outfit post: mint sweater, black ankle pants, white pump

Inspiration - J.Crew via Net-a-Porter

I really like this unexpected combination of colors. Thanks J.Crew inspiration. Even though black doesn't normally feel summer-y to me - mixed with mint top and white shoes - I think it feels fresh and sunny. Now I just have to survive 8 hours of conference calls today - thanks a lot Monday.

Top: Mint sweater - Forever 21 similar, similar, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Black ankle pants - Ann Taylor  shop same, similar, similar, similar petite, plus Shoes: White pump - Nine West shop same, similar, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Black & silver bangle bracelets - Forever 21 similar, similar, similar

outfit post: june 2014 recent purchases & shopping wishlist

Little bit more shopping trickling in lately. Stopped into Old Navy to take a quick peek (it's next to our Target which is an evil combo for my wallet) and found two amazing dresses that I fell in love with. Plus the Target sandals and silver heels I mentioned in earlier blog posts. And finally a really cute striped trapeze dress I bought from Asos. And added a few other items that I'm looking to find in the near future...

• Sunburst Chiffon Maxi (purchase) - I tried this dress on and it was amazing. Flow-y and pretty. Perfect for everything summer. Love love love.
• Options I like: shop same, similar, similar, similar, similar, similar
• Embroidered Shift (purchase) - Another Old Navy find. So many times the clothes at Old Navy either seem cheap/poorly made or else they fit really weirdly but then every so often I come across a random great item that I end up wearing to death. And I an tell this dress will fall into the 'wear to death' category. Pretty and nice fabric and love the loose fit. Really sad it's sold out online.
• Options I like: shop same (sold out), similar, similar, similar, similar, similar
• Striped Swing Dress (purchase) -  Another great summer dress. Soft stretchy jersey fabric with some breathing room just in case you eat too much BBQ. Love it!
• Options I like: shop same, similar, similar, similar
• Silver Heeled Sandal (purchase) - Bought these pretty silver heels to accompany my new blue lace overlay 'dressy dress' I wore to a New Orleans wedding last week. They are really cute but not super comfortable. I made it through helping the bridesmaids get ready, ceremony, second-line parade and part of the reception before I had to switch to flipflops in my clutch.
• Options I like: shop same, rhinestones, similar, similar, flats
• Brown wedge sandal (purchase) - I love love love sandals I picked up at Target. (They remind me a lot of these $188 J.Crew ones.) Comfy, cute and I feel like they update a lot of my existing summer clothes by being a 'current' sandal style with the single front strap.
• Options I like: shop same, similar, similar, similar, similar 
• Leopard Clutch (wishlist) - I keep seeing leopard clutches being held by both celebrities and cute bloggers. While I'm not quite a full leopard print dress/shirt person - I do love a fun pop of pattern in an otherwise neutral outfit. I think a leopard clutch is a really cute & fun way to do that. I would love to find an inexpensive option.
• Options I like: similar, similar, similar, similar
• Station Necklace (wishlist) - My Scandal Netflix binge made me fall in love with all the pretty delicate station necklace's that Kerry Washington wears on the show. So pretty. So professional. I want to find one that looks decent quality but doesn't cost a ton.
• Options I like: similar, similar, similar, similar
• White Skirt (wishlist) - I like my white jeans for sometimes in the summer but as Florida gets cranked up to full heat & humidity they are basically impossible to wear outside without dying. So I was thinking an airy white skirt could be a cute & bareable alternative.
• Options I like: similar, similar, similar, similar, similar, plus
• Bright Swim Cover-up (wishlist) - I have quite a few navy or white or batik/ikat swim coverups. But considering the amount of time I spend in my swimsuit - I'd like to add one more in a fun bright color - coral or pink or teal seem like fun colors.
• Options I like: similar, similar, similar, similar, similar

outfit post: navy & white polka dot dress, white cardigan, brown t-strap sandals

Inspiration - Kate Middleton

Week of dresses inspired by Kate Middleton?

Dress worn previously:

• Jean jacket & wedges
• Navy cardigan & mary jane's
• Mustard cardigan & mary jane's
• Nude heels & clutch

Top: White cardigan - Old Navy similar, similar, similar Bottom: Navy polka dot wrap dress - Banana Republic love, similar, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Brown t-strap heels - Charles David similar, similar, wedge, wedge

outfit post: green shirt dress, brown wedge sandals

Inspiration - Kate Middleton

When in doubt? Shirt dress.

I love love love these new $25 sandals I picked up at Target. (They remind me a lot of these $188 J.Crew ones.) Comfy, cute and I feel like they update a lot of my existing summer clothes by being a 'current' sandal style with the single front strap.

(Inspiration photo was found online after I took this outfit picture so it sorta an eh match.)

Dress: Green shirt dress - Cabi similar, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Brown wedge sandal - Merona Target "Nala" shop same, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Gold Christina link bracelet - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar

outfit post: chambray button down shirt, blue floral pencil skirt, black heeled sandals

Inspiration - Ann Taylor

I really love this outfit. I feel like I could see a magazine editor wearing this walking hurriedly down a NYC street in some street style photograph. Not that I have anything that cool and fashionable going on in my life but it also worked out for mid-summer casual office day of spreadsheets and conference calls.

Top: Chambray button down shirt - Old Navy similar, similar, similar, plus Bottom: Blue floral pencil skirt - Ann Taylor  shop same, similar, similar, similar  Shoes: Black heels - Steve Madden similar, similar, similar Accessories: Gold link watch - Michael Kors shop same,  very similar,  similar

outfit post: cowl sleeveless neck top, brown pencil skirt, leopard wedges

Inspiration - Lucky Magazine

I have owned this cowl neck top for years and years but never wear it because I feel that my chest already has enough size emphasis on its own without adding layers of fabric and making it even bigger. But after going on a Scandal binge on Netflix I fell in love with Kerry Washington's beautiful professional DC fixer wardrobe. So many cowl neck tops! So many lovely colors! So pretty!

So I decided to get over my aversion to shirts that enhance my chest and wear this top - and I ended up feeling happy, professional & comfortable all day. Live & learn?

Top: White sleeveless cowl neck top - Ann Taylor similar, similar, similar, plus Bottom: Brown pencil skirt - Banana Republic similar, similar, similar Shoes: Leopard wedges - Nine West shop same, similar, similar, similar  Accessories: Green bag - Target similar, similar, similar

outfit post: blue scalloped lace dress, silver metallic high-heeled sandal

Inspiration - Nordstrom

Here's my pretty new dress I bought from Nordstroms (during their 40% sale) to wear to my bestie's little sister's wedding this weekend in New Orleans! Pretty lace, pretty color, pretty scalloped hem - I love it!

I also picked up a new pair of silver metallic heels from Aldo to go with it. I'm definitely going to put some cute silver flip-flops in my clutch for dancing at the end of the night because I'm doubtful I'll last an entire evening in these shoes.

Excited! Laissez les bons temps! :)

Dress: Blue scalloped lace dress - Nordstroms shop same, similar, similar, sleeves  Shoes: Silver metallic high-heeled sandal - Aldo "Daeng" shop same, rhinestones, similar, similar, flats Accessories: Gold glass crystal Somervell necklace - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar, similar

outfit post: medallion print dress, jean jacket, rope sandals

Inspiration - Jennifer Aniston

TGIF! Casual dress plus a jean jacket is great formula for the weekend. Easy cute and casual. Great for coming in and out of a/c and heat.

Lots of solo driving after I get off work today to reach weekend wedding festivities. Downloaded some audiobooks and NPR podcasts (Marketplace, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and This American Life) so I should be good.

Top: Jean jacket - Target similar, similar, similar, similar Dress: Medallion Print dress - Milly for Banana Republic similar, similar, similar, similar similar to jennifer  Shoes: Rope sandals - Ralph Lauren Outlet similar, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Kimberly gold necklace - Stella & Dot shop same Gold link watch - Michael Kors shop same,  very similar,  similar

outfit post: pink t-shirt, navy & white striped skirt, black heeled sandals

Inspiration - Banana Republic

Wore this to happy hour eats & movie date with the hubs. (We saw Xmen - nerd love to Wolverine!) Easy happy summer date outfit. (I also wore this during the day at the office with black flats and a navy cardigan.)

It's an almost identical outfit as I wore for my summer 7x7 on June 12th of last year. That was fun. I should do another one of those!

Top: Pink t-shirt - Old Navy inspiration shirt, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Navy & white striped skirt - Banana Republic inspiration skirt, similar, similar, similar pretty blue or yellow  Shoes: Black heel sandals - Steve Madden shop same, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Gold link watch - Michael Kors shop same,  very similar,  similar

outfit post: chambray shirt, white jeans, cutout flats

Inspiration - Michelle Williams

Blah blah blah. Some weeks I just run out of gas. I am trying to focus and plow through my work task list but I just feel like I'm dragging. I'd say I need a vacation but I just had such a lovely break. I just need to shake off the blahs and get some stuff done.

On a positive note - I'm excited for this weekend! My bestie's little sister is getting married so Friday night I'm driving to New Orleans for the wedding! Yay for good times with my second family! :)

This outfit is my working from home office comfy outfit. Not quite work appropriate (distressed jeans are not okay for office) but cute for grocery & errand run after hours.

Top: Light chambray shirt - Old Navy shop same, similar, similar Bottom: White distressed jeans - Old Navy shop same, similar, similar Shoes: Nude cutout flats - ShoeMint similar, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Gold link watch - Michael Kors shop same,  very similar,  similar

outfit post: green print blouse, navy work pants, brown mary janes

Inspiration - Top Shop

Wordless Monday.  :)

Blouse worn previously:

• Black pencil skirt & black pumps
• Mustard cardigan & black pants

Top: Green scoop neck chiffon blouse - Merona Target similar, similar, similar, similar  similar print dress Bottom: Navy wool trouser - Banana Republic shop same, similar, curvy fit straight leg (looked bad on me but might fit better then trouser if you have different body type) Shoes: Brown Mary Jane's - TJMaxx similar, similar, similar  Accessories: Rebel pendant necklace - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar  Brown belt - Target similar, similar, similar

outfit post: recent shopping purchases - april & may

I've been a bit of a sporadic shopper over the past few months. I haven't felt that I have any 'needs' lately to fill a particular closet gap. But I've still picked up quite a few things here and there that I've been happy to come across and bring home with me. Here are some of those items: 

• Lace Wedding Guest Dress - My best friends little sister is getting married in New Orleans next weekend! As I was getting ready for her bridal shower a few weeks ago I realized the dress I pulled out to wear (from my 'dressy' dress part of my closet) I had also worn to my besties babyshower and that her daughter is now EIGHT. Um maybe time to treat myself to a new dressy dress? Little online shopping during the Nordstrom's big sale and I found dress shown above & ordered it. Love love love!
• Options I like: exact - nordstroms, similar, similar, sleeves
• Coral blazer - I've been on the hunt for a bright blazer for quite awhile. I'm trying to expand my horizons beyond my cardigan obsession. I really like this one because it's both inexpensive and such a fun color. I've had a few email questions about the fit. I'm 5'7" and ordered a medium. While it fits - I would probably have slightly preferred a large.
• Options I like: exact - sheinside, similar, similar, similar
• Teal Portofino Shirt - Bright easy floaty shirt that hides some of the chub I picked up living off Pad Thai and frozen cocktails on vacation? Yes please.
• Options I like: exact - express, plus, similar, similar
• Nude Wedges - I ordered these nude wedges on sale from Nordstroms because I've been choosing my black wedges lately over of my normal heels. They arrived and I was happy to find out that are WONDERFULLY comfortable. They have a cushy inside and fit my foot perfectly. Yay! 
• Options I like: exact - nordstrom, similar, similar, similar
• Teal clutch - Definitely needed some sort of updated clutch, small bag for summer. I have good options for work & day bags but sometime small, fun and cute. I love the bright happy summer color!
• Options I like: exact rebecca minkof, similar, similar, similar
• Purple Keyhole Blouse - I am always on the lookout for easy work appropriate tops. When I first saw the shirt on the hanger I was a little concerned that the keyhole would show too much cleavage and ruin the suitability for the office. But I tried it on and found that the cutout is high enough that, even if you are larger chested like me, it's still conservative. And it's the kind of fabric that doesn't wrinkle very easily. Score.
• Options I like: exact - express, similar, similar, similar
• Leopard Wedges - Expanding my work low wedge collection to three pairs! Black, nude and now leopard. Great option for in between heels and flats. (This pair from Nine West are a normal-amount-comfortable but the nude nordstrom ones above are lovely cushion-y happiness on my feet!)
• Options I like: exact - nine west, similar, similar, similar
• Strapless Tribal Maxi - Easy fun dress to throw on in really hot weather. Could be swim cover up or night out in a beach town dress. Great length so it doesn't drag. Side slits so you can take normal size steps. And fun colors. Yay!
• Options I like: shop same, similar, similar, blue

outfit post: citron green sweater, striped jersey pencil skirt, nude wedges

Inspiration - Clothed Much

Fun pop of color to brighten up my striped skirt. Loving bright colors for summer. Makes me happy.


