A Little Flare and a Lot of Teeth

I love the movie Office Space. When I am picking out accessories for a work outfit I like to think of them as "pieces of flare". Accessories can add a lot f personality to an outfit and I'm really making an effort to utilize them more.

 I scored this necklace from Eloquii it was originally $37, on sale for $15. But, I had a 50% off promo code, so I got it for $7.50! (I also ordered an awesome teal green pencil skirt, but it is too big and has to be returned.)

Think I showed enough teeth in this picture? I usually take between 5 and 10 pictures each morning and then pick the one where the outfit looks the best and I don't look like a total zombie or weirdo. Today that means this picture with a giant grin.

Outfit:
Dress: H&M (also worn here)
Cardigan: Old Navy (also worn here)
Cami: H&M
Tights: ?
Boots: Coconuts via DSW
Necklace: Eloquii, link above.

Bird Brained

I have been eyeing this shirt at Old navy for a few weeks, but I was not willing to pay full price for it. Sometimes the wait pays off. I was able to get this shirt for just $15!

Look at those canaries! 

I apologize for the scarce outfit posts as of late. I'd like to blame it on some big event, but the truth is I was just scatter brained. It seems like I'm always running late either because I over slept, or because I spent so long deciding what to wear that I ran out of time to photograph it! (Any other bloggers have that problem?)

Outfit:

Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: Target

Cardigan: Old Navy

Belt: old?

Tights: Target

Pumps: Crown Vintage via DSW

Weekly Wishlist: Peplum Pretties

I stayed up late last night to watch the Oscars. My two favorite dresses both had a peplum style waist line.

Michelle Williams and Tina Fey at the Oscars- Image via celebuzz.com

I love the vintage look of peplums, and their ability to be formal or casual, but I haven't tried any peplum items on yet. I'm not sure how the style is going to work on my body shape, but I'm feeling inspired after seeing Tina fey work it on the red carpet last night. Here are a few more casual peplum items I've got my eye on.

Image via Forever21.com

Matelasse Peplum Top: Forever 21+ $22.80

I think this shirt would look great with a pencil skirt for work, or dressed down with some skinny jeans and flats on the weekend. I'd add a brightly colored skinny belt to it for a pop of color. 

Image via dorothyperkins.com

 Green Peplum Dress: Dorothy Perkins $49

I love this dress. The modest neckline and long length would make it a great workwear dress, but the green color and slight peplum make it a little more fun than the typical black or gray shift dress. Available in sizes 2-18. I've never ordered from Dorothy Perkins, but I may have to give it a shot. 

Image via Asos.com

Leopard Print Peplum Top: Asos Curve $44.76

This top is so fun! I've been wanting to add one or two leopard print items to my closet. I can never justify spending over $40 on a shirt, but if the price goes down this shirt might make an appearance in my closet.

Image via Dorothyperkins.com

Purple Curve Seamed Dress: Dorothy Perkins $75

This A-line dress with a slight peplum detail at the waist feels a little more safe to me than the exaggerated peplum shapes. I really love the rich deep purple color and all of the structure and detail on the bodice.

How do you feel about peplums? What were your favorite Oscar gowns?

Mustard and teal

I am developing an obsession with what I like to call "old-man cardigans" I was really excited to find this dark mustard colored number during my thrifting adventure last weekend. 

I'm starting to see mustard yellow as kind of a neutral color. It has become my go-to color for color mixing experiments. You may recognize this teal and black striped dress from my very first outfit post. It's amazing how different it looks by changing the cardigan and belt. 

Outfit:

Dress: Forever 21+

Cardigan: thrifted (men's vintage section at Garment District)

Boots: Madden Girl

Belt: Forever21

Earrings: Old, I think they were a gift?

Lady in Red

Red is not really my favorite color, but I just couldn't pass up this blazer. It's vintage- my guess is 80s, but thankfully it does not have shoulder pads. And it looked virtually brand new! I meant to take some pictures of the details on it. It has really great pleating at the pockets and in the back.

The weather in Boston has been fantastic this week, hence the bare ankles and cropped pants. Someone commented on a previous post that I have really skinny ankles. It's not something I've ever noticed or thought to emphasize before, but I'll take it!

Outfit:
Blazer: Vintage from the Garment District
Shirt: Old Navy
Pants: Target
Shoes: Crown Vintage via DSW clearance

Casual, comfortable

I wore this outfit last Friday. I didn't post it because it's nothing special. I changed my mind because the reason that I do outfit posts almost every day is to show that I'm a real woman, with a real closet. 

Just some boring but comfortable basics.  Don't get me wrong, I love putting outfits together, but sometimes I just want to grab something and throw it on. 

