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?

Double dobby [outfit]

Dobby camp shirt from Target - 2009 - $13? / Pleated skirt from Goodwill - 2011 - $6 / Franco Sarto boots - 2010 - gift from mom / Leaf necklace - 2010 - $22 / Braided belt from Bows & Arrows - 2010 - $7

Since my post on Monday reminded me that I own this great shirt, I thought I'd bust it out this week since I haven't touched it in a while. For some reason, my mind went immediately to this skirt, which I originally thought was more pinkish, but with brown accessories looks a lot more beige. I'm still not sure what color it is exactly, but I'm just rolling with it.

So add this to the list of ways to wear a button-down.

[No, this outfit itself does not contain a double dose of dobby dots, but this is the second dobby dot post of the week...so many dots!]

I'm taking a quick break to do some life, so starting tomorrow I'll have some guest bloggers up in here. Hope you enjoy them!

Wear and wear again | Dobby camp shirt

One of my favorite things to wear for work or for casual days is a crisp button down (or button-up...they're the same thing, right?). But to be honest with you, they can get boring unless they have some cool detail or texture. And this top has both. Score.

Purchased in 2009 off of Target's clearance rack (I think it was $12 or $13), this black dobby camp shirt is a workhorse in my closet, both at work and at home. The three-quarter length sleeves are perfect for nearly every season, and the dots are just such a fun touch. And as with any other collared shirt, a sweater on top creates the perfect preppy look. I've worn it with everything from trousers and jeans to pencil and A-line skirts.

October 2010

September 2010

December 2010

November 2010

November 2010

January 2011

Looking back through these photos, my tendency to wear the death out of an item for a season and forget about it is extremely apparent. Speaking of which, it's almost November...time to bust out the dobby dots again.

Some fun camp shirts from around the web:

Button Front Tops at Kohl's

What's your favorite variation on the classic button-down/up?

Weatherproof [outfit]

Eclair top from Nordstrom Rack - 2011 - $13 / Banana Republic suiting pencil skirt - 2010 - $60? on sale / Nine West Outlet boots - 2009 - $50 on sale / Natural pearl necklace - 2007 - gift

For the first time since I've been in Florida, we've had nasty weather. Like, really nasty. Horizontal rain, tornado warning, flood watch nasty. As much as I'd love to hunker down at home (and as free as I actually am to do so), sometimes I know it's better to just suck it up and get on out there. I'm fortunate that my building's garage is attached, so I don't actually have to go out into the rain to get to my car (a major step up from my last apartment), but my destination did not have a parking garage, so I pulled out my non-rain rain boots.

I'm all for rain boots. I love mine. They're from Target and were a Christmas gift from my in-laws a few years back. They get worn basically whenever it's wet out, even if the rain has stopped. Back when I used to take the bus to work (the first 2.5 years of my last job), I'd wear the rain boots for my commute and bring shoes to change into. But for a quick volunteering stop, something that would be awkward to change shoes at? Not so good.

My happy medium—these faux-leather tall boots. They protect my calves when I'm wearing a skirt, keep me from feeling any wet hemlines from I'm wearing trousers, and can even handle skinny jeans tucked in. The heel is thicker than my usual stiletto pump, and the rubber soles are a major plus for wet weather. They're not made for rain, of course, so I wouldn't walk through an ankle-high puddle the way I would in my normal rain boots, but it is nice to know that I'm not putting my leather goods at risk. They weren't cheap, but they've already gotten two seasons of wear and look nearly new.

How do you weatherproof your work outfit without dressing it down?

*bonus points if you've noticed that the boxes in this pic (taken Tuesday) were finally gone yesterday (pic taken Wednesday). I also wore this outfit to do some more unpacking. Slowly, but surely. I hope to be unpacked by the time we move again.

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?

Faux-bi [outfit]

Katerina Dress c/o Carissa Rose [review | disclosure] / Nine West peep-toes from Ross - 2009 - $25 / Natural pearl necklace - 2007 - gift

I almost titled this post "Who died?" because it looks like I'm going to a funeral. Nope. No one died here. Wore this for a little trip to South Beach to check out a jeweler's proposed designs for a commissioned Dress for Success Miami piece. It was gorgeous. I'm not a rich philanthropist type, but if I were, I'd want one. Time to kick the freelancing into high gear.

My favorite part of this outfit is the belt. The first time I wore this dress, I went with a classic front bow. This time I tried an obi-style. The ties are sewn into the side seams of the dress, but I'm seriously debating taking them off the dress and sewing them together to form an independent waist-tie (and so I can use other belts with this dress). Shouldn't be too hard, right?

