Casual Friday, With a Twist

While tweeting up a storm last week I came across an article about reasons for opting out of Casual Friday. I was intrigued, as I'm sure you are. What would possess someone to want to give up their well earned Friday comfy time? Well, after perusing the article I noted some very valid points and gave the whole idea some more consideration. It lead me to realize that many of the senior members of my department (all women) choose not to wear jeans on Friday. They might wear fun colored or patterned pants but, no jeans. Maybe it's time to give it try and do something different so today I am not wearing jeans! I am wearing a denim skirt, baby steps.

We also have to talk about my sandals. I bought these sandals in 2008 then in 2011 they died, then a few weeks ago we crossed paths again! I was wandering around Brooklyn with a friend and we stopped at an awesome local thrift store. I found these sandals (brand new with the tags) in my new skinnier shoe size... it was meant to be. The only issue was that because of how long they had been sitting around unworn the heels were falling off which I didn't notice until after I tried to wear them for the first time, awkward... Lucky for me Hubby is pretty handy at fixing things, even shoes, problem solved. Now, inquiring minds want to know: Do you think it's a good idea to opt out of casual Friday? Would you skip your office jeans time?

• Top: floral t-shirt, Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohls; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: denim pencil skirt, Torrid
• Shoes & Accessories: silver sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via Buffalo Exchange; silver wire flower earrings, MOMA

I'm linking up with Fashion Fun Friday

Night Out: Blaze

Even though work was crazy I did manage to have some fun! One of the things that I did during that Fall was attend a festive event called the Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze. It's north of NYC in the Hudson Valley and features thousands of hand carved pumpkins set up in intricate scenes while you walk through and take in the slightly creepy but, utterly amazing spectacle. It's a fun thing to do around Halloween if you are looking for something festive but, want to avoid the creepy haunted houses/trick or treating. Check it out... 

Luckily for me, the date that we acquired tickets happened to coincide with a casual Friday. There was no need to rush home and change or pack an extra outfit which was convenient. It ended up being an extremely tepid night and the blazer was all I needed. It was also extremely humid because of earlier precipitation and my previously styled hair (thanks to Salon Caru in Hoboken) formed loose curls which I totally loved. All in all it was a fantastic (and stylish) night! 

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever21
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Unposted Outfits: Fall 2012

This is the last batch of outfits that I have for you (thankfully) talking about LOTS outfits from months ago is difficult. Not only do I have to try to remember why I was wearing what I was wearing that day but, I also need to do it 13-19 times per post. It gets hard to say, "I was wearing clothes." Speaking of which... here's some clothes.

• Top: red bella swan blouson, eShakti.com
• Bottom: khaki a-line skirt, Merona via Target
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration 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 remember that this outfit was some time around fall Fashion Week. I can't remember was type of event (if any) that I wore this to but, I feel like I went to something.

• Top: purple 3/4 length sleeve t-shirt, Target; mint studded peter pan collar shirt, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: gray flip flops, Old Navy; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

While this was a charity casual Friday outfit if you saw me now in my (f)unemployment I would be wearing something like this. Although, thanks to the recent snowy weather I would probably be wearing some practical (and stylish) boots. 

• Top: brown cowl neck sweater, Mossimo for Target; brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT 
• Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever 21
• Shoes & Accessories: purple Merona Madge Ballet Flat, Target;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This was a great vintage find from Re/Dress NYC, I really miss that place. While I can go to any vintage or thrift store with hopes of finding fun items in my size I was always sure that there would be things that fit me at Re/Dress. It's not that I need to shop, it's just nice to know that the option is there  Where do you go for great vintage fashion? Do you know any good places that specialize in plus size vintage?

• Top: black and brown vintage dress, Cathy Gray via Re/Dress NYC with a white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black flip flops, Rocket Dog via DSW; hammered silver and garnet earrings, jewelry by lis; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

My hair is unintentionally FABULOUS! I wish I could get those loose bouncy curls on purpose. What probably happened was that my hair was straight and it got wet enough to curl it but, not turn it into a complete ball of frizz; it's a delicate and random process. I wonder if hot rollers would do that same thing? Or Hot Buns? Have you seen those infomercials, they are totally getting in my mind.

• Top: black sweater, LOFT/Mom's closet clean-out; black v-neck cardigan, 14th & Union/gift from BF's parents
• Bottom: silver pinstripe pants, Kasper via Lots for Less
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent flat American Eagle via Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This is an outfit that I was amazed had not been worn before, it's such a easy pairing! I remember looking in my closet thinking, "Wow, that would be great and easy" but, then thinking, "I should challenge myself more"  or "I should wear something more creative." Sometimes it's the easiest combinations that make the best outfits. 

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target
• Bottom:  brown and orange tweed pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: purple Merona Madge Ballet Flat, Target; Annabelle Necklace, Stella & Dot; Goddess Teardrop Earrings, Stella & Dot; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

As previously discussed, sometimes the easiest combinations are best other times you want to spice it up a bit. I needed to spice up this drab black and gray outfit with some color. I couldn't think than a better way of doing that with some rainbow tights! Green seemed more professional than some of the other wacky colors I have. What color tights would you have worn?

