Bowling-

Shirt: Calvin Klein Outlet $20, American Apparel Skit: 3 years ago $30, Boots: Naughty Monkey(hate the name but the shoes are comfy!3 years old): $70, pashmina: $5 Chinatown stand

     For Brooke's birthday, we went to Kings in Boston, for bowling, drinks and fun.  Trying to figure out what to wear was a bit tricky- because you want to find something that is relaxed and actually functional to bowl in.  Brooke and I witnessed an unprofashional moment, when a girl in a tight mini bondage skirt and no tights was attempting to bowl.  Hey, it happens to the best of us sometimes, right?  I once bought a silk shirt with bright flowers all over it.  It wasn't until I saw a photo of it, that I realized what an awful choice for me.  We learn from our mistakes in life and in fashion and just go with it.  

      Above I am rocking leggings, an american apparel cotton skirt from a few years ago a tee and of course, just keeping it pasual  on top with a light purple pashmina.  I am wearing my oldest wedge suede black boots, because I  thought we had to trade our shoes for the bowling sneaks, but apparently that was old school, and places don't do that anymore.  Oh well, I would rather be safe than hand in a favorite pair of boots and have some mix-up at the end of the night!  Yes- a little anal retentive, I know.  

     I did a bit of a smokey eye with some nude lips.  Lately, I am all or nothing when it comes to lips- I try to drop some bright pinks and reds, or mute it out completely TWIGGY STYLE.  Either way its fun to switch up your make-up, the same way you switch your clothes!  

Happy Monday! xoxo

Brookie

This is my friend Brooke!  We have been friends since we have been um.... 2 and she lived right around the corner from me, so we have known each other forever!  It is nice to have a friend that you have known forever and who knows all your crazy secrets, and loves you like a sister.  Brooke is such a classy profashional.  I absolutely love her style- it is very refined and classic.  This is a full lace dress from White House Black Market.  I wish I got a shot  without the cardi, because the sleeves are long and absolutely gorgeous.  The hint of blue adds a great layer to the look and of course, some nice high heeled knee-high boots to polish off the look.  She is a JCrew queen and of course some Tory Burch every now and then- pretty much rocks all of it!  Here is us in front of my parent's Christmas Tree- I need to find a picture of us twenty years ago, get ready Brooke.  Brooke also got a fabulous profashional pair of boots for Christmas from her boyfriend, Matthew- We will preview those soon!  As for the sales- keep your eyes peeled for some awesome deals!!  This is the time of year when they get rid of all of their items to clear for spring, so check out those clearance racks! : )

Me: Top: Zara, skirt: Ann Taylor outlet, belt: Banana republic outlet, pashmina: $5 mall stand
Brooke: Dress: White House Black Market, cardigan/belt: JCrew.  Need to check with her on the boots!

Perfect $10

Are you tight for cash, but need a little something to brighten up your wardrobe? Let's face it - we all are after the holidays! With Christmas long gone and February almost here, there are many ways to to stay profash without spending a ton of cash.

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of nail polish, or a new lipstick from CVS... or both. ;) When makeup just won't do - there's always the holiday clearance sales!

Here are some things you can get this week/weekend to spice it up, and that are on sale in stores now for really good deals under $10!!:

Go to Ann Taylor and look at the final sale pieces this week.  You will be able to find some deals. I picked up two new pieces at Ann Taylor's final sale for $9 each.  The bracelet was normally $65 and the necklace was normally $78. 

 

The bracelet is nice for stacking with a bunch of other bangles, and the necklace is a nice neutral that spices up the normal metallics I veer towards.
 
 Target, in general, is having a huge sale to get rid of their winter line.Jim's sister, Jess, picked up these beauts at Target this weekend for $8.50!  They are wedges with some fur and easy to throw on to walk to work, or hang out on the weekends with a pair of leggings.  

Jim bought a cold gear running sweatshirt for $7 at Target this weekend, so definitely worth looking for essentials and some fun things!!

