A New Addition

I would just like to introduce you to the newest member of the 260 Days, No Repeats team. That's right, a new laptop! No one from the school contacted me about my lost HP and without a decent computer I have been a bit disconnected from the world. That is until now... I don't want to bore you with the technical specs but, I am happy with it and more technologically savvy BF is happy with it as well! I would just like to take a moment and say he is the BESTEST BF ever since he was the one who actually footed the bill for this little baby, love him! On another largely positve note I was able to access alot of my back-ed up files from my external hardrive without any issues, back it up people!

January 26/28, 2011: Catching Up

So as you all know last weekend was pretty lousy for me. Thankfully the week to follow was filled with some seriously good things despite all the other junk. More to come on that later...

Wednesday was cold, kind of like the day before that and the day before that. Now let me tell you how I really feel... this cold is never going to end. I'm ready for you now spring, I really am! I am trying not to fall into the cozy style faux pas of skinnies tucked into snow boots every day but, it's SO hard. Do you have any advice on how to fight this? I welcome suggestions...

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

Thursday I was hip deep in snow when I left my apartment so... I stayed home. Thankfully so did BF and we dug out the car for my Friday trek to work. I had a job fair scheduled so I really wanted to make it into the office and off to the fair. The outfit was a little on the casual side for job fairs but, had a mentioned it was cold? Also, it was Friday and I hate to give up my denim. I sit behind a table anyway so no one really sees my legs anyway. Although, when I walked in someone mistook me for a student, awkward... I wouldn't wear this ensemble to a job fair! 

• Top: cream, yellow, and brown argyle sweater, GAP; orange tank top underneath, New York and Company 
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: brown suede boots, Chinese Laundry via DSW; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

FBFF: Surf It, Scroll It, Pose It, Click It... Technologic

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video, camera, tripod, etc...)

Well I have some pretty decent cameras: SONY DSC-H3 and Canon Rebel DSLR. The Sony is a point an shoot but, the pictures are amazing quality even though it is "only" 8.1 MP. It also has 10x Optical Zoom! I didn't know what that meant in the beginning either but, it comes in handy. That camera is the one that is used more when BF takes my pictures because I like the way they come out better. The Canon is also amazing but, I like it better when I use it. I'll take a photographer over a tripod anyday but, I have one of the latter as well. I had a computer until is was left behind, found, and apparently stolen last weekend... now I am using my old school laptop.

2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system, photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)

I had a HP, and can't remember the specifics. I use blogger and I'm pretty satisfied with it. With that all of my pictures are stored in Picasa but, I also keep kept them on the hard drive of my computer. I edit the shots with Microsoft Picture Editor for basic stuff and Picnik when I need to add text  but, that is rare.

3. What is your process for taking pictures?

The process is definitely evolving. In the beginning it was me and a stack of shoe boxes situated precariously on top of a chair in my hallway plus the timer. Then BF got me a tripod which helped. Then I decided I wanted to take outdoor pictures and I am too much of a chicken to haul my tripod out there like some other awesome bloggers so I asked BF to start taking the pictures. Originally that meant everyday before or after work heading downstairs to take pictures. He was not a fan and it was really not that efficient so, now we have been trying out picture taking Sunday. So far so good except I need to check the weather for the week before I decide what I'm wearing.

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?

I don't scout locations but, I try to change it up a little. There are alot of nice places around the building where I live. Maybe I should go further but, it's cold now and I don't want to go outside at all... In the spring/summer I plan on trying to be more adventurous.

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?

I would get some awesome software like Adobe Photoshop, that wouldn't really help the picture taking persay but, it would make editing or creating graphics alot more fun!

Check out everyone else's answers at ModlyChic!

January 25, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere Loves Stripes

Breton Stripes to be more specific! Here's a little history on that if you are unfamiliar. And here's a little history on stripes and myself: I love stripes but, was always told that more voluptuous ladies (like myself) should avoid them like the plague, "They will make you look broader, more masculine, wider, fatter, etc..." I get it but, I still love them. Lesson over...

