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See you at Closet 12!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Cozy Wraps + New Shoes

My confidence bolstered by this video that I posted a few days ago, I decided to try out my wrap sweater in a new way.  I wanted to be cozy, since I had a long day in front of me.  A forgiving sweater just felt right.  I tied the top two corners together, crossed the sides over and put the knot over my head to form a cowl-type drape.

 What I'm Wearing:
Wrap Sweater: Victoria's Secret Cotton Cashmere Wrap
White Tank: Victoria's Secret
Pinstriped Pants: Hand-Me-Down from A
Obi Belt: Express
Black Fabric Buckle Pumps: Christian Siriano for Payless
The obi belt was one of those accessories that I'd bought a while ago during one of Express' clearance sales, but never quite figured out how to wear.  It never looked right with anything I paired it with, probably because I don't wear too many loose tops.  The tied, twisted, and draped sweater does have a little bit of a kimono feel, doesn't it?  I finally made it work!
I've always been intrigued by Christian Siriano's line for Payless.  I've liked many of his styles, but have been afraid to buy them because my feet instantly hurt when Payless is even so much as named.  My curiosity overcame my common sense when, in need of some black pumps for work, I decided to give them a try.  They are a little narrow in the toe box and lack cushioning, unfortunately.  I'll be adding some gel inserts before I decide for sure whether I like them or not.  

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

I Need Tweed!

I almost squealed with delight when I saw this dress!

I literally squealed when I was given this jacket.  Its my first Topshop piece!
 The Writer picked this jacket out for me during his trip to London last year.  We'd just started dating when he left, yet he was so thoughtful in his shopping (and in many other ways).  I think my personal style is just growing into the pieces now, but I've always loved them.  Who knew my boyfriend was so avant garde?

What I'm Wearing:
Tweed Sleeveless Dress: The Limited
Embellished Jacket: Topshop
Bow Pumps: Mudd
Nails: "Bobbing for Baubles" by Essie
An attempt to get close up with the swirls that cover the jacket

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Whoa, Big Deal

You know how they say you should splurge on timeless wardrobe staples and find deals on the trendier items?  I got a good one yesterday, thanks Target!

Mossimo Kienan Boot in Brown
I know Target's quality may not always be the best, but so often I find amazing deals on their shoes.  The glammed-up hiking boot trend may not be a lasting one and these boots may not be the most comfortable, but at $8.74, who cares?!

Autumn Glow

What I'm Wearing:
Sweater: The Limited
Pencil Skirt: H&M
Tassel Pumps: Mudd (so old, ha!)
Wood Bead Necklace: Hand-Me-Down from Mom
Bag: Coach

Just one picture for today-the camera's batteries died after two shots and I was in such a rush to get out the door.  I like wearing sweaters to work that can go with jeans for later in the day.  It makes meeting up with the The Writer and/or friends so much easier when half my outfit is already put together.

Monday, October 24, 2011

So That's How Its Done!

Fly-away cardigans are still on the shelves this fall.  Some are easy to wear, but one of them had me stumped.  This one:
source
The Victoria's Secret Cotton Cashmere Wrap boasts that it's able to be worn in an endless variety of styles.  Trouble was, I couldn't figure out how to style it without it looking bulky.  This morning, I found this great video that solved my frustrations!
Obviously, the sweater in the video is from DKNY and comes in more colors than the Victoria's Secret one, but the concept is the same.  Yay for new wardrobe options that don't require any shopping!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Curls, Pearls & Pink

Yesterday, one of my managers looked down at my planner and expressed shock that it was pink.  I guess I've avoided wearing pink to the office, since I see it as a not-so-serious color and I want to be seen as serious about my job.  I made her a deal, when I wore pink I'd let her know. Turns out, she wasn't in today.
I didn't have to go in until 1pm today, so I took the time to curl my hair.  I haven't done that in over a year because my hair had gotten so long, I didn't think it would hold.  Since I'm missing a few inches now, it held much better.  I had to comb the curls out a bit after I took the rollers out.  I had some Shirley Temple curls, at first.

I was supposed to have a fairly important interview at work today, but my interviewer postponed it, leaving me fairly useless until at least Tuesday.  You see, I need to pass a series of interviews before I can conduct business unsupervised.  Its an understandable phase of training, but since all of the area offices are short-staffed, its important for me to get up on my feet as soon as possible. I passed the first interview with very few problems and I'm ready for round two.  Hopefully next week will see me standing on my own two feet.
What I'm Wearing:
Pink Faux Wrap Tank: ELLE (Kohl's)
Chocolate Tie-Waist Cardigan: The Limited
Plaid Pencil Skirt: The Limited
Pearl Headband: Forever 21
Beige Pumps: JS by Jessica
Tote Bag: Merona (Target)
I'm pretty sure I've worn something from The Limited almost every day.  I can't help that I love so many of their clothes and they usually have spectacular deals!  I went right shopping there before I started my new job and got skirts and dresses buy one, get one free.  I'm determined to branch out now that I've enough in my wardrobe to function professionally, but the femininity of The Limited's pieces serve me well.  I left my apartment this afternoon feeling very much like Betty Draper.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Fall Layering for the Office (10.20.11)

