Guest Post: The Joy Of Fashion - Working One Item

While I am away on my wonderful (and much needed) vacation I have asked a few of my favorite bloggers to step in and write guest posts. I asked each of them to come up with their own topic and post that they felt fit with what I am doing here over at 260 Days, No Repeats. I am loving what they have come up with! Today I am pleased to have Marie McGrath from The Joy of Fashion discuss her formulas for remixing like a pro. I will be back to regular blogging on October 19th, 'till then...

Hello everyone!! My name is Marie McGrath and I have a little happy blog called The Joy of Fashion. I was so flattered when Iris contacted me to write a post on her wonderful blog, so of course I agreed!

I thought it would be fun to show you different ways in which you could wear one item. In this case, I will show how versatile a colorful skirt can be. Any skirt with several colors would work for all the following ideas. Hope you like them!

1. Try wearing the skirt with a funky color combo! Just take two colors from the skirt and wear them somewhere in your outfit! In my case, I used a bright yellow top and a bright blue scarf as a belt. Then all you have to do is keep the rest of the outfit neutral.

2. Or why not try pairing the colorful skirt with colorful tights for a bold statement look! Just pick a color from your skirt and wear tights in that color. I would recommend keeping the rest of the outfit neutral to not overdo it.

3. No colored tights? Well why don't you try some patterned ones! Pattern mixing is always very fashion forward for those of you who feel bold enough to give it a try. The pattern mixing shouldn't compete with anything else, so keep the rest of the outfit simple (like I did with the simple green turtleneck and neutral accessories).

4. A more subtle option is to pair it with a feminine white top and a pop of color in the shoes. In this case, I paired the colorful skirt with a white lace ruffle top. Then I kept things interesting by adding some bright blue shoes! Make sure the color of the shoes comes from somewhere in your skirt.

5. This skirt can also be very work appropriate by just pairing it with a collar shirt. I would recommend wearing a colorful collar shirt like this green one I am wearing (which combines with the green in the skirt). You could also add a little cardi if your office is cold. Pair it with some sophisticated shoes and accessories and voila! Work chic!

And those are my 5 different looks with one same skirt. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to a colorful skirt because there are so many colors to work with! So go ahead and give it a try! How would you wear a colorful skirt like this?

For more fashion tips, daily outfits, and more; stop by my blog! I have a very colorful, cute, happy style that will hopefully be of your liking. Hope to see you all there! :)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

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

Weekend Wear: Mixing It Up!

I would like to think that I am a fashion forward person but, after perusing a plethora of similar fashion blogs, I am seeing areas where I can push the envelope even more! What are your biggest style challenges? How do you overcome them? Case and point for me, mixing patterns. Do you mix it up? If so what are your tips and tricks?

I understood the concept of pattern mixing but, I still couldn't make it work consistently. Most times I attempted it the outfit didn't look right to me and I gave up. That is, except for yesterday when I successfully paired stripes and polka dots! I think this works best because the pattern in the top is subtle. Next time, bolder patterns...

• Top: navy tank top with silver stripes, GAP
• Bottom: blue polka dot skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver beaded flip flops, Target; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; yellow alley bag (not pictured)

September 16, 2010: Stripes and Stripes

In this impromptu pattern mixing theme week I have tried polka dots, stripes, florals, and plaid. I think it's been going well! Each day I get a little more comfortable putting together outfits that I would normally consider out of that zone. You know... the one of comfort? Anyway, one thing that I have realized (and maybe I'm the last one) is that stripes are the universal pattern mixer, they go with EVERYTHING!! Originally, I was thinking of pairing this navy and white shirt with a polka dot skirt but, it's another early day and these pants are super comfy. Which left me with a new connundrum: what pattern to mix with this top? How about more stripes? I think it works perfectly, don't you?

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; navy tank top with silver stripes (for the modesty), GAP
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; yellow alley bag

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

"I've Got This!" Week: Fall 2012

Yeah it's that time again! The temptation to shop for new trends is nagging at me and I am trying my best to resist! How about you? It's time to be real about what's actually hanging in my closet... that's right, time another "I've Got This" week! This has been an amazing way for me to familiarize myself with what I have in my closet all over again!

I am going to do things the same as last year 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 now 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 trends to be inspired by next week:

• Oxblood
• Equestrian
• Metallics
• Pattern Mixing/Prints on Prints
• Cobalt
• Mustard
• Hunter Green
• Brocade
• Peplum
• Floral
• Menswear
• Military
• Colored Denim
• Gold
• Leather
• Houndstooth
• Sheath Dress
• Printed Pants
• Brooches
• Jewel Tones

August 25, 2011: Sexy Librarian

Sorry for the delay Blogger was giving me some serious problems this morning that I did not have time to deal with in the morning rush. Normally I will run a search when updating on items that I have previously worn and it told me that I have never written anything about "tweed"... seriously!? So since I couldn't get the whole post together and still make my bus I decided to put it off until I got home. This allowed me to get a few compliments at work that I could tell you about. Apparently, my professional pattern mixing is appreciated!

This title is what BF described my look as when I put on this outfit to take the pictures. That wasn't really the look I was going for but, I'll take what I can get... Isn't is funny how when you put on something that is very covered up but, form hugging it instantly becomes "sexy." To combat the pulling/inappropriateness of the third button (the one that sits over my bosom, that jerk) I put on a cardigan. I figured worse comes to worse I could always pull that closed if things for out of control which they (thankfully) didn't. Do you have a "sexy" but, covered up look? What does it consist of?