If you are nervous about those well known pitfalls a small, thin stripe works better than a bold, wide one. Also adding accessories, like a chunky necklace or fun scarf, can break up the line that the stripes create. Lastly they don't always have to be black or navy. You could wear a brighter color (yellow, red, etc.) and since the contrast is not as stark the horizontal line is less noticeable. How do you like to wear your stripes?

• Top: black and white striped long sleeved t-shirt, Proenza Schouler for Target
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesy of Cougar; black and silver scarf, Old Navy/gift from BF's family; silver coin pearl necklace, V'ta; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns
  

 

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

 

January 21, 2011: For A Minute... Finally

Sorry for the hiatus, you know... life happens. Posting might be a little sporadic because I have lost my laptop. Either way, I am trying my best to avoid that... life goes on. What? Yeah, you read right, the brand new one that I got just less than a year ago, I'm a jerk. I accidentally left it at a weekend recruiting event at Lehman College and when I called security to ask if anyone had turned it in they said no. Totally my fault but, if you're the person who found it AKA an HP in the Music Hall with this website as a homepage please email me and I will gladly retrieve it from you.

Moving along... there was snow on Friday by here, for a few hours which almost feels like the blink of an eye when you are indoors. There was not a ridiculous amount of snow but, enough to force me into boots again. Is anyone else tired of the snow or is it just me? Hmmm I see you hiding with your snowball, it must just be me.

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

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

Featured: Smashion Interview

When I was asked to answer a few questions by the people over at Smashion I was super excited! Check out my interview here.

January 20, 2011: Fighting The Man

And by the man I mean the weather. I will not wear boots everyday this week, darn it! Since today is going to be the only day where crazy precipitation is not forcasted, it will have to be today. Tomorrow morning it's back tot he same old winter thing... How are you fighting "the man"?

• Top: purple rosette embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here and here)
• Bottom: gray pants, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, Aldo via Re/Dress NYC; gray shell earrings, gift from BF's mom; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP

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

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January 19, 2011: She Paints Me Blue

I have a confession to make, I didn't get to work yesterday. The rain/ice/snow/sleet that was falling out of the sky encased my car in a sheet of weather stuff. I should have taken a picture it probably looked pretty but, I digress... I spent forever cracking the ice with my trusty scraper and cleaning it off only to start slipping and sliding and I tried to drive to work. I made it about two blocks and decided it would be better to head home. All while wearing my leopard print flats... Crazy? Definitely! I couldn't feel my feet. I guess that outfit can be saved for another day since I didn't actually wear it to work; one when it's not "weathering". After checking the forecast I am sad to say it is a week of boots, except for maybe tomorrow. It's supposed to be sunny with snow again on Friday. Yes, style blogger and meteorologist.... eat your heart out Bill Evans.

Can we just talk about this skirt for a minute? I had spotted it in the GAP while shopping at full price ($46.50) and instantly fell in love. I am a sucker for anything ombre. For a bunch of reasons (my poorness, it's expensiveness, acheiving another month of no purchases) it didn't come home with me that day. But, many weeks later while actually Christmas shopping  I found one left in my size on sale for $13.00. BF told me to throw it on the pile of Christmas goodies for everyone else... love him! How else would you style this fab skirt?

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP outlet; white polka dot button down, Merona for Target
• Bottom: blue and gray ombre skirt, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos (not orginally pictured); black tights, Just My Size via CVS; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi

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

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January 18, 2011: Hot Pants

What did you guys end up doing on the long weekend? I did some 260 Days, No Repeats housekeeping... What do you think? I made the switch to Disqus... a hot topic in the blogger world, let me know how it's working. If it's lame I'll change it back but, I'd love to be able to respond to your comments! Overall, I think my non-techincal self did a pretty good job but, if anyone wants to design me a website for free I'm all ears.

Today is gross, end of story. Apparently this whole week is going to be gross, serisously end of story. So the shoes pictured might not be the one I'm actually wearing. Since I have been employing the "take all pictures on the weekend" method, I really should check the weather before hand! Memo to self for next week...

