m&m wedding

OUTFIT

Dress: White House | Black Market - $80
Belt: Ann Taylor - $4
Shoes: Tahari from DSW - $30
Earrings: J.Crew Factory Store - gift
Necklace (worn as bracelet): J.Crew Factory Store - gift
Bag: Bisou Bisou from JCPenney - $25

WORN

to M&M's wedding

ON

September 25, 2010

Here are some more yellow photos for you guys.  This is what happens when you're too busy and having too much fun to take your photos when it's light out.  :) 

I wore this outfit to the beautiful outdoor wedding of a very good friend.  It's cotton voile, so I was hoping it would be light and airy since the temperature was forecast to be 90+ degrees (yikes!).  The wedding was lovely, and I was happy with my outfit.  This is actually the third wedding at which this dress has appeared (I've had it a while), but I haven't seen any of the same people at any of the three weddings--not that it would have stopped me from repeating this dress anyway since I like it so much!

Don't you love how my corsage is upside down in these pictures?  These were taken after the wedding, reception, dancing etc.  Actually, it's a wonder it was still attached!

a night out

OUTFIT

Cardigan: American Eagle - gift
Dress: Target - $6.24
Belt: Ann Taylor - $18
Shoes: Colin Stuart from Victoria's Secret - $10
Earrings: White House | Black Market - $10
Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang from Kohl's - $20

WORN

to meet friends in Charlotte

ON

September 24, 2010

I loved this outfit.  LOVED it.  So I'm disappointed that I had to take my photos indoors at night and they turned out so yellow as a result.  I guess that means I'll just need to repeat it soon!  I think this would also look so cute with boots, tights, and a scarf, and I can't wait until the weather cooperates with my desire to wear fall clothes.  I wore this outfit to meet a group of friends at the Thomas Street Tavern on the night before my friend's wedding.  My husband and I had a blast just seeing everyone and catching up, and we can't wait to see everbody again very soon!

travel outfit

OUTFIT

Top: American Living from JCPenney - $7
Shorts: American Eagle - $30
Shoes: Banana Republic Factory Store - $7
Earrings: Kim Rogers - gift
Ring: JamesAllen.com - gift

WORN

to travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for my friend's wedding

ON

September 24, 2010

On Friday, my husband and I took the day off work to travel down to Charlotte for our friend's wedding.  This is what I wore for the trip.  It was supposed to be like 95 degrees (crazy!) so I chose to wear a summery outfit since it still felt like summer, after all.  Also, I knew I would have time to change and freshen up before meeting up with our friends later on in the evening.  I wore this 3/4-sleeve top because I wanted a little extra coverage on my arms since I always get cold in the car when I'm traveling with my hot-natured husband.  We have separate climate controls in the car, but his cold air always seems to drift over to my side.  I was super comfy the whole trip in my little classic American ensemble.

{third floor closet} at home

 

I trekked to Crate & Barrel last Sunday to look for a gift for my good friend's wedding that my husband and I attended this weekend.  While there, I also picked up this woven oval tray for myself.  After bringing it home, I placed it on this table in the sitting room off of my kitchen, but I can think of no less than 7 equally amazing uses for it.  I love it it ties the light-colored furniture in a little more with the colors of my cowhide rug.  (Let's face it, folks--it's all about the cowhide rug in this room.  I decorated the room around the cowhide rug before I even owned one.  Seriously.)  It's surprisingly sturdy and will also make a great serving piece.  Crate & Barrel has several other lovely Artesia pieces--I already have my eye on the chargers.

new favorite

OUTFIT

Top: Express - $15
Skirt: Banana Republic - gift
Hose: L'eggs 3-pack - $5
Shoes: Tahari from DSW - $30
Earrings: Premier Designs - $11?
Bracelet: Premier Designs - gift

WORN

to work

ON

September 23, 2010

This is my new favorite work skirt.  My little sister gave it to me for me birthday last month, and I love it!  I love the tailored details, and it's really comfortable.  It's about as short as I like to go for work skirts and dresses, but I think a just-above-the-knee length is more flattering on me than at the knee since I'm so short.  Because I was in a hurry and wanted to keep things simple, I paired it with a striped button-down, classic heels, and big hoop earrings.