• Top: black and gray sheath dress, Renuar via Lots 4 Less; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; green tights, We Love Colors;  silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This dress was a great thrift store find. Many of my shopping experiences since undertaking this personal style challenge have been at second hand stores or in other people's closets. There hasn't been a huge need for me to head to the mall for even when I do need to add items to my wardrobe. It also doesn't hurt that the dress is super comfy.

• Top: navy, gray, and black dress, attention via Unique Thrift Store; gray and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver, amethyst, and light blue stone earrings, Pennyweights; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit was a valiant attempt at pattern mixing. I wouldn't say that it was a failure but, it wasn't the most comfortable ensemble. Perhaps a different blazer would have made it more comfy...

• Top: floral print t-shirt, Vera Wang for Kohl's; brown houndstooth blazer, LOFT 
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company 
• Shoes & Accessories: purple Merona Madge Ballet Flat, Target; floral wire earrings, MOMA/gift from an old friend; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

In retrospect I think this pattern combination would have been perfect with a different bottom. The outfit was was too hot to wear a blazer but, the outfit needed something to up the professionalism factor like a classy pencil skirt. What would you wear?

• Top: pink pinstripe shirt, New York & Company; gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here and here)
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

The day I wore this outfit I went to an event in Hoboken at Salon Caru with some friends from The Bloggers' Collective. We got our hair styled and I asked my hair dresser if she could do something that would highlight my naturally curly hair. I ended up with this... It wasn't exactly what I was looking for but, it did look very polished and was super voluminous. It looked a little more like what I wanted after a day or two: big bouncy controlled curls. 

Moment of honesty: this is a repeated outfit... I'm could have sworn that I was better at remembering everything that was going on but, with all the work stuff and the fact that I was fairly miserable I'm not surprised that I forgot. Also, looking back at things it was almost a year prior but, enough with the excuses. I think once I am in another office environment (depending on the dress code) I might reset this challenge. Thoughts?

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I wore a similar outfit to this except their was a gray skirt instead of gray pants. I think I like the other outfit better...

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; purple wool blazer, Victoria Holley/Mom's closet cleanout
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print ballet flats, New York & Company; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I love everything about this outfit! The only thing that could have made it better would have been if the picture was taken outside. Subtle pattern mixing, combining neutrals... I threw the conventional style rules out the window and it worked out perfectly. Most importantly, the outfit still felt professional even if it is totally something I would wear any day of the week. 

• Top: black, brown, and red paisley dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown houndstooth blazer, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; silver and garnet tiered earrings, Pennyweights; black belt, came with this dress; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

These are definitely day three four curls. I don't think I will be heading to my next job without ensuring that my hair is polished and gorgeous every morning. After looking through all these pictures it's honestly making me cringe when I look at how "blah" my hair is. By the way, this is another repeated outfit from the same time period... lame.

• 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; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom;  Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

One thing that I honestly tried to avoid while working in the city was wearing head to toe black outfits like lots of other people in my office. I love color and I hate the idea of being a cliche. That being said, black on black is easy (kinda like wearing the same thing everyday) and the whole ensemble was pretty professional.

• Top: black half button shirt, Jovovich-Hawk for Target; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa 
• Bottom: gray pinstripe pants, Kasper via Lots for Less
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather flats, Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Love this dress! I purchased it from the summer stock on sale at Target in the fall but, the weather was already cooling down. I was really excited to see that the high low trend is back for this spring/summer so I can wear the dress again instead of waiting another 4-8 years for it to become a trend again. To be honest, I would wear it even if it wasn't so trendy. Trends are just suggestions anyway, right?

• Top: black floral print asymmetrical dress; Mossimo via Target; black cardigan, Merona via Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; maroon tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas Gift from Cousin V; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This was my last charity Friday. I would like to point out the success of that program was one of my biggest accomplishments at work. The overall charitable donations TRIPLED in the time that I was managing the program, BAMN! It was something that I really enjoyed doing and I look forward to being able to get that excited about tasks in my next job.

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever21
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit was another one that was really great in theory but, when implemented left me wanting something different. I was SO hot. I know most people complain about their air conditioned office environments being out of control cold but, mine was not so three layers of clothes was oppressive and uncomfortable. After that day, I don't think I will make that mistake again.

• Top: gray camo/animal print ruffle button down shirt, LOFT;  purple argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here, here, here, and here); black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black pencil skirt with pockets, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

We are almost down to the end! These are some of the last few outfits that I wore while in my last position. Now we are getting down to the fun stuff. I just want to clarify that this is end of the day hair, my beginning of the day hair was much a little more controlled. Stay tuned for the last work outfit ever for now... 

• Top: black, gray, and white argyle sweater, Merona for Target (same sweater different color here, here, here, here, and here); black button down shirt, New York & Company
• Bottom: black wide leg 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

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

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