All The Dots

In my current work environment, I could show up to work in leggings or jeans everyday and not get a second look from my co-workers or supervisors. That practice is not something that I find to be acceptable especially, on an everyday basis. Most days, I keep it professional meaning a nice shirt, non-denim or non-spandex bottom, and probably a blazer or cardigan. Some days the combinations of mundane raiments are next level. Maybe it's the just the former "outfit of the day blogger" in me but, when an exceptional pairing happens it needs to be memorialized! This ensemble was inspired by the amazing shoes which I picked up on super clearance at a nearby outlet mall. While they are comfortable and could be worn everyday they are unique and don't go with everything in my wardrobe. The "one of a kind" finds often are but, I digress... While a solid colored dress or jumpsuit would be an obvious and mediocre choice I wanted to put together an ensemble that was as amazing as these shoes are.When considering items that I could pair together I ended up with a plethora of polka dots that worked perfectly, in my opinion.

• Top: Glad-Zooks! Bees Top, ModCloth; black and white tweed blazer, Ann Taylor
• Bottom: black pencil skirt with pockets, Old Navy 
• Shoes & Accessories: black and white polka dot pumps, Jason Wu; pearl earrings, Macys; 

I'm linking up with What I Wore, Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday

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

Spot On

Out of all of the things that I got from my Mom's recent closet clean out this skirt is one of my favorites. I am a sucker for anything that has a plethora of colors. Perhaps it's because of my name, Greek mythology anyone? Nerd alert! Also, polka dots are the best but, I digress... I recall the few times that my Mom wore this skirt I  thought, in the back of my mind, that I had to find a way to annex it from her wardrobe. My patience paid off!

The shirt that I am wearing is also from my Mom's recent closet clean out. Ironically, this shirt was something I had given to her, back in the day, when it didn't fit me anymore. Like I said before, I guess it's (maybe) good that she doesn't get rid of things. Since I am still going to the gym and my body keeps changing shape and getting less face I'm not sure what the shelf life for this shirt is but, I am going to take advantage of a basic addition (which I needed) to my wardrobe while I can.

Also, I got a haircut, what do you think? No one has really noticed except for one rando co-worker.

• Top: red scoopneck t-shirt, New York & Company via Mom's closet clean out
• Bottom: multi-color polka dot skirt, Paniz via Mom's closet clean out 
• Shoes & Accessories: gray pumps, Steve Madden; yellow shell earrings, Steve & Barry's

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

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...

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... 

Pattern Mixing Redux

When I first started blogging my fashion stylings were a little "vanilla." Then, as time progressed, I got more comfortable with the "institution" of fashion blogging I began trying new things and experimenting with bolder pairings. I can't say they were all amazing ensembles but, they were different, fun, and helped me accomplish my goal of one year, no repeats to work. One of the tools that I kept/keep coming back to when putting together outfits is pattern mixing but, as I drifted away from fashion blogging pattern mixing wasn't a thing anymore. I have a feeling it might be experiencing a come back... polka dots and snake print that's cray cray. How do you put together creative, fun outfits?

• Top: ivory ruffle embellished tank top, Ralph Lauren Sport via Current Consignment; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: yellow and brown polka dot skirt, Merona
• Shoes & Accessories: snake print pumps, Nine West; pearl earrings, Macys 

I most recently wore this blazer here.

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

Weekend Wear: Swap Style

Weekends often consist of errands, shopping, and other boring things like that but, occasionally there is something fun happening or I am wearing an outfit that I want to share. This was an outfit that I wore to my first clothing swap (among other errands, etc.) Overall the experience of the swap was alright but, your "shopping" success at any swap is entirely contingent on the other people that are attending being your size. That was not really the case in this instance, even though I am in the sweet spot in the overlap of regular and plus size, and I didn't have much luck finding items for myself. 

The other reason that I wouldn't label this experience a rousing success was because there were some unpleasant people there. There were loud complainers, line cutters, and hoarders (AKA I am going to grab everything and sort it out in the corner later). I even got into a "Filene's Basement wedding dress sale" like battle with a woman over a dress that she grabbed after I grabbed it. By battle I mean we exchanged words and then she huffed away. After everything, I think swapping is a great idea but, knowing what you are getting yourself into is the first step... what kind of items will be there? will there be items in your size? how many other people will be there? If the answers to those questions aren't favorable then it isn't worth your time. Has anyone been to a swap? Have you held your own swap? How was the experience for you? 

• Top: black and white polka dot dress, Forever 21 via The Big Fat Flea
• Shoes & Accessories: red Bridget Thong Sandal, LOFT/gift from mom; pearl earrings, Macys/gift from Mom; silver watch, Fossil; cherry print tote, Luella for Target

Don't forget to enter to win a $75 gift certificate from Shabby Apple!

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

Don't forget to enter to win a $75 gift certificate from Shabby Apple!

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

Don't forget to enter to win a $100 gift certificate from Shopbop!