Another thing you can do this time of year, is swap some older pieces with friends.  This will help freshen up your look and not cost a dime!  This week, I swapped a pair of Steve Madden booties with my friend Lauren for her boots shown below.  I love them and they are super comfortable!!  They are black suede- again me and the instagram photos- you can't tell the shade, but they are much darker.  I will show them on soon!  I LOVE the clogged bottoms!  Thanks Lauren! 

Liz and Christine

Here are my beautiful friends, Christine and Liz!  This was on New Year's Eve and I loved both of their outfits.  Liz had a really cute mini skirt and threw black over everything with pops of color in her outfit, which looked absolutely fabulous.  The green earrings (very Angelina Jolie-esque) and the brown boots stood out as covetable pieces.  The boots are from Aldo and are an absolute favorite of mine!  They are such a great color that mixes well with black and browns.  Christine has a great gold top on borrowed from Nuge and has some skinny leggants on (yea I made up half leggings half dress pants because they are more structured than your average leggings).  Loving the slippers- its the best part of having a house party for New Years- being able to kick back and relax when you want.  They both look so fun, cute and these outfits were comfortable for chilling on the couch with a bunch of close friends.  I have to show you these boots on Liz, because they are absolutely faboo!  Check out the wedge, gives just enough boost and the buckle on the bottom adds a nice flair.

Uh Oh, Looks like someone has the case of the Mondays...

I wanted to caveat out that I will try to get some posts ready on the weekend, but with work in full force posts might be scarce now and then, but I am sure we will make do!  As for now, it might have been the recent snow fall, or all of the mega clearances across all of the stores to clear out fall/winter attire, but I am already craving spring colors, and prints.  


Pastels are around the corner, so keep your eyes peeled.  H&M already has a bunch of spring things- where they are very fashion forward with the newest trends, so check it out on an extra cold day to give hope of the warmer weather in a few months!  I wanted to share a pair of pumps that I absolutely love.....gifted from who else, but Jim-


As for daydreaming on a cold day, I might be seen walking around my apartment trying to break them in.  These are the kind of shoes that help you look forward to the spring with a pair of jeggs, skinny white jeans and a plain tee....or pretty much anything.  My friend Christine got these in the black closed-toe version and ready to wear now.  These are my favorite pair of pumps and they are just fun to look at when you need a little pick-me-up!  I can't wait to show you Christine's when they come in!  

 One more thing- these are absolutely the mullet of all shoes: business in the front-and-party-in-the-back-type-lifestyle is the one thing that the 80's still brings to fashion- well and leg warmers, neon, and much more, but you know!

 My friend Keels made a good point when I showed her my bag last week(it is more of a cream than a white- and the filter gave it a lighter look)- I am weirdly obsessed with using instagram and different filters, but sometimes it is hard to see the actual color of the piece I am showing.  Below is the actual color.  What's your favorite pair of pumps??  

A little bit of Michael in my life...

I just got back from a fun day of shopping with my Mom and Jim's Mom at the Wrentham Outlets.  We found some pretty awesome deals in our travels around the stores- the best part was- they were not crowded at all.  I did run into a friend from work (hello Kate D!!), which was super fun and ended up eating at Unos to finish off the experience and our growling stomachs.  I wanted to share my favorite buy of the day- a Michael Kors bag from the outlets, sponsored by Cupcake and Co. (by that I mean the generous thank-you gift from Cupcakes parents for babysitting the little peanut before Christmas).  I chose a winter white in honor of my favorite feline friend.  So this tote came in black, red and white -I have been looking for a larger tote to carry work things in for a while, but hadn't found anything that stuck out to me as bomb.com material if you know what I mean.  The store only had the winter white on display in a small size so I asked if they had any out back in the large tote that I wanted (girls and guys- always ask if they have something out back- because I asked and got a "no" and my mom asked and one of the girls found it!)  So anyways- enough of my talking about it- here it is:

There is something about quilted purses that I love.  I like the classy look and the white adds to a nice clean look- remember to get leather protector for your purses ladies!  So 50% off the outlet price and then I found the tiniest scratch on the back that you need a magnifying to see- they gave me an additional 10% off for that because it was the last one.  I don't go looking for imperfections, but always check items before you purchase things- I normally buy a lot of things from consignment shops, so I am used to some scratches here and there, but if it can get you an additional 10%, you might as well ask!  I want to wear this as soon as possible, but it looks like there is rain in my future, so I will wait for a clear day to pull this gem out for the first time!
Check out the pockets on the inside with a ton of storage- and easy to stay organized.  This also has the cross body, which I feel is almost a must with larger bags to help keep you balanced- but whatever floats your boat!