Outfit:

Shirt: Target I think? It's old

Camisole: H&M

Jeans: Forever 21+

Flats: Target

Weekly Wishlist: Wedge Sandals Under $40

If I had to pick one thing I hate most about dressing for cold weather it would be the limitations on my footwear choices. I hate socks and having to wear boots all the time. I am much more comfortable in a pair of strappy sandals, flats, or peep-toes.

As soon as the weather warms up (it is going to get into the high 50s tomorrow!) I start dreaming of wedge sandals. I find wedges easier to walk in and more comfortable for all day wear than heels. They're also dressy enough for a casual office setting. Here are a few pairs I've got my eye on that are under $40.

Image via DSW.com

 Aerosoles Plush Wedge Sandal in Cognac: DSW $39.95

Since purchasing (and wearing the hell out of) my cognac colored riding boots, cognac has become one of my favorite neutral shoe colors. This pair of cognac wedges is guaranteed to be comfortable since Aerosoles makes them, and they're available in wide width!

Image via torrid.com

Lena Coral Cork Wedge Heels: $39.50 from Torrid

I love coral! Torrid has some really cute, on trend shoes on their website. I can't speak to the quality of their shoes because there is not a Torrid store in my area, but they look nice and are available in wide widths.

Image via DSW.com

Madden Girl Kenzley Wedge Sandal in Taupe: $29.94 from DSW

This neutral pair of wedges would be very versatile. Madden Girl shoes tend to be fairly comfortable and decently priced if you get them at DSW or Famous Footwear. 

Image via payless.com

Christian Siriano T-Strap Wedge in Turquoise: $29.99

I've been wearing a lot of blue lately, so these strappy wedges in various shades of blue would be a really great addition to my closet. I might have to get them the next time Payless has a BOGO sale.

Do you prefer wedges or heals?

Monochrome

Happy Presidents day readers! I love three day weekends. I decided to participate in two birds' Inspiration Monday this week. Here is the inspiration photo:

I really liked the monochromatic blue look SJP is rocking, so I decided to recreate it with a blue dress and blue cardigan.

In looking back at my outfit posts over the past week or so, I realize I've been wearing a lot of blue lately. I think part of the reason for that is that some of the newer pieces in my wardrobe are blue, and when I get something new I wear it a lot. 

Outfit:

Dress: Marshall's or TJMaxx?

Cardigan: Old Navy

Bag: Jason Wu for Target

Tights: Target

Belt: H&M

Shoes: DSW

Bracelet: Thrifted

I'm off to meet my sweetie for lunch and a walk in the Boston Common. What are you doing with your three day weekend? 

Blue pants and thrift store adventures

I owe this weekend to signing up for emails from the places I shop at regularly. Upon receiving an email indicating that all of their denim is on sale for $19, I headed to Old Navy after work Friday in hopes that they would have the bright blue denim crops I've been eyeing for weeks in my size. They did!

I wore this ensemble yesterday to meet some friends for brunch and thrifting in Cambridge. It was just warm and sunny enough for me to show some ankle and wear a trench coat instead of a heavy winter coat.

After mimosas and delicious food at the Friendly Toast we went to the Garment District. I received an email earlier in the week indicating they are having a 50% off everything sale! I had a really successful trip, scoring two scarves, a red vintage blazer, two vintage cardigans, and a blue vintage dress all for $30! And I got a $5 off coupon for my next visit. I am excited to go back and see if they'll take some of my clothing on consignment for store credit. 

Picture my friend Tessa snapped while we were at the Garment District

Outfit:

Blue Pants: Old Navy

White Tank: H&M

Cardigan: old- not sure where I got it.

Scarf: gifted

Flats: Payless

Did you score any thrift store goodies this weekend?

Equestrian

This is my take on the equestrian theme. Black leggings, riding boots, and a tailored yet over-sized button up. 

I call these my fancy leggings because they have pockets and area a really thick, high quality fabric. A lot nicer than my typical $8 Target leggings. I got this shirt at H&M abut a year ago. I'm not a big fan of button ups. The never seem to fit me right. They pucker at the boobs, or don't fit over by hips. The tailoring on this one is really flattering. I call it a button up tunic. And you want to know the best part?

It has pockets!

Outfit:

Shirt: H&M

"Fancy" Leggings: American Rag- Macy's

Belt: H&M

Boots: DSW

Bracelet: Claire's

What do you think of equestrian inspired outfits? 

Untucked

I purchased this shirt in November. It was a great buy because it is really versatile. You may recognize it from this post. This time I untucked it and paired it with a pencil skirt and a belted cardigan.

I think the blue cardigan adds some brightness to an otherwise neutral outfit. Please excuse the cords in the background. This picture was taken at my beau's apartment and he recently rearranged his living room.

Outfit:
Blouse: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy
Skirt: Target
Boots: DSW
Belt: H&M

Stripes and Plaid

Last week I saw this post where fellow Boston blogger, Hannah, from Chill Air and Perfume did some pattern mixing with stripes and plaid. I really liked her outfit and I've been meaning to wear this skirt, so I thought I'd give it a shot myself. 

