Blaze Laser Blazer

You thought I was done with blazers for the season, right? Well, that would make both of us but, we were wrong. Even though the temperatures have been climbing it still seemed appropriate to incorporate a blazer in this outfit for professionalism. While it might have been a good idea in terms of the office dress code it was a bad idea in terms of surviving the day. Although it was rainy and that helped cool things down but, by the time I made it into the office I was still melting and since our air conditioning is controlled by someone who must always be hot it wasn't as refreshing as I would have liked. I ended up spending portions of the day with my blazer off (scandalous) thank goodness for this cute shirt.

Speaking of this shirt, I picked it up while I was away this past weekend. While perusing the racks as one of my favorite second hand shops I was reminded (by myself) that I didn't need to be relegated to only searching the M, L, XL racks for clothes and that I could take a peek at the S or even XS (gasp) racks. This is partly due to the fact that my body has changed but, also  because clothing sizes are skewed depending on material, designer, production year. Remember that when you are shopping second hand and you might find some treasures (like this shirt) that you would have missed otherwise. I was initially attracted to the rainbow of muted colors but, was sold when I saw the embellishment around the collar. Can you see it? No, well they are basically fabric colored bead necklaces sewn to the collar; sounds weird, looks adorbs.

• Top: multi-color dot shirt, Boden via Ashby; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: khaki pencil skirt, The Limited via Current Consignment
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steven Madden; blue goldstone earrings, International Gem and Jewelry show; 

I most recently work this blazer here.

Purchases & Acquisitions: June 2015

There was shopping/swapping this month, so much shopping/swapping! Well maybe not so much with the shopping but, definitely with the swapping... let me explain. I have been feeling the urge to shop in the recent months but, after my extreme closet purge that increased exponentially. I sent my Mom the picture of the finished product and she took pity on me bringing over some things form her closet that no longer fit her last weekend. Then we scheduled a time to go see the local tailor by her so that I could salvage some of my favorite items because tailoring is a great option instead of heading out and buying all new clothes. 

Unfortunately/fortunately, we didn't make it to the tailor because I was raiding my Mom's closet for things that no longer worked for her. I made out like a bandit (kinda literally) with bags of sartorial goodies. Ironically, many of those items had previously been mine going as far back as high school, for serious. It's a good thing that my mother doesn't have my penchant for closet clean outs but, I digress...  Even though the tailor was closed we consoled ourselves by heading over to one of my favorite second hand stores and she bought me a few things because she's super nice. The "damage"  is as follows... 

Goodwill $20.48 Amazon Local Deal

• red dress, Taylor 
• brown striped dress, Bailey 44 

Current Consignment $15.64

• eggplant suite, Nanette Lepore
• cream pants, Vanessa Bruno
• gray tank top, Bailey 44

Unique Thrift Store $45.22 c/o Mom

• beige pinstripe capris, New York & Company
• brown plaid pants, New York & Company
• khaki green bermuda shorts, Forever 21
• black pinstripe suit, Anne Klein
• retro inspired polka dot pumps, Bakers

Mom's Closet Raid Cleanout

• red dress, eShakti.com
• blue floral lace dress, eShakti.com
• black and white houndstooth faux wrap dress, eShakti.com
• gray scoopneck t-shirt, New York & Company,
• red scoopneck t-shirt, New York & Company
• black sheath dress, Books Brothers
• black sleeveless polo shirt, Lacoste
• white sleeveless polo shirt, Lacoste
• black polo shirt, Lacoste
• black capri leggings
• black embellished t-shirt, Merona
•  khaki skirt, Ann Taylor
• white linen pants
• denim skirt, LOFT
• black lace dress, H&M
• black sweater dress, Pink Rose 
• lime green scoopneck sweater, LOFT
• ivory scoopneck sweater, LOFT
• hot pink scoopneck sweater, LOFT 
• yellow scoopneck sweater, LOFT 
• green scoopneck sweater, LOFT 
• black scoopneck sweater, LOFT 
• green cardigan sweater, New York & Company 
• purple cardigan sweater, New York & Company
• light brown plaid suit, Sweet Suit
• brown polka dot suit, Donna Sands
• purple tweed skirt, Norton
• black and gray plaid skirt, NYCC
• ivory and beige skirt, Theory
• gray pencil skirt, Emanuel by Emanuel Ungaro
• blue and gray dress, Old Navy
• gray cropped blazer, I.N.C. 
• black and brown plaid skirt, Worthington
• black t-shirt, Chanel
• blue ombre tank top, Xhilitration

You were worried, weren't you? It really wasn't that bad after all, after all of the fun new things I added or welcomed back to my wardrobe I ended up only spending $15.64 at my local consignment store. We'll see how I do next month since I will spending time visiting my favorite shopping destination my cousin and you've seen how that goes...

