Sunday, December 12, 2010

Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

T-shirt: Victoria's Secret NFL Collection

Pants: Express

Boots: Charles David

I'm back home after a wonderful week with my loved ones in SC. I've been a bit spoiled seeing my family twice in November, all last week and again in just 9 days! I will be one sad girl in January when all the fun is over.

We had a busy day out and about yesterday despite the yucky weather. After a full morning, we met my bestie and her husband at a sports bar to watch the Steelers/Bengals game. Lucky for me, the Colts played on Thursday night so I didn't feel too bad supporting Nate's team in my Steelers tee. Although I did manage to cover it up just a tiny bit! HA! Can't be too unfaithful to my boys in Blue.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Sweater: New York & Company

Top: Gifted (by Micayla!)

Denim: The Limited

Necklace: Amy Cornwell Designs

I always see button down shirts paired with sweaters in the store and love the look but can rarely stand to actually wear the combination in real life. Every time I try it I end up feeling either: 1. lumpy and bumpy or 2. all twisted up.

But I really wanted to pair this yellow sweater with this flowered top, so I sucked it up and made it work. It took me probably 15 minutes to get the top smoothed out under the sweater enough to not annoy me. That's way too much effort, in my opinion!

Is there a look you see in stores that you wish you were more comfortable wearing? Do you wear long sleeves under sweaters? How do you make it work? I'm open to suggestions!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Sweater: The Limited

Skirt: The Limited

Shoes: Shii

Bracelet: Simply Irresistible

Do I look stressed in this picture? Yeah, I thought so. The day started out a bit rough, but quickly started looking up. My last few days of work are wrapping up nicely and I even got to leave work early to hear Laura Bush speak at a nearby convention center.

I rarely ever buy a head to toe outfit but I loved this skirt from the minute I saw it. I knew it would be tough to match so I broke my own rules (such a rebel!) and bought the matching sweater. I feel very 1950's secretary in this outfit with my ponytail!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Cardigan: Loft

Tank: Gap

Pants: Express

Shoes: Baker's Shoes

Scarf: The Traveling Scarf

Today I am participating in Fab Finds Under $50's Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf - such a fun idea and I'm thrilled to have a part in it! Kimberly has two identical scarves traveling the country for 20 lovely ladies to style it up.

As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to play with the yellow in the pattern. I knew a scarf would be the perfect accessory for the jewelry party I was attending last night - I looked cute when I arrived but the scarf was easily removed when it was time to try on all the pretty sparkly things!

The scarf was a bit long for me, so I just wound it up and then knotted the ends until I was happy with the shape and size in the front - then voila! Party perfect.

Thanks, Kimberly, for hosting the traveling scarf and for letting me participate.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Dress: LOFT

Tank: Old Navy

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: New York & Company

Bracelet: New York & Company

Holy short skirt, Batman! I didn't realize how short this dress was until I got home and saw these pictures. I got dressed in the dark this morning because Nate was sleeping in; otherwise I probably wouldn't have worn this to work. Eek!

That said, this dress was a fabulous deal! An $80 dress for get this - $3! It was final sale for $4.99 at LOFT plus an additional Friends & Family discount on top of that. I half expected to get it to the register and find out I was getting Punked!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Top: The Limited

Skirt: Express

Belt: New York & Company

Shoes: Payless Shoes

Necklace: The Limited

Ring: Forever 21

This outfit isn't at all like what I had planned to wear today. I originally envisioned this ruched-sleeve top with my red pencil skirt, a black patent belt and this fun new red necklace I got recently. But, I am happy to report, the skirt no longer sits quite as high on my waist because my calorie counting is working! Apparently 2 pounds makes a big difference for the red skirt. It's still fine for wearing, just with something over it, not tucked in and belted. Good thing cause I'd be sad to lose that skirt!

I'd never worn this skirt despite the fact that I've had it for about six months. I just never found the right top to wear with it. Black is too harsh and none of my white tops seemed to work before. I think the big sleeves of the top balance out the large pattern of the skirt nicely.

I wasn't as pleased with the proportion of the necklace to the rest of the outfit. It needs something bigger and chunkier (which I do not yet own!).

Friday, April 23, 2010

Cardigan: New York & Company

Tank: Victoria's Secret

Pants: Express

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklaces: Amy Cornwell Designs

The Amy Cornwell necklace I won in her giveaway last week popped up in my mailbox last night. It is so sweet and simple; I absolutely love it! I knew today's outfit had to stay basic so I could show it off!

I paired the new necklace with my first ever ACD piece - my personalized washer necklace. I love how the different chains contrast and I think the two sizes and shapes of the charms compliment nicely.

I love the color of this cardi - it reminds me of fresh cut grass. A perfect pop of color for a rainy, dreary Friday.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Top: New York & Company

Pants: Express (Stella Barely Boot Cut)

Shoes: Payless Shoes

Necklace: Amy Cornwell

I had a doctor's appointment this morning so I didn't get to the office until lunchtime. I decided to take advantage of the half day and wear my grubby clothes to do some work in my predecessor's filing system. I use the term filing system loosely, though - it's basically seven huge drawers filled with folders arranged in absolutely no logical order. I got down and dirty with those files today and only made it about a third of the way through! Ugh.

But it gave me a great excuse to wear this top that I scored a major deal on at New York & Company. The store near my office was closing and the last few days everything was 80% off. Of course, the selection wasn't the best, but I managed to score $330 worth of stuff for just $60! CHA-CHING! Quite possibly my best savings adventure ever!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Dress: The Limited

Belt: New York & Company

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Bracelet: Simply Irresistible

Hey, hey, it's my birthday!

And who doesn't want to look killer on their birthday? I loved the color of this dress the moment I saw it at The Limited and when it went on sale recently, I snapped it up immediately! It came with a much skinnier brown belt which I switched out for this fun patent leather version instead.

I discovered that I have no brown summery pumps (hello, shopping!) so I went with this fun yellow combination instead.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Sweater: New York & Company

T-shirt: The Limited

Jeans: The Limited

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: New York & Company

I spent the better part of the day doing data entry work for the church and then had sushi with one of my favorites.

And wouldn't you know it, it was a nice sunny day until about thirty minutes before I had to leave and suddenly it got chilly and rainy. That's okay, though, since it gave me a chance to get at least one wear out of this mustard sweater before I pack my winter things away. I've been on the prowl for a mustard yellow cardigan for awhile but no luck so far. When I found this v-neck for $5.99 at NY&Co, I decided it was close enough for now. I love the yellow with the black and white stripes. I rolled the sleeves up a bit to show the stripes at the cuffs as well.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Top: New York & Company

Cardigan: The Limited

Pants: Banana Republic

Shoes:

Bracelet: New York & Company

Pardon the expression on my face this morning. Apparently, I am surprised to be up and 'attem already. Or something like that.

I have OSHA 10-hour training three afternoons this week, so being comfortable sitting for hours and hours is my primary agenda. For some reason, being told I must sit still for four straight hours just brings the four-year-old right out of me! Wiggly, giggly and fidgety for absolutely no reason. Fun times.

I originally envisioned this combo belted, but it just wasn't working for me. Not the right belt or too many ruffles, I'm really not sure. Oh well, I called this 'good enough' and just went with it.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Top: New York & Company

Skirt: Express

Shoes: Wild Diva

Necklace: ?

I wish the color on this picture was a little bit brighter because I am totally thrilled with this bright color combination. The picture really doesn't do it justice.

This is the navy skirt from my shopping spree a few weeks ago. I love the higher waist - I feel like it gives me good definition without the hassle of a belt. I also like that it covers one my least favorite body parts, my bony knees.

I don't know what inspired me to pair it with this yellow top. It just kind of came to me when I was laying in bed Sunday night. I briefly flirted with wearing it to my first day of work, but decided to play it a little bit safer and saved it for Day 2. It was a total hit! Score one for the new girl.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Top: New York & Company

Jeans: Express (x2 w10)

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: ?

Ring: New York & Company

I wish I could remember where I bought this necklace but it is one of the few items in my closet that I have zero recall on! Sorry, ladies.

I accidentally overslept this morning. That almost never happens to me so I was a little discombobulated all day. My hair was cursorily straightened, I threw on easy basics, cheated with a big necklace, missed my daily Starbucks run and spent the entire day thinking it was Thursday.

Here's hoping the real Thursday goes a little more smoothly.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Top: New York & Company

Tank: New York & Company

Shorts: Old Navy

Sandals: Ann Taylor Loft

Necklaces: Gifted

Bracelet: New York & Company

Well you certainly aren't going to lose me in a crowd today, huh? I love the pattern and colors of this top. When I realized it matched these walking shorts from Old Navy, it was a match made in heaven.

Admittedly, it's a little loud for work, but the environment is casual and I actually got a couple of compliments on it. I've also worn the top with dark denim and a navy patent belt for a more sophisticated look. Yeah for tops that work several ways!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Tank Top: Old Navy

Jeans: Express (Stella extra skinny)

Shoes: Victoria Spenser

Scarf: Target

Bracelet: New York & Company

Earrings: Gifted

Do I look particularly sunshine-y today? I feel it!! Today is the last day before vacation and I am totally pumped. We've got a jam-packed schedule and I get to see so many of my favorite people, all in a nine day span. I was just feeling bright and bushy-tailed, so yellow stripes seemed appropriate. Added a little scarf to dress it up a bit and I was ready to conquer the day.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Track suit: New York & Company

Tank top: Old Navy

Hurray for a three day weekend! We were originally supposed to have two sets of company this weekend but work stuff forced both sets to cancel a few weeks ago. Boo! So instead we are keeping things low key around the casa and gearing up for our vacation a week from today!!

This morning I got up a little early and headed to a new spa for a little pre-vacation 'maintenance', so I had to be comfy and loose for that. A cute little track suit fit the bill. And of course, I picked a red and blue theme to suit the holiday!







Top: The Limited

Jeans: Express (Mia Ultra Skinny)

Sandals: Baker's Shoes

Cuff: The Limited

Earrings: New York & Company

Friday night we went downtown with another couple for a sushi dinner. I wasn't sure what the dress code at this place would be, so I tried to play it straight down the middle - not overdressed and not under dressed. I also took along a mustard colored scarf in case it was chilly in the restaurant.