Navy / Orange / Leopard

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

navy layered top, white pleated shorts, orange clutch, leopard flats
navy layered top, white pleated shorts, orange clutch
navy layered top, white pleated shorts, orange clutch, leopard flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar - on sale)
top: Zara top with layered hem and yoke (recent - may still be in stores; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar - $2.59)
shorts: Express 2 1/2 inch pleated cuffed (sold here; similar - on sale)
clutch: J.Crew Claremont perforated (similar - extra 50% off w/code THEBIG50; similar)
shoes: Nine West Shindig (similar; similar)

Blue Stripes / Yellow Shorts

Monday, June 29, 2015

When I dress casually in the summer, I like to keep accessories to a minimum and have fun trying out different color combinations instead. Keeping it simple (and bright!) on this gorgeous summer day.

bright blue striped shirt, yellow shorts, canvas boat shoes
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
top: J.Crew Factory long-sleeve stripe boatneck tee in blue peach spring (sold here - $12 w/code THEBIG50)
shorts: J.Crew 4" chino short (this season's sold here; similar - on sale)
bag: Longchamp medium LM metal tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Sperry Seacoast canvas sneakers (sold at Lord & Taylor - 20% off w/code BANANAS / Macy's / Bloomingdale's / Tilly's)

Stripes / Cutoffs / Boat Shoes

Saturday, June 27, 2015

I never thought I'd be saying this... I miss working! I miss feeling productive -- lazying around is nice and all, but I have yet to knock off even one chore from my list. I miss waking up early -- joking on this one, but I do miss the nice morning light for blog photos. Take today's set for example. There was either too much direct sunlight or too much shadow, both of which I had a hard time color correcting. Lastly, who would've thought I'd miss talking to people. When I was working, I could go days without talking to my coworkers, but at least the choice for people interaction was there. Now my sole chatting companion is Siri (not a typo, I've finally upgraded to a smartphone!)

pink striped top, navy striped belt, distressed shorts, colorblocked crossbody bag
pink striped top, navy striped belt, distressed shorts, colorblocked crossbody bag, boat shoes
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
top: J.Crew striped boatneck tee (sold here; similar - 35% off w/code LUCKY)
belt: Old Navy grosgrain (similar - on sale)
shorts: Express 2 1/2 inch low rise destroyed cuffed denim (sold here - $29.90)
bag: Coach mini Borough bag in retro colorblock (similar; similar - on sale)
shoes: Sperry Seacoast canvas sneakers (sold at Lord & Taylor - 20% off w/code BANANAS / Macy's / Bloomingdale's / Tilly's)

Easy Breezy

Thursday, June 25, 2015

sheer off-the-shoulder ruffle top, white pants, nude sandals, lace printed clutch
sheer off-the-shoulder ruffle top, white pants, nude sandals, lace printed clutch
sheer off-the-shoulder ruffle top, white pants, nude sandals, lace printed clutch
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
tops: Isabel Marant Adriana (sold here - on sale; similar; similar); Victoria's Secret (similar - on sale)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic X cuff (similar - on sale)
pants: Chelsea28 pleated wide leg pants (sold here)
clutch: Tory Burch Kerrington carryall (similar - on sale)
nail polish on toes: NYC New York Color in french white tip (sold here)
shoes: Ann Taylor Iris bow patent leather sandals (similar; similar)

Colorful Summer Days

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

pink striped top, neon yellow shorts, blue striped shirt, brown loafers
pink striped top, neon yellow shorts, blue striped shirt, brown loafers
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
top: J.Crew striped boatneck tee (sold here; similar - $12.22 w/code HAPPY)
shirt (tied around waist): J.Crew Factory printed classic button-down (sold here - 50% off; similar - on sale)
shorts: J.Crew 4" chino short (this season's sold here; similar - on sale)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - on sale; similar - extra 30% off)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar - on sale; similar)

Legs for Days

Monday, June 22, 2015

short sleeve gray sweater, olive green maxi skirt, red clutch, bow sandals
short sleeve gray sweater, olive green maxi skirt, red clutch, bow sandals
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
top: Ann Taylor marled short sleeve sweater (sold here - $30 w/code SHOP50)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar - $2.59; similar - 30% off)
skirt: ASOS wrap maxi skirt in jersey (sold here)
bag: Chanel camellia WOC (similar; similar - on sale)
nail polish on toes: NYC New York Color in Sidewalkers (sold here)
shoes: Ann Taylor Iris bow patent leather sandals (similar; similar)