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

busy bee

OUTFIT

Cardigan: Madison Studio from Belk - $5
Dress: Banana Republic Factory Store - $12
Shoes: Payless - $15
Earrings: Liz Claiborne from Macy's - $12
Ring: JamesAllen.com - gift

WORN

to work

ON

September 22, 2010

Lately, it seems like I've been extremely busy, and it doesn't look like things are going to slow down anytime soon.  I have a foolish tendency to prioritize things that pay the bills over things that, well, don't...which is why you guys have seen a little less of me in the blogosphere lately and why what little you have seen probably hasn't been too interesting.  I haven't had time to blog or time to really even think too much about what I'm wearing.  I've been relying heavily on whatever is quick and easy to throw on.  Here's an example of just that.  Wrinkle resistant shift dress?  Check.  Classic crewneck cardigan?  Check.  Updated classic loafers?  Check.  I just added simple jewelry, but I think next time I should go for a statement piece to make the outfit a bit more interesting.

My husband and I are travelling down to Charlotte tomorrow for a good friend's wedding.  We're really excited that we can be there to celebrate with them, and we can't wait to see all our mutual friends!  It ought to be a great weekend, and I promise to share outfit photos. 

mostly monochromatic

OUTFIT

Cardigan: CAbi - $80?
Top: The Limited - $10
Cami: The Limited - $4
Skirt: The Limited - $20
Hose: L'eggs 3-pack - $5
Shoes: BCBGirls from DSW - $24
Earrings: Liz Claiborne from Macy's - $12
Ring: JamesAllen.com - gift

WORN

to work

ON

September 21, 2010

I need to figure out what to do about this lighting situation since it's getting dark earlier and it's not like I get home from work any earlier to make up for it!  The monochromatic base of this ensemble was such an easy choice this morning, but I knew I wanted to add a colored cardigan to give the whole look a little bit of life.  For an everyday work outfit, I am pretty pleased with the result--comfy, yet still pulled together.  I can't remember exactly how much I paid for this cardigan, but I do remember it was pricey (for me).  I don't normally spend that much on any one item of clothing, unless it's a great jacket or cashmere or something.  It's a really nice silk sweater though, and it's held up well over the past few years.

*Note:  I'm a little late, but it is Tumblr Tuesday, so if you feel so inclined, your recommendation for the fashion directory would be much appreciated!

if it ain't broke...

OUTFIT
Cardigan: J.Crew - $50
Top: Paul & Joe for Target - $20
Tank: The Limited - $4
Belt: Ann Taylor - $18
Pants: The Limited - $27
Hose: CVS knee highs - 2 for $1
Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang - $27
Earrings: Jenni K - gift
Ring: JamesAllen.com - gift
WORN
to work
ON
September 20, 2010
Well, here's an unexpected look for me.  {sarcasm}  As you probably know by now, I'm a big fan of the blouse-cardigan-belt combo.  But hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it--right?  I think it's a combo that always works in a pinch, and the belt instantly makes the whole outfit look a little more pulled together.  My blouse is one of the pieces from the Paul & Joe for Target capsule collection from like 2006.  It's so old, but who's not a fan of the Target collaborations?  I have yet to get my hands on a piece from the Tucker for Target line that's out now, but I do have a Target giftcard begging to be used on one of the blouses or maybe a dress...or maybe both.  I'm finalizing a list of a few pieces I'll be hoping to add to my fall wardrobe, and I promise to share when it's ready.
Hope you have a great week!

all by myself

OUTFIT

Top: Charles Tyrwhitt - gift
Belt: Old Navy - $3
Skirt: Eileen Fisher from Belk - $12
Hose: L'eggs - $4
Shoes: Tahari from DSW - $30
Earrings: Jenni K - gift
Necklace: Jenni K - gift
Ring: Jenni K - $30

WORN

to work

ON

September 17, 2010

On Friday, I knew that everyone else at work was going to be out of the office in meetings for most of the day, and I'd be holding down the fort.  So, I wanted to wear something comfy and maybe a bit more casual than usual but also dressy enough just in case a client showed up unexpectedly.  I decided on a silk knit sweater skirt and a simple button-down.  You can't really tell in the photos above, but there's a very pretty slight sheen to the skirt.  I should have taken a close-up of the belt because it's patterned and detailed with silver studs and not boring as it looks here. 

Have I told you about these shirts?  My husband is obsessed with Charles Tyrwhitt's men's shirts and is pretty loyal to the brand.  (Pretty loyal, meaning he won't wear anything else.  The men's shirts come with brass collar stiffeners which make a huge difference.)  Since he is a strong believer that no one else makes a dressy button-down as well, he bought me a couple of the women's shirts a few years ago for Christmas.  Admittedly, they are amazing.  This is the "fitted" shirt and the more casual of the two he bought me.  The other shirt, which I am sure I will be showing you very soon since it's getting a bit cooler out, is the beautiful (and highly recommended by me) "tailored" fit with french cuffs.  The only downside?  They ship from Britain, so they take a while to arrive and occasionally get caught up in customs.  But they're so worth it!

{un}suit

OUTFIT

Cardigan: Worthington - gift
Top: Bandolino from Belk - $4
Skirt: Express - $30
Hose: L'eggs 3-pack - $5
Shoes: Tahari from DSW - $30
Earrings: White House | Black Market - $8
Bracelets: Express - gift

WORN

to work

ON

September 14, 2010

I feel like I should have taken my photos outside while the scarf/tie-neck part of my blouse blew in the breeze (it actually was breezy out).  I'd really like to take more photos outside, but there aren't any great spots near my house and I unfortunately never have time to go scout out a cool location, set up & take photos before I need to be moving on to something else.  Ah, well.

This outfit is an example of how I put together a polished business-suit-ish look without actually wearing a jacket.  The blouse is another one of my Belk clearance rack finds.  Oh how I miss living near a Belk; Belk stores have the best sales.  Can you believe my whole outfit only cost $77?  I (clearly) love a good deal.  I've nearly worn this skirt out, and I'm still looking for a replacement black suit.  Any suggestions?

{un}inspired interviewing

OUTFIT

Jacket: Banana Republic Factory Store - $60
Top: New York & Co. - $5
Skirt: The Limited - $20
Hose: Hanes Silky Sheer from Target - $6
Shoes: BCBGirls from DSW - $24
Earrings: Hecht's - $15
Necklace: vintage gold rope chain - gift 
Ring: peridot - gift
Bag: GAP - $20

WORN

to work

ON

September 13, 2010

On Monday, I interviewed candidates for a position in one of our other offices, and this is what I wore.  I didn't realize how boring and uninspired this outfit looked until I started getting my photos together for this post.  I wanted to keep things ultra-professional, so I think I sacrificed creativity.  The top I wore is a floral print, but you can't really see the detail here.  I do really love this bag though, partly because of its size but mostly because the leather is so buttery soft.  And to think I got it for $20!  It was 80% off--my kind of clearance sale.

Do you have trouble incorporating creativity when you need to look professional?

casual at Carroll Creek

When I was trying to take my outfit photos, like usual, it was only a matter of time...

...before I got swarmed.

OUTFIT

Jacket: LOFT - $35
Top: Banana Republic Factory Store - $11
Cami: American Eagle - $6
Jeans: GAP - $40
Shoes: Bakers - $10
Earrings: Jenni K - gift
Ring: JamesAllen.com - gift

WORN

to The Greene Turtle with friends, to walk along Carroll Creek eating Ben & Jerry's ice cream

ON

September 12, 2010

We planned a leisurely afternoon with friends on Sunday.  The afternoon started with a casual meal at a sports bar (football was on) where we got to meet our friends' adorable new baby.  Truly, she may be the most well-behaved baby ever!  After we ate, we walked along Carroll Creek and couldn't resist stopping for ice cream at Ben & Jerry's (chocolate chip cookie dough, anyone?).  We had the perfect weather, now that it has turned a bit cooler (aka not stiflingly hot).  Great day!

