all the world is a stage

tank - old navy // chambray - old navy // pants - express, capri editor // shoes - target

So said Shakespeare - which means, you wear sequins on a Tuesday.  Despite how I look in the "side" shots, I'm not pregs.  Promise.   It would seem layering a stiff sequined top over a button down leaves less than to be desired, let's call them, wrinkles in the front tummy area.   

I also did that crazy blogger Starbucks Cup Pose thang.  I couldn't help it it was 4 degrees out this morning!!  That also explains the look on my face in some of these shots.  "Oohhhhh holy crap it's cold, hurry hurry hurry camera so I can put my 40 below parka back on".  

Happy Hump Day!! 

testing the limits

moto - express (similar) // sweater - gap // jeans - old navy (similar) // shoes - target (similar)

I posted this outfit on Instagram yesterday.  I pushed the envelope a little bit with our "business casual" attire at work and went with the risqué trouser denim.  I have to say, it went without a hitch.  I thought for sure by noon someone would have confronted me on my daring move - yet, no one did.  

I did get a remote (on eBay for $5) and am still getting used to it in addition to the settings on my camera in different and challenging light.  These shots came out a little grainy and I'm not sure why.  

Oh well, practice makes perfect :)

TGIF

Remember when I told you how to wear neon to work?  I love this top, it makes the perfect little shell.  The tank straps are too skinny to wear alone, though.   But, it was a nice pop of color.  

I wish that you could really see my little bracelet - it's an Anchor and the perfect little accessory.  This is when the tripod and I struggle to show you what I've styled.   Speaking of tripods - anyone else who uses one, do you get strange looks from people?  I typically stop at my dance studio to take advantage of this perfectly distressed brick wall as a back drop, because it's on my way to work.  Since I also rent the building I figure if anyone is going to give me a hard time I have that going for me...  People typically just stare but I often get the questions of whether I'm taking a picture of the wall.  Yes, sir.  I'm taking a picture of a bare wall.  Every day.  People can be very curious :) 

But peeps - TGIF!!  I finally woke up feeling like it was Friday and it actually was!!  Do you all have exciting things in store this weekend?  Hope so!  

Enjoy

Details:

Top - Old Navy now $5!

Cardigan - Old Navy

Pants - Old Navy 

Shoes - Target

Bracelet - Sira & Mara

in the blue

I love when you're sitting at your desk and an outfit comes through you.  I have a whole note on my iPhone labelled outfit ideas for that exact purpose.  You know, when you're sitting at your desk with a pile of work yet no ambition to complete it?  Yep.  

Today I put in my notice to vacate my apartment.  I'll officially be looking for a new one bedroom.  Scary and exciting feeling, I tell ya!  First, I need a bigger closet.  But, I'm also hoping for more space generally and the ability to move to a different room in the morning.  I feel that since I'll be 30 this year it's a good time to finally move out of the "studio" apartment stage in my life.  

Details:

Top - Old Navy old, similar

Skirt - Forever 21

Shoes - SoleSociety

textured

I love this skirt I have.  It has survived many a closet purge and every time I have the opportunity to wear it I'm so happy I saved it.  So classy and easy, the tapestry texture is gorgeous.   I bought it on super sale at Express years ago!!  It does need to take a trip to the tailor along with a pair of dress pants which are just too big now.  (A good problem to have, I suppose!) 

This week has drained me something fierce!  It was month end at work, in the mortgage industry month end is an insane time where everyone wants to close and managers are running around begging for "one more file" from each of us to hit goal.  I think that has aided in, not only my style rut, but my exhaustion.  I'm ready for a recharge.  Weekend where are you? 

Details:
Top - Old Navy 20% off online until 8/4!
Skirt - Express old, similar, similar
Shoes - BCBGeneration via Marshalls, similar

color splash

If I must wear dress pants to work... they're going to be fun, and obnoxiously loud ones like these!   When I saw that these pants were on sale, I immediately squealed and then put them into my cart.   The cut is so classic, the pattern so bold and versatile.  I cannot wait to style them again! 

Hope you all had a great weekend.  I sure did, here's a recap! 

Friday night I took a friend out to my aunt and her boyfriend's boat.  We floated, ate goat cheese with cantaloupe, gouda with cucumbers, sopressata, drank lime-a-ritas and laughed about bad Match.com dates.   

Saturday I heated back to the boat for a hike and some sun.  In the evening the Genesee Country Village and Museum did this awesome Beatle Magic concert.  I felt like I was transported back to the 60's and was at a real Beatles show!  If anyone has ever seen Rain, it was a similar show.  It was crazy, they sounded just like the Beatles.  

Yesterday was literally a day of rest.  Sure, I did my run.  But, I mostly relaxed. 

Details:

Shirt - Old Navy old, similar

Necklace - BrinaBox

Pants - Gap this print is no longer avail online! 

Shoes - Old Navy in store, similar

3 ways to bring neon to the office with you

Are your summer clothes starting to get a little hum-drum?  Mine too!  I myself want to incorporate fun pieces into my 9-5 wardrobe, and neon is a great way to keep your outfits interesting and chic!   I know, I know, neon has been around for a bit now.  But, I do feel like it's hard to pull the trigger on some trends when it comes to mixing them into your work wardrobe.  I'm always looking for different ways to style my pieces so that each outfit looks interesting and new.  People at work think I only wear some things once and then keep buying, but that's the remixing at work! (By the way, who does that? Anyone? If you can afford that I'm jealous!)

A super simple way to spruce up the typical jacket and skirt look is to wear a neon tank or cami instead of your typical shell.  Add a fun and flirty skirt a nude shoe and great bag!

Shop this look:

In this look I paired these awesome navy dotted cropped pants that I've been drooling over with a patterned top and neon accessories.  These flats are adorable (just got mine in the mail, SO COMFY!).  And how awesome is that blingy bangle with little neon accents? Perfection.

Shop this look:

Stripes and neon seems like a no-brainer, right?  Well, this neon pencil is just the ticket.  Pair it with stripes, or a simple button down and you're on your way to chic.    This bag is a great tote size with little neon peeks as well and adding another color on your ears keeps the look playful for summer!

Shop this look:

Which look is your favorite?? 

leopard & lace

This is completely random, yet thought provoking. 

 Yesterday I taught a co-worker how to "hashtag".   She said, and I quote, "blah, blah, blah, that was so funny hashtag". 

Really, the fact that she misused hashtag is what stood out to me.  I then proceeded to teach her how to hashtag by using an example 

"Steven isn't hip enough to know #sorrynotsorry" 

This got me thinking....  First, where in the world did this come from?  I mean, it just seems kind of crazy and awesome all at the same time that someone would come up with using the number symbol or "hash" sign to tag phrases so that they could then be searched for future use.  ((pow)) mind explosion.   It also shows a gigantic generational gap.  I myself only know hashtag-ing thanks to social media and the pressure of keeping up with the Jones'.   But, the people who came before me, my elders so to speak, they are SO in the dark.  #oldfarts  If it weren't for their children, they'd be lost in this cyber hashtag universe!  

Do you ever wonder what the world is coming to?  (Dramatic, I know)

Honestly, my co-worker laughed for ten straight minutes at my #sorrynotsorry. 

#itwasntthatfunny

Details:

Top - Forever 21, similar 

Skirt - Old Navy

Shoes - Target