Speaking of sewing I've been on a major sewing kick lately. This weekend, I made a new pillow for my office chair (based on this pin), and sewed a little tool belt for my three-and-a-half year old nephew (from this book). Next up: making a baby blanket for my brand new nephew (born on Monday!), new throw pillow covers for the couches, and finally doing this skinny pant DIY. I'm putting it off because even though it looks simple enough on screen, it's slightly terrifying to me to do such a large alteration myself.

Are you a crafter? What kind of crafts do you do?

Something like home [outfit]

Ann Taylor top - 2010 - $20 on sale (similar) / BR Factory Store pants - 2009 - $12 on clearance (similar) / Nina pumps from Ross - 2009 - $16 on sale (similar) / Belt taken from a suit (similar) / Necklace c/o Jada's Jewels [referral link]

[Worn: 09.24.11 | To: Work a fundraising event. Change of outfit afterward to meet K's coworkers and have a birthday dinner w/ family]

This is not what I'd normally wear on a Saturday, but most Saturdays don't involve lunch at the Fontainebleau Hotel with a Hollywood legend. Dress for Success Miami hosted a fundraising luncheon featuring acclaimed actress and filmmaker Dyan Cannon, and I jumped at the chance to help out. But what does one wear to a historic fancy schmancy hotel to be in the presence of Miami movers and shakers while still being appropriate for working (moving things around, lifting boxes, event set-up, etc.)?

I came to two conclusions: pants and low heels. I have two pairs of dress pants that work with low heels (in addition to one pair of low-heel jeans, five high-heel pants and three flats pants...you know you make the distinction, too), and between these and the brown ones, black won out. Unfortunately, my pants aren't fitting so well these days, so I needed a structured top to keep from having to adjust my waistband all day. Toss on a belt and some jewels, pull back the hair, and I was ready to go. And I couldn't have been more comfortable at the event, where I indeed ended up walking up and down stairs all day and had to bend over and lift several things.

After the event I changed into this outfit (swap the heels for sandals) to meet up with K and his coworkers at a pub after their department retreat. Got a crapload of restaurant recommendations and a new shopping buddy! And then it was onto Miami's Best Pizza for a birthday dinner with our cousins out here (hint: the Moroccan pizza is bomb). I was completely wiped by the end of the day, but there is something really comforting about having a day full of activities with new friends...something almost like home.

What do you take into account the most when planning a functional and fashionable outfit?

Fashion don'ts that I do

From time to time, I'll see something, either on a blog or on Facebook, asking people about some of their fashion pet peeves. Uggs always make the list, as do leggings as pants, and I agree with those (though they do look comfy). Others, though, I have to admit, I'm guilty of. Here are a few common don'ts that I do.

Embellished back pockets
I've been hiding something from you. My beloved skinnies have embellished back pockets. You've never seen them since I don't take butt pictures (you're welcome), but they're there. And they're sort of ugly. I wouldn't mind if they were cool looking, but these aren't...it says "J" on the left cheek and "Co" on the right. I spent well over a year looking for skinny jeans that flattered my body at a decent price point, and when I finally found these, I bought them despite the back pockets.

I've tried melting the adhesive with a blow dryer, which leaves a dark dot where the embellishment used to be. I've painted them over with black nail polish, which lasts longer than Sharpie. I'm not planning on buying a second pair of skinny jeans, so if you have any suggestions on how to get the studs off the back, please let me know.

Volume + volume = shapeless
Sometimes I just want to be comfortable. To not have to worry about whether I'll have a muffin-top after lunch, to not worry about adjusting my outfit when I stand up or sit down. Flowy clothes are the best for this, and I love pairing some trouser or wide-leg pants with a long shapeless top, usually with a skinny belt or something to cinch in just a little bit at the natural waist. Sure, I generally try to find some balance with my outfits, but sometimes you just have to do what's comfortable.

Black + brown
OK, so this one isn't really a don't anymore. But if you're still not convinced (like my husband isn't...he's just recently gotten to gray + brown), here's some evidence that it works.

How about you? What fashion don'ts do you do?

