08.31.10 + 09.01.10

I just got home from a three-day business trip. I didn't think to take a picture on Day 1, but it was pretty similar to this (different shoes, though). Here's a couple blurry cell phone pics of my other outfits.

This was the second day of my trip, but the first day of my two-day class. We had been told to wear "summer business casual" attire, but there was actually a lot of variety in what people ended up wearing to class, from suits to jeans.

Top - Merona
Slacks - New York & Company
Cardigan - Merona
Shoes - American Eagls
Watch - Xhileration

This is the first time I wore this top. I actually got it off the sale rack at Target last year and never wore it because when I tried it on it seemed like it needed a little adjustment around the arm holes, and I never got around to doing that. But when I tried it on at home recently, it fit totally fine! So I saved it to take on a trip.

I just picked up this purple piece at Ross last weekend. It's not a sweater, but I'm not sure what to call it - it's just a long-sleeved, knit, cardigan-like top with ruffles around the neck. I figured it was a good way to get in on the ruffle trend. And I love the color! This outfit was specifically chosen because I went straight from day two of my class to the several-hour train ride home, so I wanted to be comfy.

Shirt - Old Navy
Sweater - CDR
Slacks - New York & Company
Shoes - zoe&zac
Necklace - Stella & Dot

08.27.10

Looking pretty put-together for a Friday... especially considering I saw maybe five people in my office today (there are about five thousand people at my site).

Shirt - Merona
Slacks - New York & Company
Sandals - Annie
Watch - Timex
Earrings - Stella & Dot

08.26.10

I felt like this was a very Natalie-esque outfit today! I got this shirt a couple years ago and I think this is maybe the third time I've worn it. I really like it, it's just not that flattering on me - it turns sort of tent-like. Sigh.

Shirt - New York & Company
Slacks - New York & Company
Camisole - Old Navy
Cardigan - Cherokee
Sandals - Mossimo
Watch - Xhileration
Earrings - Stella & Dot

I also rarely wear these sandals, because they're a little uncomfortable. I can't get rid of them, though. With turquoise and brown, they're so perfect!

08.24.10

I've come to realize that it's impossible to take a flattering picture of myself wearing this top. I don't know, maybe it fits weird? It just seems to make me look big and boxy, rather than conforming to my shape or whatever. Too bad, because I like it. I think it looks okay in person...

Shirt - Liz Claiborne
Slacks - New York & Company
Shoes - American Eagle
Earrings - Stella & Dot
Watch - Mossimo

08.23.10

Ready for a Monday full of meetings. You'll see I'm back to the new sandals. So far so good, foot pain-wise.

Shirt - Old Navy
Slacks - New York & Company
Cardigan - Merona
Sandals - Annie
Necklace - Stella & Dot
Watch - Xhileration

08.17.10

Remember how I mentioned that I hurt my foot somehow on Friday? I have a feeling that it might have been from wearing my new black sandals. I hope not, but that's the only thing that changed, foot-wise, leading up to this foot pain. So out of fear, I wore my super-comfy Clarks sandals today.

Shirt - Merona
Slacks - New York & Company
Sandals - Clarks
Earrings - Stella & Dot
Watch - Mossimo

08.16.10

Last night on I mentioned that it would be nice to have a Closet Fairy who would just hand me an outfit in the morning so I wouldn't have to spend time picking out clothes. Unfortunately, she never turned up today. So this was the best I could do on my own.

Shirt - H&M
Camisole - Old Navy
Slacks - New York & Company
Sandals - Mia 2
Necklace - Stella & Dot
Watch - Timex

08.14.10

Today we took a train into the city to go to a fun indoor/outdoor activity to celebrate my husband's birthday. I hurt my foot yesterday and we were doing a lot of walking today, so sneakers were a must. And the weather was cool enough to wear jeans, hooray!

Shirt - Old Navy
Jeans - Old Navy
Sneakers - New Balance
Purse - Merona

I'd wanted this purse for a while, but my husband convinced me it was too big. However, when I saw a friend had it in green, and I couldn't find any other suitable platinum-colored purse I liked, I went back and got it. It's perfect, I love it!

08.13.10

Happy Friday the 13th! I had to pick out my own clothes for the first time this week, and all I knew was that I wanted to wear this necklace.

Shirt - Old Navy
Slacks - New York & Company
Cardigan - Merona
Sandals - Annie
Necklace - Target
Watch - Mossimo

08.12.10

Today was the last day of outfits that Natalie picked out for me. I was excited about this one! She said to match a cardigan to the blue stripe in this top, and I just happened to have one in the perfect color!

As for the skirt, I had been planning to wear a longer one, but it the long skirt plus this longer top just looked droopy on me. So I went with this shorter skirt, which I'd been unsure about because it's a fold top and I thought there would be too much fabric with that plus the tie at my waist. But it was actually fine.

