Mod Squad

I think I've said before that I like to experiment with patterns and color.  I've also mentioned my apparent addiction to orange.  Well, here we have hard core evidence of both.  In the winter, I feel a little limited, so funky tights are one of my favorite ways to make a dress or skirt pop. And these puppies did exactly that.  At work, I have scheduled monthly meetings that basically account for 80% of my job.  So on those days, I usually try to wear something a little dressy or a little shocking to give myself a confidence boost.  So enter the pattern-palooza below.  And even though the sweater and tights are a little busy - I loved this outfit!  

Cardi, Dress& Necklace:  Loft, Tights:  Hue, Boots:  Belk (ancient)

SN:  My bestie, Kara, took these pics in the parking lot of the YMCA before we worked out.  Please ignore the random cars in the background.  We couldn't find a really nice one to make the poses better.

Candy Bar

For obvious reasons, this outfit reminds me of candy. After looking at the pics, I realize that I was dressed just like a Three Musketeers bar!  And I also realize that maybe, just maybe that sweater dress is a tad too short to wear to work.  But, oh well, it's not my first wardrobe misstep at the j-o-b, and knowing me, it won't be my last. 

Sweater dress, Turtleneck & Leggings:  TJ Maxx (?), Boots:  Dillards, 

Let's Get It Poppin'

I admit it…I spend almost as much time trying to come up with witty post titles and commentary, as I do picking outfits.  See, the way I figure it is that the intriguing title will draw you in, and then my wonderful wardrobe choices will hook you.  Is it working? Huh? Huh? :)

I have this moto-style jacket in 4 different colors (they were like $7 on clearance @ Dillard's), and I always struggle with how to wear them.  I couldn't resist pairing this bright red one with a more subdued plaid top.  Then I added another pop with these ancient kitten heel pumps.  It was actually a pretty comfy outfit and it came out just the way I had hoped.   Doesn't get much better than that.

P.S. I have to give a special shout-out to the BF for taking these pics when he stopped by my office for a quick visit.  Thanks Sweetie!

Moto:  Dillard's, Shirt:  H&M, Jeans:  Gap, Shoes:  Enzo Angiolini

*Why are my hands hooked in my pockets in every. single. picture??

Fade to Grey

I didn't realize just how many shades of grey I was wearing until I uploaded these pics.  Wow!  Who knew one person could own, much less wear so many shades at once.  Apparently I have a special talent for monochrome with a pop. But, I have to say that I actually like the outfit.  I think the colors flowed and pretty well matched.  I'll be the first to admit that I need to sharpen my sartorial skills, but sometimes less (color) is more. 

Vest:  Marshalls, Shirt:  Nautica, Cords:  Loft, Belt:  Gap, Boots:  Ann Klein

Prep Work

Today was decidedly a preppy day.  Even though the temps were in the low 50s, I was dying to wear these red crops.  I think being tall made my short britches even more obvious.  I went out to lunch with a co-worker and her first comment was, "Why do you have on those capris?" Followed by, "But I really admire how you're not afraid to wear some things."  I can't figure out if that was a compliment or her questioning my sanity.  Either way, I said "Thanks," and kept it moving.  I felt good in my preppy get-up, and the fact that I got to wear red pants that are cropped in the Winter made the crazy interesting looks worthwhile.

Coat:  American Eagle, Sweater:  Nautica, Pants:  Limited, Flats:  Me Too (DSW),  Purse:  Thrifted

Mistress of Minimalism

I wore this outfit last Friday.  It was one of those days where the only effort I felt like putting in was tying my shoes.  Which, by the way, are the MOST comfy sneaks ever made.  If I could, I would wear these bad boys everyday.  I am also especially proud that my laces match my sweater.  This was not intentional when I bought either item, but still a nice surprise.  Other than the stellar matching, everything else is pretty minimalistic.  Mission accomplished.

