Daily MelWear: Maximum Comfort

I think I want to live in maxi dresses forever. I know some people may argue that they're too casual for the office, but I think this is entirely appropriate for my office setting.

I also need to invest in more summer scarves. While our dress code prohibits necklaces, it says nothing about scarves.

Who wants to teach me a million different ways to tie a scarf? Because this is pretty much the only way I know how. Although I've belted a scarf a couple times, worn one under a blazer, used one as a belt, and pinned & belted a scarf once, too.

Still...I need some new tricks.

Hope you're all having a fabulous week!

Today's outfit:

Black Dress (as a skirt): Ross
Purple Blouse: Charlotte Russe
Scarf: Plato's Closet
White Snakeskin Belt: Dots
Sandals: Beall's

Daily MelWear: Outfit 17/30

I think I can, I think I can...

I'm just gonna chalk this one up to accessories. Because really, that's the only thing that adds any interest at all to this outfit. It's black slacks and a black sweater. How much more boring can I get?! But, throw in the patterned scarf (it's HOT today ya'll, but I needed some kind of accessory and at least the scarf doesn't add too much warmth when styled this way) plus some pops of red in the belt and shoes and voila!

Not perfect but not quite as boring.

You guys have been so incredibly encouraging through this challenge. Thank you! :)

We're going to Universal on Saturday. It's going to be 80 degrees with sunny skies and no clouds. I'm strongly considering taking a day off from the 30 for 30 so that I don't melt. I feel like such a slacker for even thinking about it! I'm really wishing I'd included more warm weather items in my 30. Oops.

Hope you're having a great week! I'm super excited because my baby nephew is coming today to spend the next couple nights with us! Yay!

Today's outfit:
Black Slacks: Charlotte Russe
Black Cowl Neck Sweater: Plato's Closet
Black/White Scarf: Big Lots (seriously!)
Red Belt: Salvation Army
Red/Black Pumps: From my mom
Ring: Forever 21

Pronta Scarf WINNER and a SURPRISE!!!

Congratulations to McMel! Email me at {aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com} so that I can get some information from you!

And for the rest of us, SURPRISE! Maru has so generously offered readers of A Working Mom's Closet a 15% discount when you place an order using the code PRONTALOVE15. Happy Valentine's Day to ourselves! :) It's been such a joy working with Maru and we're already discussing another giveaway later on, so keep an eye out for that!

Hope you're all having a great day!

GIVEAWAY! Pronta Scarves

I told you that I was working with a sponsor for a new giveaway, and now it's time for the reveal!

Introducing Maru, creator and designer of Pronta scarves. Maru is incredibly sweet, personable and so talented! When I first stumbled upon her Etsy shop, I knew these pieces would be absolutely perfect for my friends and readers, especially during this odd weather we're having. These scarves are perfect as a necklace when the weather is warm or as a scarf when you really need coverage from the cold air.

Just take a look at some of her designs!

Maru even has a video demonstrating the different ways that these scarves can be worn.

And one of you lucky readers is going to WIN your very own CUSTOM DESIGNED Pronta Scarf! How awesome is that?! {And I'm kind of jealous, to be honest. Can I enter my own giveaway?} Maru is also willing to ship anywhere so this contest is open to everyone.

Did you see the part where I said custom designed? She will create a scarf just for you!!!

Here are the rules:
1. Leave one initial comment to enter as long as you are a follower of A Working Mom's Closet (either through GFC, Google Reader, BlogLovin' or any other medium). For this first entry, I want you to visit Maru's etsy shop and tell me which one of her pieces you like the best!
2. Leave a second comment for an additional entry if you follow me on Twitter.
3. Leave a third comment for an additional entry if you are a fan on Facebook.
4. Leave a fourth comment for an additional entry if you Tweet about the giveaway (be sure to include @wrkngmomscloset at the end of your tweet so I'll see it!).
5. Leave a fifth comment for an additional entry if you blog about the giveaway, and be sure to leave a link to your post in the comment.

Entries will be accepted through the week and as my Valentine's gift to one of you, I'll announce the winner next Monday on Valentine's Day! Good luck!

