Terrible

I know; I know.  I'm a terrible blogger.  I'm feeling pretty glum in my work life lately, and its sort of tapped my energy for... well... everything.  I've also had a lot of late late nights and haven't had time to get my eyebrows done, let alone blog (gasp!).  I had days where I was totes uninspired, and didn't put on anything special to wear, so I didn't even bother taking a picture.  I may re-do outfits that I did like, but didn't feel perky enough to take pictures.

Here we go!

Blazer | Target

Ruffle Tank | Ann Taylor Factory

Jeans | LOFT

Shoes | Dolce Vita Notty (similar.   Sign up for ShoeDazzle here)

Bracelets | J. Crew Factory; LOFT

Necklace | T.J. Maxx

 White Button Up | LOFT
Lime Skirt | J. Crew Factory

Pumps | Ivanka Trump Pinkish via T.J. Maxx

Scarf | LOFT

Disclosure: I like the colors/patterns for this outfit, but I don't think I arranged everything in a flattering manner. I'm not sure those jeans were the best.  I think a pencil skirt would have been a better idea.

Peasant Bloused | Forever21

Silk Leopard Print Scarf | J. Crew

Jeans | LOFT

Pumps | Ann Taylor Perfect Peep Toe

Belt | Ann Taylor

Headband | LOFT

 Whereas that outfit was a fail, I love this one and think it's a total win:

 Double-Breasted Knit Jacket With Patch Pocket | LOFT

Silk Polka Dot Blouse | J. Crew

Camel Wool Blend Skirt | Ann Taylor

Pumps | Ann Taylor Factory

Necklace | H&M

This outfit was actually based on a pair of shoes from SoleSociety.  I was so close to buying those shoes, but I'm glad I didn't.  I think it's great when you can be inspired by something.  I'm sure my husband will also be excited that I didn't spend money.

You can buy those Sole Society Sheila shoes here.  Sign up for Sole Society here.  I'm also a really big fan of this rust/leopard combo.  

I may try something closer to that soon, even though I wore a version of leopard/red very recently. Mine was more in the blue/red/darker leopard, but I like this more orange-rust color of those shoes, and I have some Kate Spade Leopard Pumps that match the leopard in those shoes.

Leopard Cardigan | Old Navy

Burgundy Tee | Banana Republic Factory

Black Pencil Skirt | J. Crew

Pumps | Ann Taylor Perfect Platforms

Flower and Pearl Necklace | LOFT

Belt | Ann Taylor

I think every blogger has this sweater.  It is awesome.

 Polka Dot Sweater | Old Navy

Collared Button Down | Banana Republic

Mint Corduroy Pants | Lands End Canvas

Riding Boots | Nine West via Zappos

Necklace | Forever 21

Bracelet | LOFT

 This is actually inspired by one of Kendi Everyday's very first blog posts (#6 apparently):

 Sweater | Old Navy

Mustard Skirt | T.J. Maxx

Buffalo Print Scarf | some kiosk in the mall

Pumps | Ivanka Trump Kayden

Bracelet | Forever21

And this look was inspired by a very recent post from Jean from Extra Petite.  I liked her look better, but I tried :)  We are wearing the same shoes, though.  Please forgive the shiny face and messed up hair.  I took this after work, and was looking less than fresh.

Cardigan | LOFT

Mustard Tee | Target

Tweed Skirt | T.J. Maxx

Tights | ummmm?

Pumps | Ann Taylor

Necklace | T.J. Maxx

Thanks for sticking with me!  Yay for all these outfit posts finally getting up!

I'm back!

Sorry, folks. I know I've been MIA for forever.  I went on my honeymoon (ALASKA!), and when I came back, I was so swamped at work and at home that I just didn't make an effort to take pictures and post.  I was wearing some really cute outfits that week, so maybe I'll take some time this week and recreate them and take pictures.

