Primary

Dress & Shirt (Loft); Scarf (Jones New York find at Marshalls);
Shoes (Jessica Simpson find at Marshalls); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Belkis-Cruz Photography

There is something that feels very elementary with primary colors... like I should be carrying a box of crayolas and a juice box (PS how awesome would it be if I walked into my next meeting armed with both?).  This bold and colorful look seems appropriate for the day after Cinco de Mayo - hopefully the tequila haze has settled and you are ready for the week. My travel schedule for work has been insane lately and I'm extremely happy to be in town this entire week... it will be spent doing important things like laundry, grocery shopping and enjoying some long overdue happy hours ;)

Jackpot

Shirt (StyleMint); Layering Tank, Jeans, Shoes & Sunglasses (Target);
Scarf (Banana Republic Outlet); 

There are certain things in life that make you feel like you've hit the jackpot.  For me these things include a cuddly doggy who will exchange belly scratches for kisses...  knowing I have a glass of wine and my boyfriend to look forward to after each work day... finding that face mask that actually does shrink your pores and remove impurities (double jackpot)... a fabulous pair of heels that is equal parts beauty and comfort... and most definitely waking up early in the morning, only to realize it's the weekend and you can go back to bed :)

And scoring a premixed stripe & polka dot scarf at the outlet mall?  Jackpot!  

Typecast

Dress (Taylor find at Marshalls); Shirt (NY&Co); Nylons (Kohls);
Heels (Franco Sarto find at Marshalls); Earrings (Nordstrom);
Dave Haas Photography

You know those dresses you buy for a specific occasion, and then you can't think of wearing it anywhere else?  Well this is my Reese Witherspoon of dresses - it's best worn at a wedding (which is what I bought it for) - the same way Reese is best used for for romantic comedies.  And with the cap sleeves and neckline detail this dress is hard to wear to the office - not to mention I'd be freezing.  But with the right shirt underneath - this dress was able to break free from it's wedding typecast and play the role it's always wanted to - marketing gal and puppy mom by day who secretly dreams of ruling the world ;)

Office Appropriate

Dress (Gap); Shirt (Target); Nylons (Kohls); Necklace (Ann Taylor); Shoes (Naturalizer)
Watch (Fossil); Glasses (gifted by Firmoo)
Nicole Lai Photography

This dress is lower cut and sleeveless - certainly not appropriate for navigating the cube maze at work.  However, tying a chambray shirt quickly converts this dress to work wear.  I wish this type of magic could be used on other things not work appropriate... like office cocktails during the day.  Maybe I've just been watching too much Mad Men, but I'd like to make the nomination for office cocktails as the universal method for improving corporate culture.  We can call it the Draper policy :)

Pinspired

Dress (H&M); Vest (Joseph A find at Marshalls); Belt (Stolen from another dress);
Tights (Target); Boots (Nine West); Bracelet (WindsorStore.com);
Earrings (Nordstrom)
Dave Haas Photography

Things I love: when a car is pulling out of a prime parking spot at Target as I'm driving down the aisle... when the soup of the day at the cafeteria at work is chicken dumpling (this literally makes my day).... when the pair of heels I'm debating on getting goes on sale (always an indication from above that I need to pull the trigger)... and when I find a pin on Pinterest that I can so easily replicate that it's a shame I didn't think of it on my own. Fur vest?  Check. Black ribbon belt?  Check!  Add this to yet another moment I can thank Pinterest for inspiration :)

Bundled

Dress (Taylor find at Marshalls); Jacket (Old Navy); Scarf (H&M); Tights & Socks (Kohls):
Boots (Guess find at Marshalls); Love ring (Etsy); Love bracelet (Windsorstore.com)
Nicole Lai Photography

So we can all agree that offices are generally freezing... but in this outfit I was actually too warm! Maybe it's the blanket scarf, or the long sleeve shirt under my dress, or the layers of tights, socks, and boots... but I found myself getting really uncomfortable.  And yes I know I could have taken off the scarf (which would have helped lower my body temp tremendously) - but this was a look that I was determined to keep together!  And was it worth it to basically spend the day in a constant hot flash?  Probably not :)

