The adorable Keira, of a pretty penny, is hosting another fantastic Closet Clean-Out Giveaway! This time, she's giving away the beautiful Stella & Dot necklace pictured above. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to a pretty penny and enter before it's too late!
OUTFIT
Dress: Madison Studio from Belk - $11
Cami: Express - $6
Belt: Ann Taylor - $18
Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang from Kohl's - $27
Earrings: Express - $3ish
Ring: sapphire - gift
WORN
to work
ON
August 27, 2010
I just returned from a fantastic weekend with some of my favorite girls! We had a shower and bachelorette party weekend honoring one of my besties who's getting married in October. We had a blast! In fact, we had such a great time that I forgot to take any outfit photos. So, I give you what I wore to work on Friday.
This is really a faux wrap dress, and it couldn't be more comfortable. This dress was another one of my Belk purchases from when I worked there through college (years ago). Just an easy breezy outfit for a Friday.
Hope everyone has a great week!
OUTFIT
Jacket: Banana Republic Factory Store - $40
Top: Casual Corner - $11
Skirt: LOFT - $20
Shoes: BCBGirls from DSW - $24
Earrings: Liz Claiborne from Macy's - $12
Ring: gold - gift
WORN
to work
ON
August 26, 2010
Remember these pants from a few days ago? Well, they're part of a suit, and here's the coordinating jacket. Though I purchased both pieces at the same time as a suit, I rarely wear them together mostly because I'm a short little person and that's a lot of plaid on me at one time, as it turns out. The plaid is mostly neutral except for a few little pink-y/orange-sherbert-y lines. (Like my made-up adjectives?) So, I added my orange sherbert top that I've had forever to break up all the beige tones with a little bit of color. You know it's old...Casual Corner hasn't been around for years. Also, this is probably the only thing I own from Casual Corner.
Only one more day between us and the weekend! Woo! Have any fun weekend plans?
PS Meet Sammy, our littlest dog with the biggest personality. :)
OUTFIT
Jacket: Express - $15
Top: Express - $6
Skirt: The Limited - $16
Shoes: Nine West - $28
Earrings: Ann Taylor - $20
Necklace: Premier Design - gift
Bracelet: Premier Design - $14
Bag: Express - $35
WORN
to work
ON
August 25, 2010
Here's a little go-to professional outfit of mine. I wear it when I don't have a lot of time to get ready or just when I want a simple, slightly girly work outfit. The best part is the shoes. I should have gotten a side view of them! They've got these beautiful flowers embroidered over the leather. I bought them at the Nine West store at Tower City in Cleveland. They were part of Nine West's boutique collection at the time, and I couldn't believe the deal I got on them! They've been a consistent favorite over the past five years that I've had them, and I don't plan on retiring them any time soon.
We're halfway through the week, people! Only two more days to go. :)
OUTFIT
Top: Banana Republic Factory Store - $7
Jeans: J.Crew Factory Store - $14
Shoes: American Eagle - $15
Earrings: Premier Designs - $12
Bracelet: Premier Designs - $18
Bag: New York & Co. - $15
WORN
around the house, to eat crabs at The Cracked Claw
ON
August 21, 2010
I'm probably the only person on earth who wears white to go eat hardshell crabs, which is not exactly the most clean or proper of meals. Since I forgot to include these jeans in the 30 for 30 challenge I did in July, I wanted to wear them at least a time or two more before summer ends. The day I wanted to wear them just happened to be the same day I was going to eat the messiest of meals. I found these jeans on super clearance at the J.Crew Factory Store in Hagerstown. (Clearly, I shop the Hagerstown Prime Outlets frequently.) However, they're a bit long since they're a regular and I'm short. Enter really high espadrilles. Problem solved. I threw in the floral print bag to add a bit more interest to the outfit.
I had to include the photo of just Ernie because he was cracking me up while I was trying to take my outfit photos. He kept walking around me, and when the AC would turn on, he'd stop and stare at the air vent. My dogs are nothing if not quirky. :)
OUTFIT
Jacket: LOFT - $24
Tank: The Limited - $4
Pants: Banana Republic Factory Store - $22
Shoes: BCBGirls from DSW - $24
Earrings: Liz Claiborne from Macy's - $12
Ring: gold - gift
WORN
to a meeting in DC, to work, to dinner at Fajita Grande
ON
August 19, 2010
Whew! Yesterday was really busy. I had a meeting in our DC office that turned into an almost-all-day event. By the time I got back to my office, I had SO much to do before meeting the family for dinner (it was our nephew Nathan's last night here). I felt like I was just running around all day! I'm glad I chose to wear this neutral outfit. I wanted to get some more wear out of this linen jacket before fall. (Have I mentioned I'm ready to break out the fall clothes?!) I needed something comfy for driving to the metro, riding the metro, walking a couple blocks to the office, sitting in meetings, and then doing it all again on the way home before running around my office like a crazy person trying to wrap things up so I could go stuff myself full of enchiladas, chips & salsa.