Pattern Mixing Redux

When I first started blogging my fashion stylings were a little "vanilla." Then, as time progressed, I got more comfortable with the "institution" of fashion blogging I began trying new things and experimenting with bolder pairings. I can't say they were all amazing ensembles but, they were different, fun, and helped me accomplish my goal of one year, no repeats to work. One of the tools that I kept/keep coming back to when putting together outfits is pattern mixing but, as I drifted away from fashion blogging pattern mixing wasn't a thing anymore. I have a feeling it might be experiencing a come back... polka dots and snake print that's cray cray. How do you put together creative, fun outfits?

• Top: ivory ruffle embellished tank top, Ralph Lauren Sport via Current Consignment; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: snake print pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with Trend Spin, Style Swap Tuesdays, All About You, and Confident Twosdays

Motivational Monday

So last week worked really well in terms of picture taking Sunday, getting all of the awesome posts out on time, and scheduling a sprinkling of social media posting. Yup, crushed it! This weekend didn't work out the way I wanted it to. Besides Mother's Day being this weekend I find that there normally isn't enough time to do all the things I would hope to get done in a weekend. It becomes a balancing act of social obligations, chores (mulching anyone?) and other personal responsibilities. How about you?

No wonder Mondays have a bad rep! After coming out of the weekend where you may or may not have accomplished all the goals you set out for yourself it makes sense that you don't want to tear yourself out of bed and go to work. Maybe that's just me but, when you think about that how is that different that any day of the week? I multitask, as I'm sure most of you do, and run errands during lunch or after work able to get up the next morning ready to go, more or less... Maybe if we approach Mondays with a more "ass kicking" "can do" attitude  like other days of the week it will kick the proverbial case of the Mondays to the curb. So, that's what I'm going to try this week: I am super excited to get to work this morning and get things done!

• Top: purple sleeveless sweater, New York & Company; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow fresh bloom pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohls; mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage

Unposted Outfits: Summer 2012

Posting these warm weather outfits is honestly a bit depressing with the bitter cold weather that we have been having. I get it, it's still winter but, there have been some significantly warm days that make me hope we might be out of the woods. Maybe soon, that's what the groundhog said anyway and he is always sometimes rarely right

Here's this dress again, one of the things that I love about it is that it works any time of the year! I also realized that I have worn a very similar outfit before, it was just slightly more professional with a blazer not a cardigan. Does it really make that big of a difference? I guess sometimes it does...

• Top: yellow ruffle front cotton knit dress, eshakti.com with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This picture is really bittersweet. I love the outfit, I think it's a fantastic professional and chic ensemble. How could it not be? There is tweed. Unfortunately that dress was eaten alive by moths and because it's tweed it was completely un-salvageable, sad face. At least the last time I got to wear it was a beautiful outfit. I'm also feeling ok because I still have a snazzy matching blazer in the same pattern to remember it by. I don't know who would ever wear them together but, they are great separates.

• Top: blue tweed sheath dress, K Studio via The Unique Thrift Store; gray ruffle embellished cardigan, LOFT/gift from BF's parent's 
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I feel like this is a very underutilized shirt. I rarely ever wear it but, it's a good professional layering piece. When I move into my next role I will definitely make a point to use it more!

• Top: teal embellished t-shirt, New York & Company; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit is kind of blah but, I am loving my hair. The curls are in check and look very smooth and polished. Unfortunately those only lasts for a day, maybe less. If anything is taking away from this outfit it's the weird layering bunching at the bottom, I guess it's the price of "the modesty"...

• Top: purple scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black cardigan, Merona for Target
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pants, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; signature clover chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit is cool, my hair is whatevs but, it's an outside picture so everything is FABULOUS! 

