Friend Friday: Blogger Resolutions 2011

1. What's the one thing you vow to learn or do in 2011 to improve your blog?

I really want to learn how to how to change things about my template. My number one focus now is custom fonts. I know a bit of HTML but, this CSS stuff is throwing me for a loop. I found some good online guides so now I just have to start implementation. More tabs would be cool too but, I need to develop content for them. Also, I would like to create a new banner/background... so many ideas, so little time!

2. What did you learn about blogging in 2010 that you plan to put into practice next year?

I think the most important lesson I learned was about keeping your content fresh and positive. No one wants to listen to you complain or hear the same old thing over and over again. I want to tell more stories and make more jokes.

3. Do you have any high-level goals for your blog in the coming year? Monetization? More comments? More connections with other bloggers? A new template?

I would love to monetize but, I don't think that is realistic. I don't think I have a large enough audience to get sponsorships or anything like that. I would really love to host more giveaways or do more sponsored product reviews consistently but, again I need to develop a larger following before that happens. Either way, this is a fun hobby not my money making profession so if it doesn't take off in that manner that's ok but, it would be great for the readers!

4. If you could collaborate with one other blogger within your sphere of influence in 2011, who would you like to collaborate with, and what would you like to collaborate on?

I would love to collaborate with other bloggers! Some of the ways that I have already done so (and would love to continue doing) is through guest posting or challenges they, I or someone else develops. I would be open to other prospects!

5. What do you plan to do to support other bloggers next year?

• I will comment, comment, comment as much as I possibly can.
• I will check out new blogs as much as I can as well and add them to my blogroll if I think they would be a good fit. The links in my blogroll are changing as I add more that I like and take away the ones that have gone dormant.  
• I will answer questions and try to participate more in the FBFF community as much as possible.

December 29, 2010: Need Commuter Shoe

As a person living in NYC I have seen many a commuter shoe and I have never been a fan. If your fancy high heeled sandal doesn't work in tsunami like conditions maybe you should consider coming up with an outfit that looks cute with rain boots. Not rocket science but, yesterday I must have forgotten my reality; I guess I blocked out being snowed in, ignored what I saw out the window, or maybe I was overly excited to show off these fantastic tights... either way I tried to leave my apartment building in these lovely (and grossly unrealistic) shoes. What was I thinking? I could barely walk and as I slid back up the driveway to change into a more practical shoe I instantly gained a greater appreciation for the commuter shoe. It doesn't have to be a ratty gym sneaker, it could be an awesome pair of boots or flats. Also, 2+2=4... what revelations!

• Top: gray shirt dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath, for the modesty; black long cardigan, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories:  Regal black rain boot, courtesy of Cougar; black belt, New York and Company; teal tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas gift from Cousin V (on sale here); glass bead necklace, Christmas gift from Cousin M; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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Weekend Wear: The 2010 Christmas Roadshow

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas (if that's your thing) and found everything you wanted from Santa under the tree! How did you spend the holiday? Was it at home with your family or travelling to see relatives? I would say BF and I always do a little of both, spending Christmas morning with my family but also gracing various areas of New York and New Jersey with our holiday cheer to see friends and other family! This year was no different...

On Christmas Eve we had alot on our plate with events in both states; some last minute errands to run and Christmas Eve dinner/gifts with BF's family while at midnight BF had to head to work (gasp, I know) and I had to head off to midnight mass with my parents. So, I needed an outfit that would work for all of those situations. Enter skinny pants... they are now a wardrobe workhorse for sure!

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target; blue tank top underneath, for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver knotted necklace, Christmas gift from my dear friend; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)
  
  
  

 I spend the most critical parts of Christmas Day in my pajamas! You know... making brunch and opening gifts. Apparently they were very stylish and fancy. My mother thought that was I would be wearing to Christmas dinner but, I digress. This Christmas was a good one and any stress that I incurred participating in the prep was totally worth it! The top three moments of the morning were:

1. Mom's reaction to her gift from my brother I and myself.
2. The delicious food (it was a joint effort) and brunch conversation.
3. Everyone being so surprised and grateful for all their gifts and the time spent together since no body had a very strict list of things they wanted it really worked out!

