I know, I know - I fail at life! I did not deliver the promised amazing post on Tuesday, nor did I get around to it Wednesday... things came up, and unfortunately I was not able to get to my computer either day. Even tonight I'm dead exhausted, but I owe my blog some love so here I am.

I promised pictures, and I've finally got some! At the bottom of this post there are some pictures of me in the outfit I wore today. I will post close ups of each item this weekend. I've decided that every day I wear an outfit that hasn't been posted, I'll take pictures and post them to my Photo Bucket account, and if I like it enough I will also post the pictures here. Here's the link to the album where I'll post the pictures - be sure to check it out often!
http://s444.photobucket.com/albums/qq164/persephone_moon/these%20frayed%20threads/

Today, I wore an olive green open dolman cardigan (Forever 21, $15.80) with a dark brown cami underneath (Forever 21, $2.50), khaki colored flared linen pants (Charlotte Russe, $10 clearance) and dark brown knee high boots (Forever Young, $34.95 style: Mirella-1). I like to keep my jewelry simple for work, because I am on a computer for 8 hours a day I don't wear bracelets - they're constantly getting in my way as I'm trying to type. The necklace I wore had three layers: a gold chain, pearls and a cream colored ribbon (absolutely gorgeous - will post a close up tomorrow night; Forever 21 $6.80), with gold hoop earrings with pearls (Forever 21, $3.80).

Military styles are coming back strong this season, especially Army and Navy styles. Forever 21 has just launched a new line called Nautical Nancy that features the Navy half of this particular style at very affordable prices. What I love most about this style is that, by and large, it's comfortable! The neutral colors are perfect for the girl who wants to show off her style in a more subtle way than some of the louder trends. For the army brass, look for khakis, olive green and gold - the colors are key to this trend - and detailing like brass buttons . If you're a sailor at heart, go for clothes and accessories in blue, black, silver and white - and be sure to include something with nautical stripes (like a military cut sweater or blazer) to complete the look. Be careful not to go overboard though - you don't want to end up looking like G.I. Jane. Keep the look soft and feminine by letting your hair down and pairing the military cuts with girly pieces, like a cute mini or leggings and heels.

I'm off to bed for the night, but I can pretty much guarantee I will be blogging most of the weekend... my friend got me a bebe gift card, so I am taking myself shopping tomorrow night! I'll post all about my adventures afterward, as well as all of that wonderful fashion advice I keep promising :)

Oh, and here are those pictures... what do you think???


I *love* my new biker jacket from Express. It's from their (minus) the leather line (which is fantastic for those of us who don't wear leather!). These jackets are extremely sexy and look great with jeans or over your favorite party dress. Could be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe - if you don't have one, get one!!!

Labels: army style, Charlotte Russe, Express, fashion, fashion advice, Forever 21, Forever Young, military style, navy style, style, trendy

Today was not quite as better as I hoped it would be. However, I did finally work something out that will help me to be better in the future. So I suppose in that way at least, it was a movement forward. Any day forward movement is achieved is a good day, so although I wasn't as good as I wanted, I wasn't as bad as I feared.

Went to work, all day, and mostly behaved myself. Definitely better than I have been. Tomorrow will be better. Tomorrow will always be better.

I think I'm going to start working on changing my frame of mind as well. I hate work, and I'm always counting down the minutes until I'm off from the moment I clock in, and I think this makes the day drag even more, in addition to just making me downright miserable most of the day. I would like to adopt a more Wiccan approach to work: I'm here, in this moment, and I accept it. I have to be there, I need the money to live, the work sucks but the pay and benefits are fantastic. I should be grateful that I have a job to begin with. So we'll add that to my list of things to do this week: be more positive at work.

Lots of brainstorming today, so my post Tuesday night will be wonderful :) That's two checks for my list so far!

I picked up my living room a little and organized my closet a little bit. My house needs quite a bit more work, but at least I got a few things accomplished tonight, and I may do a bit more when I get done here. A tiny check there.

Haven't written in my journal yet. But I will get that done before bed.

I think time management is something else I could use to learn! I always feel like I have a million things to do, but I never seem to have time to get any of it done. I have a tendency to start one project, then wander to the next, until the end of the night when I've started a million things but finished none! So for tomorrow, I'll also add managing my time effectively to my to do list. I will write out a loose schedule and to do list for the next few days and see how that goes for me. If it works out I might invest in a planner.

No physical activity as of yet. Honestly, that will prolly end up being Saturday, so I'm not too hung up on it right now.

