Half Day

Tomorrow is my test. I haven't been studying as much as I would have hoped so, it's cram time! I'm heading into work super (duper) early to get some last minute things out of the way for next week and then I'm turning around and heading back home to Starbucks to study my flash cards and take some practice tests. I am feeling 60% percent confident at this point so hopefully after all that I will be more so... I'll let you know how it goes, wish me luck.

While it is casual Friday, as well as a half day, I really wasn't feeling a denim ensemble. Instead I was feeling inspired by the season and my new found ability to wear white so, forget you (for now,) denim. While I don't strictly adhere to these unspoken known fashion rules they are in my mind from younger years when (I feel like) it was more of a "thing." Do you wear white before Memorial Day? How about after Labor Day? You rebel... Also, this is how grown ups mix patterns.

• Top: navy and white striped shirt, Christopher & Banks
• Bottom: cream and navy printed skirt, Libertine for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: brown top-siders, Kimmie Smith for Sebago c/o Sebago/Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

I most recently wore this shirt here.

I'm linking up with Fab Favorites, Favorite Fashion Friday, Passion 4 Fashion, and Casual Friday.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Nailipop manicure strips!

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... 

Grind In Style

How was your Memorial Day weekend? Good, glad to hear it! Mine was relaxing and fun but, I could still use a least five three one more days since I spent a good amount of time in transit. Next holiday weekend, I think I will make it a seven six five day weekend but, I digress... One thing about taking a vacation weekend is that there is limited (if any) time for picture taking Sundays which normally enhances my ability to blog normally throughout the week. I apologize in advance for delays, if any. 

Coming back to reality from the holiday weekend and pulling myself out of bed this morning was even more of a challenge than normal but, I'm determined to get back to my daily routine. Early morning spin? Check. Getting to work a little early? Check. That about sums up my morning but, it makes me happy when I can complete these tasks as seamlessly as possible... A simple (and stylish) outfit is a huge part of making that happen. A sweater and skirt/pants is my go to combination to accomplish this. What does your ensemble look like when you are back at work after a holiday weekend?

• Top: black cardigan, Merona
• Bottom: gray lace skirt, Tara Jarmon for Target
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, bflexible by Bandolino; black pearl earrings, International Gem and Jewelry Show

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

Casual Friday, With a Twist

While tweeting up a storm last week I came across an article about reasons for opting out of Casual Friday. I was intrigued, as I'm sure you are. What would possess someone to want to give up their well earned Friday comfy time? Well, after perusing the article I noted some very valid points and gave the whole idea some more consideration. It lead me to realize that many of the senior members of my department (all women) choose not to wear jeans on Friday. They might wear fun colored or patterned pants but, no jeans. Maybe it's time to give it try and do something different so today I am not wearing jeans! I am wearing a denim skirt, baby steps.

We also have to talk about my sandals. I bought these sandals in 2008 then in 2011 they died, then a few weeks ago we crossed paths again! I was wandering around Brooklyn with a friend and we stopped at an awesome local thrift store. I found these sandals (brand new with the tags) in my new skinnier shoe size... it was meant to be. The only issue was that because of how long they had been sitting around unworn the heels were falling off which I didn't notice until after I tried to wear them for the first time, awkward... Lucky for me Hubby is pretty handy at fixing things, even shoes, problem solved. Now, inquiring minds want to know: Do you think it's a good idea to opt out of casual Friday? Would you skip your office jeans time?

• Top: floral t-shirt, Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohls; brown blazer, LOFT
• Bottom: denim pencil skirt, Torrid
• Shoes & Accessories: silver sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via Buffalo Exchange; silver wire flower earrings, MOMA

I'm linking up with Fashion Fun Friday

TGIF and another things

So here we are again! I am loving it aren't you? Well, you will be. Why? Because, I said so. Now that we got that awkward turtle moment out of the way we can talk about other things like my face... One thing that you might notice if you have been clicking through pictures here on 260 Days, No Repeats is my general appearance. If you have taken time to compare it to my general appearance on (the now defunct) 260 Day Redux you might notice something (substantially?) different.

