Cleaning Out the Archives: NY&CO

Apostrophe (Sears) Blouse - Goodwill $3.75,  NY&CO 7th Avenue Pants $23.40

NY&CO Cardigan - Goodwill $3.75, Earrings - Charming Charlie's $5.97, Old Navy Flats

DATE: July, 2011

I love New York and Company for a few reasons:

1. Their clothes are simple and timeless. Even if I thrift something that's a few years old it usually fits right into my current wardrobe.

2. Fit. I can't say enough about the fit of NY&CO, especially their pants.

3. Cost. With the right coupon and the right sale, I can usually go in NY&CO and really rack up on some wardrobe staples.

4. Professional Trends. Somehow NY&CO takes fashion trends and make them appropriate for young professionals.

FYI - Not every outfit has made it to the blog this year for whatever reason. Every week, I plan to take a look back at some outfits that didn't make the cut before and post it. If I wore it, I have to be comfortable enough to share it.

Spring Is Here!

The weather has been so nice this past week in NC (with the exception of a few crazy storms), let's just hope that spring is here to stay. I'm finally getting the opportunity to wander around campus and take some pictures outside. One of the things that I absolutely love about UNC Greensboro's campus is all of the green spaces. One thing that I've learned about taking pictures on a college campus is to take them in the morning before students are out and about or in the late afternoon when students are returning to their dorm rooms or leaving campus.

NY&CO Cardigan

Ann Taylor Loft Blouse - Goodwill [$3.75]

Old Navy (Diva Fit) Jeans - Plato's Closet [$9.99]

Earrings - Charlotte Russe [2 for $8]

George (Walmart) Thong Sandals



Spring Color Blocking: Blue and Yellow

Outfit 1:

Old Navy Cropped Cardigan - Uptown Cheapskate [$4.99]

NY&Co Yellow Maxi Dress

White Stag (Walmart) Tank

Nine West Tan Purse - Ross [$24.99]

Outfit 2:

INC International Concepts (Macy's) T-shirt - Goodwill [$3.75]

Yellow and Gold Bangles - Forever 21

Merona (Target) Scarf

I receive so many compliments when I wear blue, so I'm not sure if that's what made it my favorite color or my love of Duke Basketball since as far back as I can remember, or the brief love affair with Dallas Cowboys football back in the day. Anyway, blue and yellow are definitely my GO TO colors for the spring! Up until this week, I've only been wearing cobalt blue on my toes (see Manicure and Pedicure). Now that the weather is warming up in NC, I'm finally able to incorporate my favorite color into my everyday wear and I am absolutely loving it! I am also loving the latest addition to my handbag family. I really wanted a Coach, but just couldn't justify the purchase with my birthday and mother's day next month (hint, hint family and friends) so I went with one of my favorite brands, Nine West in a neutral tan color that will compliment the many colors I have planned for the spring and summer.

  

So funny story, after taking the first few pictures for today's post this morning, I walk in my office and Rhonda compliments me on my outfit, then gasps "But, where is your necklace?" You know you have a good friend when she takes the necklace from around her neck and offers it to you make your outfit fabulous. Thanks Rhonda, she's always looking out!

Finally, I just love how a few accessories can take a simple t-shirt to another level. I found this INC t-shirt at Goodwill brand new (still had the tags on it)! I added a yellow scarf and yellow and gold bangles for a simple weekend look (or blue and gold Friday - Spartan Spirit!).

Color Blocking: Black and Blue

Only in NC will it snow the end of March. Here's an outfit that I intended to post a few weeks ago when it was still cool, now that it's back to freezing outside I need a reminder of warmer weather.



So I was way nervous about mixing up my normal routine and experimenting with color blocking, but thanks to an inspirational post from fashion du jour that included a color wheel (gotta have a visual) here is my first attempt (that is still kinda safe) with black and navy blue:

George (Walmart) Trench Coat - NY&Co Ruffle Neck Dress - George (Walmart) Cardigan - Old Navy Tights - Maripe (Rack Room) Boots - Express Necklace

Look out for the dress in a few more upcoming posts. I just love remixing outfits!

Work(2)Weekend

It's casual Friday! Actually it's been casual week since UNC Greensboro is on spring break. Good thing for the students/faculty/staff who had an opportunity to get away because it has been cold and rainy. I am so ready to put the rest of my winter clothes away, but until the weather warms up I'm getting the last few wears out of my sweaters.

Here's an outfit that can easily be transformed from work to drinks with friends after 5 p.m. If you don't want to wear pumps to work, a black flat or wedge would also look great. I searched and searched for my red lipstick for Picture 2 but opted for this red purse, either one or both could give you that "It's the weekend! look.