I've decided I eat too much junk and soda and candy too. One last thing to add to my list for the week: drink more water, less soda, and eat much less candy. Not so much a diet, just really needing to cut down on the sugar intake for a while.

I'm psyched about tomorrow night's post. I've got some really good ideas in the mix, so be sure to check in tomorrow night or some time Wednesday. I've got a brand new outfit I'll be wearing tomorrow and I'm posting pictures so make sure you come see (actually, only the top and earrings are new, but that's enough to make the whole thing feel all new and fresh :D)!

I have a question I'd like to pose to you, dear readers! Do you prefer to choose your outfits the night before or morning of?

Personally, I'm a morning-of kind of gal, but I always seem to be running late in the mornings and I always spend at least five to ten minutes staring at my closet trying to decide what to wear! To help me cope with my perpetual tardiness, I've started putting together several outfits at the beginning of the week. That way I can still dress based on how I'm feeling that day, but I've got it pre-selected and put together in the closet (I pull all of the clothes to the front) so I can just pull it on and go. I even make sure to know where the accessories and shoes for those outfits are so I don't have to dig around my jewelry box or the bottom of the closet for twenty minutes.

In dire need of more advice on getting your shit together so you can get out of the house? Join the club sweetie! I'm always in desperate need of every available second in the mornings, so I decided to do some research and try out some time saving tricks. Check back every night this week and next Monday and I'll fill you in on what I tried, what worked and what didn't!

I went shopping Saturday and picked up some fantastic buys! I will definitely post pictures tomorrow night. I didn't really spend that much money, and I only got a few things, but they're enough to make it feel like I'm wearing a brand new outfit every day! My outfit today was easy and comfy but I got a lot of compliments (even a few from my gay supervisor - that's always a good sign). You really don't have to be super high maintenance every day to look amazing. Today's outfit consisted of dark brown plaid pants, brown boots, a dark red cami, a white over-sized button down and a beige non-leather jacket (I don't wear leather, and Express has this fabulous line called minus the leather - love it! I'll post a picture and jacket details tomorrow). Super easy, super comfy, and very hot.

Be sure to check back tomorrow night for some stellar fashion advice and very hot photos! In the mean time, be sure to answer our weekly poll question: "Do you prefer to choose your outfits the night before or morning of?" Your answer could be featured on next Tuesday's post! And if you're dying for more fashion fun right-this-very-second, check out chictopia.com. I just signed up under user name summernights... be sure to find me and say hello!

Labels: advice, fashion, goals, Monday, outfits, poll, style

So I haven't posted in a while. Things have been crazy in my life. I've got a pretty serious problem I've been struggling with for a while. You know I'm winning when I'm here.

As you can see, I'm usually not winning.

Today was a bad day, but tomorrow will be better. I have resolved to always do better. Even if they're baby steps, at least they're inches in the right direction, and the Goddess knows I could use every inch I can get away from my past and the mistakes I have made.

I have some pretty fantabulous things coming up for you though, dear readers. I've had a major brainstorm over the last few days, lots of new ideas that will explore both my fashion sense and my sense of self. Writing is a journey for me, and this time you get to come along. Would you like to see where this road takes us? It's not where the road goes that's important - it's who you meet and where you stop along the way that makes it great.

So here is to today: a new year, a new month, a new week, a new day, a new moment. Another chance to figure it out and glue my life back together. I'm not making new year's resolutions; those have a tendency to fail frighteningly quickly. I'm going to set a few goals for this week - more of a to do list, really - and see how that works out for me.

1. Go to work, every day, all day, and behave myself.
2. Blog & website: research and brainstorm Monday & Wednesday; post words & pictures Tuesday & Thursday; decide Friday when Friday comes.
3. Clean my house.
4. Write in my journal Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
5. Get in 30 min of physical activity by the end of the week.

There we have it. Simple, should be easy enough to follow... And no matter what, I will stick to it. Here's to me, finally starting to work things out.

Check back for my next post (with pictures!!!) by 11:30pm MST on Tuesday :) Hope to see you there!

Wore a new outfit to work today - got lots of compliments :) I'll post a picture asap, and I gotta say, this is probably one of my top three favorite outfits! It's comfy and cute, definitely attractive and flattering without being overly sexual. Learning how to dress attractively but not sexually is really the key to designing a winning wardrobe for working in a professional environment. Your clothes and your actions say much more about you than your words, *especially* the first few times people meet you. Most people form the context from which they will judge you within the first time or two that they meet you, so be sure that you're dressing to who you want to be seen as.