On a related note, I don't think I can adequately express to you how excited I am to wear pants today. After a (fun) week of tights and skirts it's nice to have the option. Don't get me wrong, I love skirts and dresses but, in this weather pants are a fantastic option: warm, cozy, and comfy!

• Top: teal embellished t-shirt, New York and Company; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York and Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

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

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And The Winner Is...

 

ANNALENE!!! Congratulations! I will be in touch shortly with details about your prize. Thanks to everyone who participated. I'm hoping to be able to bring you many more giveaways as 260 Days, No Repeats continues to grow and I hope you'll stick around to take part in that as well!

How To Shop An Outlet Mall

photo credit

Three day weekends often mean some sort of crazy shopping frenzy and this one is no different. Martin Luther King Day boasts remnants of after holiday goodies combined with a big push from retailers to get their winter products off the shelves so they can start bringing in warmer weather wares. It isn't quite Columbus Day but, it's pretty darn close! For some people these special circumstances demand a different type of shopping experience and they head to the nearest factory outlet. If you haven't ever been before or don't frequent these types of malls on a regular basis they can be intimidating and overwhelming. Here are some of my tips for having the most streamlined experience:

1. Check their website and find out the hours of the outlet shops in advance so you can get there as early as possible and beat the rush of people. Generally speaking, if you can shop on a weekday that is even better!
2. Before you leave make sure you are wear comfortable clothes that will be easy to take on and off in dressing rooms with a pair of comfortable shoes. Chances are you will be walking quite a bit...
3. I know you won't want to look like a tourist but, pick up a map of the outlet facility or do some research on the website in advance to determine the must visit stores. Also, keep it handy to find the location of the restrooms if needed.
4. Look for clearance racks and additional markdowns in stores (generally in the back) and keep your eye out for unusual items you might not find elsewhere, it is a outlet after all. Check the website deals before heading out they will probably have details listed there.
5. Generally speaking you should understand that sizes vary a great deal from store to store and season to season. Outlets are definitely no different, so be sure to try on clothing to ensure the right fit and inquire about return policies if available. Check all final sale items over closely to identify any defects before you buy.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Weekend Wear: Sunday Brunch

I don't know about where you live but, brunch is a pretty big thing in NYC. Have you ever seen Sex and the City? Exactly like that but, with less fabulous accessories... I'm not a regular brunch go-er (because $25.00ish a weekend adds up) but, when I heard that one of my favorite spots would no longer be serving brunch I just had to go for one last meal. My friend Alex was kind enough to join me and also take these pictures. The retaurant has lots of fun stuff on the walls in the lower level courtesy of De La Vega (similar to Banksy) and it was just the perfect place to take a picture. The hardest part was picking a quote to stand by!

• Top: orange tank top, J Crew with another tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos; sunglasses, Mossimo for Target; glass bead necklace, Christmas gift from Cousin M; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Rainbow Tights Week Roundup

I just wanted to share some of my favorite looks from this past week... I think yellow tights were a favorite all around! I also really loved the whimsical caped ensemble that Lydia sported on snow day Wednesday. I enjoyed pulling off peep toes in the winter something I had tried before but, could not do. Lastly, I appreciated Paul's enthusiasm about this entire experience! Those swirly tights are pretty amazing... What looks were you're favorite?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Guest Post: Iris @ Mad Dress Game

I hope everyone is enjoying there long weekend so far! I just wanted to let you all know about a guest appearance I am making today... on the internet! I was so happy to help out Frances Joy when she asked me to do a guest post while she is getting settled in Costa Rica. I'm talking about a few of my favorite things; You know, cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudel... Not actually but, check out the real story over at Mad Dress Game!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

January 13, 2011: I'm Oke

Well, that's what the wall told me... It's probably one of the kids who lives in my building. In my mind they must have seen me snapping pictures in the parking lot and left me a note, how sweet. It's probably in admiration of the fact that I am sacrificing my normal casual friday attire to finish out Rainbow Tight Week strong! I'm pretty proud of myself too, thanks for noticing. Actually, this must also be in reference to the teal and red combo, naturally! Yup, this outfit is a winner... more than oke by my standards!