Random thoughts [outfit]

BR Factory Store t-shirt - 2011 - $5 on sale (similar) / Textured pencil skirt - 2010 - swap (similar) / Anne Klein mary janes via Macy's - 2011 - $25 on sale (available) / Dark faux pearl strand worn doubled and safety-pinned - 2011 - gift (similar)

[Worn: 09.15.11 | To: Volunteer and run errands]

Things are starting to pick up around here...I've had my busiest week in weeks! Went in to volunteer three times, ran an entire day full of errands (still getting things sorted out and unpacked), checked out a new church small group, and worked on a few client projects. Oh, and there's this blog. I did a slight redesign this week, but to be honest, I'm not entirely in love with it, so it's back to the drawing board. Life is settling into a new "normal," and I'm liking it.

Random thoughts today:

• I have the KFC popcorn chicken commercial stuck in my head (again). Why pick on chicken nuggets? Or should we also be asking, "What part of the chicken is the parmigiana?" or "What part of the chicken is the cordon bleu?" 
• Took a walk outside this morning on a little waterfront trail near our apartment. I forgot to start my Runkeeper until about five minutes in, so my best estimate is the route I took today is right around one mile. Hopefully this is the start to a good habit.

I'll be back this afternoon with some links...see you soon!

Carissa Rose review and reader discount [outfit]

Katerina shirt dress c/o Carissa Rose (available) / LOFT sandals - 2009 - $10 on sale (similar) / Artisans Lane Turkish Jewelry necklace - 2010 - gift (available in other colors) / Emilie M faux leather bag via Marshall's - 2011 - $25 (similar)

[Worn: 09.11.11 | To: Church]

I love the look of a crisp button-up, but I know a lot of women have trouble with them. Fit can be off, buttons can gape. And that's for those of us who aren't overly endowed up top. It's even harder to find a good fit when your proportions are not the same as what the manufacturers use (and really, who has those proportions?).

Carissa Rose is a company that specializes in making button-up tops and dresses flatter and fit women with curves and larger chests. Carissa Rose's tops use hook and eye closures spaced about an inch apart to get rid of the gaping problem.

When I first received an email from them, I was intrigued by their mission, but I didn't think it was for me, since I'm not really curvy. I wrote back to tell them that, and they asked for some of my measurements to see if they could work with my size (34B or C bra, 28.5" waist, normal dress size 2/4). They sent me the black Katerina dress in size 6WE and the truffle Olivia shirt in size 4RE.  I finally got around to wearing the dress this weekend, and I have to say...this is my new favorite dress.

Pros

• Lightweight fabric
• Hook-and-eye closure on top eliminates gaping
• Skirt is single piece (no buttons)
• Skirt is straight (not A-line), so it doesn't give off the 50s housewife vibe that many shirtdresses do
• Sash is long and thick, and can be tied in various ways
• Truly knee-length, which is very flattering and elongates the calves

Cons

• The dress is supposed to be long-sleeved, but the sleeves hit 2" above my wrist (I like to roll my sleeves anyway, so this wasn't a big deal for me)
• Unlined

For all my doubts about fitting into clothes made for curvy women, the sizing was perfect...loose enough to roll up the sleeves and be a bit airy, but fitted enough that I didn't get lose my shape. I'm excited to try out the Olivia shirt soon, and of course I'll be back to report on that.

Get one for yourself

Carissa Rose is offering New Professional readers a 20% discount off your purchase with the code THENEWPROFESSIONAL20. Discount expires October 13, 2011. Shop their website, which also includes great sizing and shopping resources for curvy women, and check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Tell me...has fit an gaping prevented you from buying button-up shirts and shirtdresses? Have you tried Carissa Rose?

Disclosure: Carissa Rose sent me two items free of charge for review, but the content of the reviews is all mine. No compensation was provided, and no agreement was made to guarantee a post or positive coverage.

Black on black

Final Touch top via Heart Clothing Boutique - 2011 - $34 (similar) / Old Navy skirt - 2010 - $10 on sale (similar) / Belt via Goodwill Superstore - 2011 - $1 (similar)

[Worn: 08.25.11 | To: Write at home all day]

Well, folks, this is it: my last outfit from my limited suitcase wardrobe. By the time you read this, my stuff will be here and I'll be lying on my bed hugging my shoes, one pair at a time.

Things I am most excited to have back in my possession:

• Bed. An air mattress is not a good substitute.
• Shoes. I've been stuck on flat ground for a month and a half. I need some height!
• Desk. I love this thing.
• Microwave. The oven is just sooooo slooooooow.
• Sweaters and blankets. Our A/C works...too well for my taste.

