OOTD- A Good Thing

It's Monday, which usually doesn't get as much love as say Friday, but I think it's going to be a good day anyway. This morning I had my very first butt-crack of morning boot camp class. I might be crazy for signing up for it and I'm already feeling out of shape and slightly sore, but it was a great way to start off the day. Plus, that hour we lost yesterday means that it won't be dark when I get off from work and it's that signal that spring is just around the corner. That gets a big yay from me since it means I can start to ignore those tights in my drawers. And finally, this post features my favorite shoes ever and a new bargain sweater that just might take top prize out of some of my new purchases. Color, pattern and texture, it's a trifecta of outfit goodness. $25 and two outings so far, it is well on the way to being worth pennies in the cost per wear calculation. Winning!

Happy Monday!!!

Outfit Details:

Space-dyed sweater- Old Navy (available here, similar here in other colors and a different hemline)

Navy pants- J. Crew

Pink velvet pumps- Marc Jacobs (similar here in a pointy toe, cute alternative here, peep-toe alternative here)

Leopard hat- Albertus Swanepoel for Target (similar here and a less leopardy version here)

Claw bracelet- ASOS (real deal designer version here, budget version available here)

OOTD- You Win A Car!!!

Okay, I didn't really win a car, but remember when I mentioned a blogger's event back in December (if not, see the post here). Well, what I didn't tell you is that I was lucky enough to have my name pulled as the winner of a brand new pair of J Brand jeans!!! I was completely shocked, but absolutely thrilled because J Brand is definitely one of my favorite lines and the universe must have known I was contemplating a new addition to my denim selection. I was determined to go for something a little different and I couldn't be more thrilled with my final choice. After a trip to the tailor, I excitedly threw these new babies on this past weekend:

Check out my new waxed jeans guys!! I felt like such a bad mama in these because frankly, this is about as close to a pair of leather pants as I'll probably get. That's fine by me because these feel great on, plus they are soft, but they deceive you into thinking they are fancy-schmancy leather. Don't be surprised if you see me wearing these every single weekend (or sleeping in them or vacuuming in them with my fancy heels on or trying to sneak a wear to the office. Do you think I can manage that last one?). Seriously, favorite jeans ever!!

Have you ever had a perfect jean moment? A pair that fit you so perfectly or were absolutely fun and frivolous?

Outfit Details:

Red sweater and vest- Old Navy (similar sweater here)

Jeans- J Brand Pencil in Turbulant Coated Clay (available here)

Leopard wedges- ShoeMint "Jolly" (same designer's style available here)

Necklaces (top to bottom)- Leila initial necklace (similar here), Spike the Punch crystal and pink glitter necklace (this style is no longer available, but check her store for other styles), gifted chain necklace

OOTD- A Mix-Up

What do you think of my new haircut?

I'm slightly addicted to my new phone. Words with Friends has become a bit obsessive.

Have you ever created an outfit of random things? I suppose that's what any outfit is, but I'm sure you also have a few go-to looks. This outfit is definitely a hodge-podge of things that I'm not sure if it works well together, but layering random items will definitely come in handy when I get bored of my stuff by January. So be prepared for lots of future mixing and matching. If I start to look like a crazy lady, definitely tell me!!

What do you do to ward off thoughts of throwing out everything in your closet and buying all new things?

Outfit Details:

Polka dot blouse- thrifted (similar here w/o sleeves, similar in black with large dots here, similar in sheer version here)

Tan vest- Old Navy (available here)

Navy blazer- Priorities

Tweed skirt and leopard belt- J. Crew outlet (similar skirt here, similar in pencil version here)(similar belt here)

Pink "Brulee" necklace- J. Crew (available here)

Quilted cap-toe flats- Delman (similar here, bargain version here)

Burgundy handbag- Marc by Marc Jacobs "Natasha" (available here)

P.S. I did not cut my hair, just trying the fake-out bob.

OOTD- Vested Interest

I felt like my wardrobe was missing a good vest, so when this popped up on Old Navy's website, I thought it would be a perfect little addition. However, when I tried to style it over the weekend, I felt like it was giving me a sailor/fisherman vibe. I suppose the belt with the anchor buckle I tried to put on wasn't helping either. Given the inherent casualness of this vest, I thought I would take a stab at making it work...for work. I didn't feel like all I needed was a fishing pole and some bait, but you can bet I would be prepared anyway with all of these pockets.

