OOTD - My new obsession

I've been waiting to post an outfit using this kimono jacket since I bought it on clearance weeks ago. I've worn it to work with jeans but I wanted my first OOTD with this piece to be a little different. I've been awoken the past few weeks to the oh to pleasant sounds to saws, hammers, and lumber dropping. They are building a house next door (great for property value, awful for sleep) and they insist on starting earlier than I care for. Thus my outfits have been rushed and uninteresting because I spend much of my morning complaining to myself about the intrusion of blissful sleep. To be honest I don't even know how I pulled this outfit together, but I love it so I won't look a gifted horse in the mouth. So on to the details... the kimono jacket was purchased from Anthropologie on clearence. It's by Porridge and I'm in love with it. I'm almost as obsessed in love with it as I am with my J. Crew chambray shirt. I threw it on over a target bodycon sweater dress and called it a day. The colors don't actually match, but they compliment nicely. Now if only catching up on sleep were this easy I would be a happy lady.

The first of many

I'm back on the dating scene, so that means lots of first, second, and third date outfits. For some reason I tend not to wear heels early on in the meet & greet process. Perhaps it's because I'm tall as it is, and I don't like to tower over people on dates (call me old fashioned). Beyond that I don't listen much to what people and books say about dating and fashion. My loctician says you should always wear a skirt or dress to show off your legs. My friend says you should never wear a turtle neck or crew neck. My neighbor says your makeup should be simple and neutral. While I'm sure there's great rational behind these pieces of advice (or not) I've always believed that it's really not that complicated. If you're comfortable and confident in your outfit of the night, then you're putting your best and truest self out into the world.

I inherited this clutch when my grandmother passed away. On both sides of the family, my grandmothers loved to shop and they really had some unique pieces. I was blessed to get some of them; they really hold a lot of sentimental value. I used the bag and shoes (Me Too) to pop my otherwise neutral outfit.

OOTD - Easy Weekend

At the end of the week I usually like to do one of two things - hang in with a movie or go out to a low key bar with friends. This week it was the latter. I usually don't get too dressed up because honestly after a long work week I just don't want to put that much effort into it and it was pouring. Usually rain (or any type of weather that's not warm and dry) would deter me from going out. However I've decided to try something new. I'm kind of like Jim Carry in Yes Man. If you haven't seen that movie it's about a guy who begins to say yes to everything asked of him. Want to go bungee jumping? Yes. Can I borrow your car? Yes. Do you have $1 million to loan me? Why, yes! I'm not going that far, but I am consciously saying yes to every opportunity to go out and meet new people or hang with friends. I'm excited about the possibilities and opportunities this be outlook could present to me. Have any of you tried anything like this? What are your thoughts? Would you do it again?

 

Outfit details:

Pants - Joes Jeans (from Marshalls)

Long Sleeve Tee - Gap

Sweater - J. Crew

Boots - Sam Edleman

 

 

 

OOTD - workaholic

Happy Valentine's Day! Just a quick OOTD from the office. The good thing about my desk is there are two full length mirrors for trying on samples so it's easy for me to pop up and take an outfit pic before heading out to a Speed Dating mixer with some girlfriends.

Outfit details: Cords (J. Crew), Sweater (so old I can't remember where it's from), shoes (Vince Camuto).

OOTD - Long Days Night

Just got in to the hotel after an early start and a very full work day. The lighting in here isn't the best but I absolutely loved my outfit so I had to take a few pictures before I changed into my jamjams and crashes into bed.

Outfit details: button front shirt (J. Crew), mini pants (J. Crew), sweater (Gap Outlet), flats (J. Crew), ring ( TJ Maxx), bracelet (gift)

OOTD - Meating the ladies

Hey lovelies! Just a quick OOTD. This past weekend I went out with some friends to a Brazilian BBQ. For those of you who have never been to a Brazilian BBQ it's like carnivore heaven. Basically there is a buffet that contains salads and cheese, soups and chowders, side dishes and fruit. Then there are meat people (I have no idea what they are really called) come around with different meats on huge sword like things and they carve off what you want. If you've got the stomach space they just keep on coming. It is completely awesome for a little meat lover like me. Yum yum yum-yum-yum!

 What do you ladies and gents think of the new photo local? My only issue with it is the spotlight on my forehead - not too cute.