Sweater:  Loft, Jeans:  Wrangler, Shoes:  Saucony, Necklace & Earrings:  JC Penney

Love is in the Air

Happy Love Day!  This is a super-brief post, not really focusing on the OOTD.  My wonderfully, awesome BF sent this balloon along with an Edible Arrangements delivery of chocolate-covered strawberries to me at work. Now that's the gift that keeps on giving!  So, in keeping with the theme of the day, I hope you all  teach to the world to sing in perfect harmony, spread a little love and make it last forever.  (And a bunch of other song lyrics.)

Sweater:  Loft, Jeggings:  Akademiks, Boots:  Fossil

 Mmm-wahhhhh!

Neutral Territory

Mondays are usually pretty low-key at work.  I spend most of the day prepping for the rest of the week and getting reports in order.  Usually, I dress on a sliding scale:  "dressing up" at the beginning of the week and getting gradually more casual each day.  But on this day, I felt like being low-key. So I hunted thru my closet for complementing neutrals.  I'm especially digging the buttons on the back of the sweater, which was a Christmas gift from the BF.  It may have been slightly safari worthy, but the overall look turned out how I envisioned it.  And we all know, that is not always a guarantee.

Sweater & Shirt:  Loft, Pants:  NY&Co, Boots:  Born 

It's Not Easy Being Green

I think this is one of my favorite jackets.  There's something about a velvet blazer that just makes you feel cool.  This is definitely one of those pieces that you can't wear often because it's kinda memorable.  I was trying to work in all shades of blue and green with this creation.  If only I had green or turquoise shoes! But I guess that might have been overkill, huh?  By the way, these pics were taken at the tail end of the day.  I'm not so much posing in front of that door, as I am leaning on it for support.

Blazer, Shirt & Jeans:  Loft, Shoes:  Nine West, Necklace:  NY & Co, Bracelets:  Random

Tarheel Born, Tarheel Bred

I'm a Tar Heel born 

I'm a Tar Heel bred 

And when I die 

I'm a Tar Heel dead. 

So it's Rah, Rah, Car'lina-lina 

Rah, Rah, Car'lina-lina 

Rah, Rah, Car'lina-lina 

Rah! Rah! Rah! 

There's really nothing more that needs to be said.  I am a VERY proud UNC graduate, and today we just so happen to play our biggest rival, Duke.  I originally had a different outfit planned, but given the importance of today I had to change it up.  So JD and I rushed to the stairwell at work and shot these pics in about 2 minutes.  Maybe not the best posing or lighting, but c'mon the Carolina shirt more than makes up for all that.  Go Heels!

L/S Tee:  UNC Student Stores, Cami & Jeans:  Gap, Shoes:  Nike

Split Personality

Greetings!  Today I bring you an outfit that I wore to work last Monday.  I bought this skirt on super clearance at Banana Republic last year and had totally forgotten about it.  Apparently, when I bought it, I failed to try it on.  While it fit great, the length was, um, not quite what I needed it to be.  At least not for work - unless my job started after hours.  The top half of me was office appropriate - classic button down and a cardigan.  But the bottom half was doing it's own thang.  I thought I was making up for the skirt with dark tights, but I misjudged the sheerness of them.  I think the outfit turned out well, and I was overjoyed that my purse matched so well, but there have been quite a few times, like this one, that I underestimated just how long my legs really are.  Needless to say, I tried to stay seated at my desk as much as possible.  

Cardi:  Loft, Shirt:  J Crew, Skirt:  Banana Republic, Tights:  Hue, Shoes:  Nine West, Purse:  Coach

Committed

Everyday when I walk into the office, my manager looks at my outfit and makes some kind of comment.  It's usually along the lines of, "What the H--- are you wearing today???"  I admit, since starting this blog, I've put more of an effort into making combinations that I wouldn't normally put together.  I'm trying to mix fabrics and patterns and generally step outside my comfort zone.  As we all know, it doesn't always work out, but I like the effort and challenge it brings.  On the day that I wore this, I was determined to do something different.  I think the result might be a tad bit busy - ruffle accent cardigan, gingham shirt, corduroy skirt and mesh tights.  Um yeah, maybe more than a tad.  But I'm proud of myself for the effort and for committing to this busy outfit.

