August 10, 2012: Trendy Birthday - A Colorblock Maxi Dress

On my birthday, I was very excited about my fantastic high low dress but, that was Monday and while stylin' in the office was great I couldn't very well wear the same thing to go out and celebrate at the end of the week. To deal with my clothing conundrum I started to go through my mental closet but, couldn't think of anything that would be a good fit for the occasion. It was only natural to step into a few stores on my way home from dinner during the week and see what sort of summer stuff they had on sale. Thankfully I found  this maxi dress amidst the incoming fall styles. Unfortunately it hasn't reached the summer markdown rack yet but, it's my birthday so I went with it! 

There are alot of things I love about this dress: the saturated blue, the colorblocking, the thick straps, and the comfy-ness of it to name a few. The challenge that I was faced with was how to wear it in my professional office environment, a free flowing colorful maxi dress is a far cry from a structured suit. I threw on a cardigan and stayed at my desk most of the day. While it wasn't inappropriate per say I think I was lucky with my pass. That being said, it was an easy transition from work to drinks and dinner after! I only wish there was more time left this summer so I could wear the dress again. 

• Top: blue colorblock maxi dress, Spense via Bolton's with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray cardigan, New York & Company 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; my abuela's vintage silver hoops; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF  

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

Weekend Wear: (Surprise) Wedding Guest

I am alive! I know it's been a while and I will get into that but, right now I have a much more important question: Have you ever had someone close to you call you and announce that they are getting married? Yeah ok, totes normal. How about with the ceremony occurring within 48 hours of that conversation?! Me neither, that is until my cousin (bestie/partner in crime) called me on Thursday afternoon, before the most recent long weekend, to inform me that her and her boyfriend of a decade were going to tie the knot on Saturday. After the initial shock/excitement/panic/happiness I went into honorary bridesmaid mode trying to determine what the plans were, what (if anything) she needed me to bring, and how I could assist with things leading up to the ceremony.

It wasn't until much later that day that I started thinking about what my plans would be for the wedding? More specifically, what would I wear for the festivities? With the limited amount of time I had (understatement,) I needed to find something in my closet that would be appropriate. Thankfully, over the past few months, since the purge, I have been intermittently shopping and picking up items, with no rhyme or reason but, that fill gaps in my wardrobe. This amazing maxi dress seemed like a no brainer for a summer soiree but, not really for a wedding ensemble. My apprehension stemmed from the fact that "they" say you shouldn't wear black to weddings. In the end my cousin was ok with it so, what do "they" really know anyway?

• Top: black, red, and white polka dot maxi dress, Banana Republic via Clementine
• Shoes & Accessories: tortoise shell Wayfarers, Ray Ban via Lenscrafters; black Olivia sandals, Dolce Vita; pearl earrings, Macys

Giveaway: Custom Dress from eShakti.com

I have recently found myself checking out my fav custom dress website eShakti.com since we are in wedding season. Thankfully, I’m not one of those people that has five or ten upcoming nuptials on the horizon. Unfortunately, one can be enough to drive you crazy or break the bank if you are part of the bridal party or helping with the planning. eShakti.com can take some of the pain out of the process by providing excellent dress options for wedding guests, bridesmaids, mother of the brides, and even the bride herself!

My initial queries on eShakti.com were completely bride focused. Since one of my nearest and dearest cousins is going to be getting married at the end of next month I was searching for some out of the box dress options that were still in keeping with the laid back earthy theme of her wedding. Even if there wasn’t something that represented a perfect match eShakti.com’s inexpensive tailoring option opens a new world of possibilities for the bride so she can find the perfect match.

Floral Eyelet Dress

Strapless Rosette Pin Maxi

In Full Bloom Jersey Dress

Even a more traditional bride has options when it comes to eShakti.com!

Floral Eyelet Sheath Dress

Floral Eyelet Dress

Ruffle Front Poplin Dress

There are also spot on and affordable bridesmaid dress options in lots of different styles and matching or complimentary colors. Not all people look good in strapless dresses, which is one of the most common bridesmaid dress cut, but, I digress… Here are some excellent options that I found on eShakti.com:

Her Fifties Sundress

Pleated Full Trim Poplin Dress

Ruffle Front Surplice Dress

After browsing the site for a while I came across some a lot of potential dresses for me to wear as a guest to the upcoming wedding. There were options for more formal gatherings (link) and laid back ones (link) all being appropriate to wear as a wedding guest.

Butterfly Kisses Frock

Floral Blossoms Sheath

Graphic Blues Chiffon Maxi

Now for the fun stuff, this giveaway will be until June 11, 2012 and is open to ALL readers in USA! I will pick the winner via Rafflecopter. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know which dress you would get if you won. You will also need to follow eShakti.com on Pinterest and Facebook. Check out the Rafflecopter widget for  even more ways to enter and keep your fingers crossed!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

September 29, 2010: I've Got A Long Skirt

Actually, what I really have is a a maxi dress disguised as a long skirt. I was inspired by other bloggers who make their clothes (mainly dresses) do double duty; whether it's a skirt as a dress, or a dress as a shirt, or some other cool thing that I couldn't come up with it's absolutely motivating but, I digress...

I honestly wasn't really sold on this fall trend... I'm still not sure how I feel about it... no, not yet... not now either... How about you? I just think that shorter skirts are more flattering on me and long skirts make me look oddly proportioned. But, as they (whoever they are) say: "you never know until you try" and I'm glad I did but, I'm not sure I would do it again. Are there any fall trends that you're not sure about?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom: black maxi dress, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

 

Weekend Wear: Lady In Red

Yesterday I wasn't at work (obviously) but, I was taking care of business! I had alot of errands to run and appointments to keep so a personal day it was. I threw on this maxi (which I have had since at least last summer, perhaps even prior to that and have never worn) and went from laundry to, lunch a the River Cafe (which was fabulous! Their Restaurant Week menu did not disappoint!!), to a doctor's appointment, to other errands, to getting caught in a torrential rain storm (hence why I look a little disheveled and soaked in this picture) and remained chic, cool, and comfy all day long. I wanted to punch up the red of the dress with some turquoise but, I didn't have anything other than the jewelry... How do you think it turned out?