Three things to start off the year

My latest obsessions of the new year:


Number 1: Leather Gloves with a little bit of bling from Buffalo Exchange.  Normally these gloves would be $18 (down from a retail value of $65!) but I traded in old clothes and got these for free!  I've never owned a pair of leather gloves, so I decided I would try them out for warmth and also to see if I can go a season without losing one- which tends to be my modus operandi.  I traded in some things I have had since high school, so I think it was worth it.

Number 2: Going with the flo'- the unruly hair type flo'

Free People: $9

I'm definitely taking Ashley Olsen's lead on these headbands of unruly hair.  Feel free to laugh at my weird stare- this is the first time I tried out my new iPhone's reverse photo view and didn't know where to look.  Either way you get the gist- I clearly didn't want to deal with my deflated curls from the wind, so I popped this on.  I also like this, because sometimes it is nice to have a relaxing weekend, when you focus on just RELAXING and not primping the ole' mane.


The great thing about these type of headbands- you can dress them up if you find one in silk- so bring out your inner hippie and try them out- some are expensive, so try out free people and see if you really like it first!  Below is Ashley Olsen rocking her more expense headband with two different looks:

Number 3- I am in to making my nails more like Jewelry.  Sometimes when work is as busy as can be- it is nice to be Jewelry free, but I still feel the need to have some kind of bling-  I find popping on some sparkle makes all the difference.  My friend Christine, has a cool technique for doing all different tones of the same color- I will put that up as soon as I get it!:

OPI: Meep Meep Meep with Serving up Sparkle on the ring finger

Essie: Devil's Advocate and Martha Stewart glitter from the craft store with top coat below and on top to hold it in.

Brendan in the details

Today, I am going to show Brendan's outfit for those male professionals out there.  Brendan is hilarious and always up for anything.  He take position as Dad (or some like to nickname him as Auntie) with his amazing camera and photographs everything at special events.  He makes me laugh and has the coolest fiancé in the world!  Adrienne(fiancé ) and Brendan had people over a couple of weekends ago, and I was so impressed by his outfit. They are the type of friends that always make you feel welcomed and that is nice to feel at home when they are around or when we are at their place.  They are getting married this upcoming New Years and we are all so happy for them- yea they're the best!

Sometimes, its the small details that really make an outfit.  A pop of color, that one statement piece, or that one cool pair of shoes that stand out.  Below, is part of my friend Brendan's half zip Burberry sweater.  Sometimes I feel that Burberry print although classic, can be best displayed as an accessory through purses, scarves, earmuffs and more.  But this sweater is hands down one of the best Burberry pieces I have seen for clothing, because it is subtle but when you get close you can see the detail and the great quality the sweater is made of.  Brendan found this steal at Nordstrom off the Rack for under $70 when he was visiting California on business.  This is an extremely versatile piece and is so classic it never gets old.

Another pop in his outfit is the true religion jean pocket.  Now, that is what makes a pair of jeans unique and adds a little bit of bling with the pattern.  Again, these are all things that don't pop out at you, but when you see the detail, they add a little something something to the overall look!

Below is the outfit as a whole and it looks absolutely fabulous for any occasion from hanging on the weekends to a party.     

Now, if you look closely, you can see Brendan's MUGGS (otherwise known as Man- Uggs) Thanks to Tom Brady, the beauts have been such a hit this year for a lot of guys, and girls, they now know our secret of how freaking comfortable they are.  The brown compliments a nice pair of jeans and mixes well with the green sweater, not to mention is the most comfortable things ever.

MUggs: Gifted

 Brendan travels quite a bit for his work, which is where he came across the sweater he did when he was in Cali for such a steal.  Below, is one of my favorite pieces of art; framed pictures that Brendan picked up in China on a business trip.  Red is one of my favorite colors and this compliments their yellow wall nicely.  Not to mention, the prints themselves are absolutely amazing and so unique!  I know this isn't an art blog, but some stuff is just too cool, not to show.

Keely

Black Blazer(I think Express- but we will double check!; Dress: Marshalls ($14), Black Tights; Stella and Dot Earrings : Gifted from me for Christmas- Love that she had them on!

This is my friend Keely.  Yes - She has an absolutely gorgeous name (name matches the face - obv.) that without fail, turns into Kelly on her starbucks and even in general conversation because it is so unique.


I've known Keely since I started my first job - over three years - and she is one of the best people you could ever meet.  She works harder than anyone I know, but knows when we would need a coffee break (okay chocolate break) on those long days!  


She is currently in law school at night and works days (can you say cray cray?) - so let's just say we do what we can to see each other as much as we can.  She is one of those friends where you really don't know how she fits in everything and still has energy.  We used to be neighbors too - now having slight withdrawals that she is a commuter rail away and missing our workouts, family dinners, and walks to the Charles. 


She is definitely the eye of the storm type person and always fits time in for family and friends.  So,  a couple weeks before Christmas Keels asked if I could go shopping with her to pick out some outfits to add to her wardrobe.  Shopping and Keely was like the best combo ever!  She, like me,  gets a little overwhelmed by the shelves of Marshalls.  If you aren't used to that scene, its like showing up to a warehouse without a map.  So we sifted through all the racks with her and her sis, Hannah and they both found Christmas outfits, matching ones to make their Mom die laughing to see her grown daughters match like they did when they were younger (yea....I think they are still famous for doing that every now and then, not as a joke)  So, any who, Keels sent me her Christmas outfit, that included one of the dresses we picked up at Marshall's on our trip there.  We will have to feature some of the other deals we found that night too, it was such a success!
 So this dress is awesome, versatile and I really like that Keels went with a timeless, chic black and grey number because it is more than just a holiday dress, it is a go-to piece in your closet.  The opaque black tights really finish off the look.  She didn't get a photo of her feet, but they were very polished black leather boots.  This picture below, after I used instagram on my iPhone, looked like a professional photo and I feel like I have so many pictures that I don't put up from one outfit, I am going to try and put more up.  This outfit is also easy to transfer to the office and you could also, do my favorite pop a shirt underneath and wear it as a jumper as a more casual work day in the office.

Now- let's have a close-up on the earrings!  Keels and I went to out friend Kara's Stella and Dot Jewelry party a couple of months back and they have really great stuff.  These earrings are perfect for everyday wear and night because of the bling with a classy feel.  I absolutely loved them and knew that Keely did too.  She got me an awesome bracelet that I will snap and put up with one of my outfits.  Check em out:

The most exciting thing for Keely this year(besides finishing law school), is she is getting married and is letting me put up a piece on it- so yea- she really is superwoman!

Coming Soon- a young male profashional!

Shout out to Filene's Basement

So, as sad as I am to see Filene's Basement go, I did get some last minute deals when they closed their doors for a final time this past Thursday.  I walked in and saw nothing but open space, empty shelves and lost dreams (okay I know I'm being dramatic (haha), but that is one of my favorite stores of all time).  All that was left, was a bunch of crazed people fighting over some valentino dresses, ripped clothing and fixtures.  MTV hoarders should have featured one lady who was yelled at various times through the intercom that if you pick it up, you must buy it immediately, because she kept taking large amounts of clothing and put it in a pile and guarding them the way Andre Carter would protect Brady in this weeks game(okay seriously know nothing about football- if that doesn't make sense you know what I mean).  So needless to say, things got a bit crazy-  Below is a picture of the rest of the store with the last handful of racks to my right:

I found one dress that I didn't end up getting and then took my time in the return rack in the dressing room, where I actually found these three dresses for a grand total of $38.  No one was in the dressing room looking at the I don't want it pile and that is where I made moves.  As soon as I entered the dressing room, the intercom (in between yelling at this lady for trying to buy everything to clearly resell online or at her own store) said NOW EVERYTHING IS 90% off everything MUST GO! GO! GO!  I took the few things I found even though two of the dresses will have to wait for spring and went on my way.  Below is a Nanette Lepore Dress originally $350-  then $150 at Filene's Basement' price and with 90% off was a grand total of $15.  This dress will pair nicely with a black blazer and plain tights- there is definitely enough going on in the dress to not add anything else!