Picture 1:

New Directions Sweater - Belk

George Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt - Walmart [$5]

Apostrophe Stretch Belt - Sears [$1.49]

Old Navy (Diva Fit) Jeans - Plato's Closet [$9.99]

Nine West Pumps - Steinmart [$48]



Picture 2:

George Elbow Sleeve T-Shirt - Walmart [$5]

NY&CO Faux Leather Jacket [$9.99]

Old Navy (Diva Fit) Jeans - Plato's Closet [$9.99]

Nine West Pumps - Steinmart [$48]

Red Purse - Goodwill [$1]

Jeweled Ring - Flea Market [$3]

Fab Finds Under $50: March Outfit Inspiration Calendar

"Standing in front of the closet wondering what in the heck to wear? Take a look at the the March Outfit Inspiration Calendar. Hopefully it will help inspire a look"

Fab Finds Under $50: March Outfit Inspiration Calendar

I stalked this blog for some time while deciding whether or not I wanted to start my own fashion/style blog. I love that Kimberly isn't afraid to take chances with color combinations and mixing prints; she is always fly! Here's my first outfit from the March Outfit Inspiration Calendar:



3/2 - Bow Tie Blouse

Old Navy Bow Tie Blouse - Plato's Closet [$1.50]

Faded Glory Cardigan - Walmart [a few years ago]

The Limited Pants - Carolina Thrift [$1.99]

Nine West Flat - Nine West Outlet [$15]

Merona (Target) Chain Belt $12.99 - Goodwill [$4.99]

Winter(2)Spring: Tights

Kyra, a graduate student in the Counseling and Educational Development program at UNC Greensboro and graduate assistant in my former office has been my tights inspiration this winter. Here are a few tights she's worn in the past couple of weeks, but she has tights in various colors, textures, and prints. What I love about tights is that they add character and personal style to any outfit and as the temperature begins to warm up, tights can be taken from winter to spring when paired with a dress, skirt, or even shorts (I have yet to try this because I only own knee length shorts).

Here's a few pairs of tights that I've added to my wardrobe recently (purchased on clearance of course):

Picture 1: Old Navy  [$5]

Picture 2: Old Navy [$5]

Picture 3: Hanes - Belk [$2.39]

 Note: Goodwill on Battleground Ave often has new merchandise from Target. Last night they had two huge bins of purple and black tights for only $1 if you just want to try out this look without committing to more expensive tights.

Dress for Success

NY&CO Leatherette Ruffle  Jacket [$9.99]

Worthington (JCPenny) Gray Sweater Dress 

NY&CO Necklace

Old Navy Tights [$4.99]

Mossimo (Target) Red Flats

With spring fast approaching, I had to get a few more wears out of my fall/winter dresses before it starts warming up. For both outfits, most of the items were already in my closet (purchased on clearance of course) with the  exception of the tights and belt purchased last weekend. I purchased two pair of tights at Old Navy and I wish I would have gotten all the styles and colors in my size because when I went back on Tuesday they were already sold out. I'm headed back to Belk's this weekend to get a few more colors for next year.

NY&CO Ponte Knit Dress

Apostrophe Brown Stretch Belt [$2.39]

Hanes Brown Patterned Tights - Belk [$3.22]

Old Navy Printed Flats



5 Trend-Proof Tops for Your Wardrobe | Real Simple

5 Trend-Proof Tops for Your Wardrobe Real Simple by Yolanda Wikiel

Classic Tops that get you through almost any situation are investment worthy staples

I wasn't surprised at all to find that I have 3 out of the 5 Trend-Proof Tops featured in Real Simple Magazine. I am all about purchasing quality staple items that can be revamped year after year. I will admit that it is a little difficult to find a quality, crisp white shirt at Goodwill but after looking for a few weeks I found an Old Navy Shirt with ruffle details. If you are looking to get all these tops in one shopping trip, definately shop in the off season and stock up. Here's a few suggestions:

1. Walmart, Kmart, and Target
I was browsing in Walmart earlier this week and found a white button-down shirt for $7 and an entire rack of solid-colored cardigans for $5.

2. TJMaxx, Marshalls, Ross, and Burke's Outlet
These stores carry Liz Claiborne and other Famous Maker brands year-round for less than what you would spend in a department store. Make sure to hit up the clearance section before browsing the racks.

3. Outlet Stores
Typically, I would only go to Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach, SC once a year. But, with the new Tanger Oulet in Mebane, NC (only 30 minutes away) I will definately be going more like four times a year.

Old Navy White Button-Down Shirt - Goodwill [$3.75]

George Ivory Cardigan - Walmart [$12]

a.n.a Cowl-Neck Sweater - JCPenny [a few years ago on clearance]

Brown Turtleneck T-Shirt

Merona (Target) Brown Turtleneck T-shirt - Target [$8]

Ann Taylor Loft Herringbone Trousers - Goodwill [$3.75]

Old Navy (Diva Fit) Dark Denim Jeans - Plato's Closet [$9.99]

Simply Vera, Vera Wang Platform Bootie - Goodwill [$4]

Accessories - NY&CO and Forever 21