unenthused?

Nothing too exciting to see here... the blousy top paired with a cardigan is pretty standard work day fare for me these days!

Orange Basketweave Top - Banana Republic {circa '07}

Sterling "Jackie" Cardigan - J.Crew

Black Flowy Pants - on loan, Old Navy Maternity {circa '06}

Gray & Black Quilted Flats - Delman via Gilt

Black "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

a new friend

My clothes purchases have recently dwindled {perhaps a partial explanation for my lack of OOTD inspiration?}... there's just not much I need at this point.  But this Tibi dress was too good of a deal to pass up when I spotted it on Gilt Group recently. 

Printed Dress & Slip - Tibi via Gilt

Crackle Metallic Blush Pumps {not shown} - J.Crew

Yellow "Danielle" Earrings - Kendra Scott

Metallic Blush Skinny Belt - J.Crew

White Ceramic Watch - Fossil

Pants Galore

I've worn pants 3x this week.  That's has to be some kind of record.  Thankfully, I've still managed to work a cardigan into the program thrice as well... otherwise my coworkers might start to wonder.

Today's Pant Selection: also courtesy of GAP... the Slim Cropped style.  Note: I always wear a "tall" in GAP pants, so these hit a bit lower on the ankle on me than they appear on the model.  

Chevron Tunic - Tucker via Gilt Groupe

Slip Cropped Black Pant - GAP

Patent Serengeti "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Amethyst & Gold Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott

ruffle necks

I am unbelieveably miffed today.  Yesterday I couldn't find the skirt I wanted and today I couldn't find the dress I wanted.  {Our poor dry-cleaner is continually blamed for these incidents... and then-->} Of course while searching for said dress this morning, I found the skirt I was clamoring for yesterday.  So maybe tomorrow I'll find that dress.  Of course it will be TOO LATE because I have fun plans TONIGHT.  Blech.  

Tuesday

I was told I looked very lawyerly yesterday... a comment which always leads me to believe that I don't look very lawyerly most other days.  Pfffftttt.  

Striped Ruffle Collar Button-Down - J. Crew

Brown Pleated Wool Suit Skirt - Banana Republic

Tomato "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

Floral Earrings - J.Crew

Wednesday 

I have a presentation today and had my outfit all planned out last night... and then POOF, desired frock was no where to be found.  So I grabbed this one and went with it... only to remember that this dress is a tad short.  Here's hoping there's a podium to stand behind. 

Turquoise Ruffle Neck Dress - unknown brand via Nordstrom

V-Neck Boyfriend Cardigan - White & Warren

Suede & Patent "Harper" Pumps - J.Crew

Flannel & Patent "Molly" Bow Pumps - J.Crew (ie, what I'm actually wearing - they were in the car and the "Harpers" were a seasonally inappropriate stand-in for the photo)

Gold Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Ivory & Gold Bangle - Banana Republic

Magenta Skinny Belt - The Limited

favorite dress! favorite dress!

Yeah.... so.... I say that about a lot of dresses in my closet, but this is definitely my favorite Double Duty Dress!  I've sported this frock for rehearsal dinners (here), evenings out with Evs' superiors, parties hosted in our own home, plus to the office oodles of times (example / example).**  Bare-shouldered it's a fab, if somewhat conservative, cocktail dress / Add a cardigan and its TCB Time (Professional Style)! 

I love mixing up accessories with this dress... it works with brown, black, leopard, red, nude, or gold footwear - open-toed, pumps, or flats - and I've belted it with a wide brown belt as well as a skinny metallic blush-colored belt.  Today, I stuck with the "mixed media" chain + fabric belt that came with the dress, added a dusty amethyst cardigan, gold jewelry, and perhaps my favorite springtime pumps (with the ivory bangle to tie it all together!).  

{woah. big foot.}

I really need to start taking these photos after putting on lipstick (always save it for the car)... jeesh!  

Dusty Amethyst (my description - not their's!) "Jackie" Cardigan - J.Crew

Navy Ruffle Dress w/ Belt - Shoshana

Nude "Happy" Pumps - Anne Klein via Piperlime

Gold Headband - Target

Gold & Amethyst Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt

Gold Medallion Necklace - gift

Ivory & Gold Cuff - Banana Republic 

** I should point out that the first example of this dress worn in a somewhat professional setting is circa my mini-break from legit gainful employment... So no, I wouldn't wear those platform shoes to my old or my current office.  

resolution...

... tomorrow, I shall not wear a flowy top boasting polka dots, if only for fear of becoming "That New Chick With The Penchant For Silky Polka Dotted Blouses."

