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?

See lil Donna's paw?  She hurt it last week :(  But, she's better now!!

dress: Francesca's Collections ($25) ~ cami: Gap ($8) ~ cardigan: August Silk via Nordstrom Rack ($20) ~ boots: Steve Madden via DSW ($120) ~ belt & necklace: gift ~ scarf: F21 ($7ish?)

Date: October 18, 2011
Ensemble message: I went on a mini-shopping spree recently... something I typically wouldn't do since we're closing on the house this Friday!  But, I'm going away for a girls weekend soon and decided to look for some end-of-summer sales.  I've become more familiar with Francesca's Collections from the blogosphere, and let me tell you... having an actual Francesca's store close to me is going to be dangerous.  I wanted to buy the whole store!

Of course, I can't wait to wear anything new that I buy, so I layered this sundress to be more appropriate for fall.  This also made me feel better about the summery purchase - I know that I'll get use out of it year round.  Oh, and don't forget to enter the Carissa Rose giveaway :)

shirt & dress: Forever21 ($14 & $23) ~ belt: Target ($17) ~ shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack ($100)  ~ bracelet: thrifted ($8)

Date: October 4, 2011
Ensemble message: I'm honestly not sure what to make of this outfit... it's one that looked better in my head than on.  I was trying to break up the pattern with the sheer shirt over the dress, but I'm thinking this would have worked better with a long-sleeved shirt.
What do you think?  Does this work?  (If you don't like it, just please be nice :)

sweater: F21 ($24) ~ blouse: American Rag via Macy's ($25) ~ leggings: Target ($20) ~ shoes: BCBG (gift)

Date: September 22, 2011
Ensemble message: Over the summer, as busy as I've been, I have noticed that crop tops have made a comeback.  I personally think this is unfortunate for a couple reasons... first, crop tops on their own will never, ever be office appropriate.  Second, my stomach has never been toned enough to show off ;)  But I do like the look of a long tank layered under a crop top, I think it really lengthens the body!  This sweater is not technically cropped, but with the long top underneath, it gives the illusion of being shorter.



What are your thoughts on crop tops?  Fun for the weekends, or leave it for the teens?

tank: Lucky Jeans ($10) ~ top: Target ($12) ~ shorts: F21 ($14) ~ scarf: my mom's

Date: August 30, 2011
Ensemble message:  So yeahhh... this is me, currently.  Last week got a little crazy (what else is new?) so I didn't get to post much or even take photos to come back to this week.  Then, we moved to Part 2 of Nomadic Living on Saturday, right before Hurricane Irene hit the northeast.  The Husband and I were able to squeeze in the move plus a movie and dinner out before the worst of the storm hit us, but essentially I've been in comfy clothes since I got home from work on Friday night.  On top of that, Irene knocked out the power at the Day Job for 2 days straight, so I've been working from home.  Oh, and did I mention that I haven't been bothered with make-up either?  Below is a rare make-up-less pic, but I wanted a close-up of my scarf (aka undried hair tamer):


Speaking of home, Part 2 of Nomadic Living is a Residence Inn.  Not too shabby!  Poor Donna is a bit confused... in the past 2 months, she's gone from a condo as a single dog, to a full house with 2 playmates, and now a studio as the lone dog once again.  She's a bit dramatic about it, but then again, I don't think she's complaining about the multiple pillows on the bed:

This is why I call her My Little Jelly Bean

Back to corporate wear tomorrow!

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:

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 :)

sweater: F21 ($) ~ shirt: Gap ($30) ~ pants: DKNY via Filene's Basement ($24) ~ shoes: Target ($20) ~ bracelets: gift & DIY

Date: May 23, 2011
Ensemble message: Just another manic Monday!  More rain to start off my week, which for me meant wearing pants.  I truly hope this is the last of the yellow-ish, blurry, icky indoor pics for a long, long time.  But back to my outfit... I am so happy that I bought this sweater from Forever 21 as it's proved to be very versatile!  It layers well and is a great neutral on its own.  And given the up and down weather this past month, this sweater has really come in handy.

So who's ready for the holiday weekend?!  I am, obviously, since I'm posting early!  It's the first Friday of summer hours at the Day Job, which means if I work at least 45 extra minutes Monday through Thursday, I can take a half day on Friday.  As long as deadlines, workload, etc. allow for it, you can expect me to start every weekend early this summer :)  What are you doing this weekend??

sweater: Forever21 ($24) ~ skirt & shoes: Target ($12 & $20) ~ belt: Urban Outfitters ($14) ~ bangle, necklace, earrings: all gifts

Date: May 11, 2011
Ensemble message: Oh how thankful I am that Frances of Mad Dress Game styled me up so pretty today!  It's been a rough couple weeks with no sign of letting up, and if I wasn't told what to wear, who knows how I would have looked when I got to the office this morning.  But Frances did a phenomenal job and managed to make me look professional while also tossing in some bright orange.  This outfit will definitely get repeated :)

If you're curious about the other paper dolls, check out the full list here.  Thanks again to Suze, Erin, and Liz for coming up with and continuing this fun collaboration!!!

shirt: Old Navy ($25) ~ sweater: F21 ($24) ~ skirt: Gap Outlet ($19) ~ shoes: Pink via Daffy's ($26) ~ earrings: gift

Date: April 18, 2011
Ensemble message: I didn't plan on it, but my color scheme matches my mood today.  I think I've mentioned this before, but The Hubby and I have been house hunting recently, and on Saturday we saw The House.  It was perfect.  We made an offer, got as close to being in a bidding war as I ever want to get, and then found out this morning that we didn't get the house :(


Some tears, lots of pouting, a great support group of friends and family, and 45 minutes on the treadmill later, I'm ready to move on.  So here we are, today's outfit being an unfortunate reflection of today's events.  Weird how these things happen, right??

Oh!  And file this under Bad Blogger....... here are the winners of the Crocs shoe giveaway!!!



Congratulations Annasaur, SarahO, and Sarah!  You will hear from the giveaway organizer shortly.

turtleneck: Target ($14) ~ sweater: F21 ($24) ~ jeans: Buffalo via Macy's (?? old) ~ shoes: Steve Madden via Famous Footwear ($14) ~ necklace: gift

Date: March 25, 2011
Ensemble message: TGIF!  Well, a day late now but it's still the weekend :)  Yesterday I knew I'd have a full day at work and then dinner with friends afterwards, so I wanted to wear something that could transition from work to play.  I just bought this sweater from Forever21, and I love the soft, larger knit.... and I love how the vintage white color softens up harsher black and white stripes.

So I don't normally post on Saturdays, but what do you guys think?  Does it make a difference to you guys if I post Monday through Friday or 5 days a week but not consecutive days??  Inquiring minds want to know! :)