• Top: red floral embellished top, Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's/gift from BF
• Bottom: black pencil skirt, Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; teal tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas gift from Cousin V (on sale here); onyx earrings, V'ta jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

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

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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

FBFF: Planning Ahead

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?

I organize my closet by color of clothing (it's just easier for me) and I go by that ex: "I am going to wear something red today!" The rest of it builds from that one piece I pick. Also, theme weeks/challenges help because they limit what I have to work with.

2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month, weekend?

I didn't used to plan my outfits in advance but, recently I have been looking at things a week at a time. This is mostly because my photographer AKA BF didn't really appreciate having to traipse downstairs after a long day everyday just to take my picture but, we discussed this already... It has kind of backfired on me though because thing happen (ahem, snow) and it hijacks me into altering the plan. I don't cry about it or anything but, I like to be authentic!

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?

This was the first question I was asked by a reader, here is my answer. Long story short: I am a nerd. To be honest though, I haven't really been great at keeping up with it but, if I think I might be repeating an outfit I just search a piece of it on 260 Days, No Repeats and cross reference what I want to wear with what comes up. It's worked out so far...

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet? (Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)

I'm sure there are a bunch of different ways for this but, not being able to wear the same combination of things definitely helps. I can't rely on the same outfits over and over so I'm forced to be creative. Normally, I start by throwing things together on the bed and if I like the way that looks I'll try them on then search for accessories, it's a process.

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?

I think the pre-planning of outfits will help tremendously and I have a few more theme weeks in the works so I am forced to focus on specific things in my closet but, I am open to suggestions!

Check out everyone elses answers over at Modly Chic!

Giveaway Reminder

Don't forget to enter this giveaway which ends Monday January 17, 2011. It is open to all readers in US/Canada! I will pick the winner via Excel/random.org. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on THE ORIGINAL POST letting me know what your favorite bath product is, LUSH or not... There are lots of ways to enter so take advantage of them!! Good luck!

January 13, 2011: Woman in Uniform

Sorry for the "technical difficulties" AKA snow day yesterday. If I had the power to control the weather we would be done with cold and snow; I am so over it, how about you? Yup, that's what I thought but, I digress...

I'm not sure if I love this outfit today. With the pumps as pictured it reminds me of a catholic school girl uniform. I swear these tights are an identical color to what some schools require in NYC and the modest plaid just seals the deal. The other thing it reminds me of is something a lumberjack would wear especially when I added my totally warm Cougar boots. Ok, fine maybe a really chic lumberjack... but, there is still snow that I have to climb through to get to my car this morning so, warm boots ALA lumberjack it is! What would you wear with forest green tights? How are you coping with this ridiculously cold weather?

• Top: black and gray plaid dress with pockets, LOFT; white long sleeved t-shirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar (not pictured at first); green tights, We Love Colors; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

My Note To Snow

January 11, 2011: They Call Me Mellow Yellow

Not rightly though because I am anything but that. In fact, I am so amped up I'm blurry... Not really this was just the best picture of the bunch but, I digress... Mustard yellow is one of my favorite colors in any wardrobe. I was so excited that these tights are such a great shade! It really punches up your outfit and goes well with a surprising amount of other colors "complimentary" or not. One of my favorites is with navy blue but, teal will do in a pinch! What is your favorite pop of color?

• Top: ivory sweater, Old Navy with a beige tank top underneath, for the modesty
• Bottom: blue, brown, black, and ivory pattern skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown pumps, Candies via Kohl's; yellow tights, We Love Colors; 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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Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

January 10, 2011: Yo, Yo Check Her Out!

That is what someone yelled to his buddy as I walked to my car this morning. I'm going to pretend it was in admiration of my bold fashion statement not anything mean or lecherous. New York City is well known for off color catcalls. I used to get them all the time when I was in high school but, they have lessened in frequency throughout the years. I suppose I'm not that young catholic school girl anymore (and I can't complain) but, I wonder if it is because I am older or more modest? Must be the modesty...