Which is sooooo not as cool a nickname as the moniker I'm hoping for:  "That New Chick Whose A Badass."  

Also: I shall high-tail it to CVS for sunless tanner, ASAP.   Milky White Legs (and not in a sexy Nicole Kidman Way).... Arrrrrrggggggg! 

Navy "Silk Dot Print Tunic" - Banana Republic

Black Pencil Skirt - Michael by Michael Kors via Nordstrom

Black Flannel & Satin "Molly" Pumps - J.Crew

Gold Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present 

IKEA Chic

A week or so ago, I awoke with the overwhelming desire to visit IKEA.  Seriously.  It was as if that mammoth, blue and yellow Swedish Mecca was calling me home with its fizzy pear water and 100 count tea lights for $3.99.   Like a sailor to the siren call, I went... Wearing "Leggings as Pants," no doubt.  Comfy... but I caught the view of my backside in the warehouse track lighting.... Not Okay.  

Unwashed Hair: Day Two --> Twisty Pony

Black Boyfriend Cardy - White + Warren via Gilt Groupe

Pink, Ivory & Black Ruffle Shell - Shoshana via Rue La La

Black Leggings - Hue via Nordstrom

Brown Boots - Banana Republic (Winter 2007)

Gilded Bon Bon Earrings - Anthropologie (Winter 2009)

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Blush Metallic Skinny Belt - J.Crew

Sapphire & Diamond Right-hand Ring - 21st bday present

rainy day tunic

So, I promise that I did, in fact, get dressed this week.  Yesterday, I forgot to take photos and on Tuesday... there was, um, a cameltoe "issue" in my snapshots.  Not my best foot forward (ha! toe? foot? funny?), you could say.

Luckily today there are no unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions PLUS the lovely UPS man brought me my brand-spankin' new, brand-spankin' free Tucker tunic from Gilt Groupe!

Normally this is a top I'd belt but the addition of My Favorite Sweater Ever takes away the need.  A skinny belt over the sweater works well too - a la my past Tucker dress + chunky sweater combo.

I bought this sweater on a whim in Winter 2008, but it quickly became one of my most useful Texas "cold" weather stables.  Today, for example, its chilly outside.  Chilly enough that a jacket is warranted.  Except my plans include a Husband Birthday Shopping Trip at the mall.  And its not cold enough to wear my coat while I browse, but its also freakin' annoying to lug an outer-layer around during my excursion.  Chunky Sweater = Perfect Solution!  It'll keep me warm enough as I travel to and fro, but won't make me sweaty or encumbered while I'm indoors!

Plum, Violet, & Sterling Tunic Top - Tucker via Gilt

Chunky Wrap Sweater - Banana Republic

"Always Skinny" Jeans - GAP

Boots - Banana Republic

Gold Figure-Eight Earrings - Christmas gift

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding gift

Gold C Cuff - Coach

drinks in a blue dress...

{...blue dress, blue dress!  drinks with a blue dress on!}

Meeting one of my very favs, HDH, for drinks and dinner tonight... which requires real clothes!  Yay!

Hot rollers are my besties after letting my hair go ass-wild-crazy air-dry!

Blue Empire Mini Dress - Muse via Nordstrom

Leggings - Hue via Nordstrom

Suede Stack-Heel Pump - Tory Burch via Gilt

Blue Drop Earrings - gift

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Gold Tassel Necklace - gift

Ivory & Gold Bangle - Banana Republic

NYE Attire + Bonus

Our NYE was pretty low-key: yummy steak dinner at home with the 'rents and then a party thrown by the 'rents of my high school bestie / matron of honor CSP. 

I still managed to squeeze in some sparkle / drink my fair share of celebratory bubbly.

Sequin tank in "blush" - Ann Taylor Loft (similar here)

Real Skinny Jeans - GAP (here)

Patent Serengeti "Juliet" Pumps - J.Crew

"Gilded BonBon" Earrings - Anthropologie (here)

Bauble Cocktail Ring - J.Crew (similar here)

Ivory & Gold Bangle - Banana Republic (similar here)

Hot Pink Pashmina - gift (similar here)

Busted out one of my all-time favorite RueLaLa finds on Wednesday for happy hour with the familia and a girls' dinner with CSP, her madre and mi madre!

Oh DVF!  I wish I could afford you every day!

Chevron Sweater Dress - Diane Von Furstenburg via RueLaLa (similar here; and here)

Purple Tights - Merona via Target (here)

Brown Leather Boots - Banana Republic (similar here)

Gold & Amethyst Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse (similar here)

Gold Tassel Necklace - gift (similar here)

Gold Flower Cocktail Ring - J.Crew (similar here)

zip zag cheap chic

I love a good bargain.  However, I am not what one would call a Bargain Huntress.