After the magic of Christmas and some Jeopardy on the Wii my family headed home while BF and I got ready to head upstate and continue the roadshow... on to Aunt B's for dinner. I think I would have been a bit over dressed if I had worn anything but jeans but, I tried to keep it fancy for the holidays with a sparkly sweater!

• Top: black sparkly sweater, LOFT; a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: faux patent leather red flats, American Eagle for Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured) 

 BF and I enjoyed a nice quiet morning together the day after Christmas but, headed out in the late afternoon for NJ again with my brother in tow for some celebrations with our cousins. Yes, you read correctly I braved that ridiculous blizzard! I didn't realize it was going to be as serious as it was but, as we saw all the cars pulled over, time dragged on, fierce winds blew and lightning lit up the sky it set in that my desire to stick with our original plans might not have resulted in the smartest course of actions. It took us three times as long as it normally does to get there but, we made it safely! This picture was taken mid snow fall but, by the time we ventured outside the next day to shovel our cars out of the driveways I was thigh high in snow.

• Top: pink short sleeved sweater, GAP; white tank top underneath for the modesty; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

The day after the Snowpocalypse we didn't do much of anything other than shovel snow. One of my cousins had gotten stuck overnight on an impassable highway so we waited up until 4AM for her only to find out that she would not be able to get moving until the next morning... When she finally arrived all any of us wanted to do was stay in, celebrate the holidays, and enjoy each other's company.The roads were still pretty bad by the end of the day so we decided to stay another night. The next day we ventured out and it was surprisingly warm or maybe that was just my sweater... There was still post blizzard wreckage but, not so much to keep us away from brunch or from eventually heading home.

• Top: gray chunky sweater, GAP; brown and black tank tops underneath for the modesty, New York & Company/Old Navy respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black sunglasses, Ray Ban; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

Merry Christmas!

To: You
From: Iris

December 22, 2010: Free Time Now

This is the last work outfit for a few days... I took some time off so that I could have a day to relax (read: run errands at a leisurely pace) before BF and I begin our annual holiday roadshow! I was still in my serious state of exhaustion and could not even be bothered to head into the hallway to take the picture so, in front of the piano (when I told you I played it was for real) with the crazy lamp and assorted art would have to do.

P. S. The Fuzz wants to say Happy Holidays but, he won't look at you because he doesn't know you yet. He's playing hard to get...

• Top: yellow floral patterned sweater, Dana Buchman for Kohl's
• Bottom: brown knit pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver knotted necklace, Christmas gift from my dear friend; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

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

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December 21, 2010: Exhaustion Setting In

As you have probably (correctly) assumed Christmas is a very hectic time for me. Don't get me wrong it is my favorite holiday (aside from my birthday) but, with everything that is going on I need to remeber to take a break before I fall asleep standing up... uh oh, too late.

• Top: orange dolman sleeve top, Xhiliration for Target
• Bottom: black and white tweed pants, Mandee
• Shoes & Accessories: black ruffle embellished flats, Audrey Brooke via DSW; multi colored beaded necklace, LOFT/b-day gift from Mom; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

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

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December 20, 2010: Patience Is A Virtue

I'm sure you are all well aware of my desire for a white lace top. If not you're obviously new, Welcome! Just so we're all on the same page... I have been wanting a while lace top since the fall but, since I am trying to curb my spending and utilize what I have I didn't cave to my wants. That is, until last weekend... kind of.

I went last minute Christmas shopping on behalf of my Dad because I had some free time and he had other important stuff on his plate. I kept it local with cash in hand and a very specific list of things to get (literally). I went to Target and while I was digging through the sale racks I came across the quintessential off-white lace shirt; it seemed like it waiting for me to find it! On top of that the shirt was on super sale ($23 originally marked down to $5) so I tried it on to make sure it wasn't some sort of shopping mirage and when it fit, I threw it on the pile of stuff so I could continue my shopping.

Normally, I don't purchase things for myself around Christmas (even pre 260 Days, No Repeats) because I always end up getting myself something that someone had already gotten for me. But, since this was obtained on Daddy's dime I'm counting it as an early Christmas gift! Thanks, Dad.

