shirt: American Rag via Macy's ($35) ~ blazer: Marshall's ($24) ~ skirt: Atelier via Nordstrom Rack ($20) ~ shoes: BCBG (gift) ~ necklace: gift ~ bangle: NY&Co ($10ish)

Date: January 19, 2012
Ensemble message: I always tend to dress a little more formally when I have meetings with directors and VPs... pencil skirts and blazers usually come into play.  I'm personally not a fan of wearing a lot of black in the form of a suit - too *yawn* for me.  So I mixed up the the colors and prints a bit with a floral top.
Oh, and I didn't forget - here is the winner from the Shabby Apple contest:
Congrats Erin!  Shabby Apple will contact you shortly.

dress: Forever21 ($23) ~ jersey blazer: Marshall's ($24) ~ shoes (which I probably wear all too often ;) Mia via DSW ($60) ~ bracelet: gift

Date: November 23, 2011
Ensemble message: This outfit was worn 2 days before Thanksgiving... I could have easily gotten away with jeans and a sweater (because like most offices, mine is a ghost town the week of Thanksgiving).  However, this was smack-dab in the middle of 2 very crazy weeks, so instead of letting the stress get me down, I decided to dress up :)  I really liked this combo of patterns... it's a bit busy, but I think the overall neutral palate tones it down enough for the office.
How about you guys?  During crazy times at work, do you kick it back or dress it up?

dress: Francesca's Collections ($44) ~ blazer: Marshall's ($24) ~ boots: Chinese Laundry via Macy's ($65) ~ necklace: thrift store in Zurich ($19) ~ bracelet: NY&Co ($10ish)

Date: October 19, 2011
Ensemble message:  My other find from Francesca's Collections!  (I told you yesterday that I was tempted to buy the whole store... but these 2 pieces were it ;)  As soon as I saw this dress, I knew that I could wear it alone on the weekends in warm weather, or pair it with a blazer.  A plain, black blazer would make the print a bit more serious, but this striped jersey blazer is just so much fun!  The tough black boots with black over-the-knee socks also help bring the overall outfit down-to-earth.  A fun look for an otherwise boring day at the office :)

cami: Marshall's ($16) ~ blazer: Zara (old-$35ish?) ~ skirt: Kensie Girl (gift) ~ shoes: Franco Sarto ($65) ~ necklace & cuff: gifts

Date: August 8, 2011
Ensemble message: This outfit was styled especially for this week's Everybody Everywear challenge - mixed prints!  Mixing prints is not a stretch for me, I've done it before (see below).  But it was a challenge to find a new mix since my wardrobe is a bit limited at the moment.  Though it's subtle, the stripes on the jacket do count as a print!  I personally think that stripes and floral are the easiest prints to mix (for those of you who might be a bit shy when it comes to mixing prints).

Here are some other ways I've mixed prints:

shirt: H&M ($15) ~ cami: Marshall's ($14) ~ skirt: Gap Outlet ($19) ~ shoes: Target ($20) ~ cuff/earrings/belt: all gifts

cami & shoes: Target ($9, $20) ~ jacket: Marshall's ($24) ~ pants: Century21 ($35) ~ belt/scarf: from a dress ~ bracelet: DIY

Date: June 8, 2011
Ensemble message: This was a crazy week with little time to think about clothing.  No major meetings or presentations, just keeping my nose very close to the grindstone.  Luckily this outfit came together and looked nice enough to photograph!  This is also proof that I remix... just the week prior, I wore the same exact top and jacket.  I was a little surprised because normally I space out clothes that I remix, but also proud to finally have a closet where I can literally pull out a few of my favorite pieces and have a decent looking outfit :)

jacket: Marshall's ($24) ~ cami & jeans: Target ($9 & $14) ~ sandals: Nine West outlet ($25ish??) ~ watch: NY&Co ($20) ~ cuff & necklace: gifts

Date: June 3, 2011
Ensemble message: This is the face of pure, unadulterated RELIEF!  When I started my new role at the Day Job back in April, I was tossed into several projects midstream.  One project was to organize and facilitate the summer intern orientation.  These photos were taken the day after orientation ended.  I believe the overall experience was a success, as measured by the number of hugs I received as the interns departed for their final office locations ;)  I have to say, helping out with an internship program is one of those areas of HR that takes so much time and energy, but it seriously might be the most rewarding.  I also get to benefit from the program by having an HR intern of my own... so I will try to write a post sometime this summer about hiring and managing an intern!

Oh yeah, not to ignore the obvious, but I'm also back... for the long haul I hope!  Did you miss me these past couple weeks?  While I didn't have time to post, I did take multiple outfits shots that I can't wait to share with you!

shirt: Gap (gift) ~ skirt: Zara ($35) ~ jacket: Marshall's ($24) ~ belt: H&M ($10ish? old) ~ shoes: DSW ($30)

Date: May 19, 2011
Ensemble message: I wore this outfit last week when it was still cool and rainy in the northeast.  I felt like the dark purple and denim was too dark of a combo, so I broke it up with this silvery grey jacket and white belt.  I didn't want to dress as dismal as the weather was!  I also let my hair air dry since it was so humid (hence the frizzy mess)... I did put some product in but was not impressed with how my hair turned out that day.  Anyone out there who can recommend a product for semi-wavy hair that defines waves and has staying power?!?!  Help!!!

blazer: Marshall's ($24) ~ tank & belt: Target ($8 & $14) ~ skirt: H&M (ancient, $???) ~ shoes: Aerosoles ($35) ~ necklace: I forget-also old ~ bracelet: thrifted from Beacon's Closet ($8)

Date: May 25, 2011
Ensemble message:  I wore this outfit just because.  Because I love this new striped blazer, and was psyched to see how well it pairs with this ancient skirt.  Because the sun is finally out here in NJ.  Because I knew I had a boat-load of work waiting for me at the Day Job and I wanted to feel good while chained to my desk.

This blazer is quickly becoming my new favorite article of clothing... the material is almost sweatshirt-like, so it's comfy and could work with a casual outfit.  But the crisp black and white stripes and structured fit makes it perfect for work as well.  Have you bought anything recently that you keep wearing over and over?

cami & jacket: Marshall's ($14 & $24) ~ pants: Daffy's ($30) ~ shoes: Target ($20) ~ watch ($20) ~ bracelet: DIY

Date: May 4, 2011
Ensemble message:  It's official... I'm obsessed.  I love my silk pants so much, both pairs!  They feel like pj's but are cool enough in heat and humidity (well, at least while the warmth lasted here in NJ).  I actually bought this pair last year after throwing any logic out the window, and until now, only wore them on the weekend.  After these pants survived a night out in Mexico back in February (dinner, drinks, dancing, the whole shebang), I decided that they were tough enough to wear on more casual work days.  Now if only they can survive the days that I eat salad with oil and vinegar dressing....!!

By the way, my bracelet is a DIY that I whipped up in one night while forcing myself to have some relaxation time.  I really love the results and wear this bracelet pretty frequently!  It was pretty easy to make - then again, I made lanyards with the plastic string all the time as a kid.  If you're interested, use Love Maegan's instructions... the only difference is that I added a Buddha charm :)