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

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November 12, 2012: Any Given Monday

We've been over this before... Mondays are suit days and while this was last two Mondays ago it wasn't any different. There was orientation and other business to be had and any this suit was a no brainer. I have been mixing and matching the things in my closet for three years now which leads to some creative and fashion forward interesting combinations but, sometimes a suit is best. I have been conflicted about defaulting back to suits as an everyday wardrobe choice but, as I establish myself in the office it feels more comfortable and easy. The challenge is keeping it fashion forward. How do you keep your suits interesting but, still work appropriate?

• Top: purple long sleeved t-shirt, VanHeusen (same shirt different color here, here, here, here, and here); brown tweed blazer with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Shop 
• Bottom: brown tweed skirt with floral details, George via The Unique Thrift Shop
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; silver circle necklace, Charming Charlie/gift from Cousin V; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

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Review: eShakti.com

You probably know by now that I am a big proponent of eShakti.com. When I was offered the opportunity to do a review of a dress from their fall line I jumped at the chance! I was given the option to pick three dresses from their available stock online (at the time) and they would do their best to accommodate my desires. I was very excited at the possibility of ending up with a dress from my wish list that I didn't get for my birthday. When the dress finally came it was my first pick so, the Boucle Sheath Dress, and I couldn't have been happier with their selection; You know how I feel about tweed...

I envisioned myself wearing it to work as the weather cools down, to upcoming holiday events, out for drinks... the possibilities are endless! Unfortunately, when I tried the dress on I was disappointed in the way it fit. The straps were too long and the waist fell in an unflattering spot but, those things are my own fault. Instead of doing my due diligence  taking my own measurements, and custom ordering for the best fit. I knowingly rounded up from my actual size and figured it would all work out as it has in the past. I guess I'm smaller (WIN) than I think I am because this happened with the dresses I ordered for my birthday as well. Thankfully we know a great tailor in the area and they were able to make the dress work with a few seams and tucks. What do you think of the end result?

Image courtesy of falksisters.com

I would love to tell you that I'm thrilled with the way it turned out after the tailor took a crack at it but, they weren't finished with it when I stopped by to pick it up. I will certainly be taking advantage of eShakti's affordable customization options in future orders. I will also read the descriptions about length, waist, etc. more carefully because they make dresses exactly as they are described. It's a rare thing when ordering online. Finally, I will try to be a little more honest with myself about my actual size but, I digress... I know with the new fit, fantastic autumnal color palette, and aforementioned versatility of the dress it is the perfect additional to my fall wardrobe. I can't wait for a chance to wear it.

Right now there is still a great giveaway going on from Katy at ModlyChic and Still Blonde After All These Years. Enter here to win not one but, four eShakti dresses. The first place winner will win one dress per season for the next year AND three second place winners will win a dress of their choice AND three third place winners will get a skirt or top of their choice. This is over $930 worth of prizes and 7 winners! Enter to win in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! 

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eShakti.com Picks: Fall 2012

I feel like everywhere I look fall is creeping in. While I love the crisp weather, seasonal celebrations, and fabulous fashions these things will never replace my deep, unwavering romance with summer. That being said I can' t keep the seasons from changing and I need to embrace the impending shift. What better was to do that than with some gorgeous dresses. eShakti.com's fall line is truly beautiful! There are so many options for different occasions and personalities in a plethora of colors and patterns. 

These are a few of my favorite picks from Fall 2012 but, eShakti's stock is always in flux and they are continuously adding new styles everyday. On top of that eShakti,com is currently having an unprecedented sale with 40% off specific selections for Labor Day, 25% off Summer styles, and a pre-season 25% off of their Fall line. On top of ALL that those discounts can be combined with the additional 10% off that you get with code: SH24LXN. Now the only question is, what should you get? Here are some suggestions courtesy of my lusting...

