Showing posts with label blue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blue. Show all posts

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Business as usual [outfit]

White blouse from Macy's - 2007 - gift card / Gap sweater - 2005 - $20? / Limited skirt - 2009 - $20 on sale / Enzo Angiolini pumps from Piperlime - 2010 - $35 / Necklace c/o Jada's Jewels - 2011

This is the most professional outfit I've worn in weeks. I'm not quite sure what it was (probably the fact that it was a Monday after a vacation), but I was just feeling it. I wanted the dressed up feeling. I wanted to wear heels. I didn't go far in this outfit, but it felt good while I was in it.

Now onto this sweater. I don't wear it often, but I've had it a long time and will probably never get rid of it. I remember the details of my purchasing the piece pretty clearly.

Let me set the scene.

Early September 2005. I recently moved to New York City begin grad school at NYU. One of the activities on our orientation week schedule is a job/internship fair. I only have three semesters to soak in all the journalism I can before I'm likely headed back to California, so I print out a stack of resumes and hit up some tables. I drop off a couple of resumes.

A few days later (I think it was the first week of classes) I have a free afternoon, so I decide to take a stroll over to Broadway in Soho to check out the shops. It's just a few blocks from my school-issued shared studio, and right before I get there, next to a wrought iron gate, I get a phone call. It's Time Inc. As in publisher of Real Simple, People magazine, In Style. I dropped off my resume and chatted with their internship coordinator a bit at the job fair, and it was at the top of my dream list.

After silently squealing in joy for a few seconds, I listen closely as the woman invites me in for an interview. I can't remember if she mentions what magazine or not, but no matter. I'm already in shopping mode, so I switch my mission to finding the perfect interview outfit. I walk into the Gap and head straight for the sale racks, since I'm fresh out of college and surviving on student loans and minimal savings. No luck. But then cable knit catches my eye. There are stacks of it in various colors on some shelves. And a small sign that says, "hey, these are on sale, too!" Not in those exact words. And that is how this sweater came to be mine.

I wore this sweater over this tie-neck top (purchased the same day) with black Forever 21 pants and red Payless flats. I remember feeling like I belonged in a country club. It must have gone well, since I got the internship (not with one of the big name mags, but with a smaller, custom publication). It was an awesome three semesters.

What clothing items do you still own and wear that hold the greatest memories?

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Camera knows best [outfit]

These outfit photos really need to be put in context.

I picked an outfit to wear last Thursday to volunteer at Dress for Success. I initially started out dressing business casual whenever I volunteered, until I realized I was looking really out of place so dressed up. So trouser jeans have become my go-to.


And then I saw the outfit photos and HELLO PINHEAD. Down came the hair.


Better. Off I went to volunteer, but the afternoon was cut short when the office closed early. With my latest Ulta coupon burning a hole in my pocket and a newfound passion for my eyebrows, I went shopping.

Two stores and an eyebrow pencil later, I'm in the dressing room at Nordstrom Rack when I notice there is a black pencil mark on my left boob. On a white shirt. Almost certainly from trying out eyebrow pencils on my hand. Darn darn darn.

Luckily I'm wearing a plain white tank underneath. So the shirt goes into the purse and this is how I go about the rest of my day.

Banana Republic cardigan - 2011 - swapped / Old Navy polo - old - cheap / Mossimo tank from Target - 2011 - $9 / Merona trouser jeans from Target - 2011 - $18 / Nine West pumps from Ross - 2011 - $25 / AE outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on clearance

Do you tweak your outfit throughout the day? If you're a blogger, do you ever tweak your outfit after photos?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

If I could wear this everyday, I would

Banana Republic top - 2007 - $30 on sale (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Franco Sarto heels via Piperlime - 2011 - $45 on sale (available) / Target earrings - 2011 - $6 (similar) / Gold leaf bracelet - gift from my friend Stephanie (she made it!) (similar)
[Worn: 09.20.11 | To: Volunteer, errands, work]

One of the things I'm learning very quickly about freelancing is that you can't predict when you will be busy. You can't really even plan around it. It just happens. And (yay for me) it's finally starting to happen! About 90% of the work so far is for previous clients, and the other 10% is non-paid writing, so it's not like my career has exploded (or anything remotely close to that), but work is work.

