shirt: Zara (gift) ~ cardi: Target ($15) ~ skirt: Esprit (part of old suit set) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ shoes: ?? via Macy's (old, not sure of cost)

Date: January 7, 2010
Ensemble message: Wednesday and Thursday of this week, I was in Arkansas on a short business trip.  Even though it was just an overnight trip, I wanted to work one major clothing item into both outfits.  I chose this black skirt because it doesn't wrinkle (I had a 3 hour flight) and could easily be made into 2 outfits without it being obvious that I wore the same skirt 2 days in a row.  And the small heel on these shoes were great for both standing in front of a room to present and navigating my way through the airport later that night.  The overall look is a classic office look, but with my spin on it: lacy shirt/stockings, mixing black & brown, and of course the chartreuse cardigan.
My flight was packed, and I ended up sitting next to an older gentleman who was wearing a dress shirt and tie.  I was dead tired and just wanted to get some work done and then nap.  But my neighbor was super friendly and started asking me questions around why I was in Arkansas and what did I do for the Day Job.  He seemed nice enough, so we began chatting and explained that I am in Human Resources.  I found out that he works for Lion Brand Yarn, and he mentioned several people at my company that he knew, all of them being in Sales.  I then innocently asked, "Oh, are you in Sales as well?"  His reply: "No, I'm the COO for Lion."  Imagine my shock!  We then went on to chat throughout most of the flight, even as I did some work, and we discussed everything from our companies to our families.
The point I want to make here is that I did not change before catching my flight.  I had time to and could have easily packed sweats or leggings in my carry-on.  However, you never ever know who you will be sitting next to!  What if I was looking for a job or a new client?  Or what if our companies worked closely together (they don't).  If I didn't look professional, he may not have been inclined to strike up a conversation, and I would have missed an opportunity.  So think carefully about what to wear before traveling... you don't necessarily have to dress in a suit, but you may want to think twice about rolling out of bed and heading right to the airport!

shirt: Limited (gift) ~ sweater: Target ($16ish) ~ skirt: thrifted via Goodwill ($8) ~ boots: Ann Klein via Macy's ($115) ~ brooch, bangle, mittens: gifts ~ earrings: Jess LC ($16 holiday sale!)

Date: December 15, 2010
Ensemble message: The goal for today was to be comfortable sitting in hours upon hours of meetings, but to also look pulled together enough to make an appearance at a NY Style Blogger soiree right after work.  I didn't really have time to put together a second outfit to change into at the office, so I needed something that would carry me through the day.
I just thrifted this long wool skirt the other night on a spontaneous trip to Goodwill.  I like that it's long, because it is FREEZING in the NYC area this week.  I also like that the plaid, colors, and overall style feels very wintery and holiday-like.  I'm already planning on wearing this skirt on Christmas Day!  I kinda felt like a grandma in the outfit, and Sammy from Sammy Davis Vintage rightfully called my look Granny Chic.  And I'm totally ok with that :)  My new earrings from Jess LC were also a great touch - perfectly dainty to wear every day!


Speaking of, last night was my first ever blogger meet up.  SO. MUCH. FUN!  I loved meeting everyone, especially Sammy and Lindsay & Meredith of Cubicle Chic, who I all speak to via the interwebs pretty much on a daily basis.  As soon as I get copies of the pictures, I will post them :)

shirt: H&M ($40) ~ pants: Banana Republic ($70ish) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ bangle & chains: gifts

Date: November 16, 2010
Ensemble message: Wow, what a looong day!  For those of you who do not have insight into the world of HR, once a year, we help facilitate meetings where managers discuss their employees' performance from the past year.  Because my company operations on a January to December calendar, we are in the middle of those conversations now.  These meetings last multiple hours because there is typically a standoff when we get down to the last few people who need to be bumped down a rating.  I'll stop boring you now, but feel free to e-mail me with questions (I expect none, haha!)
Ok, done for tonight... check back tomorrow for the first of four holiday related wordy posts!  (vs. picture posts :)

Or altogether just taken apart

We're reeling through an endless fall

Date: October 25, 2010

blouse: H&M ($40) ~ cardigan: Target ($15) ~ skirt: Zara ($35) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ earrings: boutique in Arizona ($7)