Cardi:  Marshalls, Shirt:  J Crew, Skirt:  Gap, Tights: Hue, Shoes:  Bandolino, Purse:  Coach

Lack of Effort

This will be extremely brief.  This is what I wore to work last Thursday.  After having a house full of pre-schoolers the prior weekend, I think I got hit with a baby germ.  I started feeling icky on Monday, and instead of getting better as the days went by, I started to feel worse.  I think Thursday was the height of my ickiness.  So I asked JD to snap the quickest pics ever in the hall at work.  Not a lot of imagination in these poses, eh.  But I have to say, it was the comfiest outfit to feel sickly in.  Nothing like a tunic, stretchy britches and a scarf to hold in the fever.

Tunic:  J Crew, Scarf:  J Jill, Skinnies:  Ann Taylor, Flats:  Nine West

Ombre

I bought these pants from Loft about a year ago, and I still think they are uber cool.  I'm digging the ombre treatment on the legs, but I have to admit I don't think I'm doing them justice with this outfit.  I think I should have gone with brighter colors or maybe just ditched the sweater vest.  Idk… I was battling the onset of a cold when I wore this, so maybe my stuffy head clouded my judgement.  At least that's the story I'm sticking to...

Vest:  TJ Maxx, Shirt:  Nautica, Jeans:  Loft, Booties:  Enzo Angiolini

My work BF…don't we make a cute couple?

City Mouse, Country Mouse

I have a confession, I am addicted to the "Perfect Shirt" from J Crew.  I know that a few of my fellow bloggers have different colors/patterns from this line, and they are crushing on them big time, too.  So far, I have about 4 or 5 of them, and I'm tempted to buy one in every color!  I picked this one up at a J Crew Factory store at the beach during the Holidays.  At that time, I had no idea how I would wear it, but it was on sale for a ridiculous price and I knew I had to have it.  I didn't want to pair it with the usual cardigan, then I remembered this jacket I bought at Boscovs about 4 years ago.  Bingo!  The jacket is cotton, but I feel like this look is a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n roll.  And did I mention, that I seriously heart this shirt??

Jacket:  Boscovs, Shirt:  J Crew Factory, Skinnies:  Sample sale, Boots:  Dillards

What's Up With You and Orange?

Those were almost the exact words a co-worker spoke to me when I walked into the office.  Until that point, I never realized that I have/wear a lot of orange things.  But as soon as he said it, my mind flashed back to at least 4 or 5 orange creations I had worn in the past 2 weeks.  Now after looking through my closet, I realize I may have an orange obsession.  Add stripes into that equation, too.  Normally, I would try to come up with something witty to type, but I'm guilty as charged.  So, I'll just resign myself to dressing like a dreamsicle.  Mmm, dreamsicle... (said like Homer Simpson).

Sweater:  J Crew, Skinnies:  Loft, Boots:  Nine West, Necklace:  TJ Maxx,  Earrings:  Limited

Spice Girl

In keeping with the Pop Star theme from yesterday, I decided to channel the Spice Girls with this color palette.  (It's very reminiscent of my Mom's Sweet Potato Cake….yummm!)  If I could sing, dance or wear one of their costumes, I would definitely want to be a Spice Girl.  I mean c'mon, they had the coolest names!  Maybe I could be Spicy Spice, or Bloggy Spice, or more realistically Tired-Overworked-Underpaid-Uncoordinated Spice.  Yes, definitely that last one.

Coat:  J Crew, Vest:  TJ Maxx, Tee:  Ann Taylor, Cords:  Victoria's Secret, Shoes:  Enzo Angiolini