This outfit was perfect for a busy day of running around and sitting long hours. Trouser jeans don't wrinkle as easily as regular trousers, and I love how breezy the top makes the whole look feel. These are my favorite jeans, hands down, and it's a struggle not to reach for them every single day.

What one item would you wear everyday?

Thursday, September 1, 2011

First of the month [outfit]

miami fashion blogger angeline evans nine west vintage america top black orchid jeans gap sandals
miami fashion blogger angeline evans nine west vintage america top black orchid jeans gap sandals
Nine West Vintage America Jeans top - 2010 - won from Nine West Vintage America contest (similar) / Black Orchid gray jeans via Renew Denim - 2010 - $25 on sale (similar) / Old Navy belt - ?? - cheap (similar) / Gap sandals - 2010 - $20 (similar) / American Eagle outlet chain necklace - 2011 - $4 on clearance (similar) / Tarte natural lip stain in Moody via Sephora - 2011 - $24 (available)
[Worn: 09.01.11 | To: Clean the apartment and go to the Dolphins–Cowboys game]

Happy September! Typically, I'd be waxing on and off about how I'm looking forward to the long weekend (and probably something about how it actually feels like Friday but it's really Thursday), but who am I kidding—I'm living one big long [working] weekend. It's not half bad, especially when you wake up and have a lot to say.

So three things for you today:

1. It's September! Also known as My Birthday Month. I have to admit, it's a little bittersweet this year. We know all of 5 people in Miami so far (and we don't know them that well), so birthday plans are really up in the air.  I love a good celebration, but don't want people to feel awkward being invited to a new acquaintance's birthday party.

2. I'm going to my first NFL game tonight! Sure, it's just preseason, but it's a Cowboys game, and they are my favorite sports team in the whole wide world. I have a jersey, but now that Barber's been traded, it just felt a little wrong, so this Cowboys-inspired blue and gray get-up will have to do. Now just to decide...keep the sandals or change into boots for the game?

3. It took me several tries to get this little tuck thingy down. Check out the losing tucks:

miami fashion blogger angeline evans nine west vintage america top black orchid jeans gap sandals
Losers 

 P.S. Lorena - I got my shoes in the pic! Took me a while to find a picture spot, but I think this one works. :)

How do you show your team spirit? Jerseys, face paint?

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Short day [outfit]

sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional mossimo tee limited skirt franco sarto sandals kate spade necklace
sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional mossimo tee limited skirt franco sarto sandals kate spade necklace
sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional mossimo tee limited skirt franco sarto sandals kate spade necklace
Mossimo pocket v-neck via Target - 2011 - $8 on sale (available) / Mossimo white tank via Target - 2011 - $9 (available) / The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Franco Sarto Hot sandals - 2011 - $45 on sale (available) / Vintage braided belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Kate Spade doodles pen necklace - 2011 - gift (available) / BR Factory Store sunglasses - 2011 - $8 on sale

Outfit analysis: I could live in these tees for summer (I've bought two already), and I am a major sucker for color right now (In addition to my top and necklace, I have two more colors of toe nail polish on). Today was sweltering, so I knew I needed a skirt and sandals, and I was a little over my sleeveless top + black skirt combo addiction I had a few months back. So I switched it up with a tee (so different, I know). 
___

This was my outfit on one of the hottest days of the year so far. Just a week ago it was 60 degrees (the high) and raining. Tuesday (when I wore this outfit) it was 102 and humid. Turns out the A/C in our work building wasn't quite up to the challenge, and we were sent home at 10:30 a.m. due to "unhealthy work conditions" (aka 90+ degrees indoors on some of the top floors), which essentially left me with a three-day workweek, with Friday being my last day at my job. How the time flies by.