 Today was a milestone at work.  I filled out my very first expense report!  I was amazed at what I'll be getting reimbursed for last week's travel.  Apparently, the IRS sets standards for these sorts of things, but since the amount is more than double what I spent on gas this month, I'm excited!  I guess its supposed to cover "wear and tear" on your personal vehicle, but if you knew my car, you'd know its about as worn and torn as it can get before needing replaced.  We put a new transmission in it earlier this year because it would be cheaper than finding a new car at such short notice, but when the new transmission calls it quits, so do I.  Needless to say, I'll be looking forward to traveling for work more.

What I'm Wearing:
Red Sleeveless Button-Down: Express
Gathered Sleeve Cardigan: The Limited
Black Pants: Express Editor Pant
Suede Leopard Pumps: JS by Jessica

Since I don't have (free) laundry facilities at my apartment, I usually take my things over to The Writer's to wash every other weekend or so.  I always like my outfits the first week better, haha.  This is the second week.  Today, I decided to be daring and give my new leopard print shoes a day out.  I'd bought them a while ago and hadn't worn them because I was still getting a feel for the office dress code.  By now, I've accepted that I will probably be the most "dressed-up" one there and I'm ok with that.
I rarely wear pants to work, partially due to the fact that I don't own work appropriate pants in colors other than black and black pinstripe.  I like looking feminine and love almost nothing more than a pencil skirt.  Every working woman/any woman with style should own one.  They're polished, yet sexy, professional, yet feminine.  Anyways, I didn't wear a pencil skirt today, so I'll quit talking about them, for now.  I figured wearing the leopard pumps with pants that would partially hide them would be a good way to ease an otherwise in-your-face shoe into the workplace.  Also, today was predicted to have a high of 45 degrees Farenheit, so I didn't mind having my legs a little more covered up.  I layered a tank underneath the sleeveless top, as well, for some extra warmth and coverage.  There's something about leopard that just begs to be worn with red and khaki.  Maybe its the obvious choice, but since I'm a little bit of a newbie with prints, I'm sticking to it.  

Thursday, October 20, 2011

No More Hair Neglect!

I finally went and got the long-awaited haircut.  I hadn't had anything done to in since the very end of June, and that was only a bang trim.  The last time I had an all over cut was... I don't even remember! March, maybe.

I absolutely love my hair stylist.  I won't let anyone except her touch my hair because when she does, I love it!  I can just sit down and tell her to be creative, knowing that I'll be crazy about the results.

She says I'm her favorite redhead and that this is her favorite shade of red on me.  I like it, too. Its a very comfortable red.  I feel very much my sassy self in this red.  Its hard to tell in the first picture, but there are lighter highlights along my part, in my bangs and around my face.
The back's not crooked, I must've had my head turned.

Its amazing what taking a few inches of split ends off will do.  My hair is so much more manageable!  It seems like it styles more quickly and gets in the way less.  I'm already looking forward to going back in six weeks.  One of the perks of my new job is knowing that I can go back in six weeks.  My hair is going to love this job.  No more neglect!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Go Faux!

Maybe it happens every year and I've just missed it until this autumn, but fur seems to be everywhere!  Maybe its just that the faux fur options are getting better and better, but there's stuff out there that I would (and do) actually wear.  I definitely can't afford the real thing, nor do I feel comfortable with the idea of wearing real fur, especially since rabbit fur is a common garnish to winter accessories and I have a rabbit for a pet.

Anyway, in an attempt to keep the blog soapbox free, I shall now move on to my outfit!

 I have to say, I'm so glad that ladylike is "in" right now.  I used to be such a tomboy when I was younger, but now I will gladly take the red lipstick, high heels, and almost anything pink.  I've heard that TV shows such as Mad Men are to blame and I fully agree.  I'm slightly obsessed with Mad Men and Pan Am.


What I'm Wearing:
Faux Fur Trimmed Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft
Brown V-neck Drape Top: I don't remember
Trouser Jeans: Freestyle Revolution
Suede Booties: Charlotte Russe
Bag: Gia Milani (Target)








The fur collar kept me warm all day.  It was like wearing as scarf that never got too tight.  I like that the collar is removable for washing and versatility.  The buttons are covered in a way that lets you wear the sweater by itself, which I predict will come in handy if I want to tone it down at some point.
I could fit my whole life into this bag!
 These jeans are so comfortable! I was trying my luck at TJ Maxx the other night (it wasn't that much better than Marshall's, darn commercials!) when I stumbled across these for only $20! I'd never heard of the brand, Freestyle Revolution, so I looked it up when I got home.  It looks like Macy's and JC Penney carries the brand as part of their regular stock.  Even their regular prices aren't that high for jeans and I may look into a few more pairs in the future.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Fall Trend: Nail Polish

 I think our Indian Summer is finally over.  There are more leaves on the ground and the wind is blowing cold and strong.  I can finally wear my sweaters but my ballet pink nail polish wasn't going with them as well as I'd like.  One trip to Target and I'd taken the plunge into the fall nail color palette.
Essie's Sew Psyched

Sunday, October 16, 2011

A's Moving Away

October 14 marked A's last day as a resident of my town.  I missed not seeing her at least twice a week after I left our tutoring job three weeks ago, but I don't know what I'm going to do now that she lives over an hour away.  Drive there, I guess, but I'll miss having her so close to grab some Starbucks at a moment's notice.
Over the summer, A took Photography as her last college class before graduating.  After tutoring one evening, I "worked" as her portrait model.  She gave me a signed print of the photo once she'd developed it and I finally got a frame for it.


<3 Best Friends

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Second Hand Score!

Last weekend, I was out with a friend during the monthly "First Friday" event downtown.  One of my professors had a film exhibit at one of the galleries, which all stay open late on the first Friday of every month, hence the name.  Every month has a different theme and its usually a pretty fun thing to get out and go to.

This month, we noticed a new store and stopped in.  I had just started watching Breakfast at Tiffany's that morning, so the set of 1960's style champagne glasses in the window of this consignment shop caught my eye.  I picked them up for only $5, figuring that even if I didn't want to drink milk out of them a la Holly Golightly, they'd make pretty containers for earrings or rings.

When I was checking out, the cashier got me to enter my name in a drawing.  Never thinking I'd win, I gave her my name, phone number, and email, assuming I'd just get junk emails from them for the rest of my life.  Well, I haven't gotten a single email, but they did call me yesterday to tell me that I was the winner of a $25 gift certificate!  This morning, The Writer and I went down their main shop, which is in a different part of town, right after drinking mimosas out of the new champagne glasses.  They have a huge selection of some pretty cool stuff as well as some typical second hand eccentricities.

I found a soft gray J. Crew wool cardigan and a Talbots cotton blouse to use my gift certificate on.  Neither retailer is within my usual budget as far as clothes go, so I was pretty excited to score some quality items for virtually free.  Even if I hadn't had my gift certificate, the more expensive of the two was only $15.  Wow! The cardigan is so soft and has a unique twisting detail to it that is really flattering, I think.  I can't wait to wear them to work.







Also in shopping this week, I was lured into Marshall's by a commercial.  Some things were ok, and had they had my size in the few pairs of shoes that I liked, I might have bought something, but in general it was a big pile of polyester kitsch.  I never thought I'd say this, but I like the thrift store better.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Back in Blue (10.10.11)

I've been absent from my blog for too long!  I know the shattered screen on my camera shouldn't be as worthwhile of an excuse as I've let myself make it out to be, but I want to post with original pictures as much as possible.  I've finally got ahold of my lovely boyfriend's camera, so I can snap away until mine is replaced (Santa, are you there?).  I'm also now out of the doldrums of underemployment, thankfully.  This is a two-fold blessing for my bloggy, since I'm not mopey about my job and I also have some cash to spend on new looks that I will be happy to talk about here.

Its a funny time of year here in Ohio.  We had a week or so of chilling rain which prompted me to go out and stock up on sweaters.  The weather then decided it wasn't finished with summer and it has been fairly warm and sunny ever since.  I've, therefore, been in this confusing place sartorially, since the thermometer demands short sleeves and airy fabrics but I want cozy fabrics in a subdued autumn palette.


I have a love of striped tops.  The Writer has to physically stop me from buying every blue and white striped top that I see.  Luckily, I got this one in the spring before he realized my "problem." Its not a silhouette I usually wear, which makes it even more fun!


What I'm wearing:
Tank & Mini Wedges: Target
Jeans: Gift from A, but originally from Charlotte Russe, I believe
Striped Top: Forever 21

This is actually a fairly budget friendly outfit, haha. The top from F21 was probably the most expensive item, and I seriously doubt that it topped $20.  I always feel a bit funny mixing red, white, and blue as if I'm suddenly patriotic, or something. 

I did have the day off on Monday, not because of Columbus, but because I'm cramming all of my work hours into a training class during the latter part of the week.  I enjoyed a lazy day of sleeping in, meeting Spam for coffee, shopping, and possibly the highlight of my day, dinner with her family.  Her mom is an excellent cook! I was spoiled with cedar plank tilapia and grill steamed vegetable with fresh ciabatta bread. Mmmm! Wine and ice cream may have been involved as well, hehe. Waking up at six this morning was not an easy thing to do.
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