High and Low

I'm pretty sure I wore this outfit over 5 times before I sent the top back to Gwynnie Bee - basically any time I wanted to leave the apartment and actually do something with myself. (My maxi dresses got a nice little break during those days.) I even contemplated purchasing the top with their new Try Then Buy program, but decided against it. If one top is able to single-handedly convince me to jump aboard the hi-lo bandwagon, however, this one did the trick.

Hi-Lo Top - Eloquii via Gwynnie Bee / Skinny jeans - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Nine West (n/a)

It's a delightfully colorful top, as you can see, and so darn comfortable (read: concealing) that I was reluctant to acknowledge its faults. For instance, I wish the neckline were more open or the sleeves a little longer, or that it didn't make me look like a gigantic tent from the side (not pictured, obvi). But it was the perfect complement for skinny jeans and my current favorite (and equally colorful) handbag pulled out one of its many hues. I was at least happy that a long pendant necklace helped break up the neckline and redefine the bust area. Uni-boob is no joke, my friends.

Necklace - Hive & Honey (via Piperlime) / Ring - Ruche (n/a) / Earrings - The Limited /
Nails - OPI Espresso Your Style (via Ulta)

The back of the top is undeniably fun, and its v-shaped (back) neckline is another one of my favorite features of the top. I can understand the complaint that many such hi-lo garments make a person look like one has a tail, but I say whatevs. Work it! It's a trend I've been extremely picky about, but it's one I don't mind participating in while it lasts. I definitely prefer hi-lo tops over dresses at the moment. It's rare that I find a dress with a "hi" hem that's long enough for me, but tops are mostly fool-proof, and they really are the perfect topper for skinnies.

In other life news, I had an interview this morning and I think it went reasonably well! I didn't knock it out of the park (I'm much less eloquent than I used to be), but I'm cautiously optimistic. I have another first-round interview Friday morning (followed by a much-need hair appointment...whew!), so it's just good to even get to that phase! Not all hope is lost for my future. =D I sure do hate writing cover letters, though...

Handbag - Steve Madden (via TJ Maxx)

P.S. The offer still stands to give Gwynnie Bee a try for free for one month! Read about my first experiences with the clothing service here!

Indoor Games

Ah, indoor pictures. I both love and hate you. I love the fact that I don't have to venture somewhere outside and play the "I'm just looking down at the sidewalk over here, while that random tripod is just standing in front of me" game every time cars drive by. I hate the fact that I don't have an empty wall or a neutral backdrop anywhere in my cramped little apartment and that getting the right lighting will always be a challenge. For better or worse, however, indoor pictures have only been an occasional occurrence so far this "winter."

Top - Banana Republic / Pencil skirt - eloquii / Shoes - Max Studio (via DSW)

Burgundy and leopard continue to inspire all my fall wardrobe choices. It is been my favorite fall combination, that's for sure, and one I'm not done with yet! I grabbed the top online with one of Banana Republic's weekly 40% off coupons to (partially) appease my obsessive hunt for more burgundy goodness. I sure didn't need it, but I obviously had to have it. Obviously. It's difficult to tell from the pictures, but the yoke of the top is a panel of sheer material, creating a unique mixed media effect that makes it much more than your average top, burgundy or otherwise.

Ring - Banana Republic (gifted) / Necklace - The Limited / Earrings - The Limited

Speaking of BR, has anyone else taken advantage of their totes amazing "Twelve Days of Joy" campaign? Special offers and free gifts December 1-12! My faves? Samples for Benefit Cosmetics (as a true Sephora junkie, I can never pass up make-up samples), a $10 voucher for movie tickets to see Les Misérables (a no-brainer!!) and a sample of Garrett's Popcorn (Chicagoans will know the well-earned fame behind their cracktastic bites). I'm just stunned by the freebies going around this holiday season!! Sign me up! (Says I, as I slather my lips with the Fresh Mini Sugar Lip Treatment I got from Sephora for my birthday reward.) It makes it easier to spend money on other people during the holidays if I can still stock up... =7

Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

Side of Eggplant

What better way to end the night than with a little blogging, tea and The Holiday? Now if only it was snowing outside and I had hot chocolate. (Instead, it's a balmy 63 degrees and windy. I neither understand nor like this weather.)