Yes, I am a force to be reckoned with come 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. CST when Gilt Groupe and RueLaLa sales pop up.  And I wield a very discerning eye during the never ending J.Crew Final Sales.

But I can't do TJ Maxx or Ross or the like.  Cannot. Cannot. Cannot.  I know people find ridiculously awesome things there but piles of unorganized items make my heart race in a not-so-good sort of way.  So to those who find $200 designer jeans for $59.95?  I salute you!  But I will not be joining your ranks.

What I can do - in a big way - is Target.  I pink-puffy-heart-with-glitter-sprinkles-and-rainbow-ponies Target.  In college and law school, if I was feeling a little blue, I'd hightail it to the nearest red bullseye and fill up a shopping cart with all the things I'd like to buy.  Then I'd pick one to actually purchase.  In hindsight, this was probably an insanely evil way to torture Target employees, but it made me feel better.  {a big fat karmic Lo Siento! to the clerks of the Winston-Salem and Waco Targets!}

Anyhoo, yesterday, whilst braving the Its Almost Christmas Crowds, I scored this little number for $29.99!

Its been floating around the blogosphere in black and white, but I was smitten with the eggplant and black combo!

Its the perfect sweater dress for Texas weather - cuddly and covering, but not too warm.  The dress comes with a black tie belt, but it hit me at a very unfortunate location so I opted out... would also pair well with a thick belt (a black one of which my closet is sorely lacking!).

Zig Zag Sweater Dress - Mossimo via Target

Black Footless Tights - Hue

Suede Boots - Cole Haan via Nordstrom (Winter 2008)

Gold & Amethyst Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Gold Chain Link Necklace - J.Crew (Summer 2009)

chunky sweater repeat

This is one of those looks that Evs doesn't "get."  Apparently there's a bit too much layering going on and "a belt that seems to serve no purpose." 

Beh.  What does he know.

And, yep, wearing the same sweater from Monday... another newly discovered perk of unemployment?  Only the dog and the postman bear witness to my repeat wardrobe offenses! 

Chunky Black Sweater - Banana Republic

Silk Tunic Dress - Tucker via Gilt Groupe

Black Leggings - Hue via Nordstrom

Metallic Gunmetal "Lissie" Flats - Tory Burch via Neiman Marcus

Blue Drop Earrings - gift from eons ago

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Ivory and Gold Chunky Bangle - Banana Republic

Pink Faux Snakeskin Belt - The Limited

i know what you're thinking

What you're thinking is OH HOLY MOTHER OF CHEESEBALLS, IS SHE WEARING AQUA JEANS?

Why, yes.  Yes, I am!

Okay, so they're a little "1992 Throwback," but in a good way.

I think.  I hope.

These Rich & Skinny Jeans (which, can we talk about the most genius brand name EVER?) were a summer staple paired with Grecian sandals and long t-shirts.  I wasn't sure how well they'd transition into winter-wear but I think they did okay today!

Longer shirts with these jeans are a must since R&S seems to cut most of their pants to a lower rise... and I like my jeans to fall dangerously close to Momsville.  Yeah, I know but Hips + Low Rise = Muffin Tops... Phooey!

Overall... Over-Accessorized?  We have the gold belt and the metallic flats with rhinestones and the leather/pearl/crystal/gold necklace and some micro-pave stud earrings... Nope!  Just right!

Black Turtle Neck - Banana Republic

Black Boyfriend Cardigan - White + Warren

White Cami - Target

Aqua Straight Legged Jeans - Rich & Skinny

Gunmetal Lissie Flats - Tory Burch via Neiman Marcus

Micro Pave Earrings - Banana Republic

Mixed Media Necklace - Adia Kibur via Gilt Fuse

Black Faux-Croc Belt - Banana Republic

call me cosby

We're getting creative over here at ITPitB!  New day, new weather forecast, new photo-taking-time.

Today, its just me... sittin' all casual-like on the Yellow Painterly Paisley.  You know, totally natural.

Pretty much in love with my Crazy Cosby Cardigan (sadly, not the official Anthropologie name). Funky covered buttons?  Check!  Teeny-tiny hook-and-eye closures to prevent Gaping Button Boobage?  Check!

