Jungle preppy [outfit]

Target Dress - 2011 - $12 on sale / J.Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 on sale / Nine West shoes from Marshalls or Ross - 2011 - $25 (using birthday money) / Banana Republic necklace - 2010 - $12 on sale

One of the biggest changes to my wardrobe now that I'm not in an office anymore is my hemline. For work, I was a staunch knee-length skirter. Any shorter seemed scandalous. Sure, I wore shorter skirts on weekends, but after dressing up all week I usually stuck to plain jeans. 

But now? Well, you've seen me lately. Those longer skirts have been gathering dust in my closet. I must be making up for lost time or something. This dress is one of my go-tos, and I've been switching up belts each time. Today was pink's turn. In my mind, green + pink = preppy. Love it.

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?

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?

Salute your shorts

Striped sweater via Marshall's - 2011 - $13 (similar) / Old Navy tank as undershirt - 2010 - gift (similar) / Joit cuffed shorts via Nordstrom - 2011 - gift card (available) / Gap sandals - 2010 - $20 (similar) / American Eagle outlet chain necklace - 2011 - $4 on clearance (similar)

Now here's something rare—shorts. Short-ish shorts. I don't think there's any debate over how inappropriate these casual shorts would be for the office, so let's just move on, shall we?

Shorts are a rarity not only on this blog, but also in my life. For nearly a decade, I swore them off completely. A terrible flare-up of eczema on my legs in high school (and the subsequent grossing out of classmates + teenage awkwardness) led to ugly scars, and I've rarely been without at least one flare-up since. For some reason, short skirts never got the ax, but I felt supremely uncomfortable in shorts. It wasn't until my first summer in Davis that I realized the relief they could bring in heat. And by that time (my mid-20s) I was over the fact that people might not be so comfortable with my eczema. It took me a while, but the answer to peoples' questions about my legs is now a simple, "Oh, that's just my eczema acting up."

Have you ever been self-conscious about something physical that was beyond your control? How did you deal with it?

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?

Throw on and go [outfit]

Ann Taylor top - 2010 - $20 on sale (similar) / BR Factory Store skirt - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / Enzo Angiolini pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 on sale (available) / H&M leather mini duffel - 2007 - $40 on sale (similar) / Premier Designs faux pearl necklace - 2010 - free with purchase (similar) / BR Factory Store sunglasses - 2011 - $8 on sale

Outfit analysis: I'm not sure if green and purple are supposed to go together, but I was feeling it. Another qualm I had about this outfit was the pleats on the skirt and the top...I have a preconceived notion that if one piece is detailed, it should be worn with a simpler piece. But this seemed to work okay, too. I like how the paper-bag waist of the skirt stands out more because the upper ruched part of the skirt blends into the top (does that make sense? Not sure how to explain it). Neutral accessories help the colors stand out.
___

This had to be one of my laziest mornings ever, and to be honest, I loved the result! This outfit was pretty random. I picked out the skirt and top separately as things I might want to wear together, and just put them on. I air-dried my hair (usually I blow-dry with round brush...not really a blow-out cuz my hair is straight already). And to top it off, I even ate almost the same meal for lunch and dinner: chicken and french fries. Out of one rut, into another.

What odd color combo do you like to wear? How did you discover it?

White and other colors

Old Navy blazer - 2010 - $30 on sale (similar) / J.Crew striped top - Linley's (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 on sale (similar) / Target pumps - 2011 - $10 on sale (similar) / Vintage braided belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Ball chain necklace (similar)

So I'm not entirely certain how this outfit came together, but I think it went something this: pick out top (from the stash Linley sent me)...pick out black skirt...realize the striped top is navy, not black...put back black skirt...pick up khaki skirt...pick out belt...pick out shoes...realize I'm in all very light colors...ponder...ponder...pick out bright jacket...run out door so my car doesn't get a ticket.

I don't have anything against white on light (see here), but I just felt like the outfit needed a pop of color. I liked this outfit, but wasn't really bowled over by any of it. Probably had to do with the fact that I was heading back in to work on a Monday after being on vacation for 5 days and knowing that I have a lot on my plate this week and will be working a half day on Saturday, too. Oh well. You win some, you don't mind some.

What worked
The bright pop of green was really fun. I actually like the outfit a lot now that I look at it on screen, I just didn't really feel like it was anything special when I was wearing it. The belt was a major "do."

What didn't
Perhaps a heftier necklace would have been fun? I've been a little lax on good accessorizing lately.

Do you ever feel blah in a good outfit? Any tips on beating the blahs?