Anyway... Rainbow Tights Week! Lydia from Chic on the Cheap and I are focusing solely on the primary colors. I'm excited! Though, I'm a little on the fence about Friday because normally I can wear jeans to work and that doesn't really allow for tons of tight visibility. We are also going to be joined by Paul (a dancer) who started a blog just for this event! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

• Top: black, brown, and red paisley dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Shoes & Accessories: black and nude vintage inspired peep toe mary janes, Madden Girl via Loehmanns; red tights, We Love Colors; onyx earrings, V'ta; black belt, included with these pants; blue Foley + Corrina City Clutch, gifted via Plaza Too

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Giveaway: LUSH Goodies

Do you remember that story about the mix up with BF's mom's Christmas gift? Well, if not this will fill you in. When the people at LUSH said they were going to send me something for my trouble I was expecting a few token samples. I got so much more! Since I am trying to limit the amount of products I have I figured I would share some of that windfall with you... Here's what your playing for:

This giveaway will be until January 17, 2011 and is open to all readers in US/Canada! I will pick the winner via Excel/random.org. Here are the rules: become a follower in Google (if you aren't already) and leave a comment on this post letting me know what your favorite bath product is, LUSH or not... Don't forget to add your email so I can contact you! For bonus entries:

• 1 bonus entry - "Like" 260 Days, No Repeats on Facebook. Leave another comment letting me know you did this.
• 1 bonus entry - Follow 260 Days, No Repeats on Twitter. Leave another comment with your twitter handle.
• 3 bonus entries - Re-post this giveaway on your blog. Leave another comment letting me know you did this with the link.
• 5 bonus entries - Add 260 Days, No Repeats to your blogroll. Leave another comment letting me know you did this with the link.

Good Luck!!

January 7, 2010: Unintentional Deception

I have something to confess: all those fab pictures of my outfits this week were taken last Sunday, I know shocker! I'm sorry for deceiving you. I tried something different and planned my outfits for the week partly to save time in the morning and also to save my photographer from having to get up after he's come home from work to traipse downstairs and take my picture. I think he preferred it this way and I was able to be more calm in the morning so it worked out for everyone. Perhaps this will become a permanent thing at 260 Days, No Repeats but, I digress... kind of.

The reason that I am mentioning this now is because it is snowing and there is no way Target ballet flats are the shoe choice I am going to make to brave the snow. Granted it is only going to be 2-5 inches but, still! I opted for my new riding boots and am hoping that all the weather pre-treating that I did serves me well. Sadly, there will probably be no picture to communicate the new finished outfit to you since I am (hopefully) headed to the gym after work. Check back this weekend, I might have a surprise for you!

• Top: blue crochet neck blouse, LOFT (same shirt different color here); yellow tank top underneath (for the modesty), Proenza Schouler for Target; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company (not pictured)
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos (not originally pictured);  tiger's eye earrings, Citygirl Accessories; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

FBFF: Weighed, Measured, and Found Lacking? Blog Envy.

1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up?

I think the better question is, "Have I ever looked at someone's blog and not negatively judged my blog" and if I am brutally honest with myself the answer is generally, "No." I'm not sure why that is per say, maybe it's the culture we live it where we seem to be conditioned to compare ourselves and our things to other peers and their things. I suppose it's only natural...

2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers?

In terms of my personal style I really don't feel much pressure at all. I think I have a decent sense of fashion, what looks good on me, and what doesn't. If anything I am honestly inspired by, all of the people whose blogs I come across to try new things with what I already have!

There might have been more pressure in terms of what you see when you first arrive at any blog, that "home page" per say... people make quick judgements and I'm not sure 260 Days, No Repeats will always make the cut. I think my blog has experienced somewhat of a genesis since it's inception and that is continuing to improve the but, the layout and graphics are where I get the most critical and compare-crazy. I am not a graphic designer and I am not super savvy with HTML and such. If I had more money I could pay someone to create a header for me, design some buttons, change the font... In terms of layout I could probably manage that myself. We'll see what happens.

