October 31, 2011: Polka Dots + Chunky Heels = Minnie Mouse

If you are participating in this theme week please link up below and put the trend that you are representing where it asks for your name. Please leave a comment after you post, thanks!

Happy Halloween!! Yes, I am dressing up to go to work today. There is actually a tradition of "newbies" (AKA people who have not yet experienced Halloween at the firm) dressing up to celebrate. It started out as a practical joke where one group tricked their new employees into dressing up for the holiday and everyone has been continuing it every since. This year it has gotten a bit more official, a firm wide email went out and lots of people have been pressuring asking me if I am going to dress up.

I want to be a good sport but, I didn't want to have to buy a costume; it (always) seems like an unnecessary expense, especially considering how ridiculously expensive Halloween costumes can get. So, I racked my brain for options that existed in my closet that would also work with the theme week. There were so many criteria to meet!

I remeber that the last time I wore this fab polka dot dress someone mentioned that it reminded them of Minnie Mouse, I could totally work with that! What a great way to debut these fab yellow shoes. Minnie apparently had these trends from the start!

Besides, I've done this before in October 1989:

I don't consider wearing this dress again a repeat since I have (very) different accessories and it is a main part of my Halloween costume. Are you dressing up for Halloween at work or did you dress up this weekend? What were/are you? I hope no one says "sexy ketchup" or "sexy chinese takeout" Yes, those costumes exist. If you are going to work all dressed up did you try to incorporate the trends? Or are you trending without a costume? 

• Top: red and black polka dot dress, Clues Collections (Vintage) via The Unique Thrift Store/gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories: yellow Password Pumps, Seychelles via DSW; Minnie Mouse Ears, Party City; red ribbon belt, Michael's; pearl earrings, pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

March 8, 2011: Everybody, Everywear Loves Polka Dots!

On Tuesday I was keeping up with Everybody, Everywear and sporting one of my personal favs, polka dots. While some people might relegate them to children's clothes or retro throwbacks I love it most when I can find them in colors other than black and white. Everyone can't say that they have purple polka dots now can they?

• Top: purple and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here); black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: gray pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

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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...

Unposted Outfits: Summer 2011

Now that I have some free time on my hands, for obvious reasons, I decided to do some housekeeping. I have honestly worn a different outfit to work everyday for the last three(ish) years but, with my last position taking up an immense amount of my time it became a struggle to post everything as I had been from the beginning. But, as I said there were pictures pretty much everyday so now I am going to go through them and sort out the fab outfits that you haven't seen yet. Get ready for some throwbacks... 

You've already caught a glimpse of this outfit when I talked about my purchases and acquisitions for July 2011 but, I never put up a post. I don't remember exactly what I was doing that day but, it was definitely work related and obviously fun-tastic... can't you see that smile on my face? That dress was a great addition to my wardrobe thanks to a dear friend's closet clean out. What girl doesn't need another little black dress, especially when it's free?

• Top: second hand black dress, Mossimo for Target via Caroline with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW

I really have no idea what was going on this day but, given the level of comfort happening with this outfit I'm going to guess it was a Friday. Now I appreciate the craziness effectiveness of my original method of tracking my outfits. When I get back into wearing work outfits there is going to be a revival! These polka dot shirts are some of the comfiest that I own and I have had them forever! Do you have pieces in your closet like that? Shirts? Pants? Do tell... 

• Top: blue and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here)
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil

There are few things that struck me about this photo: Firstly, look at how short my hair is!!! I know it's not considerable shorter than in all of these other pictures but, curls definitely take some length. I think it will probably be a while before I get my hair cut that short again... While I love the idea of this outfit it doesn't work... the skirt is too tight (I probably haven't worn it since) and the shirt is just a t-shirt. Perhaps a blazer would have helped make it a little more professional... next time but, no repeats! 

• Top: green and white scroll print t-shirt, LOFT
• Bottom: beige pinstripe skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; gray head band, scuunci; mixed metal earrings, Modcloth/gift from Natalia; silver watch, Fossil

There must have been a noise in the hallway or something... or I was bored with picture taking; Either is a strong possibility. This outfit just screams 'warm weather' to me with the combination of one of my favorite summer colors, the picnic table cloth plaid skirt, and the fab sandals. While it was definitely a work outfit I would wear it to hang out with friends or run errands. What work outfits do double duty for you?

