This (Two) Week(s) in Outfits

No, I haven't been stricken with any ridiculous illness, I've just been so busy that the blog had to take a back seat these last few weeks.  I haven't even had time to get all my outfits snapped this week....but here is a compilation of the last two weeks worth of outfits!

Tuesday (4/12) - Monday I wasn't feeling well, so fielded emails from home in my PJ's....so Tuesday was the beginning of my week.  You've seen this outfit before, but I'm slowly transitioning from long layers to skirt and short sleeves!

Wednesday (4/13) - This is a pretty great transitional dress.  I've paired it previously with tights and some layers on top during the cooler months, but as it was over 60 degrees last week, it also looks great on it's own with some accessories!

Thursday (4/14) - Another warm work day.  I will normally keep a cardigan at my desk in case the AC is pumping or I have a meeting where I need to be a little more covered on my arms, but for day to day work showing some shoulder isn't prohibited in my office.

Friday (4/15) - I mentioned on Instagram and I'll say it again, a blazer changes everything.  Basic t-shirts and tanks can be taken into the office place by just throwing on a fitted blazer.

Monday (4/18) - I found these work pants hidden under a pile of clothes as I was cleaning out my closet over the weekend.  They are a shorter hem, which means I can wear them with flats, but as I was wearing them I found myself not a fan of the cut...which I believe is a boot cut.  I LOVE boot cut denim, but a fabric with less structure like this is best suited for a straight leg but.

 Friday (4/22) - Just another example of a basic tank top being made work appropriate with the help of a blazer...have I convinced you to buy one yet??

No more travel for a while, so hopefully I'll get back to my regular posting schedule.  The weather is going to be fabulous here in Peoria, and I hope it is for you too!  I'll see you all later, back here in my closet!

The Week in Outfits

My time management has been crap this week, so I apologize if this post seems a little rushed....I won't be linking similar options, but if there is every something you'd like me to find, I'm more than willing to help - just ask!


Monday - I was all over the place!  I wanted to wear this dress (purchased at a consignment store), but it was pretty chilly outside still.  I had a chambray blouse over it, but felt it was too casual for Monday at work...so 5 minutes before I left I switched to this mint blazer.  It's not the best outfit, but working with engineers they didn't know any different.  The shoes are Dr. Scholl's and they are my go to summer wedge for work....I can walk around all day with them on!

Tuesday - Back to some staple pieces.  This Talbots shirt is linen, so I find myself having to be really careful when I put it away otherwise I have to steam it before every use - which is just annoying.  As I sit here looking at this photo I'm trying to decide if I could pair this blouse with a pencil skirt....what do you all think??

Wednesday - Man this week was a bunch of repeats!  I've said it before and I'll say it again, having those go to pairing makes it easier to get ready in the morning.  I know a lot of you are working parents that may not have ages to stare at your closet and pick out pieces....and that's OK!!  I recommend really purging down to what you actually wear so that your mornings are less hectic!

Thursday - I commented on Instagram how I remember vividly that you were 'not allowed' to wear black with brown in the 90's/00's.  My how times have changed!  All neutrals (black, brown shades, nude, white, most animal print) can be worn mixed and matched together.  You could even make an entire wardrobe out of neutrals and make your accessories the accents!

Friday - This is probably the most simple outfit of the week, but the one I'm most in love with.  It's unassuming, chic, casual and put together at the same time.  Proper fit is key in my eyes to making you feel put together.  If they pants had been baggy or the blouse hadn't come in at the waist a little, this outfit could feel frumpy....know the different between fitted and 'tight' on your body - it makes a huge difference!
PS - I also curled my hair with my tapered wand this morning, just because.  I always get a lot of complements on it and love the look myself, but most days never have the time to do it!

Well, that's my quick round up.  Again, I'm sorry I couldn't do links this week, but most items have been worn before and have links in previous post (scrolling at the top).  I promise to get back to three posts a week, I just am struggling to find time to sit down and write them!

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you later - back here in my closet!

This Week in Outfits

Hope everyone had a great week doing whatever you do!  My boss was out of vacation, it the pressure was really low at work and it was nice to just to able to catch up on little things that normally get put aside for high profile projects.

Here's the roundup of what I wore(check the links because I referenced some new stuff!):

Monday - It was particularly beautiful to start the week (see all the direct sunlight pouring in?) so I channeled it with my floral tank and bright red blazer combo!