Sleeveless in the Summer

Friday, June 19, 2015

coral necklace, light pink peplum top, white shorts, watercolor stud flats
coral necklace, light pink peplum top, white shorts
hydrangeas
coral necklace, light pink peplum top, white shorts, watercolor stud flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Amrita Singh Nello (similar - on sale; similar)
top: H&M sleeveless ruffle (similar; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar - $2.59; similar - 30% off)
shorts: Express 2 1/2 inch pleated cuffed (sold here; similar - $22.43 w/code NEWNEW)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - 30% off w/code GOSHOPPING; similar - extra 30% off w/code ENJOY)
shoes: Valentino Rockstud leather cage flats in watercolor (other colors sold here, here, here)

Color Lab

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

mixed metal necklace, white tee, floral skirt, watercolor cage flats
mixed metal necklace, white tee, floral skirt, watercolor cage flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor pearlized stone statement (similar; similar - on sale)
top: Everlane the women's V tee (sold here)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar - $2.59; similar - 30% off)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (similar; similar - extra 30% off)
skirt: LOFT abstract floral print pencil (similar; similar - 40% off w/code PRETTY40)
bag: Longchamp medium LM metal tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Valentino Rockstud leather cage flats in watercolor (other colors sold here, here, here)

An Update

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

I don't really talk about my day job here on the blog, mostly due to the nature of the work, but also because I'd bore everyone to death. I'm changing things up today as it kinda affects the state of the blog.

I was working for a government contracting company. Two months ago, we received word that we lost the re-compete for the contract that we were on. The government chose another firm whose proposal bid was significantly lower in cost than ours. Can't say I blame them as budget cuts are affecting everyone. This is just the nature of the business and fairly common in the DC area where there is a large contractor presence. It just so happened to be a first-time experience for many of us -- some of my coworkers have been on this project since its inception 20 years ago! After the initial surprise wore off, we were all kinda left in this discombobulated, surreal state of mind with so many questions and no immediate answers.

This is the only company (and only project) I've worked at since graduating from college, so I could be talking out of my ass here. I've never left a company voluntarily, nor been fired, nor been laid off. I still think it's a unique situation that we were put in because everyone will be going their separate ways at around the same time. In the meanwhile, we were still expected to report to work for the next two months during this "transition period" between contracts. What motivation is there to produce quality work when you know you'll never see the finish line? We were in the middle of a software build, but now... I'll leave that sentence unfinished, haha. I imagine it's also odd to openly talk about interviewing for new jobs while still at your current job. In some ways, the atmosphere is more relaxed and everyone seems friendlier because there are no more taboo topics. Hey boss, I'm stepping out for a couple hours for an interview. No problem, good luck!

For me, I didn't really feel a sense of panic aside from a knee-jerk reaction. My thinking was, two months is a long time to be unmotivated at work, but is a good amount of time to look for a new job. I may be naive in my thinking, but I felt everyone had marketable skills and shouldn't be unemployed for long. After the two month transition period, our company would keep employees on for a few more weeks. Then, we'd be able to start collecting unemployment checks for a couple months. Perhaps this false sense of optimism stems from knowing that I will be cashing out all my vacation hours once I leave my current company. That's a good chunk of change to tide me over for awhile. Hoarding finally pays off! When I laid out my plan to DH, he was jealous that I could essentially be on a months-long "sabbatical". But happily agreed to be my sugar daddy in the worst-case scenario. Whew.

All my thoughts up until now were written literally days after we lost the contract. I've had two months to process everything and figured it's finally time to finish writing this post. The one constant emotion throughout it all has been overwhelming sadness. Sadness for the breakup of my work family, sadness for having to hand our "baby" over to new parents, sadness for selfish reasons like how I've taken so many perks for granted (ie: flexible work schedule).

I lucked out and was able to find a new job fairly quickly. Same type of work, same industry, just with a new employer and new customer. On paper, the new job checks off all my requirements, many of which are even better compared to my old job. The one thing I was really hoping for was to find a job that allowed me to start at a later date so I have the chance to finish out the current contract and then take a few weeks off to chill. Perhaps it's loyalty to our customer, not wanting to leave management in a bind, curiosity to see how the new company handles the transition, or all of the above, but I'm happy to have gotten my wish.

