Inspired Monday

How was you weekend? Mine was a productive and (sort of) relaxing. I got lots of my house chores and personal errands out of the way but, as still able to veg out a bit which I needed. After the intense week last week I needed to take a break and be a bit of a homebody. The only thing I wish I had been able to do was make it to the beach with the high heat but, it didn't work out with Hubby getting ALL the work calls. Maybe next weekend...

Let's talk about this outfit. We wear clothes everyday (hopefully) but, do you ever put something together that you just love? This is one of those combinations for me! I am so comfortable and absolutely in love with the overall combination of clothing and different accessories (these shoes tho.) Bonus, it's professional enough to wear to the office so it makes a great Monday motivation outfit; I am looking put together, feeling good, and wholly ready to keep up the momentum of last week. I am just hoping that that doesn't mean I am in the office every night until all hours. 

• Top: pink ruffle embellished shirt: LOFT via Clementine
• Bottom: gray pencils skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white retro inspired pumps, Bakers via Unique Thrift Store; pearl earrings, Macys

I most recently wore this shirt here. I most recently wore this skirt here.

Summer Casual Friday Uniform

So, last night Thursday night I didn't get home until 11:00pm, the night before that it was 10:00pm, and the night before that it was 8:30pm. Sufficed to say it's been a long week. Last night I was lucky though because instead of taking the train I was chauffeured home care of Hubby/an actual car service. What nice guys! He (Hubby) noted that I have been working really hard and deserved a break. It was appreciated although, I have a fleeting suspicion that he didn't want to have to come and pick me up at the train station if I couldn't make a good connection... Either way I got a ride home after a long week so far and that was nice.

This morning when I woke up I felt that the amount/lack of sleep that I have gotten this week is catching up with me. Thanks goodness I had picked this outfit out in advance! This Friday compilation wasn't too hard to begin with though... Top? Check. Cute skirt? Check. Boat Shoes? Check. I think I could have managed that on the minimal amount of sleep I had. Either way, it is a perfect outfit for a Friday (Saturday or Sunday) in the summer. What is your go to summer ensemble?

• Top: teal ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: denim skirt, LOFT via Melissa's closet cleanout
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

I most recently wore this shirt here. I most recently wore this skirt here.

Secondhand Star

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

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

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

Bright Eyes

This morning was (relatively) smooth sailing despite last night's debauchery. In the earlier part of the evening it was (mostly) professional; discussing the incumbents' next steps, extending well wishes, and getting excited for them to take said steps. By the end of the night it had definitely gotten less professionally focused and became just a bunch of co-workers having a good time which was fine by me. I try to limit my discussions about work when I am outside of work to few and far between, I'm there a good portion of my time anyway, why do I want to talk about it (or things related to it) when I'm not?

Speaking of work... Today is definitely jam packed with meetings, endless emails, and all around non-stop craziness. While I think I am getting things done and keeping afloat I am definitely feeling the effects of this level of intense work under such high level of scrutiny. What does that mean? Bottom line, I'm tired. Thankfully, I see a light at the end of the tunnel! Unfortunately, it's just a tiny pinpoint a long ways away at this juncture. Time to grind.

• Top: yellow t-shirt, Lilly Pulitzer via Clementine
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

I most recently wore this skirt here.

I'm linking up with Spotlight Style and Fashion Files

Work Day; Night Out

Since the colleagues from my department that resigned are still here until the end of the week it's only natural that we give them some sort of going away celebration, right? No? You're heartless... There was an in office "meeting" which involved members from our organization at all levels with cake, cookies, and other dainties but, that wasn't really what my manager and I had in mind. We were envisioning the kind of celebration for a smaller group, happy hour cocktails, and delicious cuisine at a swanky lounge so, that's what we're doing this evening.

With that in mind I put together this outfit knowing I would not have time to go home after work and change before heading out to drink and dine with my co-workers. Naturally, this ensemble needed to be something that I could wear in the office but, would not garner any judgmental side glances from the fellow revelers during my evening excursion. Night life in NYC is it's own little world with it's own set of rules. That's being said it is Wednesday so, who are they to judge I'm not worried.