Blazer - similar

Tank - similar, similar

Pants - similar (ASIDE - I linked a LOT of NY&Co pants this week, they are having a great sale and have a great size selection!)

Heels - exact

Jewelry- Necklace

Tuesday - One thing I really like about my job is it does allow for some short mobility.  I can easily work from home if I have things going on that demand I be all over.  I still recommend you put yourself together every day, even if you work from home or are a Stay at Home parent....trust me, it'll make you feel more productive even if it's just the fact you managed to get real clothes on!

Top - similar
Jeans - similar
Shoes - similar (Want to sign up for JustFab?? Use this link!)

Wednesday - I woke up really sluggish and not even remotely prepared to 'adult' at all, so this is a bare minimum outfit.  Jumping off of the last post, shake up your style by wearing your normal button up shirts open with a layer underneath, it'll give you so many more options!

Shirt - similar
Tank - similar
Pants - similar
Shoes - similar

Thursday - How much difference a day can make!  I'd really bounced back on Thursday and I had a great workout to start the morning!  I really wanted to pull these Just Fab heels into the rotation, so I planned my outfit around them!

Top - similar
Pants - similar
Heels - similar
Jewelry - Necklace, Bracelet, Bracelet

Friday - No real rhyme or reason to this outfit, just needed to get out the door so threw these two pieces together!  I think I spent more time picking out my jewelry than deciding on an outfit!

Top - similar
Pants - similar
Heels - exact
Jewelry- Necklace (only the short strand), Bracelet, Bracelet, Watch (extra strap)

Well, that's a wrap on this week!  Enjoy the weekend, go be active and knock stuff off your to-do list!  You'll feel better coming into Monday knowing you got so much done over the weekend!

I'll see you all later, back here in my closet!!

This Week in Outifts

Another week down, another week putting together outfits!  You'll start to soon realize I have a more 'capsule' style wardrobe and rotate and mix and match pieces a LOT.  Which isn't a bad thing! Most of us don't have the disposable income to be able to buy a new outfit every weekend.  I'm going to forego the normal links this week since I'm short on time, but if you ever have questions about an item I wore, leave a comment on catch me on Facebook!  So let's get into what I wore this week:

Monday - 

I actually had this blouse on last Thursday, St. Patrick's Day, and couldn't bring myself to not wear green on such a storied holiday for me.  I purchased this top at TJ Maxx a few summers back and I wore it all the time while pregnant with a white maternity tank underneath.  Paired with my trusty H&M crops and Target heels and it was a great mood boosting outfit for a Monday.

Tuesday -

When your schedule calls for you to be in the office before sunrise, it's going to be a long day.  I wanted to feel put together but comfy, so I paired my trusty joggers and Target v-neck t-shirt with this blazer I got from Nordstrom and a statement necklace to feel a little more put together.  Never underestimate how put together a shirt and blazer came make you feel.

Wednesday -

My fitness routine has been very consistent recently, and I've been pleased with the results I'm seeing. Today was no exception as I was feeling really long and lean.  To enhance that I did reach for black, which is naturally slimming, but make sure if you're still wearing something that has great fit!  Just because a shirt is black doesn't mean that the cut will flatter and enhance the slimming effect.

Thursday -

Last workday this week!  Kept it pretty simple with my crop pants and this layered shirt from Talbots.  I always through on at least one necklace to help me feel like I've finished a look.  Accessories do help create diversity in your wardrobe and I recommend investing strategically.  Once of the main reason I joined Stella & Dot is the opportunity it gave me to purchase modern, fashionable pieces cheap!!

Friday -

Good Friday!  I was in St. Louis at my parent's house, but was still wanting to look put together.  I was going to see my girlfriend and work with her on getting the most out of her wardrobe (see next week's blog post for more on that).  I couldn't travel with much, so I brought tops and bottoms that could be mixed and matched based on my mood for that day.  I picked this blouse up from my Talbots adventure and kept it neutral with my olive chinos from H&M.

Well, that's this week!  I've enjoyed summarizing these outfits and I hope you've all been getting some inspiration from them!

Have an amazing Easter weekend, whether you spending time with family or friends...and I'll see you later, back here in my closet.

This Week in Outfits

Another week down, and another week's worth of outfits to talk about!  This week I found myself reaching for a lot of staple pieces because some days I just didn't give a hoot.  While I love fashion, some days the work week just wears you down.....you'll notice I tend to have a few staple pieces that I can get away with wearing a few times a week before they need a weekend washing.

