Gondolier

 
Let first start off by saying how happy I am to now own a new Rebecca Minkoff Brynn tote! I had heard about the online sale (which ended last Friday) and was hoping to find the Brynn as part of their sale. Of course it wasn't. They had introduced new colors for the season and were full price.  I was quite sad. Then, I read a post  by The Budget Babe that mentioned the sale AND that they had just released quite a few bags at TJ Maxx! I thought well, there's one nearby, I'll stop by and take a gander. To my surprise, and luck, I found the Brynn! And I found it in this gorgeous charcoal color (a good classic color that will go with most outfits).

Every time I put on a combination of black and white stripes and some red accents, I think of a Gondolier. You know, the guys that row the gondolas around the canals of Venice? Yeah, you could say that's where I got my outfit inspiration?

:: Outfit Details ::

Black & White Striped 3/4 Top (old) :: H&M, this one would be cool, but similar here

Black Cotton Pencil Skirt :: Express, similar here

Brynn Tote :: Rebecca Minkoff, also in purple, and in peach!

Red Pumps :: Dolce Vita

Croisette Eyeglasses :: Dior, also seen here, here, here & here 

Red Floral Scarf :: H&M, similar here

Thick Red Leather Belt (old) :: Anne Klein, skinny version here (which is what I originally wanted for this outfit)

Yes, I have these shoes in three colors. I love them! And they were on sale... I'm a sales shopper.

How perfect was it that I also have matching black and white striped glasses?! By the way, speaking of glasses, if you are a glasses wearer, the optician side of me will ALWAYS recommend anti-glare for your lenses. I cannot tell you how much it helps with glare from TVs, computer screens, night time driving, and asphalt glare! People don't always realize that there is still light rays bouncing off all surfaces, causing eye strain! And it also helps cosmetically. You don't see WHITE when you take photos! I also recommend iZon lenses for ALL these things.

Some close ups of the accessories!

And I thought I'd share a close up of the accessories and a random photo bomber! Peepers... what is it about you cats and your curiosity?? You sniff that scarf!

Pumped Up (Purple) Kicks

There's no room for Mundane Mondays here. Which is what led me to putting some color on. My goal as of well, 4-5 months ago, was to live outside of my black and gray wardrobe a little and explore colors more often. Luckily, I work in a place where people need my fashion expertise so if I can look the part, they'd be more willing to entrust me with their optical fashion choices. I'm always capable of looking the part but there's always 1. Do I feel like trying? or 2. Do I have anything besides black and gray or anything outside that monochromatic scheme?

Long story short, I've started to add small doses of color into the wardrobe. Luckily, most everything goes with black... And luckily, I've ventured out of the "black heels only" phase.

Hachi, sneaking into the picture...

Sometimes you've just got to stop and *sniff* the flowers

Still couldn't resist some grays in this post. Gotta compromise, right? Like I said, "small doses".

And, of course Hachi wanted in on the shoot.. hence his lil cameo in the first photo. I decided to scrap the original picture I chose and use the one with him in it. He tried so hard to make it in... why not give the diva him some photo love? Let this post be a twist to his old "Hachi Monday" posts (where he can be seen here, unforgettably here, not to mention here, annnnd finally here).

:: Outfit Details ::

Chiffon Floral Blouse :: Francesca's, similar here

Gray Pencil Skirt :: J.Crew, black version here

Purple Pumps :: DV by Dolce Vita, black version here

Flashing Our Brights :: Highlighter Yellow

Neon and fluorescent seem to be in this season! I was able to pick up this gingham button up shirt at Ann Taylor LOFT for 30% off, a few weeks ago and love that it goes with basic blacks and also can be dressed down in denim too.

I'm a sucker for good sales. I also think that I don't have any one type of style. I buy what I like and my dress depends on what I'm feeling. Sometimes I like to be more casual, sometimes I'll dress it up some. Sometimes I like wearing more accessories, sometimes not. One of my friends says that I mix and match my items well. Sometimes I feel like I can... some days, I have the hardest time with that. I think some of my best outfits come from last minute decisions... if only I had time to photograph THOSE outfits... maybe one of these days...