I wore this skirt a lot last winter, but I haven't worn it at all this year. Since I dress up all week for work I have been more likely to grab jeans on the weekend.

Outfit:
Shirt: H&M
Skirt: thrifted
Belt: Forever 21
Leggings: Target
Cardigan: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

Sweet Hearts

Happy (belated) Valentine's Day everyone! Yesterday I decided to embrace the cheese and wear coral, pink and a heart-printed sweater. 

I spent part of my VDay sending out Vagina Monologues casting emails. We had nearly 40 women audition, and I know it is going to be an awesome show. Last night I had a low-key evening with my sweetie. We ate fried chicken (a weird Valentine's day tradition for us) and watched Glee and New Girl.


Outfit:
Dress: H&M
Camisole: Old Navy
Sweater: vintage/ thrifted
Tights: H&M
Belt: H&M
Boots: DSW 

Weekly Wishlist: Statement Necklaces

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Stuck in neutral

I wear a lot of black, brown and gray. I'm trying to incorporate more color into my outfits, but sometimes I wear neutrals from head to toe.

I wore this outfit on Thursday for an employee appreciation day and crisis intervention training at work. I work for a human services nonprofit, so our dress code is pretty relaxed. However, since I'm in human resources I feel extra pressure to look professional on days when I interact with a lot of staff.

Outfit:
Shirt: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy
Pencil Skirt: Target
Boots: DSW coconuts (wide calf)
Belt, bracelet and earrings: Forever 21

back to basics

We had a really spring-like Friday. As much as I love all the layers of winter, it was nice to strip down to the basics and just wear jeans and a blouse. 

I'm often between plus sized and straight sizes, so I was really excited when I discovered the beauty of the 0X. This shirt is from Macy's American Rag line. They always have really cute pieces, but I think they're a little pricey for the quality, so I wait until they are on clearance. This butterfly shirt was on clearance for $19!

Outfit:

Shirt: Macy's American Rag (not available online)

Jeans: Old Navy

Boots: Coconuts DSW (wide calf)

Necklace: gifted

A mystery color

 I don't know what to call this color. It isn't mustard yellow, and it isn't green. Whatever color it is, I love this shirt, especially the pleating at the neckline! 

I rarely feel up for going through the shirts at Marshalls or TJMaxx. They're often poorly organized and there's so much it can be overwhelming. I usually look at dresses, shoes and accessories and skip blouses and pants. I found this shirt at Marshalls over the summer on one of my rare adventures into the separates section, and I'm definitely glad I did! 


Outfit:

Shirt: Marshalls

Pants: Old Navy, thrifted

Cardigan: Old Navy

Flats: Old Navy

Necklace: gifted

What would you call this color?

Black and white and red all over

This dress is another one of my favorites. I picked it up toward the end of the summer last year and I think I wore it once a week all through the rest of the summer and fall. It's flattering and versatile. What more could a girl want?

I rocked this ensemble to work on Tuesday and then to auditions for the Boston community production of the Vagina Monologues that I co-organize. I have been involved with the VDAY movement for a number of years. Ending violence against women and girls is a cause near and dear to my heart. I love meeting women from all backgrounds and walks of life when we come together to perform and raise lots of money for groups that benefit girls and women. We are also holding auditions this Saturday, so if you know any strong, talented women in the Boston area who may be interested, please send them my way!

Outfit:
Dress: H&M
Cardigan: NY&Co.
Belt: Forever21
Tights: H&M
Boots: Madden Girl- not wide calf, but very roomy.

Professional Pajamas?

Monday I had one of those days where I just didn't want to get out of bed. On those days I always reach for wide leg dress pants. they feel just like pajamas!

Not a lot to say about this one, just pants and a sweater on a lazy, chilly Monday.

Outfit:
Pants: Macy's
Sweater: Forever21 4 or 5 years ago
cami: H&M
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Street Vendor

Comfy in Never-land

I wore this comfy outfit on Saturday to run some errands. It wasn't until I looked at my outfit photos that I realized I had a little peter-pan thing going on with my green sweater and brown boots.

There's nothing more comfy on a cold Saturday than an over-sized sweater, comfy jeans, and a warm pair of boots. I picked up this cardigan at a thrift store (from the men's section) back in September for $5. It is vintage, a lovely shade of kelly green, and 100% wool. 

Outfit:

Sweater: Thirfted at Bommerangs in JP

Blouse: Macy's last year

Jeans: Old Navy a few years ago.

Boots: Payless last year (they're wide calf!)

Belt: Forever 21

Super

I'm not really into watching sporting events on TV. I do love the Olympics, and the World Cup, but football is the absolute worst. So boring and violent! Despite my lack of love for football, I love a good Superbowl party. The food, the commercials, Madonna, CeeLo in a giant sparkly preacher robe? Sounds like a party to me.