Also, I finally found a replacement pair of strappy, low, black sandals! They just arrived yesterday. I ordered them from endless.com, and was very happy with both the price and shipping speed!

Top - Merona
Skirt - Old Navy
Cardigan - Cherokee
Sandals - Annie
Watch - Xhileration

You know I usually crop my photos closer, but how could I edit out that cuteness happening next to me?!

08.10.10

Yet another outfit chosen by Natalie - though to be fair, I had been thinking about pairing this top with these pants since the success of my last pink and brown pairing. I don't usually wear white, though, so the cardigan was all her idea.

Top - Carolyn Taylor
Slacks - New York & Company
Cardigan - Cherokee
Sandals - Mia 2

Another idea stolen from Natalie - she's asked how we organize jewelry. As you may have noticed, I don't really wear a ton of jewelry. Back in middle school when I got my ears pierced, I was totally into all sorts of funky earrings and big crazy necklaces. But now I just have a few small favorite pieces. My mother gave me this jewelry box, and it's perfect for my collection. (And I just reorganized it, luckily!) So I'm keeping easily tangled necklaces on the hooks inside the lid; watches, other necklaces, my one bracelet, and my two non-wedding rings on the upper trays; earrings in the small sections inside (here's a better shot of that); my flat watch and bulkier necklaces in the drawer underneath. The whole thing sits on top of my dresser.

08.09.10

Today's outfit was chosen by Natalie! She posted on Twitter last night that she'd already picked out her clothes for the week, so I asked her to do mine too - and she did! I have outfits lined up through Thursday.

This got us started thinking, it might be fun to do some sort of weekly blogger "dress each other" thing. Once a week, everyone would put their names in, get matched up with someone else, and choose one outfit for their partner, using what you've seen on their blog. I like the idea of someone putting together combinations I wouldn't have thought of. Who's in?! We could call it something like "Remix Mondays"...

Shirt - Mossimo*
Slacks - New York & Company
Cardigan - Merona
Sandals - Covington
Watch - Mossimo
Earrings - Stella & Dot



I got this purple nail polish over the weekend. I was kind of unsure about the color and thought it might be too bold and crazy, but wanted to give it a try anyway. I love it! It's so rich and jewel-like - this photo doesn't do it justice.

* Nat, I know you said "aqua Merona shirt," but I wasn't sure what you meant - I assume you were referring to this one? If I was wrong, oh well, I already wore it :o)

08.05.10

I was excited because I'm taking off tomorrow, so today was my Friday. Also, I had my first staff meeting with my new group (even though it was just over the phone since we're in three different locations).

Shirt - Merona
Slacks - New York & Company
Cardigan - Merona
Sandals - Mia 2
Watch - Xhileration

I really liked this outfit. I was going to wear a brown sweater, but I'm glad I decided to have a little more fun with it and go with the pink :o)

Remember a couple weeks ago when I wore this top in a different color? This time I made sure I got a side shot so you could see how it ties.

08.03.10

How is it August already? Didn't the summer just start? Oh well, I'll be glad if it ever cools off...

Shirt - Merona
Slacks - New York & Company
Cardigan - Merona
Sandals - Mia 2
Earrings - Loopsdesigns
Watch - Timex

07.30.10

Casual outfit for Friday... It was a long week, but I got some awesome news this morning, so it was all worth it!

Shirt - Merona
Slacks - New York & Company
Watch - Mossimo
Sandals - Payless

These sandals... for the past few years, I've been trying to find a replacement. I had something close last summer, but their straps are almost broken now, so I retired them. If anyone knows where to find some delicate, strappy black sandals, either flat or with a very low heel, please let me know!

07.29.10

Guess what... I had a job interview today! I just found out two days earlier, so I didn't have much time to prepare. The people interviewing me were people I've been working with for the past several years, and it was sort of informal, and I don't own a suit, so I was hemming and hawing over whether I should get one just for this. I ended up going to the mall and picking up this jacket, which luckily fit me great, right off the rack (maybe the sleeves could be shortened a bit), and it was on sale!

Shirt - H&M
Slacks - New York & Company
Jacket - Worthington
Shoes - American Eagle
Necklace - Kathryn Reichert

So what do you think? Would you give me a job?

07.27.10

Because it's been so hot, I haven't really been making cardigans part of my outfit, I just take a coordinating one to work in case I get chilly. But I decided to celebrate the end of our heat wave by wearing this dandelion/snowflake/whatever cardi.

Shirt - Old Navy
Slacks - New York & Company
Cardigan - Merona
Sandals - Clarks
Necklace - Stella & Dot
Watch - Mossimo

07.26.10

I had a bunch of meetings at work today. But I was so busy, I actually ended up skipping one (it was just an HR update thing in the auditorium, not like anyone was missing me) and the others were over the phone, so I could keep working.