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: orange, beige, and brown plaid skirt, LOFT 
• Shoes & Accessories: gladiator sandals, Christian Siriano for Payless

I'm glad that I had at least made it outside during the day for one picture!  I'm obvi exaggerating but, hopefully in whatever my next job role is I will have time to keep doing the things that I enjoy like blogging and laundry groceries cleaning spending time with friends etc. In terms of the outfit, this is another one my favorite color combos. You can't go wrong with red, black, and white it's so classic! Also, seeing this outfit is a nice reminder of a great shirt which no longer has real estate in my closet AKA I donated it. After lots and lots of outfits (and washes) it shrunk quite a bit and wasn't flattering anymore. I hope it's found a nice new home in someone else's wardrobe.

• Top: red embellished t-shirt, Van Heusen outlet (same shirt different color here)
• Bottom:  black, gray, and white skirt (with pockets), Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered; silver watch, Fossil

Stay tuned for more unposted outfits as I go through the innumerable amount of photos on my computer. Up next... Fall 2011? Wow, we are really going WAY back. 

April 6, 2011: Polka Dot Tail

This is where things start to get a little wonky in terms of my outfit choices. What do I mean by that? Well, I can see why these things have been hanging out in my closet unworn for a while. They have a slightly funny fit, seasonal limitations, or they are less than appropriate for work. This dress is the latter; while the length and fit are good, the straps and bust area are completely inappropriate in general let alone in the office. I've only ever worn it with a cropped jacket to an evening event. While all the difficulties regarding this particular clothing item are true there is no point in keeping it if I am not going to wear it so, what is easier than using the dress as a skirt? What is one of your harder to style clothing items and how do you make it work?

• Top: red short sleeve embellished t-shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here, here, here); black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: black and white polka dot dress as skirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

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

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April 16, 2012: I've Got Polka Dots

What happened to me this week? O, just life but, it’s no biggie. I’ve still be writing post (sort of) and will be sorting them out and posting this weekend. I still shopped my closet for trends all week and I’m going to share that with you! Sorry I didn’t get the Linky up if you wanted to play with me but, if you shopped your closet for trends let me know in the comments. I would love to check it out.

One of my favorite trends for spring ever is polka dots. It might not always be at the forefront of style (like it is this season) but, no one is ever going to say that polka dots are wrong. If they do they’re wrong… just saying.

• Top: blue and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy (same shirt different color here, here, here); gray plaid blazer, Jones New York via Mom
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West;  pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; citrine and sterling silver ring, Designs by Terra via International Gem and Jewelry Show/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

Unposted Outfits: Summer 2012

Posting these warm weather outfits is honestly a bit depressing with the bitter cold weather that we have been having. I get it, it's still winter but, there have been some significantly warm days that make me hope we might be out of the woods. Maybe soon, that's what the groundhog said anyway and he is always sometimes rarely right

Here's this dress again, one of the things that I love about it is that it works any time of the year! I also realized that I have worn a very similar outfit before, it was just slightly more professional with a blazer not a cardigan. Does it really make that big of a difference? I guess sometimes it does...

• Top: yellow ruffle front cotton knit dress, eshakti.com with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver labradorite earrings, Pennyweights; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This picture is really bittersweet. I love the outfit, I think it's a fantastic professional and chic ensemble. How could it not be? There is tweed. Unfortunately that dress was eaten alive by moths and because it's tweed it was completely un-salvageable, sad face. At least the last time I got to wear it was a beautiful outfit. I'm also feeling ok because I still have a snazzy matching blazer in the same pattern to remember it by. I don't know who would ever wear them together but, they are great separates.

• Top: blue tweed sheath dress, K Studio via The Unique Thrift Store; gray ruffle embellished cardigan, LOFT/gift from BF's parent's 
• Shoes & Accessories: black patent leather t-strap pumps, LOFT; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I feel like this is a very underutilized shirt. I rarely ever wear it but, it's a good professional layering piece. When I move into my next role I will definitely make a point to use it more!

• Top: teal embellished t-shirt, New York & Company; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit is kind of blah but, I am loving my hair. The curls are in check and look very smooth and polished. Unfortunately those only lasts for a day, maybe less. If anything is taking away from this outfit it's the weird layering bunching at the bottom, I guess it's the price of "the modesty"...

