Fatigued

This is how clever I am:  the title of this post not only refers to the army color of this jacket but also to how I was feeling.  The BF took these pics around 9:30 at night, and my mood had expired around 7pm.  Sooo, needless to say I was not feeling all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.  But I do like the neutral tone of the jacket against the deep purple of the tank.  As we, once again, had upper-60 deg temps here, this twill jacket and tank were all I needed.  Well, those pieces and a nap.

Jacket:  Gap, Tank:  Loft, Jeans:  Wrangler, Shoes:  Me Too

Weekend Casual

I have a problem…. I try pretty hard to put together unusual interesting outfits to wear to work, but I struggle with what to wear on the weekends.  I don't know if it's the effort, the ironing or the casual dress code at work, but I draw an absolute blank when it comes to what to wear on a Saturday especially.  On this particular weekend, the BF and I were hanging out and running around.  I wanted to be comfy yet still presentable, and it took for-evah to come up with this simple look.  But the shame of it is, I wore this to work back in December!  And I do believe I posted those pics.  So yeah, this is a repeat and many other Saturdays that didn't make the cut have been repeats too.  Does anyone else have this problem?

Sweater:  Loft, Skinnies:  Ann Taylor, Boots:  Nine West, Car:  Lexus - sadly not mine

Tie One On

I had been wanting to wear a necktie & button-down shirt for a while, and finally pulled it together last week.  I had one of my uber-important monthly meetings and thought, hey - why not take a page from the corporate mens' book?  As I've said before, our dress code at work is loose at best, so I was guaranteed to be the only person in the building wearing a tie!  I love the contrast of the tie with the skinnies and patent pumps.  For some reason, I felt powerful. Not like Thor, but definitely like I could handle whatever the day threw at me.  

Tunic:  J Crew, Necktie:  Kenneth Cole, Skinnies:  Gap, Pumps:  Nine West

 Hmm, maybe the fellas are on to something….

Cool It Now

I actually wore this denim jumpsuit last Friday, to the New Edition concert.  I went through several outfits that were vetoed by the BF before we landed on this one.   It was given to me by a friend who said it was too long for her.  We all know I don't have that problem!  At first, I was worried that I looked like a mechanic, but I think the necklace and cocktail ring amp it up a bit.

On another note, the concert was AWESOME!  I am a huge NE fan, and this was only my second "real" concert.  The first being New Edition back when I was like 8 yrs old!  So now, 20-something years later, they sounded as good if not better than back in the day.  And I have to say, with all the news surrounding Whitney *moment of silence*, Bobby did his thing and sounded great.  So if New Edition has concert dates in your area, I HIGHLY recommend that you get tickets.  You won't be disappointed.

Jumpsuit:  Metrostyle (gifted), Boots:  Bandolino, Necklace:  WalMart, Ring: JCP (gift) 

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