Showing posts with label LOFT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LOFT. Show all posts

Thursday, April 10, 2014

What I thought about what I bought

What I thought about what I bought




1. Michael Kors heels: These are GREAT.  Really.  I first bought the black and went back for the snakeskin.  The are really comfy all day long.  The heel is a little lower than I realized when I ordered them but the comfort you get wearing them is worth it.  For me, they are best with ankle length pants or dresses and skirts since my pants are tailored for a higher heel.

2. Tazo Passion Fruit Tea:  This is great hot or cold.  I love hot tea and was craving something a little lighter as we get into spring.  I drank enough chai and cocoa through the cool months.

3.  Ann Taylor Loft Julie Skinny pants:  These new pants are so cute.  I don't have the body for super skinny and I don't like bootleg so these are a good alternative.  I put these on to show my husband but he thought they were a little too sexy for work.  I was so bummed.  I knew they were fitted but I thought they looked so good. I have decided to take his advice for now and save them for a day when I have an after-work cocktail hour to attend.

4.  C.Wonder iPhone 5s battery extender:  Another great buy.  I got this during one of their 50% off sales and it is great.  My husband just asked me to order him one too.  I don't plan to use this everyday but on those occasions I will be away from my charger for an extended period of time (think weekend adventures) it will be perfect.  I just used it during Spring Break and it took my phone from 20% to 85%.

5.  C.Wonder sweater:  I didn't love this.  I liked the idea of the built-in, removable collar but it needs a little more structure.  It also got pilled easily.  Maybe during cooler months when you can layer up a tank or cami, this would work.  I thought it would be a good spring transition but it's too warm to layer, here in Florida.  Although this brand has a lot of looks I love, I probably wouldn't buy this sweater again.

What have been your recent purchases?  What are your favorite brands?

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Favorite denim of the moment

Did I just find a perfectly fitting off-the-rack pair of jeans? Yes!
These Ann Taylor LOFT jeans hold their shape ALL DAY, have a dark rinse for a lean look and have just a touch of distress.  They also happen to be the perfect length.  I am not normally a denim fan since my legs are bigger than my waist and it's hard for me to find a good fit but these are my current faves!
Which brand carries your best fitting jeans?
Distress Denim Favorite


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Cute collar tops

I make the most of having short hair by accessorizing my collar whenever possible.  Long hair tends to cover the collar area but those of us with short hair can really take advantage of a great top with a lot of collar detail. An exposed bold zipper on the back of the sweater or a necklace that ties in the back makes a look even more special.
I love scarves and am so excited to start layering tops over the next couple months.  On the days a scarf isn't practical I will be wearing something fun like these tops.  Here are a few of my faves.     Cute collar tops


Friday, October 11, 2013

What to wear on casual Friday

My office wear is business casual but on Friday we can wear jeans.  Since I am on the short side, I have found that ankle-length is a good choice so I can wear flats and not worry about the legs being too long.  I wear a modern straight leg and I love a dark rinse.
Since denim is on the super casual side, I like to wear a cute top like this lace one and some cute accessories.  I am a scarf lover so I am especially excited fall is here.  I will be in scarves non-stop.
Casual Friday


Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Business Casual Interview Outfits Under $100

My office dress code is business casual.  We are not a suit and tie kinda company but we are a dress nice-enough-to-meet-a-customer and comfy enough so your wardrobe isn't a distraction kinda company.
I do a lot of interviewing with potential candidates.  When we post a job opening, it is not uncommon to receive 50-100 applicants.  Your first impression is your resume.  Employers have no way to judge you except your resume.  (read my interview tips)
If you make it through that, your next test is the in-person interview.  The reality is, we are judged from how we act, what we say and how we dress.  Knowing that you even made it to an interview is a victory in itself.  There is something in your credentials that says you could be hired for this job. Don't miss your opportunity by missing the mark with your appearance.  
An interview is not the time to wear your new platform heels.  Leave 'em at home.  Jeans? No way! Do the best with what you have and borrow from a friend if necessary.  Starch and ironing can go a long way to make some inexpensive slacks look more high end.

I found some great options, less than $100 that I think would be good looks for office-casual environments.  I love the dress shown.  Polished and approachable, the perfect look.  Like the pictures show, I would lean towards a closed-toe heel or a peep-toe for interviews and daily office wear. Pair the dress with some simple earrings from your jewelry box and a neutral bag and you are sure to make a great first impression.
My other three combinations are blouses with skirts.  Skirts and slacks are worth a good investment, you'll get years of wear from them.  Tops I tend to spend a little less on so I can buy for each season and trend without draining my bank account.
These tops shown are perfectly polished, giving a sweet feminine look without the need to reveal much skin.  Tops and blouses from LOFT average $40-$60 and they often have sales so you can save as you spend.
My jewelry showing wasn't in my $100 budget but they were too cute not to post.

A few more tips for making a great first impression:
  • Clean and polish your shoes and remove scuff marks as much as possible  
  • Carry a neutral, clean handbag and place it on the floor, not on the top of the desk
  • Keep jewelry simple and nails polished
  • Pantyhose are only necessary for executive positions, unless otherwise stated.  Business casual is okay with tights or bare skin.
  • When in doubt, add a blazer.  A blazer will always take your outfit up a notch.  A good fitting blazer is key.  Worry about fit, not brand. 
Good luck! You can do it!

Business Casual Interview Outfits Under $100


Thursday, August 1, 2013

Summer Style

August is here and that means summer is almost over.  We had rain 27 out of the last 31 days so I am hoping for a somewhat dry August before we head into fall.  I have been on the go and have been relying on a few pieces to get me through my weekends.
I put together my first collage (thanks for the help Annie) showing some of my favorite pieces.

Elizabeth Porter

Simon got me these earrings at Christmas.  I have been wearing them all summer.  I wear mostly stud-earrings and these are some of my faves.  For sandals, these MKs are great.  They are very comfy and never gave me blisters plus they are cute with dresses, shorts and jeans and have just enough heel to be nicer than flip flops but still great to walk around in.  My watch was another gift from Simon.  I have several of these MK watches.  I love the boyfriend style and favor pieces that are good to wear at work, out and about and weekends.  I have had this bag for a few seasons and finally eyed a new one that I may trade up to.  This bag is really roomy and has been a good buy.

Stripes and basics have been my summer wardrobe.  I ventured out with my first colored denim and picked up these bottoms from Loft.  They hold their shape during the day and are cute full-length or rolled up to a small cuff.  The BR soft long sleeve is perfect for the days I have been on the water all day and I grabbed this cute striped suit while I was out of town and needed one quick. Lastly, another BR piece, I have worn this skirt with every color top from pink to orange to white and it's really cute.

My first collage is complete.  So exciting.  I have found some great summer-to-fall transition pieces and can't wait to create my next board.        


Banana Republic pocket skirt
bananarepublic.gap.com



Mossimo swim suit
target.com


Mossimo swim suit
target.com



Michael Kors hobo handbag
$480 - monnierfreres.co.uk


Michael kors jewelry
neimanmarcus.com


Stud earrings
macys.com