:: Outfit Details ::

Fluorescent Gingham Button-Up :: Ann Taylor LOFT, similar here

Black Pencil Skirt :: Banana Republic, similar here

Croissette Glasses :: Dior, sunglass version here

Pink Squares Bracelet :: J. Crew, I like this version here

White Beaded Layered Necklace :: Francesca's, similar here

Light Gold & Lavender Bangles :: Forever 21, similar here

Hot Coral Envelope Clutch :: J. Crew, similar here

Black Cork Wedges :: Dolce Vita for Target, similar here, here, and here

Spring into the Gap

The friendboy and I were trying to kill some time by walking around the mall for a bit while waiting to meet some friends for dinner last Friday. We decided to shop a bit... never a safe idea.

While I have not purchased anything from Gap in years, I was pleasantly surprised by my findings in the sales section!

Pink Blazer (unlined) 30% off $40! Similar here

I really liked this pink blazer. I currently have a blush pink linen blazer (that you may have seen here) as well as a forest green, golden yellow, black, white, and ivory. I am still trying to build up my blazer collection.

Gap is also offering 25% off online orders through 4/18 with promo code GAPSAVE.

Blush Pink Pleated Trench Coat, found here. On sale for $49 with 30% off!

I've always wanted a trench coat. This color was cute. It looks more tan in this picture but I can gaurantee you that it is more blush than it is tan.It was a little big. Sizes at Gap tend to run a bit larger... which makes me feel a little better. This was a small. I could have easily taken an XS. Unsual for me.

Charcoal gray Pin-Striped Blazer, on sale from $40 with 30% off. Way too big. The smallest size left was a size 6!
Found here

Again, my love for blazers led me to try on the above pin-striped coat. Luckily for my wallet, I was not able to find a smaller size.

Green Utility Skirt, similar here (I kind of like the linked ASOS skirt better)

I have been hunting down a green skirt in quite some time now. This isn't the exact type of green skirt that I was looking for but at 30% off. Who could beat that? It has pockets! Unfortunately, the stylish security pin on the right does NOT come with the skirt. But I think I'll be able to manage without.

I came in wearing this:

:: Original Outfit Details ::

Black Blazer :: Banana Republic (old), similar here

Leopard Print Asymmetrical Tank :: Victoria's Secret Online, similar here

 Back Basic Camisole :: Forever21, found here for $3.80!

Black Cotton Leggings :: Mossimo, found here

Black Block Patent Leather Heels :: Vince Camuto, similar here

Layered Beads and Chains Necklace :: Tulle Sample Sale, similar here

(I like this one by T+J Designs Better)

Do you have any favorite pieces? Anyone else find any good deals? Care to share? 

Quick! Need Opinions!

Okay, so I made a trip to H&M this week and decided to 'take a gander' at some of the new trends. I tried a couple of pieces on. Let me know what you think.

Twist Wedges :: $24.95 & Floral Pencil Skirt :: $17.95

Not sure if you remember that green silk top from the Gettin' Cozy but, there it is again!

I have always liked wearing pencil skirts to work. Do you think the floral print is a bit much? Or do you think this is still work appropriate?

Floral Tunic Dress :: $24.95

Black Double Button Overcoat :: $15 from $34.95 on sale!

 What about full on floral tunic dresses? What do you think about the black buttoned coat? I tried this over the top to take it down a notch on the full blast of floral.

Purple Sweater Dress :: $20 on sale

I have always seen this dress at H&M and have been wanting it to go down in price. Finally, it did. But I just didn't love it on myself. Perhaps it's the whole "fitted" thing and being able to see my lunch hanging out (literally) at work.

Readers, any suggestions or thoughts?

Playful Work Attire

Today I tried to have fun with my wardrobe. I think I come up with better outfit choices on the whim. I can never plan out my outfits ahead of time. It makes my head hurt too much. My outfit today went something a little like this:

Asos Pleated Top with Black Tie Sash - Out of Stock. Similar here in cobalt

Ralph Lauren Houndstooth Pencil Skirt from Macy's - Mine is actually a similar skirt, a "vintage" Express skirt

Vince Camuto Black Pumps - Got mine from Nordstrom Rack for $40

Blue Blazer similar to Anh's from 9to5 Chic - Got mine from H&M for $15

I decided to tuck my blouse in, wear the blue blazer over it, and add some nice pumps to the mix to give me some height. I also had my hair up in a messy bun similar to Keiko Lynn's and I was good to go! Got a few compliments today. Always a good feeling.