I'm so glad that I decided to splurge on these (sale) tops from Anthropologie. They're just the kind of pieces I like to have in my wardrobe: unique, feminine and flattering. I first wore this top with my favorite jeans (not yet blogged), which itself has become one of my go-to night-out outfits, but I love it just as much with a pencil skirt. Come to think of it, imma wear it again with jeans this week.

Side-Gathered Cowlneck - Anthropologie / Pencil skirt - eloquii / Shoes - Nine West

At first, I was worried I didn't have a good pencil skirt pairing for the top as I did for its sister, in part because there weren't as many colors to work with this time. I hesitated against browns or tans for fear of blandness, but once paired with the brown, I realized I had just the pair of shoes to draw out all the lovely purpley eggplant tones. (Oddly, the Anthro description once again calls this colorway gray. It's just not so!) And I sure do loves me some purple.

Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - Lane Bryant / Nails - Essie "Wicked" (via Ulta)

This was the outfit I wore for my guest lecturer stint last month, by the way. I just knew the outfit I wore needed to involve a pencil skirt, the one article of clothing I always feel confidently myself in. The modest coverage of the top was a plus, but the overall look was exactly what I wanted - eye-catching, but not overwhelming. A successful day in the classroom all around.

Handbag - Tano

Give It a Swirl

I braved a little sky spit for this photo op. I'm just not ready for indoor pics yet! (Read: My apartment is just not ready for indoor pics yet!) In case you didn't know, cameras and rain don't mix. Fortunately, the drizzle was intermittent enough for me to get the job done, and I had an umbrella that I had on hand to (awkwardly) use when necessary. On the plus side, all that moisture in the air and on the ground makes for some pretty color.

Belt - Talbots / Necklace - LOFT / Earrings - The Limited / Ring - The Limited

Skirt - eloquii / Top - H&M / Shoes - Kohl's

I once again pair this green skirt with black and white. This time it's a graphic b/w print of my dreams! I just love the medallion design. I mean, when I think black-and-white-graphic-print, this is IT. Found at one of my all-too-fleeting (and very quick) H&M trips, I took it straight to the check out without even trying it on. Well, given its uber-blousy nature, I should have sized down, so I wasn't able to wear it for a whole month before I could get to another H&M to exchange it. I was just glad they still had the top! Oh, how I wish for an H&M closer than 2 hours away...

Gold Leaf

I'm feeling pretty good about myself right now. Apartment: clean. Groceries: shopped. Dinner: made (and eaten). Last week's clothes: hung. I promised myself I'd only get to sit and enjoy the evening (with windows open, I might add - it's supposed to hit upper 70s tomorrow!) if I accomplished all those things. And now I get to blog!

I'm still super behind on posts - there are about 10 unblogged (and mighty fine, if I may say so) outfits just waiting to be debuted to the internets. I'd like to commit to blogging daily so I can finally be caught up! Maybe this means I'll allow myself to re-wear outfits in the meantime... Like, outfits from years ago that I still think lovingly about, but opt not to wear again because I feel I should push forward with new closet permutations for the blog. This outfit and this outfit first come to mind. If they still fit. And if I can keep my burgundy obsession at bay for a while!

Side-Gathered Cowlneck - Anthropologie / Pencil skirt - eloquii / Heels - Nine West

But this outfit it easily a favorite, too. The top was an in-store Anthropologie sale rack find, and one I had been lusting after for a while online. Naturally, I bought it in both available colors (the other to be debuted at a later date!) since it was such a fabulous style and fit. The ivory/purple version was the main one I wanted, but this aubergine one (the online description says grey - ha!) really surprised me in the fitting room. The gold flecks in the leaves along the neckline, which you really can't see online either, looked so lovely next to my face. I really dug the asymmetry of the top, too!

'

Earrings - Banana Republic / Ring - LOFT / Nails - Essie "Wicked" (via Ulta)

I loved the idea of bringing out one of the multiple colors in the leaves, and teal struck me first - not least because of my favorite teal skirt! Tucked in and paired with light grey shoes, plus a deep wine manicure and current favorite "bordeaux" handbag, was just the way to go.

Handbag - Tano

Double the Fun

It's only Tuesday? Really? Ugh. What's worse is that it's 10:30pm and Bob just went in to work. Yes, you read that right. So do I stay up until he gets home at 3am (cuz he'll wake me up anyway)? Yes, probably. And maybe I'll make myself a Totinos while I'm at it. There, now it feels like the weekend.

