Toast on a Romper...

In the midst of the past extremely busy week(s), I've managed to take blog photos once. #fail (I know). I'll try to do one more post this week, and then I'll be missing-in-action for two weeks. I had hoped to plan some posts ahead of time and schedule them while I'm away, but it didn't happen, and seeing as we leave in two days (!!!!!!!) and I still have to clean the house and pack, I just won't be able to schedule any posts. But I do promise some fun filled posts when we return!! 

On the note of packing, I have to say, trying to plan what I'll wear for 15 days is tough! The temperatures are from the mid teens to thirties, plus we're renting a motorcycle in Florence, and planning trips to the coast, and possibly hiking... how on earth do you fit all of the clothes needed for that in one suitcase and leave room for shopping?? I've made a spreadsheet (geek, I know) to try to figure out what I'll need to wear for each activity and day, and when I can switch up those items for another outfit. It's challenging when all you really want to pack are dresses!! Wish me luck! 

 romper: rowena (available for grabs in my swap board, since it's kind of tight on me)

cardigan: local shop

shoes: michael kors

necklace: wedding gift from Dominic

flower: vintage box 1947

big business.

I'm not sure how much I've mentioned about my job in past posts. I know I've shared that I work in an office... but I think that's it.  I'm a Marketing & Finance Assistant.  So while most days are spent behind my desk in the office, and my novelty dresses are okay, some days there's meetings, and looking a little more the part is more appropriate.  

 

 

 These days, putting together outfits is a little more challenging.  I definitely have some more business-style clothes in my closet, but because it's not my first choice, or what I feel most comfortable in, I really need to think through my outfit planning.  Fall and winter definitely help, because I love layers, and layering comes naturally (not that I wore the hat and scarf in to any meetings... they only made it as far as the coat rack in my office, and then they were parked for the day).  What I've discovered is that being pure-business isn't me.  While I love a classic suit with heels, and a posh bag, it's not something I feel I can pull off.  People tell me I can, but I just don't feel like me in those outfits.  I've realized that I can wear dress pants, blazers, blouses... but they need to have some layers to them, and some colour and pattern.  Once I realized this, I did manage to add a few staples to my closet.  The key, I've learned, is to keep trying and not get frustrated.  There's always a way to weave your style into any outfit.

     dress: modcloth
     hat: urban outfitters
     scarf: jacob
     tights: joe fresh
     watch: guess
     blazer: macy's
     shoes: michael kors

i rock a lot of polka dots...

 ... i break for birds! i have touched glitter in the last 24 hours! and that doesn't mean i'm not smart and tough and strong! (favourite jessica day quote ever). i know, i know. enough with the new girl/zooey deschanel.  it was just because today's outfit really did make me think of that, in the sense that i've worn several polka dotted outfits this week.

today, modcloth is celebrating 'plaidurday', so naturally, i felt the need to take part. what better to wear than a vintage plaid capelet?? not to mention mixing prints is always fun.

i feel like every time i wear this dress, it's with a black belt, and black polka dot tights. i was tempted to switch up the tights today, but i figured with the plaid cape, the polka dots and plaid combination made it interesting enough without having to change it up. so i guess that'll be my challenge for the next time i wear this dress.

i bought these shoes on a whim in new orleans.  i did actually need some new black flats, as the soles on mine were about to fall off, no joke. they're several years old, and i've definitely gotten my money's worth out of them. so in new orleans, after seeing the convention center of where the trade show was going to be held, i didn't feel confident that i'd be able to wear heels for three days and walk/stand all day. i saw these shoes, and fell in love with them. i figured they'd probably come in handy, and was i right.  i wore them every day. by the end of the week, my feet were so swollen from the heat and humidity that not only did i not wear heels, but these were actually the only shoes that i could squish my feet in to.  best shoes ever purchased. and i love how the bows and little bit of gold just dress them up a tad.

     cape: gift, vintage
     dress: shop love miami
     belt: forever 21
     tights: walmart
     shoes: michael kors