The last two months have been... interesting, for lack of a better word. It's been eye-opening to see how other companies operate, in regards to day-to-day operations, handling of professional relationships, and just the handling of knowledge transfer during this transition period. On the blog front, I don't know if it's apparent that I've been wearing more business casual outfits. I will no longer be allowed to dress casually at my new job, so I've been slowly preparing myself the last few weeks. RIP jeans (especially holey jeans!), short skirts, and flip flops.

You can bet I'll be making the most of my unemployed situation. Expect non-work appropriate outfits for the next few weeks of the casual and dressy variety. After that, I'm not exactly sure of the state of the blog. I hope to mix and match pieces to create new business casual outfits fairly often. Though a more realistic outlook is probably sporadic blog posts as I focus on my new job while rotating between a select few business casual outfits for real life, likely from the pool below:

spring / summer business casual work outfits
Row 1: one, two, three, four
Row 2: one, two, three, four

Thank you in advance for bearing with me through life changes!

Black / White / Red

Monday, June 15, 2015

pearl and mixed metal necklace, black faux leather top, floral lace pencil skirt, burgundy patent pumps
pearl and mixed metal necklace, black faux leather top, floral lace pencil skirt
pearl and mixed metal necklace, black faux leather top, floral lace pencil skirt, burgundy patent pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor pearlized stone statement (similar; similar)
top: Ann Taylor faux leather yoke (this season's may still be in stores; similar - on sale)
skirt: LOFT floral lace pencil skirt (similar - on sale; similar)
bag: Tory Burch Robinson pebbled square tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Kate Spade Jess pumps (sold here - 35% off; similar)

The Blues

Saturday, June 13, 2015

chambray shirt, green jeweled necklace, navy lace mini skirt, cognac brown tote with bright blue scarf
chambray shirt, green jeweled necklace, navy lace mini skirt, brown loafers
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Heirloom Finds (similar)
top: Gap chambray (similar - on sale; similar - $35.99 w/code WEEKEND40)
skirt: J.Crew daisy lace mini (similar; similar - on sale)
scarf: C. Wonder silk chain link printed (similar; similar)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - 25% off w/code SHOPSALE; similar - $18 w/code SPREE)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar - on sale; similar)

Gray / White / Nude

Thursday, June 11, 2015

gray short sleeve sweater, glitter belt, white trousers
gray short sleeve sweater, glitter belt, white trousers
gray short sleeve sweater, glitter belt, white trousers
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Julie Vos coin pendant (sold here; similar - on sale)
top: Ann Taylor marled short sleeve sweater (sold here - extra 40% off w/code WEEKEND40)
belt: J.Crew piped glitter (similar)
pants: Chelsea28 pleated wide leg pants (sold here; similar)
bag: Sole Society Shay textured vegan satchel (similar)
shoes: Zara mid-heel patent court (sold here; similar - on sale)

Watercolor

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

peach silk shirt, pale yellow dress, orange clutch, watercolor studded flats
peach silk shirt, pale yellow dress, orange clutch
peach silk shirt, pale yellow dress, orange clutch, watercolor studded flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
top: Everlane silk round collar blouse (sold here; similar - $39.50)
dress: Ann Taylor textured sheath (sold here - on sale; similar - on sale)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar - $2.59; similar - 30% off)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (similar; similar - extra 30% off)
clutch: J.Crew Claremont perforated (similar - on sale; similar)
shoes: Valentino Rockstud leather cage flats in watercolor (other colors sold here, here, here)

All That Glitters

Monday, June 08, 2015

statement necklace, faux leather black top, tweed and sequin dress and pumps
statement necklace, faux leather black top, tweed and sequin dress
faux leather black top, tweed and sequin dress and pumps
statement necklace, faux leather black top, tweed and sequin dress and pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor estate shimmer (similar; similar)
top: Ann Taylor faux leather yoke (this season's may still be in stores; similar - on sale)
dress as skirt: By Malene Birger Callinga (similar)
bracelet: BP. crystal wrap (may still be in stores; similar - on sale)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar - $2.59; similar - 30% off)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (buy pre-owned; similar; similar)
shoes: J.Crew Collection Etta tweed and glitter pumps (similar; similar)