Lucky charms

 

Loft blazer - 2010 - $90 in a moment of weakness (similar) / Banana Republic shirt - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Blake Scott red pumps via Off Broadway or DSW - 2010 - $40 (similar) / Grouse and Badger typewriter ring - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)

If you were to see my kitchen, you would think K and I were cereal fiends. That's only half true. K is a cereal fiend. I, on the other hand, eat only Lucky Charms, and only on weekends. True story.

I've been trying to post outfits as they come up, but since I'm on vacay right now and I happened to have this in the archives, this is what you're getting. This was my St. Patrick's Day outfit. There's some green (see the ring on the chain?). I escaped any pinching (although pinching in the workplace is awkward to begin with--just say no).

This blazer isn't as weird as it looks in pictures--I just apparently don't know how to model it right. It is super-cute when my arms aren't all out to the sides pulling at it. This was my first cheat from my shopping diet (along with the matching skirt), which in hindsight is a) too short and b) too wrinkle-prone to be work appropriate. So the skirt now has new life for casual wear, and this blazer has been added to my blazer collection.

What worked
Just a basic trouser-jean outfit. I like how the blazer sort of dresses it up. And of course the green and red combo (one of my faves...just keep them separated by other colors to avoid the holiday look).

What didn't
Just a basic trouser-jean outfit. Nothing special.

Do you ever buy a piece (or pieces) only to find out later they don't work how you wanted them to? How have you re-purposed them for other situations?

Unofficial denim week

Old Navy blazer - 2010 - $30 (similar) / Calvin Klein outlet top - 2009 - $30 (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $17.50 (similar) / American Eagle chain necklace - 2010 - $4 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 (similar)

Apparently it's denim week at The New Professional. It actually wasn't planned. These pics are from late last week and yesterday's post has been in the queue for weeks. I guess the denim stars just aligned.

I wore this last Friday for a day full of meetings (who does that on a Friday?).  One was an internal staff meeting and the other was a working lunch with a program partner. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew it was Friday and these jeans were pretty dressy, so I just went with them.

And yes, the blazer was all the cover-up I needed all day. Bliss. [If it makes you feel any better, this week is entirely gray and rainy.]

What worked
The three-quarter length sleeves of the blazer and the open toes signal spring, and it felt like it! The top and blazer really dressed up the look. I was a bit unsure of pairing such a large necklace with an ornate neckline, but I think it ended up anchoring the look a bit.

What didn't
Nothing in particular. I think I might try this with the shirt tucked in next time--the blousing isn't all that flattering, and the high waistline of the trousers is really rather nice.

What do you wear for Casual Friday meetings?

My new favorite shoes

Banana Republic faux-wrap dress - 2008 - gift (similar) / Forever 21 gray tights - 2010 - $4 (similar) / Anne Klein heels via Macy's - 2011 - $20 (available--and ON SALE!) / Cami from Costco - 2008 - 2 for $12 (similar) / Faux pearls via Target - ?? - cheap (similar)

How much do I love these shoes? A LOT! I bought them on March 1, the first day off my shopping diet, and I've worn them at least twice a week since. I've walked to lunch, walked to coffee, walked to dinner in these shoes. Cute + comfy + cheap = THE BEST EVER!

Ok, enough gushing. I love the fact that it's nice outside when I get home from work. Since I got my nice camera last fall, I haven't had a chance to take many outdoor photos, since it got dark so soon afterward. I am super-excited to have nicer (and easier to work with) shots this spring! And K is really starting to get the hang of this thing (it only took 13 shots to come away with these three good ones). A quick auto-color/contrast/tone in Photoshop and these pics are ready to go (after resizing, that is). How much easier can it get? And how many rhetorical questions can I fit into one post? (Just watch.)

What worked
A wrap (or faux-wrap, as it were) dress is an office must-have. I love this one because of the collar detail and the print. Chain link never looked classier. The super-subtle print mixing (chain link up top and houndstooth down below) in different colors added a really fun element.

What didn't
I think the gray top and opaque tights were a little too matchy-matchy. If/when I repeat this outfit, I'd go with sheer black hose instead. Opaque tights can be really fun, but I think the sheer stuff generally looks better on me (and is more slimming).

What is your favorite pair of shoes? What do you love most about them?

On shopping and trouser jeans

Ann Taylor top - 2010 - $20 (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $17.50 (similar) / Anne Klein Sarajane heels via Macy's - 2011 - $20 (available--and ON SALE!) / Premier Designs faux pearls - 2010 - free with purchase (similar) / Faux pearl and rhinestone earrings via Target - 2010 - cheap (similar) / Random faux-patent belt (similar)

In the two weeks since I've been off my shopping diet, I've bought four items of clothing, returned one, and am thinking about returning another. I've been to the mall twice, but haven't bought anything. I'm noticing a slight change in my shopping habits--exactly what, I'm not sure yet. But I've been rather hesitant to buy. I think it's partly the comfort I took in my diet (weird, I know) and also a little bit of fear that buying new clothes will change my blog. It's been really fun this past year making do with what I already owned (or could swap for). And even though I'm not a shopaholic, I recognize that buying things means that new purchases will make appearances on this blog. There's no way around that.

