June 3, 2011: These Foolish Games

I am taking all sorts of fashion risks today! First of all just look at those sandals, I am asking for trouble.. or maybe not since no one really said anything to me yesterday about what I was wearing. I am totally bringing a pair of pack up shoes today.

Other than that my outfit seems normal right? Perhaps even totally stylin' and Tory Burch inspired? I'll feel your resounding "Yes!" and you would be mistaken. It is totally stylin' and definitely Tory Burch inspired but, not completely normal. Don't tell anyone but, this fab dress is a sleepshirt from Target. I know my secret is safe with you but, now you can see how I'm really pushing the envelope... What is the most shocking thing you've ever worn out in public?

• Top: navy and white patterned "dress", Gilligan & O'Malley via Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target; silver knotted necklace, Christmas gift from my dear friend; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; cream woven tote, Loeffler Randall for Target

May 3, 2011: Cool Waves

I was all ready for Tuesday to be gray and dismal as predicted but, it really wasn't that bad at all. Thanks for misleading me Weather.com... I'm glad I threw caution to the wind when getting dressed though because if I had paid any attention I would have swaddled myself in clothing and thrown on a pair of boots. Instead I wore a pretty gifted dress (the best kind) and the day was all the better for it!

This is one of those times where something new entered my wardrobe and I might not have necessarily made a huge effort to mention it but, I will moving forward so you don't think I'm shopping on the sly. While my mom was at the thrift store she saw this dress and picked it up for me. She said it was "so Iris!" I guess I could agree with that, I do love a jersey knit dress...  What kinds of pieces are "so you"?

• Top: blue wave patterned jersey knit dress, Scarlett via The Unique Thrift Store/Mom; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: gray suede-ish kitten heel shoes, Mossimo for Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

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

Easter Sunday 2011

Did you do anything fun for Easter/Passover? I spent time with my family and had dinner with one of my close friend and her family. It was a great day with my favorite people! Since I shared my Easter outfit with you last year I thought it would only be fair to do the same thing this year. So here it is...

• Top: pastel colored dress, axcess for Kohl's via Unique Thrift Store with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: nude patent leather pumps, Apt. 9 via Kohl's; silver/gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

April 12, 2011: One Minute To Midnight

It wasn't that late when I got home yesterday but, it was late enough. There were a few last minute details that I had to work out for an event today. Hopefully it will be a success! Wish me luck...

• Top: lilac and white striped t-shirt, LOFT ; black safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, and here)
• Bottom: black, gray, black, and white skirt (with pockets), Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)  

Items from this outfit have been previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, and here.

April 6, 2011: Polka Dot Tail

This is where things start to get a little wonky in terms of my outfit choices. What do I mean by that? Well, I can see why these things have been hanging out in my closet unworn for a while. They have a slightly funny fit, seasonal limitations, or they are less than appropriate for work. This dress is the latter; while the length and fit are good, the straps and bust area are completely inappropriate in general let alone in the office. I've only ever worn it with a cropped jacket to an evening event. While all the difficulties regarding this particular clothing item are true there is no point in keeping it if I am not going to wear it so, what is easier than using the dress as a skirt? What is one of your harder to style clothing items and how do you make it work?

• Top: red short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here, here, here); black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: black and white polka dot dress as skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

Don't forget to enter the Orient Watch USA Giveaway!

April 5, 2011: Multiple Choice Question

You may think that you have seen this sweater before but, you would be mistaken you might have seen it's sister or maybe it's rando cousin but, this sweater is all new (to you at least.) As I've said before: I'm all about buying multiples. When you find something that works for you at a good price, why not? This sweater was no exception although, it is was a challenge for me to resist the preppy allure of argyle in general. Do you have a favorite clothing item that you buy in multiples? Or when you find something that is perfect for you do you snatch up as many as you can?

• Top: black, gray, and white argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, and here.)
• Bottom: gray plaid pencil skirt, AB Studio from Mom via Kohl's
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit and previously seen and remixed in Year 1 here and here.

February 25, 2011: You Were The One I Loved, The One Thing That I Tried To Hold On To

Sorry for being so MIA things have been a little hectic around here; new jobs are crazy! I will be catching up as quickly as I can. Anyway... remember how I had said there would be no more Friday jeans for me well, that wasn't entirely accurate. The new office where I am does a charity day one Friday a month where if you donate to a worthy cause you can delight in denim. Sufficed to say I had no problem finding a few bucks especially because it was rainy and gross outside. Money can buy happiness... at least in terms of corporate casual Friday.

One cause that I was unfortunately lax about this month was wearing red to promote heart health. There were a few days where I did but, not on Fridays. I tried to stick with it for the last Friday of the month especially after I found a donation kit from the American Heart Association in my new desk. My new boss informed me that they always send something and to just toss it because that wasn't a chosen charity for 2011 (she's not as rough as she sounds, I promise.) In the kit there was a bag of red dress pins so I snagged one for myself. I have lots of extras so, if you interested please email me. I'd be happy to send one your way (US addresses only)

On another note, I miscounted when I said I had three months left. Really this personal style challenge comes to a close on April 1, 2011 since it started (way back in the day) on April 1, 2010. So that means that this is the last month. I know I can't believe it either.

