Bar Chic

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T19:58:00.000-05:00

Going Geometric

2011-11-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

Some weeks just seem to have themes, don't they??

I swear I didn't plan it in advance...but something about this week just seemed to whisper "monochrome...geometric...mod..." and I just went with it.

Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft (old)

Skirt: Anthropologie Straight and Narrow Skirt

Shoes: Cole Haan Mid Air Talia Pumps

Dress: White House Black Market Colorblock Dress

Necklace: Ann Taylor Outlet

Shoes: Clarks

In retrospect, it all seems a bit severe for a holiday week. I suppose I'll have to break out my colored pencil skirts in atonement next week...

Speaking of pencil skirts (which it should be clear by now are my favorite piece of clothing), has anyone tried this little baby on?

Anthropologie Scully Pencil Skirt

I'm seriously thinking of adding it to my collection!

Casual Fridays

2011-11-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Technically, my firm does not have casual fridays. Occasionally, we have a "jeans day" for which the staff can donate money in exchange for the right to wear jeans, which is how I got away with the first outfit below. Still, I usually use Fridays to experiment with less traditional office wear, such as cropped dress pants or fuller skirts. All went pretty well with these outfits, so I will probably be repeating them on other days of the week. How do you handle experimentation with your work wardrobe?

Blazer: Zara (super old)

Jeans: Guess

Shirt: J Crew Matte Sequin Tank

Sweater: J Crew Dream Merino Cardigan

Boots: Via Spiga

Sweater: Old Navy

Pants: J Crew Cafe Capri

Shoes: Anthropologie Book Binder Heels

Shirt: J Crew Perfect Shirt in Wide Stripe (on sale now!)

Sweater: Talbots Audrey Sweater

Skirt: Madewell Silk Canyon Skirt

Shoes: Cole Haan Mid Air Talia Pumps

I'm Still Here, I Swear

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000-04:00

...Just very busy these days.

I've been taking pictures as often as possible, just haven't been finding time to post them!

With the weather getting colder, and my office reaching near frigid temperatures in the afternoon, I've been exploring more layering at the office. And space heaters. Fortunately, only one of these things is frowned upon.

Skirt: Anthropologie Cultural Heritage Pencil Skirt

Cardigan: Remaining Lilies Sweater

Tights: Anthropologie Dotty Clusters

Shoes: Naya Briar Pumps

Tank: J Crew

Sweater: The Limited

Skirt: Anthropologie Easy Keeper Skirt

Shoes: Clarks

Skirt: J Crew

Shirt: Anthropologie Freckled Blouse

Jacket: Anthropologie Boucle de Souffle Jacket

Shoes: Naya Cailin Pump

In other news, the snow storm last weekend resulted in double (minor) damage: our roof is leaking a bit and in our attempt to stay warm, we lit our fireplace for the first time....and now everything I own smells like smoke. While my landlord is taking care of the leaks, I'm left to deal with the shallowness of my fireplace. For the future, we are thinking about getting one of these to stick in the fireplace instead of actually burning wood. But right now I have a more immediate issue. Does anyone know how to get this smoky smell out??

Hitting My Stride

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

I feel like I've finally been hitting my stride with my work outfits and finding a good balance between my style and the dictates of my business casual work dress code. I suppose it's still a work in progress, but I've already started enjoying myself much more with my outfits.

Shirt: Club Monaco Blouse with pheasants

Sweater: Massimo Dutti

Skirt: J Crew No 2 Pencil Skirt in Vibrant Flame

Boots: Steve Madden

Dress: T Tahari Dakota Colorblocked Sheath from Macy's

Sweater: White House Black Market

Shoes: Topshop (super old)

Sweater: Talbots Audrey Sweater

Skirt: White House Black Market Exploded Plaid Pencil Skirt

Shoes: Cole Haan Air Bailey Flats

Week 2

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

I had a busier week this week, so I didn't manage to snap a picture every day, but the two that I captured I quite like! Especially the second one, which is from last Friday. I finally went head to toe Anthro at work!