• Top: purple scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, and here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; black cardigan, Merona for Target
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pants, LOFT/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; signature clover chandelier earrings, Stella & Dot; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit is cool, my hair is whatevs but, it's an outside picture so everything is FABULOUS! 

• Top: pink sweater with black trim, Alfani via Macy's via Mom; gray cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black and white pinstripe skirt, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Stella wedge pumps, Seychelles via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I love this outfit, it's so simple but, so awesome. I remember this was a work to dinner outfit. BF and I had gone to a local restaurant for dinner, this pic was actually taken on our walk home. I love my neighborhood because it's in New York City but, it's still got some green!

• Top: black and white polka dot dress, Forever 21 via The Big Fat Flea; gray and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via Loehmanns (part of this suit)
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit was really great in theory but, I remember it being another layering debacle  There were so many layers and it was kind of uncomfortable. Maybe if I hadn't held it all together with the belt it wouldn't have felt so constricting. On the other hand, I think the belt ties it together nicely, perhaps a slimmer belt? How would you make this outfit more interesting.

• Top: black and white faux wrap dress, Merona for Target with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle embellished sweater, LOFT/gift from BF parent's 
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; black belt, came with this Adrienne Vitadinni dress; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

There are some really picturesque areas where I live, most of them have to do with the river within walking distance. I love the setting of this picture. In terms of the outfit, I like it too, it feels very chic! It's also very similar to another way I wore this dress, I'm running out of options but, it's such a great dress, much thanks to the person who previously loved it. 

• Top: black sheath dress, no tag via The Big Fat Flea; brown and black zebra print cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep-toe wedges, Dr. Scholl's via Macy's; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

I really need some more focus in my life... hardy har har. I'm going to say that this was probably another one of those ordinary days. 

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black peep toe wedges, Payless/gift from BF; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

This outfit was a work to after work ensemble. It went over well in the office with my co-workers, don't really remember my boss' reaction but, I will say it was a total hit at the party. Now I just need to find a job where my fashionista tendencies will be appreciated! 

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target;
• Bottom: yellow, brown, and colorful plaid skirt, WDNY via Loehmann's
• Shoes & Accessories: brown giraffe print peep toe shoes, Adrienne Vitadinni via DSW/gift from BF; coin pearl necklace, V'ta jewelry; coin pearl earrings, borrowed from Mom then altered by me; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Vest are phenomenal! I feel like they are a very underutilized in my own wardrobe as well as others'. When vests have a pattern or are an interesting color they really add to your entire ensemble. Not to self: buy wear vests more often.

• Top: gray, yellow, and white argyle vest, New York & Company (same vest different color here and here); white ruffle button down blouse, LOFT
• Bottom: black wide leg pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cutout flats, Corso Como via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

This outfit is cute and professional but, how did I get away with those flip flop?! This is definitely while my ankle was in serious healing mode (you can see some bruising) and I was wearing a really unflattering splint/brace which I took off for most of my photos. I got away with wearing flip flops with quite a few outfits thanks to that brace and my wonky ankle.

• Top: red and white polka dot dress, Old Navy with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray cardigan, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: gray flip flops, Old Navy; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Here's that dress again... It's a really great but, I feel like I might be wearing it a little too much. I think I need more yellow and butterfly options. I'm slowly exhausting all the ways to wear this dress without repeating an outfit, pretty soon it's all going to come down to the shoes, then what will I do? 

• Top: yellow ruffle front cotton knit dress, eshakti.com
• Shoes & Accessories: turquoise peep toe flats, Xhiliration via Target;  floral wire earrings, MOMA/gift from an old friend; silver watch, Fossil; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

Bamn, last outfit... for now. This dress is a amazing summer piece that just say in my closet untouched until this picture. It was almost a last ditch, better wear this while I can kind of thing. I'm glad I did and also that I got to take a magical outside picture. I will definitely have to remember not to wait until the last moment possible to wear this dress again, it really is a lovely summer sundress. 

• Top: blue metallic embellished dress, Micheal by Micheal Kors via Loehmanns/gift from Mom; khaki safari jacket (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, here, and here)  
• Shoes & Accessories: silver Genero Sandal, SE Boutique via DSW; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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