When you're putting together a wardrobe for a professional, office type environment, there are a few steps and guidelines I would recommend following to ensure you won't have to run out in three months and repeat the process!

(And bear in mind, that while this advice is written primarily as guidelines for building a wardrobe for a new job, this advice can also help you re-vamp your current wardrobe if you are already working in an office and your clothes are starting to feel a bit blah and last year!)

1. Do your homework.

The first thing you'll want to do is familiarize yourself with the dress code. This may seem like a dumb thing to point out, but you want to make sure that you've read the dress code and remember at least the key points before you go shopping - trust me, you'll be pretty ticked if you come into work the next day and the shoes you just dropped $$$ on aren't allowed in your office! Keep in mind that every employer's idea of what constitutes professional dress will be different. Don't just automatically assume that business casual means the same thing to your new employer that it did to your last one.

The next thing, which isn't exactly required but highly recommended, is to ask your supervisor/manager if there are any plans in the works to modify or change the dress code. Again, it would really suck to go out and buy a completely new wardrobe just to find out that half of it won't be considered appropriate next week.

I would also advise watching (not stalking or staring) a few of the current employees. Pay attention to their style of dress, hair and make up, and their demeanor. Do they dress conservatively and work like they're in a library most of the day, or are they a more lively, colorful bunch? The idea here isn't to blend into the scenery, but to look like you belong there. There is an appropriate time and place to show off your immense talents, but sporting blue hair to the board meeting is definitely NOT the way to get the kind of attention you want from your superiors.

2. Go shopping!

First off, as with any shopping trip, make a budget - and plan to stick to it! Take cash, or a friend who understands and will help enforce your budget goal. You don't want to bankrupt yourself just because you want a fancy new wardrobe for your awesome new job. You might be bored with your current closet selection, but most of us have the basics already.

Which leads us to our next point: shop your closet! Button down shirts, turtlenecks and sweaters, heels, pumps and boots you already own can form the basis of your new work wardrobe. This will allow you to spend more on the key pieces that make the outfit.

If you feel that your closet is really seriously lacking, below is a list of things you probably already have that you can incorporate into your new look. Make sure you check that list before you head out the door to the mall!

Next, check magazines and the internet for the look you want. That way when you hit up the shops, you already have a general idea of what you're looking for and you don't end up wandering aimlessly for hours. You'll probably end up with a few great things... but will any of them match??? The key to your shopping trip is knowing what you're looking for.

Below, there is another list of classic items that I would advise for a professional wardrobe. The key to making your outfits seem fresh and new every day is mixing and matching. Get tops that match at least 2-3 different bottoms, and the same with shoes and purses. If possible, I recommend starting off with at least ten outfits. That may seem like a huge number, but if you have one pair of pants that goes with five shirts, that counts as five outfits!

Advice on Pants & Skirts
If you're low on cash, I would recommend at least getting one pair of black and one pair of brown slacks. Most of your tops will still cross-match, and this allows you color variation from day to day at least. If you're able to, also go for (in this order): a black skirt, gray pants, and taupe pants. Make sure you get a couple solids and couple patterns, like plaid and pin stripes.

Advice on Tops
As I said above, try to make sure your tops match at least two pairs of pants. If you're able to get four pairs of pants (black, grey, brown and taupe) this shouldn't be too difficult. If you find a top you're absolutely dying for, but it only matches one pair of pants, that's fine - don't deny yourself something you know you want, because you'll just end up regretting not getting it. If you genuinely love it, and you're actually going to wear it, go ahead and get it.

This may go without saying, but I'm going to say it nonetheless: the purpose of your new wardrobe is to look professional and well-dressed - not like a high class prostitute. While I have all the respect in the world for women of that profession, if it's not yours you shouldn't dress like it! But at the same time, that doesn't mean you should wear a bag to work. Find clothes that are cut to flatter your figure without revealing too much. Anything skin tight, low-cut, sleeveless, too short, etc. should be dismissed out of hand as part of your new work wardrobe. If you have money left over in your budget after you've acquired at least ten outfits (remember, things should be interchangeable), then go back and get it.