Sweater: J Crew Jackie in Lacquer Yellow

Scarf as Belt: Cole Haan Chevron Skinny Scarf

Dress: J Crew Workday Dress in Pinstripe Super 120s

Shoes: Steve Madden

Dress: Anthropologie Once a Week Dress

Sweater: Anthropologie Breezy Polkas Cardigan

Shoes: Anthropologie Bookbinder Heels

Necklace: Bought at Atlantic Antic Street Fair

Are you able to work Anthro into your work rotation?

Weekend Fun

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

This past weekend felt more like June than October. I was quick to take advantage of the last bit of summer weather and broke out this fun, bright dress one last time.

Dress: J Crew Striped Blouson Dress

Jacket: Top Shop

Shoes: Talbots

Belt: Anthropologie Snakebite Belt

Purse: Bought in Asia

Necklace: Banana Republic

I went pretty conservative with my outfits for my first week of work, but this week I'm excited to start adding some quirkiness back into my daily rotation!

First Week at the Office

2011-10-10T09:00:00.001-04:00

What a busy week! It's nice to finally be working. The trouble though is that I haven't been able to fit outfit photos into my new routine...That's a work in progress. Until then, here's a couple of outfits I snapped in the full length mirror at work.

Shirt: J CrewWide Stripe Perfect Shirt

Skirt: Banana Republic

Shoes: Cole Haan Mid Air Talia

Dress: Ann Taylor Colorblocked Dress

Cardigan: J Crew Jackie

Belt: Cole Haan

Shoes: Clarks

J Crew: Silk Polka Dot Tee

Cardigan: Talbots

Skirt: J Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Veridian Green

Shoes: Steve Madden

This weekend I finally got the last of my art hung up!

Above the bed.

Across from the kitchen.

We're finally starting to feel fully moved in!

...Looking forward week two at work!

Finally, A Tour

2011-09-30T12:00:00.002-04:00

We're a man down right now because my boyfriend is away at a conference. This makes outfit photos difficult. Instead, I thought I would give you all the tour I promised you.

I've been putting off showing you guys pictures of our new place because there's always something else I want to fix first...We're planning on buying more furniture, art and rugs, but who knows when all that will be done? Probably not for months, so waiting doesn't really make sense! Perhaps I'll show you guys the "after" pictures in a bit, but for now, these can be the "before."

Our apartment is one long room, vaguely shaped like a U. One end of the U is the bedroom and the other end is the kitchen.

Facing south from the door. Sorry about the light, it was kind of late in the day.

Someone was very eager to help with the photos.

Facing north near the door.

I think my favorite part of the whole apartment is the new kitchen. I love it!

We have big plans for the place, including some more seating space, a new dining room table and at least one new rug. But all that will have to wait!

Maximum Whimsy

2011-09-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

I realized this morning, I have less than a week left until I start work! It's time to make a last hurrah among my less work appropriate clothing. I totally stole this combination from an Anthro outfit photo over the summer. I guess I was saving it up for a fashion-challenged morning, but now seems like an opportune moment. I love the mix of prints and bright colors. All too soon I'll be trotting around in (hopefully not-too-basic) black!

Shirt: Anthropologie Cissus Button-Up

Skirt: Anthropologie Goldfield Skirt

Purse: J Crew Brompton Hobo

Shoes: Top Shop

I've been enjoying my long term vacation, but I really am looking forward to starting work! I think the staff of the Starbucks at the Barnes and Noble near me is starting to wonder if I have a life.

Back in Business

2011-09-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

Sorry I've been so MIA! It's been a perfect storm of overlapping issues keeping me from blogging, including a last minute trip home, a closet full of wrinkly clothes from some work we did on the closet and the whole Anthroholic issue. However, I hope to move past all of that this week and really get back into the swing of things!

