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*:

blazer: BCBG via Macy's ($55) ~ blouse: F21 ($12ish) ~ pants: Banana Republic (old - not sure!) ~ shoes: BCBG (gift)

Date: March 14, 2011
Ensemble message: Hey everyone, sorry again for the sudden break last week.  It was a bittersweet week, both mentally and emotionally.  First, I got a new role at The Day Job, which is really great news accompanied by lots of stress as I transition roles.  But then a few days after getting this news, I found out that my grandfather had passed away.  He's been pretty sick, so I was kind of prepared for it... but of course dealing with a death is never, ever easy.  My emotions were a roller coaster last week and I just felt numb.  When I wasn't numb, I was definitely sad or super cranky (sorry Husband).  Not sure if you noticed, but I'm purposely looking down a lot in last Monday's photos because I just didn't feel like smiling.  So I took a cue from myself, and took the week off.

But, now I'm back!  I've changed my head and ready to show off my goofy grin again in outfit photos.  After all, life goes on and I'd much rather celebrate the rich life my grandfather had instead of mourning his loss.  I know that's what he would want as well :)

blazer: BCBG via Macy's ($55) ~ shirt: The Hubby's ~ jeans: Target ($14) ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100) ~ necklace: Free People (gift) ~ earrings: gift

Date: February 4, 2010
Ensemble message: This past Friday was my last day in the office before going away for a week.  I needed to be productive, but my brain was already trying to check out.  I think my outfit is a reflection of this: classic black blazer paired with a relaxed-fit plaid shirt.  Skinny jeans paired with tall, edgy booties.  And my newest statement necklace, which has been getting a lot of love lately!
This outfit was also chosen for my participation in the Everybody, Everywhere style challenge.  This was my first time participating, and they asked everyone to style up a classic blazer.  Want to see how others conquered this challenge?  Click below!