The Shoes
Start with the basics - one pair of sensible black shoes & one pair pair of sensible brown shoes. Work your way up from there. Some things to eventually include would be a wider array of color (just make sure you're getting shoes that will actually match your clothes) and a pair of boots in black and one in brown (NOT Ugz or rubber rain boots). When you're working in a professional setting, keep heels under four inches, avoid platforms over a couple of inches (especially if they have goldfish in them), and remember that flip flops are typically a huge no-no, regardless of whether or not your employer's dress code spells it out for you. And while your ballerina shoes might be super cute and comfy, they aren't usually considered to be professional attire unless they have a hard sole (so more like a Mary Jane than a ballerina flat).

Another good rule to follow: if you can't walk in it, or if it hurts so badly you don't want to walk in it, don't buy it. The shoes will sit in your closet and collect dust and your money will have been wasted, no matter how cute the shoes are. Beyond that, refer to your employer's dress code for specifics on rules about shoes.

Purses & handbags
Personally, I think it would be a pain to switch purses every single day. I would recommend having one that goes with as much as possible; or two that cover everything, such as one black and one brown. However, if you don't mind the hassle, switching up your purse can be an easy way to add a new touch to an older outfit. The purse you take to work with you should be as clean and professional looking as the rest of your clothing. It's still a part of your outfit and should be treated as such. You don't need to drop $$ on designer handbags, but I would recommend investing in a couple sturdy but classy ones that will last a long time and still be stylish next season.

Accessorizing
The most important thing here is not to overdo it. Accessories are another quick and easy way to freshen up a wardrobe you're getting bored with. Big necklaces are very much in right now, just make sure you don't overdo it on earrings and bracelets if you're statement piece is on your neck, and vice versa. If you clank and cling when you move your arms or your head, you're probably wearing too much jewelry, but a little jingle is okay.

Something else to keep in mind is that if your belt loops are showing, you should be wearing a belt (typically one that matches your shoes/pants). Your belt should be simple and tasteful. I would advise having at least one black and one brown belt.

Colorful, printed scarves help add color to an outfit that may otherwise seem a little lifeless. But again, keep it low key and don't go for anything too bright (i.e. neon yellow or hot pink). You should look like you're going to your office, not a rave (they're also great for covering up the hickies your lover gave you the night before ;) ).


So there are the basics of building a professional wardrobe. Below are those lists that I mentioned to help you get started on your shopping list. Any item that appears on both lists will be marked with an asterisk (*), and the must-have's I mentioned will be marked with a plus sign (+). Feel free to email me or comment if you have any feedback, comments, questions or if you need some more individualized advice :)

Things You Probably Already Own:
1. White button down*
2. Black slacks*
3. Heels and/or pumps (provided they meet the above guidelines)*
4. Turtlenecks
5. Sweaters
6. Cami's & t-shirts (for layering under other shirts)*
7. Boots (black and/or brown)*
8. Black tights*
9. A classy, neutral handbag*
10. Two belts: one black, one brown*

Things You Ought to Get (assuming you don't have them already):
1. White button down*+
2. Slacks: minimum two pairs, one black and one brown*+
3. Heels and/or pumps (provided they meet the above guidelines)*+
4. Cami's & t-shirts (for layering under other shirts)*+
5. Boots (black and/or brown)*
6. Additional slacks: taupe & gray
7. Skirts: black & brown
8. Cardigans
9. Polos
10. Sensible flats (try to go for a neutral color that will match anything, for the days your feet are aching)
11. More button downs, in several different colors
12. Black blazer
13. A nice heavy coat (think wool or leather - not your ski parka)+
14. A few nice blouses (I like the billowy ones that are all over right now - they're the perfect fit for the office but still cute and trendy enough to wear them out after work)+
15. Black tights*
16. A classy, neutral handbag*+
17. Two belts: one black, one brown*+
18. Classy, coordinating accessories for each outfit+
19. A few lively scarves
20. A heavy sweater (preferably neutral and with a full zip, in case it's cold in your office.)

(This article will soon be available in the Figure It Out section, under the Articles & Advice link. You will also be able to see photos of example outfits and recommended items in the Fashion Galleries section under the Career subheading.)

Labels: clothes, clothing, dress code, fashion, interview, new job, office, outfits, professional, wardrobe, work

This blog and website are dedicated to the women around the world who rock their own style - off the runway; it's for all of the women who don't - and shouldn't - starve themselves to fit the media's ideal of a women. This website is created with the idea that fashion is something every woman has and that every woman can afford.

My body is not perfect. I have my imperfections, just like everyone else. I created this website to show that every woman can have what she wants and wear the clothes that will make her feel beautiful, without breaking her budget.

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