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target with a red tank top underneath, for the modesty.
• Bottom: black striped pencil skirt, LOFT via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; In-Power Line Super High Shaping Sheers, Spanx; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

It's been a while since I have had any news on this front but, finally I have finished something else. We'll find out in a few more days if I have some new things to add to the list. I wouldn't mind more of this fragrance, Peony blended well with alot of my perfumes... Do you like to mix and match your lotions and perfumes to create new fragrances or are you all about keeping it uniform?

Check out my progress here!

December 17, 2010: Office Space

Sorry for the lapse in posts, Christmas has been consuming my life as you can see from my slightly disheveled state! But, in the end I think it's been worth it... I'm just waiting for the last of the packages to arrive in the mail and then they can go here with the rest of their friends!

I'll be catching up during my brief respite tomorrow, hopefully I can squeeze everything in before the Christmas road show begins! Friday was the last day that everyone in my department was guaranteed to be present and not completely inundated with work so, we had our holiday office pot luck. I baked cupcakes and wish I had taken a picture because they were pretty festive but, alas... I did not. They were yummy though! I wanted to keep the festive spirit going with my outfit without going overboard, no ugly holiday sweaters here. The little metallic threads in the tunic really did the trick!

• Top: black Thompson Street Caftan, New York and Company/gift from Mom with a red tank top underneath for the modesty; black cardigan, LOFT
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: black sneaker/shoes Rocket Dog; gold perforated earrings, New York and Company; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

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

December 16, 2010: Too Much Knit

I had meeting after meeting yesterday so, comfort was key and with all this cold it naturally meant cocooning myself in chunky knit fabric! I might have gone too far though since toward the end of the day I was having trouble keeping my eyes open... Next time only half as much knit!

• Top: gray sweater dress, Kensie
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohls; black ribbed tights, Assets by Sara Blakely via Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach

Friend Friday: Holiday Party Attire

1. Which holiday party are you looking forward to attending this year?

I love visiting the families (meaning BF's and my own) We only see some of these people once or twice a year and it's always a good time!

2. What is your go-to holiday party outfit?

Well Danie from No Guilt Fashion and I talked about this before. See here for what I said and you can check out what she said here. My short answer was black pants and a nice sweater with some sparkly jewelry for fun if it's more casual but, a simple and elegant dress for a fancier affair.

3. Do you go dressed in something that would be impractical to wear at any other time of the year?

Not really, I'm all about comfort plus, I like to get lots of use out of my clothing items. 90% of my wardrobe can be worn to work and/or in a more casual way. There are things in my closet now though that I tend to only break out for the holidays... velvet pants anyone?

4. If you are going to a house-party what gift will you bring to the host/hostess?

I generally bring some sort of non-perishable treat that can be shared with all the guests or by them on their own at a later time.

5. If you could buy only one trendy piece to update your holiday party wardrobe, what would you get this year?

I would get something with sequins for sure! I have been eyeing pieces while Christmas shopping but, with no purchases... I make an even bigger effort to not shop for myself in December since people will be buying me gifts.

December 15, 2010: Keeping Tradition Alive

Everything that I wore yesterday was new to 260 Days, No Repeats even the shoes! After the holidays I am definitely going to do some sort of theme week; forgotten shoes, new to you, maybe both but, I digress... I love the idea of this outfit but, it wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world. The skirt is a little small but, also a little short. It was very awkward sitting in a meeting full of program directors and assistant directors while checking to make sure that I wasn't flashing too much thigh! Note to self: Don't wear this skirt again until you have shrunk a few inches or lose a few pounds, thanks! Also, don't be fooled by BF's picture taking cues or your face will freeze like that...

The only thing that was comfortable about the outfit was the shoes. I haven't worn them in a while but, only because I had forgotten about them (not an excuse I know) not because they weren't practical, comfortable, and stylish. I even wore them while traipsing around midtown after work to fulfill a Christmas tradition of BF's and mine: getting an ornament from Saks Fifth Avenue and seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. We have gotten a Christopher Radko ornament each year since we moved in together and each of them signifies an event/s from the year. This year it was this one to commemorate our trip to the tree farm which my Mom later informed me was not the first time, I went when I was very young. I'm sure there are pictures somewhere... What are your favorite christmas traditions?