Thanks, friends, for your kind words and encouragement about the blog's future on Tuesday's post. I think I have a grasp on how it will evolve (in the near future anyway) and I hope you'll stick around as I feel my way through this transition. I'm also finalizing some dates for my Movin' to Miami Tour 2011: Blog Edition and hope to meet up with some of you along the way! Dallas, Austin, New Orleans, and Orlando—I'm lookin' at you! 

Have you ever been sent home early from work? For what reasons?

Monday, June 27, 2011

The brighter, the better [outfit]

Hawaiian dress - 2011 - swapped (similar) / J.Crew belt - 2011 - $10 on sale (similar) / Nine West pumps via Ross - 2009 - $25 (similar) / Faux pearls (similar)

Outfit analysis: This dress is a tad loose, but a skinny belt cinches it in nicely. I love the fullness of the skirt, the front pockets, and the bright colors. Simple accessories let the print be the star of the ensemble, although I think I could have coordinated the shoes better with my other accessories.
___

I'm going to be honest—I wasn't so sure about this dress. I grabbed it off the table at a swap, glanced at the size and saw it was somewhat around mine, and took it home with me. It sat in my closet for months, and I glided right by it for many an event...weddings, dinners, graduations. It caught my eye at the swap, but for some reason I hadn't even tried it on once since I brought it home.

One day I decided I had to try it. I'm purging as much as possible before the move, so I needed to know if this piece would work or if it needed to be tossed. Gosh it was pretty. The colors were so nice. The fabric is heavy and elegant. The pockets are adorable, even if they do form a slightly unflattering dropwaist look. The length was perfect.

I zipped it up, turned around...and was not all that impressed. It looked pretty shapeless. I apparently had swapped on one of those days where I mis-perceived my own size (in no small part due to the crazy large lunch I had right before hand). If I'd been buying this at retail, I would have needed an entire size down. But it wasn't retail, and there wasn't another. The label is some Hawaiian sounding brand I can't remember (and I'm at my parents' house typing this so I can't check). So it was either make do or throw out.

Last ditch effort: belt it. And wha-la. The dress lives to see at least one more day. Still not sure on the shoes, though...what color shoes do you wear with such a loud dress?!? Even so, I'm glad this piece found its place in my closet. This sheath-lovin' gal has found a place in her heart for an A-line dress. World peace is possible.

How many chances do you give a piece before you pass it on to its next destination? Do you kick it out once it stops working for you or do you hang on just a little longer?

Thursday, June 16, 2011

First lady [outfit]

Agaci blazer
kate spade pumps
ann taylor ruffle tiered top
A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $26 (similar) / Ann Taylor Factory Store top - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade pewter pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / Natural pearls - 2007 - gift (similar) / Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - gift (similar)


Outfit analysis: Speaking of small steps, this is the fourth time I've worn this blazer, and the first time I've busted out of the white tee - blue jeans combo. I started this look with the top untucked and a black belt around the natural waistline, but a) it just didn't look right and b) it definitely didn't look right once I added the blazer. I could probably have added a belt onto the tucked look, too, but I like it without just the same. And something about wearing a colorful outfit makes me reach for these shoes, but I'm not complaining.
___

I'm not actually a first lady (duh), but my husband does study the presidency and the piping on this jacket is just so DC chic that I went for the title anyway. But come to think of it, this outfit looks kind of like it could have been picked by the fabulously stylish Michelle Obama herself. Classic pieces. Fun colors. A mix of affordable (LOFT, A'Gaci) and high-end (Kate Spade). My husband always gets asked if he plans on entering politics (the answer is no), but if he ever did, I think I know what I'm wearing to his swearing-in.

Who is your style inspiration? What draws you to their style?