Sweater: Old Navy 3/4 Sleeve Sweater

Jeans: Urban Outfitters Mid-Rise Cigarette Jeans

Scarf: Banana Republic

Shoes & Purse: Cole Haan

Dean thinks these pants are "hideous" but I'm loving colored denim for fall! As long as its in bright hues, it doesn't remind me too much of my early childhood...

Yesterday (when these photos were taken) was a very special day because I had the opportunity to reconnect with Jamie of Thrifty Threads and Kelly of Fashion Fuel and to meet for the first time Laura of Anthro Closet Chaos! I really love turning blog friends into real life friends...the community has definitely been one of the best things about starting this blog!

We Have A Winner!

2011-09-18T09:46:00.001-04:00

I apologize for my absence from the blog over the last couple of days. I decided that I needed to take a few days off to think about the recent events that have affected our little community. I will be back to regularly blogging activities shortly.

However, I needed to pop back in to announce the winner of my $25 Anthropologie giftcard giveaway! There were 31 entrants and, using Random.org, the winning comment was #10.

So that means that our winner is Jenn from Complex Cardigans!

Congratulations Jenn! I'll be emailing you shortly so you can claim your prize!

Work vs. Play: Club Monaco Pheasant Blouse, Part II

2011-09-14T09:00:00.003-04:00

I finally made it back to the great outdoors! Well as least as great as the outdoors get in New York. For the Play version of this blouse, I chose to play up the fall colors in the print, with army green pants and orange accents.

Blouse: Club Monaco

Pants: J Crew Vintage Matchstick Cords

Belt: Anthropologie

Boots: Bettye Mueller Apres Ankle Boots

Bag: Groom

I think I like this version better, but it might just be the nicer surroundings. I would still be perfectly happy wearing the other incarnation to work!

Do you guys have any other ideas for this blouse? How would you wear it?

Work vs. Play: Club Monaco Pheasant Blouse, Part I

2011-09-13T09:00:00.002-04:00

Liz Loves Clothes mentioned in my giveaway post that I hadn't done a Work vs. Play post in awhile, and she is totally right! Thus, I decided to pull out the one other purchase that I made this month (besides the dress in yesterday's post) and style it two ways. Today is the work version and tomorrow will be play!

So the other half of our apartment is painted this light grey, which I actually vastly prefer over white. I thought it was particularly appropriate for this post, because this totally looks like it could be some office hallway somewhere!

I love the pheasant print on this shirt from Club Monaco, and it is very conservatively shaped but I was worried about wearing so whimsical a print to work. So, I tried to balance the pattern by pairing it with a traditional tweed pencil skirt, modern shaped pointy heels and a classic pearl necklace (I know you can't see the necklace well...sorry!). Something about the juxtaposition of tweed, a classic English sporting fabric, with pheasants, a classic English sporting target, just seems so apt.

Here's a closer picture so you can see the print!

Blouse: Club Monaco (not available online, but still in stores)

Skirt: Banana Republic

Pumps: Nine West

Man, these interior shots are starting to get pretty dreary huh? I think it's time to venture back outside tomorrow. Stay tuned for the play version!

Don't You Just Love A New Dress?

2011-09-12T12:00:00.002-04:00

Madewell's promotion during Fashion Night Out finally convinced me to bring home this beautiful dress. I love the color (seriously, this copper color is my new obsession) and the cut is really flattering. Plus, I think it will be appropriate for work as well, which is a big plus in my opinion! I decided to style it simply for its first run but I can see it with a black blazer and heels for work, with slouchy boots and comfy sweaters for fall and with flats and a cropped jean jacket next spring...The list goes on.

We thought we'd move down the wall a bit and show you all another corner of our new apartment that we've recently finished. Well almost. We clearly need another bookshelf so that we just don't leave books sitting on the floor!

We also finally hung pictures on our "normal" section of brick wall. Yay! Having moved around so much as a child, I never feel at home somewhere until pictures are hung. Blank walls feel so impersonal to me.

Dress: Madewell Silk Safari Dress

Shoes: Seychelles Countdown T-Strap

Belt: Anthropologie

I knew these last few pictures are silly and blurry, but I love twirling in a new skirt and this one is extra swishy!

