Day to Night

With all the running around a day entails, it certainly helps to unwind with friends.  It also helps you feel less lame about sitting at home on evenings when you don't have to work, right?  I love being able to pick one outfit that works for everything on my day's agenda.  No, it doesn't always work, but its so nice when it does.

 Last week, I went shopping (again) with my friend Katie to prep my closet for Spring.  I may or may not have forgotten about all the brightly colored clothes I'd tucked away in the back of my closet and been paniced because I felt like everything in there was black or gray.  Needless to say, it isn't now.  This top was an H&M find.  I always gravitate towards buying bottoms, so I made Katie steer me towards the tops and get this one.  I really like that I'll be able to style it casually and more professionally.

What I'm Wearing:

Top: H&M

Bead Necklace: I forget...

Black Skinny Jeans: Forever 21

Patent Heels: Colin Stuart for Victoria's Secret

Clutch: New York & Co.

I also found these black skinnies on our trip.  They were $10.50! You CANNOT walk away from that!  Katie and I both bought a pair and ended up wearing them out together at the same time.  It was seriously hard to resist going completely crazy on all of the sales, but I tried. A little.

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.  

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.

The Sincerest Form of Flattery

There's a section in Girl Code right under "Thou shalt not steal thy best friend's boyfriend" labeled "Thou shalt not copycat", right?

I've heard it said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but I think someone must have made that up to soothe the tempers of the girls whose friends have broken Girl Code and stolen a look and called it their own.  I'm not talking about inspiration.  I love to check out what other bloggers are wearing and trying out with their outfits, but give credit where credit is due.  If I'm channeling someone else's look in my outfit, I like to think I'd do my best to cite my muse. I think its fair.

I saw The Roommate for the first time since returning home from my latest tri-state tour (PA, NY, NJ) yesterday.  Coming home to the apartment after she's been alone here is usually a bit of a shock to my system and it takes me a bit to readjust to living with her.  As I'm getting in my freshly scrubbed shower (the apartment doesn't get cleaned by anyone except me), she's telling me about her weekend. She brings up my orange dress.   You know, the orange dress that I love and rocked in NYC earlier this summer?  I am in love with that dress.  She knows how much I am in love with that dress, so I was surprised to hear, "You know that orange dress you have from Target? I found it in black this weekend." Oh. Umm... WHAAATTTTT?!?

Awkward moment number one of Wednesday.  Thank goodness I had the shower curtain to hide my face, because I'm sure it would've displayed pure shock.

Later on, after she got home from work at the grease trap, she excitedly hops into my doorway holding a pair of black shoes. "And, ooo, look what else I got! They're these cute little moccasin thingies! They're so soft and comfortable and are dressy enough to wear to work." Uh-huh. They are not, in fact, dressy enough for a professional work environment, but whatever.  I do know how comfortable they are. Do you want to know how I know? I know because they are already in my closet from last year!! I say something of to that extent to her, yet it doesn't phase her that I am or should be at all annoyed by the fact that, while I was away, she was apparently busy duplicating certain favorite elements of my closet.

What. The. Heck?  Commence hair pulling, Girl Code has been broken.

Thou Shalt Not Steal Thy Girl Friend's Boyfriend NOR Her Shoes/Clothes/Accessories.

Style and the Unemployed

Yesterday, I had the unique experience of attending a job fair.  I'm actively looking for my new job and/or career, so going to a place that held over 40 perspective employers seemed like a good idea. Apparently it seemed like a good idea to thousands of other people, as well. I kid you not...thousands.  The line to get in wrapped around the building.  The people at the front of the line had gotten there over two hours ahead of time.

Once inside, I had no choice but to wander through the masses.  It was an eye opening experience.  I know that Ohio is certainly not the fashion capital of the country, but this was a whole new level of awful.  Here are these countless human beings who are trying to improve their lives by getting a better job, who have shown up to meet potential future bosses wearing jeans, t-shirts, athletic shoes, one-shoulder jumpsuits, shorts, and loads of bling.  It was almost tragic.  Had they never been told to "dress for the job you want"?

I understand that times are tough and not everyone can go out an buy a new suit.  I can't.  However, if I were an employer looking to fill any type of professional position and an applicant showed up to an interview looking ready for yard work, I wouldn't be interested in hiring them.  If they showed up in an awful, yet clean and professional, outfit, we could talk.  It wouldn't be so much about the end product, but if I could see they put effort into looking the part, it would speak volumes for how they would fare as an employee.

Professional attire isn't about fashion. *gasp!* It can be. Perhaps it should be, but that is not necessarily my angle on this post.  Dressing professionally on a small to non-existant budget is about resourcefulness.  For me, being stylish, fashionable and resourceful go hand in hand.  So, maybe it is about fashion?  As a girl on a budget who wants to look her best, I have to put thought into every piece I purchase.  A casual tank top is suddenly office acceptable when tucked into a pencil skirt with a blazer or cardigan on top.

Don't have basic professional wardrobe items?  I'm guessing a lot of these people didn't.  How you make it to adulthood without them, I don't know, but there is still hope.  Get them.  Don't use not having them as an excuse.  Go to the Goodwill stores in the area until you find what you need.  Still too expensive? No problem.  Talk to your friends.  Does Friend A have a black skirt she's not using? Borrow it. Too big? Pin it. Does Friend B have a button down shirt or a blazer? Yes? Borrow it. No? Ask if their kid has one. Seriously.  Especially for average to small sized women, the boy's clothing racks are a great place to grab an unexpected bargain.  If the sleeves are too short, cuff them and rock the 3/4 sleeve look. Find some unobtrusive shoes and you've got an outfit fit for an interview.  It's resourceful.

Maybe, just maybe, resourcefulness can turn into style, and goodness knows, what the world needs now is style...or love, sweet love.

The Redhead Shops: Dresses!

I couldn't stop thinking about that dress I mentioned yesterday, so I went back to the store today.  I told myself that it had to be long enough to wear to work and, obviously, had to come in my size.  I'd checked it out online and the only sizes left there were L and XL...not my cup of tea.  When I came to the rack, there were plenty in my size, even though I ended up buying a size smaller than usual--thank you, treadmill!  The dress was more of an orange-red, or "hot orange" according to the tag, than a true red.

I had to exercise restraint while strolling through the racks.  As much as I'd love, love, love to go on a spree, I'm saving for my adventures in NYC.  I just happened to need this particular dress to wear on said adventures.  I did find a slouchy sweater dress for less than $5 on the clearance rack.  It's thin, so I could wear it on a cool, late summer day or just save it for fall.  All in all, I made it out with only one extra item. Not bad!

I rushed right home, since I was due back at work.  To prove that my new orange dress was workplace appropriate, I threw it on, un-ironed save for some Downy Wrinkly-Releaser.  There will surely be an outfit post devoted to this dress, but I wanted to save it for later.

Outfit of the Day: Work Week Recovery

After slumming it all week in gym clothes, I was determined to have a fabulous outfit filled day today.  I'm glad my job at the gym is only part-time.  I've been working extra hours there this week and will be doing the same next week, which is great for my bank account, but awful for my closet.  Since I've been working out so much while at work, getting "dressed-up" has not really been an option.  I guess it could be an option, but, long story short, I get harassed less if I hide behind my workout clothes.  Plus, it's easier for people to figure out that I work at the gym when I dress the part.

Today was not a super-summery day in Ohio. It was fairly cool and not alway sunny, so bright colors weren't striking my fancy.  I opted for the classic light t-shirt and jeans look instead.

What I'm Wearing:

Dark Straight/Skinny Jeans: Express Denim

Ruched Black T-Shirt: Lucca Couture from Urban Outfitters

Black Cami: Victoria's Secret

Necklace: Forever 21

Textured D'Orsay Heels: Charlotte Russe

Clutch: New York & Co.

I had the shopping bug after running some errands this morning and found a dress that I can't stop thinking about it.  I didn't buy it, what with trying to be frugal and all, but if it's still there next weekend, I may give in.  Justification: as long as it's not too short when I try it on, it will look professional under a blazer, and I need more colorful business pieces.  I have a lot of black (today's outfit being a perfect example) since I used to be required to wear black or white for work, but since that's no longer a requirement, nor do I ever wish to work in an environment that dictates my color choices again, I'm determined to branch out. In fact, I've just convinced myself. 

Red dress, here I come!

As I mentioned, I've been kicking my own butt at the gym this past week, and somehow strained a muscle in my back. I'm old, I know. Needless to say, trotting around in heels didn't do me any favors, but after spending the week in RunTones, I didn't care!  These shoes are actually one of my most comfortable pairs of heels, shocking, considering I usually associate Charlotte Russe shoes with feeling like plantar fascilitis is in my near future.

That's all, folks!

Outfit of the Day: The Perfect Summer Skirt

After at least two years of searching, I found what I consider to be the perfect summer skirt.  I usually like the way I look in more fitted skirts, but wanted a playful, light summer option that didn't make me feel wider than a semi-truck.  I finally found it this season at H&M.

I think the thing that makes the skirt work for me is that the hem isn't cut straight across.  It's more of a circle skirt.  It's 100% cotton, therefore, not too light and not "cheap" looking, although it was under $10!  

See? I can't wait to recreate this skirt on my own.  I often hear that if you find a piece that works for you, buy it in several colors.  I do this all the time with tanks and boyfriend T's from Target.  A lot of times, though, I want something more unique.  Good thing I know how to sew! My blue top is also of fairly simple construction, yet has on of my favorite necklines, so I may be spending some DIY time duplicating this whole outfit!

What I'm Wearing:

Sunglasses: Francesca's Collection

Blue Cap-sleeve Shirt: Garage

Cotton Skirt: H&M

Shoes: Merona

Gold Necklaces: Forever 21

I'm definitely packing this outfit for my trip to NYC next month.  It gets hot in the city--an opportune time to have the perfect summer skirt in my suitcase! 

I really can't wait for my trip. I miss The Writer and hustle and bustle of the East Coast.  In fact, I think coming back to the Midwest will be really hard.  I can't wait to move in a year, maybe to NYC.  I wouldn't have to drive an hour to the nearest H&M, that's for sure.

Outfit of the Day: Worn 6/4/11

It probably doesn't come as a shock, but the night life in Ohio isn't all that happening.  If you choose to go out, your options include a bar/club where you will probably be hit on by a married man in his 40's, a few strip clubs, IHOP, a casual downtown hipster bar, and Applebee's.

Not wanting to venture downtown, be hit on, or look at other women objectifying themselves, my old housemate and I headed to Applebee's. The thought of eating Applebee's was slightly nauseating, especially since I've been busting my butt at the gym, but it was our first official hang out since she'd gotten back from studying in London, and if that meant I was going to eat Applebee's, then Applebee's it was.

What I wore:

Yellow Tank: Old Navy 

Grey T-shirt: Marshall's

Jeggings, cuffed: Target

Wedges: Charlotte Russe

Necklace: I have no idea!

This t-shirt is so comfortable.  It's delightfully light--perfect since it's in the 80's today. I love the button detailing up the back.   

I think jeggings can be awful.  Most of the ones I've seen look like PajamaJeans and are not flattering.  This pair earned my seal of approval by having real back pockets, not painted on ones!  They also have a button at the top of the fly, which is sewn shut, and belt loops which make them look much more like skinny jeans than jeggings.

I've vowed to branch out from flip-flops this summer and wear more of the shoes in my repertoire.  I've been wanting a pair of black ankle pants, but was unsure of the trend, since it can make your legs look shirt and stumpy.  I decided to take the look for a test run by cuffing my favorite jeggings.

The Redhead Shops: Accessories on the Cheap

I have an near obsession with solids. There are very few prints in my closet, which usually means my outfits usually need a little "something" extra before they look like I put effort into them.  I've had most of my jewelry for a pretty long time and rarely buy new items, since I tend to favor buying more clothes over buying more accessories.  I have one shirt in particular, a favorite, that begs for accessories:

It could work by itself, if paired with a patterned skirt or other bottom but, like I said, I mostly stick to solids.  Otherwise, it needs a necklace.  

Since I don't buy jewelry often, I didn't own any of the long, layerable necklaces that have come into style.  I've been making my outfits work by borrowing my roommates'.  The trouble with this is, I don't really like them. I like the way they look with the outfit, but I'm not wild about the actual pieces.  I have a rule for myself that gets followed 98% of the time: if it's listed in the Lucky Charms song ("Hearts, stars, horseshoes, clovers and blue moons, pots of gold and rainbows, and me red balloons") I will not wear it.  The only exception that I can think of is the heart-shaped Pandora charm The Writer gave me for our first Valentine's day together, which I love and was super sweet and thoughtful on his part.

