Fashion Friday: Work 2 Party

First off, I know I’ve been horrendous at updating my blog. I’m currently in the midst of studying and working and all these other things all the same time and I’ve really neglected one thing I love. I finally had some breathing time at work and was inspired by current situation. A friend is having a small get together on her rooftop tonight (pre-birthday celebrations), but I’m going there straight from work. Why? Because I have study for a few hours right after work and don’t have time to go home and change my outfit. I have to dress formal at work, but I break a few rules here and there to say chic. Last night as I was putting together an outfit for her party, I realized I’d have to carry so much stuff with me to work and then back again. I honeslty hate being the bag lady. So I opted for something that would be work appropriate and would require minimal changing. I decided to go with a minty green embellished tank, brown slacks (work appropriate), a white blazer and some flats. I threw on a watch so I wouldn’t be too plain for the party. All I really had to pack into my oversized handbag was some make up and a pair of blue jeans. Light and easy. With that, here is an inspired fashion post relating to the not-so-dilemma in my life. I’ll be getting rid of my brown slacks later to trade them in for the blue skinnies. I have the same bag and watch as well as similar blazer and top. Perfect outfit for a quick work to party transition!

Work 2 Party by polypurpose featuring michael michael kors

Miu Miu embellished top / Rag & Bone / Bardot jeans, $145 / Pointed toe flat / MICHAEL Michael Kors / Michael Kors military watch

Fashion Friday: Transparency

Transparency by polypurpose featuring bow shorts

Dorothy Perkins black button shirt / Bow shorts /

I was doing some etsy.com surfing and came across transparent clutches. I am now obsessed and about to order two of my own, one totally clear and the other in black/transparent shade, so to speak. Being that it is Fashion Friday, I had to center an outfit around the clutch and here is what I came up with. I narrowed the whole outfit down to “under $50″ and so it is way more affordable than you might think. Being that the clutch is the focal point of the outfit, I stuck to sheers and black. The bow shorts add a feminine touch and the embellished tank collar coordinates with the studs on the clutch. Keep it simple with just the essentials in your clutch and throw your hair into a messy ponytail and you have the perfect day or night time outfit. I’d probably wear this to a U-Street brunch this summer or at night for the bars/clubs. Love the versatility and chic-ness of the whole thing. Hope you love it as much as I do!

“Your bread don’t need a seat!”

Often times, the world of public transportation offers such entertaining moments that I can tell my friends about it and we can all have a little laugh. This time however, on an innocent Sunday evening on my way to my friends potluck dinner, I became a main player in what would be a story that other public transportation riders would tell their friends about.

I usually NEVER take the bus, never have in NYC, and this was my first time in DC since our metro system runs on endless delays during the weekend. Thinking the bus would be the most convenient (even though my friend’s place was 37 stops away, this beats waiting 20 minutes between each transfer and then walking half a mile), I hopped on the H8 towards Mt. Pleasant with my grocery tote, which had a fresh french loaf and other bruschetta ingredients. The bus was fairly empty so I sat down in a two seater section, put my bread closer to the window and sat in the aisle seat. Okay, I know, I should sit in the window seat and have the grocery bag in my lap, but the bus was empty! And also, doesn’t everyone hate when someone sits next to them on the bus? That is why people sit in the aisle seat as opposed to the window seat. But I know this is public transportation, so you should have some etiquette. Anyways, bumping along this road during moving DC traffic, we come up to about the 5th or 6th stop and this obnoxious woman climbs onto the bus with her two children in tow. First thing she yells, “Goddamn, anyone know how to drive a bus, freakin 30 minutes late and sh**, come on!”

Inside, I was giggling to myself. Like come on woman, you’re taking public transportation on a weekend, there are ALWAYS delays. You should be used to this by now in DC. Anyhow, she made her way up to the aisle and looked straight at me. I froze.

“Your bread don’t need a seat!” She yelled in my face. I was frightened, my heart picked up pace, and I, the ever, confrontational person who does not like being yelled at returned with “Okay, you don’t need to yell.” To which she countered, “Your bread don’t need a seat!” to which I countered, “I heard you, you don’t need to yell.” We exchanged these same phrases like five more times, until she got all huffy, puffy, and ready to claw my eyes out. Then I moved over and put the bread in my lap.