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pleated skirt, Theory via Mom's closet raid
• Shoes & Accessories: nude snake sandals, Bandolino via Unique Thrift Store; chantilly lace chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot 

I most recently wore this shirt here. I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse, and The Wednesday Pants. 

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.

Vacation Ready

This outfit is from last Thursday before I left for the (extra) long weekend. While it was still a regular work day I was ready for fun times with family and friends, can't you tell? Yeah, plaid skirt/shorts/pants convey a more laid back vibe to me too especially, when they are borderline madras. Even with my more casual ensemble I was looking extremely professional compared to some of my co-workers who were seemingly already on vacation. 

The interesting thing about this skirt is that while it is meant to be worn with the weird pockets in the front (as pictured) I ended up turning it around and wearing the pockets in the back. From what I could tell it looked acceptable and no one stared at me or called me out on it so, I think it was a success. At least that's what I'll tell myself. What do you think?  

• Top: orange button down shirt, Eddie Bauer
• Bottom: orange, beige, and brown plaid skirt, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; amelia drop earrings, Stella & Dot

I most recently wore this shirt here.

Blazer Vacation

This outfit is from last Thursday. We're almost all caught up...

It's hot outside, did you guys notice that? Yay, summer! While I couldn't be happier to wear white, head to the beach, barbecue, enjoy sunlight until late evening hours, and the many other things that come with summer I am not excited about dealing with the heat which is unusual. I pride myself on being summer baby and keeping it cool in warmer than warm temperatures but, this year I'll be honest, I am struggling. Enter, all the sleeveless things or at least "see you later" blazers! At least until it cools down a little...

• Top: pink ruffle embellished shirt: LOFT via Clementine
• Bottom: gray pants, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe t-strap sandals, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.

I most recently wore these pants 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...

Summer Interviewing

Today Yesterday Wednesday was another interview open house for work. As you (probably) know that means that I lean towards traditionally professional office attire AKA suits but, that had been a challenge for me given my recent weight loss. Yup, you've heard this all before. Either way today yesterday Wednesday/picture taking Sunday I couldn't wrap my head around idea of wearing all that anyway, it's hot outside! Yay, summer but, I digress... instead I went with the next best thing, a dress. I think it will be like the moving forward in the summer as the interviewer perhaps not if I was the interviewee...

While this dress still fits, for the most part, it is lower cut than I would like. I am excited that I am able to wear different things and smaller sizes now because of my less body that doesn't mean that it's all going on display; modesty, remember? As you might notice I didn't take the picture while wearing a tank top underneath but, after I put the dress on in the morning and went through my morning ablutions, I quickly noticed that things kept popping out so, tank top to the rescue, for the modesty.

• Top: purple, white, and black floral print dress, LOFT; black tank top, Old Navy (not pictured)
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; pearl earrings, Macys

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday, Mid-Week Muse 

Part Time Party Planner

As someone who (apparently) exudes creativity and organizational prowess I often find myself tasked with putting together celebrations or acknowledgements (of some kind) in the office from conceptualization to day of implementation. Recently, my department has had groups of interns coming through and while we don't pay them we want to acknowledge their efforts and tremendous assistance, things don't just file themselves you know! Today Yesterday it was time for an intern appreciation celebration.

On days like today yesterday I have to wrap gifts, circulate thank you cards, stop and pick up a cake (that I order in advance,) all while making sure that my normal work obligations are seen to as well. Not unlike any other day I want to be professional but, on these days (especially) I want to be extremely comfortable. Comfy top? Check. Skirt? Check. Not high heels? Check. Mission accomplished. Also, the celebration was a huge success.

• Top: black short sleeved sweater, LOFT
• Bottom: teal, brown, black, and ivory pattern skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black Olivia sandals, Dolce Vita; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show 

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

Like A Champ

Life happens, motivation gets focused elsewhere momentarily but, not for long! Get ready for ALL the outfits... or just from this week so far.

I am here and ready to go, Monday! Even though I am feeling completely drained from my weekend (ALL the barbecues) and having a less than smooth morning I am still in the mind frame of getting things done. I'm sure getting my morning coffee will just keep that momentum going and I will be the most productive me I can be when I get to the office. Or at least that's what I am focusing on to continue the motivational attitude.

• Top: teal ruffle embellished shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze gladiator sandals with genuine stone embellishments, bo'em; tigers eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories

I'm linking up with Mix It Mondays, Let It Shine, How I Spring, Monday Mingle, Creative Mondays,and Personal Style Monday

Denim Who?

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

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

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

(Business) Casual Friday

This outfit is from last Friday, and you thought I forgot... Today it's two for one, again!

It was another non-demin (kinda) casual Friday. As much as wearing jeans on Friday is something that I love, for a number of reasons, there are times when it is just more appropriate to skip the denim. For example, performance evaluations or recruitment events. Today Last Friday was the latter. While, I wouldn't normally schedule an event like that on a Friday a community partner that I have connected with was handling everything for me so, it was only appropriate to work within the parameters of their availability. Even though I wasn't in my full interviewing regalia I was definitely in a more professional frame of mind than on an "average" casual Friday. I think that counts for something. 

• Top: white ruffle embellished shift, LOFT
• Bottom: brown and blue plaid pants, C Wonder
• Shoes & Accessories: beige flats, Coach; peach cushion cut solitaire earrings, c/o Sorelli

Define "Too Big?"

This dress is another example of something that might be past its (sartorial) expiration date (for me.) Moment of honesty: the first time I wore this dress it was a bit tight for me. So tight, that I split a seam at the waist while getting into my car at the beginning of the work day, awkward turtle (for real...) Thankfully, at the time, I was wearing a belt so I was able to cover it up and my Mom fixed it with her mad sewing skills. Fast forward to right now and this same dress is big.

Thankfully it still works (for now) and I am gong to give it a reprieve from the donation bin. Through this whole wardrobe purge process I've found it much easier to be forgiving (of size issues) with skirts and some dresses as opposed to pants and shirts. I have mixed feelings about keeping these clothing items around. It's a positive thing in terms of the fact that I am not completely lacking items to wear but, as a strong supporter of the closet purge, I feel it easy to get comfortable with those items, because they are there and they "work," even though they don't actually fit and they should (probably) go. Am I just being too picky?

• Top: black dress, Maggy London via Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black t-strap sandals, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.;

I'm linking up with Spotlight Style and Fashion Files

Questionable Decision

Remember how I said I hated all the outfits that I put together this past weekend? This ensemble was a prime example; more specifically the first iteration of it. That outfit went something like this: Pants? Yes. Sweater? Whaaaa? That's right, for a hot second I was going to wear a sweater to work in the middle of June. In my defense it was a lighter weight sweater but, as the awkward colder weather has passed and temperatures are (appropriately) warming up I might have melted. So, to prevent melting I went through my closet again and came up with a different outfit. Thoughts?

• Top: orange crochet embellished t-shirt, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: gray plaid pants, Womyn via Current Consignment
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with All About You, and Confident Twosdays 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

Summer Chill

I feel like this weather is really cramping my style. It's June right? Yeah, I thought so. So, shouldn't we all be commuting in flip flops and worrying about dressing for increasingly warmer weather to survive the heat instead of hauling out rain boots and scarves to stave off the cold? OK, I'm glad you agree with me... Maybe the weather will be a liar in our favor and it will say rain but, there will be sun and warmth. That would be great because I would love to grab a fun skirt or dress instead of pants (again.) At least I didn't have to tuck these... 

• Top: purple crochet embellished shirt, LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: gray pants, Ann Taylor via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

I'm linking up with All About You, and Confident Twosdays

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

Function Over Form

Today's outfit was born from necessity. After the mini tornado yesterday (hail, no joke,) non-stop torrential down pour overnight, and ongoing showers this morning things are pretty gross. Despite the fact that on Mondays I try to like to keep things positive there is no way around that statement, it's a fact. Fortunately, that doesn't mean I can't motivate and make it work; I'm channeling a "storm" outfit (that's what boots and skinny pants are for after all) which is appropriate for what the forecast suggested.

You would assume that skinny pants were something readily available to me but, you would be mistaken. I recovered these from the tailoring pile because they needed hemming. Also, these pants are a size (or three two) too big. I'm hanging on them because they are stretchy and they work for now. Also, I'm tired of having to replace clothes but, I digress... I'm not sure how much longer these pants (and other items I'm too stubborn to let go of) will last. 

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT 
• Bottom: gray skinny pants, Mossimo
• Shoes & Accessories: black motorcycle rain boots, c/o Cougar AND leopard print flats, Seychelles (not pictured;) vintage silver earrings, my Abuela 

I'm linking up with Style to Inspire, Mix It Mondays, Let It Shine, How I Spring, Monday Mingle, Creative Mondays, and Personal Style Monday

Purchases & Acquisitions: May 2015

While I am not in the same (extremely limited) financial position I was when I started the blog I still need to be cognizant of the money I spend, especially considering that shopping/swapping is more of a necessity (read: nothing fits.) I think it's a good idea to keep track of the items that I obtain for a few reasons. First, it will help me to keep be aware of my spending (the tens and tens of dollars.) Also, it will help you to see what I have acquired as opposed to things that are just being brought out of my wardrobe archives.

This past month I went consignment/thrift "crazy!" While I was away for the long weekend I went to some of my favorite stores in Richmond, VA and I did not leave empty handed. I also stopped by a more local store on my way home from work one night and they were having a mega clearance sale. Lucky for me there was also some gifting going on this month!

Gift(s)

• gray blouse, Free People

Clementine - $126.36

• black, red, and white polka dot maxi dress, Banana Republic
• pink patterned capri pants, LOFT
• pink ruffle embellished shift, LOFT
• NWT black and white capri pants, J Crew
• purple and white gingham shirt, J Crew 

Ashby - $40.01

• black and white printed pants, Kenar
• beige floral dress, Merona
• black and white bicycle wheel print dress, Jason Wu for Target

Current Consignment - $10.00

• blue and ivory sun dress, Calypso St. Barths

Overall, I spent $176.37 and obtained an eclectic selection of pieces to add to my wardrobe that I have already started utilizing. While I know I need clothes to fill in the wardrobe gaps, I don't think it's sustainable to shop like this every month. The amount I just spent is more than I spent on all my purchases combined in the first year of 260 Days, No Repeats! Also, I still only have tens and tens of dollars.

UPDATE: This morning I got two eshakti.com dresses... What? They were having a sale and I had a gift card/coupon. I basically got two dresses for $72.35 (customization and shipping included) AKA less than the price of one dress. I do not regret my decision. Adjusted total spending is $244.72 which is a little less than I spent on all purchases combined in year two or 260 Days, No Repeats. I am now feeling conflicted. I might need to not eat for the rest of the week... 

Friday Already?

Is it really Friday? Excellent! This (short) week has (seemingly) flown by and even though we are coming off of a (hypothetically) relaxing long weekend I am more than ready to have another little break. Having a long weekend can be extremely productive if you stay home but, if you go away all of your "fun" weekend chores spill over into the week which is what I have been contending with. Grocery? Nope. Laundry? Barely. Tidying up? Hahaha, you're funny but, I digress...

Today I gave up on my attempts to avoid jeans, which are normally allowable, on casual Friday. I had my reasons, at the beginning of the week when I put all these fabulous outfits together it was supposed to be cooler... thanks for lying, the weather. Also, it has been a crazy week (see aforementioned) and I am embracing the laid back attitude of casual Friday. Overall, I wanted to and is there any better reason that that?

• Top: coral embellished tank top, LOFT; khaki green blazer, GAP
• Bottom: skinny jeans, BDG via Goodwill
• Shoes & Accessories: tan gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless; chantilly lace chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot 

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