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom; gray cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black and white pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I love this outfit, it's so simple but, so awesome. I remember this was a work to dinner outfit. BF and I had gone to a local restaurant for dinner, this pic was actually taken on our walk home. I love my neighborhood because it's in New York City but, it's still got some green!

• Top: black and white polka dot dress, Forever 21 via The Big Fat Flea; gray and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit was really great in theory but, I remember it being another layering debacle  There were so many layers and it was kind of uncomfortable. Maybe if I hadn't held it all together with the belt it wouldn't have felt so constricting. On the other hand, I think the belt ties it together nicely, perhaps a slimmer belt? How would you make this outfit more interesting.

• Top: black and white faux wrap dress, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle embellished sweater, LOFT/gift from BF parent's 
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; black belt, came with this Adrienne Vitadinni dress; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

There are some really picturesque areas where I live, most of them have to do with the river within walking distance. I love the setting of this picture. In terms of the outfit, I like it too, it feels very chic! It's also very similar to another way I wore this dress, I'm running out of options but, it's such a great dress, much thanks to the person who previously loved it. 

• Top: black sheath dress, no tag via The Big Fat Flea; brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I really need some more focus in my life... hardy har har. I'm going to say that this was probably another one of those ordinary days. 

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

This outfit was a work to after work ensemble. It went over well in the office with my co-workers, don't really remember my boss' reaction but, I will say it was a total hit at the party. Now I just need to find a job where my fashionista tendencies will be appreciated! 

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target;
• Bottom: yellow, brown, and colorful plaid skirt, WDNY via Loehmann's
• Shoes & Accessories: brown giraffe print peep toe shoes, Adrienne Vitadinni via DSW/gift from BF; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Vest are phenomenal! I feel like they are a very underutilized in my own wardrobe as well as others'. When vests have a pattern or are an interesting color they really add to your entire ensemble. Not to self: buy wear vests more often.

• Top: gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here and here); white ruffle button down blouse, LOFT
• Bottom: black wide leg pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit is cute and professional but, how did I get away with those flip flop?! This is definitely while my ankle was in serious healing mode (you can see some bruising) and I was wearing a really unflattering splint/brace which I took off for most of my photos. I got away with wearing flip flops with quite a few outfits thanks to that brace and my wonky ankle.

• Top: red and white polka dot dress, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: gray flip flops, Old Navy; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Here's that dress again... It's a really great but, I feel like I might be wearing it a little too much. I think I need more yellow and butterfly options. I'm slowly exhausting all the ways to wear this dress without repeating an outfit, pretty soon it's all going to come down to the shoes, then what will I do? 

• Top: yellow ruffle front cotton knit dress, eshakti.com
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target;  floral wire earrings, MOMA/gift from an old friend; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Bamn, last outfit... for now. This dress is a amazing summer piece that just say in my closet untouched until this picture. It was almost a last ditch, better wear this while I can kind of thing. I'm glad I did and also that I got to take a magical outside picture. I will definitely have to remember not to wait until the last moment possible to wear this dress again, it really is a lovely summer sundress. 

• Top: blue metallic embellished dress, Micheal by Micheal Kors via Loehmanns/gift from Mom; khaki safari jacket (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, and here)  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Unposted Outfits: Spring 2012

Time is flying by, it's already the spring! I wish... The only thing that could have made (f)unemployment better (besides immediately getting a new job) would have been warmer weather. I would be outside everyday soaking up the Vitamin D and working on my tan while applying for jobs and all that good stuff. Instead we are still steeped in winter, snow, and frigid cold... o well. At least I have some examples of outfits for warmer weather to come with these Spring outfit posts and the subsequent Summer outfits that are on the horizon.

Here comes that hair dilemma again, I think this is a pretty professional outfit but, the fact that my hair is swept up in an unintentionally messy bun really detracts from that. Lesson learned... a professional look is the whole package! It's too bad that my hair isn't straight all the time it would make this a really easy fix but, I would miss my curls.

• Top: blue ruffled blouse, Atelier via Loehmanns; tank top underneath for the modesty; gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black wide leg pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Bamn! Straight hair instantly ups the polished-ness of the outfit and even though it's not particularly exciting it works in a snore worthy, boring kind of way. 