Anyhow,  my point is that I broke my shopping ban yesterday.  One of my Besties invited me to the mall with her so I made a deal with myself.  I desperately needed to get out of the house and was sick of having to wear The Roommate's jewelry, therefore, I was allowed to buy some long necklaces as long as they were inexpensive.  Thank goodness for Forever 21 when you're broke, right?!

 

I love the feathered jewelry trend, and was immediately drawn to the long gold necklace.  It looked a little sparse by itself, so I layered it with the shorter feather necklace.  Combined cost of this set? $6.60!

The next two are silver, though it's a little hard to tell due to the lighting in  the photos (I'm not a photographer, in the least).  The first one was only $5.80!  It's hooked on the longest link of the extender, so it can be worn about three inches shorter, as well.  I'm seeing a LBD in it's future! The second silver necklace was the most costly, at $6.80--still not bad!  The end of the tassel hangs about to my belly button.  I love that it's simple, yet still makes a statement.  I foresee it being very versatile.

Since I was experimenting with layering necklaces, I tried both silver pieces on at once.  Bestie liked the way they looked, but I'm not 100% convinced.  It would probably work with the right outfit, something a little more Bohemian than my green shirt.

All in all, I've very pleased with my new additions.  If I'd known I could get away with four pieces that I love for under $20, maybe I wouldn't have shied away from accessories for so long!

Outfit of the Day (worn 5/24/11)

I didn't pick the springy-est outfit to wear, but after the last night's storm, I wasn't sure if it'd look much like spring outside, either.  It's been chilly at work and I didn't feel like wearing jeans...again.

Top: Grey Ruched-side tunic (Victoria's Secret)

Bottom: Purple Side-snap leggings (Walmart)

Shoes: American Eagle Studded Snakeskin Flats

Necklace: Express

After I got the tunic and leggings on, I looked in the mirror and realized that I needed something to break up grey of the top, since both large pieces were solids.  Also, I've been feeling a little self conscious about my middle lately and the legging's waistband and tunic weren't doing me any favors in that area. Voila, necklace to the rescue! Glams up the outfit and draws attention away from the belly.

I love these shoes. They have just the right amount of character to be able to wear them without being boring or worrying that they'll take over the outfit.

That's it for my first Outfit-of-the-Day post.  I've already gotten some better ideas for photographs, and I plan on being more in tune with the season next time.

Style Self Help

I've found myself wandering the aisles of shelves at my local Borders several times in the last few weeks.  I usually always browse through several sections: yoga, diet, fiction, and style.  Books on style intrigue me. I  enjoy reading them, but I can't say that they really affect my fashion decisions all that much.  Perhaps I have too much faith in my fashion sense, but they usually tell me things I already know.

There are people that need these books.  In fact, I would go so far as to say that an extremely large portion of the population could benefit from some sort of style self-help manual.  The flaw in the publishing of these books is that most of the people who need them the most aren't aware of their need or the existence of a solution.  For example, there is a book by Clinton Kelly, of What Not To Wear fame, in which he outlines   the top 100 fashion mistakes and how not to commit a fashion felony.  One of the top blunders listed is tracksuits, velour and otherwise. Does anybody remember that scene in Mean Girls where Regina's mom's chihuahua is chewing on her nipple through her pink velour tracksuit? There shouldn't have been any questions about whether or not tracksuits were a good idea after that.

The next book I picked up was titled, How Not To Look Fat, Ever. This, I thought, had potential.  We all have fat days and I know that I never feel like wearing any of my clothes on those days because I feel like they all look awful. Solution! No. This book should be titled, How To Look Less Fat Even Though You Are Fat. Never once does this book suggest going to a gym or putting down the Doritos. I could publish a one page manual on "How Not To Look Fat" and I'd give it away.  It would read thus: "Take the $30 you were going to spend on a book to help you camouflage your fat and use it to join a gym. Stop buying soda and junk food and use that surplus to continue paying for your new gym membership. Then, you will not only not look fat, you will not be fat."

After that, I left. I wanted to leaf through more tomes of fashion, but was too sick to my stomach to keep going.  On my way out, I witnessed a woman in brown legging with brown socks pulled up over the bottom. Tights? Not quite. I think they have a book for that.