dress: Anthropologie ($30) ~ cardi: August Silk via Nordstrom Rack ($20) ~ scarf: Gap Outlet ($8) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60)

Date: January 18, 2012
Ensemble message: Just a colorful outfit for a blustery day!  Been pretty crazy around here lately - the Day Job has been highly challenging and has me going full speed all the time.  The optimist in me says that this will all be worth it...... my impatient side wants to see results now ;)
Don't forget - you still have a few more hours to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway!

dress: Target ($28) ~ cardigan: Banana Republic (gift) ~ boots: Steve Madden via DSW ($120) ~ belt: Anthropologie (gift) ~ necklace: gift

Date: January 11, 2012
Ensemble message: When I received this cardigan for Christmas, I immediately wanted to pair it with all things olive! I started with my favorite olive pants, so I decided to wear it with my favorite olive dress next. I really like how the raspberry color brightens up an otherwise neutral outfit. Also, I’m loving the preppy nature of the overall look (belt, boots), but that the color of the cardigan gives it a twist!

shirt: H&M ($) ~ skirt & belt: Anthropologie ($35 & gift) ~ sweater: Banana Republic: gift ~ shoes: Nine West (ancient - bought during my 1st job out of college!) ~ necklace: charm is actually a key fob from a gifted purse

Date: November 29, 2011
Ensemble message: I had a HUGE meeting to facilitate that day, where I was going to be in front of VPs and directors.  A little nerve-wracking, to be honest.  I always feel good in this skirt - ladylike and polished - so I grabbed it first.  While I like mixing prints with it on top, I kept with the colors of nature to pull it all together.  And since the button down is sheer, along with a cami, I topped it off with this open cardi.

Have you entered the Shabby Apple giveaway yet?  No?!  Well, what are you waiting for! ;)

dress: Target ($28) ~ shirt: Old Navy ($24) ~ belt: Anthropologie (gift) ~ tights: c/o We Love Colors ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ necklace: Macy's ($11)

Date: November 28, 2011
Ensemble message: The message of this outfit is pretty simple... it was the Monday after Thanksgiving, I was still in a turkey coma, and I probably didn't know what was on my schedule for the day.  So I grabbed a few items I consider to be "ol' reliables" - olive dress, button down, a belt - threw them on, and hoped for the best.  In my humble opinion, this dress can do no wrong, so it probably wasn't a huge risk.  But that's what having a smart wardrobe is all about... you can grab a few items and have an ensemble without much thinking!

What are your "ol' reliables" ??

shirt: Anthropologie ($35) ~ sweater: Target ($16ish) ~ pants: Calvin Klein via Filene's Basement ($24) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ necklace: Macy's ($11) ~ cuff: gift

Date: November 9, 2011
Ensemble message: Today I bring you a mid-week casual outfit that would probably have been best for a Friday (oops).  November and December have been nuts for me at the Day Job, so comfort and easy-to-style outfits were key for me every day.  Between my hectic schedule and the weather cooling down, I'm really loving the more utilitarian looks that incorporate finer pieces (silk shirts, statement necklaces, heels).  Is your closet following any one theme this season?

Also, I was only in my house for a couple weeks and was still trying to figure out the best place for photos.  I now know that outside with my back to the house is best, and that I can get halfway decent indoor shots in my dining room.  For this post, you'll have to deal with these dark results ;)

t-shirt & chartreuse cardigan: Target ($6 & $14) ~ grey cardi: gift ~ pants: Anthropologie ($20) ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ necklace: Free People (gift) ~ bracelet: thrifted ($8)

Date: November 7, 2011
Ensemble message: Ok, so I'm officially a month behind on outfit photos ;)  But, I think things have slowed down a little at the Day Job to bring you all up to speed!  And I have some good ensembles that are way better than what my burnt-out brain is coming up with lately.  But onto this one... this is the 1st photo shoot in our new house!  Hence an empty room with icky lighting.  You'll see some progression over the next several posts.  This outfit was a sort of a JCrew inspiration... I've noticed a lot of their recent looks have neutrals, at least one bright piece, and some sort of pattern.


