Weekend Wear: (Surprise) Wedding Guest

I am alive! I know it's been a while and I will get into that but, right now I have a much more important question: Have you ever had someone close to you call you and announce that they are getting married? Yeah ok, totes normal. How about with the ceremony occurring within 48 hours of that conversation?! Me neither, that is until my cousin (bestie/partner in crime) called me on Thursday afternoon, before the most recent long weekend, to inform me that her and her boyfriend of a decade were going to tie the knot on Saturday. After the initial shock/excitement/panic/happiness I went into honorary bridesmaid mode trying to determine what the plans were, what (if anything) she needed me to bring, and how I could assist with things leading up to the ceremony.

It wasn't until much later that day that I started thinking about what my plans would be for the wedding? More specifically, what would I wear for the festivities? With the limited amount of time I had (understatement,) I needed to find something in my closet that would be appropriate. Thankfully, over the past few months, since the purge, I have been intermittently shopping and picking up items, with no rhyme or reason but, that fill gaps in my wardrobe. This amazing maxi dress seemed like a no brainer for a summer soiree but, not really for a wedding ensemble. My apprehension stemmed from the fact that "they" say you shouldn't wear black to weddings. In the end my cousin was ok with it so, what do "they" really know anyway?

• Top: black, red, and white polka dot maxi dress, Banana Republic via Clementine
• Shoes & Accessories: tortoise shell Wayfarers, Ray Ban via Lenscrafters; black Olivia sandals, Dolce Vita; pearl earrings, Macys

Weekend Wear: DIY Social Butterfly

There were a few things going on this weekend on top of of normal weekend activities (grocery/laundry/tidying up/mulching) like, brunch breakfast on the Upper East Side with a friend visiting from out of state and a baby shower out on the (almost) end of Long Island for my cousin in-law. Did I mention they were both in the same day? Nope, well you can imagine the travel involved... You're not from here? Trust me, it's a substantial amount. Since I needed to be ready to go from spin class to breakfast to baby shower I may or may not have resembled a bag lady in the morning leaving the house. Baby Gift? Check. Gym Bag? Check. Awesome outfit to seamlessly transition through the days activities? Check, although it took me a while to get there.

It was particularly challenging to identify something from my current wardrobe options that fit and was appropriate for the prescribed setting of the baby shower. Two words: Country. Club. After going through my options I wasn't left with many choices. Thanks, less body... The whole process was frustrating, to say the least, and I was about to give up when I caught a glimpse of this fun, forgotten dress in pile of clothes to be tailored/sent to the tailor. When I tried it on I resembled (the child of) a housewife (playing dress up) which felt (ironically) appropriate. I just needed to find a way to make it work despite the lack of an all night tailor in my area. Enter tiny sewing kit! I made a few simple adjustments and the dress went from falling off and almost flashing people to what you see, how do you think it came out?

• Top: yellow hot air balloon printed dress, eShakti.com
• Shoes & Accessories: blue Orissa peep toe pump, Nine West (my wedding shoes;) pearl earrings, Macy's; bronze clutch, Brahmin c/o Vogue Magazine (not pictured)

I'm linking up with Watch What I'm Wearing and Sunday FUNday

Weekend Wear: Swap Style

Weekends often consist of errands, shopping, and other boring things like that but, occasionally there is something fun happening or I am wearing an outfit that I want to share. This was an outfit that I wore to my first clothing swap (among other errands, etc.) Overall the experience of the swap was alright but, your "shopping" success at any swap is entirely contingent on the other people that are attending being your size. That was not really the case in this instance, even though I am in the sweet spot in the overlap of regular and plus size, and I didn't have much luck finding items for myself. 

The other reason that I wouldn't label this experience a rousing success was because there were some unpleasant people there. There were loud complainers, line cutters, and hoarders (AKA I am going to grab everything and sort it out in the corner later). I even got into a "Filene's Basement wedding dress sale" like battle with a woman over a dress that she grabbed after I grabbed it. By battle I mean we exchanged words and then she huffed away. After everything, I think swapping is a great idea but, knowing what you are getting yourself into is the first step... what kind of items will be there? will there be items in your size? how many other people will be there? If the answers to those questions aren't favorable then it isn't worth your time. Has anyone been to a swap? Have you held your own swap? How was the experience for you? 