100 Posts! + A Giveaway

2011-09-10T12:00:00.001-04:00

My post yesterday was my 100th and I didn't even realize it! I feel like this calls for celebration. I started this blog as a way to distract myself from studying for the bar, but it has turned into so much more. I want to thank you all for making this little community such a fun and welcoming place to blog!

My denim-inspired manicure c/o Madewell at FNO

Cardigan: Anthropologie Remaining Lilies

Dress: Bought in Singapore

Purse: Cole Haan Heritage Weave Jade in Sunflower

Shoes: Naya Briar Pumps

So, I think this calls for a giveaway, don't you? To both celebrate this milestone and thank you all for making it possible, I'll be giving away a $25 Anthropologie giftcard! To enter, follow Bar Chic and leave a comment on this post (make sure you either leave your email address or that there is one on your profile page). I'd also love to get feedback from you all so if you'd like to let me know what your favorite Bar Chic outfit has been, I'd really appreciate it! (Note: this is not required). The giveaway will run until Saturday, September 17th at 9 PM EST.

Fashion Night Out

2011-09-09T13:00:00.000-04:00

It was so much fun to join the masses in Soho for Fashion Night Out last night! My friend Karen and I hit up J Crew, All Saints and Madewell. Sorry for the blurry pictures, all I had was my camera phone.

The crowd at J Crew

Mannequin inspiration from J Crew

Party at All Saints

Antique sewing machine installation at All Saints

We thought this was an ice cream truck, but it turns out that it was a Marc Jacobs Accessory Truck!

The offerings of the truck!

Karen and I in J Crew

Dress: Anthropologie Reed Shirtdress

Belt: Anthropologie

Boots: Steve Madden Candence Boots

Bag: J Crew Brompton Hobo

We had delightful drinks at J Crew, Momofoku Milk Bar Cookies and a "denim-inspired" manicure at Madewell and I even went home with a dress I've been lusting after for weeks. All in all, a fantastic evening!

Bookworm

2011-09-07T14:00:00.001-04:00

Do you ever have days when you just feel like dressing up? Well, that day was today for me. I wish I had somewhere to wear this outfit today.

Here's how I'll actually wear my dress today. This is the second day in a row of dismal rain so I plan on spending my day baking, with my new baking buddy. Mika is a large fan of our new, much larger kitchen, which has enough counter space that all he does is sleep on the counter and watch me cook!

Dress: Very Old Zara

Shoes: Anthropologie Bookbinder Heels

Clutch: Kate Spade Book of the Month

Apron: Anthropologie Jitterbug Apron

Anyone Free on Saturday?

2011-09-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

I'm organizing a mini blogger/reader meet up this weekend which involves lunch and shopping 5th Ave on Saturday, September 10th. There are a few spots still available. Anyone interested? Please shoot me an email if you are!

...And We're Back!

2011-09-06T10:30:00.001-04:00

I finally got my closet unpacked! Well, minus my accessories. I still can't find those. But I'm sure they're here. Somewhere. Anyway, normal OOTD posts will now recommence. Ta da! And actually, this OOTD introduces a new feature, indoor posing! At our old place there was not a single wall space big enough to pose against. And now I have all this pretty exposed brick to play with...

In other news, this new Madewell skirt is definitely my new favorite closet staple. The warm olive color is beautiful and versatile, the silk is luxurious and drapes wonderfully and the midi length is perfect for fall.

This is just a simple outfit I threw together to run errands in the neighborhood, but I really like it.

Not sure why I'm making such a funny face...Need to get back into the hang of this...

Shirt: J Crew Perfect Fit Tank

Skirt: Madewell Silk Canyon Skirt

Belt: J Crew Skinny Calf Hair Belt

Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita Pali Wedges

Yay for being finally moved in!!

