April 3, 2012: Overthinking My Style

Tonight I am going to a lecture about the artwork of Diego Rivera after work. While I probably would have time to scoot home and change that seems silly considering how close the lecture location is to my office. This morning Last night I faced the challenge of picking an outfit that would be appropriate for work, as well as, this artsy event afterwards. Let me walk you through my thought process because it’s actually kind of ridiculous/hilarious.

The one painting that pops into my mind when I think of Diego Rivera (after his self portraits and his weird crazy face/lazy eye) is this one:

Image courtesy of art-prints-gallery.com

I didn’t want to dress up like a Mexican peasant (not work appropriate) but, I thought it might be interesting to take inspiration from the Calla Lilys that are present throughout many of his works. Everything that I came up with felt like I was trying way too hard i.e: Iris as a Calla Lily? I would never probably not get to that outfit combo (a green skirt with white and yellow on top) organically. Then I saw this painting:

Image courtesy of northjersey.com

I thought I could be the woman defending against a soldier’s attack while holding her baby but, I don’t really have an office appropriate dress that fits my interpretation of that ensemble or a baby… Then I thought about swaddling myself from head to toe in neutral colors AKA black, as most artist do in cliché portrayals. Thankfully, I came to my senses and decided to dress like I normally would! Also, 2 + 2 = 4, revelations…

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here and here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)   
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies for Kohls; Camilla Ring, Stella & Dot; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; brown self-winding watch, Kenneth Cole/borrowed from BF; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

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

December 16, 2011: Jeans Day

This month there was a welcome casual Friday at my job. While I was excited to dress down I still needed to keep it professional, enter blazer and fab blouse. Did I mention I'm a sucker for anything ombre? Yeah, I know you know... 

• Top: gray ombre blouse, Trulli for LOFT; black blazer, Ann Taylor Loft via Melissa
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser, tailored by me via LOFT/Christmas gift 
• Shoes & Accessories:  black ballet flats, Xhiliration via Target; moonstone earrings, V'ta jewelry; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

April 8, 2011: Colorblind Again?

This is where things get totally bonkers; I was really reaching for thing that I have not worn in the parameters of what I wanted to wear today. Does that make sense? I think so... In other words I didn't want to force myself to wear something just because it had never been worn if I wasn't feeling it. This outfit took some stretching but, in the end I like the color combination and it's comfy. I can't say that this dress works as well as a skirt compared to others but, it gets the job done. This outfit isn't that crazy right?

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT; khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, and here)
• Bottom: coral sundress as skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: bronze flats, Me Too via DSW; rainbow beaded earrings, Moxie Bee; rainbow beaded necklace, Moxie Bee; gold chain necklace, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

August 16, 2010: Make It Work Monday

I think everybody has been where I am this morning... You have an idea in your head but, you just can't make it work out that way. While browsing blogs I noticed that Kendi from Kendi Everyday was wearing the same LOFT skirt that I got for my birthday as a(n exchanged) gift. After that, I was completely inspired and set on wearing the skirt today! While searching through my closet I came up with a few really great outfits but, none that were appropriate for high humidity 85°+ weather. I guess those will appear as the weather gets cooler and this will have to do for today. Do you give up on an outfit when it's not working out like you planned or try to salvage it?

• Top: purple scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here and here); tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: ivory and black animal print pencil skirt, LOFT birthday gift from BF's mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's; silver feather headband, LOFT birthday gift from Mom; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom a few years ago; silver L.A.M.B bag via Loehmann's

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

August 13, 2010: No Friggatriskaidekaphobia Here!

Today I am happy for the weekend. No silly superstitions can bring me down! Thanks for letting me know what you thought about my outfit yesterday! It was a "landslide" victory for Double Take. I had reflected that this personal style challenge is helping me to see the potential in my wardrobe and yesterday was an ideal example. A few months ago I might not have put together that blue skirt with that coral top especially when I had something that was closer to an exact match even though I (now) know that it is a color combination that works well. I'm eager to see how my style continues to evolve as I move progress through this challenge! Any fun plans for the weekend?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories:  red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; cherry print tote, Luella for Target. That's right people, as in the first Go International capsule collection for Target! Even if you don't remember this specific pattern maybe this tartan plaid dress will jog your memory...