OOTD - What's old is new

I am always looking for new ways to wear old things. For one thing it's so much easier on my wallet and since this year I'm trying to be more fiscally responsible I'm sure I'll be shopping my closet that much more often. Enter this Target find. I bought this for less than $20 at the tail end of the Alice Temperley flash sale. It has covered buttons down the front 3/4 placket and covered buttons on the cuff of the sleeve. In true Alice Temperley style it has a nod to the days of classic femininity and sophistication. Only one issue - its really really really short. Because of that I've only worn it once to a friend's birthday party. Since then it's been hanging lonely in my closet. While leafing through a magazine I saw an inspiration style (note to self take a picture next time!) that showed a dress worn as a top - it looked so sophisticated so I tried my own version and I love the outcome.

The pants are J.Crew mini and add a pop of color that and they are insanely comfortable. I bought this necklace on sale two years ago from Banana Republic and the shoes are Steven by Steve Madden from Nordstrom.  My watch and ring are my go to jewelry for the most part - the watch is Michael Kors and the ring is a fantastic find from TJ Maxx. I recieved so many compliments on this outfit - I'm going to have to shop my closet much more often!

Sized in Style - Summertime... and the living is easy...

Groundhog's Day was a week ago, and that little bugger, bless his heart, didn't see his shadow. What does that mean? It's an early Spring!! So in anticipation for Spring, and eventually Summer, I have started looking for the swimsuit of 2011. I usually by one suit a year to replace the one that I throw out and because I have a slightly hard to fit body I start looking early. Plus bathing suit shopping reminds me that there are warm days coming, even if it doesn't currently feel like it.

I have an average build, although I am tall, but my biggest issue is the chest. My girls are lovely, but they are large, and while I love bikini's those strings only offer so much support. Let's be honest, they offer no support at all! But there are brands that cater to us and they don't look like they're made for our grandmas either.

"Pier" by Freya (photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

"Pier" by Freya. This cute retro number comes in bikini and tankini versions; the underwire top goes up to size 38F! I love the skirted bottom, although I'm not sure how flattering it would be on a non-model body. Good news though - it comes in a regular bikini bottom. Those people at Freya thought of everything. I love the polka dots, but I already own 2 suits with various sized dots, not sure if a third suit is really needed.

"Kenya" by Carmen Mark Valvo (photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

Not everyone wants to wear a bikini, but that doesn't mean you don't want fashion. That's why I love this bandeau number by Carmen Mark Valvo. It has a detachable halter if you're looking for more support, the shirring has a sliming effect, and the skirted bottom is sexy not matronly. Sizes range form 6 to 16 which is great - definitly would have to try it on. My only gripe - I wish it came in additional colors.

Liberty Briland by J. Crew

This suit is another retro favorite - it's fresh with white grounds and a dainty floral pattern and there are decorative buttons between the bust. This suit comes in a d-cup for us well endowed ladies and the bottoms look like they are very versatile for various body types. I wonder how comfortable that strap will be after a day on the beach - looks a little dainty (i.e. unsupportive)

OOTD - Yellow Happiness

One thing I try really hard not to do in the winter is to live in a perpetual outfit of black, brown, and gray. I actually don't even own a black winter coat! But when you're in the dead of the season it gets harder to stay color motivated - but shoes, of lovely shoes, they can always do the color splash trick! I love shoes that are in unexpected colors. New shoes - love 'em. What, they come in crazy colors!? I can't get my wallet out fast enough! That way, when I'm stuck in my hotel because the 5th blizzard in as many weeks is dumping another 8" of snow, the office is closed, and planes and trains are going no where, I have a little piece of happiness on my feet.

Shoes - J Crew (a deal at TJ Maxx)

Tank - J. Crew Factory Outlet

Jeans - Joe's Jeans Cigarette fit

Sweater - J. Crew (on clearance)

OOTD - A Structured Flow

Everyone has been talking about the maxi skirt. I love skirts! I love dresses and I love skirts. Yet I haven't even seen a maxi skirt while I've been out and about in the stores. So alas, my closet is still longing. But wait, I have a bunch of maxi dresses... I wonder if I can get the same look... by golly yes I can!!

Dress J. Crew (last summer)

Tee Banana Republic (on clearance)

Jacket TJ Maxx

Belt - Gap Outlet

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 - 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.