• Top: black and white polka dot dress, Forever 21 via The Big Fat Flea
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil; cherry print tote, Luella for Target

Don't forget to enter to win a $75 gift certificate from Shabby Apple!

Weekend Wear: Sunday Brunch

I don't know about where you live but, brunch is a pretty big thing in NYC. Have you ever seen Sex and the City? Exactly like that but, with less fabulous accessories... I'm not a regular brunch go-er (because $25.00ish a weekend adds up) but, when I heard that one of my favorite spots would no longer be serving brunch I just had to go for one last meal. My friend Alex was kind enough to join me and also take these pictures. The retaurant has lots of fun stuff on the walls in the lower level courtesy of De La Vega (similar to Banksy) and it was just the perfect place to take a picture. The hardest part was picking a quote to stand by!

• Top: orange tank top, J Crew with another tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; sunglasses, Mossimo for Target; glass bead necklace, Christmas gift from Cousin M; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Weekend Wear: The 2010 Christmas Roadshow

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas (if that's your thing) and found everything you wanted from Santa under the tree! How did you spend the holiday? Was it at home with your family or travelling to see relatives? I would say BF and I always do a little of both, spending Christmas morning with my family but also gracing various areas of New York and New Jersey with our holiday cheer to see friends and other family! This year was no different...

On Christmas Eve we had alot on our plate with events in both states; some last minute errands to run and Christmas Eve dinner/gifts with BF's family while at midnight BF had to head to work (gasp, I know) and I had to head off to midnight mass with my parents. So, I needed an outfit that would work for all of those situations. Enter skinny pants... they are now a wardrobe workhorse for sure!

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target; blue tank top underneath, for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver knotted necklace, Christmas gift from my dear friend; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)
  
  
  

 I spend the most critical parts of Christmas Day in my pajamas! You know... making brunch and opening gifts. Apparently they were very stylish and fancy. My mother thought that was I would be wearing to Christmas dinner but, I digress. This Christmas was a good one and any stress that I incurred participating in the prep was totally worth it! The top three moments of the morning were:

1. Mom's reaction to her gift from my brother I and myself.
2. The delicious food (it was a joint effort) and brunch conversation.
3. Everyone being so surprised and grateful for all their gifts and the time spent together since no body had a very strict list of things they wanted it really worked out!

After the magic of Christmas and some Jeopardy on the Wii my family headed home while BF and I got ready to head upstate and continue the roadshow... on to Aunt B's for dinner. I think I would have been a bit over dressed if I had worn anything but jeans but, I tried to keep it fancy for the holidays with a sparkly sweater!

• Top: black sparkly sweater, LOFT; a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: faux patent leather red flats, American Eagle for Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured) 

 BF and I enjoyed a nice quiet morning together the day after Christmas but, headed out in the late afternoon for NJ again with my brother in tow for some celebrations with our cousins. Yes, you read correctly I braved that ridiculous blizzard! I didn't realize it was going to be as serious as it was but, as we saw all the cars pulled over, time dragged on, fierce winds blew and lightning lit up the sky it set in that my desire to stick with our original plans might not have resulted in the smartest course of actions. It took us three times as long as it normally does to get there but, we made it safely! This picture was taken mid snow fall but, by the time we ventured outside the next day to shovel our cars out of the driveways I was thigh high in snow.

• Top: pink short sleeved sweater, GAP; white tank top underneath for the modesty; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

The day after the Snowpocalypse we didn't do much of anything other than shovel snow. One of my cousins had gotten stuck overnight on an impassable highway so we waited up until 4AM for her only to find out that she would not be able to get moving until the next morning... When she finally arrived all any of us wanted to do was stay in, celebrate the holidays, and enjoy each other's company.The roads were still pretty bad by the end of the day so we decided to stay another night. The next day we ventured out and it was surprisingly warm or maybe that was just my sweater... There was still post blizzard wreckage but, not so much to keep us away from brunch or from eventually heading home.

