casual Friday is linked to supporting a worthy charity I feel like it is win win for everyone! With all that being said I still made a concerted effort to keep the pointers that had been made in mind when putting together my outfit. How do you think I did? 

• Top: black and white zig zag blouse, Missoni for Target; black short sleeved sweater, LOFT 
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather flats, Payless; silver and pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; 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, and here

April 2, 2012: Keep It Classy...

Have you all heard that there is going to be another Anchorman movie? I was pretty excited but, I digress... This Monday is the emergence of a new professional Iris. As you might remember I have had multiple conversations with my boss about wardrobe. In the end I have come to the conclusion that I need to be nothing less than my most professional me at all times. Besides that fact that we have had these discussions I am hoping to continue/move up in my career at this firm and dressing to impress won’t hurt. Aren’t you supposed to dress for the job you want anyway?

Another motivator for dressing my best was the new hire orientation that I had to facilitate today. Besides the fact that I always want to set a good example this fantastic new professional joining my firm previously worked in a military environment. I took that to meant that she would be professionally dressed to say the nines without a doubt. It would be pretty bad if I decided to show up in super comfy clothes.

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's;  black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS 
• Bottom:  black pinstripe a-line skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; 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. and here. 

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!! 

January 4, 2012: Corporate Bohemian

I got more comments last week about what I was wearing to work that I have in a long time beginning with purple tights and continuing with this outfit. Apparently this fall color palette was so comment worthy that I had a full gamut of people give me their opinion about it. My favorite was a male co-worker of mine who told me that mustard yellow was his favorite color and that I was awesome for wearing it in the office; The new hire who called me a corporate bohemian and this quite girl who never speaks telling me that maroon and gold were her school colors was cool as well. I didn't even think of it when I got dressed but, these are my high school colors as well... awkward?   

What is your favorite color palette to wear to the office? Is there anything that is off limits?

• Top: red long sleeved shirt, Van Heusen (same shirt different color here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)
• Bottom:  yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bead necklace, Vintage; 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, and here.

Purchases and Acquisitions: November 2011

I didn't forget about November purchases! There have just been lots of other things to focus on at the moment. Also, I was finding it difficult to own up to the fact that I purchased something this month when I was at Re/Dress NYC for the last time. It's crazy, I'm not necessarily trying not to shop I'm just trying to be aware of my shopping so I don't go overboard. The idea of buying something for no real reason other than that I liked it and I wanted it doesn't fit in with that thought process. During this overall experience I have become so stringent about my shopping ban that it was a hard thing to reconcile the $36.00 expense but, in the end I love dress so, it all worked out!

I also got a great Missoni shirt that I found buried in the sale rack at Target and the leopard Albertus Swanepole hat that lots of bloggers have. It's super stylish and I love it but, at the same time I feel like I should be a pimp, I digress...I'm still milking a Target gift card that my parents got me for my birthday so technically these were gifts!!

This month BF bought me some emergency pants from the GAP... it's a long story but, I needed them and the only option was the GAP. Don't get me wrong, I love their pants they just tend to be on the more expensive side of things when you don't have coupons of time to browse the sales rack. BF came to the rescue! He also got me some pants which I have already worn a few times and a fab dress which I am saving for a special occasion. No worries, you'll see it soon, like next week.

Don't forget to enter the $100 Shopbop Gift Card Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter to win the Spanish Steps dress from Shabby Apple!

Giveaway: Shabby Apple Dress

                   

I am so thrilled to be able to team up with Shabby Apple to bring you another fantastic December giveaway! You are entering to win a fantastic dress. When they contacted me to host the giveaway (which I was more than happy to do for you guys) they gave me a few options of dresses to pick from. I chose this one named after the Spanish Steps.

If you didn't know the Spanish Steps are literally a set of steps in Rome climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. They are a strange tourist attraction because there isn't much to them. They are literally just a stair case in a fancy part of town but, the beauty is in the history and I couldn't resist them when I was there but, I digress...

Myself and a classmate on the Spanish Steps in Rome!

This giveaway will be until December 19, 2011 and is open to ALL readers in USA! I will pick the winner via Rafflecopter. Here are the rules: like Shabby Apple on Facebook ALSO become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know what dress you like from shabby apple. Check out the Rafflecopter widget for more ways to enter, there are a bunch! Keep in mind that there is still one more fun giveaway to come this month, stay tuned!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wicked Weekend

I had so much fun last week at A Little Wicked and am thrilled to share this invite with you! If you are going to be in the area stop by, browse select vintage pieces, sip some bubbly, be styled by Sammy, save 20% on your purchases and hang out with other fashionable ladies and blogger guests! Hopefully, I'll see you there...  

November 7, 2011: Back To School

The time of year where everyone heads back to the classroom has passed or so I thought; I am going back to college today! Let me explain... while working with an assortment of local colleges to set up recruiting events for my company I naturally reached out to my alma mater. After having many lovely conversations with the people in career services one of them invited me back to speak at an event about job search tactics for upcoming liberal arts graduates. I was more than happy to oblige!

On a related note, this dress makes me feel like a teacher (completely unintentional, I swear). I think my 7th grade teacher had one just like it... she had serious style! I got this dress during one of my final trips to Re/Dress NYC. They will be closing their doors in a few weeks and I wanted to take advantage of this great store while I can. I took my Mom because she has never been and needed to experience it before the final party. The dress had some wicked shoulder pads (which I removed) and after seeing it in pictures I think it needs to be hemmed but, there was something about the weird pattern (and pockets) that drew me in. Perhaps it was hypnotic suggestion, it's the perfect pattern for that; You are getting sleepy... You really love this dress... Excellent!

• Top: black and white checker print dress (with pockets), Studio Collection via Re/Dress with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black belt, from this dress; pearl earrings, gift from Mom/Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach

Wicked Vintage

Two nights ago I spent the evening hanging out with lots of fashionable bloggers at A Little Wicked boutique downtown. Touted as “the chicer way of doing vintage” A Little Wicked is a streamlined store filled with handpicked and thoughtful finds. It's a nice change from the normal vintage shopping experience where you can find yourself combing through racks for hours and hours just to hope to find something that is legitimately vintage and works for you. 

Stop by the store, located at 279 Houston Street btwn. Clinton & Suffolk, especially in the coming weeks as they debut their holiday picks! Think gorgeous glam and sexy sparkles which is holiday dressing in a nut shell! You can also schedule a private styling session with one of their wicked stylist by emailing Sammy at Sammy@alittlewicked.com. That right Sammy from Sammy Davis Vintage, she's a doll!

I did take pictures but, they were with my phone so they came out lame (note to self: remember camera next time) so here is one from their blog:

Check out more pictures here! I'm in a few but, please excuse my sleepy face it was a long day... Also, there was a snazzy goody bag which I did manage to snap some pics of when I got home. I can't wait to use that scarf!

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:

October 17, 2011: Floating In On The Breeze

Hello Everyone! That's right I am back from my mini vacation. I had so much fun with my cous and definitely could have used a few more days in the Windy City with her but, it was time to come back to reality home.

It was back to work yesterday and I just wanted to be comfy while I was getting down to business (my inbox was bonkers!) So I went with pieces that I thought would be professional and (extra) comfy all at the same time. I think that will be the theme for the rest of the week.

I'm not sure that I will get today/tomorrow's outfits up in a super timely manner since I have late meetings both days but, I am going to try to make Thursday the day for outfit posts if I don't!

• Top:  floral print t-shirt, Vera Wang for Kohl's; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black wide leg knit pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black suede sneaker shoes, Rocket Dog; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; beige linen satchel, Volcom courtesy of Lulus.com/Blogger's Night Out