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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April 2, 2010

This week has gone by very quickly, thank goodness! I am looking forward to the beautiful weather this weekend and celebrating the holiday with family and friends. Easter was always an occasion when my mom would take my brother and myself to get spiffy new Easter outfits and as an adult I still have the overwhelming urge to do just that but, in the spirit of responsibility I have opted to shop in my closet for a fabulous and appropriate outfit to wear. Perhaps I will let you have a glimpse on Sunday... as for today:

• Top: green 3/4 length scoop-neck t-shirt from Target with brown houndstooth jacket from Ann Taylor Loft.
  
• Bottom: Marisa jeans from Ann Taylor Loft. (YAY Casual Friday)
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats from Target, long brass and ribbon necklace from Ann Taylor Loft with Elizabeth Showers Vintage mother of pearl earrings. I will also be keeping all my crap in a patent leather purple Coach purse. I will probably throw a pashmina in there to keep warm as I walk to my car since it's still a little nippy outside.
  

Weekend Wear: The 2010 Christmas Roadshow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unposted Outfits: Winter 2011/2012

While searching through old pictures I have not posted I was pleased to find that most of the pictures for the months following my last post of random forgotten ensembles were accounted for except for what I thought was just this one random cold weather outfit. I'm wasn't really sure why it slipped through the cracks since so many other outfits from that week made it but, c'est la vie. I feel like there might have been some days that I didn't take pictures since there are so few postings in this time frame... I had the best intentions though. I know there are more outfits coming so stay tuned.

• Top: orange v-neck sweater, Banana Republic with a tank top underneath for the modesty; green khaki blazer, GAP
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Then I started looking for Spring 2012 outfits and I found more from that season.... So. Many. More. I can't believe that I was such a bad blogger. I will say that in looking through all the pictures this dress specifically was a "go-to" piece. I attribute it to my commitment to wear all the items in my closet and not focus too much on any one item. In doing that, some items end up getting more focus than others, ironic.

• Top: yellow ruffle front cotton knit dress, eshakti.com; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa 
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; maroon tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas Gift from Cousin V; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

One thing that I have noticed with my work wardrobe for my most recent position is that there are some days where I am SO professional and to me most of the time it feels SO boring. Since I went suit shopping there has definitely been some improvement in my professional wardrobe options but, that doesn't mean that I want to wear the same five suits every week. Conflict and frustration... and it's visible in the way I dress. There are some days that are so professional and some that are obviously not. Looking back I see why there might have been complaints because the difference was extreme. New plan in the next job... consistent professionalism!

• Top: brown and cream argyle sweater, Merona via Target (same sweater different color here, here); gray pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns
• Bottom: gray pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I love argyle almost as much as I love lamp tweed. It's such a fun way to spice up your everyday wardrobe  for work or anything else in a classic manner... It might be a little too preppy for some people but, I am drawn to it no matter what.

• Top: pink argyle sweater, IZOD via ReDress
• Bottom: black and white tweed skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via Unique Thrift Store 
• Shoes & Accessories: black Mirage boots, courtesy of Cougar Boots;  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

While, I would assume that this was a Friday outfit it might not have been. I had to buy those pants when I got to work because the ones that I had worn to work got unacceptably dirty. There is a GAP across the street from my old office and it was a blessing and a curse. On one hand I was able to find a pair of pants that worked in a pinch, on the other hand the GAP tends to be a little too pricey for me. Thankfully, I found these jeans on super sale and BF offered to foot the bill. Crisis averted! Too bad they are not the best fit. They had a nice home in my desk at work just in case I found myself in a similar situation again and will probably make there way back there at my next job. Do you keep any emergency clothes at the office? 

• Top: gray turtleneck sweater, GAP
• Bottom: black legging jeans, GAP/gift via BF
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather ballet flats, Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

While the last outfit might have probably been a Friday outfit I would bet that this was a Monday outfit. Why? Because Monday = suit day! I feel even more strongly because, I obvi had the weekend to get my hair did (by myself) and am ready to start another week. Most people are completely unmotivated by Monday's but, I (on some level) find them refreshing (sometimes.) It's a new start. I wonder if I will feel that way after I start working again...

• Top: red embellished sweater, RED via Loehmanns/gift from Mom; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West/gift from BF; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Who knows what day this is. Obvi it wasn't a great one since my cat has come over to love me... or maybe he's hungry. Who knows. I am speculating significantly about what going on in many of these pictures. It's been almost a year for some of these and I would guess that the days that I can't really recall details about were just ordinary days. This ordinary outfit would lead me to believe that this days was potentially even a blah day.

