Sneaky Inspiration

I think this outfit was inspired by 2 recent posts over on Eat, Sleep, Denim.  I didn't realize it at the time, but then I remembered reading this post and when I just went to grab the link, I saw this other post, which I also remembered reading.  So, there you have it, subconscious inspiration from reading blogs! 

John and I met for lunch on the day I wore this, and I took advantage of the opportunity to have him snap some outfit photos before heading back to lunch.  It was a little awkward, but we didn't have any strangers notice us.  I have major respect for all you bloggers who frequently take pictures out in public. 

I haven't worn these shoes since the Christmas Party where they pretty much destroyed my feet.  They are much nicer when I am sitting at my desk all day. 

Blazer: Limited
Shirt:  Sunny Leigh
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: BCBGirls
Purse:  Hermes (in my dreams - it's actually a thrifted knockoff)

I'm also linking this post up to Everybody Everywear for Pastel Day.  I realized I don't have much pastel in my closet, and my light green cardigan is sitting in the laundry pile, so I'm cheating and using my pale pink purse, which is featured in exactly 1 photo above.

All Aboard!

Friday night, we got all dressed up for John's company's Christmas party.  It was downtown at the Durham Museum (old Union Station), so we took the opportunity to take a picture on the train.  I wish they had some landscape pictures outside the window, so it actually looked like I was going somewhere. 

I almost wore my new green glitter shoes, but I thought it was a bit much, and I was pretty sure they'd be ruined the second they got snowy.  I think I tried on 10 pairs of shoes before I settled on these.  It was the wrong decision for sure.  Next year, I need to remember that there is a LOT of standing around, so I need to wear more comfortable shoes.  By the end of the night, I almost couldn't walk, especially on the ice and snow!  As of Monday morning, my toes are still a little numb.  That can't be healthy. 

Anyway... this dress is from Ann Taylor, and it was originally $138.  The other day, I stumbled across a blogger who had bought it full price, and was explaining that sometimes it is worth it to splurge on such a great basic item.  It's on sale online now for $99.  I got it for 7.  That's right, SEVEN dollars.  That is 95% off the original price.  It makes me feel a little ridiculous that my belt cost twice as much as my dress, but I think I'll manage. 

Dress: Ann Taylor
Belt:  Francesca's
Shoes:  BCBGirl
Clutch:  Loft