Sunday Shopping Spree: Home Furnishings Edition

2011-09-04T12:00:00.002-04:00

Now that we're all moved in and (mostly) unpacked, I've started to turn my thoughts to how to fill up all our lovely new space! These are some ideas I have for various rooms, mixing pieces I already own with wishlisted items. If you click on the pictures, it will take you to Polyvore, which has details and links to all the items.

Dining Area

Living Area

Den Area

What do you think? I'd really love suggestions, comments, critiques, anything! I've never decorated such a large area before and I'm not sure I'll be very good at it!

Anthropologie Fitting Room Reviews Part II

2011-09-03T14:00:00.002-04:00

Sorry I was MIA yesterday! The unpacking process is proceeding along at a slower pace than I'd like, but we're really happy with our new place. And I'm just glad the move is over!

Here's the second half of my Anthro fitting room reviews from earlier this week:

J Brand 29" Skinny, $176, Size 26

These pants are fantastic! I really love the deep blue color...I was considering buying a cheaper pair of colored jeans, but maybe I'll just try and hold out for sale, because these babies are worth it! They are super soft and comfortable, without being too stretchy - I don't think that they would stretch out or bag. Also, unlike the AG Ankle jeans, these are actually long enough on me to reach my ankles. Definitely wishlisted!

Ottoman Poppies Blouse, $198, Size 4

I think I would prefer the Ottoman Poppies Tank, but I could not find one in the store to try on. This top is made from beautiful fabric and definitely fits true to size, if not a tiny touch big, which you probably want in such a billowy top. The holes in the shirt mean you need a strapless bra, but they hit me high enough that they were not indecent and I actually quite liked them. I'm still on the fence with this one.

125th Street Blouse, $148, Size 2

I expected to like this blouse a lot more than I did. I found that the trim around the neckline was stretchy, so if I did not pay attention the blouse slipped down in the front and the black bits at the top stretched out into a wider lattice pattern which I did not like as much. Also, in the side view, you can see that the black trim is much heavier than the blouse itself and sort of sags to the interior. It's very sad, because I loved the look of the blouse on the hangar!

Peppering Skirt, $128, Size 4

This skirt definitely fits similar to the other pencil skirts I have by Yoana Baraschi and I think it fits true to size. The material is good quality and I like the look of the slightly longer length. Much though I love whimsical prints, I think the double print here is just too much for me. The flowers up the sides are quite large, and I think they overwhelm the polka dots (and me!) However, on the right gal, this would look killer with a bright red blouse!

Gameboard Dress, $188, Size 2

Sorry for the somewhat blurry side angle! I really like the print on this dress. I think its nice and visually arresting without being overly busy. The fabric feels good and the silhouette did good things for my figure, by nipping in at the waist. I think this is a high quality dress, which is reflected in the price, but it seems so summery for early fall. I'm trying to think how I would winterize this...any suggestions?

Eastward Dress Coat, $288, Size S

This coat was a mix of good and bad. The good: flattering shape, cute arrow pattern and easy to button snaps up the front. The bad: the color was less a coral and more a bright salmon pink and the sleeve length is totally impractical for winter here in NYC. I think that means I'll have to rethink about this coat come sale time.

Has anyone else tried these items on? What did you love and what were you less impressed with?

The (Relative) Calm Before the Storm

2011-09-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today is the big day!! Thus, clearly this is not what I'm wearing right now. What I'm wearing right now is not fit for the internet or even public really but when you're planning on spending the entire day shuttling every possession you own up three flights of stairs to your brand new, oh-so-cool, but darn-how-high-up-is-it Brooklyn loft, you have to make some sacrifices. So this ladies is what I wore yesterday. When I was relatively put together. You'll still note however that I seem to have forgotten not to pack all my belts (this one is Dean's) and that you've seen these shoes already on me....pretty much every day this week. Ah well. Hopefully my new (walk-in!) closet will be up and running shortly. Until then, this is what I've got to work with.

Blouse: Banana Republic

Necklace: Bought on Santorini

Pants: BR Outlet

Belt: c/o Dean, the bestest boyfriend ever (he says it's from Gap)

Shoes: Seychelles Cream of the Crop

So...I didn't really realize until I posted these pictures how bad my farmers tan from Greece still is....How does one fix this??