• Top: dark brown scoopneck sweater, GAP (same sweater different color here and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for 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'm going to say that this was probably another one of those ordinary days. 

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: red patent leather ballet flats, Payless; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Love this outfit! I would wear it (or something like it) out to run some errands, meet someone for lunch, or just hang out with friends day or night. It is a really great example of my casual style. I remember this was an especially successful charity Friday and it was a good day! 

• Top: gray v-neck blouse, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: skinny jeans, Forever21
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; estate chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I hope that every outfit picture I take from this moment on is outside and on a day as lovely as this one obviously was. Such a great setting makes everything about these pictures look better. The lighting is perfect, the colors are more vibrant, my skin seems clearer, I look skinnier, and everything is great. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit but, I love the way these outdoor pictures came out and aspire to take more of these moving forward!

• Top: orange ballet neck chiffon flower top, New York & Company
• Bottom: black and white pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West/gift from BF; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

No I wasn't exaggerating these outdoor pictures are the best EVER in every way! I remember this outfit being really comfortable. That is my favorite part of dresses in general, the extreme level of comfort. I feel like if I could wear dresses everyday I would but, there are other things to consider like weather, cold, and the fact that sometimes pants are even more comfy that a dress. Decisions, decisions... do you prefer pants or dresses?

• Top: pastel colored dress, axcess for Kohl's via Unique Thrift Store with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS 
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West/gift from BF; mother of pearl drop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

While this seems like an outfit for just another day my hair looks great and that really adds to the look as a whole. One thing that I have noticed while going through a (seemingly) endless amount of outfit pictures is that if my hair looks weird or frizzy or messy it significantly takes away from the outfit as a whole. Besides the magic of outdoor pictures, I think my hair is looking pretty great and while this outfit might seem a little relaxed I still look polished and professional. All these pieces are coming together...

• Top: green and white scroll print t-shirt, LOFT; gray cardigan, New York & Company via Mom's closet clean out
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print ballet flats, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I'm not exactly sure what I am doing in this picture but, I had to post it specifically not one of the other ones that was taken. I look kind of crazy... crazy awesome! O, just crazy? Fine, be that way... I have no idea what kind of message I am trying to convey with my hands but, I'm sure BF got it. 

• Top: white rosette embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, here, here, and here); blue tweed blazer, K Studio via The Unique Thrift Store
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; signature clover chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

It is was cold. I remember taking this picture and just wanting to run back inside because it was so cold. The other thing I remember is that just because it is super cold outside doesn't mean that dirt is solid. You might not have noticed but, my heels are completely sunken in to the dirt, it was a day of learning... 

• Top: purple vintage dress, Unique Thrift Store via Mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty;  blue embellished cardigan, Merona for Target/b-day gift from BF's parents
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

And now we are back inside. O well, I think this outfit is a great example of my attempts to take items that I have already worn and remix them. Prior to the start of this personal style challenge I would have worn the dress as a dress only... maybe I would have thrown a cardigan or blazer over it but, I definitely wouldn't have put a button down shirt under a wrap dress, crazy! I'm so glad I've had this fashion metamorphosis. If not my outfits would have been so boring.

• Top: brown wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg; white ruffle button down blouse, LOFT; brown tweed blazer with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Shop 
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steven Madden; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I love this outfit, LOVE it!  I feel like this outfit is a perfect blend of my style and a professional wardrobe. It's sort of like a suit and incorporates a blazer but, is still quirky and fun in terms of pattern mixing and pops of color. 

• Top: gray, green, and white argyle sweater, Target (same shirt different color here, here, and here); black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa 
• Bottom: black and white tweed skirt, thrifted/no tag
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West/gift from BF; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I'm going to say that this ALSO was probably another one of those ordinary days. 

• Top: ivory shirt with crochet embellishment with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West/gift from BF; pink chalcedony earrings, V'ta Jewelry; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I'm going to say that this ALSO was probably another one of those ordinary days. I'm assuming that these pictures weren't taken one day after the other because those are the same pants... awkward.

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: black true straight pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West/gift from BF; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I would love to say that this is the last unposted outfit that I have to share with you but, that would be the biggest fib... ever. I have already identified the rouge pictures and am working on the other posts for the all the season up until the present. Hopefully I will be able to remember more about the days as I get closer to the present. Stay tuned! 

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP; black and white polka dot shirt, Merona via Targer; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS 
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West/gift from BF; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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