Menswear

Coat (Macy's) Blouse (Gap); Shirt & Belt (Target); Pants (Express); Hat (Francesca's)
Shoes (Nine West); Gloves (stolen from Mom)
Belkis Cruz Photography

There is something so fabulous about menswear for women - it's unexpected, edgy, and strong (not to mention warm...Minnesota is colder than the North Pole this week). Feminine details like blue suede gloves and high heels balance out the "dude looks like a lady" vibe.  And I think I've earned this look...  I kill spiders (typically shrieking upon the moment of magazine/spider impact) and I take out my own trash (usually when I forget to ask my boyfriend)...  So yeah, I can do it all!  Except change a tire :)  

Winterized

Dress (gifted by eShatki); Shirt (Gap); Tights (Target); Scarf (Loft);
Boots (Nine West); Earrings (Nordstrom)
Dave Haas Photography

I've been good lately when it comes to avoiding the post holiday blow out sales in an effort to curb spending (although I also argue it's probably quite irresponsible of me not to take advantage of all the deals out there!).  In an effort to shop my closet, this dress is an example of making a Spring/Summer piece work for Winter.  And it has pockets!  Pockets are sort of like sunglasses - they make you feel cool, mysterious, and kinda bad ass...or maybe that's just me.  You know you lead an exciting life when pockets make you feel edgy :)

6 Degrees

Faux Fur Vest (Joseph A find at Marshalls); Sweater (H&M); Leggings (Old Navy);
Hat (Steve Madden); Boots & Socks (Kohls)

At first I wanted to call this post "A walk in the snow" - which made me instantly think of the movie "A Walk in the Clouds".  Now all I can think about is Keanu Reeves and whether or not  I can link him to Kevin Bacon in 6 degrees of separation.  It was actually pretty easy (only 2 degrees needed):

1. Kevin Bacon was in A Few Good Men with Jack Nicholson
2. Jack Nicholson was in Something's Gotta Give with Keanu Reeves

And now I feel extremely accomplished and a little proud of myself :)

Bus Stop

Shirt & Tights (Target); Sweater (Loft); Skirt & Necklace (Limited); Shoes (Kohls)
Dave Haas Photography

Why yes I'm just hanging out at the bus stop. It's a very good thing I don't have to actually rely on public transportation... the one time I did I took 2 wrong buses, and ended up getting home 3 hours later than usual.  Not to mention I was that girl sitting in the front by the bus driver (tears in my eyes) so he could help me get off at the right stop.  Having said that, as bad as I am with directions - I can ALWAYS find my way around a Target :)

Plaid Remix

Shirt (Old Navy); Scarf (H&M); Skirt (JCPenney); Shoes (Nine West);
Earrings (Nordstrom); Watch (Fossil)
Belkis Cruz Photography

There are many ways to wear plaid shirts, but if you are me there is only one - and it's with a skirt.  This post is more of a rerun vs. a remix (evidenced below) - but sometimes it's Monday morning and I just want my outfit to be easy.  So I grab my trusty plaid shirt, pick a skirt, and call it a remix.  It's like having popcorn, cheese and wine in the house- you can always find dinner there :)

Striped Steal

Dress & Earrings (The Limited); Shirt (Old Navy); Tights (Kohls); Shoes (Nine West);
Belt (H&M); Sunglasses (Charming Charlie)
Belkis Cruz Photography

I've been trying to be good and focus on others during my Christmas shopping... but sometimes the universe temps you in a way that cannot be ignored or resisted.  And by universe I mean those taunting signs that stores put right in front (40% off everything - 1 day only!). My eyes cannot unsee that - and before I know it I'm walking in... heading to the sales rack... and checking out with this striped dress for a cool $17.  As you can see - this was completely out of my control ;)