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Distractions and regressions

sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional agaci top loft cardigan br factory pants enzo angiolini pumps nordstrom stud earrings
sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional agaci top loft cardigan br factory pants enzo angiolini pumps nordstrom stud earrings
sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional loft cardigan nordstrom stud earrings
LOFT cardigan - 2010 - gift (similar) / A'gaci top - 2011 - $20 (similar) / BR Factory pants - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 (similar) / Nordstrom pyramid stud earrings - 2010 - gift card (available) / Ball chain necklace (similar)

Outfit analysis: Another cold day in May...seriously? I finally got around to ironing my clothes and was sooo happy to put these pants back on after a long time away. I wanted to try this top with more tailored trousers, but it was too cold to go with short-sleeves so on came the sweater. I tried a little belt tricks from Academichic and wrapped the built-in waist-tie around the cardigan to give the outfit some shape. Nothing too exciting, but it did the job.
___

Another belted cardigan. I've been regressing sartorially since I've been distracted with the whole move and transition. I turned in my formal resignation this week, giving them a 6.5 week notice. Sure, this long of a notice isn't required in any sense, but since I already told my boss, our CEO, and a handful of other folks, and the organization is currently working on the budget for next fiscal year so they can plan for it.

I have to say, this whole year has just zoomed by, and now it feels like the last month has just snuck up on me. K turned in his dissertation this week (YAY!), and it's basically go-go-go until we get to Miami. Every single weekend is booked...with good things of course!

By the way, did you enter the giveaway yet? It ends tonight (9pm Pacific)!

How do you get out of a style rut?

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Flashback

sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional blog jcrew shirt merona trouser jeans blake scott pumps forever 21 vest
sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional blog jcrew shirt
J.Crew outlet blouse - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Forever 21 vest - 2011 - hand-me-down (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 (similar) / Gap belt - 2010 - $10 (similar) / Blake Scott heels via Off Broadway - 2010 - $40 (similar) / AE necklace - 2010 - $7 (similar)

Outfit analysis: I really liked the laid-back vibe of this outfit, and the trousers and oxford keep it office appropriate. The belt and shoes are a nice touch of color.
___

It's flashback time, folks. We're going way back...back to the days when...
  • When it was too dark after work to take outdoor photos (got home after dark again)
  • When it was rainy and cold (high of 60?)
  • When newspaper editors kept their sleeves rolled up and wore vests
This was just one of those mornings...the kind that makes me reach for the trouser jeans. I originally had a gray v-neck sweater over the shirt, but it just got too bulky, since I was a lazy shopper and bought this shirt without trying it on (it's a size too big). The shirt and jeans on their own looked a little too plain, so I grabbed the vest and I was sold. So comfy.

There is something about this outfit that reminds me of the old school newspaper industry. Sort of like in the Newsies. Am I crazy? Either way, I like it.

Do you draw inspiration from your industry's history?

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Plain white tee

sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans business casual friday the new professional blog agaci blazer merona trouser jeans gap t-shirt enzo angiolini maylie pumps hm leather duffel
sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans business casual friday the new professional blog agaci blazer merona trouser jeans gap t-shirt enzo angiolini maylie pumps hm leather duffel
A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $26 (available) / Gap favorite T - 2011 - $6 on sale (available) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Maylie pumps via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / H&M leather mini-duffel - 2007 - $45 on sale (similar) / Natural pearls - 2007 - gift (similar)

Finally back at home, which means back to work. I slightly altered my hours at work today so I could get some extra sleep (didn't get home from my weekend trip until 1 a.m.), but even with a little extra sleep, I still wasn't completely up to getting fully dressed. I knew it would be a quiet day (a lot of folks were out of the office), so I pulled out my trusty trouser jeans and plain white tee for comfort.

What worked
This is a perfect Casual Friday outfit (or Casual Monday, as it were).  The blazer and heels help dress up the plain t-shirt. The pearls instead of my usual layered long necklaces is a little more classy (versus the usual boho/rock vibe). Love.