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black wide-leg pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I committed to purple with this outfit in a very matchy matchy way. I can't say that I completely dislike the way the outfit came out but, I think I might need to push the envelope with the next pairings for this blazer and/or dress within the bounds of professional propriety of course. I'm thinking green dress with the blazer, it's been a while since the joker stopped by...

• Top: purple, white, and black floral print dress, LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple wool blazer, Victoria Holley/Mom's closet cleanout
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; rhinestone earrings, New York and Company/gift from BF's parent's; black plume brooch, Stella & Dot;  Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

If you've been around for a while you have seen this outfit before, I highlighted it in my year two outfit roundup. I love the dress and wish I got to wear it more but, there are only so many ways to style a black and white dress... actually there are alot of ways so, expect to see it again!

• Top: Birds Who Gossip Dress, eShakti.com (on sale now, save on extra 15% with code FEB15OFF) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black cropped jacket, Express
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom;  black belt, came with this Adrienne Vitadinni dress; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This is one of my favorite shirts to wear to work, it works really well under any complimentary cardigan or blazer., it's a little summery but, when have I ever seasons stop me before? There are very few things in my wardrobe that I declare off limits as the seasons shift; sleeveless or lightweight shirts can become layering pieces and sweaters are good to keep around for chilly nights or over air conditioned situations. How do you handle shifting your wardrobe for the seasons?

• Top: coral artist tank, Merona for Target; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York and Company; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

While this outfit is definitely professional it's so boring... there has to be a better way to spice it up. I think something as simple as wearing leopard print flats might have added enough visual interest to keep me from snoozing. I thought the embellishment on the shirt would do it but, alas it did not. How would you spice this basic look up?

• Top: white rosette embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, here, here, and here); navy blue pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This is a colorful, fun, AND professional outfit. I can have it all! I don't remember how it went over in the office but, I feel like it was probably acceptable if nothing else but, probably not ideal by the vague  standards that I was held to. Would you be able to get away with this at your current professional environment.

• Top: aqua dolman sleeve top, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York & Company 
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets,) Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

If I shopped more consistently I would focus on thrift stores. You can really come across fantastic wardrobe pieces for a song. This dress is a great example of that. When I wore it to work I got lots of compliments and even had one person mistake it for a dress from Anthropolgie, WIN!

• Top: blue, white, and red vintage dress, Three R's via The Unique Thrift Store with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candie's via Kohl's; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Is this outfit any less boring than other previously seen boring outfits? Maybe, maybe not but, I'm liking it! It's not exactly a compulsory color palette and the metallic accents are great. This must have been the point in the wear where the weather was warming up, I wish we were there now...

• Top: dark brown scoopneck sweater, GAP (same sweater different color here and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; navy blue pinstripe blazer, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Bottom: navy blue pinstripe pants, Tahari via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW;  signature clover chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Despite my day three (or four) curls, I am loving this outfit, I think the pattern mixing is fabulous and that dress is a comfy one plus, the classic color combination... done! Also, it's pretty professional and that is the end goal for a work outfit, right? Either way I would wear this for lots of occasions beyond work.

• Top: black and white faux wrap dress, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather flats, Payless; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Sometimes neutral is the way to go. While some people might think that neutrals are boring, I think that they can be great together when utilizing different patterns or textures. Do you mix neutrals or is that a fashion no no? 

• Top: black sweater, LOFT/Mom's closet clean-out ; brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I love this dress, it's so comfy and easy to wear it almost feels like cheating, do you have pieces in your wardrobe that are like that? I honestly thought that it had migrated to the ladies section from maternity at the thrift store but, this is not a maternity designer. WIN! Do ever have those moments where you see maternity things and kind of wish you were pregnant and could wear them with no judgement? I'm talking about Liz Lange maternity from Target. It totally bums me out when I spot those pieces on the sales rack...

• Top: black cowl neck dress, Robbie Bee via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Here's that great coral tank top again, I told you it was fantastic with blazers and cardigans of all sorts...

• Top: coral artist tank, Merona for Target; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: beige pinstripe trousers, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; mother of pearl teardrop earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Phew this is the last outfit... for now. There are quite a few more. I'm hoping that my memory for what happened on those days or any fun outfit relates news will be easier to remember. 

• Top: yellow ruffle embellished scoopneck shirt, New York & Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns
• Bottom: brown pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; white mother of pearl earrings, Elizabeth Showers Vintage; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF