OOTD - One pair of boots to rule them all...

Hi Ladies! Welcome back to the work week! I really hope some of you are lounging in a nice warm climate, because we are preparing for our um-teenth snow storm in less than a month. This OOTD is a little different than the ones in the past - I was in New York for work last week. New York isn't very good with snow, actually it becomes lakes of icy cold slush that wait on the street corners and want to creep into your shoes and torment your toes. So no fancy shoes for me. I should have worn my rain boots, but due to the early flight I wasn't thinking correctly and wore my leather boots. So what follows are the outfits for the week that went with my boots.

Day One:

Sweatter J. Crew

Dress Banana Republic

Belt Gap Outlet

Day Two:

Top J. Crew

Skirt BCBG

Belt Gap Outlet 

 

Day Three:

Sweater, tees, pants J. Crew

Belt Gap Outlet

Necklace Nordstrom

Day Four:

Jeans Joe's Jeans

Sweater Gap Outlet

Tee Nordstrom Rack

OOTD - Oldie but Goodie

Just a quick OOTD post today ladies - this is something I wore for a quick "catch up" and dinner with friends. It a simple oldie but goodie - jeans, boots, and a nice sweater. Sorry for a lack of a shoe picture in this OOTD, I was running late (as usual) so I wasn't able to click the pic. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

J. Crew Pullover V-neck Sweater
Seven Cigarette Jeans

Sam Edelman Boots

Michael Kors watch - love this purchase

Lia Sophia Necklace

Attention Shoppers - Anthropologie

I will admit, I'm not a huge Anthro shopper, but as I browse the blogs I see so many things that I absolutely adore. So when I was in the mall this weekend I thought I'd pop in - results are mixed. First off I think I'm a little spoiled with all the additional % off sales going on right now, so the fact that Anthro didn't give any additional discounts at the register was a bit of a disappointment. Second, there were a few things I loved but they didn't come in my size (bummer) - I noticed that the sizing seems to run small at this store, at least it did for the items I tried on. I'll have to see if they come in additional sizes online. Oh well - it's probably good for my wallet :o)

I saw this sweater on a mannequin and immediately fell in love. It's a dress; It's a cardigan; It's a wrap; It's all of the above! I would wear this to death! Unfortunately this seemed to run on the smaller size so it didn't fit as well as I'd like. And for the price (if I remember correctly it's around $100) it needs to fit. So sad, but it had to stay at the store.

I really like this top. I actually left the store with this top. But I think I will be returning this top. Why? Value value value. This was $50! And compared to the jacket below and the sweater above, I just don't think it's actually worth $50. It's a jersey knit striped open cardigan. It fits great, the sleeves are nice and long... hmm now I'm talking myself back into keeping it. I'll have to sleep on it. What do you ladies think??

I really wanted this jacket to work. Not only was it cute, but it was only $40, which is a steal! It was exaggerated shoulders, a marled fabric, and a cute back! But for me it was a little light under the arms and across the chest. I don't think it runs small per say, I just think it's cut in a way that's not good for well endowed women. But if you have a smaller chest I would 100% recommend this jacket!

Fit for a Queen

It's finally done and I feel like my obsession with HGTV has paid off! I've mentioned in previous posts that one of my unofficial resolutions is to reorganize my life - I started with my bedroom. It's taken a little longer to finish than planned but I just put the finishing touches on last night and I'm ready to share. I decided to take this on in 2011, specifically my bedroom, because I really felt like I was in a rut and I wasn't inspired by my space anymore. I loved the color theme (black, white, and neutrals) that I did 2 years ago, but I hadn't changed my furniture layout in over 5 years and I had so much unneeded and unwanted "stuff" cluttering my space that it just made me feel claustrophobic. And that's not cool in your bedroom!

View from the door

I am utterly mortified at how messy my room was in the before pictures, but in my defense I has just come back from a 2 week vacation so my suitcase had exploded over my room, and since we're all friends I thought I could share. As you can see I have shoe boxes everywhere, shopping bags from my latest retail conquests, random needless papers on my dresser, and the clutter goes on and on. Well no more! PS: Notice the small closet - thanks Boston architecture.

View from head of bed

View from the door

Moving furniture + cleaning house = fabulous new room! Drum roll please.............

View from the door

View from the headboard (old location)
That's my tiny closet in the corner

Above my headboard

My jewelry, perfume, hair station

Attention Shoppers - J. Crew

Holy moly the shopping gods are smiling today ladies! J. Crew is doing an additional 50% off of all sale items in store (I believe it's 40% online). So of course I had to go check it out - I stuck mainly to the sale rack, although I did try some FP items on. Just gotta hope and pray that they will still have my size when they eventually go on sale. I refuse to pay full price (except for pants and shoes) - so I'm reaching way, way, way deep inside to call upon all the paitence I have. The markdowns can't come soon enough! Ok, on to the fitting room...