Citron green sweater worn previously:

• Grey pencil skirt, black suit jacket & black pumps
• Grey pants & black pumps
• Black pencil skirt & black pumps

Top: Citron green sweater - Loft  similar, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Striped jersey pencil skirt - Old Navy shop same, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Nude wedges - Nordstrom Via Spiga 'Farley' shop same, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Navy beaded necklace - Loft similar, similar, similar

outfit post: teal blouse, black cropped pants, black wedges

Inspiration - Michael Kors via Nordstrom

Easy comfy summer time work outfit. Shirt is thin & breathable enough that I am still able to take my daily afternoon Starbucks walk in the Florida heat & humidity. Really nice to take a short break, un-fuse myself from my computer and stretch my legs. It's the little things that get you through hump day!

Top: Teal camp shirt - Express shop same, shop inspiration, similar, similar Bottom: Black ankle pants - Ann Taylor  shop same, similar, similar, similar petite, plus Shoes: Black wedges - J.Crew outlet target, similar, very low wedge, bow Accessories: Teal necklace - H&M super similar, similar, similar, similar Gold link watch - Michael Kors shop same,  very similar,  similar

outfit post: mint cardigan, black & white crepe dress, nude wedges

Inspiration - Sarah Jessica Parker

Love love loving this crepe dress from Target. It is loose without being baggy, has a light fabric and a it's great length. AND it pairs with any colored cardigan in my closet. SOLD.

I ordered these nude wedges on sale from Nordstroms because I've been choosing my black wedges lately over of my normal heels. They arrived and I was happy to find out that are WONDERFULLY comfortable. They have a cushy inside and fit my foot perfectly. Yay! 

Dress: Black & white crepe shift dress - Target shop same, similar, similar, similar, similar cute dots  Top: Mint cardigan - H&M similar, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Nude wedges - Nordstrom Via Spiga 'Farley' shop same, similar, similar, similar Accessories: Rebel pendant necklace - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar  Gold Christina link bracelet - Stella & Dot shop same, similar, similar

outfit post: coral blazer, print blouse, black pants

Inspiration - New York & Company

The past month has been quite the whirlwind. From 2 week vacation in Thailand right into (32 hours of travel with 12 hours home and then back to the airport ) a week long client workshop in Philadelphia right into a big client software go-live that we've been working on for months -- plus normal life stuff like family, birthdays and bridal showers -- I've been running around like a crazy person and my normal daily outfits photos have fallen by the wayside. But things have finally settled down a bit and posting should return to a normal cadence -- for a few weeks at least! :)

Here's a "I'm ready to get a lot of work done because it's Monday and I'm awesome" type outfit. My fun coral blazer over the same basic outfit I wore back in October. It's actually a "I want you to think I'm ready to get a lot of work done because it's Monday and I'm awesome but really I'm sleepy and want another weekend day" outfit. But who has to know the truth? :P

Top: Coral blazer - Sheinside shop same, similar, similar, similar Black & white print blouse - Ann Taylor Outlet similar, similar, similar, similar Bottom: Black 'Editor' pants - Express shop same, similar, similar, similar Shoes: Black wedges - J.Crew outlet target, similar, very low wedge, bow Accessories: Gold station necklace - Target similar, similar, similar, similar Gold detail elastic belt - H&M shop same, similar, similar

Guest outfit post - chambray shirt, black top, plaid scarf, grey heels

Inspiration -Pinterest

I'm not exactly sure where I would wear this outfit, but I like all of the layers for when I will need to transition into colder seasons. Seasons? What are seasons? Florida problems.

I'm also always cold no matter what the weather because of A/C. Scarves are lifesavers for this reason. Covering your neck helps so so much and if you get hot you can stuff it in your purse. Much easier than having to lug around a bulky jacket. 

Top: Black top - Lush similar, similar, similar Chambray shirt - H&M similar , similar, similar  Bottom: Dark skinny jeans - JustUSA similar, similar, similar Shoes: Grey heels - Nine West shop same, similar, similar  Accessories: Grey plaid scarf - Old Navy similar, similar, similar Brown chain purse - Rebecca Minkoff shop same,  similar,  similar

Guest outfit post - sister week: maroon sweater, navy crop pant, turquoise necklace, maroon heels

Inspiration - Pinterest

I wouldn't think to pair navy maroon and turquoise together, but I really like the pop of fresh color with the two darker tones. I tend to stick to pairing the same colors together. I need to step out of my comfort zone and try new color combo. 

Top: Maroon sweater - J. Crew  shop same, similar, similar Bottom: Navy crop pants - J. Crew shop same, similar, similar Shoes: Maroon heels - Nine West  similar, similar, similar (in flats)  Accessories: Turquoise necklace shop same, similar, similar