But does that change the fact that I'm a young professional on a budget? No, actually. I'm still hesitant to pay more than $20 for pants and $15 for a shirt. I may still splurge every once in a while on a fabulous dress or suit. I'm still a bargain hunter at heart. That will never change.

What worked
Oh my goodness, these pants are the best pants ever. I found them at Target last week on the clearance rack for $17.50, and though I pondered leaving them there (and coming back later to see if they went more on sale), I took them into the dressing room instead. They are worth every penny. I guess Target has these new "fit" categories. These are Fit 2, and they're labelled trousers (and apparently not available online). They have this amazing high waist and this super-soft fabric in an elegant dark wash. They almost feel like pajama pants (but look wayyyy better). I wore them two days in a row (day 2 coming soon). I am so in love.

This is also probably one of my favorite trouser-jean looks ever. Simple and sweet.

What didn't
Um...nothing. Except your office may not be cool with you wearing jeans on a Thursday. Lucky for me, mine is. :)

Where have you found the best clearance deals? Do share!

Roll up your sleeves, get ready to go

BR Factory blouse - 2009 - $6 (similar) / Banana Republic pencil skirt - 2010 - $60? (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Siobhan pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 (available) / Rampage trench via Macy's - 2007 - gift card (similar) / Necklace via Gottschalk's - 2008? - $6 (similar) / Grouse and Badger ring - 2010 - $5 (available)

Yesterday's post took a huge load off. Here is an outfit I actually wore this week!  Wednesday wasn't anything special at the office (but no excuse needed when dressing up), but I did go to a happy hour blogger meet-up afterward! Lesson learned--never make dinner plans with the husband when you're going to meet a bunch of girls for happy hour beforehand. I had to leave before all the gals even arrived! Next time I'm sticking it out.  I had a blast hanging with (and, for some, meeting for the first time) Keri, Bella, Melody, Erin, Tami, Bibi, Jen, Sarah, Ann, Jennine, and Lisa. It should be criminal to have so much fun on a weeknight.


It's almost spring time! Y'all know you're supposed to spring forward this Sunday, right? Well, now you do. That means even later sunsets and even more time for outdoor photos! Can't wait! See the bare legs?


What worked
Funny story about this outfit--on Monday night, K and I went to Target, where I picked up a new pair of trouser jeans (one can never have too many). He gave me a sideways glance when he saw me throw them into the cart and asked warily, "Don't you already have a pair of wide-leg jeans?" I explain to him the difference between wide-leg and trouser (and between my old trouser jeans and these new trouser jeans). He replies, "Well, I just don't think wide-leg jeans look that good. I like when you wear those high-waisted slim skirts with the button-down top tucked in."  It must have stuck with me, because I threw this on just a few mornings later. I didn't recall this earlier conversation until halfway through the day. So yeah, it works.


What didn't
Nada. I *heart* this.


How have others' opinions shaped what you've worn (consciously or subconsciously)? Who's advice do you ask?

Party tights and forgetting

The Rundown
H&M cardigan - 2009 - $30 (similar)
Ann Taylor top - 2010 - $20 (similar)
Banana Republic skirt - 2010 - $70 (similar)
Merona polka dot tights via Target - 2010 - $7 (available)
Nina gold pumps via Ross - 2009 - $16 (similar)
Natural pearl necklace - 2007 - gift (similar)
American Eagle layered necklace - 2011 - $4 (similar)
Premier Designs faux pearl earrings - 2010 - $20 (similar)

OK, so I lied. But I didn't do it on purpose. You see, when I wrote this guest post for Classy Career Girl about a month ago, I actually wrote that I cheated three times.  However, when I went back to add links, I could only find two links. I tried and tried but could not for the life of me remember what my third cheat was. Had I counted the two pieces of my skirt suit? Unlikely. So I changed it to "twice" and linked both cheats I could remember. But the third cheat just would not get out of my mind. Had I just imagined it?

Well, folks, I found it.  It's this top!  I bought it during my business trip to Las Vegas last September because in my post-magazine deadline and post-birthday daze (I was at work until 2 am the night before I left, and I never pack more than a few hours beforehand), I did not bring enough business clothes for the conference.  So I ducked into Caesar's Palace and grabbed this top to wear for Friday's award luncheon. 

So there. My last confession.  I've got a scant 47 days left to this shopping diet, and I'm going to go out with a bang. You're hearing it here first--I'm cutting ALL shopping in February. Except for groceries, that is. But no shoes, accessories, or underwear, either.

