What to Wear Out | White Button Down + Black Skort

Good afternoon! Hope everyone had a good weekend. Over the weekend I was thinking about so many things I wanted to share on the blog today, but now it's 4:30pm on a Monday and all I can think about is shutting down my computer. 

However, I did want to share a few articles I read over the weekend and thought my readers would enjoy: 

-The former CEO of 99dresses shares her experience with her startup and how it failed. We always hear about the Facebooks and Twitters of the world, but what about those companies that didn't make it BIG. We'll here's the candid story from Nikki Dunkin, My startup failed, and this is what if feels like...

-The President of Cinnabon, Kat Cole, share simple advice on how to get ahead in the career world. 

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Trying to figure out how to wear the skort trend from last year? Try it out with a simple white button down and heels. It makes for a classic and simple look. This outfit is perfect when meeting friends for late night cocktails at a trendy bar/restaurant. 

Ann Taylor Shirt
Zara Skort (similar at Express)
Nixon Watch
Zara Heels
TJ.Maxx Clutch
Banana Republic Bracelet
Prada Sunglasses

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Weekend Casual | T-Shirt + Jeans

I appreciate everyone's feedback with my 30 day Shopping Challenge. It's good to hear I'm not the only woman out there with a tiny shopping addiction.  When I first had this idea, the purpose of it was to minimize shopping all the time and adding useless things to my closet. However, what it's turned into, is a realization that I'm slightly addicted to shopping. It's something I think about all the time. A constant thought, "hat am I going to buy next?"

A few things I did to minimize myself from browsing the internet; unsubscribed from email lists and replaced my internet browsing with reading material. I've spent the last few days unsubscribing from email lists and I cannot believe how many companies have my email address(es). This little experiment has been fun. I've done a lot self reflecting and I'm slowly starting to realize how I've been spending most of my time, money and energy...

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This casual outfit is one of my favorites. When I want to be comfortable going out to meet friends, this is what I wear. Trying to find the perfect grey tee was challenging, but I finally found one at GAP several months ago. Being assumptive, I figured they'd always carry this tee.  I was wrong.  I've been on the lookout for another one and I found this t-shirt from French Connection, that looks equally comfortable.

 Have a good weekend and see everyone on Monday!

Gap Tee

Current/Elliott Jeans

Zara Heels (similar Steve Madden)

Rebecca Minkoff Jules Satchel

Nixon Watch 

Banana Republic Bracelet

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

What to Wear to Work + My 30 Day Shopping Challenge

My 30 day shopping challenge.

It started yesterday. I'm challenging myself NOT to shop for 30 days. When I wrote my sister-in-law today and told her that I'm not shopping for 30 days, her initial response was, "Noooooo! Why???". Well, like most women, I've succumbed to fast fashion. Shopping at every online sale, buying the latest trend and stretching my dollar to buy one more pair of shoes. With Instagram, email marketing and fashion blogs, I'm always after the next piece to add to my closet.

Over the years, I've minimized shopping at places like Forever 21, buying t-shirts and other random things on the sale rack. However, I've noticed that I'm so quick to click on an ASOS and J.Crew ad. Inevitably this ends up with me adding 2-3 pieces to my cart and then justifying a purchase. And don't even get me started with living in New York City. The temptation to shop is at a whole new level.

What if I started making more strategic purchases? For example, investing in more pieces that I can wear over and over again.

When looking at my shoe collection yesterday, I noticed there is a group of shoes I always wear. The rest of my shoes, they collect dust. The best example to use for investment pieces are my Valentino pumps, Fendi 2Jour bag and J.Crew skirts. I wear these pieces ALL THE TIME.

The point of not shopping for 30 days is to challenge myself to think about what I "need" to add to my closet. Opposed to making a purchase on an emotional high.  I'm going to set aside funds that I'd otherwise use to make a purchase on a whim, to purchase a nude pair of pumps and a nude bag. Two things I'd really like to add to my closet and I'd get a lot of use out at both work and after hours. In my Friday blog post, I'll share a few things I'm doing to minimize myself from shopping at the next Piperlime summer sale.

The outfit above is a perfect example of "shopping your closet". I've had this skirt for years, but it's been buried between the other five black skirts I have hanging up in my closet. I love these heels and wear them once a week to work and/or out with friends. The bag I use as a purse and a computer bag. In the last year, I haven't gone to work once without this bag.This shirt has been in my closet for a month and just wore it to the office on Monday.

I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on my progress. Till then, have a great day. I'm heading to an interview. See you on Friday.

Ann Taylor Shirt

The Limited Skirt (ASOS Skirt, Nanette Lepore)
Zara Heels (splurge at Pour La Victorie)
Fendi Bag 
Nixon Watch 
Prada Sunnies (Sole Society)

Photos by Lydia Hudgens