What I Wore to Work

On the same shopping trip mentioned in last week's What I Wore, I also made a quick pit stop at H & M to look for an opportunity to spend an old merchandise credit. 20 items later, I came away with one winner - this sleeveless dress (still available). 

Despite the neoprene-like fabric, it looks much more expensive than it was. The pattern has a very Prabal Gurung-like feel to me. While it's definitely a more body-concious fit, for me a sheath is probably one of my most favorite and figure-flattering looks. The fabric also has a spanx-like quality to it...always positive. As with most H & M pieces, I bought a size up from my regular size. For my tall friends, the length on this is perfection! This was $50 well spent. 

Recycled Chic

Katie and I are big fans of consignment shopping. You know that if you read the blog with any frequency (which of course we hope you do). While this post is not about consignment, it is about recycling your clothing.

Here is how it works! When you bring a bag of used clothes to an H&M store, you will receive a voucher for 15% off a single item!

What happens next? A recycling company called I:Collect sorts the garments, sells the still "wearables" and turns the rest into new products like cleaning cloths and car insulation!

So next time you have a bag of castoffs, take it to H&M. Do good, feel good and get something new out of it!

What I Wore

A friend pinned this photo on pinterest.  It's a photo from the Blog In Honor of Design. 

When I saw it, I knew immediately that I was going to use it as inspiration for my own mix of gingham and stripes. Damn, she makes it look good. This is no small challenge, but here is my best attempt. I've decided that headless photos are the way to go since I never like the look on my face. :) And something better than an IPhone would probably make this look way better...

What do you think?

1) Gingham shirt from H&M (old) last seen here 2) J Crew Sailor Tee (other color here) 3) J Brand Jeans 4) Oliphant bauble Necklace (more info here) and 5) Anthropologie Schuler & Sons Wound Barra boot (sold out but on ebay here)

What I Wore

On Wednesday I introduced you to blogger Beth and her blog Seersucker + Saddles (see blog post here). Her style is fantastic, inspiring and enviable!

This outfit I found particularly inspirational!

Given that I have every basic component of this outfit, I thought I would give it a try. So here is what I wore, as inspired by Beth! 

Cole Haan rain jacket, Banana Republic black blazer, orange striped H&M shirt, J Crew animal print belt (from Katie for Christmas), Paige straight leg jeans, and Tory Burch quilted flats. 

The stripes and animal print combination could be my new favorite! What do you think?

Fashion Icon Anna Dello Russo

If you aren't familiar with Anna Dello Russo, editor at large for Vogue Japan, she is truly a style icon. Often spotted with one of C & C's favorites Viviana Volpicella, she truly knows how to pull off any look. It is rumored that she owns over 4,000 pairs of shoes. Oh to be ADR. And can you believe she is 50 years old?

And...on October 4, the Anna Dello Russo at H & M collection will be available in stores! Check out her new music video that teaches you everything you need to know about fashion. In the words of fellow blogger Sheryll from The Poe Log, "while highly embarrassing, she's chic as shit and can do whatever she wants." My thoughts exactly.

What I Wore to Work - Mixing Patterns

Florals and stripes, oh my! I have definitely embraced mixing patterns, but this particular combo from my closet was a first for me. I've had this Tory Burch blouse for several years and was glad to find another way to pair it in my wardrobe. 

Mixing patterns has been a big trend in Resort 2013. Here are a few of my favorite looks. 

3.1 Phillip Lim

Cynthia Rowley

Lanvin

Missoni

Thakoon

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Are you pro pattern pairing?

What I Wore to Work Wednesday - Navy Stripes

I picked up this striped navy blazer at H & M a few weeks ago. Paired with wide leg trousers from Zara, I was looking much more luxe than my two under $100 finds--proving that you don't have to spend a lot to pull together a great work outfit. And don't forget the Naughty Monkey shoes. Yes, that's the brand name!

While you can find the blazer in stores now, the pants are from last season. So here's how to pull together a similar look. 

Aubin Wills striped blazer
$320 - net-a-porter.com

Tory Burch stretch pants
$275 - toryburch.com

Naughty Monkey platform sandals
$75 - amazon.com

Zara shop handbag
$80 - zara.com

Michael kors watch
$325 - couture.zappos.com

Monogram necklace
$160 - moonandlola.com

Kate Spade 14k stud earrings
$48 - saksfifthavenue.com

What I Wore to Work - Red, Blue, and Peplum

I'm in love with peplum tops. What's better than a top that accentuates your waste, often has an exposed zipper, and is this season's version of the ruffle?!  When I was in New York recently for work I found this little wonder at H & M. It also comes in a mint green, but, of course, was only to be found in a size 2. I've since been to two other stores, and no mint green peplum top. No complaints, I'm going to get some milage out of this baby.