Shirt - Mossimo
Slacks - New York & Company
Sandals - Mia 2
Earrings - Stella & Dot
Watch - Mossimo

It rained yesterday, and today it had cooled off significantly, with much less humidity. Dare I say, the weather is... nice?

07.23.10

I really wanted to wear this top to work. I hadn't worn it to the office yet, and thought it would be bright and fun for a Friday. However... I don't think it looks that great with long pants. Last time, I wore it with closer-fitting capris, and it looked great. But I think this top and the pants were both too loose. Next time, back to capris.

Top - Carolyn Taylor
Slacks - New York & Company
Sandals - Clarks
Watch - Mossimo

07.22.10

I cant' believe we've gotten almost to the end of July and I haven't worn this shirt yet (or its pink and brown striped cousin). When I first got this top, I wore it all the time.

Shirt - Merona
Slacks - New York & Company
Sandals - Covington
Watch - Xhileration

I'm covering it with my arm, but there is a tie on the right side of the waistband, just in a knot, with strips that hang down about 6 or 8 inches. Must have been the combination of my arm covering it and the slight angle I'm turned that prevents you from seeing it. Maybe it'll make it into the shot the next time I wear it.

07.20.10

Ah, the perils of a "duplicate buyer." This outfit is almost identical to the one I wore a year ago today (completely unintentional!), except I snipped the tags off of almost every item I put on this morning - everything but the sandals, necklace, and watch was brand new. Even my underwear was new. (And holy wedgie, Batman! I will not be wearing those again.)

Shirt - Old Navy
Skirt - Old Navy
Cardigan - Merona
Sandals - Bandolino
Necklace - Stella & Dot
Watch - Xhileration



I was nominated by Natalie for this Sugar Doll award :o) Part of the award is that I'm supposed to nominate ten more bloggers to receive it, however... I don't think there are ten people who read this blog. The people I do know, probably were already just nominated! So, I will skip that part... And I'm supposed to list ten things about myself, and since I am so bad at listing things about myself, I will again base my answers on Natalie's:

1. I love having guests over, but because of our lack of air conditioning, get-togethers at our place are on hold until the fall.


2. For a couple years in college, I was obsessed with RISD. I read all the RISD student blogs I could get my hands on.


3. Until a few months ago, I didn't know that my husband's college had a mascot. I'm still not sure what it is.


4. You know this already: I love cheese.


5. Thanks to an online friend, I've been playing a lot of Typeracer recently. (Let me know if you want to race!)


6. You already know my first job. My second job was working as a supermarket cashier. The store I worked at, where I made so many friends, is about to close :o(


7. I don't really decorate. I have a few pieces of art around the house, but I hate knicknacks, and I'm not into hammering nails into the walls.


8. I haven't had a lot of jobs with perks. Maybe the "perkiest" job I had was working at our on-campus convenience store in college - somehow my friends all ended up with discounts.


9. My husband buys a lot of DVDs, but I don't really feel the need to own movies - if I've watched it once, that's usually enough for me.


10. I'm awesome at sleeping, but most of the time I can't fall asleep unless I'm laying on my right side.

07.19.10

I wore long pants because I thought I might be caught in the rain this morning, but I actually just missed it. The downpour started minutes after I walked into my office.

Shirt - Merona
Slacks - New York & Company
Sandals - Mia 2
Earrings - Stella & Dot
Watch - Timex

I realized I hadn't taken a detail shot of these new sandals. Here you go! I was looking for something brown and strappy, and I think they fit the bill.

07.17.10

Ugh, sorry, this was the worst picture I took, but the least blurry. This was my ensemble for going to the farmers' market and supermarket.

Shirt - Merona
Shorts - Old Navy
Flip-Flops - Tommy Hilfiger

This is the coral-colored screenprinted shirt I got over 4th of July weekend. No, the design is not centered on the shirt. Does that bug you?

07.16.10

On days like this, I give up on my hair. Moments before this picture was taken, I straightened my hair and curled the ends under. Can you tell? Sigh.

Shirt - Modbe
Skirt - Old Navy
Sandals - Merona
Necklace - Stella & Dot
Watch - Xhileration

Did you notice I wore blue tops and brown bottoms all week? I was going to wear a blue top today, too, but decided to mix it up a bit and wear this pink instead. I think it looks good with the brown.

Also, I was reminded today why I don't wear long necklaces. This is the one I usually wear doubled up. Just thought I'd mix it up a bit for Friday.

07.15.10

I remembered at the last minute this morning that in addition to being super busy today at work, I also had to go to this special lunch the leadership team was having with our group, just to introduce everyone and give an overview of what we're working on. So I had to look somewhat decent.

Top - Old Navy
Slacks - New York & Company
Sandals - Mia 2
Earrings - Stella & Dot
Watch - Xhileration

I've decided that these pants are magical. They make my legs look long and sleek, and I can wear pretty much anything with them and look pulled-together. I have a pair in black, too, but it's mostly the brown ones that do this.