Below is another Nanette Lepore Dress that I found and was originally $420.  The Filene's Basement tag was gone, so that lady just rung the above dress in twice (because she had nothing to compare it to and I got this one for $15 as well).  This dress originally had some yellow in between the black and clear beads, but I carefully cut those with small scissors, because it was too many colors for my liking.  Look below to see the before photo to get what I am talking about!

The below is really pretty, but I thought was too much color for me.  I like either way, but I want to wear  this to a wedding or something and like just the two colors instead of the yellow mixed in.  

Finally, on my way out of the store, I saw this dress over a chair.  We rung this ABS dress out originally $200, ($89 at Filene's price) for $8.99!!  I was thinking of wearing this with some high wedge sandals and its perfect for anything from a wedding shower, to a night out, and if you belt it, you can make it more casual.  It was a fun trip and if you find deals like these- even if they are out of season.  

MORAL OF THE STORY IS: if they fit, they look good on you and they are a nice quality, sometimes you have to get them.  Research to see what competing prices are, to ensure you are actually getting a good deal.  Make sure you actually like the product!!  Confessions of a Young Profashional: I have bought some clothes before just because they were on a super clearance (less than $10) and decided I didn't like it- don't throw away money just because it is on a huge clearance- make sure you like it- bc if you don't wear it, what's the point? You are just wasting money at that point. I have a bunch of weddings and upcoming events this year, so it is always good to have some fun cocktail dresses on hand!

New Years Sparkle

New Year's Eve - the one time of year when it is okay to wear as much glitter as possible. I definitely use many days out of the year to wear as much glitter as possible, but who's counting, really?  

Happy New Year everyone and I hope everyone is happy and healthy.  I got the free starbucks mug as an extra surprise from Jim and have had 3 cups of coffee so far for free- I think Starbucks will make out on this deal, because I will become more of a caffeine addict as the month goes on, I'm sure.  

As for my New Year's Eve, my friends Nuge and Christine hosted a lovely New Years Party with close friends, food, drinks, great company and of course the game, Catch Phrase.   It is a great game for groups of people and gets people talking- always a plus!  As for my outfit, I tried to combine everything glittery that I have, making me look similar to a toned down Lady Gaga- who dressed up like the New Year's Ball- who would have known we have similar taste.
 Below is a hand-me-down from Jim's Mom, from French Connection- I love it because you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion and it is basic enough with stripes that you can wear over and over.

I normally don't belt things that are sequence, but I thought that this added another layer and it toned it down a bit with all of the other silver.

Jim picked out these earring for me when we first started dating when he was in New York City.  It was some kind of costume jewelry shop and they are absolutely perfect for New Year's Eve- voila!:

Below is a headband that I purchased during black Friday shop-til-you drop moment on deals and steals of the day.  This was the BCBG headband for $14 and I have worn it to almost all of my holiday parties-

 Below is even more glitter- Judith Jack Ring- that Jim gave me for our two year anniversary- It is very unique and I haven't seen anything like it- I wear it almost every day, but with this outfit it added more bling!

I would like to draw your attention to my slightly artistic picture of my New Years Nails on a chinese 12 year cycle placemat. (OPI Birthday Babe with Serving up Sparkle on top):

Finally, besides the headband, the only thing that I purchased months ago was these tights made by Hue at Marshalls for $6- these will be worn with pencil skirts to work to spice it up a drab Friday.  They look like a snowstorm and/or the constellations on your legs and it is a lot to handle, but awesome: