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!

cardigan: Banana Republic (gift) ~ cami: Target ($9) ~ pants: Calvin Klein via Filene's Basement ($24) ~ scarf: Express (gift) ~ shoes: Mia via DSW ($60) ~ watch: Fossil (gift)

Date: December 29, 2011
Ensemble message: Pretty simple message here... it was post-Christmas and I wanted to wear a couple new items I had received as gifts.  I was also going to be moving offices that day, so a skirt or dress wouldn't be the most practical.  And done.
But seriously... this faux fur scarf is ah-mazing!  My secret santa (aka my younger sis) bought it for me, and it adds the right amount of fanciness to every outfit ;)  What accessory adds fanciness to your outfits??

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! ;)

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 :)

cardigan & skirt: Target ($15 & $12) ~ cami: Banana Republic ($8) ~ watch & necklace: gifts ~ shoes: Nine West ($?)

Date: September 28, 2011
Ensemble message: Gloomy weather calls for bright colors!  I was worried that the double dose would be too bright for the end of September, but I think the brown cami, shoes, and accessories did a good job adding a fall touch.

Be on the lookout - on Friday I'll have a review & giveaway for you, all my lovely readers! :)

shirt: Banana Republic Mens (borrowed) ~ skirt: Kensie Girl (gift) ~ vest: Old Navy ($14) ~ shoes: Target ($20) ~ bangle: NY&Co ($10ish) ~ necklaces & watch: gifts

Date: June 30, 2011
Ensemble message: Another from the memory card!  I wore this almost 2 months ago... assuming it was a typical day in the office.  Clearly it wasn't too hot yet since I stole borrowed this shirt from The Hubby.  I thought the grey in the shirt would look too monotone with the grey skirt, but the green vest breaks everything up nicely.

I also wanted to thank you all for sticking around while I blog very inconsistently... you guys are truly the best!  I seem to be over the hump of my project.  Just in time for fall fashion too I might add - my favorite time of year!!

shirt: H&M ($40) ~ pants: Banana Republic ($?? old!) ~  sandals: Nine West Outlet ($25ish) ~  bracelet: thrifted  ($8) ~ earrings: souvenir ($7)

Date: July 26, 2011
Ensemble message: I have one lesson for you all... just keep it simple.  I tried this shirt on open over a cami, with a fuller skirt, and finally with these pants.  Sometimes a sweet blouse plus solid colored pants are all you need... especially when you're running late for work ;)

shirt: thrifted via Goodwill ($8) ~ pants: Banana Republic (ancient) ~ belt & shoes: Target ($15 & $19) ~  bracelets: thrifted ($8), Charlotte Russe ($?? part of pack), wearyourmusic.org ($15 each)

Date: July 21, 2011
Ensemble message: This outfit was picked especially for today's Everybody, Everywear theme, which is thrifted items!  I'm slowly acquiring new-to-me gems, and so far, this one is my favorite.  Unless I actually repair the blue pleated skirt hanging in my closet... but then I could wear this top with that skirt, huzzah!  For now, you get another edition of the polka dotted silk blouse.  I love this top because it's lose and drapes nicely... unless it's 101 degrees outside, which it was here.  Oh and coincidentally, I'm wearing a thrifted bracelet.  Well, not so coincidentally since I wear it nearly every day ;)

What are your favorite thrifted items??

dress: All The Jazz thrifted via Goodwill ($8) ~ skirt: Banana Republic ($35ish) ~ shoes: Aerosoles ($35) ~ bangles: NY&Co ($10ish) & thrifted via Beacon's Closet ($8) ~ earrings: AZ souvenir ($7)

Date: July 19, 2011
Ensemble message: Remember when I went on a big thrifting spree in March?  I featured a few items soon after, and this dress was one of them.  (Yesterday's skirt was another find that I hadn't featured yet.)  I love this dress, but honestly, I feel like it's a tad too short for the office.  Last time I wore it as is, I felt self conscious all day... and if you don't feel good, your performance is sure to be impacted!  So this time around, I layered the dress over a white skirt for a longer silhouette.

Oh... and now that we're living with friends, I have a few more pets to enjoy ;)

"Ol' Blue Eyes"... officially known as Sully

What do you think?  Do you work better if you feel good in your clothing??

Date: April 27, 2011
Ensemble message: I am tired.  Exhausted.  Physically & mentally.  It's so bad... that I haven't been pre-planning my outfits!!!  Ok, dork alert :)  But it's true!  Picking outfits in advance helps me move so quickly in the morning. This was outfit #2... well, #3 or #4 if you count the versions with the blouse tucked in partway and completely untucked.  But despite running a little late, I really liked the results.  I think 10 months (!!!) of blogging has really helped me define my style, or at least narrow it down.  And I can make quicker decisions when necessary, like this morning... but I do really love spending time in my closet pulling together multiple outfits ;)


What do you do to get out the door on time??  (I think I need more help :)

dress: Tucker for Target via Goodwill ($8) ~ blazer: old Banana Republic suit ($$??) ~ shoes: Marc Fischer via Macy's ($36) ~ earrings: Verv NYC ($70) ~ bracelet: thrifted ($8) ~ watch: Fossil (gift)

Date: April 6, 2011
Ensemble message: When I went on my big thrifting trip two weekends ago, I happened to find 2 items that were bright pink.  This is not a color I normally wear, but something (maybe the slowly warming weather?) made me want to pair these items with every neutral in my closet.

The first is THIS dress - all caps because Target just re-released their most popular Go International pieces, including this Tucker beauty that several other bloggers also love.  Knowing that I've seen this dress on the style blogs before, I wanted to wear it a little differently.  I had a ton of meetings today plus a birthday dinner for my mother-in-law tonight, so I added a blazer for some polish.  Sorry - seems like I'm doing that a lot lately!  How else would you style this dress??
Oh!  And this is my new haircut!!  Super short but so much fun :)

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