Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Daily MelWear: Bottom Heavy

For a very long time, I've been searching for solid-colored pencil skirts. While this isn't exactly a pencil skirt, it's still a bright, solid color AND it's satin-y, AND it has pockets! It's a winner.

I bought this skirt and shirt at Plato's Closet several weeks ago and thought they would look nice together for a more professional (but ME) outfit. We have our first board meeting of the year today so I decided this was perfect!

The jacket was purchased over the weekend. It's the result of retail therapy...or an attempt at it. I asked the question on Facebook but I want to ask all of you as well: does retail therapy work for you? While it does give me some distraction, I find that I end up feeling guilty for spending money and buying things that I don't really need. I do try to look specifically for pieces that I've been wanting to add to my wardrobe and my goal is to only buy things that are on sale and/or clearance (which has been fairly attainable for the most part)...but still. Not sure retail therapy is the best idea. I'll have to work on that.

At any rate, I really love how this outfit came together! The skirt and top are great together, the tights are perfectly subtle yet not boring, the jacket adds some professionalism and some style with the ruffles and I feel confident going to this meeting. As long as I didn't mess anything up, since this is really the first one that I organized by myself. Heh.

Technically we're not supposed to wear a lot of jewelry according to our dress code so on meeting days, I probably won't wear any (other than my watch).

Okay so retail therapy - tell me if it works for you! Hope you have a great day!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Plato's Closet
Top: Plato's Closet
Tights: Kohl's
Jacket: Stein Mart
Black Pumps: Target

29 comments:

  1. This is one fabulous outfit! I really love the ruffles in the shirt.

    Retail therapy sometimes works for me. More often than not, just the act of browsing at the store, not necessarily buying can do the trick (sometimes that can backfire too and I end up buying more than I intended to!).

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  2. I'm obviously a fan of colored skirts - I have one in almost the same shade! - but I love the pleats and the fact that it has pockets! What a great Plato's score.

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  3. The idea of retail therapy soothes me. But then I get apprehensive about the money I am spending just because I am bummed or mad or something. Usually, the longer I am in a store, the less I will buy because I start actually evaluating what is in my hands. But I do enjoy browsing and just spending time amongst the hubbub of the stores.

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  4. This is a great outfit! I'm sure that you will blow them away with your style and efficiency. That sounds like a really strict work place. Good on you for making what you have to wear into something that is still you. And also good on you for not being (at least outwardly) frustrated by being told what to wear. I always want to rebel against dress codes, not even because I don't like what I have to wear... just more of how dare you tell me!
    I think that retail therapy works when you only buy things that make you want to dance. That way even if you spent too much money on it you know that it will bring you joy!

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  5. I think its really cute...I like how the skirt bunches out like that...great belt..hot shoes..you are ready to hit it lady!!

    Mwah!

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  6. I think that's a great outfit!

    I'm a big fan of retail therapy. It's not the best on my wallet, but I think it's better for me than overeating or overdrinking when I'm upset.

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  7. I love that skirt. It has such an interesting cut. Love the ruffles on the blazer too.
    I'm kinda with you on retail therapy. I like it while I'm shopping, but I always feel so guilty afterwards, even if I only spend $20. I think it's having kids. I can't just freely spent on myself without thinking how much bread, cheese, peanut butter I could have bought with the same amount of money.

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  8. Love this!!! The ruffles paired with the satin-y skirt is so romantic looking!

    Retail therapy doesn't really work for me because of the guilt I have about spending money. If I'm looking for an escape (or therapy) I buy new nail polish and a magazine and spend an evening giving myself a pedicure! It's a lot cheaper than a new sweater and my feet enjoy the attention.

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  9. I love the crystal belt on the skirt. I would have a hard time not wearing a lot of jewelry because I usually wear earrings, a necklace, and a watch every day. That's really strict. I don't generally try to give into retail therapy but occasionally I will go with accessories purchases. I think that if I am kinda down or in a slump a new pair of earrings can unlock that dormant part of my brain to help me get back into my closet.