• Top: white crochet neck top, LOFT (same shirt different color here,here, here, here, and here); brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; red dress pin, American Heart Association; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

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February 15/16 2011: What's Black and White and Red All Over?

The past two days have been a whirlwind! Acclimating to this new job and lengthier commute while incorporating the things that I would normally have on my schedule is definitely taking some getting used to. And based on my clean laundry situation it has been really difficult not to fall into the "city uniform" situation each day so far. It's something that I am definitely aware of so, I will try not to do so for the rest of the week, I need some color in my life...

• Top: white button down shirt, New York & Company; gray jewel drapey top, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS 
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent flat American Eagle, Payless; silver and garnet earrings made by an old co-worker; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns 

Items from this outfit have been previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here:

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• Top: black and white sweater shirt combo, August Silk via Mom's closet purge 
• Bottom: gray pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent flat American Eagle, Payless; leopard headband, Target; floral wire earrings, MOMA/gift from an old friend; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

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

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What To Wear To An Interview

So, as I mentioned before I did a little looking before I landed this job and while I was going through all that I decided to catalog my interview outfits. I figured it would be a good lesson for anyone who isn't sure what to wear when that big day comes.

In November I had an interview with another non-profit the same day as a job fair. I just swapped the cardigan I was wearing for a the suit jacket and it was a done deal. That day I was just happy I wasn't expected back in the office... In the end it wasn't the job for me (we were both on the same page about that) but, at least I got a little interview practice.

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment, LOFT; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

My next interview was about two weeks ago. Like I said before, things took a turn for the serious! I didn't want to wear the same old suit that I wear for every occasion that calls for a suit (see above) so I reached into my closet to find something different. This was one of the few moments where I was grateful for my past shopping transgressions! Years ago I had purchased this Isaac Mizrahi suit from Target on SUPER clearance (like less than $20 SUPER) and had never utilized it fully. My mom took in the skirt but, I never had a need for the jacket until now... I think it was a total winner!

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP (not pictured)

My second interview for my new job occurred on the same day that NYC was hit with 19 inches of snow. Thanks snow! I think this suit was the one thing that went right because I didn't worry at all about the cold or wetness just how I was going to make it there on time... thankfully I got a very early start and BF was home to help dig the car out and I drove since the bulk of NYC's public transportation was shut down/delayed/who knew.

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target; navy pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: navy pinstripe pants, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; pearl earrings, gift from mom; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP (not pictured)

To sum it all up, here are some thing that I now know undoubtedly to be true about what to wear when interviewing:

• You cannot go wrong with a suit, ever.
• That being said, it doesn't have to be an expensive suit just a well made one.
• When it comes to accessories: the simpler the better.
• Boots are OK when there are almost two feet of snow on the ground.
• A solid bright color top really makes you shine.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

February 2, 2011: The Show Must Go On

Even though there is an rain/ice storm happening outside I still have things to do today. Especially since, I officially gave my notice yesterday. (It went well, YAY) I have an epic to do list from my boss so I can get him caught up on all the stuff I am responsible for and naturally there is a job fair today. On top of that (and despite the fact that I missed my first two reservations, thanks snow) it is NYC Restaurant Week again! I have reservations tonight and Friday which I am hoping to keep!

So, what's a girl to do when there a million different things on her plate? Throw on a dress of course! I had spotted this one on the Newport News website a few years ago. I thought it was lovely but, way expensive plus, I'm not a fan of ordering without trying on so I let it go... While I was at the thrift store with my mom I spotted it on the rack just begging to be snatched up by us. One of the things that I hadn't noticed (or had forgotten) was that is had some crazy bell sleeves... so not my style! Mom took care of that with her mad sewing skills and now the dress is just right. I decided to pair it with orange tights for a bunch of reasons: it's cold, they're awesome, and I am going to be heading into a super corporate environment in a week and a half.  I don't think orange tights will work and I'm a little nervous about that. Yes, that is what I am most nervous about and some other stuff but, I digress... If you work in a corporate office how do you dress? Even if you don't do you have any tips for me?

• Top: beige multicolored dress, Newport News via Unique Thrift Store with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; orange tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas gift from Cousin V (same tights different color on sale here); green jade earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

January 19, 2011: She Paints Me Blue

I have a confession to make, I didn't get to work yesterday. The rain/ice/snow/sleet that was falling out of the sky encased my car in a sheet of weather stuff. I should have taken a picture it probably looked pretty but, I digress... I spent forever cracking the ice with my trusty scraper and cleaning it off only to start slipping and sliding and I tried to drive to work. I made it about two blocks and decided it would be better to head home. All while wearing my leopard print flats... Crazy? Definitely! I couldn't feel my feet. I guess that outfit can be saved for another day since I didn't actually wear it to work; one when it's not "weathering". After checking the forecast I am sad to say it is a week of boots, except for maybe tomorrow. It's supposed to be sunny with snow again on Friday. Yes, style blogger and meteorologist.... eat your heart out Bill Evans.