Now that we finally have our stuff, I'm slowly unpacking. I really love my apartment, but I can't help but have this nagging feeling in the back of my head that we might be moving in 11 months anyway, so is unpacking completely even worth it? This is my 10th apartment in as many years (four cities, three states), so the vagrant lifestyle is something I'm used to. Nonetheless, I love playing house, so I'm just going to pretend we're going to live here forever and really settle in. Because who really likes living out of boxes?

Do you move a lot? How do you adjust to new places?

Short day [outfit]

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?

Totally me [outfit]

Banana Republic suit blazer - $100ish on sale (similar) / J. Crew blouse - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Rockabilly jeans via Renew Denim - $40 on sale (similar) / Calvin Klein pumps via Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / American Eagle outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2011 - $9 (available)

Outfit analysis: This outfit just felt...right. It felt like "me." A nice jean, a crisp button-up in a not-too-girly color, an awesome blazer, heels, and sparkles. In this outfit, my step is just a little quicker, my chin held a little higher, and my smile a little brighter. This outfit is all about amazing fit...all of these pieces fit my body really well, and a good fit makes any body look great. It's also very covered, but because of the fit, you see my figure. Not such a big fan of the blazer closed, but overall, did I mention I love this outfit?
___

No, I'm not wearing fully covered and black clothes in July—this outfit was from June 1 and I just never posted it! I usually post within a week of taking a photo, but sometimes I do take photos of outfits I know I might not post for days like this (and for my Facebook exclusives album).

Speaking of outfit posts, I've been thinking and thinking and thinking about what direction to take this blog in once my office job ends this Friday. We're taking a two week road trip (I have some guest bloggers lined up for some fabulous posts for y'all) and then I'll be plunging right into my new life of being a freelance writer.

Things I want to keep:

• Outfit photos. They just might not all be officewear.
• Professional and career topics. Even freelancers have to develop professionally.

Some ideas I've tossed around for themes/topics:

• I have a long-term goal of spicing up my casual wardrobe. My off-hours wear still consists mostly of tee-shirts, jeans, and flip flops. Now that there won't be as big of a distinction between off-duty and on-duty, I want to start dressing more interestingly even when I'm going casual. This could be a new theme to the blog.
• More fashion trend-type stories (like I used to do clusters and wish lists).
• More DIYs, now that I'll have time to learn some.
• Adding more of my personal life into the blog.

Do any of these catch your fancy? What would you like on the blog as it evolves? Leave a comment below (or you can email me, too).

Snap and scrap [outfit]

Gap dress - 2011 - $25 on sale (similar) / Banana Republic bib necklace - 2010 - $12 on sale (similar) / Vintage braided leather belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Franco Sarto boots via Macy's - 2010 - gift (similar)

Outfit analysis: When I looked at the weather report for early this week (highs in the 60s/70s), I knew I had to squeeze another wear out of this cozy dress. I've paired this dress with brown before, but the boots and necklace give this a totally different look than last time. This almost has a country vibe, which was great. I had the first of my several goodbye lunches this day, and the flat boots were perfect for our walk across Capitol Park.
___

This weekend, K and I grabbed the last of our stuff from our parents houses. I'd already edited my childhood stuff into one medium sized box before I got married, so this weekend was just a little walk through my college life. I grabbed a few books to keep and put the rest in a donate pile. I took photos of my scrapbook pages, ripped all my photos out of my scrapbooks to scan later, and tossed them. I brought back one plastic bin. I call my process "snap and scrap."

K, on the other hand, hadn't gone through his stuff in ages. He did a quick sift through a few of the boxes, but several others he just brought back entirely to look at here. He brought back 3 bins, 2 large boxes, and two shoeboxes of stuff. He's started going through the bins, but while I'm content to keep a digital copy, K is a little less decisive. He's been asking me what to do with stuff, and I'm at a loss. So far we've edited out an entire box, and the shoebox content will be easy to place, but there's still a lot to do.

Do you part with stuff easily or do you hang as long as possible?

Comfortable combos [outfit]

 

LOFT outlet top - 2011 - $14 on sale (similar) / Textured pencil skirt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Franco Sarto sandals via Piperlime - 2011 - $45 on sale (available) / Canvas and leather belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Ball chain necklace (similar)

Outfit analysis: This outfit isn't really anything new for me (I love ruffles and pencil skirts) but I do like how this color combo turned out. The top is a bit of a stone color...not quite gray but not quite brown. It reminds me of Linley's top that I borrowed way back when. This belt + shoe combo is quickly becoming a summer favorite, too.
___

Ever since my shopping diet ended, I've been shopping up a storm. These shoes and this top are just a few of my latest purchases. And unlike my usual formula, I didn't try either of these on before I purchased.