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  10. Retail therapy works for me as long as I only spend what I was planning. Otherwise, after the shopping high has passed I feel really guilty.

    I LOVE skirts with pockets!!

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  11. The skirt and belt are fabulous! And I am getting on Target.com and getting those shoes. I have the burgundy ones and they are so comfy that I need the black ones. they look great on you!

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  12. Everything here is great! I love the belt on your skirt (and how it just peeps through), and the ruffles on the shirt, and the detail on the tights! Super cute! Rules about jewelry, ugh!

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  13. you look fabulous today...love the shape and color of the skirt and those great ruffles...the belt adds the perfect amount of non jewelry bling!!
    Retail therapy works for me until I leave the store...then I feel guilty about the money...ahhh!!

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  14. i love the colored skirt and even better that you found it at Plato's closet!

    cute and little
    come join the Color Brigade!

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  15. You look beautiful!! I do think retail therapy can work but usually only when I go with my friends or sister so maybe it's not the retail part but more my girl time that helps!

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  16. Gorgeous lady! Great textures with a fabulous pop of color.

    Retail therapy - hrm, I tend to window shop a lot. I no longer go into stores without the intent to shop. Which is now thrift stores to keep my budget way down. I window shop online for inspiration, but I rarely feel compelled to actually buy (except from a few select places which are on my banned list of not-to-browse).

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  17. Gosh, I am so jealous of your GREAT Platos closet finds! Usually all I can find at mine is teeny Hollister crap!

    As for me and retail therapy, I immediately thought 'heck YES it works for me' :) Then I read your thoughts on how you feel guiilty afterwards and that is so me! So it is a short term solution.

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  18. Retail therapy works too well for me! I try not to do it too often, because I feel guilty about spending money as well! I adore the shirt/skirt combo. I'm loving your ruffles!

    Lindsey Soup

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  19. This whole outfit looks absolutely amazing! I wish there was a Plato's Closet near me!

    I feel the same as you do about retail therapy. I feel momentarily happy, but usually guilty later.

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  20. LOVE this outfit and the new jacket. Sometimes just window shopping makes me feel as good as actually buying...unless I'm looking for something in particular!

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  21. Adorable Outfit. I love skirt with pockets. They work great for work.

    When I retail therapy work for me but it has to be form the clearance racks.

    http://amyfashionblog52.blogspot.com/

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  22. Ruffles!! I specifically went out shopping today for more ruffles! Also - your body looks slamming in that detail picture of shirt/skirt/belt!!

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  23. I love the bigger pictures! I can really see you now - it's fantastic! And this outfit is fab! The ruffles...love... and the skirt is so cute.

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  24. Cute! Do I see layered ruffles? I definitely avoid shopping if I'm feeling down, I don't think that should be a substitute for dealing with your feelings because you don't want a surprise on your monthly statement! But some dark chocolate and talking with your best friend, definitely!

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  25. So cute! I love this skirt and whole outfit. :) I'm loving this marroon, pinkish color right now!

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  26. What a gorgeous colored skirt. I really love the rich cranberry satiny color. And your bejeweled belt is just fabulous. This look really reminds me of something that would be sold at White House Black Market

    I usually try not to indulge in retail therapy. I love to shop, but when I shop because I need to be cheered up, I usually dread the shopping and don't enjoy. Plus, I end up buying things I don't really, really like.

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  27. a door is not the best of backgrounds you know.

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  28. @Nabeel - unfortunately, while a door truly isn't the best of backgrounds, it's really the lesser of many evils in regards to my other options. So, I'm working with what I've got for now. :)

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  29. I ADORE this outfit!! Super cute!! Great colors, fantastic skirt, fun tights! I love the shoes too!! Hrm... retail therapy can be hit and miss for me. Sometimes I think just getting out of the house and being distracted for a bit helps, whether I buy anything or not. I certainly don't think its always the best kind of therapy, at least for me. On the other hand, sometimes "shopping my closet" and putting together outfits helps me out in a similar way. I hope that helps! :)

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