What do you think?  Could I have done anything differently??

sweater: Banana Republic (old... $25ish?) ~ pants: Anthropologie ($20) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ scarf: old sarong ~ bracelet: thrifted ($8)

Date: October 27, 2011
Ensemble message:  This was the day before The Husband and I closed on our new house, so most of my clothing was packed up.  Plus, I was wrapped up with last minute moving preparations, so I needed an outfit that didn't take much thought but still looked pulled-together.  Tonight, almost a full month later, I am sitting in my den and listening to the rain fall, and I can't believe what a whirlwind November has been!  So much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving :)

shirt: Anthropologie ($35) ~ skirt: Old Navy (old - $15ish) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ necklace/earrings/watch: gifts

Date: October 25, 2011
Ensemble message: Casual yet office appropriate outfit!  I love burnt orange and other shades of rust, but worry about looking like a pumpkin.  I will stay away from too much green and brown, but these sage tights seem just right.
I know things have slowed down a bit here guys... but a house is seriously like another full-time job.  And, the Day Job lately has been pushing well beyond 9 to 5.  But I will try to get you guys quickie posts like this - I am still taking outfit photos, so they might as well get published.  Thanks for sticking around y'all :)

sweater: JCrew ($21) ~ tank: Target ($9) ~ pants: Anthropologie ($20) ~ shoes: Nine West (ancient) ~ necklace: Kiln Design Studio (another oldie - all I know is that it was discounted :) ~ cuff: gift ~ bracelet: thrifted ($8)

Date: October 14, 2011
Ensemble message: So while I was looking for end-of-summer clothing on sale, I stumbled upon this sweater in JCrew.  Ok, so it's not a left over from the summer... maybe early fall?  But it's $21 price tag had me sold!  And, I want to try to incorporate more green in my wardrobe... I feel like I don't have enough ;)
Oh, and if you've been keeping up with my random personal updates here, I'm ECSTATIC to announce that The Husband and I are finally closing on our house tomorrow and moving in on Saturday!!  I'm going to try to post as much as I can next week, but please understand that lack of internet may hold that up :)

And, last chance to enter the Carissa Rose giveaway!  I'll announce the winner tomorrow!!

shirt: MNG by Mango via JC Penny's ($35) ~ shorts: Anthropologie ($35) ~  shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ necklace (hard to see - same as in this post): gift

Date: October 20, 2011
Ensemble message: Just a quick post... I know there are a lot of you out there that would not (or could not) wear shorts of any sort to the office, but I'm lucky that the Day Job is more relaxed on their dress code.  Of course, I wouldn't wear these shorts for anything but a day at my desk :)

dress: Anthropologie ($30) ~ jacket: Ann Taylor Loft ($14) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ cuff: gift

Date: September 26, 2011
Ensemble message: I wore this outfit last week for one of two busy days.  On this particular day, I had to be in the office for most of the day (with several meetings) and then drive to Philadelphia for a team dinner.  One of the client groups I support were having a 2 day extended team meeting, and they asked me to join them for dinner and then to provide an HR update the next day.  This day was a little tough to plan for because I had several factors to consider: I was meeting this team for the first time, I'd be in the car for 2+ hours and going straight to dinner (no wrinkles allowed!), and it was an oddly warm day for late September.  I think this outfit worked out well - the dress was fun but the jacket added a little formality, and the cotton didn't wrinkle a bit!


Oh by the way, did you guys enter my Hanes Hosiery giveaway yet??  Only a few more days left!

And on a brief personal note, today is my 3rd wedding anniversary with The Husband.  Last year I posted some gratuitous photos, but this year I'm writing a quick post so I can go enjoy the wine and cupcakes he surprised me with after work :)

cardigan & jeans: Target ($15 & $14) ~ shirt: Anthropologie ($35) ~ boots: Rocket Dog via Famous Footwear ($40) ~ necklace: gift

Date: September 16, 2011
Ensemble message: Just a simple casual Friday outfit, but one where I pair a more subdued color with a bright one.  I want to work more brights into my wardrobe as a contrast against my neutrals, which I love.  So far... I have this cardigan, which is not new.  And that's it.


What other bright pieces do you recommend I buy??

dress: Anthropologie ($30) ~ jacket: Forever21 ($12) ~ shoes: Nine West outlet ($27) ~ bangles: gift & wearyourmusic.org ($15 each)

Date: July 27, 2011
Ensemble message: Just because today was the 3rd 11+ hour day in a row at the Day Job doesn't mean I can't look nice while working long hours ;)  We've hit a critical point in our project, and everyone on the team has been asked to put all other tasks aside.  It's tiring, but in a good way... the team is making great progress and I feel closer to them than ever.  That may sound silly, but remember I've only been on this team since April.  But by tomorrow evening we *should* be over the hump!  This will make the weekend that much better :)