Is there an item you feel is missing from your wardrobe?

Outfit Details:

Black/white dress- Express via thrift store

Tan vest- Old Navy (available here)

Black belt- J. Crew (similar here)

Twisted sandals- Loeffler Randall (different style, same color on sale here)

Lavender studded handbag- Spotted Moth (available here)

Necklace- JewelMint

Arm party (from top to bottom)- Club Monaco, Gorjana, J. Crew, Target, ASOS

Spots Everywhere

In my pattern mixing quest of 2011, I found myself conjuring up this little number. Abstract dots mixed with polka dots made for an easy mix. One of these days, I'll be bold enough to do two totally different patterns....just not right now. A girl has to baby step her way to that point.

Is anyone else dying for spring to get here already? I want to shed my coat for jackets and let the feet out for some fun in a nice strappy wedge. My legs might die from tight strangulation if it doesn't hurry soon.

Outfit Details:

Black polka dot top- Old Navy

White ikat dot skirt- J. Crew outlet

Gray cardigan- The Limited (via Marshall's)

Black belt- J. Crew

Black boots- BCBG

Black handbag- Foley + Corinna

OOTD-Vested Interest, Why Can't I Quit You?

I didn't really realize it until I was looking at my pictures, but I guess I was having what I like to call a NY uniform moment (almost, my shirt messed up the all black theme).

I have had this buffalo plaid shirt for awhile that I plucked off the sales rack for maybe $8. I'm not sure what drew me to it (I'm fairly certain it was the price), but it has a strong masculine vibe to me. I thought that it needed some love, so I decided to pair it with another wardrobe problem child, this vest. I remember seeing it on a website years ago, drooling over how special it was for months, finally ordered it when it went on sale (Merry Christmas to me!!) and now it sits in a dark closet crying over being neglected. The problem is I sometimes get lost in the armholes when I put it on and then I ponder over what the heck to wear it with. I don't know if I could ever get rid of it though because I have a fond memory of being a broke, just out of college and paying a million bills to be an adult and waiting forever for that one special piece to finally be mine.

Is there something in your closet that you just can't let go of no matter how many times you try?

Excuse the butt shot, but I wanted you to see the open back of my vest. That is all!! :)

Outfit Details:
Black/white buffalo plaid top- Old Navy (similar here)
Open back knit vest- Mason by Michelle Mason (vest with similar vibe here)
Black cropped pants- J Crew outlet
Black belt- J Crew (similar style in suede here)
Black pumps- Chloe
Black trench coat- DKNY
Black driving gloves- Forever 21

OOTD-Who Wears Short Shorts in the Brisk Cold? I Do!!!

I'm determined to rock the shorts with tights look and that's exactly what I did this past Sunday. The bf and I headed out for a drive and I tricked him a little into shopping by making sure our destination included the outlets. I even tricked him into spending more than I did; my magical skills are growing stronger (mwah, ha, ha). One little shopping bag was it for me and I even stopped at Target to make sure the little kiddies would have some goodies to rot their teeth, but no one knocked at the door!!! What am I going to do with a $7 bag worth of chocolate? With the Thanksgiving yummy around the corner my waistline is not going to be a happy camper.

Did you have a fun Halloween? My friend and her husband hosted a party at their new place on Saturday. I dressed up as some kind of black hippie because that's all my mother could offer. I was hoping she could dust off some bunny or cat ears from 1982 or something, but her recent 70's themed party was the best she could do. I won't complain as I would have been a serious party pooper showing up as me on a regular Saturday night. To see what my boyfriend dressed as, see below.

Love, peace and soul dudes!

Have you guys met Windy Man?? If not, you are seriously missing out on the awesome, hilariousness that is Cougar Town!!! Wednesday @ 9:30 on ABC!!!!

Outfit Details:

Black button-back top- Yesstyle.com

Plaid shorts- Old Navy

Black flats- Chanel

Colorful knit scarf- Missoni

Handbag- Louis Vuitton