Have I mentioned that my favorite food right now is Mexican? I can't get enough of it. I could eat it again this very minute. But I have to stop talking about it, because now I'm getting hungry.
Happy Friday, everyone! :)
OUTFIT
Jacket: GAP - $14
Top: Banana Republic Factory Store - $4
Skirt: Express - $30
Shoes: Nine West - $20
Earrings: silver hoops - gift
Ring: vintage - gift
WORN
to work
ON
August 18, 2010
It rained all day today, but we really needed the rain since we've had such a dry, hot summer. Rain means one thing for me--it means I should consider wearing flats to work (to keep from slipping on the sidewalk on the walk to my office). Wearing somewhat practical shoes is a new concept for me. In the olden days, I used to wear whatever shoes I wanted, whenever I wanted. (Rain and snow? Why not wear 4 inch heels?) These days, I'm much more reasonable. For instance, if there's snow, I'll wear boots on the way into the office and change once I'm inside. If there's rain, I'll consider wearing flats. I still only wear them to work every once in a while. Call me crazy, but I just don't feel dressed up if I'm not wearing a heel. Maybe it's a short person syndrome? Regardless, I made the grown-up choice today and wore my favorite black flats, flats that I will never replace because they're perfectly broken in & they were a great deal & I've had the soles fixed twice & I love them. I generally think heels look better with skirts than flats do, but I think I made a good choice today.
OUTFIT
Cardigan: J.Crew - $50
Top: GAP Outlet - $9
Cami: Express - gift
Pants: Express from eBay - $15?
Shoes: BCBGirls from DSW - $24
Earrings: The Limited - $5
Ring: vintage - gift
WORN
to work
ON
August 17, 2010
I think I need to limit my closet to only a few items, because I liked my combos of 30 for 30 challenge items better than the ones I've been throwing together lately. That or get more (and better) accessories. Or maybe both.
I've been really busy lately, and I think my outfits have suffered. I haven't had time yet to go through my closet as planned after I finished the challenge, and I really need to get to it. My goal? Weed out anything that doesn't fit well or that I can't seem to find a way to wear.
You can't really tell in these photos, but this cardigan is a very delicate, thin knit. I paid more for it than I usually would, but I needed it at the time to go over a dress that I was planning to wear to a wedding, and I think it'll become a closet staple. (Read: It was pretty much the only cream-colored cardigan I could find in late spring. Who knew that cream cardigans were only available during fall?) It's a perfect lightweight summer cardigan, and of course I love the ruffle trim. I'm excited to layer with it and transition it to fall. Actually, I'm just excited about breaking out my fall clothes in general!
Do you ever decide that you need/want a certain piece, only to realize that designers and stores don't think you need it until next season?
Have you guys visited Jessica at Style Obsession and entered to win this amazing ring (worth $50) yet? If not, go enter NOW! The giveaway ends tonight, and you don't want to miss this one. Jessica has provided multiple ways to get extra entries too!
OUTFIT
Jacket: LOFT - $27
Top: LOFT - $6
Cami: The Limited - $4
Skirt: J.Crew Factory Store - $35
Shoes: Cole Haan from DSW - $35
Earrings: Liz Claiborne from Macy's - $12
Ring: vintage - gift
WORN
to work
ON
August 12, 2010
This outfit is made up of items that I almost included in my 30 for 30. I love each of these pieces, and I love them together. Add this ladylike jacket to any outfit, and that outfit is instantly more refined. My blurred houndstooth (or magnified python?--you decide) cotton pencil skirt stands up to wear-induced wrinkles better than most. I added the red shoes to bring in a little color. I'll definitely be repeating this outfit.
I was definitely a little...unreachable...this weekend since there was no internet on the bus in the mountains, but my husband and I had a blast with our friends! The weekend ended way too soon! I unfortunately did not get any outfit photos from the weekend (I know, I know). It's difficult to get photos when you're in tight quarters and it's raining out and you're busy helping with wedding stuff. I think I'll repeat my rehearsal dinner outfit this weekend anyway, so you guys will still get to see it. :)
I read this article about a week ago, and I've been meaning to post the link ever since. Give it a read--I think Lisa Earle McLeod hits the nail on the head. These days, we're told we're shallow and self-centered if we care about how we look, but there is definitely a relation between how you look, how you feel, and how you advance in your career. I don't know about you guys, but when I know I've got something important going on, I make sure I wear an outfit I feel really good about. My confidence can be undermined if I think I look terrible or if something doesn't fit well and I'm conscious of it and constantly readjusting. Especially if I'm in a situation that requires people to focus on me (giving a presentation, for instance). Also, remember, you're always making an impression on someone, whether it's your boss or your client or your friend. People are visual and, like it or not, draw conclusions about us based on how we look. Why NOT try to make a good impression and put a little thought into looking good?