Linen Scarf + Swing Trench

Saturday, June 06, 2015

linen scarf, green swing trench jacket, cognac brown tote, white jeans, brown loafers
linen scarf, green swing trench jacket, cognac brown tote, white jeans, brown loafers
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Banana Republic Delia linen-blend (sold here - on sale)
jacket: Everlane swing trench (sold here; similar - on sale; similar)
top: Vince jersey slub tee (similar; similar)
jeans: Blank NYC spray-on (sold at Shopbop / 6pm - on sale)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - 30% off w/code SHOPNOW; similar - 30% off w/code WOW)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar; similar)

Pink Peplum / Blue Tweed

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

pink peplum top, blue tweed skirt, pink metallic rose wedges, berry tote
navy blazer, pink peplum top, blue tweed skirt, pink metallic rose wedges, berry tote
pink peplum top, blue tweed skirt, pink metallic rose wedges, berry tote
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor pearlized stone statement (similar; similar)
blazer: theory Bindi Tailored (similar)
top: H&M sleeveless ruffle (similar - on sale w/code PS25; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar - $2.59; similar - 30% off)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (similar; similar - extra 30% off)
skirt: Ann Taylor tweed pencil skirt (sold here - extra 30% off; similar)
bag: Tory Burch Robinson pebbled square tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Loeffler Randall Rae in rose gold (similar; similar)

30 for 30 abercrombie abercrombie & fitch accessories adidas adrienne vittadini agnes b alejandro ingelmo alexandre birman ali ro alternative apparel american eagle amrita singh ann taylor anthropologie apple aqua armani exchange articles of society asos award bag balenciaga banana republic barbour bath and body works bcbg bcbgirls beauty bebe bensoni biltmore for madewell blank nyc blog every day bloggers do it better bois du boulogne bp. brian nagourney burberry by malene birger c. wonder c/meo collective canada goose cara accessories carlos by carlos santana carolina bucci cartonnier caslon casual cb2 celebrities celine chanel chantecaille chelsea28 chicwish china glaze chloe christian louboutin citrus clothing clu too club monaco coach coffee shop cole haan collection collection 18 color brigade columbia crate & barrel crewcuts cuyana cynthia rowley david yurman dc deborah lippmann decor delman disney couture diy dogeared dressy dsquared2 ebay elizabeth and james elleme equipment esprit etsy everlane express featured fendi forever 21 frank & eileen free people gap gara danielle gibson giles & brother giveaway gorjana goyard grace gift gucci h&m halogen halogen x atlantic-pacific halston heritage haul hearth & hand heirloom finds hollister how to hue hunter ikea ilnp in real life inspired by iris & ink isabel marant ivanka trump j.crew jennifer chamandi jenny yuen jewelry jimmy choo john hardy jones new york joules julie vos kate spade kristin coffin l'oreal lanvin lanvin x h&m lesportsac levi's loeffler randall loft longchamp look for less looks like summer lord & taylor lou & grey love 21 lucy m.gemi mac macy's madewell maje make make up for ever manolo blahnik marc jacobs mary katrantzou massimo dutti maybelline mercedes-benz merona michael michael kors misc miu miu mlb modcloth mossimo moulinette soeurs msgm mvmt nadri new balance new balance for j.crew nike nina ricci nine west nordstrom north face nyc nyc new york color nyx old navy olivia burton opi oscar de la renta pfc pierrepont hicks piperlime plastic island pleione polene polo prabal gurung at j.crew proenza schouler ralph lauren ramblings raphaella booz reader mail rebecca minkoff red valentino reed wilson design review revlon river island robert rodriguez ross-simons rsvp saint james saint laurent sales sally hansen sam edelman schutz shashi shinhwa shoes shopbop shopping shopstyle simply vera vera wang sinful colors professional soia & kyo sole society sony sorel sorel for j.crew sperry sponsor spotted moth stella mccartney stephanie b strathberry stuart weitzman style file superdry t3 tadashi shoji tagged talbots target the container store the horse the limited theory tips & tricks too faced topshop tory burch tous colors toys travels ugg uniqlo uniqueen unknown valentino veque for j.crew vera bradley via spiga victoria's secret vince vince camuto vineyard vines walmart ways to wear west elm white house black market wishlist work xhilaration xoxo yearly summary ysl zac posen for target zara zella