Except it's only Tuesday...

But hey, look! The green skirt again! I have to say, a black and white combo is my favorite pairing with this skirt. True, they're stripes and are therefore fabulous with everything, but I especially like their contrast with the vibrant color of the skirt.

Striped top - Dorothy Perkins / Pencil skirt - eloquii / Belt - Talbots /
Sandals - Bandolino / Handbag - Ruche

I also felt that one necklace was not enough. One big statement piece plus one long dangley piece equals necklace nirvana. Or something.

Necklaces - LOFT & Ann Taylor / Ring - Ruche / Earrings - The Limited

My Totinos is ready! One supreme party pizza is served. And LOTR, probably. See you on the other side of 3am.

And hey, then it'll be Wednesday.

Multiplicity

The green pencil skirt strikes again! And it probably will a few more times before I decide I can't really find a way to autumnify it. (Or can I?)

It's a summery look, to be sure. (Truthfully it was worn in a few weeks ago for the first day of classes - yes, I'm still behind.) I've basically just been dying to wear this necklace. It's a tricky combination of colors, so I haven't had all that much success incorporating it into outfits, tending to opt for neutrals with it as a result. (True story: I also have the necklace in blue tones.) The best solution was just to pull out the main colors in the necklace, coral and green, as limiting as that might be. (I must find another way to wear it!) I thought about going crazy uber-colorful with my coral cardigan instead of the ivory, but I preferred to tone it down a bit this time around. I do love the combinations of colors, though. Yay green! And coral! All of the spring and summer color trends in one outfit!

Cardigan - LOFT / Camisole - Old Navy / Pencil skirt - eloquii / Sandals - Nine West
Handbag - Ruche

Ring - The Limited / Necklace - Anthropologie / Earrings - Banana Republic

The pieces of the outfit fall into the wardrobe category of "I like it so much I'm going to buy multiples" by the way. After donning a printed version of the camisole, I promptly purchased the green and then this ivory one. It's like it was meant to be tucked into a pencil skirt and topped with a cardigan, or something...

P.S. I have the sandals in coral and black. And the skirt in blue. And the cardigan in, like, a zillion other colors...

Transitions

I just cannot seem to get caught up with my life lately. I'm overwhelmed at work, the apartment never seems to get clean, and I've been lucky if I eat anything other than granola bars and popcorn. The blog is only one thing that seems to have fallen a bit by the wayside, to be sure. I'm hoping to turn over a new leaf this week, however. It's something of a quieter week, letting me focus better while I'm at work, allowing to me to have more weeknights at home, and maybe getting a little balance back.

The cool, crisp days have been a godsend, of course, and I've been thrilled to break into all my fall wardrobe options! (Note to self: time to rotate the closets!) It's been a mild transition to the cooler days, but the longer sleeves and warmer color palettes have been exciting changes to my outfit options. In fact, I just decided that I need to add a pumpkin-colored pencil skirt to my arsenal. (Yay! Something new to scour the internets for!)

Cardigan - LOFT / Striped tank - Old Navy / Skirt - eloquii / Sandals - Nine West
Handbag - Furla

I'm also grateful for the cooler weather because of the the return of hot coffee! I've already had more than my share of pumpkin spice lattes, but I really just love having hot french press or vanilla caramel tea with splash of my beloved almond milk. I soooo wish coffee shops would offer almond milk already! There is nothing I love more than propping up of my feet in front of the TV, curled up in blanket, and sipping a hot cuppa.

Regardless of the temperatures, black and white stripes are always a good idea, and the classic silhouette of cardigan and pencil skirt will never steer me wrong.

Necklace- Banana Republic / Ring - TJ Maxx / Belt - Talbots

Make a Splash

I've decided to work my way backwards through my amassed outfit pictures, at least for now. I may change my mind and post a too-long-held-onto outfit of maxi dress avec hat before the week is out, however.

But this one - this outfit was either a stroke of genius or of madness. Or maybe I'm full of hyperbole. I love the idea of the outfit, right down to the steely grey topper over that splash of color, but to zip or to belt was the question. Highlight the fantastic colors of the top and sacrifice fit, or favor fit in lieu of colors? Well, clearly, color and print had to win, even if it meant my top half turned out a little boxy.

Jacket - Simply Vera by Vera Wang (Kohl's) / Top - Anthropologie / Skirt - eloquii /
Belt - Talbots / Sandals - Christian Siriano for Payless /
Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

But I found another way to wear this top, my first and rarely worn Anthropologie purchase from long ago. So there's that...

Ring - The Limited / Earrings - ??

Resuscitation

A new school year - and a new season - will begin in a blink of an eye. I already begin interviews at the end of this week, and new hire paperwork, training sessions galore and all manner of management bliss will swallow me up and spit me out in just a matter of weeks. Full weekends off and evening meals at home will decrease...coffee intake will increase...emails will multiply...sleep will diminish... Summer.Is.Over.

Handbag - DKNY (via TJ Maxx)

But there's good news! Yes, yes, there is! I get to dress up more! I will emerge from my office-cave and glow under the gleam of evening lights! The excitement and anticipation of every event will energize and inspire me, and my staff will never fail to entertain me! AND IT'S ALMOST FALL! LAYERS, SWEATERS AND BOOTS RETURN! Pencil skirts! Pretty tops! Cardigans! Pumps! Statement necklaces! All come out of hiding! HUZZAH! Seriously, friends. My summers are about the most sartorially uninspiring season there is...

Cardigan - LOFT / Betsey Ruched Dress - c/o Kiyonna / Ankle-strap wedges - Bandolino

So I return to form by returning to my form - belted cardigan and curve-hugging silhouettes. And polka-dots! Kiyonna's fan (and my) favorite Betsey Ruched Dress in Pin Up Polka Dot, to be exact. Truth be told, I've been holding on this dress since, oh, June - when I wanted to wear it for Bob's birthday only to be slapped in the face by the fact that I had gained too much weight for it to fit properly. I'm less only a few pounds these days, but such is my summer that I've really had no reason to wear it since!

Belt - eloquii

A few things came to mind in terms of a solution. First, I figured I needed to find a way to make this dress work-appropriate anyway. (Special occasions are too few and far between to be able to break out this baby!) Happily, its classic dotted pattern makes it a great candidate for such a transition. Second, as curve-hugging as this dress is also why it's somewhat difficult to rock out when you're up a few pounds. (Yep, even with Spanx.) I felt an added layer would help camouflage and detract from problem areas. What better solution than a colorful cardigan? I've nearly always had it in my head to wear the dress with teal or turquoise (fact: I purchased the earrings I'm wearing expressly for the dress), so my teal cardi was just the thing. Of course, the wonderful respite of mild 70° weather we've been having made such layers feasible go begin with.

I did want to tone down the sex-kitten vibe just a bit more with simpler wedges and minimal jewelry. But I couldn't resist a teal-green snake print belt to add more spunk.

Earrings - Banana Republic / Ring - Banana Republic

Yes, it's true. My spunk has been resuscitated....

Blue Crush

You may recognize this shirt - I have it in white. You should know by now that I will buy items in multiples more often than not. It's a problem. Or it's a solution, depending on how you look at it.

Top - eloquii / Ankle pants - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Bandolino (via Endless.com)

It's such an easy, flattering top - a perfect piece to hide in when the body flaws are acting up. And the vibrant cobalt blue seems to stop people in their tracks and distract them from said flaws as well. Ah, the powers of redirection.

Belt - The Limited / Ring - Ruche / Necklace - Banana Republic / Earrings - Maurices

An animal print belt was the winner when I first wore the top in white, so I thought I'd follow suit and pair another animal print belt with this one. (Yep, I even have multiples of animal print belts.) This top was made to be belted, pure and simple.

Handbag - "City Girl Satchel" via Ruche

Oddly enough, I think my bag might be the real star of this post. I simply had to have it, especially since it would probably be my only mint item from the mint-obsessed trends of spring. (I'm late to that party, I know.) It was basically an accident that made me decide to wear the bag with the outfit, though - as in, running out the door and need to grab one of my zillion bags hanging off the dining chair; the newest one spoke the loudest. But the mint and cobalt play off each other in really unexpected ways - and I totally love it. So then I had to throw in a few other minty touches - ring, manicure - to seal the deal.

But I sure am loving myself in this shade of blue, I have to say...