• Top: ivory sweater, Old Navy with a beige tank top underneath, for the modesty
• Bottom: purple houndstooth skirt, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: brown snake skin kitten heel shoes, Coach; brown tights, Merona for Target; moonstone earrings, V'ta Jewelry; moonstone and peridot (my birthstone) necklace, Pennyweights/gifted; brown Loeffler Randall bag, Target (same bag different color here)

December 14, 2010: First Snow

When I woke up yesterday I was greeted by a layer of the white stuff on the ground. That sneaky overnight precipitation added nicely to my feeling of blah after the non-stop weekend, it was an epic battle to get out of bed and both sides suffered casualities. Snow (even if it's only a half an inch) always makes me want to crawl back under the covers, adults should have snow days too! I don't know who says it's not winter yet but, I would beg to differ. Anyway... I toughed it out (in the words of my boss) and got ready for work but, there was no room for chances. I threw on my trusty Cougar boots and a big comfy sweater to keep warm, a stylish compromise. What's your favorite way to stay stylish and keep warm?

• Top: beige cowl neck sweater, Old Navy; white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; moonstone earrings, V'ta jewelry; leopard print headband, Target $1.00 bin (marked down to $.25!); black spy bag, Fendi 

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

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Weekend Wear: Christmas Tree

For the first time in my life I went to a Christmas tree farm to get our tree with BF and a friend. I had always envisioned that trip to be one where I would be bundled up in my trusty coat with a hat, gloves, and crazy snow boots to combat the winter chill. That was not the case yesterday since it was unseasonably warm and raining... One thing I did stick with though was the boots because I couldn't wait to try out my new Cougar snow boots! It is taking too long for the white stuff to get here...

I have to say they are every bit as fantastic in practical use and they were when I tried them on in my apartment! They fit perfectly even though they are a half size smaller than I would normally wear. They were 100% waterproof (which I tested by sloshing around in puddles like a small child) and they kept my feet nice and toasty. I was a little apprehensive about the fur around the top of the boot when I tried them on at home because I have pretty large calves and the fur (in my opinion) made my calf look even bigger when I wore it folded down. Thankfully the extra long laces allowed me to tie the cuffs up and control the fluff! Plus, I could show of the little Cougar logo in the back. Lastly, on top of everything else they garnered lots of compliments! I would call that an awesome boot...

We also ended up getting a lovely tree! It was definitely different from driving around locally and buying a tree from some people who have set up shop outside a super market/gas station/pharmacy under the subway (which sounds like oxymoron I know but, it's not) I don't know if I would want to have to drive as far next year but, it was worth the experience plus, we got to see one of my cousin's who lives near there. Awesome boots, great tree, and fun times with family and friends sounds like an amazing trip to me!

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; yellow and leopard print tank tops (for the modesty) Proenza Schouler for Target and Express respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; blue goldstone earrings, mall kiosk in California; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

Weekend Wear: A Ruby Anniversary

One of my dearest friends parents (who are also very dear to me) are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary next weekend. Congratualtions to them!! My friend, her brother, and sister-in-law are throwing them a party this weekend (to throw them off) and I was more than happy to attend and help out! In terms of what to wear and the gift I was at a loss. It was a casual affair but, still a special ocassion so... jeans? They're fancy and in italics so, that must be right. How about a shirt that "matches" the year's gift? Sounds good to me but, what is that? Plus, what do you get a couple of parents who seemingly have everything?

I'm sure everyone knows that for a 25th wedding anniversary you are supposed to buy the couple or your respective spouse silver, for the 50th anniversary it's gold and so on... but, what about the other anniversaries that are in no way less significant? Well, that's what the internet is for! The 40th wedding anniversary is the ruby anniversary so, I promptly headed out to the store to buy my friend's parents the biggest ruby I could find... then I snapped back to reality and realized I am quite cash poor and needed to find a little something that was significant without breaking the bank. Scroll down to see what I came up with... Happy Anniversary Anne and Rufus!