• Top: gray chunky sweater, GAP; brown and black tank tops underneath for the modesty, New York & Company/Old Navy respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black sunglasses, Ray Ban; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

Weekend Wear: Christmas Tree

For the first time in my life I went to a Christmas tree farm to get our tree with BF and a friend. I had always envisioned that trip to be one where I would be bundled up in my trusty coat with a hat, gloves, and crazy snow boots to combat the winter chill. That was not the case yesterday since it was unseasonably warm and raining... One thing I did stick with though was the boots because I couldn't wait to try out my new Cougar snow boots! It is taking too long for the white stuff to get here...

I have to say they are every bit as fantastic in practical use and they were when I tried them on in my apartment! They fit perfectly even though they are a half size smaller than I would normally wear. They were 100% waterproof (which I tested by sloshing around in puddles like a small child) and they kept my feet nice and toasty. I was a little apprehensive about the fur around the top of the boot when I tried them on at home because I have pretty large calves and the fur (in my opinion) made my calf look even bigger when I wore it folded down. Thankfully the extra long laces allowed me to tie the cuffs up and control the fluff! Plus, I could show of the little Cougar logo in the back. Lastly, on top of everything else they garnered lots of compliments! I would call that an awesome boot...

We also ended up getting a lovely tree! It was definitely different from driving around locally and buying a tree from some people who have set up shop outside a super market/gas station/pharmacy under the subway (which sounds like oxymoron I know but, it's not) I don't know if I would want to have to drive as far next year but, it was worth the experience plus, we got to see one of my cousin's who lives near there. Awesome boots, great tree, and fun times with family and friends sounds like an amazing trip to me!

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; yellow and leopard print tank tops (for the modesty) Proenza Schouler for Target and Express respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; blue goldstone earrings, mall kiosk in California; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

Weekend Wear: A Ruby Anniversary

One of my dearest friends parents (who are also very dear to me) are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary next weekend. Congratualtions to them!! My friend, her brother, and sister-in-law are throwing them a party this weekend (to throw them off) and I was more than happy to attend and help out! In terms of what to wear and the gift I was at a loss. It was a casual affair but, still a special ocassion so... jeans? They're fancy and in italics so, that must be right. How about a shirt that "matches" the year's gift? Sounds good to me but, what is that? Plus, what do you get a couple of parents who seemingly have everything?

I'm sure everyone knows that for a 25th wedding anniversary you are supposed to buy the couple or your respective spouse silver, for the 50th anniversary it's gold and so on... but, what about the other anniversaries that are in no way less significant? Well, that's what the internet is for! The 40th wedding anniversary is the ruby anniversary so, I promptly headed out to the store to buy my friend's parents the biggest ruby I could find... then I snapped back to reality and realized I am quite cash poor and needed to find a little something that was significant without breaking the bank. Scroll down to see what I came up with... Happy Anniversary Anne and Rufus!

• Top: maroon sweater, ABStudio via Mom with a white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black and gray leopard print peep toe pumps, Hollywould for Target; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray balenciaga le-dix/motorocylce bag (not pictured)
• Gift: awesome ornament, Iris & BF... PRICELESS! 

Disclaimer: That is a heart to signify their love and anniversary-ness... I am not pregnant!
BF seemed to think this picture gave that message.

Weekend Wear: Wandering Around NYC

This past weekend I met up with a friend to hit one of the many holiday street fairs that are happening in NYC. It was a pretty cold day but, we had tons of fun anyway. The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park have lots of unique and fantastic handmade goodies to give to your loved ones this season! I recommend stopping by if you are in the city.

This outfit was all about warmth! I know that jegging tucked into UGGS with a sweatshirt on top is so not acceptable in terms of high any fashion but, no one saw what I was wearing except the interior of my car as I drove into the city. Either way that is not what I want to focus on... I really want to pay homage to this amazing coat!

I call it my 30° coat since I only pull it out of the closet when the temps dip that low or lower. It is the warmest thing and has proven itself winter after winter as one of the best shopping choices that I have ever made! Why? Well, because I spent a whopping $8.00 on this heavy duty wool, fully lined coat at one of Steve and Barry's crazy sales! I think that evens out to something like .22  and dropping per wear if you count only the days in winter for the past three years that I have been utilizing it! I've had to refasten a button or two but, that's no big deal...

