Daily MelWear BBCA: Accented

I'm really excited about how nice the weather has been here lately. It's been cool in the mornings, not too hot in the afternoons, breezy, blue skies...THIS, my friends, is why I live in Florida. Now if only it would stay this way forever, I'd be a really happy camper.

As excited as I am for the new fall trends and to wear boots and tights again,  I have to admit that I'm good with the heat and being able to still wear my summer pieces. 

Speaking of fall trends, what are YOU looking forward to the most this season? I'm so out of the loop, I don't even know what the fall trends are (this is something a style blogger probably shouldn't ever admit, but I'm nothing if not honest). So tell me what you're excited about and clue me in!

Have a great Thursday, everyone!

Today's outfit:
Skirt and Shirt: Target (super, super old)
Pink Cami: Charlotte Russe
Pink Belt: Salvation Army
Heels: Wal-Mart

Daily MelWear: Black & Blue

When I was in high school, the junior chorus wore blue dresses and the seniors wore black. They would combine for at least one song or two at each concert during the year and every time, we referred to it as "The Bruise".

I suppose that's why I'm hesitant to wear black and blue together, but I don't have a lime or turquoise top to pull out the other shades in the skirt, so I'm going with this midnight blue. I kinda like how it turned out.

Normally I don't post on Fridays but since I'm back posting outfits a day later, I figured I could try getting one more in. I wore this yesterday and we're allowed to wear jeans on Thursdays, but you all know how I am about jeans and pants in general. They don't seem to like me very much. So I avoid them. Often.

Just a reminder - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I'm going to post sign-ups soon for those who'd like to participate in this year's Blogging for Breast Cancer Awearness Challenge. Start thinking about whether you'd like to join in this year and keep an eye out so you can sign up!

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday and an even better weekend!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Burlington
Blouse: Target
Cardigan: Kohl's
Belt: Gift from my mom
Heels: Target
Necklace: Wal-Mart

Daily MelWear: In Love

I found this chocolate brown skirt at the Salvation Army store and seriously, I'm in love with it. It's perfect. I wish I could find one in every single color. I would be a happy camper.

It's just so comfy and it fits well, the length is good, the shape is good...I just love it.

These heels are pretty awesome too, but I rarely wear them because I don't have much of a reason to wear bronze snakeskin. Heh.

Now let's move on to the blouse. Which, incidentally, was also a Salvation Army find. It's not a pattern I'd normally wear, nor are the colors ones I'd typically wear (there's navy in there Kish, are you proud? I did that for you!), but those are the reasons I bought it, to break out of my own style a little bit.

However, now I'm at a loss as to what to wear with it. I don't think black would look very good with it, but black is my primary neutral and I don't have much else.

So...any suggestions, dear friends?

By the way, I want to apologize for my lack of comments lately. Life is crazy (in a good way!) and busy and I'm also trying to slow down a bit and stress less...so my blog reading and commenting time is one thing I've had to sacrifice right now. I miss you all, I want you to know that!

I hope you're having a fantastic week - it's almost over!!!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Salvation Army
Blouse: Salvation Army
Heels: Can't remember
Necklace: Gift from ML

Daily MelWear: Not A Fan

I have to be honest...when I first put this outfit on, I thought it looked okay. As I sifted through the photos and continued to look at them, I came to the conclusion that I don't really like this. Not so much. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is that bothers me; it just generally doesn't make me happy.

The beauty of style, though, is that you get to start over again with the next outfit, so here's to a better one tomorrow. :)

Hope you're all having a great day!

Today's outfit:

Dress: Target

Sleeveless Blouse: Target

Belt: Charlotte Russe? Forever 21? I can't remember

Sandals: Beall's

Daily MelWear: Zebra In Green

I wasn't so sure I'd like this outfit. I'm not positive that I really like this dress to begin with. The only other time I've worn it was here and while that outfit worked pretty well, I think the dress by itself stumps me a little. {I just noticed I'm wearing the same necklace, too. Wow, how's that for unimaginative?}

The shirt seems like it would be too long to work well, but I actually really like the length of it against the length of the dress. This may not be my most professional outfit, though nothing really stands out as inappropriate, but I think it's a bit more "different" than my boss would like (she tends to say that I dress "crazy"). The good news is that she didn't say anything about it, so I suppose it worked okay.

There have been a few times I've put on an outfit, felt okay about it, then by the time I got to work (or halfway through the day) I was uncomfortable because I decided it wasn't as appropriate or professional as I'd like to project.

So friends, tell me about a time you wore an outfit you initially liked, but then vowed never to wear again. I can't be the only one with these outfit mood swings, can I?

Okay and speaking of questions, does anyone use Formspring anymore? I don't really get questions on there and have considered deleting my account, because people can contact me via email (or Twitter, or Facebook) with questions. What are your thoughts?

Have a great Thursday, lovelies!

Today's outfit:
Dress: Ross
Green Shirt: Charlotte Russe
Black Belt: Macy's (came with a dress)

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Wal-Mart

Daily MelWear: Torn

I can't decide if I like this. The outfit started with the shoes. I haven't worn them on the blog yet and figured a week while the boss is away would be a good time. First I considered a black dress with them, and I'm really wishing I'd gone with that option instead.

As much as I complain about this skirt, how it doesn't quite fit so I never feel good in it, I do seem to wear it an awful lot. That just goes to show me that I need a new A-line white skirt!

Originally I had the top tucked in and the skirt pulled up to create a paperbag waist, but that didn't do it for me, so I untucked. I will be honest, I do like it a little better after seeing the photos. The mirror made me uncomfortable though.

And now I'm at work, sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and trying to breathe because I'm congested. The worst part of a cold is not being able to breathe.

Anyone want to bring me some chicken noodle soup-without-the-chicken-because-I'm-a-vegetarian? And some orange juice? I'll be your best friend!

Hope you all have a happy and HEALTHY day!

Today's outfit:
White Skirt: Gap
Pink Cami: Charlotte Russe
Green/White Floral Top: From my aunt (but it's an Ann Taylor)
Pink Belt: Salvation Army
Pink Necklace: Wal-Mart
Nude Wedge Sandals: Beall's

Daily MelWear: Momma Likes Flowers

If there is one thing I wish I had more of (besides time, sleep, energy, chocolate, and wine), it would be flowers. I could probably go out and buy fresh flowers each week but that would get expensive.

So I'll wear them instead. This skirt makes me particularly happy because it's not the typical red, pink and yellow flowers.

My boss is out this week, so us girls are plugging away getting lots of projects done. Whee! I may have a bit more freedom in my next couple of outfits, too. :)

Hey, did you hear that Everybody, Everywear's next theme is YELLOW? It was MADE for me! How will I pick just one outfit?!

What's your favorite color to use, either to pop an all-neutral outfit or to contrast other colors?

Did you all have a fantastic long weekend, with either Friday or Monday off? I hope so, and I hope you have a fabulous Tuesday too!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Burlington
Shirt: Penney's
Belt: From my mom
Necklace: Gift from ML
Heels: Beall's

Daily MelWear: White Out 2!

Well. Surprisingly I was able to get around to a few blogs yesterday. Here's hoping I can keep that up today! Thanks for all of the sweet encouragement, you guys!

Today's outfit is not at all what I'd planned to wear. I was going to wear this dress with the white blazer, but the drop waist wasn't working for me with the blazer and I felt like it was too short for this office. I know it doesn't look short in that post but trust me, it looked short today.

It's a good thing I changed (although I'm not sure this qualifies for a White Out without the blazer, and that's how I'll probably wear it since our AC ends up at 80 in the afternoon), because at the last minute my boss asked me to accompany her to teach a class to nursing students this morning. Oy! I'm much more comfortable in this outfit so I was okay being in front of the room. Until a roach almost fell on my head. At which point I remained calm anyway. Entirely unlike me.

A couple of weeks ago, I asked you all what your tips are for dressing professionally in the sweltering heat. Some of you had some great comments and I wanted to include them in today's post.

Victoria said, "My tip for dressing professionally in summer would be to invest in a very lightweight ivory blouse (like mine, obviously ;) ) and always carry a cardigan with you! Once the A/C is on full blast it gets cold!"

TiAnna said, " As far as dressing professionally in the summer, I'd say make sure you're not being too revealing at work just because it's hot. Also, peruse your employee handbook to see what you can and cannot wear, and take an example from your co-workers."

Heather from H & K  Style Journey said, "My main tip for dressing professionally in the summer is to wear a skirt with a cute short sleeve top. Grab a cardigan or a jacket for the office (A/C) and you're done. :)"

rlutz said, "My tip for dressing professionally this summer would be lots of blazers with skirts and dresses to stay cool!"

Beck said, "I don't really have tips on keeping cool, since I like the heat and our office A/C is usually on too cold for me. I guess one thing I could say is I use shawls and scarves as alternatives to cardigans and jackets over sundresses (they're also easy to pack and light to carry in a bag usually :) )"

Thanks for the tips, ladies! And now, I'm diving back into tracking my hours at work! Whee!

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Target
Blouse: Penney's (?)
Belt: Kohl's (came with a dress)
Blazer: Stein Mart
Shoes: Payless

Daily MelWear: Weekend Attire

I don't normally post my weekend outfits but a few people have asked about them and I have some extra time today (my daughter is with her dad for Father's Day and my parents are out visiting my brother and his family) so I thought I'd go ahead and post some. So exciting, no?

There are no photos of today, because I slept in and haven't showered (and may not today. TMI? Sorry, but this is the ONE day I have to stay home and get things done!) and probably will not be wearing anything cute. Moving on...

Friday is my day off work because I work 10 hour days Monday - Thursday. My daughter knows Fridays as Mommy Day since we always have the day together. I love my Mommy Days!

I was originally going to wear this dress just by itself, but then it seemed like WAY too much pattern so I threw the cardigan on top even though it was almost 100 degrees outside. Pops of yellow in the belt and shoes are always fun with the blue and green pattern. Usually I wear something underneath too when this dress goes to work but since it was the weekend, I left that off. 

I spent the morning with my daughter, having pillow and tickle fights, and then I had a nail and hair appointment at 11AM. When I came home, we had lunch together before her nap. After her nap, we played, had dinner, then took a trip to Target so that she could pick out anything she wanted with the gift cards/money she was given for her birthday. She picked out the new Alice In Wonderland DVD with Johnny Depp (that's definitely my daughter!), a bath toy, a Toy Story car racing toy, a Rapunzel doll and some new black sandals that matched my yellow ones I was wearing.

On Saturday, we went to my cousin's daughter's dance recital in the morning and then to lunch with the whole family. After lunch was nap time, then I brought her to her dad's house so that he could spend Father's Day with her. He opened his Father's Day gift then instead of waiting so I could see him open it. I found Star Wars lightsaber chopsticks! One adult and one kid-sized pair. He was so excited and so was our daughter. Yay for good gifts! :)

I went back home, picked up my mom and headed to Wal-Mart and Bath & Body Works, then we went back for my dad and he took us to dinner.

That was my weekend! Now for a few other things to mention...

Daphne from Fashion Confessions of a Mommy tagged me in a What's In Your Bag post. My bag isn't all that exciting, but here's a photo (I have one of those purse organizer thingies because I'm a neat freak - there, I said it):

And here's what's in there (basically): hairbrush, medicine case with ibuprofen, dramamine and chewable pepto, gum, pens, business cards, sanitizer, lotion, make-up, thigh-highs in case my boss freaks about us not wearing hose, and two extra pairs of panties in case my girl has an accident. I usually have my wallet, keys and phone in there too but didn't take a picture of them.  I'm entirely unexciting, I know. Heh.

One other thing is that I was awarded the Lovely Blog Award by B. Inspired at Bravoe Runway. I know this has gone around several times (and I also really don't like leaving anyone out) so I'm not going to tag anyone else, but I'll quickly share seven things about myself.

1. I like to sing. A lot. I'm no star or anything but I do get paid to sing with an entertainment company during Christmastime. In fact, my ex-husband and I met at a restaurant where we both worked, where the waitstaff put on shows each night. I was a hostess, he was a chef. FUN times! :)

2. I have weird fears of elevators and water. I'm claustrophobic so I HATE elevators for fear that I'll get stuck in one, and I don't like natural bodies of water. I'm okay with pools, but lakes, oceans and other natural things freak me right out. And I also hate flying. The last time I flew was on a missions trip to Thailand back in 2005. Nothing happened on any of those flights, except that I had a panic attack for no good reason. Even though the flights were "okay", I'm still PETRIFIED of flying.

3. My favorite color is green.

4. If our daughter had been a boy, we would have named him Giovanni Michael. However, I'm SO GLAD we had a girl and that we had EXACTLY the girl we have. I adore her!

5. My two favorite jobs were working as a barista at Barnie's and as the administrative assistant in the music department at a huge local church.

6. I'm a little bit terrified of the day when I'll pay off my bills and be able to move out of my parents' house into my own place with my daughter. I've never been on my own and it scares me. Plus I'll have to learn to cook. Meh.

7. I could probably live on coffee, chocolate, and pizza. Not for long, cuz I'm sure eating that badly would kill me young, but I do love those things. :)

And that's it for my weekend post! I have the next 7 hours all to myself to get several loads of laundry done, more blog posts written, guest posts completed, organize my room a bit and who knows what else. Hopefully I can even get all of that done!

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend and Sunday!!!

Daily MelWear: Blue Flowers

Happy Day-After-Memorial-Day to my U.S. readers! Hope you all had a wonderful long weekend relaxing, barbecuing and giving thanks for the freedoms we've been afforded.

I spent Saturday with my girl at our family's annual Memorial Day pool party (my aunt had to work on Monday so we had to switch the day) and then I brought her to her dad, since this was his weekend with her. Sunday was spent at home, going through clothes to donate, cleaning things up, getting blog posts ready (did you read yesterday's Proper Professional with Kileen?) and organizing a new series of blog posts.

Speaking of a new series of blog posts, I have SO much good stuff in store for you guys! I had a fantastic time at SheCon last weekend and I know that I can't possibly capture every part of it. I want to share the experience with all of you and I want you to meet all of the great new friends that I made. 

What better way for you to meet all of these fabulous people than to have them each introduce themselves to you! Starting this Friday, I'm beginning a series called SheCon Lovelies where each of my new friends will guest post in an interview format, sharing themselves and their SheCon experiences with all of you. This way you'll get to meet each of them and hear their perspective on what they learned and enjoyed at the conference. I'm SO excited! YAY!!!

Okay so back to the weekend - Sunday night, my mom and I went out with a good friend of mine to see Bridesmaids. SO HYSTERICAL! I loved it!

Monday was full of errands. FULL of errands. And kind of full of annoyance because certain places were closed or I forgot something or something else happened. I ran out of time and didn't get to finish everything I wanted to do, but I did get to go shopping with some coupons at Payless and DSW. Those shoes will be on the blog soon. VERY soon.

My mom wanted to look for some dresses for our family reunion-type vacation at the beach in June so we stopped by Ross. I remembered that TiAnna mentioned she doesn't have a Ross but heard that  Burlington was similar, so I decided to pop into Burlington (where I rarely shop) to check it out and compare. Today's outfit is the result of that trip and TiAnna can expect a bill in the mail for all the clothes I ended up buying there. {I'm kidding. Sort of.}

So - whew! That was a lot of text. If you got through all of it, you deserve a cookie. No seriously, go get one. Bring one back for me, too.

Have a great Tuesday, friends!

Today's outfit:
Skirt / Jacket / Belt: Burlington
Black Tank: Target
Black Heels: Beall's
Green Necklace: Beya

Daily MelWear: Spring Has Sprung!

I know, I know, it's a little trite...but it makes me smile because it reminds me of a Tigger lawn sign I used to have with that saying on it. I like Tigger.

Anyway.

Work is still really busy, so I haven't had a chance to visit blogs like I wish I could! Thank you all for continuing to comment and support me in spite of my...lameness.

Even more lame is that I took the necklace off when I got in the car because of all our dress code issues lately - I know we can technically wear it if it's taken off when visitors come, but I also know my boss isn't a fan of "the bling" so I'm going to play it safe for a while.

Speaking of being supportive (I was before the necklace thing, right?), I do know of a few things that I want to support and mention here!

Kimberly of Fashion Momma has QUIT HER JOB!!! Hooray! She's taking a position as a nanny that will allow her to bring her daughter to work every day! However, she's not as experienced in dressing for function as a nanny AND being as cute as she normally is, too. She's requesting your help in dressing her and offering a $25 gift card to the winner. Go here to read all about it and enter!

Taylor of It's My Cardi feels the same way about orange as I do about yellow. This week she's proving that orange can be worn with practically any other color. Need some orange inspiration? Click here to read her first orange post and check her out!

Also, don't forget to visit my friend Charisse's new blog! She's already gotten some very sweet visitors and comments and has started to add more content. Go Charisse go!!!

And now I have a question for you: is it easier for you to dress professionally (and/or modestly) during the cold winter months or during the warm summer months? Kind of a silly question, I know. But answer me anyway. Cuz I like to know what you think.

I look like I'm about to take flight in this picture. It amuses me.

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday! Ooooh, alliteration. It makes me happy.

Today's outfit:
Skirt: Target
Shirt: Ross
Sandals: Target
Belt: Wal-Mart (um...in the boys' section...shhhh...)
Necklace: Beya