So apparently I labeled myself as a Giants fan by wearing this cobalt blue dress. I guess I picked the right shade of blue since they won? This dress is one of my favorites. It gets a lot of play in the summer, but usually hides out in the back of my closet when the cold sets in. Sunday I was missing my favorite dress, so I decided to try pairing it with some comfy layers. Mission accomplished. 

Outfit:

Dress: TJ Maxx a few years ago

Hoodie: Target

Camisole: H&M

Sweater tights: H&M

Boots: DSW

I should add that when I went outside this is what I looked like:

Scarf: Gifted

Coat: Filene's basement going out of business sale for $60!

Weekly Wishlist: A Bright Trench

Living in Boston has turned me into a woman of many coats. It is "jacket weather" 3/4 of the year here, so having fashionable and functional outerwear for all types of weather is a must. Each season since I moved here in Dec. 09 I purchase a new coat to add to my collection. I have a knee length wool pea-coat, a short wool pea-coat, a knee length down filled coat, and an olive green rain trench. (Here's a link to my trench in black.)

My faithful little rain trench is awesome for fall (I lived in it from late September- early December this year). It is waterproof and light weight, but also blocks out a lot of the wind. Last spring it proved to be a little too warm on days when it was a little chilly but not cloudy, windy, and rainy. It is also a really dark color, and doesn't go as well with my warm weather wardrobe. Who wants to wear a dark olive colored coat in June?

This spring I'm hoping to purchase a lightweight trench in a bright color. Here are a few I have my eye on:

Image via Modcloth.com

Femme in Fuschia Coat: Modcloth $74.99

I really love the bright pink color of this double breasted trench. Unfortunately it only goes up to size large, so it won't be mine. It's super pretty and reasonably priced so I thought I'd share it with you anyways. Similar coat by DKNY at Macy's.

Image via Modcloth.com

Emerald School Coat: Modcloth $164.99

Bright green with an ocean blue trim, this coat makes me want to take a walk on the beach! It is available in sizes 6-18, although it looks like they're sold out of most sizes right now.

Image via Target.com

Merona Belted Trench: Target $49.99

 I really like the buttery yellow color. It also comes in red, white, black, taupe and grey, and it's budget friendly! Available in sizes XS- XXL

 

 

Image via oldnavy.com

 Tab-Sleeve Trench Coat in Astroturf: Old Navy $49.94

Another budget friendly trench. I love the bright green color and the button tabs for rolling up the sleeves. Available in sizes XS-XXL.

What kind of coat do you like to wear for spring?

Out of my comfort zone

As long as I can remember I have avoided drawing a lot of attention to the lower half of my body. I've seen people of all shapes and sizes rock boldly colored pants, but I never thought it was a trend I could pull off. When I saw these dark red corduroys at Forever 21, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try.

I've had these pants for a few months and, much to my surprise, they have  become one of my favorite wardrobe pieces. They're super comfortable and warm.

Outfit:
Pants: Forever21+
Shirt: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: Thrifted from the Garment District
Shoes: Target

Now that I've got a little experience rocking the boldly colored pants, I am really coveting these green skinnies!

Dress Obsessed

I love dresses. In fact, I have a whole board on Pinterest dedicated solely to dresses. I carry most of my weight below the waist, so it is a lot easier for me to find dresses that fit than it is for me to find fitted bottoms. I am most comfortable in a dress with leggings or tights and a cardigan. 

I really love this dress. In fact, I love it so much that I bought it in two colors, and I've been thinking of stopping by H&M for one more. I wore the coral one last week but didn't get outfit photos because I had to be into work early that day. (I am really not a morning person.)

Outfit:

Dress: H&M

Camisole: very old, but I think Old navy

Cardigan: Old Navy

Tights: Target

Boots: DSW (wide calf) 

When I find a basic item that I really like I tend to buy it in several colors. Do you own multiple colors of the same style, or do you like more diversity in your wardrobe?

Men's Cardigan and Polka dots

When you're out shopping, don't count out the men's section of your favorite stores. I absolutely love men's cardigans. They tend to run just a little bit longer than women's cardigans and they typically have pockets.  Typically colors in the men's department are pretty basic, but every now and then you'll find something unusual like this teal number.

A pencil skirt, basic shirt and a cardigan is kind of my work "uniform".  It is the combination I gravitate towards for the office, especially if I am doing in person interviews, or anything where I need to look especially professional (I work in HR). This fun polka dot skirt adds a little sass to an otherwise basic look. 

Outfit:

Tank: H&M

Cardigan: H&M Men's 

Skirt: Torrid

Belt: Forever 21

Pumps: DSW, Crown Vintage

Necklace: Gifted

Do you ever incorporate men's wear into your wardrobe?