When I’m getting yelled at:

Credit: http://brynnnnnnnnnnnnn.tumblr.com/

but then on the inside, I’m like:

Credit: http://brynnnnnnnnnnnnn.tumblr.com/

I think everyone on the bus was laughing inside. I would have been if I was an onlooker, but since I was the main player, I wanted to stand my ground, in some way (while I laughed on the inside). On my way out, she mumbled something under her breath about my bread, again, and so I turned around said “I hope you’re not always this unpleasant.”

I’m sure she was furious and again, ready to claw my eyes out (the fact that she had her children with her probably saved me). The bus driver smirked at me as I said thanks and I was on my way to the potluck.

Lesson(s) of the day: 1. My bread does not need a seat and 2. I should have stuck to the metro despite the delays.

But really though, had the lady just politely asked if her kids could sit in the same row as me, I would have instantly moved over. There really was no need to yell. I mean, if you’re taking public transportation, you can’t just hop on and start yelling. You’re taking public transportation – no one is bowing down to you or running on your schedule. Learn some manners!

Fashion Friday: Must Have Mint

must have mint by polypurpose featuring topshop

Topshop / Short skirt / KORS Michael Kors high heels / Zara shopping tote / Plastic jewelry

I know I’ve been neglecting my blogging for the past two weeks, but I’ve been trying to get my life order in many different ways. Anyways, its Friday — meaning another fashionable outfit of my dreams The Groundhog didn’t see its shadow, meaning an early spring? I’ll take it. With that, here is my first spring time outfit. Lots of mint and pretty spring colors and patterns. Some lace and some rose earrings along with some wedge ankle strap heels and a bag I’ve been wanting forever. The flared skirt and lace crop top gives the whole outfit a feminine, spring time feel. This outfit also mixes pretty affordable pieces together — always love outfits that don’t break the bank and look more expensive than what you actually paid for. On a paralegal budget, I’m always hunting for the next best bargain!

I’ll be off to the city — as in New York City — for a weekend filled with college buddy reunions, Swedish House Mafia, and definitely some brunching and boozing!

Enjoy your weekend, bloggers

Fashion Friday: Leather

Lingering Leather by polypurpose featuring a shift dress

Oasis shift dress
$185 - oasis-stores.com

Pointy toe heels
chicnova.com

Nagicia cuff bracelet
ahalife.com

Friday is almost over, but I got my fashion post in for today! I am absolutely in love with ankle strap shoes and the black leather dress. The bracelet adds a little extra pop, but I might choose to leave it at home for the night. I love this outfit for its simplicity. With the boyfriend coming into town to take me out for Valentines, this kind of outfit is right up my alley for the fancy dinner I know he has planned

Fashion Friday: Work Appropriate!

Work Appropriate by polypurpose featuring diane von furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg , $310 / Minimum blazer, $125 / Sass & Bide short skirt / KORS Michael Kors high heel shoes / Lulu Guinness black bag / Brooks Brothers south sea pearl necklace / Tom Ford eyewear

Since I’ve been busy this past week, for reasons I’m not sure of since work has been ridiculously slow, I decided to put together something work appropriate but still trendy and eye-catching. I started with the skirt as my inspiration piece and then added everything else. The OPI nail color and pearls give the outfit a very polished and feminine look, while the patent leather pumps and handbag keep it classy. The maroon blazer and peplum skirt add the trendy part to the outfit and the flowy, pleated black top would obviously be tucked in. The sunglasses add some attitude, which every woman needs! I would totally don something like this at the office once I’m a super powerful, popular attorney. Diane and Michael always design such great, timeless pieces that keep it simple and classy at the same time so I love these designers. The cat eye Tom Ford sunglasses are on my wishlist. Hope you like it!

Newest Addition to the DC Ladies!

While I was sitting at work, bored out of my mind and catching up on Downton Abbey, I got a twitter notification from the DCLadies and ShelleyKramm. Before I tell you about the tweets, I’ll do some explaining since you’re probably curious. The DC Ladies is a DC based blogged started by a mother and daughter duo.