• Top: black and gray tank tops, Old Navy; white zip front hoodie, compliments of Cougar Boots; navy coat, Bitten via Steve and Barry's
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black boots, UGG via Nordstrom; black and silver scarf, Old Navy/gift from BF's family; gray Le-Dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 
  
  

Weekend Wear: Give Thanks

Did you host Thanksgiving dinner or did you have to travel? Did you dress up for the family and friends? I just had to ask because I wanted to share my Thanksgiving outfit with you and I think the picture needs to be put into perspective. I hosted so, while I made the effort to keep my outfit on the fancier side of things (seriously people, I could have been wearing yoga pants) I did not think it necessary to wear actual shoes. It was just more comfy this way plus, the sound of me clacking all over my apartment would have probably driven my downstairs neighbor insane... Towards the end of the evening I did throw on some slippers since my feet were in need of cushy support but, they didn't photograph well. Would you have done the same and forgone actual shoes or toughed it our for the sake of outfit completion?

• Top: orange convertible dress, Monif C (same dress different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: brown tights, Merona for Target; tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories

Guest Post: Money Smart Fashion - From Work to Weekend

While I am away on my wonderful (and much needed) vacation I have asked a few of my favorite bloggers to step in and write guest posts. I asked each of them to come up with their own topic and post that they felt fit with what I am doing here over at 260 Days, No Repeats. I am loving what they have come up with! Today I am pleased to have Grace Croshaw from Money Smart Fashion give you some tips on making your wardrobe do double duty for work and weekends. I will be back to regular blogging on October 19th, 'till then...

You thought I was going to say summer to fall! Muha tricked you! Hehe Anyway, Greetings 260 Days, No Repeats readers, I'm Grace! You can normally find me over at my blog, Money Smart Fashion, but I was beyond excited when Iris asked me to fill in for her while she was away. I love how Iris's goal is to look great at work every day within the confines of a professional dress code and without spending tons of cash. Because let's face it, not all of us can stay home and blog for a living, myself included.

Currently I am blessed with a pretty liberal dress code however my first job out of college was a different story. I too was bound by a professional dress code that frowned upon individual creativity. The first couple months I was actually excited by it. The thought of wearing heels and blazers, and suits was thrilling. I felt like I had finally made it to adulthood, I realized quickly the grass is always greener. The dress code had such an effect on me that I started subconsciously dividing my closet into two mutually exclusive categories-work and weekend. The items in my closet were in one category or the other, never both, which was draining me mentally and financially. I was ultimately buying twice the clothes to satiate my two needs, when really all I needed was a lot of items that could do double duty.

So in the spirit of having fun and saving money, here are some tips on how to make your work clothes "work" for you:

• Use a button-down to layer up on weekends.

• Dress a lightweight cotton blazer up or down

• Add a animal-print shoe for visual interest

• Wear relaxed trousers as an alternative to jeans on the weekend

• Keep remixing and reinventing

Well, that’s all I’ve got. You guys have been awesome. I hope you didn’t mind me filling in for Iris and if you like what you saw (insert shameless plug here), come visit me on my blog!

Weekend Wear: Now I'm Feeling So Fly, Like A G6

Sorry, it's cheesy I know but, I can't get the song out of my head and I'm on vacation AKA it's ok! This morning I am flying out (crazy early) and I definitely gave some serious thought to what I am wearing on the plane. While I am certain that some form of yoga pant, a sweatshirt, and flip flops would be the most comfortable choice the fashionista in me cringes at the thought so, a compromise is in order. What would you wear to the airport?

• Top: green ribbed tank top, Old Navy; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: paisley flip flops (What? I said compromise...); coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; purple tote bag, Coach 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Weekend Wear: A Multipurpose Outfit

As I mentioned yesterday, I have a million things to do today! Well, maybe not quite that many but, half a million at least and they all involve some serious travel throughout the day. I was looking for an outfit this morning that could work for all these different events and still be comfy in the car while trekking in between and walking around once I get to the city later this evening. You know: not too fancy but, not too casual... What's a girl to do? Enter jeggings, embellished tank, and comfy cardigan! This kind of outfit (or some variation) is going to become my weekend "uniform" for the fall, I just know it!