LOFT, dinner & a movie

OUTFIT

Top: The Limited - $10
Jeans: J.Crew Factory Store - $14
Shoes: White House | Black Market - $6
Earrings: Premier Design - $12
Necklace: Premier Design - $28
Bracelet: Premier Design - $18

WORN

to LOFT with my sister-in-law for the store's Style Studio fall shopping event, to dinner at Outback, to a movie at the cheap theater

ON

September 11, 2010

The pants I originally planned to wear with this top yesterday morning did not work out, probably because I don't work out.  (Read: I tried to wear them and couldn't fit into them.)  It's a shame because they're army green cargo pants that I love and have had forever.  My next instinct was to reach for my skinny jeans like usual, but I resisted and paired this top with my super cheap trouser jeans instead, and I think it turned out ok.  I don't usually like to wear the belts or sashes that come on clothes with the clothes they came on but this shirt is an exception, simply because the coordinating jersey sash is so much more comfortable than any of my belts and I like to tie it in a little bow in the back.

My sister-in-law C and I ran over to LOFT to check out the advertised Style Studio event and to potentially use the 30% off coupons we received for it.  If you didn't make it to LOFT this weekend, don't feel disappointed.  The only thing that made Saturday different from any other day in the store was that they had tiny bottles of water available for shoppers and were giving out fall lookbooks (it wasn't so much of an event after all).  LOFT has loads of pretty pieces for fall, and I found several items that I now want.  However, C and I have kung fu self control (as she put it on Twitter) and we both left emptyhanded.  I really want to plan out any additions to my fall wardrobe this year, so I didn't want to make an impulse buy.  That said, I do plan to watch for several things to go on sale, and it was nice to spend some girl time with C!

Later on, we ate a yummy dinner at Outback with our husbands and saw Salt at the cheap theater in town (only $3.25!).  It was a pretty good day.  :)

feeling a little like fall

OUTFIT

Cardigan: American Eagle - $15
Top: The Limited - $10
Skirt: J.Crew Factory Store - $30
Shoes: BCBGirls from DSW - $24
Earrings: LOFT - gift
Ring: JamesAllen.com - gift

WORN

to work, to Costco

ON

September 10, 2010

It was cool outside Friday morning, and there was a hint of fall in the air, so I decided that it was time to start easing into my fall wardrobe.  However, I wanted to be sure that I didn't jump the gun and wear too warm of an outfit.  I kept it simple by pairing my "winter white" wool pencil skirt with a lightweight ruffled top and a slouchy half-sleeve cardigan.  Since it's wool, my skirt was more substantial than the cotton and cotton blend skirts I wore all summer.  I didn't plan to wear the cardigan for much of the day (maybe just walking in to work in the morning and every now and then if it got too chilly in the office), but I don't think I ever ended up taking it off.  In fact, I'm still wearing it.  Not actually true, but it is one of those snuggly pieces that you want to wear forever.

How are you making the transition from summer to fall clothes?

professional girl

OUTFIT
Jacket: The Limited - $41
Top: GAP - gift
Belt: Ann Taylor - $18
Pants: The Limited - $27
Shoes: Cole Haan from DSW - $35
Earrings: Premier Designs - $10 or so?
Necklace: Premier Designs - gift
Ring: Jenni K - $30
WORN
to work
ON
September 8, 2010
I needed to look professional on Wednesday when I wore this, but I didn't want to look too...stark?...in my pantsuit so I added the floral top and pearls to make the outfit a bit more girly.  My industry is still very old school, and it's not one where women dress extremely femininely on a regular basis.  It's really a shame because you guys know how I like a ruffle, a floral or a high heel!  So, when I need to look more professional than usual I try to tone down the girliness a bit.
Do you have to tweak your personal style in order to be appropriate for your workplace?  Is your workplace more conservative or does anything go (within reason)?

