Today's look

It's still cold out, but, with the help of a sleeping bag coat I was able to wear a skirt today without worrying about freezing to death. Long puffy coats are not flattering but boy do they work!


Boyfriend sweater: The Limited, $55
Dot Skirt: Club Monaco, $125
Tights: Hue, $16
Boots: Naturalizer, $150

Where have I been??

Would you believe "in a coma"? I wouldn't either. Truth be told it's just been work and the business of life getting in the way of my blogging lately. And I was actually home sick all last week so it would have been pictures of me in mismatched pajamas with greasy hair and a bright red nose.

This outfit was from one of the days when I wasn't deathly ill, and though simple, I like it. Plus I think it makes me look skinny. I've eaten so badly these last few weeks that next year's blog should be about doubling my wardrobe by dropping some pounds! Then all of my pants will fit!

Gap True Straight Pants, $50
Club Monaco Cardigan, $150
French Connection Tee, $35
Alfanai Striped Wedges, $120

October Puchases....Off the Wagon

This is what happens when I stop using my iphone budgeting app...I lose track and go overboard. Here's what I got last month from left to right:






Grey Blanket Sweater: $195, Laurie B
Purple Cotton Romper: $10, Bali Street Vendor
White lace dress: $110 in Bali at Uluwatu
Striped sweater: $42, at Urban Outfitters
Thin white tunic: $54, at Urban Outfitters
Tweed Bow Skirt: $160, Anthropologie
Green Silk Shirt: $70, at Express
Sequin clutch: $25, at Express
Black Wedges: $79, Nine West
Black Beret: $24, at Urban Outfitters
Brown wrap sweater: $56, at Express

Total for the Month: $825 Over Budget by: $75.00

While I hate to be over budget, I'm really just more disappointed that I ended up with only basics. Maybe next year I'll only buy one designer item a month and leave it at that. I certainly have the basics covered.

Last Friday - Polka Dot Day

Friday I was feeling pretty ho-hum, so I thought I'd dress cheerfully and see if that worked. It didn't but at least I didn't look as blah as I felt! Still pleased with the purchase of this dress. I will wear it for years. the shoes are one of my October purchases - just some simple black wedges for work that are sure to get a ton of wear.

Dress: Anthropologie, $258
Cardigan: Ann Taylor, $58
Tights: Hue, $15
Wedges: Nine West, $80

Thursday Luncheon

Thursday I took a break from lunch to meet Kim at our favorite lunch spot - ABC Kitchen. Knowing I was going to a Jean Gorges joint made me want to look at least a little cute. I'm glad that I put some effort into it, since we did run into Jake Gyllenhall. And by "ran into", I mean we stared as he walked by to his table.

Sweater: The Limited, $50
Black Cords: Banana Republic, $80
Striped Wedges: Alfani at Macy's, $120

Rules are Made to be Broken!

Kim and I decided that October 1st was the absolute soonest you could break out the tights, but today I just felt like it.
Although to be honest, part of it had to do with the top. My latest rule is that nothing new goes in the closet until I wear it. I bought this top on September 2nd and 20 days later it was still sitting there. I'm still glad I bought it. It's a flattering basic and - although it's hard to see in the picture - it has sequin details on the shoulders.





Sweater, Express $50
Skirt, Banana Republic $75
Jacket, DKNY $600 ish - don't recall
Tights, Hue $18
Suede Cutout heels, Aerosoles $70

Monday - Black and Brown?

I've never really been 100% sure these two go together. I mean black and kakhi, sure...but black and dark brown? This morning I thought I'd experiment and give it a shot. Plus I wanted to wear my new black pants! Upon seeing this photo I have a couple of misgivings.

1) I wish I had worn different heels. I have a pair of brown and cream zebra striped Kate Spade shoes that would have been awesome.
2) I wish the detail on my belt buckle was gold tone instead of nickel.

Other than that I'm good with this outfit. Maybe it's a little boring, but it certainly makes me look skinny.

Gap True Straight pants, $50
Limited Cami, $25
Banana Republic Cardigan,$158
Banana Republic Equestrian belt, $40 on sale
Frye Kitten heels, $168
Michaek Kors Oversized watch (a gift)

What do you think - is it chic? Or a snooze fest?

A note on the watch - I felt like it was too big but when I took it to the MK store to exchange it. Ezekiel (the sales guy) convinced me that the Oversized watch was the one to go with. He pointed out that the model in their fall catalog is wearing it in every shot and she's (his words here) a skinny bitch! Ergo, if it's not too big on her, it won't be too big on me. Sold!

August Donations

Ok - here's what I gave up in August. White dress from Banana Republict that I thought was cute but made me look matronly in photos.

Black pants from Banana Republic in a SIZE FOUR that I have never fit into and never worn - purchased under the "I'm going to lose 5 pounds" delusion.

Green tank from the Gap what was just super unflattering to my arms, my stomach, my everything.

Black Banana Republic Dress that was too tight to wear to work and too conservative to wear out.

Three pairs of flops - the blue ones from Earth shoes are downright ugly, and the two pairs from Banana Republic have just seen better days and are not so in style any more.

August lesson: Stop shopping at Banana Republic. The stuff does not stand the test of time!!!

Today's Outfit

Like I said...it's hot. Today I pulled out this Club Monaco skirt ($125) that is very forgiving in the waistline so it still fits. Paired it with a simple Banana Republic stretch tee ($$35) and my old Enzo Angiolini gladiators ($69) it makes a pretty simple outfit.

Fashionable? I don't know. I feel like I'm doing better than the girls in cut-off jean shorts, but don't feel as sophisticated and put-together as I'd like.

Thoughts?

Wednesday's Child

It was H.O.T. today so I went with a simple cotton shirt dress that would be cool and still look nice. This dress is a black Mossimo tie-waist shirt dress I got at Target awhile back for about $30-$40.

You may remember I have the same one in brown. No way I need both and the black feels cuter while the brown feels more like volunteer-zoo-worker-mom. Brown is headed to the donate pile.

Wore my Cole Haan gold hurache heels ($338) today to brighten up the black. Hilarious I wore the same shoes with the brown dress. I guess we do get into ruts! Could have used a big pop of jewelry though, don't cha think?

A repeat - but I like it!

I wish I was a celebrity with a new outfit to wear all the time, but I'm not, so I don't. You've seen this one before, but it's perfect for a Monday. Quick, easy, no thought required. Don't even really have to accessorize since the print is so bold.

Anna Sui for Target Dress ($70)
Leggings ($30)
Cole Haan Air Bacara Flats ($138)

I'm itching to try the slouchy suede boots I bought with a summer dress, but it's supposed to rain all week and I don't want to ruin them.

On another note - I've only spent $100 on clothes this month...whaaaaa???

All Black for New York

Now that I am no longer choosing an outfit based on what smells least like sweat and llama, I thought I'd have an all black New Yorker day to show my city how much I missed it! The answer is A LOT!

Black skinny zip jeans (American Apparel, $78)
Black silk tunic (Silence + Noise, $80)
Purple Wedges (Miz Mooz, $90)

A note on the jeans - these are cheap and they rock. The waist is hilariously high so you can't tuck in, but there's no chance of muffin top and they are comfy as hell. They also come in a huge array of colors and are cheap enough that you can be bold and try a hot pink or something!

Disco Friday!

Who says you can't wear sequins for day? No one actually. In fact I've read several times that sequins are okay at any time really, just in the right amounts. Today I have on a new sequin jacket, but since the color (grey) is somewhat conservative, I thought it would be cute for work. Kept the rest of the outfit simple and wore very little jewelry. The result was lots of compliments! Yay!

Sequin Jacket ($68, Urban Outfitters)
Grey Tee ($18, BR)
Grey/Black dip dye scarf ($40, BR)
Black pocket skirt ($68, BR)
Black Bacara flats ($138, Cole Haan)

I had fun closet shopping today....

This is a pretty simple outfit today but I had fun finding accessories. I really wanted to wear the grey boots today - normally I'd wear this outfit with black boots or ballets - and thought it was either a great match with the blue/grey skirt or a terrible one but went for it anyway. After digging through my closet though I found a belt that I've never worn that seemed to pull it all together. It's a leather one from Target - was probably $20 - and it's hung in my closet unworn for 18 months. The brushed nickel look of the belt hook seems to bring the grey boots in to the outfit and balance out. Or maybe I'm totally over-thinking it. : ) Either way I'm happy with the way I look and I've worn something I haven't before. Win-Win.

Here's the Rundown:
Michael Stars Turtleneck ($80)
BR Pocket Skirt ($60)
Steve Madden Grey Suede Boots ($120)
Target Belt ($20ish)

Love to hear opinions as always...

Mourning Edition

Today I'm in black. All black. My Texas Longhorns lost the BCS Championship and I'm showing my disappointment in a fashionable way.

Today's dress is a "Never Worn" item. I bought it about 2 and a half years (BCBG $350) and it's hung in my closet for so long that there was a hole at the seam in the neck from the weight of the material pulling it down. Or a moth. I fixed it with some Hollywood tape for today and will get it repaired eventually. The dress came with a black sash in the same sweater material, but I decided to add a little color with a patent ombre belt with a gold buckle (also BCBG, $30 on major sale).

Why have I never worn this dress? It's so cute. And sophisticated possibly? I know I certainly don't feel as frumpy as I did yesterday so this is a better outfit for sure. But it's not necessarily unique or one of a kind. But that's ok - I don't have to be fashion forward everyday. Just fashionable is just fine.

Side Note: Hollywood Fashion Tape - a clear double stick tape - is amazing. It should b e in everyone's closet. I've used it to do everything from holding strapless dresses in place to fixing a leather tear in my boots. It's a must have and you can find it in various sizes and shapes on their site.