I L.O.V.E this jacket! If I had a hundred bucks to blow it would go toward this jacket. This jacket is a knit material, so it's structured enough for the office, but casual enough in fabrication for weekend wear. I would say this runs relatively TTS. I tried on a large and if I wore just tees under the jacket I would be fine. Anything thicker and I'd either have to go up to an XL or not button it. It's $118 - I can't seem to find it online so you'll have to keep your eyes peeled in stores for this baby!

This is the Sailor Sweater - I do love the stripes, and the 3/4 sleeves. Overall it is very comfortable - light weight material that would be great for spring with jeans or to throw on over shorts for an evening stroll on the beach. In terms of sizing I'd sat TTF - this is an XL and it's slightly large in the arm area but nothing that would stop me from buying it. At $88 it's a little steep for what it is, but at $30-$40 I'll snap it up. This comes in black linen (shown here) and seaweed ivory.

This was on sale for $12, but honestly I didn't love it. I own a lot on tanks as it is, but I only use them as layering pieces and I just can't figure out how to get optimal use out of this in my wardrobe so it didn't come home with me.

I have never seen this sweater before, and I stalk, I mean shop hehe, J. Crew.com on a regular basis. This sweater is so fab I almost can't stand it. It's an open cardigan with sequin and studs all along the front lapel. I practically stole this baby for $50. I think it runs a little big so I ended up sizing down one size. Look out for this in future OOTDs!

I've seen this sweater on so many blogs for a little over a month now and everytime I see it incorported in an outfit I think go myself "I love that sweater. I wish I had that sweater. Sad face." Now I do! There were two different cardigan styles using this marled fabric. This one is a little longer and it has zipper detailing. And at $40 I think it's a great addition to my sweater collection. It's super warm, nice long sleeves (important for a tall gal like me), and it fits TTS.

What to you travel to work with?

I work as a buyer in the home furnishings area so I travel a lot for work - last year I traveled 32 weeks out of 52! Needless to say I make good friends with the hotel front desk and the nice people at the airlines. When I bought apparel I traveled on simple overnight trips to New York City so there wasn't much thought put into packing, especially my carry-on. In fact I threw everything into my purse (laptop, files, notepad, wallet, etc) which doubled as by briefcase during these trips. It left me with a sore back at the end of the day but I didn't have to carry two bags all day and it was still stylish. Plus, since it was only for only night it wasn't the biggest of deals. But alas, things have changed. In my new area I travel for longer periods of time so I really need a dedicated work case/briefcase. I just don't think my purse (although it is large) can do double duty anymore. So I'm reaching out for help. What do you ladies carry to work? Do you go for fashion or function, and is it possible to have both?

OOTD - The Joker

Tonight someone asked me how I put my outfits together - I told them I try to dress in juxtaposition. Sounds weird, I know; but I always feel my best outfits are the one that are comprised of opposites. It just gives a nice, although sometimes unexpected, balance to the whole look. So if you're going for a soft feminine look, throw in a strong accessory like a leather biker jacket or boots. Flowing dress, add a structured jacket. Skinny jeans, try a free form top - to me it's all about balance. This outfit was my take on color juxtaposition - green and purple! Yes, I know, it's the color of The Joker from Batman, but I absolutely love this outfit! Feel free to share your comments!

           

DKNY Cashmere Cozy (Marshalls)

Laundry by Shelli Segal Knit Dress (Marshalls)

Hue Tights (Marshalls)

Gap Outlet Leather Woven Belt

Sam Edelman Boots
I must really love this brand because this blog has made me realize how many S.E. shoes I actually own!

The "room" is lovely dark and deep...

But I have promises to keep...

And miles to go before I sleep...

And miles to go before I sleep...

So I just got back from a business trip and it was such a revealing experience as a new blogger. I wasn't able to post as frequently as I wanted to, in addition I felt like the posts I did add weren't as dynamic as I like them to be. It's due to many things, the room, the camera, the computer - all of which contributed to the same outcome. So what's a girl to do... well I've come up with some tips to help me on future trips.

1) Never leave home without your camera. I know, this should be a no-brainer. My camera isn't that big - it's not a fancy professional camera, it's just a point and shoot digital. I have no idea why I didn't bring it - I just figured my cell phone camera would suffice. I apologize in advance for the quality of the pics in this post. I promise I've learned my lesson.

2) Not all hotels are created equal. Let me explain; I stayed at the same hotel that I normally stay at, and I will admit that my room this time had some quirks like mirror location (as you'll see in my photos), but lighting and space to take pictures are all important to a fashion blogger. I have already made changes to my hotel selection for upcoming trips!

3) Not all computers are created equal. I am a Mac girl. I have a MacBook, an Iphone, an Ipod (before I got the phone), and as soon as it comes out, an IPad second generation. But since I was traveling on business I decided to just bring my work laptop (IBM). Now the IBM is great for work, but not so great for uploading, cropping, posting, and just general blogging. Unfortunately I really don't want to lug around a second laptop when I travel, and rumor has it the Ipad second generation won't be available until May. What's a blog-girl to do? Tip number 4...

4) Plan blogs ahead. If I am going to create the posts that you wonderful ladies deserve I can't do it on an IBM, so I'm going to have to plan/write some of my posts ahead of time. Even if it's a general idea/topic and the pictures are added later. This way I feel confident in the fact that I will be able to post at least every other day with a substantial installation on "A Mile". And if I have time (seriously it took forever!) to finagle with the IBM I can add additional posts.

J. Crew Skirt
Nordstrom Private Label turtelneck sweater
Sam Edelman Boots

Hue Tights

Yes - I am in a closet. Why? It is plainly obvious that a woman didn't design this room because the mirror is on the back of the closet door. So in order to use it I had to walk in the closet, close the door, and pray the picture gods were on my side. The lighting was awful!

American Eagle Necklace

I couldn't bring myself to get back into that closet, so on day two I tried a method I'd seen Kimmie, from The Kimmie Chromicals, use on her blog. Still, the lighting leaves much to be desired.

American Eagle Cardigan

J. Crew Long Sleeve Button-up

Kenneth Cole Skirt

Hue Tights

Sam Edelman Boots

Lia Sophia Necklace

What is your experience with travel and blogging? Any tips you can share??

Sized in Style – Ideeli Salon

I remember growing up when the fashion industry ignored the fabulously curvy; or those that weren't as tall as a giraffe; or those with a shoe size in double digits. I always felt jilted out of the latest fashion – because I am that curvy, large footed woman. I am a size 12 shoe, I am a 34” inseam, and I am nowhere near a size 2. When I was in the 8th grade I bought my first pair of plus-sized, long length bell bottom pants from Paris Blues (remember them??). Let me tell you, I wore those things to death. I’m pretty sure I cried when I finally had to throw them away. There are so many fab women that aren’t 6’ size 2 models; and we refused to wear the dribs and drabs that the fashion world had been providing. We demanded more! And they are listening! Ideeli is launching Plus Size Perfection salon on Thursday, January 20, 2011. I can’t find any details on the labels/designers that will be featured but I will try my best to log on to the sale early and provide all the juicy tidbits. But, in case I can't get to it before work, sign-up on the website so you can check it out for yourself!!

Also, be on the look out for more posts in the Sized in Style series in both apparel (for the curvy, the tall, and the petite) and footwear (size 10 and up, and size 5 and smaller). Happy Shopping!!

Dressed!

I love dresses. Love. Love. Love. Love. LOVE! Dresses. They can say so many things - What's up flirty and fun! How do you do prim and proper. Nice to see you again structured and sophisticated. Straight up or with a twist, dresses can scream or whisper, they are whatever message you want to convey. And that (along with the fact that they are oh so comfortable) is why I love them so. I really rev up my dress consumption come spring and summer. For some reason I seem to switch to skirts in the winter, but that's for a future post. Lately it's been beyond cold (someone remind me why I chose to live in New England), wet and dreary, so to cheer me up I've been dress plotting - don't tell my wallet though. I have to ease her into the idea. Hmmm, what am I going to add to my collection in Spring 2011? There are really only two styles I want...

Flirty Throwback - there's nothing better than taking a trendy step back in the past. It brings back a sort of femininity that sometimes gets lost in the modern world.

 This dress has the skirt from the 50's and a top from the 90's. Love the combo!

Bebe 90910  Fit Flare Dress (featured in People Style Watch Feb 2011)



Who doesn't love the a modern crochet. Love the 70's feel.

Trina Turk Keyhole Dress

Sexy in Silk - silk is such a sensual fabric, paired with a relaxed styling it's a great daytime romantic look.

 I love the color, I love fit, and I love the silk.

Kenneth Cole Silk Tie Dress



 Striped Silk - two trends in one!

Banana Republic Striped Drop Waist Dress



 Sweet ruffles, Edgy zipper, romantic silk... what more could you ask for?

Gap Ruffle Zip Dress


Now all I need is some warmer weather...

Golden Globes (and shoes!)

Tonight's a big night for all the fashion lovers out there and it's represented by two words... Red. Carpet. I don't usually watch the actual awards show but I do watch (or dvr) the red carpet festivities and this show is no different. What would I do without E! News and their coverage. Now while I'm sure most people are all about the dress (lots of neutrals and black this year) I am always focused (of course) on the shoes! So without any further adieu, my personal favorites...

Not So Basic Black

Giuliana Rancic

Eva Longoria

Jane Krakowski

Amber Riley

Olivia Wilde

Nice & Neutral

Julie Bowen 

Scarlett Johansson

Jennifer Lopez

Anne Hathaway

Behold A Jewel

Angelina Jolie

Sofia Vergara

And The Golden Globe Goes To...

Olivia Wilde
Photo courtesy Justjared.com

Note: All photos courtesy of TMZ.com unless otherwise noted.