OUTFIT
Cardigan: Banana Republic Factory Store - $12
Tank: GAP - gift
Pants: Express - gift
Shoes: Ann Taylor - $10
Earrings: Jenni K - gift
Bracelet (silver beads): Express - gift
Bracelet: Premier Designs from eBay - $7ish
WORN
to work
ON
August 11, 2010
Truth be told, I almost didn't post this outfit because after I took my pictures (after wearing it all day, no less), I really kind of hated it. Then I started thinking--if I edit what outfits I do and don't publish here, that's not really a true reflection of my style and what I wear. After all, we all have off days. (At least I hope it's all of us, not just me.) :)
Possibly incorrectly, I have always thought that this cardigan could put a slightly nautical spin on any outfit. That isn't really the case with here though, is it? I have decided that I like this cardigan better with a skirt. And with red. So that's what I'll be pairing it with next time.
Here's a little something that has nothing to do with the outfit above or with fashion or style in general. This weekend, my husband, our friends, and I will be travelling to a wedding in the mountains in this:
Not just any bus, my friends--a tour bus. That's right, like a band or politician or celebrity tour bus. Apparently, the band Third Day has used this very bus. *Update: This tour bus actually belonged to Miley Cyrus.* LOL
The wedding is actually at a campsite/retreat center in the North Carolina mountains (like 10 hours away), so 8 of us are jumping in this bus on Friday morning and taking a road trip together. Then when we get to the retreat center, we'll just hook the bus up and live in it for the weekend. No hotel needed. How convenient that we have a friend who has access to such a thing! In case you guys were wondering, here's the reason I'm telling you all of this--as awesome as this bus will be, I'm sure it does not come equipped with internet access. So, I will be slightly MIA for the next couple of days, but never fear--I have a couple of posts scheduled to entertain you in my absence. :)
OUTFIT
Jacket: Banana Republic Factory Store - $41
Top: Ann Taylor - $10
Skirt: Banana Republic Factory Store - $25
Shoes: Payless - $15
Earrings: Liz Claiborne from Macy's - $12
Ring: aquamarine - gift
WORN
to work
ON
August 10, 2010
I wore another complete suit today. I like this one because it's a little different than your average classic suit and each piece is also great on its own. I've worn this skirt on the blog before (as seen here), but I think this is the jacket's first appearance. I just realized you basically can't see the shell I was wearing today in these photos, but it was a cornflower blue (in case you were wondering). Oh well. I'm trying to make sure I look professional this week since half of my tiny office is on vacation, and I have no idea what each day this week will throw at me. Basically, I just want to be prepared in case I have to run into a situation where professionalism counts (but really, when does professionalism not count when you're at work?). So of course, I wore my $66 suit and Payless shoes. Doesn't get much more high end than that. :P
Just yesterday, as I was bemoaning my supposed lack of work clothes and expressing my need to find a new good suit on sale, my husband said, "It's ridiculous how you're able to find such good deals on suits. Men can't ever find sales like that." Well, you guys, I'm about to share my secret. My strategy is simple--I scope out clearance racks like a hawk, and I hoard coupons that work on sale items. I'm cheap. That's it. :)
{photo via COACH Poppy Project}
You may have already noticed the poppy pattern growing on the ride side of my blog. That's right, I've joined the COACH Poppy Project! Here's how it works:
1) The pattern grows each time you tweet about the project with the #CoachPoppy hashtag. This works for all participating sites. If you want my poppy pattern to really grow, also include my #3rdfloorcloset hashtag in your tweet. The top site wins a $2,500 Coach shopping spree!
2) You can also grow the pattern by clicking the "Like" button at the top of the pattern to like the COACH Poppy Project on Facebook.
3) Keep checking the patterns -- a surprise might pop up! If you see a Coach Poppy bag in the pattern, click it to win a gift!
4) Follow the pattern all over the web. It's a neat way to discover some new sites!
Here's an example of a tweet that would make the pattern grow:
Grow, Poppy! Grow! #CoachPoppy #3rdfloorcloset www.coach.com/poppyproject
Remember to check the pattern often for a Coach Poppy bag! Good luck!