That's right, there is a bit less face as of late and you would be correct in assuming that there is a bit less of all of me. I have been going to the gym in an attempt to be a healthier, happier me. There have been some positive side effects (less of me) and some less happy side effects (fewer clothing options.) My weight loss has been substantial enough that there are lots of items I can't wear anymore because they are falling off, swimming on me, allowing too much skin to show, etc. It has been truly bitter sweet to say goodbye to old clothing favorites while shopping for new clothes out of sheer necessity. It has also been challenging for me to come to terms with this new body. I am happy, don't get me wrong but, I can't remember a time when I was ever this small in my entire tween/young adult life and I am experiencing a disconnect (at times) to say the least.

Enough about my face let's talk about my clothes. It's Friday (yay) and, unlike my old company, my current company practices Casual Friday as a regular thing (thank goodness!) I have heard/read that flared jeans are the way for spring and that skinnys are a thing of the past. That's great for everyone who isn't a (physically) hippy person but, not for those of us that are. I don't mind giving the skinny jeans a rest every now and then but, I won't be trading them in for flared jeans anytime soon. Then again maybe my new body would look good in flared jeans... I might need to explore that option the next time I go shopping. What is your take on the new 70's denim vibe? Are you already in flares or are you holding on to your skinny jeans?

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, Merona for Target; black pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein
• Bottom: wide leg jeans, Michael Kors via Ashby
• Shoes & Accessories: silver cap toe ballet flats, Guiseppe Zanotti via Buffalo Exchange; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co. 

Remember when I used to post links to where wardrobe items were previously seen in an ensemble? No? Well, look at most previous posts. I'm not going to be pulling everything up from the archives but, moving forward I would like to highlight when I utilize an item more than once. Perhaps not the same way, it was extremely laborious. We'll see what I come up with when we get to that point... next week. What? Blazers don't grow on trees.

Night Out: Playing Hostess

I found this post as a draft when I was going some "spring cleaning" before getting down to regular posting business. I'm not sure why I didn't post it before...
                                                                                                                                                                  

I love going out to socialize with friends and try new experiences/cuisines but, being (f)unemployed has naturally limited my ability to do that. Despite that I can still spend time with everyone by staying in instead of going out! It's not as fancy but, can be just as fun if not more... While I was keeping things on the casual side (ahem, leggings) I still wanted to be a little fancy. How do you think I did?

• Top: guipure lace top, Lela Rose for Nieman Marcus/Target
• Bottom: great shapes leggings, courtesy of No Nonsense
• Shoes & Accessories: black kitten heel pumps, Coach; modified beige pearl earrings, Charming Charlie.gift from Cousin V

Night Out: The High Life

I'm, not sure what other people do when they become (f)unemployed but, I had a massage and a delicious steak dinner courtesy of BF. While that is not necessarily the most practical thing, I didn't really have a choice and I wasn't going to complain about it. I highly recommend taking moments for yourself when you find yourself in similar situations or just in general. Perhaps if I had been more adamant about taking time for myself at work I would have seen that the job wasn't a great fit sooner. Similarly, taking time now is helping me stay focused on what it is I think my strengths are and what I am interested in focusing on in my next position. How do you treat yourself on a regular basis?

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Glitz Knot Ring, courtesy of Amy O Jewelry; violet Clea Clutch, Katherine Kwei/won at Blogger's Night Out (not pictured)

An Unexpected End

Well, you all know what happened... I got the proverbial boot. At least I looked well put together and professional when it happened. I think it would have been much more difficult if I looked like a hot mess while we discussed the less than pleasant details. While I was (and still am) feeling strangely positive about the whole thing, I was melancholy that afternoon... no one likes rejection.

• Top: red embellished sweater, RED via Loehmanns/gift from Mom; black and white pinstripe blazer, Calvin Klein via SYMS (part of this suit)
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store
• Shoes & Accessories: black ballet flats, Mossimo via Target; black tights, Hanes Silk Reflections courtesy of Hanes via Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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: 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!