Can we just talk about this skirt for a minute? I had spotted it in the GAP while shopping at full price ($46.50) and instantly fell in love. I am a sucker for anything ombre. For a bunch of reasons (my poorness, it's expensiveness, acheiving another month of no purchases) it didn't come home with me that day. But, many weeks later while actually Christmas shopping  I found one left in my size on sale for $13.00. BF told me to throw it on the pile of Christmas goodies for everyone else... love him! How else would you style this fab skirt?

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP outlet; white polka dot button down, Merona for Target
• Bottom: blue and gray ombre skirt, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos (not orginally pictured); black tights, Just My Size via CVS; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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

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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!

January 13, 2011: Woman in Uniform

Sorry for the "technical difficulties" AKA snow day yesterday. If I had the power to control the weather we would be done with cold and snow; I am so over it, how about you? Yup, that's what I thought but, I digress...

I'm not sure if I love this outfit today. With the pumps as pictured it reminds me of a catholic school girl uniform. I swear these tights are an identical color to what some schools require in NYC and the modest plaid just seals the deal. The other thing it reminds me of is something a lumberjack would wear especially when I added my totally warm Cougar boots. Ok, fine maybe a really chic lumberjack... but, there is still snow that I have to climb through to get to my car this morning so, warm boots ALA lumberjack it is! What would you wear with forest green tights? How are you coping with this ridiculously cold weather?

• Top: black and gray plaid dress with pockets, LOFT; white long sleeved t-shirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar (not pictured at first); green tights, We Love Colors; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

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: 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 
  
  

December 3, 2010: Feeling Neutral

This outfit might seem a little fancy for casual Friday. I had meetings but, that wasn't the main reason for busting out these chic jeans. Immediately following work I needed to meet some girlfriends in midtown for dinner at a Korean restaurant. I didn't want to be over the top but, a t-shirt and jeans just wouldn't cut it! I think the outfit was a successful compromise.

I have to say this color palette is a bit revolutionary for me! Why, you might ask, it's just a bunch of neutrals? Well if you must know, I am a total chicken when it comes to mixing some of my neutrals, specifically black and brown. But, when I tried the outfit on with brown or gray shoes they just didn't work the same way as these simple black ones. They have seen better days but, I digress... Is it a hard thing for you to mix your neutrals or are you a neutral mixing pro? If so maybe you can give me some tips!

• Top: dark brown scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Bottom: dark wash trouser jeans, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Nordstrom Rack
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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

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November 19, 2010: Friday Last

Last Friday was like any other Friday, I was so happy for the week to be over. That's kind of how I feel today, except it's Wednesday!! But, while I might be getting out of the office early today (fingers crossed, I mean who doesn't get to leave early the day before Thanksgiving? Actually who even goes in?! but, I digress...) I still have lots of errands to run in preparation for dinner and such. What are your plans for turkey day? Are any of you going to brave Black Friday shopping? Has anyone already started their shopping? Is anybody finished!? I actually know a few people who are already done, gifts wrapped and everything... crazies, I'm jealous!

On that note, throughout the holiday season I do a decent amount of online shopping research so, I am going to be posting deals and cool finds on the 260 Days, No Repeats Facebook/Twitter for your perusal. Who knows, you might find an awesome gift that you might not otherwise have come across so check it out!

• Top: gray scoop neck t-shirt, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: black sneaker/shoes Rocket Dog; black Spy bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

October 28, 2010: Pajama Like

I'm getting back into the groove of things... slowly but surely. At the end of last week I was all about making it to the weekend. Surprisingly it wasn't for the normal reasons, I had plans to hang out with my fav cousin before she moves to Chicago (in a hot second.) As you might have gathered the whole thing has happened in a flash but, it is really happening so I was glad to spend some quality time with her! Are any of you from Chicago? Do you have some advice for her before she heads off? How about some fun places to check out when she gets there? Hopefully I will time this right and we will be back to the regular outfit posting schedule tomorrow... hopefully.

• Top: gray short sleeve sweater, New York & Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York & Company; tourmaline earrings, V'ta jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach outlet (not pictured)

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

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October 27, 2010: What's Black and White and Red All Over?

That would be me. This is one of my favorite color combinations, a total classic! Sometimes I feel like I'm not being as creative when I rely on something so tried and true but, just can't help it... it totally works. What are you favorite color combinations?

• Top: white crochet neck top, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, and here)
• Bottom: black knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: faux patent leather red flats, American Eagle for Payless (same shoe different color here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; yellow alley bag

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

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October 8, 2010: Fly By

This week has gone by so quickly! That is probably due to the fact that I had (and still have) so many things to take care of in general. Cue picture of me pulling my hair out... I hope work today goes the same way and flies by. All I can say (or think, or type) is, "YAY vacation!!!" Don't worry I have a few fun surprises for you while I'm gone! Do you have any fun plans?

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from mom then altered; brown leather tote, Bulga

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

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