What didn't
My hair is in the weird growing-out stage. I blow-dried it this morning with a round brush, pulling the ends under, but as you can see, they didn't feel like staying there. Trying to wait out the growing period, but I'm thinking a quick trim and shape is in order.

Do you work plain t-shirts into your work wardrobe? How do you style them?

Pardon the pics...forgot my point-and-shoot at home today and had a post-work date night w/ K, so I had him snap these shots on his new smartphone (it has an 8MP camera). Not too shabby, but not as good as the DSLR.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wear and Wear Again | Cowl neck shell

It's time to play how-many-times-has-Angeline-worn-the-same-item again! Like last time, this item is a top. I would ask you to guess which one it is, but the post title sort of gives it away.

Much like the ruffle neck, the cowl neck is a closet staple of mine. In addition to this blue shell, I have a cream-colored sleeveless cowl and a black cowl-neck sweater. This simple drape adds a touch of elegance to the most basic of shapes.

Out of the cowl-necks I own, my dark blue Ann Taylor cowl-neck is my favorite. Purchased in 2008 for about $20, it is a silk-nylon-rayon-spandex blend that's dry-clean only. But it's worth it. Three years of wearing this pretty regularly and it's held its shape and quality very nicely.

Notes on cowls:
  • Make sure it doesn't go too low, or that it has some structure on the main shirt area that keeps it from getting too droopy. You don't want to flash anyone.
  • Thicker fabric will keep your cowl drape falling nicely and help prevent scrunchy wrinkles (because it would be awkward to try ironing a cowl).
  • Don't be afraid to wear a necklace with a cowl-neck. It's perfect for showcasing a great piece of jewelry!

Here are some ways I've featured this top on my blog:


What's your favorite way to style a cowl-neck top?

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Bluestocking

sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional business casual tulip skirt blue plaid tights peep toe pumps jcrew blouse belt
sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional business casual tulip skirt blue plaid tights peep toe pumps jcrew blouse belt
sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional business casual tulip skirt jcrew blouse belt

The Rundown
J.Crew button-up shirt - 2009 - $20 (available)
The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 (similar)
J. Crew animal print belt - 2011 - $5 on clearance (similar)
Apt. 9 blue plaid tights via Kohl's - 2009 - Christmas gift (similar)
Nine West peep-toe pumps via Marshalls - 2009 - $25 (similar)

The first time I wore these tights to work, my boss called me a bluestocking.  She couldn't remember what it meant but she knew it wasn't derogatory, so we looked it up.  According to Wikipedia, a bluestocking is an "educated, intellectual woman," and it has had it's share of negative connotation in the past (mostly in connection to female frumpiness).  I'll take that.

What worked
I was a bit worried about the balance between the volume in the skirt and the button-up top. In all my iterations with this skirt, I rarely wear it with a button-up.  Not sure why.  But it turned out fine. I stuck to neutrals with my shirt and jewelry, since the printed tights and belt are already pretty loud.  Plus, don't you just love an outfit that comes in under $100 total? 

What didn't
This is the second time I've worn tights with open-toed shoes. Can someone please tell me how you keep your feet from slipping out and the area around the toes from getting too thin?  I kept walking out of my shoes all day since the tights were so slick, and you can totally see my toenails through the tights.

I got a wireless camera remote from my brother for Christmas and used it both yesterday and today.  I had read that the Nikon K3100 wasn't compatible with a wireless remote and sent my brother to investigate, since he's been dabbling in photography for years and has shot some weddings in the Houston area (email me if you want his info).  He found one. And it works. See?

sacramento office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional business casual tulip skirt blue plaid tights peep toe pumps jcrew blouse belt

What is your preferred camera equipment? How did you learn (or how are you learning) to master your technique?

