Weekly Wishlist: A White Dress for Work

I really like building my work wardrobe around neutral pieces. One piece I'd really like to add to my closet is a work- appropriate white dress. The styling possibilities of a white dress are endless. It could be paired with a bright blazer or cardigan, layered with tights and boots in winter, or kept simple with metallic accessories. Here are a few white dresses I have my eye on.

Image via talbots.com

Linen Cap-Sleeved Dress- Talbots $149-$169

This dress is available in a number of colors and in sizes 2-24. Petite and plus sizes are also available! I love the idea of a crisp white linen dress in theory. However, in practice I'm afraid it wouldn't work, seeing as how I don't own an iron. 

image via shabbyapple.com

White Lace "Malt Shop" Dress: Shabby Apple $86

I've seen a number of short sleeved, knee length white lace dresses. I think it might be my favorite style of white dress.  I chose to feature this one because of the vintage feel it has. I've never ordered from Shabby Apple, but I've been wanting to give them a try. 

image via dorothyperkins.com

Ivory Pleated Pocket Dress: Dorothy Perkins $44

One of these days I'm going t order something from Dorothy Perkins! I love the unique neckline of this dress. And it has pockets! Available in sizes 4-18. 

image via asos.com

Dress with Chiffon skirt and Exposed Zipper: Asos- $80.57

How can you go wrong with an A-line, flowy dress? I can imagine putting this dress on and spinning in circles! I'm a little concerned about the sheer detail on the chest being work appropriate, but I imagine a white or nude bra would be okay. Available in sizes 14-22. 

What are your thoughts on white dresses? Which would you choose?

Back to Layers

Monday it was really chilly and windy. After a week of warm, almost summer like weather, I was a little sad to have to put on tights again. But then again, it is March.

I refuse to let chilly weather get me down, so I decided this bright yellow cardigan was just the thing to brighten my spirits, and my outfit. 

Outfit:

Dress: Forever21+ last year

Cardigan: Old Navy 2 or 3 years ago

Tights: Target

Flats: Target

Bracelet: Claire's

Success!

This weekend marked my sixth year participating in the VDay Movement. Knowing that I'd be super busy with the show I took Friday off, and boy was I glad I did! It was a beautiful 75 degree, sunny day. I was super excited to try one of my H&M faux wrap dresses without tights.

I worked with a group of about 30 women to put on benefit performance of the Vagina Monologues. The show was a great success. We raised nearly $4500 for YWCA Boston, Boston GLOW, and YBWS. I had a lot of fun, and I'm really proud of the work we did. However, I am definitely glad the show is over so I can have my evenings and weekends back. Now if only that nice weather would come back...


Outfit:
Dress: H&M
Cami: Forever21+
Sandals: Payless
Necklace: Gift

Favorite Things

Sandals, a breezy dress, polka dots, a cardigan, these are a few of my favorite things.

It was 80 degrees in Boston on Thursday. I didn't get to spend much time outside, but I was excited anyways. This dress is one of my favorite pieces of clothing, and I love my flat brown sandals. Some day I'd like to live somewhere where I can wear a dress and sandals every day!

Outfit:
Dress: H&M
Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: H&M
Necklace: Eloquii
Shoes: Payless last year.

Working Blues

I bought a coral pencil skirt at Target a few weeks ago without trying it on. It fit kind of funny, so I decided to take it back. I still wanted to add a colored bottom to my closet, so when I saw these pants on the rack I had to try them on.

I probably didn't need another pair of blue pants in my closet, but I can wear this pair to work! The best part? I had coupons for both the pants and the shirt!

Outfit:

Shirt: Target- Merona

Pants: Target- Mossimo

Wedges: Madden Girl via DSW

Renewal

On Sunday I revisited Urban Renewals, a thrift store in the Allston neighborhood of Boston that I'd been to a few times before, but never with much luck. I am really glad I decided to give it a second chance. I found two pencil skirts, and a new with tags Banana Republic Blouse all for $9! I was really excited to wear this pencil skirt. It has pockets!

I know I keep ranting about this warm weather we've been having, but I love spring. Despite the allergies, it has always been my favorite season. I love breaking out my sundresses and sandals, and putting away my boots and sweaters. These metallic wedges were an end of the season clearance purchase last year, and I couldn't wait to wear them again.

Outfit:
Blouse: Old Navy Clearance!
Cardigan: Target, very old
Skirt: Old Navy, thrifted
Shoes: Payless end of season clearance last year

Weekly Wishlist: Tote Bags for work/ the gym

I recently joined YMCA Boston as part of my efforts to have a more healthy lifestyle. The last time I went to the gym regularly was in college when I still owned a car. I would just throw my gym items in a reusable shopping bag and leave them in my car until it was time to go to the gym. Since I take public transit everywhere, I don't really have that option anymore. I think it's time I invest in a nice tote that can hold my gym clothes, sneakers, and my lunch. Here are a few I've got my eye on.

Image via DSW.com

Steve Madden Bangle Color Block Tote: $59.95 DSW

Coral and blue are my favorite colors to wear in warm weather, so I love, love, love this bag. $60 is a little more than I'm willing to pay for a faux leather bag, but if I saw it on sale I would buy it in an instant. 

Image via asos.com

Mint Shopper: $31.33 Asos

Asos calls this color mint, but I think it looks like a light blue. Either way I like it, and I love the price.

Image via dsw.com

the Sak Large Tote: $89.95 at DSW

This bag is a little pricey, but it's actually not a bad deal when you take into account the fact that the bag is real leather. I love the springy green color and the braided handle. 

Image via oldnavy.com

Color-blocked tote: $17.99 Old Navy

I love the colors of this simple tote, and the price can't be beat! 

Like a Rock Star

It was about 70 degrees in Boston on Sunday, so I was really excited to wear my new Madden Girl wedges. You may recognize them from this weekly wishlist. I had been coveting them for weeks, so imagine my excitement and surprise when I found them in the DSW clearance section for 70% off! $12 wedges? Yes please!

There's something about wearing skinny jeans with heels or wedges that makes me feel like a rock star. Maybe it is because a few extra inches on my 5'7" frame makes me a giant? I definitely had some swagger in my step on Sunday.

Outfit:
Blouse: Forever 21
Jeans: Old Navy
Wedges: Madden Girl via DSW
Bracelet: thrifted necklace

In a rut

This outfit is actually from about two weeks ago. It was a casual Friday outfit that I just threw together, and I hadn't planned on posting it. However, I can't find my camera cord to upload any of my recent outfits, so here it is!

When it comes to putting outfits together, lately I've been in a bit of a creative rut. I'm hoping the heat wave we're having in Boston right now will inspire me to be a little more creative with my choices this week.

Outfit:
Blazer: Vintage, thrifted (Also seen here)
Blouse: Old Navy (Also seen here)
Jeans: Forever 21+
Flats: Payless

All Tied Up

I decided to take advantage of the last of our unseasonably warm weather and go bare legged again. After trying on every cardigan in my closet with this dress I decided to try something new. I grabbed my dotted button down, tied it up, and viola!

I really like the result and I think it would work even better with a bright colored dress.

Confession: I changed shoes before leaving the house because I was feeling self conscious about my unpainted toenails. I just can't bring myself to wear open-toed shoes with naked toes!


Outfit:
Dress: H&M
Blouse: Old Navy
Peep toe flats: Payless

Weekly Wishlist: Pleated A-Line skirts

I've seen a lot of flowy, pleated midi-length A-line skirts on bloggers lately and I've been having a little skirt envy. I think I'm going to have to ad at least one A-line skirt to my closet. Here are a few potential winners:

Image via Talbots.com

Voile Crystal- Pleat Skirt: Talbots $79.50 ($89.50 for Plus sized)

 I love the crisp green color of this skirt, and the size availability. It is available in sizes 2-20 and 14W-24W. Might be worth the splurge!

Image via oldnavy.com

Pocket Tea-Length Swing Skirt: Old Navy $29.94

This skirt has pockets! I only wish it were available in a brighter color. Available in sizes XS- XXL.

Image via forever21.com

Pleated Polka Dot Skirt: Forever 21 $22.80

Green AND polka dots? I'm in love! I really wish this skirt were available in plus sizes. It's A-Line, so maybe I can squeeze into a large? I'll have to look for it in-store this weekend. 

Seen any pretty A-Line skirts lately?

Spring Break!

My beau is in law school, so spending time together is always a challenge. This week is his spring break, so we spent the whole weekend together. I also took Monday off, and I'm so glad I did. It was sunny and 70 degrees in Boston!

The beau and I hit up an Indian buffet for lunch (YUM!) and then went walking in the Arnold Arboretum. the arboretum is one of my favorite places in Boston. I could spend hours there. This picture was taken in front of the only plant in the whole arboretum that was in bloom, but it was beautiful! Sorry for the fuzzy picture. I forgot my camera, so the cell phone had to do.

Outfit:
T-Shirt: Old Navy
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters men's clearance section a few years ago
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Toms
Sunnies: ?

Sunshine and bare legs

It's snowing this Saturday morning in Boston, so it's hard to believe that just 48 hours ago it was a balmy 65 degrees out. Thursday was a beautiful spring day, so I celebrated by ditching the tights and going bare legged.

I've had this skirt for what feels like forever. I can't actually remember when I bought it, but I think it was my freshman year of college, so about 6-7 years ago. It's one item that always fits even when my weight fluctuates, and I'm still finding new ways to wear it. I think this is the first time I've tucked a shirt into it.

Outfit:
Shirt: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy
Belt: Forever 21
Skirt: H&M forever ago
Flats: Target
Necklace: a gift

Do you have any pieces in your closet that are over 5 years old, but still get a lot of wear?

Mood brightener

Work has been really tough this week, but a little heat wave is (almost) making the week bearable. Wednesday's fore cast called for highs in the high 50s, so I decided a little bare ankle and some bright colors were in order. Somehow wearing bright colors elevates my mood a bit. 

I went for another blue monochromatic look. I stuck with a neutral pant and shoe to keep the outfit appropriate for a business casual office. I am really loving blue right now. I have added so much blue to my wardrobe in the bast few months that lately I have been consciously trying to avoid the color when shopping.

Outfit:
Cami: Old Navy also seen here
Cardigan: Old Navy also seen here and here
Pants: Target
Flats: Payless

What colors dominate your wardrobe?

Stripes and shopping limits

This shirt is another Old Navy clearance find. I only paid $5.50 for it and I've already worn it twice! The stripes look like they were hand painted with water colors, and I really love the twisted neckline. Who says curvy girls can't wear horizontal stripes? 

My beau and I are moving in together in September. I'm super excited, but moving is super expensive! Moving related expenses are making my already tight budget tighter than usual, so I am going to start to institute a strict shopping budget. For March I'm allotting $125 for clothing, accessories and cosmetics. Check my progress on the side bar --->

Outfit:

Shirt: Old Navy

Pants: Target

Boots: Coconuts via DSW

Nonprofit Jungle

I did not want to get out of bed Monday morning. After hitting snooze five times and taking a really long shower I left myself with out a lot of time to get ready. When I'm low on time I reach for a dress. 

Work has been super busy for me lately. Putting on a zebra dress and some fierce heeled boots gave me the attitude to strut on into my office and attack my ever-growing to do list.


Outfit:
Dress: Forever 21+
Cardigan: Old Navy
Boots: Madden Girl
Necklace: Eloquii

What do you wear when you need to get down to business?

Business casual

Work was really stressful last week, and the weather was terrible! Cold, snow and rain made me want to dress as casually as I could get away with in a business casual office environment. I don't think these red corduroy pants are going to transfer well into my spring wardrobe, so I'm getting as much wear out of them as I can while there's still a chill in the air.

I dressed up an otherwise boring outfit with some metallic ballet flats and gold and silver bracelets.
Outfit:
Tunic: H&M last year
Pants: Forever 21+
Flats: Old Navy

Brunch Booty

I have had one of those weekends where you don't get dressed. I've spent the weekend in leggings and sweaters. I finally got dressed this morning to go to brunch with my guy. I was excited to show him my new black skinny jeans because I think my booty looks great in them and I thought he'd agree.

I didn't take a picture of my booty (I'll spare y'all that shot) but my guy did compliment me on the jeans. Brunch was delicious and then I went back home and changed back into leggings and a sweater:)

Outfit:
Shirt: H&M a few years ago
Cardigan: H&M Men
Black Skinnies: Old Navy
Flats: Target
Necklace: Gifted