OOTD-We Were On A Break

Wow, I sure took a hiatus that was longer than expected. Between the holiday season, getting prepared for Christmas and honestly needing a surge of fashion inspiration, it's been a little slow going on the blogging front. But I miss all of you guys and this blog and I swear I have been getting dressed (not getting dressed because there's nothing to wear in my closet is just not an option in real life). Like this weekend when I braved the malls to tackle some of my Christmas shopping. I managed to last a few hours before I was reading to expire from hunger and annoyance at being in a crowded mall and I knocked a few names off my list (sigh, but still several more to go). Lots of walking and bag holding required comfort from head to toe, so I threw on some jeans and a tee. Of course I couldn't leave out style too, so I added some color and loaded up with jewelry including a few new pieces from BaubleBar that I'm totally loving. And all of this jewelry layering has me craving more cute and edgy pieces. Maybe Santa will be really nice this year since I've been a very good girl...most of the time. :)

Have you finished your holiday shopping?

Have you been partaking in the two for me, one for you gift strategy like I have?

Have all of these retail sales been driving your wallet mad?

Outfit Details:

Blue blazer- old Lilly Pulitzer (similar here, here and here)

Gray tee- stolen from my guy H&M

Boyfriend jeans- Madewell (available here, similar here)

Purple suede flats- Madewell (available here on sale)

Sunglasses- StyleMint

Magenta handbag-old Kale

Necklaces (from top to bottom)-initial, old Urban Outfitters (similar here), heart, old Forever 21 (cute alternative here; double bar necklace, BaubleBar (available here in silver, alternative here)

Bracelets- left arm from top to bottom-white studded cuff, old Forever 21(alternative here); double arrow bracelet, Baublebar; purple skull bracelet, BaubleBar (available here)

Bracelet- right arm from top to bottom- studded bracelet, old Forever 21; gold watch, old Nixon (similar here); fox bracelet, BCBG (alternative here on sale, alternative here in colors)

Bloggers Do It Better- Having an Arm Party!!

There's nothing I love better than a good arm party and when the new Bloggers Do It Better assignment popped up for just that, I couldn't have been more excited. Although my arm party was nowhere near as jumping as The Man Repeller's (had to keep it semi-tame for a workday), I had so much fun with all of the business going on around my wrist.

My lovely Tucker dress hasn't seen any action in awhile and after the fiance mentioned that it is his favorite dress of mine recently, I thought I would take it out for a spin; but in a slightly different way as a skirt. And with multiple colors going on in the dress, I figured why not go a bit crazy with pops everywhere. I was going to make sure everyone knew that a party was happening today.

And I have to give a special shout out to the wonderful Rosa from the Rosa Loves blog who gifted me two awesome friendship bracelets on the right. I love them and they were so excited to join the festivities. :)

Outfit Details:

Wrap dress- Tucker (via Gilt) (similar here on sale)

Flame orange sweater- Banana Republic outlet (similar available here)

Tan woven belt- H&M

Green Mary Jane heels- Sugar (similar here in suede, similar here in a round-toe)

Giraffe necklace- J. Crew outlet (old) (similar cutesy version here)

Tan handbag- Rebecca Minkoff Croc Embossed MAM (same bag, different color here)

Arm party on the left- White studded bangle, ASOS; Tortoise watch, Forever 21; White and gold metal bracelets, Accessories & Beyond

Arm party on the right- Gold twisted open bangle, Forever 21; Crystal and ball chain friendship bracelets, Rosa of Rosa Loves; Crystal cuff bracelet, LOFT

Check out all of the other ladies at the arm party here!!

OOTD- A Little Short Shimmer

You guys probably aren't surprised to hear this, but it was hot to death last week. This week is shaping up to be a slight reprieve from the heat, but that means nothing when it is only about 5 degrees less and still in the 90's.

The big boss was nice enough to suspend the dress code on Friday and let us wear shorts. The email sent out stated if you can wear it to the beach, you can wear it to the office. I'm happy to report no one got too crazy and came in a bikini top although there was talk among the guys of wearing thongs (very bad visual image)! My beach uniform of shredded jeans and a cover-up went unworn, but I thought I would go to a classier "beach" with the ensemble I put together. I wanted to pretend I was strolling along some fancy Italian beach, with a cocktail in hand, fabulous shades and people speaking that beautiful language all around me. It didn't quite transport me to the Amalfi coast, but c'est la vie!!

What is your dream vacation destination??? 

Outfit Details:

Pink button down and patent belt- J. Crew (similar top here at a bargain price)

Black shimmer shorts- Ann Taylor (via clothing swap) (similar effect on these shorts here)

Tan platform heels- Miu Miu

Striped handbag- Rebecca Minkoff Mini Cherish (same style in a studded version here, chicer version here, similar chain strap version here)

Sunglasses- House of Harlow "Charlotte" (available here)

Arm Party- top two Forever 21 (similar here), watch Shock Boutique (available here), bottom J. Crew (similar here)