You guys, I'm pretty excited. I received my first blog award! Angeline, of The New Professional, was so kind as to pass on the One Lovely Blog Award to me on Tuesday. (Thank you, Angeline!) If you haven't visited her blog, you definitely should. In addition to blogging about office fashion, she gives fantastic tips for anyone who works in an office environment (for example, see her recent post on business trips). Since this past week was crazy for me, I'm just now getting around to posting the award. Here's how it works--I share seven things about myself, and then I pass the award on to seven other bloggers with lovely blogs. Aaannndd, go!
1. Though I was born in Charleston, South Carolina and lived there for 9.5 years, I consider myself to be from eastern North Carolina (where my family has lived since 1994).
2. Every single day on the way home from work, I have to restrain myself from zipping through the McDonald's drive through for a large sweet tea. I end up stopping about half of the time.
3. Bojangles' has been my favorite fast food restaurant for the past, oh, 16 years. If we had one in Frederick, I would eat there at least once a day. For serious.
4. Even though I'm allergic to dogs (and nearly everything environmental, for that matter), I have three & I love them dearly.
5. I love going to the pool and the beach, but I'm not a big fan of swimming. (I'll get in the water to cool off, but I don't like to swim for exercise).
6. The only bone I've ever broken was my nose.
7. I absolutely cannot control my facial expressions. Ever. Also, I talk with my hands.
I'd like to pass the award on to these lovely ladies:
Basic Cravings ~ Dear Kate ~ Elle Sees ~ Streets and Stripes ~ The Daily Fashionista ~ The Daily Julie ~ Wearing It on My Sleeves
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!
Now that I've finished the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge, I'm having trouble figuring out what to wear in the morning. It does make me feel better that I'm not the only remixer with this problem though! I think the issue is this--I forced myself to only look at the remix items for 30 days. I strategically placed all 30 items in my closet so that they were the first things I saw when I opened my closet door (so I wouldn't be tempted to wear other things).
So here's the problem, you guys--I think I've forgotten what else is in my closet. Even though I just did a thorough closet clean-out about a month and a half ago in preparation for our yard sale, I think I might do another. If nothing else, I'll reacquaint myself with my wardrobe. Now I think I could probably have cleaned out more stuff the first time, simply because I definitely realize the importance of having clothes that serve dual purposes. This is always something I focus on, but I am even more aware of this need since I had to make things work for both vacation and work during the challenge. There were a few days at work when I felt too dressed down and a few days on vacation when I didn't feel like dressing up as much (hard to believe considering how casually I was dressed, I know).
I think if I were to do the challenge again, I'd do it during the fall so I could take advantage of layering. Also, I'd make sure the 30 days didn't include a vacation that requires a whole different wardrobe than my work-appropriate wardrobe.
I'm happy to report that I haven't had a desperate need to shop this whole time. I definitely could have shopped, but it wasn't terribly hard to resist. Today, however, I've REALLY been wanting to shop, for a couple of reasons:
1) I have been getting a ton of sale email alerts & coupons.
2) I still want those J.Crew ballet flats.
3) I'm thinking ahead for fall. (I'm compiling a list of my must-haves for fall, mostly so I can prioritize them. I promise to share soon!)
4) (and most importantly) I'm getting a promotion at work, and I want some new things to go with it (and I want to celebrate a little!). :)
If you've finished the challenge, have you bought anything yet? If so, what? If you haven't finished yet, what's the first thing you're planning to purchase when you do finish?
OUTFIT
Cardigan: LOFT - $20
Top: GAP - gift
Skirt: LOFT - $20
Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang - $27
Earrings: New York & Company - $4
Bracelet: Premier Designs from eBay - $7ish
WORN
to work
ON
August 2, 2010
Today Ernie was the dog who wanted to be a celebrity. Even though he appears terribly uninterested in what I'm doing in these pictures, he refused to move out of my little photo shoot (if you can call it that). *Note: Please disregard his portliness. I'm working on putting him on a weight-control doggie diet so he'll shed a pound or two before I take him to the vet for his annual checkup since I'm pretty sure she's going to tell me that he, well, needs to lose weight. (She told me that last year. He was thinner then.)
I was soooo comfortable in this outfit today. Maybe too comfortable--look at all the wrinkles in my skirt! Once you sit down in this skirt once, you're done. Wrinkles everywhere. This is what the skirt looks like after you've sat behind your desk for 8 hours. These photos are prime examples of why I rarely buy all-cotton work skirts/dresses. They just get too wrinkled too easily. Give me a work skirt in a tropical wool or a rayon blend any day, and I'm much happier with the result. That said, I was nice and cool in this skirt today.
Tomorrow is my last day of the 30 for 30 challenge! I'm glad I made it this far, but I hope I didn't bore you guys too badly with my neutral-colored remixes. Congratulations to everyone that already completed the challenge! Can't wait to join you at the finish line tomorrow. :)