The shoes—I got these from Piperlime, knowing that I could return it for free. I already have a pair of Franco Sarto boots, so I know the brand runs relatively true to size

The top—I got this from the new LOFT outlet in nearby Vacaville (the outlets are the same distance away as the regular mall for me). I didn't feel like trying things on so I eyeballed it. Unfortunately I cut the tags off before I tried it on at home, and it's slightly large. I don't think it will be a huge problem, but with this fitted look it felt a little awkward.

Lesson learned: try it on!

Do you try on clothes or eyeball your size? How often do you miss?

Silky smooth [outfit]

Ann Taylor Factory Store top - 2011 - $12 on sale (similar) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2009 - $7 on sale (available) / BR Factory Store trousers - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Mossimo gladiator sandals via Target - 2010 - $25 (similar) / American Eagle outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar) / Silver ball studs via Target - cheap (similar)

Outfit analysis: I'm sure this outfit breaks some rules...I have a loosely fitted top and relaxed trousers. No belt. No real shape to the shirt. But you know what? I love it. I found this great silky blouse a few months ago at the outlets, and I stuck it in my closet and forgot about it. I pulled it out last week to remind myself to wear it, and I decided just to keep it simple (I start small, remember?). It's one of those things that doesn't makes sense, but just works.
___

I'm back! I know, you barely noticed I was gone (thank goodness for scheduled posts), but I was running around like a madwoman most of last week prepping for K's graduation and our family time in town. We're really lucky—our families get along swimmingly, and we basically spent Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning together (all 10 of us...whew).

Memorable moments from this weekend:

• Almost missing K's walk across the stage at graduation because the emcee called K by the WRONG NAME. 
• Hearing my 3-year-old nephew exclaim, "Your bed is in your living room!" when he saw our futon made up as a bed (for my brother).
• Discovering that I left my car unlocked for three days, parked four blocks from my apartment. Good thing we live in Davis.
• Eating. Lots of eating. And I cooked a meal for everyone, too.
• Watching my nephew tried using chopsticks for the first time. He plays the drums daily, so it was one stick per hand. While eating fried rice.
• Sending Ashlee home with three whopping bags for this weekend's Stitch Swap when all she came over for was a bike (she got the bike, too).

Although my two days off last week were great (and I got to unplug a bit...lots of catching up to do), it's good to be back!

Do you use your vacation days or do you let them gather dust?

Black in spring (and big changes ahead)

Gap dress - 2011 - $27 on sale (available) / J. Crew belt - 2011 - $10 (similar) / Nine West peep-toe pumps via Ross - 2009 - $25 (similar) / Random necklaces: American Eagle, Kohl's, Premier Designs, Forever 21

Outfit analysis: An LBD with sleeves is perfect for even the most corporate of workplaces. The necklaces add a fun element, while the belt adds a little color. Colorful pumps would have been a nice addition (note to self--get some colorful pumps).
___

Despite the nice spring weather, I've been increasingly drawn to black. You saw it with the black pencil skirts last week. And then this. Another black dress. But with sleeves! I resisted buying this dress because I didn't *need* another work dress. But I sure did want one. One with sleeves! And with my friends and family coupon last month, this one was just too good to resist. Bonus--it's machine washable and fully lined. Love.

A few weeks ago I mentioned transitions, with a promise to fill you in later. If you've been listening in on Twitter, you probably know this, but...we're moving to Miami this summer! K is graduating with his Ph.D. next month and will be starting an amazing new job there in August. Now we just have to find an apartment, get our stuff moved, ship a car, and generally pick up our entire lives and move it 3,000 miles away. There is still a lot that is unknown, but isn't that what makes life exciting? And what happens professionally? I'll let you know when I find out.

Are you drawn to certain colors in certain seasons? Or better, do you have any cross-country moving tips?

A week's worth of pencil skirts

Last Wednesday, on day three of black pencil skirts, I realized that was all I had worn last week. So what did I do? Grabbed my fourth and last pencil skirt, ironed it, and wore it on Thursday. It was a mishmash of colors and accompaniments, but I really liked just about every outfit I put together last week.

• Monday: Tulip
• Tuesday: Textured
• Wednesday: Lightweight wool
• Thursday: Cotton

Do you keep multiples of your go-to item? How do you mix it up?