Can I also just mention that I got this new camera which is better than my old one, but I'm less satisfied with the pictures?  The lens is the same. It's just the body that's different, but I'm having the worst time trying to figure out the best settings to take pictures. I tried the same settings as my old one, but for some reason the computer in the body doesn't process things the same way?  I have no clue. Either way, I'll get this down!

Long post with lots of pics today, so I'll just mention where they come from and won't add much else.

This picture was loosely based on Atlantic-Pacific.  Looking at the pic again, I wish I had worn leopard pumps, but my cobalt pumps look pretty good.

Herringbone Print Top | H&M

Sateen Skirt | Ann Taylor

Cobalt Pumps | Rock & Republic for Kohls

Bauble Necklace | J. Crew Factory

Wide Cuff Bangle | J. Crew

 Citron Cardigan | H&M

Snow Leopard Skirt | LOFT

Bow Necklace | J. Crew

Dark Coral Red Pumps | Dolce Vita

I felt a little Jersey in this outfit.  And when I got home, there was a massive hole in my hose. I only hope that it happened at the end of the day, and I wasn't walking around like a Snooki wannabe.

Black Scarf Print Blouse | Forever21

Black Ponte Pencil Skirt | LOFT

Boots | Nine West via Zappos

Belt | LOFT

Chain Mail Rhinestone Necklace | J. Crew

I based this look on a BodenUSA Catalog image.  I bought this top ages ago from Target, and can't believe I've only worn it once. When I saw this pic in Boden, I knew I had to recreate it.

Emerald Cardigan | J. Crew

Burnt Orange Polka Dot Pussy Bow Top | Target

Wool Blend Tobacco Pencil Skirt | Ann Taylor

Pumps | Cole Haan

Today's outfit was loosely based on one from J. Crew's new style guide (the one on the right).  I felt really bulky in it (as I always do when I wear a button down under a sweater).  These are not the most flattering pictures, and my hair looks like I'm wearing a helmet.  Fail.

 

Button-up | LOFT

Side Tie Sweater | LOFT

Polka Dot Pencil Skirt | Target

Seafoam Pumps | J. Crew Mona

Rosewood Dot Necklace | DIY

Do you like my necklace? I made it myself.  It's based off of Kate Spade's Rosewood Dot Necklace:

I bought the wooden beads and gold beads at Michaels (coupon). The neon pink (which is more pink and less redish in person) is actually model enamel paint, so it's nice and shiny.  The chain is this old belt that I took from my mother because she insisted on wearing it with random things and it always looked so bizarre and 70s.  I took the belt so she would stop.  Bonus -- it has a lobster clasp, so I didn't have to add one. I just clipped it short.  I think for $10, it turned out really well.  The original was like $150, so I definitely think I came out on top.  I think I'm going to pain the other half of the pink beads gold, though.

Thanks for hanging in there for the long post!  See you soon!

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Ahoy, Mateys and Fair Wenches!  It be Talk Like a Pirate Day, me favorite day of the year.

I originally had on a completely different outfit, and then remembered what an auspicious day it was, and immediately changed (making me epic-ly late for work).

I feel very Emma Pillsbury, but know that I was going for piratical, not Glee.

I tell people that I have a lot of anchor things because my husband's in the Navy, but the real reason is because I love pirates.  I buy a ton of anchors because it's my way of being a subtle pirate every time I wear it.  Today, I went for the trifecta of awesome -- Anchor shirt, anchor skirt, ship's wheel necklace.  Oh, yeah.

V-Neck Sweater | LOFT (similar)

Anchor Secretary Collar Blouse | Forever 21 (similar polka dot secretary collar blouse in silk. expensive.)

High-Waisted Anchor Print Skirt | Brooks Brothers Factory (similar)

Bracelet | H&M

Ship's Wheel Necklace | J. Crew Factory

Striped Peep-Toe Pumps | Ann Taylor

Rainy Tuesdays

I can't believe it's only Tuesday.  Seriously.  It's also definitely fall in DC, and by that I mean it's raining.

 I went through a few different bottoms this morning before settling on navy slacks.  It was windy, so I'm really glad I did.  It wouldn't be good if I had a wardrobe malfunction.

I bought that necklace ages ago in a boutique in Athens, Georgia where I went to law school.  I balked at the price ($40, which was a lot for a necklace, particularly if you're a student), but I loved it.  I believe that was my first statement necklace.  An addiction was born!  Now, I'm seeing them all over the place.  I like to think that I was ahead of the trend.

The gold filigree cuff was my grandmother's.  I love all her jewelry, but this one is among my favorites.  I wear it a lot.  I wired a pair of her earrings and matching brooch to a bunch of hair pins and wore them for my wedding.  So many people asked where I got them, including my father.  When I told him that they were his mother's, he about started crying.  They really don't make vintage things like that anymore, do they?

Turquoise Cardigan | LOFT (similar)

Burnt Umber Silk Racerback Tank | Ann Taylor (similar)

Navy Canvas Pants | LOFT

Floraburst Necklace | Red Dress Boutique (same in pink; same in black and green.  Enter 3981516 at check out to get $10 off)

Filigree Cuff Bracelet | Vintage

Oxford Platform Pumps | Ann Taylor (similar; similar)

Wax Molds and Head Colds

I had a friend in from out of town this weekend, and we spent an awesome time at the wax museum.

Fridays are normally jeans day in my office, but I had to bring a potential new hire to lunch.  I wanted to be somewhere in between work and jeans, since I knew that she would be in a suit and my fellow interviewer would be in jeans (since he was a last minute substitution and wouldn't have time to go home and change).

Silk Blend Full Skirt | Lands End Canvas (similar)

Blue Striped Oxford Shirt | Lands End Canvas (similar)

Black Studded Belt | J. Crew

Bracelets | Thrifted

Flower Pin | LOFT

Perfect Platform Pumps | Ann Taylor (similar, similar)

For our jaunt around town, E and I obvi had to make an effort.  Sorry for the bizarre angle.  You've got to work with what you've got.

Me:

Orange Blazer | Francesca's Collection

White Tee | LOFT

Skinny Jeans | LOFT

Animal Print Flats | J. Crew Factory

Caramelo Necklace | Anthropologie

Sunglasses | H&M

E:

Lace Tee | J. Crew

Black Denim | Banana Republic

Necklace | Kate Spade

Leopard Flats | Banana Republic

Bracelet | Forever21

I have a bit of a head cold today (courtesy of Mr. Matched), so excuse the slightly loopy look I'm wearing today.  E and I went shopping, and I bought this linen rugby striped shirt that I'd been eyeing, and finally got in my size.  I also bought that cute bow necklace.

Bow Necklace | J. Crew (similar)

Teal Stripe Button Down | J. Crew Factory

Rugby Stripe Boatneck Linen Blend Tee | J. Crew (similar; same in other colors)

Pencil Skirt | J. Crew Factory

Peacock Teal Patent Ama Pumps | Talbots (similar)

Silk Wrapped Rhinestone Bracelet | J. Crew

J. Crew

I feel very J. Crew today. I feel like this is something that J. Crew would put together.

This cardigan is actually an icy pink.  I feel like it looks more tan in here.  The shirt is also much more white and less creamy.  I'm still working on lighting problems, so bear with me.  I've done some more layered necklaces here (which I love).  I love the "sweetness" of the pearls, particularly with this more edge striped top.  I bought this top at Forever21, and I am ridiculously surprised at the quality.  It's not see-through, the fabric is very thick and a nice weight, there's a hidden placket, and there's even pockets on the front.  In fact, there's an almost identical one (same fabric and everything) at the Limited right now for 2X as much.  I can't find the top online, but I bought it recently, so you may be able to find it.  

I think my outfit is a little unexpected, but I felt like I owned it today. I felt really confident.  I wore my seafoam pumps for another layer of the unexpected.  Do you ever an "edgy" outfit together, but it makes you feel confident and not out of place?