Just a Quick Snap Today...

2011-08-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

The new apartment we are moving into (on Thursday, eep! I am so not ready...) is much bigger than our old one, so along with packing I've been spending my time slogging through furniture stores trying to find pieces to go with our space. The weather cooled a bit after Irene, so I was able to break out this jacket that I acquired on eBay a few weeks ago and some skinny jeans as a comfy shopping outfit.

Blouse: Ann Taylor

Jeans: Guess

Jacket: J Crew Tweed Moto Jacket

Shoes: Seychelles Cream of the Crop

Many thanks to my friend Adrienne for taking my picture today!

Anthropologie Fitting Room Reviews, Part I

2011-08-29T09:00:00.003-04:00

Since I had a feeling outfit photos would prove difficult this weekend, I ran to Anthropologie and did a ton of fitting room reviews for you ladies! Without further ado...

Puckered Pocket Blouse, Size 2, $98

This blouse is a to-die-for deep turquoise and tucks nicely into pencil skirts as you can see. However, I'm a little worried that the v-neck is a tad too low cut for work and there is only one word for these sleeves...dramatic! I tried to take a picture of just how puffy they are, but it was hard to show their full volume. I think this would be fun as a casual blouse, but would be tough to fit under a blazer which makes it a pass for me. I have to focus on building up my work wardrobe since I start my job in a month!

Houndstooth Collage Pencil Skirt, Size 4, $98

This pencil skirt is more a-line than totally straight and has a velvety texture to it. I like the mix of houndstooth pattern and the colors are definitely spot on for fall. However, I do feel like the print may be a bit much for work. I picture it instead with tall, high heeled brown boots! It's heavy weight will be perfect for mid to late fall. The size 4 fit me well so I would call this true to size.

Bronwen Dress, Size 2, $228

I really like the print on this dress! However, if you have a smaller chest like me, size down! I feel some ladies may be sized out of this one entirely. This is a size 2 and the bodice is still gaping quite a bit. I'll have to hunt down a zero to try on before purchasing. This one will be going on my wishlist for sale time.

Four Corners Dress, Size 2, $298

This dress has such a lovely vintage feel to it! The pattern is really attractive, though it has more green in it then is showing up in these pictures. The silhouette is very classic and right on trend for fall. I love Anthro's pairing of this dress with a large statement necklace in the catalogue shot. This is size 2, which is the smaller of my normal two sizes, because there's a lot of material in the bust. Even in the size 2 there is a lot of material left but I think that's just the style. I'm contemplating purchasing this one at full price...we'll see.

Calligraphy Strokes Skirt, Size 2, $118

This skirt is made of beautiful fabric and so it has fantastic swish to it. However, this does make the skirt a bit heavy. I had some trouble with it falling down before I could get the zipper done up. This is a size 2, but I would go up to a 4 to buy. The 2 fits, but for comforts sake, especially since I sit down much of the day, I would size up. The gold and black print would go with so much in my closet! Definitely wishlisted.

Dusk Peony Blouse, Size 2, $118

This blouse looked so pretty on the hangar, but it is both completely sheer and too short! Very sad, since the colors are so pretty. I think this blouse is not worth the price given these issues. Aside from that, the size 2 fit well because this is yet another billowy top with lots of fabric up top. Pass for me.

Lepidoptera Dress, Size 2, $158

I always take the smaller of my two sizes in strapless dresses because I want them as tight as possible up top. I'm always worried about them coming off! I don't love the blue sash that comes with this dress, so I hid it in these pictures by making a bow at the back of the dress. Without the sash, I like the dress much better. The colors are really nice and the naturalist aspect to the print are really drawing me. I'm just not sure I like it for fall. If I bought this one, I would save it until next spring...I guess that means I should wait for sale?

Stay tuned for Part II of my fitting room reviews later this week!

What are you coveting right now?