Outfits Not Just Clothes

blazer-BB Dakota(similar here ), dress-Need Supply(similar here ), necklace-Gifted, boots-Nine West(similar here ), lip- Pop Beauty via Birchbox This OOTD was directly inspired by a post on The Zoe Report for chic and flattering office outfits. Here's the original pic: The Zoe Report I pretty much nailed, right?! Beyond the street style inspo, the killer part of this outfit is the white dress. It works for fall with the right shoes and topper. Knee-high boots are a fall-fashion staple, and the somber tone of this olive blazer brings this breezy number(last seen here ) into the season.  Also my hair is pretty awesome! 💇

I've been a " Birchbox -er" for several years and have always enjoyed receiving my monthly sampler of surprises. Some months are better than others, and while I'm not a huge beauty gal I have discovered some amazing products to compliment my fairly simple beauty routine. Here are a few that have really hit the mark for me. Blotting Papers I keep these papers at my desk at work, as they have become part of my meeting prep. I pat a sheet on my face, spray some scent, and swipe some lip balm before I head to meetings. Of course, I also prepare actual work stuff, but looking presentable is just as important.  Thermal Spring Water This moisturizing spray can be used all over the body, but I've been using it for my face. Just a quick spritz whenever my skin is feeling rundown, especially after taking off my makeup. I also use it in my morning regime, as a kick start to my regular moisturizer and primer before makeup.  Fix Mist This supposedly ...

Last week I featured some recent purchases , including a smock dress from Everlane . I've gone back to the Everlane Well AND jumped on the culottes bandwagon and ordered this: Culottes I know, culottes, I just want smack myself in the head over the tragedy, yet I can't deny the chic potential of this trend in bottoms. When they came back around, like 2 years ago I swore to myself, "no, not this outfitter" but alas I've drunk the cool-aid and bought this pair. Upon arrival I have to admit I kind of love them. They aren't an everyday staple, by any means, BUT are going to be a very interesting addition to my spring/summer office outfitting.   Ryan Tank I also picked up this tank with my culottes order because you can never have enough effortlessly draped tank tops, amiright?! Old Navy This striped swing dress was a bit of an impulse buy. It was on super sale and I figured it would be a great thrown-on piece this summer. It may, or may not ...

 Sporting Stila' s Stay All Day-Liquid Lipstick via Birchbox  dress/bracelet- Le Tote , belt-Asos(similar here ), cardie-Jcrew(more options here ), bag-Forever 21(sort of similar here ), booties-DSW(similar here ) I inadvertently had a beige, black, brown, and white moment two days running.  This post was day 1, here's day 2 on my way out for fancy cocktails at Acacia . I originally was going to wear a little black cardie (LBC) but couldn't find mine in the dark abyss that my closet has become. This argyle number was near the top of the pile so it won out.  I think it was a good call.  There's a variety of themes happening here--preppy with the cardigan, punk with the belt, tropical chic-with the dress, and vamp-with the bag and booties.  It comes together with a neutral color palette. When you stick with neutrals it makes pattern mixing way less scary. Speaking of which... ...

        Trying out a barrett from Birchbox , thoughts?                   dress- Style Mint , vest-Thrifted, necklaces-Anthropologie(similar here )/Mikkat Market(more necklaces here ), loafers-Target(sort of similar here ), bracelet- Cookie Lee , barrette- Birchbox Yes, you are right, this dress should look familiar. I disguised it as a top in this post .  Here I've paired it with a pinstripe vest that I thrifted years and years ago, I'm talking late 90's type of action. I was in the mood for something easy, but with some structure, hence vest over t-shirt dress. (That rhymes, which makes me smile). The loafers were in keeping with that easy feel.  Layered necklaces and a wrap bracelet gives this a bit of a hipster vibe, as does the barrette. What do we think of this? My hair is getting kind of long... I'm due for a cut, but really do not have time for an appointm...

I've been hinting at a big announcement in past posts earlier this week.  Well here it is... I am giving up shopping for one full year! Yep, a whole year, I've already started. I haven't made a purchase in person, or online since August 1st.  So that makes 14 days down and 351 days to go.  Wait, is 2014 a leap year?.. No, Google says no. Phew, that was a close one.   Anyway, I'm giving up shopping for the very real reason of money.  I've noticed my credit card balance has been creeping up and I have additional student loan payments from my MFA program. I'm also trying to put more aside in savings.  So, when you want/need more money you have two options: make more, or spend less.  At this point making more would require a lot more energy then spending less, so I'm going with the latter route. I do have some fail-safes set up.  I'm maintaining my subscriptions to Le Tote and Birch Box and I'm allowing myself to buy replacement garme...

    The layered necklaces are a bit askew here.         I've shown these shoes before, but usually from the front, the side/back view is also chic.   Yeah... there's some odd armpit action here...   Trying a lip color from my most recent BirchBox , Stila stay all day liquid Lipstick .   Back of the dress.     dress-Dorothy Perkins(similar here ), necklaces/ring- Jewel Mint , bracelet-Mikkat Market(similar here ), heels-Prabal Gurung for Target(available here ). I've had this dress since the beginning of summer and have worn it a few times for work.  But, I think I may move this to the evening-only section of my closet. It's a bit on the tight side, not the most comfortable garment sitting down all day, and let's be honest, my armpits look kind of fat in this dress.  But, I'm not ready to give up on it because it IS fierce and I really love the patterned panels in the fro...