A forty something mom and her twenty something daughter team up to give you an eclectic mix of what is fun, fashionable, family related and just plain fabulous in our Capital Area for women.

When I came across this blog, I was instantly hooked. They cover all different types of topics including food, fitness, events, fashion, DC, post-grad life, and more. When I was approached by Shelley to be featured on their blog, I jumped at the opportunity and then decided to push my luck and see if I could become a contributor. Lo and behold, today came the final decision!

I will be doing just what the tweet says. I have no idea what my first post will be about, but I am excited to get involved and contribute as much as I can! I cannot be more excited and honored to be a part of such an amazing group of women bloggers. Thank you Shelley and Sarah!

Fashion Friday: Saturday Night Simplicity

Saturday Night Simplicity by polypurpose featuring alejandro ingelmo

Dorothy Perkins peplum shirt / Jeans / Alejandro Ingelmo / Croc handbag / Statement necklace / You

Make It Happen 8×10 Typography Inspirational Quote Print

 

It’s Friday, meaning I’m looking forward to the weekend! DC has been really bi-polar with its weather as of late – hot, cold, hot, cold – leaving me partially voiceless, but I do it to myself. Regardless, it is the weekend, meaning I’ll be heading out on the town with some girlfriends. Saturday is supposed to be a great night girls night and so I brainstormed an outfit ahead of time, which means I can lazy around all of Saturday and be ready to go within 30 minutes. Because of the cold and conservative DC style, I always opt for the skinny jeans and top/blouse/tank style and some fun pumps for a little height plus a clutch to hold my iPhone, credit cards, ID, and lipstick/lipgloss. So here I have my outfit ready to go: peplum top, skinny black jeans, a clutch, nude pumps, and a necklace to spice it up a bit. It’ll be a comfortable, warm, and slightly afforadable outfit (minus the shoes and okay, the clutch too…oops)!

Romance in the 21st Century

Hotter Online (Photo credit: Cali4beach)

Okay, I can’t exactly relate to these struggles, but honestly – I find it very amusing. A ton of my friends have started using dating companies, sites, and iPhone apps in hopes of meeting a potential soul mate. I mean, some have other reasons for it, but mainly in hopes of finding some company of the opposite sex (or same sex, depending of course on orientation) for one purpose or another – and not just for a friendly purpose.

The most common ones I have been hearing about are: Grouper, Ok Cupid, Grindr, Blendr, Tinder, and of course Match.com.

Grouper is a service you apply to and await a vetting period. Once your Facebook has been thoroughly stalked by some guy/gal that takes it upon him/herself to match your group of friends — either 3 girls or 3 guys with 3 guys or 3 girls. Essentially, one girl or guy will ask 2 other girls or guys to accompany them on this group date. [It has to be either 3 guys or 3 girls, you can't mix it up]. Grouper then picks 3 people of the opposite sex to accompany your group of girls or guys at a bar. The reservation is made under one person’s name and you get a “complimentary” drink — all of this done for $20 a person.

I really wonder who this person is that sits behind a screen all day nd surveys your Facebook and then makes the decision to match you up with someone they think you may find interesting…it does sound like a fun job though.

One of my girlfriends went on one last week and ended up running into another Grouper date that was happening. Everyone hungout together and it seemed to be a successful night. No second dates have followed, however. [So maybe it wasn't so successful in the long run?] Three of my other girlfriends are scheduled to go on Grouper date tomorrow night – I can only imagine how funny it’ll be. These three girls are totally different from one another – which is something you cannot in a million years tell just from their Facebooks. I can’t wait to hear all the details.

Tinder is the other app/service that is catching fire and is an iPhone app that also connects to your Facebook. It tracks your location and lets you load 3 or 4 pictures of yourself. Once your profile is set up, it throws a series of photos of the opposite (or same-sex) depending on your orientation, of people around you, which you get to vote a “Yes” or “No” on. If you vote “Yes” and that person also votes “Yes” on your picture, Tinder sets up a chat within the app where the two of you can talk, plan to meet up, or exchange whatever type of communication you wish. This is all done anonomously so even if someone rejects you, you’ll never know it and vice versa.