So let's break it down:

Monday - After staying up WAAAAYYY too late watching the Oscars, dragging myself out of bed was difficult enough, let alone making any kind of fashion decision.  So I grabbed my black shirt dress.  This one I bought at my fave resale store in town (Clothes Mentor) and it's a silk blend, so it flows nicely.  The weather was in my favor to not need to wear tights, so I just wrapped a double wrap belt around it for definition and my nude heels.  Topped it off with a delicate Stella necklace and I was out the door.

Dress - similar, similar

Belt - similar, similar

Shoes - similar, similar

Tuesday - I had actually forgotten about this top, it as hiding behind the laundry room door!  It's a faux layered look I picked up from Talbot's on clearance!  After having a local alumnae event there, I'm newly obsessed, if I only had the money to shop there!  I picked up my black pants and heels from last week and threw on my new Raid layering necklace for a simple, but preppy vibe.

Shirt - similar, similar, similar

Pants and shoes see last week's post

Wednesday - An early morning meeting meant I had to be up extra early....and had little to no motivation.  I just slipped on the most basic of business casual, khakis and a button down.  I at least made an effort to put *some* jewelry on (this layered over this), but there wasn't much else.

Shirt - similar, similar

Pants - similar, similar

Flats seen in last week's post

I had a rush of motivation on Thursday!  I was up early to hit the gym and got my blood pumping, and it was just an overall great morning!  This gingham checked shirt I got from an old Stitch Fix was hiding with my layered Talbot's shirt, so it had been out of my normal rotation for a while.  Paired with my trusty black boot cuts and heels and you're good for the office!

Shirt - similar, similar
Pants and heels in last week's post

By the end of the week, I'd had a lot of work stress building up so I took a afternoon personal day to just relax and spend time with my son.  Kept it casual but still put together for the few hours I was in the office.  This sweater is also from a Stitch Fix, so I'll try to find good alternatives!

Sweater - similar, similar
Pants - exact, similar
Boots - exact, similar

I hope you guys had a better week than I did!  I'm looking at the positive, this should be a fun weekend.  Date night which will include a little something extra we're shooting for you to see on Monday!

See you later, back here in my closet!!

Stitch Fix #3

Little blogging gets done when you're trying to move.  Hopefully once I feel settled, I'll get back into a more regular content update, I've got a few posts filling up my potential list :)

But, onto a happy day!  I got my latest Stitch Fix on Saturday, and.....I had mixed feelings.  With the move I've started this new found purge of all things unnecessary, which makes it hard to justify buying MORE things to wear...more on that as I talk about what was in this month's box.

I got 3 tops, a skirt, and because I requested more accessories, a purse.  With the hectic nature of a move and now having a toddler to look after, I didn't get to do as much styling on the items as I wanted.  Let's break it down:

This blue and white striped top had a really fun back detail, which I would have been all over if the whole thing had a little more structure.  I've come to know I like things to accentuate my curves, but not be overly risque.

Next, I got another skirt since my stylist liked how much I played up the last one.  But that's the problem, I'm not the person that needs multiple printed skirts in the same color palette.  Although, this skirt is a nice breezy fabric that has a little flip in it as you walk down stairs or twirl around.  If I didn't already have something that I felt covered this category, I'd be more interested.

This next top was a hard one to let go.  It's hard to tell in the photo, but it's a cream V-neck blouse with black like 'lightening bolts' all over it.  It was far and away my mother's favorite, but again, I already have 3 cream blouses and I'd just gotten rid of two others.  But, it did give me a reason to break out my black circle skirt for this styling.  I forget how much I love it, mainly because it's a little to short to wear to work (without tights).

Finally onto the piece I kept, this turquoise tank with white embroidery.  I like it's fit and color and I could see it easily transitioning from casual to work wear (with a blazer).  The only thing about this one was there was a smudge on the embroidery, so I'm looking at how to return it and get an exchange.  The purse was a nice mix up, but the style was too Boho for me.  I like more structure, which I told my stylist in this month's review. 

All in all, not a great box, but not bad.  I'm thinking I am going to re-adjust my price points as the fall comes around because I think I'll get more lux pieces that might call to me more.  If you're interested in seeing what I got in my other fixes click here or here

Stitch Fix #2!