I'll tell you a secret, I am not quite ready for the cooler weather. While many bloggers (and friends IRL) are talking about how happy they are for this season change I don't know if I am really that excited. I love the warm weather and the summer (even ones as hot as this one.) I am lamenting this one coming to a close (I only made it to the beach once!) My hope is that when I start shopping my closet (hint, hint... details to come) for fall trends I'll get more excited...

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

Weekend Wear: Party Like It's Your Birthday!

On the night of my birthday I went dancing with a few friends of mine... This was definitely not office friendly attire but, I think I managed to keep it club appropriate yet classy AKA not an over sized t-shirt, I mean dress from Forever 21. That totally works for some people but would be a fashion disaster on me! What would you wear for a night out dancing? 

• Top: beige tiered dress, New York and Company via store credit from BF's Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here) I was going to wear these ridiculously amazing gladiator booties from Carlos by Carlos Santana but, I pulled a muscle in my leg and would not have made it an hour on the dance floor let alone until the sun came up! It was totally the right move in the end I think because I had a fantastic time with no pain; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver beaded necklace, Bitten via Steve and Barry's

Approximately 3:30 in the morning and we were still going after that but, I was getting tired...

July 21, 2010: Double Duty

I have seen this color combination used in some of my other daily outfit blog reads and I love it! So, I thought there must be some similar yellow and navy in items my wardrobe somehwere that I can use to emulate this pairing... and I found it. I had actually worn this outfit a few weekends ago (with purple flip flops and a different purse) but, thought that it could be appropriate for work so I saved it for workwear instead of doing a Weekend Wear post with it. I'm glad I did because although I have my standard work duties to take care of today there is a huge picnic at one of our other locations that I will be going to in the afternoon. This outfit fits the bill for both as a more casual summer work look for a hot and humid day, as well as, cute "fun in the sun" picnic wear, no?

• Top: navy blue ribbed tank top, Old Navy (before they started making everything ridiculously long)
• Bottom: yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona for Target [remixed]
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; vintage Louis Vuitton speedy, eBay

Items froms this outfit are previously seen here:

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Weekend Wear: Patriotic Barbeque

People can go astray with their wardrobe choices for Independence Day but, that doesn't mean that everyone should. I wasn't sure if I was going to go the red, white, and blue route for my fourth of July outfit but, after reading an article that Jessica of What I Wore had written on the topic I was inspired to give it a whirl! Especially, after I found this fabulous skirt when Mom and I were out thrifting. This was what I wore to a BBQ at a friends and to a movie after but, it would be great for a celebration at a pool party, casual summer cocktail event, or picnic in the park!

• Top: red ribbed tank top, GAP
• Bottom: white skirt with blue embroidery, Willi Smith via Unique Thrift (thanks Mom)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); silver beaded necklace, Bitten via Steve & Barry's; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings

Weekend Wear: Perfect Roadtrip Outfit

This past (long) weekend was spent with BF working on my tan at the shore and celebrating our anniversary. It was great to lay back and relax for a few days away from all the craziness of the home front. My biggest goal when getting ready for the weekend was to be as comfortable as possible on the 3ish hour long drive. Our super awesome Honda Fit (pictured with me) is deceptively small AKA roomy inside but, every little bit of added comfort helped. Normally I prefer much more structured clothes but, this dress was perfect for the weekend as an outfit for traveling and then a beach coverup! What are the items of clothes that you love because they serve more than one purpose?

• Top: black and white striped trapeze dress (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

Weekend Wear: Mixing It Up!

I would like to think that I am a fashion forward person but, after perusing a plethora of similar fashion blogs, I am seeing areas where I can push the envelope even more! What are your biggest style challenges? How do you overcome them? Case and point for me, mixing patterns. Do you mix it up? If so what are your tips and tricks?

I understood the concept of pattern mixing but, I still couldn't make it work consistently. Most times I attempted it the outfit didn't look right to me and I gave up. That is, except for yesterday when I successfully paired stripes and polka dots! I think this works best because the pattern in the top is subtle. Next time, bolder patterns...

• Top: navy tank top with silver stripes, GAP
• Bottom: blue polka dot skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; yellow alley bag (not pictured)

Weekend Wear: The Perfect Summer Outfit

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

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