Daily MelWear: Outfits 4, 5 & 6/30

Originally my plan for this weekend was to get caught up on reading blogs, organize my jewelry a little, search for the online owner's manual for my dad's camera that I've been using and just rest. This is my daughter's weekend with her dad so I wanted to keep my time occupied and stay distracted from missing her. 

Then we decided to do a family day at SeaWorld on Friday and another one at Disney on Saturday. So YAY! 

Friday at SeaWorld was really warm, close to 80, and I didn't pick many short-sleeved pieces in my 30. Plus it was Go Red For Women, so I needed something red as well. I think I pulled it off pretty well. 

Saturday at Disney was warm too for part of the day, but it was also rainy and gloomy and by the end of the day, I was extremely grateful for my leggings and scarf!

Today my daughter is with her dad at a Renaissance Fair, so I did some grocery shopping this morning and I've gotta be honest: now that my pictures are done for today, I'm about to just throw on some sweats. I really want to spend the rest of the day catching up on your blogs and resting.

Don't forget - tomorrow is the first installment of Fabulous in February: A Month of Positivity! Remember to include {at least} three (3) positive comments about yourself in your posts tomorrow (or leave them as a comment here if you don't have a blog!) and then come back and link up on either my post or Hope's.These should be comments that are positive about WHO you are and WHAT you are, not about what you have (it's awesome to be grateful for your job or your family, but we want to hear what makes YOU awesome because we know that you ARE awesome!).

Hope you're all having a great weekend! Can't wait to read your positive thoughts about yourselves tomorrow!

Daily MelWear: Scarves and Tights and Boots, Oh My!

Yesterday's high was 82.  Today's high is 64! Tomorrow is going to be even colder so I would have worn this tomorrow instead, except that we have a meeting with some bigwigs and we've been instructed to dress "professionally...don't wear a lot of rings or with a lot of flashy stuff!"

Now, I don't normally wear a lot of rings (actually, I don't wear any - I need some cute rings!) but I suppose I should figure out how to dress "professionally" in her eyes while still maintaining a sense of my own personal style.

That's for tomorrow's episode. Stay tuned to see if I pass or fail. :)

As for today, this is one of my most favorite outfits, ever! I've mentioned this dress before but it bears repeating: it really is perfection! It's just the perfect blank slate and the dark purple goes with so many different colors. Today I wanted to wear the leopard scarf so I kept all the accessories in the gray/black arena. It's comfortable, stylish, modest and office-appropriate.

I will admit, however, that the shoes are already off. They're super cute, but man do they hurt! At least my new office is relaxed enough that I can take my shoes off (as long as there aren't any guests here!).

UPDATES:
*My boss didn't say anything about the neckline of my dress on Monday (some of you asked, I'm sorry I forgot to mention that in yesterday's post!).
*My grandmother is out of the hospital (she got out the day before Thanksgiving) and is in a rehab facility. She's doing much better and should be released to go home soon!
*I'm loving my new job! Still waiting for access to certain programs but I'm learning more and the environment is SO nice. My co-workers and my boss are great!
*Things are good at home, I have doors on my room now (but with windows in them, so I need to buy some blinds or curtains soon), my baby girl seems to be adjusting well to the change, I still miss her like CRAZY when I'm not with her but I know she's always loved and cared for. 

How is YOUR week going? 

Today's outfit:

Purple Dress: Plato's Closet

Gray Leopard Scarf: Gift from ML

Black Bow Belt: Charlotte Russe

Gray Tights: Forever 21

Gray Booties: Charlotte Russe 

Gray Jacket: Wal-Mart

Daily MelWear: Black and White and Purple All Over

Guess what?!

I had an interview yesterday! Those of you that follow me on Twitter know about this already but for those who don't, I'll fill you in.

The girl that I interact with most at this department was emailing me yesterday morning to let me know that the position should be posted online. I kept looking for it and so did she but it never went through for me to officially apply.  Regardless, the director emailed me to ask if I could interview with her in the afternoon.

My interview was at 1PM and went REALLY well.  She already knows me from the work that I'm currently doing (we need to submit our studies to this department for approval, as well as any changes, protocol deviations, monitor reports, etc.) so she's familiar with the work that I produce. What she decided to do instead of a formal interview was go over the job description with me.  Honestly, what I heard most was "newsletters in MS Publisher, prepare PowerPoint presentations, assist with conference arrangements" and some other things that I have experience with but haven't had an opportunity to use in my current job.