Grindr is an app for the gays and one of my friends has seen some interesting results. It seems the gays are much more forward in their ways of communication, but the app essentially works in a similar manner to the other apps. It tracks your location and shows you others around you. You can then view their pictures and choose to start a conversation with them. However, it does show you who views your profile, so I guess that can get a little awkward if you ignore a message or get caught stalking someone profusely.

I guess once you leave college, it becomes much more difficult to find an intelligent, good-looking, sane person at a bar in your city. I’m in a happy and committed relationship and I welcome that now more than ever. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt to use these apps, but it’s also sort of creepy – you don’t know what crazies or catfishes are out there! Grouper seems to be some sort of a safe option - being that it is a group date in a public setting – then again I’m not sure why you’d meet anyone off an app in any obscure non-public area anyways.

This is the romance of the 21st century. You can’t really blame our generation though – it seems its getting tougher and tougher to find someone of quality. Of course a person can choose to be anything he or she wants to be via these apps, but if its a chance you’re willing to take, why not? Back in the day it was all arranged marriages – now its all technology and online dating. I just hope my friends are using these apps with a grain of salt and not actually hoping to meet their soulmates….

Being On A Budget And Not Eating Ramen

In the past few days, I’ve gone a little cray with spending — there is just something programmed into a woman’s system to buy, buy, buy, even when she shouldn’t. I fell victim to this urge after about 3 months of no shopping. Usually, if my money isn’t going towards clothes, its being spent on brunch or some other meal + drinks.

Anyways, I decided that at least 3 times a week, I would cook – I would find inspiration from Pinterest. So I’ve actually been pretty damn good about it this week. As I began my endeavor to the grocery story, which is strategically placed right next to a TJ Maxx, I couldn’t help but detour for a few minutes. After all, I needed gloves that were iPhone compatible and a cheap tote bag for work to carry my gym clothes and books to and fro. Instead, I walked out with 5 new shirts, a journal, and Lucky Brand flats. When I got home, I decided I would finally purchase the Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote I’ve been yearning for. Oops. #shoppingproblems

My Newest Purchase Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote

When I finally made it to the grocery story, however, I bought some salmon, parsley, beans, enchilada sauce, lemons, onions, grape tomatoes, ramen, feta cheese, and baby spinach (organic). My goal for that night was Martha Stewart’s Herb-Crusted Salmon with Spinach Salad. I love following recipes, but the one time I did, it came out very bland, so I like to add a little more of everything and kick it up a notch. In this case, I added more of basically everything including salt, pepper, parsley, and added red pepper chili flakes for a kick. I also added tomatoes and feta to the salad. My experiment was actually quite successful and I never brag about my food, I just let others decide. I’m not an amazing cook, but I’m not completely incompetent either. I have strong and demanding taste buds so I cook accordingly.

After thoroughly enjoying and devouring my salmon and accompanying salad two nights in a row, I had to make food again for lunch yesterday. Leftover spinach (it was organic, so I cannot let it waste since it was a little more expensive than your usual spinach bag) and feta inspired me to stuff the two ingredients into chicken. Looking up a few recipes, I settled on this one especially because it included onions in its sauté. As before, I added more of everything AND chopped up some garlic to sauté with the onions. I had to run down to CVS and get some toothpicks, and then I set out to try my second experiment. Surprisingly, it came out delicious again!

I could get used to this cooking thing – if I had no social life and I was let out of work at a decent hour every day. While the dishes are prepared in under 30 minutes, grocery shopping ahead of time is the biggest challenge. And once I do shop, scheduling what days to cook is another challenge. But I do quite enjoy this cooking stuff so I think I’m going to make an effort to set out sometime during the week to cook at least 2 meals and then 1 more on either Saturday or Sunday. In that way, I can follow my budget and not eat ramen. Gone are the days of college where you give up real food for ramen so you can afford alcohol! I may be onto another hobby

Salmon (before)

Salmon and Salad (after)

Chicken (before)

Stuffed Chicken (after)