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Nicole Martin
New Jersey
Remixing my wardrobe to create buzz-worthy, office-approved outfits! Find out more at: Creating Panache.
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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Like Morgan & Lua

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This post is my best impression of a Morgan and Lua post... but it's Nicole and Donna.  If you are a new reader, to be clear, Nicole is the human and Donna is the dog.  I know, I know, it's the weirdest name for a dog.  Except when you find out that our last name is Martin, and then your thoughts go immediately to Donna Martin of 90210 fame and the time she graduated.
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Sooo I'm one who usually sticks to the usual format, but hey, I'm trying to win a cool necklace here!  If you didn't already know, Morgan is giving away 2 amazing necklaces as part of her blogiversary celebration.  The rules are that you have to create a Morgan and Lua-esque post, so of course I had to use little Donna as the ultimate prop ;)
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Let me tell you... this photo shoot was no easy feat!  Donna would not stop moving, even as I attempted to hold her!!!  I think I made a rookie mistake of revealing the early morning treats right away... if I started with her sitting in my lap, she wouldn't have been sniffing every pocket for more.  Either way, I'm now convinced that Lua is the calmest dog out there!  For anyone who photographs dogs (if my readership covers this topic haha!) - any hints??
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shirt: thrifted via Goodwill ($8) ~ vest: Old Navy ($14) ~ pants: Target ($22) ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100) ~necklace/earrings: gift
A little bit about this outfit... it's been a more social week than normal, and tonight I have plans to meet a friend from college for dinner.  I wanted to be a little more casual but still pulled together.  The shirt is another thrift find, and it may be my favorite!  I don't think I got a close enough photo, but the silk has a design on it (besides the polka dots) that's almost like a watermark.
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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Waitress Dress

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dress: thrifted via Goodwill ($8) ~ cardi: Anthropologie (gift) ~ tights: c/o We Love Colors ~ boots: Chinese Laundry via Macy's ($65) ~ necklace: gift

Date: March 29, 2011
Ensemble message: This outfit was purposefully planned for yesterday because I went straight from work into New York City to see a band, Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside.  They were really, really great - such an awesome vintage sound, especially with Sallie's unique voice.  Go check them out - their first album is dropping on May 24th and they are taking their cd release parties back to the west coast (they're from Portland).  Sorry east coast and midwest readers... looks like we'll have to wait a bit until they make it back across the country!

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So keeping with the retro vibe of the evening, I wore this dress that I just thrifted last weekend.  Based on last week's post on Sammy Davis Vintage, the "All That Jazz" label appears to be vintage.  I really love the collar... I wish I took a picture of the dress without the cardi because the cut reminds me of a waitress from a diner ;)  I actually made a killing in Goodwill... you'll definitely see more of my finds this week!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Photo Job Shadow: Full-Time College Student

It's time for another edition of Photo Job Shadow!  Reader and fellow blogger Caitlin approached me about being a part of this project as a full-time student.  She quickly related balancing classes, homework, and other activities to having a full-time job, and she's right.  My college days were jam packed as well, and most days I didn't see my dorm room for 12 hours straight.  Thinking back, I'm not sure how I did it all!  Caitlin, I give you and other active college students major kudos for doing it all - keep up the great work!

Full-Time College Student

Name: Caitlin
Blog: Re-Mix-Her
Industry: Academics

Quick summary of your day: I’m currently a junior in college with a full-time load of classes. I’m majoring in professional writing and minoring in public relations and Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew). As a student, each day differs; for instance, I have no classes on Thursdays, but on Wednesdays (the day I took pictures of), I’m in class for over five hours.

7-7:50 am Getting ready for the day, putting on my makeup, watching a big of The Office while I get ready
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8-8:20 am – Eating breakfast at the dining commons and studying for a test
8-820

8:30-11 am – Going to classes and chapel
830-11

11 am-12 pm I have a break for about an hour, during which I typically go back to my dorm room and finish some homework
11-12

12-1 pm Eating lunch at the dining commons with some of the girls from my dorm wing
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1-1:50 pm Going to class
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2:-5:30 pm – I have another break from classes that I use for a number of things. Sometimes I need to run errands (like on this particular day during which I went to WalMart to buy a new umbrella), to work on my blog and homework with a little French press coffee, or to do homework at the local coffee shop.
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5:30-6:30 pm (no picture) – Eating dinner at the dining commons

6:30-9:30 pm  Depending on the day, I either have class during this time, a seminar to attend, an intramural game to watch, or I work out.
630-930 1

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9:30-midnight  I spend the rest of my night hanging out with girls on my wing, watching movies, doing homework, and getting my blog post ready for the next day. I also pick out my outfit ahead of time.
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Monday, March 28, 2011