She's hoping to make a decision soon but she needs to find out from HR how many interviews she will have to perform before she can decide.  She also wants me to meet with another manager from a different department this morning; that is scheduled for 8:30AM. 

The BEST part is that this department is closed on Fridays, so I could maintain my current schedule and keep my Friday Mommy Days with my girl!

I don't want to get my hopes up...but I'm getting my hopes up.

Oh right, this is a style blog.  Here's my outfit for today too. :)
Black Pants: Charlotte Russe
Purple Top: Plato's Closet
Black/White Scarf: Big Lots
Heels: Wal-Mart
Black Jacket: Can't remember

Daily MelWear: BBCA Day 14

Hi everyone!

How's your week going so far? Part of me is glad that we're almost to Friday, the other part of me feels like time is moving way too fast.

I've really been wanting to wear scarves more often but I'm a complete novice with them. I only have a couple of lightweight scarves that are wearable in Florida right now; the rest are a little too heavy for the heat. So this is one of my attempts at wearing a scarf. I kind of like it but it doesn't stay put very well, I'm constantly tucking and readjusting. Practice, practice, practice.

So HEY - guess what?! ML from Twenty York Street is going to sponsor some Blogging for Breast Cancer aWEARness giveaways! She's sending me some pieces in the mail, two of which are duplicates of things that I own and have worn on the blog. I am SO excited!

Let's take a poll - if you could win any kind of giveaway, what would you want to win? A purse, a scarf, a piece of jewelry, a piece of clothing, a gift card, something else? What's your favorite giveaway item?

Today's outfit:

Brown Blazer: Kohl's

Brown Slacks: Charlotte Russe

Pink Tee: Target
Brown/Cream Zebra Scarf: From my mom - I think she got it at Big Lots, actually!
Pink Belt: Salvation Army
Brown Studded Heels: Wal-Mart
Pink Earrings: Wal-Mart

Daily MelWear: Thief

I have a confession to make.

This scarf was stolen. 

From my daughter.

My mom bought it for her the other day while they were shopping because it was only $1 and she thought it'd be fun for her to play with.  Well...I saw it and liked it and figured I needed another scarf since I only have one. So I took it.

My daughter asked me about it this morning but I let her play with my other scarf and she was happy. So yay!

This outfit didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped. I love the colors, but I think it might be time to retire this skirt.  Or at least only wear it with actual structured belts. Eh.

That's really all I've got for today. Tonight is our Access group Family Dinner and tonight's theme is Birthday Party because it's one of the girl's birthdays (hi Jennifer! Happy birthday!). We're having burgers and hot dogs (well, I'm having a black bean burger since I'm the only vegetarian), sides and CAKE!

Yay for cake!

How's your week been so far?

PS - If you haven't already checked out  A Working Mom's Closet on Facebook, go now and become a fan! Don't forget to follow on Twitter and ask me something on Formspring, too. 

And as always, please feel free to email me at{aworkingmomscloset@gmail.com} 
just to say hi! I'd love to get to know you!




Today's outfit:
White Skirt: Gap (YEARS ago, like probably a decade)
Gray Tee (embellished neckline, that's not a necklace): Plato's Closet
Pink/Silver Scarf: my daughter's dress up stuff
Silver Stilettos: Payless

Daily MelWear: Purple and Pattern

Today's outfit is brought to you by a night of not-enough-sleep.

Last night my husband and I rented The Hangover.  Which, by the way, is hysterical. Yes, it's crude and the language is awful most of the time, but it's funny.

Anyway.

We heard our daughter doing her normal groaning in her sleep and decided once the movie was over we'd go check on her (which is something we rarely ever do because she's such a good sleeper).  Well...as soon as we opened the door to her room, we were greeted with the overwhelming smell of vomit. I was trying to come up with another word to use but really, they all sound gross. 

It was all over her bed, her clothes, her pillow, her blanket, her floor, in her hair and on her face...it was AWFUL.  And that poor baby was SLEEPING! She was so startled when we woke her up but once she realized she was going to play in the bathtub, she was a happy little clam. She thought it was the silliest thing ever for me to brush her teeth while she was in the tub, so that was fun. :)

It took us about 45 minutes to an hour to get her cleaned up, get her room cleaned up, put her clothes/bed stuff in the wash and remake her bed. Needless to say, I did NOT wake up at my usual 4:30AM to work out this morning. 

She didn't eat dinner last night, we had pasta which she normally likes but she decided she didn't feel like eating (which is typical of her, half the time we make her favorites and she'd still rather play than eat) so she had one bite and that was it. Very, very normal, everything went as usual. I have no idea what could have caused her to get sick.  And this is the FIRST time she has ever gotten sick. I cry when I get sick like that, it hurts and it's scary! I'm surprised that she just went right back to sleep, there were no retching sounds, she didn't call for us or anything. 

She woke up this morning at her normal time (I really thought she'd sleep later but not so much) and was her usual, happy self.  No fever, said her stomach felt okay.

 

The whole thing is just WEIRD, ya'll.

On to the outfit: when I woke up, I decided I wanted to try the all-white that I've been seeing on some other bloggers. I only own one pair of white trousers and I picked a plain white tee for the top (still need to find a great white button-down).  I figured my scarf would look nice and I don't wear it often, so this was a good opportunity.  To make it a little more professional, I added the striped blazer then to top off the outfit, my silver stilettos. I kind of like the little bit of pattern mixing between the scarf and the blazer.

I did end up pushing the sleeves up because it just seems like a more summery look instead of having them down.  

So...how was YOUR night?

Today's outfit:

White Trousers: Charlotte Russe

White Tee: Target

Purple Floral Scarf: Plato's Closet

Purple Striped Blazer: hand-me-down from a co-worker

Silver Stilettos: Payless

Daily MelWear: It's A Scarf! It's a Belt! What's Next?

I've only worn this scarf one other time.  I can't really come up with ways to wear it as an actual scarf; I'm new to scarves and have no idea how to tie it.  So I belted it first and today I'm wearing it as a belt.

These photos are a testament to the fact that I should stick with skinny belts.  When I widened it to show more of the pattern, it just made me look frumpy.  Good thing it naturally skinnies itself out so that's how it'll sit throughout the day.

I love the purple floral pattern, I think it's so pretty and summery. Actually more spring-like, but whatever. :) I like it. I wore my purple sling-backs to add more purple to the outfit, then kept the jewelry simple because the dress and shirt both have enough detail on their own.

Today's outfit:

Black Dress: Plato's Closet

Black Sheer Top: Plato's Closet

Purple Floral Scarf: Plato's Closet

Purple Sling-backs: Wal-Mart

Necklace/Earrings: Wal-Mart

Daily MelWear: Summer Scarves

Happy late Memorial Day!  I did take pictures yesterday but they're not fantastic so I'm not sure I'll post them.  Maybe if a day comes up when I just need to post some pictures real quick.

I tried my hand at selling clothes to Plato's Closet on Sunday.  That didn't work out so well for me.  Apparently the clothes I was getting rid of were "too mature".

Wait, did they just call me old?!

Anyway, they took two items; a shirt and some of the ugliest shoes I've never worn.  I had my nude snakeskin pumps to sell because they're too big now, some Mossimo black/gray pumps that are adorable...and they took the ugly shoes! I have no idea what their criteria is at this point.

They gave me a whopping $4 and some change.  I used it to buy this scarf for $5.  And that was the only thing that I walked out of the store with.  Strange, because I usually spend three or four hours in that store and have to narrow my purchases down.  I think I might have just not been in the mood for shopping.  Or something.

Today's outfit was built around the scarf. I started out pairing these white pants with a white button-down shirt, but the back gaps a little and my white belt wasn't fitting well at that point on my waist.  I decided to wear this dusty blue shirt instead and then had to figure out how to wear the scarf.  I was going to just tie it near my collar bone, but then I belted it and really, really liked that effect.  So I kept it.  What do you think? My first time wearing a scarf! Yay!

Today's stuff:

White Pants: Charlotte Russe (pre-pregnancy)

Blue Shirt: Target? Wal-Mart? (pre-pregnancy)

White Belt: Wal-Mart

Purple Flower Scarf: Plato's Closet (tag said Bebe...but I cut it off)

Nude Kitten Heels: Target

Necklace and Earrings: Wal-Mart (gift from co-worker)