What worked
This top and skirt mimics one of my favorite shapes: the sheath dress.  I love the length and high waist of this skirt.  I also tried teasing my hair and poufing up the back a little, and I really like the result.

What didn't
Not really a "didn't work" but, to be honest, I'm not so down with these tights on a regular work day. I added them for fun, because there was a baby shower at work today (and no meetings)!  But something about the sheer black and polka dots just seem too flirty for the workplace. Or my workplace at least. This is the second time I've worn these in the office, but the first full day. I don't think I'll be wearing them to work again (but for play, definitely).

Are there any items you just don't feel comfortable wearing to work even though they're not expressly forbidden by the dress code?

Sometimes more is more

The Rundown:
6 + 12 + 30
Vintage silk scarf via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar)
Gap belt - 2010 - $10 (similar)
Simply Vera Wang cable knit tights via Kohl's - 2009 - gift (similar)
Premier Designs faux pearl drop earrings - 2010 - $19 (similar)

Two more days! Two more days! I've been holding this outfit idea in my head for weeks, and I just had to squeeze it in before the end of the 30.  How trendy is this? Belted scarf.  Tights with open-toed shoes. Snowmen in the background (pic 2). The green tights were a bit of an afterthought--I was originally intending to go with these opaque tights, but they were unavailable (they've moved into the bottom of my laundry basket along with half of my 30 items). I figured since I've done the green and brown thing twice already this week, I might as well keep going (my other options for opaque-ish tights were blue and brown).

What worked:
The belted scarf! And I actually am really loving the tights + open toes thing. I really don't have an excuse--even as cold as this week has been, we've still be in the 50s, which I know is eons warmer than what some of you are experiencing.

What didn't: 
Felt a little like overload with the scarf, belt, colorful tights, and drop earrings.  I'm not sure what would be better, though--paring back or piling more on for a complete look. I think an extra ring, necklace, or bracelet actually would have helped (I know: this totally bucks Coco Chanel's rule about taking one item off before you leave the house, but really, aren't rules meant to be broken?).

Do you typically err on the side of too many accessories or too few? How do you find the perfect balance?

Take me to your leader

The Rundown:
5 + 19 + 23 + 8
Earrings as pins
Studded belt - 2010 - swapped (similar)

Does anyone else get a bit of a Star Trek vibe from this outfit? I've only got five days left of this challenge (woohoo) and I've been trying to pull out some of my lesser worn items. I've loved the look of belted blazers this fall, but I don't think I quite pulled it off. Something about these shoulder pads. I actually pinned the collar up a little higher because I didn't really like the t-shirt showing through.

What worked:
Nice fall colors. Fun sparkles. (Those are earrings, just stuck through the collar. May not work for thinner fabrics, but on tweed it didn't leave a noticeable mark). My cousin used to make fun of me because I dress like a tree a lot--brown and green. I like it.

What didn't:
Odd shoulder-waist proportions. Next time I think I'll try a sleeker blazer, and maybe pinning the overlapping front (this kept slipping).

Are you into shoulder pads or no?

If you haven't already, hop on over to Smashion and check out my interview.

Friday full of fun (sort of)

The Rundown:
5 + 15 + 23 + 29
Pearl necklace - 2007 - wedding gift (similar)
Black necklace - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - birthday present (similar)

What worked:
After Thursday's holiday, I was reluctant to believe that Friday was a work day. Or that Friday was Friday, to be exact (it felt more like a Tuesday or  Thursday).  I had to lead an important (to me) meeting, which I spent most of the morning preparing for and most of the afternoon recovering from.  Since the meeting also included some folks from outside our organization, I was unsure of how formal or informal it would be, so tempered the jeans (which aren't as dark wash as I'd like them to be) with a nice tweed blazer and more formal jewelry (put together in a fun combo).  I snatched up the jacket from the latest swap I went to, but it's Merona brand from Target. The jacket was a hit at work, and the meeting went pretty well, although our brainstorm was going so well it was hard to stop it at just two hours. Better than it being a drag!

What didn't:
Not sure about the green jacket, red shoes combination.  This happens to me a lot, since green and red are my favorite colors. But whatever.  I think next time I'll try this blazer with a skirt or trouser jeans instead of these boot cut ones.

After work I went to my friend Ashlee's house for a fun girls dinner, after which we hit up Target to get some goodies to put in our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  I've done Christmas shoeboxes many times, mostly back in high school and college, and was so happy when Ashlee decided to bring it up last year. We ran out of time to wrap our boxes this time (lid separately from bottom of course), but we did get lots of goodies for the kids. If you haven't done one yet this year, there is still time (collection week is November 15-22)...check out the Operation Christmas Child website for more info and a list of drop off locations.

Here is what I packed for a 5-9 year old boy:



What are your favorite holiday traditions?