The Art of Layering

A detailed peak into my brain and how I put together an outfit*:

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1. Bird print dress from Anthropologie (and my pale, pale skin, lol!) {Anthro ~ $30}
2. A cardigan and tights - Layer 1! {To the Max via Macy's ~ $30}

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3. A blazer to add structure - this is from one of my suits, but I probably wear my suits more as separates than together ;)  {Banana Republic ~ old old old}
4. There wasn't enough structure, so I added a belt.  And my first pick of shoes. {Target ~ $17 & Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ~ $14}

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5. After some more thought, I put on boots with knee high socks instead... because unfortunately it still felt like winter over the weekend.  And that's that, my layered up outfit!  {Bandolino via Macy's ~ $85}

* Full disclosure... I didn't actually wear this today, but last Saturday for a night out with The Husband.  But I'm one of those weird people who sometimes wears similar outfits out on the weekends as I do to work, so I figured this was Employed Panache appropriate ;)

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Softened Stripes

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turtleneck: Target ($14) ~ sweater: F21 ($24) ~ jeans: Buffalo via Macy's (?? old) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ necklace: gift

Date: March 25, 2011
Ensemble message: TGIF!  Well, a day late now but it's still the weekend :)  Yesterday I knew I'd have a full day at work and then dinner with friends afterwards, so I wanted to wear something that could transition from work to play.  I just bought this sweater from Forever21, and I love the soft, larger knit.... and I love how the vintage white color softens up harsher black and white stripes.

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So I don't normally post on Saturdays, but what do you guys think?  Does it make a difference to you guys if I post Monday through Friday or 5 days a week but not consecutive days??  Inquiring minds want to know! :)

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Split Personality Dress

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sweater: Babette Ballinger via Filene's Basement ($24) ~ dress: Nick & Mo via Daffy's ($14) ~ boots: Rocket via Famous Footwear ($40) ~ necklace: gift

Date: March 24, 2011
Ensemble message: I don't know why I don't wear this dress more often... it's so cute!  I think it's maybe because I'm never really sure when to wear it.  The polka dots have a print in them that might be flowers, or maybe snowflakes.  It has short sleeves but is jewel toned.  Sort of a split personality, don't you think?  I am happy that I wore my cowboy booties.  My first instinct was to wear my heeled oxfords, but it was good to change things up.

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Sorry for the really late posts the past couple days... transitioning into my new role continues to give me looonnnggg days at the office.  On a good note, it's Thursday night!  Good tv on tonight, and one day til the weekend.  Anyone else super stoked for the weekend?!?

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Grandpa Cardigan

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sweater: Husband's ~ t-shirt: Target ($8) ~ skirt: Gap Outlet ($19) ~ tights: c/o We Love Colors ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ necklace & earrings: gifts

Date: March 23, 2011
Ensemble message: Well, it might officially be spring... yet it snowed in NJ today :(  It felt like the middle of January even though it's almost April.  Mother Nature, if you're listening, we're tired of this!  (This coming from a skier too.)  I started to get itchy for spring clothes about a month ago, so I was not happy with any of my cold weather clothes this morning.

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My best solution was to shop from The Hubby's side of the closet.  If I was going to wear a sweater, at least it wasn't one that I've worn over and over again.  I was taking quite a risk though... see, this grandpa cardigan is Husband's first and most beloved thrift item.  He was oh so proud to find it on the racks, and gives me adorable evil eyes when I ask to wear it.  But, I was sure to take good care of it (so no worries honey ;)

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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Paper Doll Project

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cardi & belt: Target ($15 & $17) ~ t-shirt: Fossil ($20) ~ skirt: Ann Taylor Petites via Goodwill ($8) ~ tights: c/o We Love Colors ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ necklace: gift

Date: March 22, 2010
Ensemble message:  Today, I did not dress myself.  Instead, I participated in the Paper Doll Project and let the lovely Kim from Fashion Momma dress me instead!  I asked Kim for help styling this thrifted skirt, last seen here.  I was stuck in a color AND styling rut with this one, but boy, did Kim come through!!  Not only did she choose my bright chartreuse cardi, but also recommended this graphic t-shirt... and said that I should wear it UNTUCKED!  I would never have picked this combo, but it totally works.  It's quirky yet office appropriate... so it's pretty much perfect :)

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In return, I got to style up this whimsical dress for Kim!  Check out how I styled it over on her site.  I don't want to toot my own horn, but Momma's look pretty hot (toot toot ;)

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If you're curious about the other paper dolls, below is the full list.  Thanks again to Suze, Erin, and Liz for coming up with this fun collaboration!!!

dolls
Paper Doll Project partners!

Trusted Colleagues

Dresses from Shabby Apple
indi custom banner

Recognition