07.13.10

Another rainy day... I ordered some new sandals online that were supposed to arrive yesterday and they would've been perfect for this outfit, but they didn't come until today, so no such luck.

Shirt - Old Navy
Slacks - New York & Company
Sandals - Steve Madden
Necklace - Target
Watch - Xhileration

07.12.10

After such a nice weekend, I didn't really feel like going back to work. Does anyone?

Shirt - Mossimo
Slacks - New York & Company
Earrings - Stella & Dot
Watch - Mossimo
Sandals - David Tate

Here's a close-up of the new Mossimo pintuck shirt (bought on clearance over the 4th of July weekend):

07.11.10

Today my husband and I met up with a bunch of friends about an hour away to tailgate and watch a polo game. This was the second year we all got together to do this, so hopefully we can make it an annual tradition. After a lot of hot, humid, and rainy weather, this was a beautiful day to spend a few hours outside!

Shirt - Old Navy
Camisole - Old Navy
Shorts - Old Navy
Flip-Flops - Tommy Hilfiger

As you can tell, it's not really a formal event. Some ladies wore sundresses, but for the most part, jeans and t-shirts are appropriate at this polo field.

07.10.10

It was pouring rain this morning, but my husband and I went out to the farmer's market and a couple other places, and to get lunch. My feet got soaked, but at least these rubber flip-flops weren't ruined by the water.

Shirt - Old Navy
Capris - Old Navy
Flip-Flops - Old Navy
Purse - Merona

Later I found out that my evening activity had been canceled due to the rain, so I changed (into new flip-flops I picked up while out earlier!) and used my extra time off to do some other errands and chores at home.

Shirt - Old Navy
Shorts - Old Navy
Flip-Flops - Tommy Hilfiger

07.09.10

I have two of these gauzy skirts (with pockets!), but I'm not sure if I've ever worn them to work before. It's because they're slightly shorter than I like to wear to the office, exposing my knees when standing - and a bit more than that while seated. I was sort of uncomfortable about it all day. It wasn't against our dress code or anything, but I was kind of glad that it was Friday and there weren't many people around.

Shirt - Old Navy
Skirt - Old Navy
Sandals - Bandolino
Necklace - Stella & Dot
Watch - Xhileration

Yes, I wore the uncomfortable Bandolino sandals again, and discovered another negative thing - walking outside in the drizzle, my feet slipped on the wet sandals, and I almost slipped out of them a few times walking through the parking lot.

07.08.10

My newest Merona double-layer shirt, which I picked up last weekend, makes its debut! And our heat wave continues, hence the skirt.

Shirt - Merona
Skirt - Merona
Sandals - David Tate
Watch - Mossimo

Not pictured: the light blue Merona cardigan (this one) that I put on when I ultimately got chilly at work.

07.06.10

It was 100 degrees here today, so of course I was going to wear a skirt and have my hair pulled back.

Shirt - Old Navy
Skirt - H&M
Sandals - Bandolino
Hair Clip - Claire's
Necklace - Kathryn Reichert
Watch - Xhileration

I got these sandals a couple years ago and have worn them maybe once or twice. Today I remembered why: the footbed is hard, and the arch part hits me in a weird spot. Kind of uncomfortable - but not too bad, considering I sit most of the day.

I took my picture backwards today to show off my new hair clip, but then I found that kind of creepy, so here's a forwards one, too!

07.05.10

On this last day of my long weekend, I went out in search of sandals (might have to start shopping online next), stopped at TJ Maxx, and then took my grandmother out for lunch, before heading home to relax in the air conditioning.

Shirt - Old Navy
Shorts - Old Navy
Flip-Flops - Old Navy
Purse - Merona

I made a new video! I show off some flowered hair clips and a handful (literally) of bras! Please don't think I just go out shopping all the time, though - it was just because of the holiday weekend. I have another one on deck - they're fun to make :o)

07.04.10

No big Independence Day plans today... So I just went out to Bed Bath & Beyond this morning, went food shopping for the week, and then came back home. I look kind of like a candid picture of a movie star out running errands in this photo, though!

Shirt - Old Navy
Shorts - Old Navy
Flip-Flops - Old Navy
Purse - Nine & Co.
Sunglasses - Nine West

Thanks for those of you who've been watching and enjoying my videos. Now I have a question: what do you think of those "what's in my purse" videos? I sort of want to make one (especially because I want to switch my purse soon), but it seems sort of like a good way to invite thieves. WDYT? Something you're interested in?

07.03.10

Went out shopping, then going to a party later.

Shirt - Old Navy
Capris - Merona
Flip-Flops - Old Navy

Watch me show off this and many other shirts in my latest video, about yesterday's shopping trip to Target and Old Navy.