3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging?

It definitely doesn't hurt to share your creativity with everyone else, I think the reason that increases your level of success is because not everyone is going to be able to do what you do! It might be negative for me that I can "do it myself" bake, and be crafty but, that's not necessarily what I want to write about.

4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours?

I think I'm coming into the voice I want to share with people; It's the more loquacious version of my everyday self. I am sarcastic and silly but, generally more reserved. What? I work in HR. I find that it is similar to some other fashion bloggers and think we all must have been destined to be friends from the start!

5. Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge?

This is a hard question to answer! I thought one year of not repeating outfits to work would set me apart. That was what my intention was from the start but, there are people who have done this for a full year. Maybe I should have done that from the get go or maybe I should not wear the same outfit to work for 2 years or 5 years! Now, I'm getting ahead of myself... but, with so many other creative blogger out there how does one set themselves apart? The short of it is: I'm not sure but, I'll go with that no repeats thing. O, and maybe the handful of challenges that I have tried to get of the ground.

Check out everyone else's answers at ModlyChic!

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

Lorena asked me the other day if I had recieved any products for Christmas. I had but, I was waiting to exchange gifts with Alex to see if she had anything to throw in the mix... she didn't and that is OK! I do like the things I did get from everyone (including myself apparently) but, my favorite has to be the courtesy goodies from LUSH.

     

If you don't know LUSH, you should meet them, one sec... this is my friend LUSH, they invent their own beauty products and fragrances. They make them fresh by hand using little or no preservatives or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and tell you when and by whom they were made. Lovely Alex introduced me to them after a visit to London and I have loved them since before they were found in the USA. Thank goodness they hopped the pond, the long distance thing wasn't going to work forever!

When we asked BF's Mom what she wanted for Christmas she said she wanted peace on earth, good will twoards men, and some sweaters.We got the sweaters and thanks to LUSH we got her World Peace as well. I had originally ordered it through Amazon (if only it was that easy) and I guess in the hubbub of the holidays my order got passed over. I emailed them a few days before Christmas to check on the status and LUSH called me back that day to apologize profusely for the oversight, ship me the desired product overnight express and send me a few goodies for any trouble the oversight might have caused. Yup, it was the easy! 

Check out my updated list here!

January 6, 2011: Sparkle and Fade

Whoever said you shouldn't wear sequins in the office obviously never saw this shirt! I think it just screams "office appropriate amount of sparkle." In fact that's what it did when I was getting ready, it threw a little tantrum so I had to wear it! If only that went as well for me in real life but, I digress... It worked out for both of us (the shirt and I) since I have a belated Christmas dinner/gift exchange with my friend Alex immediately after work. What? We (Alex and I) made it just in time for the Epiphany, it's still the Christmas season. We (you and I) already know this top is an excellent choice for evening! It should have been a no brainer from the start. What do you wear when you need to hear from work to dinner/drinks/show?

• Top: green t-shirt with sequins embellishment, Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx/gift from Dad
• Bottom: brown and orange tweed pencil skirt, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; purple tights, Duane Reade; mixed metal earrings, gift from my co-worker Natalia/ModCloth; brown Loeffler Randall bag, Target (same bag different color here)
  
  
  

Items from this outfit are previously seen here:

January 5, 2011: Dance To The Music Of The Sun

I won't let these Wenesdays get me down! I am determined to fight the doldrums with so fun florals and bright colors. Hopefully that will trick me into a more positive state of mind; the glass is half full, the week is half over... Sounds good to me. We already know that I was (apparently) destined to be a dancer, so why not? How do you dance dress to put a smile on your face?

• Top: yellow scoopneck sweater, LOFT; floral print t-shirt, Vera Wang for Kohl's
• Bottom: black and white tweed pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target via The Unique Thrift Store/birthday gift from Mom 
• Shoes & Accessories:  black pumps, Candies via Kohl's; black tights, Just My Size via CVS; gray swarovski crystal earrings, Pennyweights; purple tote bag, Coach 

Items from this outfit are previously seen here: