Uninspired

I don't take blog photos very often these days. To be honest, I don't have an excuse. I just don't feel motivated by it like I used to. I still enjoy reading blogs, and I still love shopping, but I just haven't been feeling inspired to step out of the box with my outfits. No crazy color combos or pattern mixing for this lady as of late.

In short, I've been feeling uninspired. Maybe I need to seek out some new blogs to read, or maybe I need to hit up pinterest again. I'm not sure.

I'm reaching out to you for help. Who/ what inspires you? Help me break out of my rut! 

Outfit: Shirt- Old Navy; Pants- Target; Flats- Target; bracelets- various

Jumping for Joy

Wednesday was an awesome day. I woke up to news that State Senator Wendy Davis's filibuster against an egregious antiabortion bill in the Texas Senate actually worked. Feeling cheery and optimistic, I decided to wear this crazy Asos neon shirt dress I got from Gwynnie Bee.

I'd slept with my hair in buns Tuesday nights with the hopes I'd acheive beachy waves, and it actually worked! 

Outfit: Dress- Asos Curve via Gwynnie Bee; Sandals- old Payless similar; Belt- thrifted

A women's rights victory, a bright dress, and beachy wavy hair Could this day get any better?

Well, yes. Before I'd even finished my morning coffee the Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA, is unconstitutional. DOMA kept legally married same-sex spouses from getting federal benefits allotted to other married couples. The federal government has finally recognized that love is love. and that makes me want to jump for joy. 

While that decision, and the decision regarding California's Prop 8 don't make same sex marriage a constitutional right, they are certainly a step in the right direction. Hopefully we'll see more states join Massachusetts, Maryland, and co. in recognizing that love is love, no matter your gender. 

A Little Old, a Little New

For the most part, I've stuck to my one in one out policy regarding my wardrobe. Having a membership to Gwynnie Bee has certainly helped, a well as having a nice collection of garments that were purchased last year that I'm not bored of yet.

Lately I've been trying to mix newer items in with older items. When I buy something new I try to envision all the items in my wardrobe I can mix and match it with, and what old or ill-fitting item it will replace. 

For instance, this cardigan replaced a similarly colored cardigan that had seem better days. This scarf was purchased because I knew it would add some fun to a lot of existing  items in my closet and that it could be worn in the spring, summer and fall. This skirt and these sandals are both from last summer.

Outfit: Skirt- OldNavy similar from asos; Tank and Scarf- H&M; Shoes- B.O.C similar; Cardigan- Gap Outlet similar

Now if I would just take the giant bag of clothes I'm getting rid of to be sold/ donated... 

PS: If you live in Massachusetts, don't forget to vote in the US Senate Special Election today!!
Learn where to vote HERE.

Busy Lady

I had my three month review at work last week. I can't believe I've been there three months already. Lately I feel like I blink and another week has passed. I am definitely not complaining. I'm lucky to have a job that I love, a man that I adore spending time with, great friends, and lots of activities and social ventures to keep me busy. 

I'm also lucky to have some fun trips and activities planned for the coming weeks. I'll be spending Memorial Day weekend in New York, and then two weeks after that Mike and I are doing a little weekend getaway to the Cape.

I'm hoping I'll find plenty of time on those trips to take some outfit photos, so that I can stop posting photos 2-3 weeks after I take them!

Outfit: Skirt- ? Marshalls 2008; Tank and belt- H&M; Blazer- ? TJ Maxx; Shoes- Lucky Brand via Marshalls

I want to thank all of you that still read and comment despite my blogging negligence. I may not always respond to comments, but I assure you, I read and love all of them. I also love reading your blogs while I unwind in the evenings, or on my phone in the elevator at work. Y'all are awesome! 

Feminine, Classic, and Fuss Free

The further I get into my 20s, the more developed my personal style becomes. I like simple, classic prints like polka dots and stripes. I love dresses, skirts, flowy blouses, and strappy sandals. I shy away from fussy or complicated. I don't wear a lot accessories. I wouldn't dare call myself sophisticated.

This outfit feels very me. Feminie, classic, and fuss free.

I bet you'll be seeing a lot of this dress this summer. The navy and white stripes are so versatile.

Outfit: Dress- EvanPicone via Marshalls; Cardigan- Old Navy; Shoes - Payless; Sunnies - F21

Spring is definitely here to say. Look at this little bunny that decided to crash my photo shoot!

And the flowers are gorgeous right now!

How would you describe your personal style?

Mint Chocolate Chip

The chilly New England spring has me turning to cozy pieces in brights and pastels. This sweater was an awesome find for less than $10 at H&M!

Did I mention that up close it looks like mint chocolate chip ice cream? 

Maybe with the mint flats, mint heart earrings, and gingham it's a little too 1950s ice cream parlor?

I'll take two scoops of mint chocolate chip, please! 

Outfit: Sweater- H&M; Shirt- Old Navy; Pants- Torrid; Flats- Lucky Brand via Marshall's; Earrings- F21 

 What colors are you attracted to this spring?

Violators will be Towed

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I've been experimenting with new locations for photos. 

When the Red Sox have a home game, it can be a challenge to find a place that isn't crawling with people. But when the Sox are away, there are empty parking lots everywhere! 

Who doesn't love prancing around a sketchy parking, dancing in front of a tripod lot like a weirdo? That's what blogging is all about right? Well it's all fun and games until you realize that said parking lot is on your boss's walk home...

Outfit: Dress- H&M; Cardigan- Gap Outlet; Shoes- Payless; Shades- F21; 

So my boss looked at me like I had three heads, and I shrugged it off. If you can't be a little goofy, what's the point?

Emerald and Teal for Spring

Teal has long been one of my favorite colors to wear. It's appropriate for every season and it pairs well with all the neutrals- navy, black, brown, white, and leopard. Plus it looks good with most skin tones and hair colors. When I found this scarf for $5 at H&M a few months ago, I was stocked. Not only did it have teal in it, but two shades of the "color of the year" emerald.

From the lack of greenery in these pictures, you'd probably guess they were taken a few weeks ago right? Wrong! I took these photos yesterday. 

We're slowly getting some buds on the tress and some green sprigs poking through the dead leaves, but for the most part it's still pretty gray in Boston. 

Today it warmed up to a balmy 65 degrees, and tomorrow it's supposed to be even warmer!

Outfit: Pants- Seven Jeans via Marshall's; Cardi- Gap Outlet; Tank and Scarf- H&M; Flats- Target

Here's hoping that spring is here to stay! I'm looking forward to sunshine, tulips, daffodils, iced coffee, and farmer's markets.

What are you looking forward to as the weather warms up?

Black, white and purple

I took these pictures after work last week, before daylight savings. The light was low and they didn't turn out very well. I'm really looking forward to taking photos after work in the coming weeks and months. The days are only going to get longer from here and I couldn't be more thrilled!

My blog related goal for this spring and summer is to get more comfortable taking photos on my own in public. There are some beautiful parks and spots near my apartment that I hope to take advantage of, especially when the spring flowers start coming in.

Because otherwise, you're just going to get more sketchy looking photos from the alley behind my apartment building. And nobody wants that!

Outfit: Jeans- Old Navy; Blouse- DKNY via Gwynniebee; Shoes- Marshalls similar; Cardigan- Marshalls 

I've been wearing flats a lot lately. Having a two block commute I feel like it's easier to get away with footwear that is impractical for the weather. Regardless I can't wait to pack away my boots and enter flats/ sandals season!

What are you looking forward to wearing this spring?

Really Business Casual

I got some really great news! Really casual business casual is awesome.

I found these eggplant colored jeans at buffalo exchange. They're a little long, but otherwise I love them. I wore them last Friday to test the waters with colored denim at the office. My coworker told me I can wear them any day of the week. Hooray!

Outfit: Jeans- boomboom via buffalo exchange; Shirt - Old Navy; 

Cardigan - Old Navy similar; Shoes- Minnetonka

Now to find a pair of mint jeans, and a pair of coral  jeans, and...

Buttons and Cameras

This outfit is pretty representative of what I've been wearing to work lately. With temperatures mostly below freezing I've been choosing warmth over style. 

I've really discovered the beauty of button down shirts this winter. In the past I've had trouble with fit on button downs. It's hard to find one that fits over my hips and boobs, but isn't too baggy in the shoulders or waist. Thankfully, I've  found two flannel shirts and this chambray shirt that fit pretty well, and I've been wearing them constantly.

Outfit:  Pants- Forever 21; Shirt- Old Navy similar at Macy's; Boots- Me too; Cardigan- Target  similar at Old Navy

I've about had it with my camera. I've been thinking about/ lusting after a DSLR. However, I really don't want to invest a ridiculous amount of money in a camera right now and I don't actually know very much about photography. I'm leaning towards skipping the DSLR for now and upgrading to a nicer point and shoot.

Before I make the purchase, I wanted to reach out to y'all for suggestions. What type of camera do you use? Any suggestions for a user friendly camera that takes beautiful pictures?

Spring in My Step

I almost titled this post LBD with a side of frog legs, but I didn't want to box myself into only talking about my outfit.

Outfit: Dress- NY&Co. similar at Old Navy; Scarf and tights- H&M; Shoes- Target

I've got a lot of spring in my step these days, and it's not just from finding the perfect shade of emerald tights to match my emerald ballet flats purchased on super clearance at Target ($6ish in stores, y'all!). After a few weeks of being extremely busy, and anxious, the stress cloud I was sitting in has dissipated. I start a new job in less than two weeks!

I've been unhappy at my current job for quite a while. I don't want to divulge a whole lot of detail because I pride myself on keeping my professional life separate from my personal life/ blog life. Long story short, I decided to start looking back in September, but after being told I was overqualified for a job I thought for sure I had landed back in October I was feeling really discouraged. Recruitment is a major part of my job, but I had forgotten how stressful it is to be on the other side of things!

When job searching patience is definitely a virtue. Lots of carefully crafted cover-letters a few less than stellar phone interviews, and some heart break finally led to a job that is the perfect next step in building my career in nonprofit human resources/ administration.

The best part? I'll be able to walk to work! I'll get one and a half to two hours of my day back. That means more time for blogging, going to the gym, snuggling with my cat, or whatever.

...Oh, and more money for shopping!

Fuzzy

I would have liked to celebrate my blogversary with a fancy new camera, but that wasn't in the budget. Instead, I treated myself to a new tripod that is small enough to fit in my purse. I had high hopes that I'd be able to rig it up in my office and take some indoor outfit pictures. My office has great natural lighting, but not a lot of space so the pictures didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped.

They kind of remind me of the early days of taking blog pictures in my bedroom.

Outfit: Sweater- H&M similar from Old Navy; Skirt- Target; tights?; Boots- Me Too; Necklace - thrifted 

In my defense it has been beyond frigid in Boston this week. The thought of taking off my coat (and hat, gloves, scarf, legwarmers, two pairs of socks...) for pictures is just too much to bear. Taking fuzzy pictures in a fuzzy sweater will just have to do for now.

Smart Polka Dots

It's no secret I love polka dots. I have three polka dot dresses in my closet (1, 2, 3) and I've been trying REALLY hard not to buy any more, so I was delighted to see this dress on Gwynnie Bee! Borrow a work appropriate polka dot dress whenever I want? Yes please! And the color is divine. It reads as navy in photos, but it's more of a really deep plum color in person. I kind of want to wear it again before I send it back, but there are so many other pieces I want to try! 

Outfit: Dress- Eliza J via Gwynnie Bee; Boots- Madden Girl (similar); Tights- H&M

I wore this dress to work and also to a panel discussion on Boston Fashion hosted by Boston Globe. The discussion "Boston Fashion is Smart" was co-moderated by Jay Calderin of Boston Fashion Week and Chris Muther, a fashion reporter for the Boston Globe and featured some really cool panelists. The discussion focused on how fashion in Boston is evolving and coming into its own. 

While a lot of the discussion was a little too high fashion oriented for my taste- one point of discussion really resonated with me. The features that Boston is often criticized for are actually its strengths. Being a "college town" actually gives Boston its character- it is the ever changing population of students and faculty that make Boston a global city! 

Autumn 2012 in Review

I can't believe it's December already! I know winter doesn't officially start until the winter solstice on December 21st, but I always think of December 1st as the unofficial start of winter. With that in mind, here is a look back at some of my favorite outfits from Autumn 2012.

There are definitely some trends in my fall favorites. I loved cobalt, mustard yellow, horizontal stripes, and my denim jacket! Which outfit is your favorite?