Cardigan | H&M (similar)

Striped Shirt | Forever 21 (similar, seriously. In stores, the fabric is almost identical)

Skirt | Ann Taylor Factory (similar)

Charm Necklace | LOFT (similar)

Long Pearl Necklace | LOFT Factory (similar)

Bracelets | Forever 21 (same; same; another cute option)

Mona Pumps | J. Crew in Light Peacock (similar; similar)

Inching Closer to Fall

The weather is beautiful in DC.  It's not humid, not too hot, not too cold, and not raining.  I hear that this string of perfect weather lasts 3 seconds before turning cold, so I'm trying to get my fill.

I feel like maybe I shouldn't quite give up on summer colors, but I really wanted to wear my new scarf.  Isn't it pretty?  I love the paisley in the fabulous colors.  I went through 5 outfits this morning (and subsequently went from "early" to "late."

Haven't worn my favorite shoes in awhile, but I thought this brown on black sweater warranted it.  Read about my shoe saga here.

 How is everyone out there transitioning to Fall?  Is it good, bad or ugly?

Boat-Neck Polka Dot Sweater | Old Navy (other colors here. Keep checking in, I've found they get restocked; somewhat similar)

Paisley Tassel-Edge Scarf | Old Navy (same)

Pencil Skirt | J. Crew Factory

Lacquered Link Bracelet | Forever 21 (same)

Patent Cap Toe Pump | Ivanka Trump Gurdia (similar; similar; navy cap toe; splurge)

Red, white, and blue

Today is September 11th, and I want to start off by acknowledging those who died in the attacks 11 years ago, their families and loved ones, and for all those who serve (military, police, firefighters, etc.) both at home and abroad, including my husband.  I snuck out of work for an hour today to watch the wreath laying ceremony at the Navy Memorial. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony, minus the 2 teenagers who decided to ride their skateboards through the middle of it, interrupting the keynote speaker.  It was one of the most rude and disrespectful things I have seen in a long time.  I (and everyone else) was incredulous.

A bit unplanned, but I wore red, white and blue today.

I know it looks black, but I promise its navy.  I don't ever wear black and red together (go Jackets!).  This is a relatively mundane outfit for me, but I suppose the ruffled and pleated color and the striped skirt isn't quite so "mundane" for everyone else.  This skirt has a really nice exposed back zipper and an inverted pleat.  I tried to get a picture of it, but it was a total fail.  I added a leopard print belt for a bit of pizazz (animal print and glitter are neutrals, in case you haven't heard).

Navy Cotton Short-Sleeved V-Neck Cardigan | LOFT (similar; crew neck version)

Ruffled and Pleated Sleeveless Blouse | Ann Taylor Factory (similar)

Crinkle Stripe Skirt | LOFT (it comes back once a year either in Fall or Pre-Spring, and usually has some type of blazer in the same fabric)

Mad Men for Banana Republic Izzy Pumps | Banana Republic (similar; really cute pointy toe version and I love Ivanka Trump shoes; similar with cute, but NSFW heel; )

Leopard Belt | Target (similar)

Strawberry Shortcake

This is another jacket I bought ages ago, anticipating a big girl job.  I often worry about cap sleeves like this because they make me look like a linebacker, but I loved the strawberry color, the subtle jacquard print, and the retro cut.

I think this is one of those jackets that could be matronly, but with kickin' accessories, can update it.  I chose to add some seafoam.  I don't think it's that unexpected, but it's enough to make it interesting.

  

Do you ever get sucked into buy something that you love even though the cut may not be great for you?  Or do you have more self control than I do?

Strawberry Jacquard Swing Jacket | LOFT (similar on sale; similar)

Strawberry Tank | LOFT

Waterfall Necklace | Francesca's Collection (similar to Anthropologie's Stormy Seas Necklace) (same in coral and green; similar)

Navy Curvy Slacks | Ann Taylor Factory

Mona Pumps | J. Crew in Light Peacock (similar; similar)