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 - 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 - Funfessional

Quick OOTD - this is actually a dress I bought from Target and of course wanted to wear right away (I am awful about waiting to wait my new purchases, lol). I didn't realize how short the dress was until I tried to wear it to work, so to make it a bit more professional I threw black tights underneath and a black belted long sleeve button up on top. Add fun earrings and black heels and I'm done! It's fun, it's professional, it's funfessional! Yup, that's my new word! Haha. Enjoy this OOTD!

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

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??

OOTD - Dinner & A Show

Just a quick post tonight - outfit for a night of dinner and a show in Boston with the fabulous ladies. If you're in the Boston area you should check out the show at Jacques Cabaret. It's a female impersonation show and I hear it's beyond fun, especially with a group of friends! They take reservations (which is always a plus) but you can walk in as well as long as you get there early - definitely a place to check out if you're ever in the city. So in honor of this fun-tabulous evening I'm going fun & fab with my outfit!

Let me also add: I'm sure you've noticed that I'll be talking about Friday and posting on Saturday, etc. I tend to write my posts earlier in the day, but not upload my pictures until I get in for the evening, so a lot of times it's in the wee hours of the morning that I am posting, especially on the weekends (hey, a girl has to have her fun!). So no, I am not crazy, I do know what day it is - I just extend my hours a little bit. Ok, on to the outfit!

Necklace (l to r) J. Crew, Lia Sophia, Unknown Craft Fair
Ring - Banana Republic
Large Clutch - Nine West

BCBG Outlet Shorts

J. Crew Sweater

Me Too Suede Booties

A Curl & A Twirl

Gold 'N Hot 1400 Watt Hard Hat Hair Dryer

"Just got paid... It's Friday night... Party hunting... Feeling right!" The weekend is finally here and I'm excited! Technically, thanks to Mother Nature, my weekend started on Wednesday since I took a few days off, but I still love Friday just the same. I am heading out to a birthday celebration (love it!) this evening - it's a little dressier than the usual get together so since I had the day off I decided to add a little fun to the hair. Curls! I love curling my hair when I have the time; actually I am sitting under the hairdryer as we type. Ladies, a hooded hairdryer is a great investment. The curls last longer and are tighter than if I did it with a curling iron. I bought this dryer at my local Sally's on sale. It's not as powerful or fast as the dryers at your salon but it does the trick. What are your favorite hair styles for a fun night out?

I love false lashes! 

I bought this dress for my trip to Miami last year and haven't worn it in a while - I actually thought it was more of a summer dress but I think some tights and my suede booties winterize the whole look. This makes the dress an even better deal - year round wear! The theme of the event tonight is actually Champagne and Chocolate - so they asked us to wear black or gold if possible but I liked this instead (always the rebel!). I had originally intended to wear my sequined peep-toe pumps with this, but all the snow on the ground changed my mind - plus I think the booties are cute as well. Wait a minute - I've never let a little snow stop me before... sequined shoes here I come! Fingers crossed I don't wipeout on the slick sidewalk. Happy Friday!

Enzo Angiolini "Sully" Platform Pump

Nine West Dress (from Marshalls)
Hue Tights (from Marshalls)
Gold Bangals (from Grandmother)

Nordstrom Earrings (similar here)
& Necklace

Banana Republic Ring
OPI "Ski Teal We Drop"

OOTD - Hi-Ho Hi-Ho it's off to work I go!

Today was the big day - I started a new position at my company and after weeks of slow days in the office, jeans, and the occasional lazy ponytail (shhhh don't tell) I am breaking out the work outfits and the heels! I bought a new pair of pants at Banana Republic - they were on sale for $60 and were an additional 40% off so I scored them for $36! I got lucky because they are long length so I didn't have to take them to the tailor to get the hem let out - double sweet!

Banana Republic Sloan Pant
Banana Republic Top (a little over a year old)
Gap woven leather belt
American Eagle cardigan (@ Marshalls)

Guess Outlet Earrings

J. Crew Studded Platform Booties

These bad boys are my newest shoe purchase. J.Crew sale with an additional 30% off. But the real question is are they comfortable?... well the jury is still out on that one. I wore them all day today and my feet were definitely sore, but not in the usual places. The balls of me feet, which usually are the areas that start to hurt first were fine - my toes on the other hand were a little crunched. Now I was wearing black socks, but I wouldn't think they were thick enough to make that big of a difference. My suggestion would be to size up a half size if you're thinking of purchasing. Still love these babies though and as soon as I break them in they will be in heavy rotation for the rest of the winter.

OOTD - Birthday Sparkle

So technically this is an Outfit of the Night (OOTN) since I wore this to a girlfriends' birthday dinner. I have been dying to wear this top that I picked up on final sale at J.Crew, and what better opportunity to introduce a little shine than at a birthday celebration? I know there are people that are not the biggest fan of FS, but honestly it doesn't really bother me that much. I have yet to be burned by a purchase that I've made. If I'm on the fence on an item (even just a little bit) then I pass until I can try it on at a B&M to make a final decision. Just my personal opinion.

J. Crew "Drapey Sequin Tee" in Shadow; Joe's "Cigarette Jean", Gap Ribbon Belt circa 2007

I bought this in a large, I probably should have found an extra large because it's not as drapey as I'd like. But seeing as I am in between sizes and I am in the process of dropping the holiday poundage I'm not that worried about it. In a few weeks the fit (which I think is tts) will be perfect.

Me Too - "Lisbon" Suede Platform Bootie

Let me tell you, these shoes are pretty darned comfortable. For the most part this brand is a little too bland for my tastes, but every once in a while something catches my eye. Easy to get on and off, heavily padded sole and a hidden platform make these a go to shoe for going out this winter.

I love playing with my hair - tonight's do was so easy. All I needed was a hairnet and one bobby pin. It consists of a bump in the front, with a small basket weave in the back and a low bun. I use the hairnet to give me a more concise and neat bun and use the bobby pin to tuck the bun up and under to give it a nice and full look. Through on my trusted MAC eyeshadow, liner, and mascara and I'm good to go!

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Stay stylish ;o). Ms. ShoeLover.