It finally arrived!!  The con about doing every other month on Stitch Fix is that you have to wait!  I feel like I should make a disclaimer that the link above is affiliated and if you sign up and receive a fix, I'll get a $25 credit....just being transparent!

This month my stylist used a combination of my feedback and what I had recently been pinning to give me a little of everything!  Let's dive in!

I got this color blocked dress, which I love the graphic nature.  It also just happened to match some spring shoes I bought from Target two years ago!  However, this will be going back.  Mainly due to the fact that I have more dresses than I need and the price was a little high for me.  Below I styled is for a casual weekend, but it's also easily dressed for work.

Next item I got was this great flared, textured skirt.  I'd been pinning a lot of graphic full skirts recently, and while this isn't a duplicate, it gets me in the general area.  I'm keeping it mainly because I love the pattern and I don't own a skirt this cut yet.  Paired with a button down and heels for work, this is also great for weekends thrown with a basic cotton t-shirt and a jean jacket.

I ended up styling the final three pieces together, since they were a blazer, jeans and a blouse.  Since I loved the cut, fabric and fit of the blazer I got in my last fix, but not the color...they sent it to me in black!  I'd been meaning to update my black blazer anyway, so this is a keeper!  It's an investment piece, so I had to come up with some money....so I pulled items I hadn't worn in several seasons and got $98 for them...paying for 60+% of this blazer.  I also got the checked blouse, which has great shoulder lace detail and dark skinny denim.  I was too in love with the blouse to pass it up, plus at $34 it was the best deal in the whole fix.  I'm passing on the denim, since I already have dark skinnies.  However, this fabric felt like wearing pajama pants and had great stretch!

So that's my fix!  Three out of five pieces kept!  Have you gotten a fix yet?  Tell me about it!

First Stitch Fix!

I finally got my first Stitch Fix!  I was very pleased with it, but before we dive in, a little background.

Stitch Fix is a website that is essentially a personal shopper.  You set the frequency of when you get your 'fixes' (every two week, month, two months) and for $20 they will pick 5 pieces and ship to you.  Try them on, keep what you like, send back what you don't.  Your $20 fee gets credited to any purchases you make, but if you don't buy anything that fee doesn't roll over.  If you're interested, click here!

The survey you take is pretty comprehensive.  You tell them about your style, price points you're willing to pay, and how conservative/flashy/versatile you want the pieces to be.  You can also link to any Pinterest style boards you have so they can look at what you're liking.  I made sure they knew I wanted pieces that could transition from work to casual.

I got my fix yesterday and couldn't wait to see what was in it!  It comes in a pretty small box, but don't be fooled, there is some great stuff in there!

Each Fix comes with your 5 items, instructions on what to do next, a shopping list with prices (if you buy all 5 you get 25% off!), style cards showing you how you can style each piece and a pre-paid return shipping bag.  Now, let's get into how I styled all my items!

First item is a 'soft' terry blazer.  I had been looking at one on Banana Republic's site just last week.  I enjoy that this can be used for both work and the weekend, but I wasn't thrilled with the color.  The fact that is it so close to a denim color limits the casual outfits I could wear it with.  I ended up sending this back. NOTE: disregard my horrible modeling below

Next piece was a high waisted pattern skirt.  Again, it fit and I enjoyed the unique print, but I wasn't feeling like my best self in it, so I figured it wasn't worth the money.  I got to play around with mixing patterns for the work look, and for casual I went a little more date night.  I styled it with a long knot necklace that was also in my fix....I really loved this delicate piece, it seems really versatile (wearing it at work today!) so I bought it!

My fourth piece is a casual dolmain sleeve top.  I wasn't able to make a work look for it, but the fabric felt more like a fall/winter transitional piece, so I sent it back.  Although I did make a note to my stylist to send something like that again in the fall because I would have bought it if it were October!

My last piece is by far my favorite from the fix, and I didn't even know if I'd like it pulling it out of the box.  It's a printed blouse that I would also call a tunic.  I can see myself wearing this as we transition to warmer weather.  I enjoyed the cuff detail, the neckline and that it's neutral enough I can wear it with both silver and gold jewelry.

I really enjoyed this Fix, and maybe it's encouraged you to take the dive and try it out.  I can't wait to see what spring/summer looks come at the end of April!  Feel free to ask me more quesitons in the comments or on my Facebook page!

I'll see you back here, in my closet!