Peplums are best paired with a narrow-leg or skinny pant. Since we haven't quit transitioned to spring, these J. Crew wool cafe capris did the trick. Add Zara patent platform pumps and my red Chanel pea coat, and I was set. Oh pops of color, I do love you.

H&M Fail

You will probably figure out from the title of today's post that yesterday's trip to H&M for the Marni collection was a total bust. I arrived a little after 9:30 and there was no one there....that was because the Portland store didn't receive the Marni Collection! Fail!

Anyway, my friend Amy and I still enjoyed meeting up with our dueling Bumbleride Strollers, and I walked away with a few fun pieces.

This cute hat was $12.95 and will be perfect for my upcoming trip to Mexico! The gingham shirt is also H&M, but I purchased it a few months back.

They had this striped shirt with button detail (on the shoulder and sleeves) in a variety of colors. I think this is a great combo for spring and a nice departure from navy and white.

And finally, I picked up this paisley dress that will look great with gold sandals, and I also have some cute yellow flats that will coordinate well.

I almost got these amazing pants (navy with red and white polka dots), but the 4 was a bit too tight, and they didn't have a 6. Another FAIL for H&M! But seriously...how cute would this stripe and dot combo be? Now that I am looking at it, I am so tempted to go back and get the pants and the shirt..even if I wouldn't be able to sit down in them!

Anyway, No Marni to be found at H&M in Portland, but all in all it was a successful shopping trip!

What I Wore to Work - Floral + Stripes

I have to admit, the return of florals has me teetering on the edge of nostalgia and fear of the days of Kelly Kapowski. In the family albums at home there are many photos of me as a kid in denim, floral, and scrunchies that are better of left in the safety of little old Idaho. 

But we're all slaves to Anna Wintour and the fashion houses, so last week when I was in New York for work, I stopped in at H and M, and caved. And this week spring has spring! Floral and stripes galore! 

H and M floral skirt (similar), Theory blazer (similar), GAP striped shirt , Cole Haan pumps (similar), Angela Caputi bracelet c/o Serena Italian Imports

Prepare Yourselves...

Thursday is the launch of the Marni collection for H&M. My friend Amy and I are venturing out with the Mini Fashionista and her little man to check it out. I have no idea how chaotic it will be, but I promise to report back on Friday with photos of the crowd (assuming there is one) and of course the collection!

In preparation for Thursday's launch, I thought I would put you in the Marni mood with some photos from the Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear Collection.

What I Wore to Work Wednesday - Accordion Pleats

Earlier this year I was at Zara and found this accordion slip dress for $10. When I saw it, I wasn't really sure what I was going to wear it with, but for that price, I could figure it out. Don't worry, I didn't wear it like this. Worn alone, it looks like a nightgown. But, with a little layering, this $10 find turns into a 10, proving what you can do with a simple sheath dress. 

I added a Land's End Canvas tweed blazer, H & M leopard scarf, and Urban Outfitters belt. At first I tried the belt on the outside of the jacket.

But then I decided I liked it better with the jacket open and the belt on the inside. This outfit goes to show you can wear your nightgown to work. Or not! But you can take what looks like one and turn it into a real winner of an outfit! 

A week in photos

Tomorrow is our last day in Sun Valley. We've had a fantastic week+ of skiing (alpine and x-country), spending time with family, visiting with friends, and of course a little shopping (see last week's post). If you've never visited Sun Valley, may I suggest you plan a vacation A.S.A.P!

Here is a photo summary of the week...

I call this "where seasons collide."

Cold weather requires warm slippers. (Minnetonka Moccasins from Piperlime)

 A recent find... snowball knit sweater for $10 from H&M!

Sorel Tivoli... Best $110 you will ever spend on snow boots.

Winston loves the snow!

Me and my +1

The Mini Fashionista and her new sunglasses...very Kanye

My mountain baby

Just one of the many amazing views

And a few photos from one of the coolest Starbucks ever...not only do they serve coffee, but wine and beer! 

 

However, as all of you who have been to SV know, the best place to drink coffee is at Java. Because nothing completes a trip like a raspberry muffin and a bowl of soul. As the cup says, "wake up and live."