• Top: maroon sweater, ABStudio via Mom with a white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black and gray leopard print peep toe pumps, Hollywould for Target; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray balenciaga le-dix/motorocylce bag (not pictured)
• Gift: awesome ornament, Iris & BF... PRICELESS! 

Disclaimer: That is a heart to signify their love and anniversary-ness... I am not pregnant!
BF seemed to think this picture gave that message.

December 10, 2010: Broken Rules? Almost...

When I was day dreaming about what my Friday outfit would be on Thursday I had this great, totally unique idea... it looked something like this. Actually, it was exactly that with my trusty flyaway cardi belted over the tank with leopard print flats instead of sandals. I almost repeated an outfit, (gasp) for shame... Thankfully my groggy Friday morning self remembered wearing the zipper embellished tank top to work and put it all together before I made an egregious faux pas! (phew) I need to remember to check here so a potential disaster doesn't happen again...

Do you have any fun things planned for the weekend? I actually have quite a whirlwind ahead of me starting in about an hour and continuing into Monday but, that means potential fun weekend wear looks for you, wish me luck!

• Top: olive green rhinestone embellished tank top, New York and Company; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach outlet 

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

Friend Friday: Reader Connectedness

1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success of your blog?

Highly, if people are not engaged enough to read what you write then what is the point of blogging it in the first place?

2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?

I try to not to be too serious and am striving to remain consistent. Last week I mentioned that things took a dive in terms of content because I was feeling stressed. Well, that wasn't the only thing, my readership definitely did too. As a reader of blogs I understand, I am more engaged when those two things are present so now it's just a matter of getting back to and perhaps surpassing where I was previously in terms of readership/engagement. It's nice to know that people are listening to what I have to say... see #1

3. What is one way you could improve this connection?

I think keeping up with ones blog is important because you might draw in new people as your writing evolves but, there is no ace up my sleeve. Other than that, I'm not really sure but, if I come up with with something you will be the first to know!

4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?

Kendi from Kendi Everyday was the first person that comes to mind when reading this question. She makes me laugh so, I  want to come back and read more!

5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?

One of the biggest things that attracts new readers is Facebook so, I try to be consistent about linking my posts there to other pages. This has been the most successful "tactic" by far. Taking part in challenges is another one. It's fun for me and it has the added benefit of drawing other participants in. Giveaways are the last thing big thing in my experience but, I am not going to go out on the regular and buy things so I can give them away on my blog... I barely buy things for myself! But, giveaway and readership are tied. You need to have an engaging blog that attracts people before a company is going to give you anything for free. Plus the readers that you might attract through challenges and giveaway might not stick around past the completion of the event that attracted them in the first place.

Check out everyone else's answers over at ModlyChic!

December 9, 2010: Don't You Step On My Blue Suede Shoes

Yesterday while I was sitting at my desk at work and persuing some of the 30 for 30 outfits and I came across one blogger wearing what looked like brown tights and blue shoes. I was immediately struck with regret! Why hadn't I thought of that with my outfit yesterday? It would have been a great combination and I have a brand spankin' new (to me) pair of blue suede shoes to wear. This all leads me to believe that it might be time for a forgotten shoes fall/winter edition but, I digress... I quickly bounced back from my sad place with an assurance to myself that I would put together a fantastic outfit today that showcased my blue suede shoes. Do you find yourself gravitating more twoards monochromatic or "matchy matchy" pairings or are you all about things that "go" but, don't necessarily "match"?

• Top: yellow ruffle front blouse, LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: blue suede shoes, Nine West via Unique Thrift Store (which look way brighter normal, thanks flash); brown tights, Merona for Target; cut steel necklace, V'ta Jewelry; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP

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

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December 8, 2010: Life Is Short, Be Nice

As the temperatures continue to hover in the 30's and below I will be bringing out lots of new things to keep me warm but, still stylish. No, puffy snow gear for me... yet ever! One of the things that I love to wear when the weather is cold (and even when it isn't) is tweed. I have been saving this skirt for an appropriate occasion and I'm not really sure what I thought that was. I figured it would be some time in November but, that came and went and the skirt sat untouched in my closet. Today seemed like as good a time as any to bust it out, life's too short. Do you hold on the special pieces of clothing for the "right" occasion even though you may not have a specific one in mind? If so, does it generally pan out?

So, there's a funny story behind this beautiful statement necklace...I had gone to church with my mom a few weeks ago and there were some holiday shops set up after the service. We wandered down to take a peek and I was pleasantly surprised! They has lots of great handcrafted or thrify items and we met some really nice people. One of the tables that we perused had this fantastic A. V. Max necklace lying amidst other sparkly baubles and I was instantly drawn to the details in each of the little medallions. While discussing the piece the salesperson handed me her card and I immediately recognized her name from work even though I had never met her before! Being a recruiter and reading hundreds of resumes a week will do that to you but, I digress... I let her know that her name seemed familiar and after a brief exchange we determined that I was not going crazy and that she worked at one of my company's other facilities. Then she gave us a discount on the necklace... it's a small world so, be nice!

• Top: orange v-neck sweater, Banana Republic outlet with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; brown tights, Merona for Target; gold necklace, A.V. Max via holiday bazaar at church; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

December 7, 2010: Never Before Seen

I can't say that I was particularly inspired when I threw this outfit together yesterday morning by anything other than the cold outside and the need to cover up. The temperatures have taken a divebomb into freezing (Ok, maybe I'm being a little dramatic) and I don't care what anyone says we are officially in winter! I did try to punch things up with pops of opposing colors, i.e. teal shoes and multi colored earrings, so the outfit wasn't so drab.

You may remember these items from any outfits that I have worn before and that's because I haven't. Yes people, there are still items in my closet that you have not seen! I know, it's hard for me to believe as well and I'm the one whose putting all these outfits together. That is just a true testament to how much clothes I have but, also that we are in a new season. Frankly, I would not have been wearing sweaters and the like in the middle of the spring when I began this endeavor. Whew, now I don't feel so bad...

• Top: red long sleeved t-shirt with corsage embellishment, LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: brown pinstripe pants, New York and Company (not be confused with these)
• Shoes & Accessories:  teal leather flats, Aldo via Re/Dress NYC (similar shoe, different color here); multi-stone earrings, street fair in NYC; gray Le-Dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

December 6, 2010: It's a Dress, It's a Shirt

One of the trends this fall/winter that I am absolutely in love with (surprisingly) is lace. I was specifically on the hunt for an ivory lace top like I have seen on so many other stylish bloggers but, as we all know I am trying to curb my spending. Since that wasn't really an option I was faking it with alternative lace items from my closet but, none of them were really filling that craving...

I did something new yesterday in an attempt to create a similar look and wore my black lace dress as a shirt. I think I might have implemented the perfect solution! But, I can't take all the credit... I was inpired by other like minded equally fashionable bloggers. Thanks! I probably would not have tried somehting so seemingly out of the box before "meeting" all of you.

• Top: black lace dress, H&M via Unique Thrift Shop/gift from Mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; purple tights, Duane Reade; black belt, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray Le-Dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 

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

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Weekend Wear: Wandering Around NYC

This past weekend I met up with a friend to hit one of the many holiday street fairs that are happening in NYC. It was a pretty cold day but, we had tons of fun anyway. The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park have lots of unique and fantastic handmade goodies to give to your loved ones this season! I recommend stopping by if you are in the city.

This outfit was all about warmth! I know that jegging tucked into UGGS with a sweatshirt on top is so not acceptable in terms of high any fashion but, no one saw what I was wearing except the interior of my car as I drove into the city. Either way that is not what I want to focus on... I really want to pay homage to this amazing coat!

I call it my 30° coat since I only pull it out of the closet when the temps dip that low or lower. It is the warmest thing and has proven itself winter after winter as one of the best shopping choices that I have ever made! Why? Well, because I spent a whopping $8.00 on this heavy duty wool, fully lined coat at one of Steve and Barry's crazy sales! I think that evens out to something like .22  and dropping per wear if you count only the days in winter for the past three years that I have been utilizing it! I've had to refasten a button or two but, that's no big deal...

• Top: black and gray tank tops, Old Navy; white zip front hoodie, compliments of Cougar Boots; navy coat, Bitten via Steve and Barry's
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black boots, UGG via Nordstrom; black and silver scarf, Old Navy/gift from BF's family; gray Le-Dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 
  
  

December 3, 2010: Feeling Neutral

This outfit might seem a little fancy for casual Friday. I had meetings but, that wasn't the main reason for busting out these chic jeans. Immediately following work I needed to meet some girlfriends in midtown for dinner at a Korean restaurant. I didn't want to be over the top but, a t-shirt and jeans just wouldn't cut it! I think the outfit was a successful compromise.

I have to say this color palette is a bit revolutionary for me! Why, you might ask, it's just a bunch of neutrals? Well if you must know, I am a total chicken when it comes to mixing some of my neutrals, specifically black and brown. But, when I tried the outfit on with brown or gray shoes they just didn't work the same way as these simple black ones. They have seen better days but, I digress... Is it a hard thing for you to mix your neutrals or are you a neutral mixing pro? If so maybe you can give me some tips!

• Top: dark brown scoopneck sweater, GAP outlet (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray ruffle trim cardigan, LOFT/birthday gift from BF's mom
• Bottom: dark wash trouser jeans, Not Your Daughter's Jeans via Nordstrom Rack
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Steve Madden; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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

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December 2, 2010: Crack of Dawn

I know you're all curious about my fun surprise from BF. He took me to see Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk! I was a bit skeptical at first since it is a more family geared production but, it did not disappoint. If any of you are in the NYC area I would recommend getting tickets since this will be it's final season here.

Yesterday morning I had a meeting in White Plains (40+ minutes north of NYC for those of you not from around here) at 8:30 in the morning. It was hard to get out of bed so early and make it there on time after the fun night out on the town but, keeping the outfit simple definitely helped! Skinny pants are a life saver. 

You might be thinking that I wore this outfit already but, naturally you are seeing things and going crazy because I would never repeat an outfit!! Well, at least not in the time frame of this year... I did wear a similar outfit during my "You've Got This" Fall challenge. Fortunately for all of us I'm keeping track.

• Top: maroon sweater, ABStudio via Mom with a white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  leopard print flats, New York & Company; silver and garnet tiered earrings, Pennyweights; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

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

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Friend Friday: Blogger Burnout

1. How many hours a week do you spend blogging? Has that number changed since you started blogging? I honestly have no concrete idea. It varies from week to week anyway. I think for a while before my vacation it had seriously increased but, being away from it for a while made it really hard to get back into the swing of things. I'm seriously determined to make that happen!

2. There is always more you can do, write, read, comment on... how do you limit your time spent on these tasks? At this point commenting and such is becoming a weekend thing. I have tried to do it during the day while I am at work and I need a mini break but, it's hard because my internet is being a jerk (seriously the slowest in the world) or stuff comes up that I need to attend to. But, I am completely capable of (and on some level excited for) getting a hot cup of chai or coffee and curling up on Sunday morning with my laptop to read all my favorite blogs and catch up! Now when you see a barrage of comments from me you know why...

3. Have you experienced Blogger burnout yet? How have you dealt with that? I think so? I'm not sure if I can attribute it completely to the blog though. Things in life were getting a little stressful for a while and sadly the blog and quality of the posts feel victim to it. It started with complaints but, then I realized no one really wants to hear about all that so, posts became shorter and to the point: I am wearing clothes... It's cold outside... But, despite the impending doom stress of the holidays I have been feeling more positive and I think when I can work my blogging schedule out things will be on a total upswing!

4. This time of the year is always a lot busier than any other time. Will your blogging change as a result? I am excited for the holidays but, they are definitely a huge source of stress. I think the daily outfit posts will continue as is but, I was thinking about another guest blogging thing while I am on vacation. I'm not sure exactly when that is going to be so, we'll see.

5. Could you forsee a moment in which you are not blogging anymore? How would you identify that it's time to walk away? I suppose there might come an occasion where I just don't have time for it anymore. I think that would be the reason... But, I have had some form of blog for more than 5 years. I like to write. I see that it is hard to make this work now but, I'm still having fun so I'm willing to put in a little extra effort. Maybe when I don't enjoy it anymore I would stop. If you couldn't tell I'm a bit torn! Maybe it won't always be this but, I'm not sure why or when that change will happen.