• Top: red and black maxi dress with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); turquoise and silver earrings, turquoise and silver cross necklace, black Fendi Spy Bag (not pictured)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

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... 

Purchases & Acquisitions: August 2012

This time last year I kept it together and didn't shop at all during my birthday month. I try to look at birthdays the same way I view Christmas; People are going to buy you things so you don't necessarily need to buy anything for yourself. It didn't work out so well this year... I wanted to get fancy for the my weekend birthday celebration and couldn't very well wear that same dress as I did on my actual birthday. While wandering around in I ended up getting this fab color block maxi dress for my party. It was spot on in terms of summer trends, comfort, and all around fabulous-ness AKA totally worth the $29.99.

In terms of other things I got as gifts there were a few fun things that you might have already seen if you are stalking following me on Instagram like a gorgeous Maggy London dress from BF's parents, some lovely dresses from eShakti that my parents bought me, a box of goodies from my cousin including a shirt that I am dying to wear, and some basics (white tank tops, yoga pants) from my parents, as well as, the trendy dress I wore on my actual birthday from BF. I am so thankful for everything! I feel so lucky to be so loved and by such stylish people to boot.

"You've Got This!" Week: Fall 2011

Yeah it's that time again! As you might remember from prior "You've Got This!" Weeks the temptation to shop for new trends is nagging at me and I am trying my best to resist! How about you? I know other people have been doing some similar theme weeks but, since I did it last year I want to stick with it! I hope you will join me.

I am going to do things a little differently this time since Mr. Linky makes everything so much easier I will put one up everyday next week starting Monday and if you want to participate you can just link up! Just leave me a comment so I know you're in, grab the banner, pick some trends, and work with what you've got! I'm sure you have things in your closet that fit the trends so put some fantastic outfits with your stuff. No buying anything new!! I know you've got this... 

Here are some fall trends that we can all be inspired by for next week:

• Cropped Trousers
• Tie Neck Blouses
• Faux Fur
• Lace
• Midi Skirts 
• Maxi Skirts
• Color Blocking
• Polka Dots 
• Chunky Heels
• Mustard
• Peplum
• Poncho
• Plaid
• Mustard
• Leather 

April in Retrospect

As I stated before the past few weeks have been full of alot of craziness in all aspects of my life but, I did take a picture of what I wore everyday to work. I'm committed to the bit! While I BF was snapping my ensembles I don't really remember what was going on at the time honestly the days are all one big blur. Here is the simple compilation: 

April 14, 2011

• Top: brown cowl neck sweater, Mossimo for Target
• Bottom: brown pinstripe Hudson Wide Leg pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: green tweed kitten heel pumps, Coach; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

April 15, 2011

• Top: ivory tank top with embroidered neck, Patrick Robinson for Target with another tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York and Company; silver/gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

April 18, 2011

• Top: black cowl neck sweater, Old Navy (same sweater different color here); black tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black vintage patent leather pumps, Evan Picone via The Unique Thrift Store; black patent leather belt, Kohl's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

April 19, 2011

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS 
• Bottom: black maxi dress as skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; silver bead earrings, TIffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

April 20, 2011

• Top: coral sweater, LOFT
• Bottom: dark gray Hudson Wide Leg pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; turquoise and silver earrings, Pennyweights; turquoise and silver bead necklace. gift from Mom; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

April 21, 2011

• Top: green v-neck ruffle embellished t-shirt, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty; khaki safari jackets, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow, brown, and colorful plaid skirt, WDNY via Loehmann's
• Shoes & Accessories: purple suede-ish ballet flats, Mossimo for Target; ilver/gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray motorcycle/Le-Dix bag, Balenciaga (not pictured) 

April 25, 2011

• Top: purple sweater, Geric via Conway with a gray tank top underneath for the modesty; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; silver bead earrings, TIffany & Co.; silver/semi-precious stone necklace, V'ta Jewelry; gray motorcycle/Le-Dix bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

April 26, 2011

• Top: pink scoopneck sweater, LOFT (same sweater different color here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: brown pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; gray motorcycle/Le-Dix bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

April 27, 2011

• Top: brown wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle front cardigan, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: patent leather leopard print mary janes, Le Due; gray shell earrings, gift from BF's Mom; black patent leather belt, Kohl's; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

FBFF: Spring Trends

 What are the top 5 Spring trends that you are looking forward to seeing/sporting this season?

1. Wide Leg Pants - I have learned to appreciate skinny pants and jeggings as much as the next girl but, my first love is a wide leg pant! This is definitely the trend that I am most excited for.
2. Animal Print - I feel like animal prints are one of the spot on trends every other season which in my mind makes them more classic than anything else.
3. Longer Skirts - I wasn't sure that maxi dresses would work for me but, I have found ways to make that happen and they are so comfortable and easy I don't know why I ever questioned it.
4. Bright Colors - This is one trend that I am more excited to see other people wear although, I'm sure I could rock the coral color that everyone is loving!
5. Stripes - I feel the same way about stripes that I do about animal prints, you hear about them every other season especially with all the nautical stuff that was going on last spring and before that... classic!

I think it might be time for another "You've Got This" Week... What spring trend are you most excited about?