Autunno Beaded Dress

Sequined Bow Tweed Sheath Dress

Vintage Houndstooth Print Dress

Primavera Beaded Dress

                  

Owls In A Row Pencil Skirt

Deep Plum Applique Dress

July 5, 2012: Back From Somewhere

This past week was fantastic! Why? Because I was off Monday through Wednesday. I needed a break after spending the entire weekend submerged in wedding related responsibilities, festivities, and travel. BF and I kept it low key and hit a museum and the beach... it was alot of fun! What was even better was Thursday was the only full day I had to work since summer Fridays began in my office this past week. We get out at two for the next seven weeks so last week total amount of time in the office last week = one and a half days WIN! What did you do for the holiday weekend?

When I headed back to work I wanted to start off back in a super professional outfit to ward off any post vacation lamentations. I am generally a super productive person after whatever days I have off  and the whole ensemble just enhanced that! My favorite part of the whole look was the shoes. I found them while thrift shopping with my Mom during Unique Thrift Store's huge 50% off sale on the Fourth of July. BF said they look like they were made out of torture devices or something that a character in Skyrim would wear but, I think they're pretty awesome. What do you think? 

• Top: pink floral embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here); brown blazer, Talbots via The Unique Thrift Store 
• Bottom: beige tweed skirt, LOFT via Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: brown and camel studded heels, Kensie via The Unique Thrift Store; brown fused glass earrings, craft space in Laguna Beach; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

June 7, 2012: Deceptively Disproportionate

I've also said that teal/turquoise/ aqua/whatever you want to call it is one of my favorite colors in the summer.  so, incorporating it into my work wardrobe more frequently is always fun! I love this look, it reminds me of dresses that look like a shirt and a skirt but, are deceptively a dress. I also love how it makes my legs look longer than the actually are. BF said it makes me look disproportionate but, only when you stop and take a moment to analyze my outfit. Isn't that what people do all the time?! O, maybe it's just me... What do you think: Does this outfit make me look disproportionate?

• Top: teal corsage embellished t-shirt, Merona via Target (not to be confused with this one) 
• 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; black belt, came with this Adrienne Vitadinni dress; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

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

April 3, 2012: Overthinking My Style

Tonight I am going to a lecture about the artwork of Diego Rivera after work. While I probably would have time to scoot home and change that seems silly considering how close the lecture location is to my office. This morning Last night I faced the challenge of picking an outfit that would be appropriate for work, as well as, this artsy event afterwards. Let me walk you through my thought process because it’s actually kind of ridiculous/hilarious.

The one painting that pops into my mind when I think of Diego Rivera (after his self portraits and his weird crazy face/lazy eye) is this one:

Image courtesy of art-prints-gallery.com

I didn’t want to dress up like a Mexican peasant (not work appropriate) but, I thought it might be interesting to take inspiration from the Calla Lilys that are present throughout many of his works. Everything that I came up with felt like I was trying way too hard i.e: Iris as a Calla Lily? I would never probably not get to that outfit combo (a green skirt with white and yellow on top) organically. Then I saw this painting:

Image courtesy of northjersey.com

I thought I could be the woman defending against a soldier’s attack while holding her baby but, I don’t really have an office appropriate dress that fits my interpretation of that ensemble or a baby… Then I thought about swaddling myself from head to toe in neutral colors AKA black, as most artist do in cliché portrayals. Thankfully, I came to my senses and decided to dress like I normally would! Also, 2 + 2 = 4, revelations…

• Top: orange crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here, here, here, here and here); khaki safari jacket, LOFT (same jacket different color here, here, here, here, and here)   
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies for Kohls; Camilla Ring, Stella & Dot; Amelia Earrings, Stella & Dot; brown self-winding watch, Kenneth Cole/borrowed from BF; Neverfull GM, Louis Vuitton/gift from BF

 

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

December 6, 2011: Date Night

I thought Thanksgiving was kicking my butt but, it had nothing on December...

Last Tuesday BF and I decided to grab dinner and a movie.It might not sound like the most exciting thing but, it was nice to break away from the daily routine and change it up. Also, taking a break from the Christmas prep crazies was welcome because I'm not sure when the next opportunity to do that will be. Don't get me wrong I really do love the holidays, I just can't wait for all the gift shopping to be done...

• Top: coral sweater, LOFT; brown tweed jacket with floral details, George via Unique Thrift Store
• 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; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

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

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