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Schoolboy or stewardess? [12 of 30]

office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional banana republic blazer rockabilly jeans vintage scarf necklace
office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional banana republic blazer rockabilly jeans vintage scarf necklace
office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional banana republic blazer rockabilly jeans vintage scarf necklace
office fashion blogger angeline evans the new professional banana republic blazer rockabilly jeans vintage scarf necklace

The Rundown:
3 + 15 + 25 + 29
Vintage scarf - 2010 - $12 (similar)
Artisans Lane Turkish Jewelry necklace - 2010 - gift from mom (available)
Premier Designs crystal earrings - 2010 - $19 (similar)

I call this look "schoolboy chic."  Something about the scarf as a tie and the black blazer with jeans really was very menswear.  Alternately, the scarf tie also reminds me of a flight attendant--good thing I didn't wear this with a pencil skirt and pumps!

I also got new stud earrings! Not during the 30, of course, but a few weeks before. My friend Shawna sells Premier Designs jewelry, and when I found out all their studs have hypoallergenic titanium posts, I was sold. I'm allergic to silver and gold, and it can be difficult to find nice earrings with surgical steel or titanium posts (reason number 572 why I'm hard to shop for).  I ordered these, a pair of pearl dangles, and a jewelry set (which will be a gift). They just arrived on Sunday and I'm loving them (and to be honest, finding it a little hard to let go of that set I bought--so pretty! Someone's getting very lucky this Christmas).

What worked:
The necklace + scarf layering!  I started out with the blouse and necklace, but the expanse of white looked a bit bare, and it was only supposed to be 54 degrees today, so I added the scarf. It goes outside of the collar so it doesn't hide the necklace.  The blue and orange complemen t each other really nicely, too, adding some interest to an otherwise bland outfit.

What didn't:
Not that it didn't work, but I think this would have looked better with skinny jeans and boots than with bootcut jeans. But I wanted to get away from that combo since I've already resorted to that so many times.  What's a challenge if you don't try something new?

How are you getting out of your comfort zone with the challenge? Or if you're not doing the challenge, what's something you'd like to try?

----------------------------------
EDIT/UPDATE
So I totally forgot that Rochelle of Rochelle Approved tagged me to share seven secrets! Not sure if these are secrets, but maybe fun facts.  Here goes...


I have a bad habit of picking off my nail polish. I've read nearly every issue of Sports Illustrated over the past five years (except for the last few, which are sitting on my nightstand).  I love jigsaw puzzles and I have a 3,000 piece one that I haven't finished (yet). I make a killer meatloaf. My favorite movie is Singing in the Rain. I married my first boyfriend. I'm allergic to cats, but determined to get one when we get our own house.


I tag...YOU. Share something in the comments!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Inspired by...Vogue (and Style Underdog!)

What I wished I'd worn.
 
What I actually wore. The framed bag would definitely have been a better choice.
 

The Rundown:
Corduroy blazer - 2010 - swapped (similar)
J. Crew blouse - 2009 - $20 (similar)
Old Navy trouser jeans - 2010 - $12 (similar)
Gap belt - 2010 - $10 (similar)
Target shoes - 2010 - $7 on clearance (here)
Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - gift (here)
Forever 21 chain bracelet - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Vintage framed bag - 2010 - $12 (similar)
H&M leather mini-duffel - 2007 - $45 (similar)

Although I no longer subscribe to 11 monthly magazines, I do still love the feel of the glossy pages between my fingers. Heck, I even made it my career (well, some of the time).  Fashion mags, like fashion blogs, continually inspire me, and I ripped this photo out of Vogue several months ago.  It's been a while since I intentionally based my outfit on a magazine clip, and I have plenty sitting around just waiting for some use.

 Vogue, May 2010, Americans in Paris

Isn't it a great look?  I sure think so. So did Style Underdog. She featured her take on the look last week, which reminded me of my little treasure hidden in my file folder of magazine cutouts. Since the office is pretty empty this week (it feels like half the organization is off at this annual conference we sponsor), I figured I could work in some jeans on a Monday.  For those with stricter dress codes, save this for Casual Friday.