Also?  GAP Always Skinnies?  SO EASY to tuck into boots (even these that pull on rather than zip up)!  Seriously, if you are looking for a pair of skinny jeans, you cannot beat these for $69!  {Which I am not just saying because I got these for promo-ing GAP - I've spent my own money on a second pair, I love them so much!}

"Crazy Cosby Cardigan" - Moth via Anthropologie

Creamsicle Silk Shell - Banana Republic

Always Skinny Jeans - GAP

Brown Leather Boots - Banana Republic

Amethyst & Gold Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

Hammered Gold Bangles - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

turkey day fashion

Despite the fact that I was without my fabulous Evs,** I managed to have a lovely, lovely, lovely Turkey Day thanks to a ridiculously delicious lunch a la Craft shared with my Freckled Friend and her H Word!  Later on  Thursday evening, Mr. & Mrs. Mojito joined us for Sips & Sweets, rounding out my very first Friends-Giving!

Of course the real question is... what did I wear? 


(I know, I know. I'm sure you were all on pins and needles all weekend)

I wish I had something a tad more exciting for you but skinny jeans, Revas and flowy tops were my Official Eat Your Face Off Uniform of '09.

For lunch at Craft with M&T:

Magic Top - Gibson, via Nordstrom

Real Skinny Jeans - GAP

Gunmetal Revas - Tory Burch, via Neiman Marcus

Gold & Amethyst Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Hammered Gold Bangles - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Ivory & Gold Bangle - Banana Republic

For Sweets & Sips on Turkey Night:

Petal Cardigan - J.Crew

Black Empire Tank - La Befana, via RueLaLa

{same as above from the waist down}

(And, um, yes, that glass of wine - Famega Portuguese White, if you must know - was my favorite accessory of the holiday break)

Here's a "Cheers!" hoping your holiday break was filled with fun, family, friends, and fashion!

**and no, we are not on the verge of divorce as our nosy neighbors seemed to think++ when they saw me flying solo on Thursday....the reason for the separate holidays was work related (ie: I thought I was going to have to work and by the time we figured out I wouldn't, Evs was already on a plane to Oklahoma).

++ They also think we hate America because we didn't fly a flag on September 11... BECAUSE WE WERE OUT OF TOWN.

nothing too exciting

Getting dressed was harried and hurried today since I spent a good 30 minutes after my workout trying to figure out why the hell my iPhone wouldn't synch with my newly created "Don't Stop Believin'" (Glee Cast Version) ringtone.  NOT a happy camper.

Today is AF's Thanksgiving Lunch.  We are having Mexican.  Obviously.

Tweed and Velvet Prep School Jacket - Ann Taylor Loft

Dress - Banana Republic

Black Tights - Merona via Target

Flannel and Satin "Mollys" - J.Crew

Gold & Amethyst Feather Earrings - Kendra Scott via Gilt Groupe

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding present

weekend wear

This is the post in which I reveal how terrible the full-length mirror situation is in our casa... We have one of those BB&B dorm-room-style cheapies in the guest room but that's it.  And if you're trying to take a semi-quality photo in it at night?  Yeah, ain't happening.  Hence this bathroom balancing act:

Worn for Double Date Night at Dali Wine Bar:

Printed Silk Mini Tunic Dress - brand unknown, via Elements Boutique

Black Tights - Merona via Target

Black Riding Boots - Me Too via Piperlime

Gold Flower Earrings - J.Crew

Gold Medallion Chain Necklace - Coach

Hammered Gold Bangles - Kendra Scott via Gilt Fuse

Bauble Cocktail Ring - J.Crew

Photos in the Ghetto Mirror work considerably better mid-day:

Although I much prefer the dressing room at Neimans:

{taken merely to spite the same person who claims that a $600 sequined dress with ruffly shoulder pads is not, in fact, an investment}

Worn for lunch at Salata and holiday window shopping:

Oversized Pullover w/ Hood - Ann Taylor Loft

Green and White Tissue Tee - GAP

Leggings - Hue via Nordstrom

Uggs - self-explanatory

Gold Flower Earrings - J.Crew

Bag - Bruna Tote by Marc Jacobs via Saks

Does Martin + Osa's dressing rooms remind anyone else of being trapped inside a giant oak tree?  A la the Keebler Elves?  Sadly, M+O carries neither pointy-toed shoes nor E.L.Fudge cookies.  However their men's cashmere selection is rockin'....

Worn for more holiday shopping (actually crossing some peeps off the list today!) and miscellaneous Man Errands (Home Depot, Lowe's, boo):

Tunic Top - Trina Turk via Gilt Groupe

Real Straight Jeans - GAP

Gunmetal Flats - Tory Burch via Neimans

Gold Medallion Necklace - wedding gift