{a pretty penny} hosting another closet clean-out giveaway

As usual, I feel like I have to share that you can win some great things over at Keira's blog, a pretty penny.  She's still cleaning out her closet, to her readers' benefit!  This week, this little crossbody bag is up for grabs.  There's not much time left--the giveaway closes at 9:00am EST on Friday, 9/10.  Keira has even provided several ways to get extra entries in the giveaway, so go enter now! 

bats in the belfy {and elsewhere}

OUTFIT

Top: The Limited - $10
Belt: LOFT - $8
Skirt: The Limited - $15
Hose: L'eggs - $5
Shoes: BCBGirls from DSW - $24
Earrings: vintage & gold - gifts
Necklace: Polly's Jewelry - gift

WORN

to work, to evade a bat

ON

September 7, 2010

Ok, so my posture here is not the best (and is something I need to work on in general), but I think I get a pass today.  There was seriously a bat in my office this afternoon!  Yes, a bat of the creepy flying rodent variety, not the harmless kind used to play baseball.  It was a small bat, but a bat nonetheless. 

I've been around bats before, quite unfortunately.  In college I worked in the law library, and it was not uncommon to startle a bat or two if you had to go up to the fourth floor (the floor below the belfry) and file a tax law code or something equally exciting.  But let me tell you, that was different.  The bat might fly by, but rest assured he was going to leave you alone and go right back up to the belfry where he thought he belonged. 

Today, this bat couldn't figure out how to get out of our office.  So, after his long nap (which I had hoped would last all day since bats are supposed to be nocturnal and sleep during the day, right?!), that ridiculous creature started flapping around and flying down the hallway.  Guess who happened to be standing in the hallway when the bat started all his airborne acrobatics?  That's right, lucky (sarcasm) me.  Well, I freaked out and ran into my office and shut the door and stayed there until a few hours later when the bat was finally captured by the person our building manager called (who happened to be the guy who checks our AC system...not really sure how he got stuck with bat duty today).  So now the bat is gone and he didn't bite anyone before he left, so we are still rabies-free.  But I'm still kind of creeped out.  At least no one captured it in a trash bag while it was on my head (The Office, anyone?).  :)

leisurely Labor Day

OUTFIT

Top: Hollister - $6
Jeans: GAP - $40
Shoes: Bakers - $10
Earrings: Kim Rogers from Belk - gift
Bracelets: Express - $5ish

WORN

around the house, to a family cookout, to watch a car movie with my husband

ON

September 6, 2010

This is what I wore on my leisurely Labor Day off.  I hung out around the house while my husband was at work, and then we went to his parents' house for a cookout.  In my opinion, this is the perfect outfit for a laid-back day--comfy and casual and somewhat all-American.

Also, I am loving Gap's redesigned denim line.  The jeans pictured here are the Always Skinny fit.  Good luck getting me to wear something else this fall!  :)

Hope you guys had a wonderful Labor Day!

it's black, it's white

OUTFIT
Cardigan: Worthington - gift
Dress (worn as skirt): White House | Black Market - $80
Belt: Ann Taylor - $4
Shoes: Tahari from DSW - $30
Earrings: White House | Black Market - $8
Bracelets: Express - gift
Bag: Express - $35
WORN
to work
ON
September 3, 2010
Well, happy friday everyone!  I for one could not wait for the weekend to finally arrive--it's been a long week.  My dad and sister are in town, and we'll all be going to visit my grandparents in Pennsylvania this weekend.  It ought to be a nice, relaxing weekend.  Do you guys have any fun holiday weekend plans?
I wasn't quite sure how this outfit was going to work out this morning.  Generally, if I'm not sure I'm going to like an outfit or not sure it will be exactly right for the office, I save it for a Friday.  We have fewer walk-in appointments on Fridays, and it's usually a fairly quiet day.  It's a good test day.
All in all, I think this turned out ok.  I wore this halter dress (which would otherwise be completely inappropriate for the office) as a skirt.  I love it when I'm able to take an item that is normally reserved for weekends or special occasions and mix it into my workwear and it actually works.  I thought the cardigan worn alone as a top paired with the full skirt of the dress had a retro '50s feel.  I really liked the swoosh of the skirt.  It took a lot of willpower to keep from just twirling around all day.  :)