It took alot of self control to not have a title that was earthquake related but, obviously I don't have a ton since I still mentioned it. I'll be honest I didn't feel a thing because I was "hoofing it" from one end of the office to another but, then all of a sudden people talking about it, running downstairs, our phones weren't working, etc. and it was confirmed by CNN.com moments later. All this experience did (for me) was allow me to say that I survived it, get a few swarm badges on foursquare, and reaffirm that NYC is not the place to be when buildings shake or anything else happens, everyone jumps to "terrorism" and panics. How was it for you guys? Did anyone else feel the Earth shake?

• Top: pink striped button down shirt, GAP; black cardigan, Merona via Target/gift from BF
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; chalcedony and mother of pearl earrings, Gem Cove/birthday gift from Mom; black belt, came with this dress; gray and black purse, Pietro Alessandro

My Stella & Dot Pick:

After the Rain Bracelet

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

September 15, 2010: Early Morning Again

It's been a while since I had to wake up super early but, today is one of those days. I could totally go back to bed but, unfortunately I have some things to take care of...  While I want to be comfy and pajama-like I have a job fair to go to later today so (unfortunately) that can't happen. Instead I am keeping the pattern mixing thing going with polka dots and stripes!

• Top: teal corsage embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target
• Bottom: brown pinstripe skirt, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cut-out flats, Merona for Target (similar and on sale here); polka dot scarf, New York and Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray Balenciaga Le-Dix/motorcycle bag 

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

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September 14, 2010: Pattern Mixing Compulsion

Today I am back in the office. The craziness of last week (and prospective craziness of this week) really pushed me over the edge in terms of my stress level and the sudden cold weather kinda kicked my butt. You know... the sniffling, headache, congestion, I have a cold but, not really jazz just because of a slight drop in temperature and compromised immune system. Lame!

I can't say I'm happier to be here then home but, you gotta do what you gotta do. Honestly, I think the stress of the knowledge that work was piling up would have made my cold worse so in some ways it's good that I sucked it up and came in! This week might involve some crazy hours so I apologize in advance for the off schedule (or highly scheduled) posting. When I was picking out my outfit this morning I was seriously intent on matching this floral patterned shirt with a patterned skirt. I know you can't see it but, there is a very subtle plaid happening in the bottom half of my outfit. That would be a great theme week...

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: gray plaid pencil skirt, AB Studio from Mom via Kohl's
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, Aldo via Re/Dress NYC (same shoe different color here) I love that I am already getting to put these shoes to good use!; coin pearl necklace, V'ta; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black spy bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here:

September 2, 2010: Tone It Down

I had to run to work early this morning (with a fever, FUN) so, the posting had to wait until now and I'm tired so, yeah... I like the simple neutral color palate and the pattern mixing. I think I'm getting better at it! I thought about accessorizing with a killer pair of red heels but, comfort won and I went with flats. Hopefully tomorrow I can be a little more exciting and verbose.

• Top: gray camo/animal print ruffle button down shirt, LOFT 
• Bottom: black pinstripe suit skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom (same shoe different color here); red coral earrings, mall kiosk in California; white Hardcore Dior tote, Christian Dior via outlet

 

Items from this outfit are previsouly seen here and here:

August 11, 2010: I've Been Keeping A Secret...

If you take one look at this picture you'll know what it is... My hair is crazy curly! I have had it straight for about two years since my graduation from college and today is a first day in a long time that I am letting it free. I didn't straighten it because I dislike my curls, I in fact LOVE them! I did it because I chopped all my hair off (or to my chin) and liked it better straight. I actually think it's still a bit too short in all it's curly glory but, I couldn't resist leaving it natural once I realized that the keratin had finally started to wear out and (I'll be honest) was feeling a little too lazy to blow it out last night! There are still a few pieces in the front that are straight so I just pulled them back.

Maybe my no hassle attitude is because my schedule is packed today: employer breakfast at a local college, goodbye lunch with one of my fav interns, regular work stuff, and a picnic dinner tonight at Boscobel while seeing Taming of the Shrew with family at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. I will be floating through it all in these forgotten shoes! I really wish I had used them sooner, they are so light and comfortable much like their predecessors (which I never owned a pair of) but,  less scary. Plus, I love the fact that I could get a little pattern mixing in! Polka dots and tweed anyone?

• Top: red tank top with rosette embellishment, LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: black and white tweed skirt, thrifted/no tag
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white polka dot wedges, Very Volatile via Mandee; my abuela's vintage silver hoop earrings; black Spy Bag, Fendi

July 6, 2010: Slave To The Grind

How was your long weekend? Mine was like a breath of fresh air! But, it's back to work today... I'm attempting a little pattern mixing with polka dots and argyle but, should I have gone all the way and added the pinstripe skirt? I thought about it but, it just felt to me like I was trying too hard.

On another note, the roundup is coming soon... I'll be honest, I checked out these past few days and didn't even attempt to finish it. This weekend was all about relaxing with loved ones so I barely checked my personal facebook or email and I'm pretty sure my BB was off. Speaking of Facebook, you can like 260 Days, No Repeats or follow us on Twitter... I am 5 people away from a unique URL so any love would be appreciated!

• Top: white polka dot button down, Merona for Target; gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York and Company
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, Ann Taylor Loft; Tiffany & Co. silver bead earrings; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch via Plaza Too

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

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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