What worked:
I love that this outfit is super-basic without using any trace of black, which is so common in the office.  The colors (tan, blue, red, stripes) and textures (denim, corduroy, leather, suede) combine without looking over-the-top.  The layers really helped keep me warm (or at least not freezing) in my icebox of an office. And can you say comfy?

What didn't:
Nothing in particular.  I wonder what it would look like if I belted outside the blazer next time...the fit is a bit baggy so I think the cinching would set off the trouser legs more.  Oooo, ideas!

Have you ever copied a look from a magazine verbatim (or close)?  Which magazines or blogs do you get the most inspiration from?

p.s. Like the pics? K (plus my b-day presents from his parents and grandfather) got me a new camera for my birthday, which of course, he gets to use to take my outfit pics. Maybe it's just me, but the photos look better already, even though we're still shooting on auto.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Flashback


The Rundown:
Sweater (found at Ross) - 2010 - $12 (similar here)
Old Navy tank (underneath) - 2008 - hand-me-down (similar here)
Patent Belt - stolen off an old suit that I gave away (similar here)
Pearls - wedding gift
Old Navy pants - 2006 - $6 (sort of similar here; summer is not the season to shop for tweed pants)
Nine West peep-toe pumps - 2009 - $25 (at Ross) (similar here)

Ok, so maybe I'm cheating--this outfit was from last Wednesday, before the sun decided to vacation in Sacramento. Yesterday's outfit was pretty cute, if I do say so myself, but I was in no shape after work to be taking a photo (yes, on the hottest day of the year--108 I think?--I decided it would be a good idea to walk over a mile at lunch to the farmer's market for lunch). But no worries, I plan on reprising that outfit eventually and posting it. Ok, back to post now...

What worked:
This is a great work outfit for fall or spring weather, when it's not quite hot, but not quite jacket weather.  These are one of my favorite pairs of pants...they're thick and lined so it lays very nicely, and the color and texture add instant interest. Perfect for pairing with some solid basics.  This open-draped sweater is super-light (I don't think I can really even call it a sweater...it's more like light t-shirt material), and definitely comfy.  Usually I like it open, but I'm liking it belted, too (especially with the wide-leg pants).

What didn't:
This pose sucks. But I think the outfit is awesome. I know I usually find something to nitpick about, but for once, I'm sitting back and calling this one a winner.

What is your favorite I-know-I-look-awesome outfit?  I know you have one. :)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Meet and greet


So I'm a week late, but this is my office-ready version of patriotic red, white, and blue (in case you ever have to work on a fourth of July, I guess, or just for everyday wear).  These are a lot of my favorites put together.  I considered wearing brown shoes to go with the belt and bag, but these red heels were just screaming out.  The right heel tip fell off halfway through the day, however, so these are headed to the cobbler tomorrow.  My six other pairs of 30 for 30 shoes should tide me over until they're fixed (I knew there was a reason I included both pairs of pointy-toed pumps).

I was all good and proud of this outfit until I got to work and realized that everyone else was in suits for tonight's meet and greet with our board members at a really posh hotel.  I think I was the only one not with at least a blazer on, and definitely the only one not in black.  Why do people default to black for business dress, anyway?  I didn't include any suits in my 30 (only figured out I was going to this thing last Thursday), and so the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Funny how the rest of my closet just disappears in my mind when it's off limits.  Also funny -- I still have not worn a single one of my planned outfits.  This might just veer into 30 for 60 category before I exhaust all possibilities (j/k, really).

My favorite part of the outfit today, aside from the red, white, and blue, is the braided belt.  I'll have to admit this is a relatively new purchase from my favorite local vintage shop.  Last week I belted over my cardigan, and today the belt went under.  Works both ways, yeah?

Do you default to black for formal work events or do you try to go against the grain?