veep.

My recent tv obsession is Veep. Maybe it's because I live in DC and see the executive building on my way to work every day, but I just love the sticky situations the Veep (aka Vice President, Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) gets into. It's really a hillarious show.

So today, my inspiration comes from the ladies of Veep: Selina Meyer, Amy Brookheimer (played by Ann Chlumsky from My Girl!), and the oh so funny Sue Wilson.

The Veep

ASOS pencil dress, $47; Zara shopping tote, $80; Forever 21 jewelry, $5.80; Kenneth Jay Lane drop earrings, $40; Forever 21 chain necklace, $5.80; Belt, $33; BareMinerals lip gloss, $18; LAUREN by Ralph Lauren, $55


The Veep is all about style. In fact, stylists on the show modeled the veep's style off none other than Michelle Obama. She loves her  statement jewelry and has a classic DC style, with a twist. That's why I chose this red shift dress with the added touch of a scalloped neckline. 


Amy

Nine West plaid suit, $129; city pocket shirt, $40; Zara shoes, $50; Longchamp tote, $98; Charter Club pink jewelry, $25; Beaded brooch, $39


The Chief of Staff on the other hand is all about the power suit. The great thing about her, though, is that she'll pick a great suit with an unexpected element -- like the plaid print on this gray suit. Amy is very practical. So I could definitely see her owning about 5 different pairs of these pumps in brown, nude, and black. I think Amy is one of those women that doesn't want her clothes to distract from the powerful, intelligent woman she is, and I totally agree with that. (but I had to add a little brooch just to satisfy my need for bling)


Sue

Print dress, $35; Dorothy Perkins strappy sandals, $49; Hurley tote handbag, $40; Drop earrings, $32; Dorothy Perkins peach jewelry, $17; Kenneth jay lane jewelry, $30; Forever 21 lip gloss, $1.80


Veep: Has the president called?
Sue: No.


I love Sue. She is so sassy, and her style reflects that quality. She tends to wear prints and statement earrings. So, I feel like she would absolutely love this outfit, minus the random bow on the dress. She'd get rid of that asap.


My absolute favorite thing about this show are its powerful women characters with leading roles. It really is an inspiration, and I hope it continues to be an ongoing theme on HBO and other major networks. 


Readers: What are your thoughts?

carolina herrera in the summer.

The Limited Skirt, $69.90; Old Navy Shirt, $27; Ellen Tracy Shoes, $47; DSW Handbag, $50; JCPenneys Earrings, $10; Endless Watch, $34; JCPenney's Necklace, $12; Forever 21 Belt, $5.80


It is getting so sticky lately. Summer hasn't started and I already feel like I need to take 3 showers a day. Once the weather gets warmer, I see pencil skirts all over the place. But pencil skirts naturally stick to your body, making for a number of women walking down the streets with sweat marks where there just shouldn't be any! So, today I'm pulling out the airy, breezy a-line skirt. It's a great staple for summer, and doesn't feel restrictive like a pencil skirt often does.


I was inspired by Carolina Herrera's trademark white dress shirt and long, black a-line skirt. It's so classic. I hope you enjoy it!

trina turk for banana republic.

Trina Turk and Banana Republic collaborated on a new line that was just released last week. The looks scream summer with Turk's signature Palms Springs-esque, flirtatious prints. My favorite part of this collection is that they sell for about half of what they usually do at department stores ($34.50 - $150). Here are a few of my favorite pieces:



Trina Turk Swirl cowl-neck knit dress $120



Trina Turk silk bow top $69.50



Trina Turk sateen pencil skirt $79.50



Trina Turk orange swirl bracelet $45



Trina Turk pinking shears tote $120



Trina Turk turquoise swirl scarf $69.50


Did you know that, after Trina Turk's mother taught her to sew, she made a halter top and knew, from then on, that she wanted to study apparel design? Sometimes it's those little things that can make a huge impact on the world.


Readers: What do you think about the collection? 




**I'm updating this post and adding the Zazzy Zebra Sateen Skirt because I just saw it on the blogger at Alterations Needed, and this skirt looks awesome on her!

Trina Turk zazzy zebra sateen skirt $79.50

flower power.

Old Navy Scoop Neck Top, $9.50; Aldo Handbag, $40; Urban Outfitters Top, $39;  Talbots Canvas Pants, $80; Amrita Singh Earrings, $20; Forever 21 Ring, $3.80; Nordstrom Enamel Bracelet, $42 Chinese Laundry Shoes, $50;   




Happy Friday Everyone!!!


Today I was inspired by orange and teal. These colors remind of classy parties on the beach with white tents and the wind blowing in my hair. I'm seriously dreaming about this while drinking my rather strong coffee in front of a glaring computer screen. 


I love how this purse's little petal cut-outs remind me of the lace cut-outs on this super cute top. I went for a scoop neck t-shirt underneath rather than a tank top, as is featured on the Urban Outfitters site, because it would really be too close to a bare shoulder top which, in my opinion, is a no-no for work. 


On another note, tomorrow is my town's annual yard sale. The whole town gets together to sell all their used items on their front lawns, and I get to rummage through all of it! I'm so excited. On my wish-list:


1. Vintage mirrors for a fun mirror collage for my new apartment, like this


2. Old maps


3. A small dinette set (because I don't want to trek all the way to ikea)


4. Belts and purses -- my favorite vintage fashion finds


5. Vintage dressing table to house my makeup, perfume, and jewelry...loooove all of these. 


But, I know my favorites will be those I never expected to find. Can't wait! 

green with envy.

Zara collared shirt, $79.99; Modcloth Green Trousers, $67.99; Chinese Laundry Wedges, $39.99; DSW Bag, $29.94; Romwe Earrings, $11.99; J Crew Gold Bangle Set, $29.50; Dorothy Perkins Ring, $11; Oasis genuine leather belt, $7




I love love love this Zara top. The stud details on the collar are amazing. They're just the right size to be work appropriate. 


Enjoy your Thursday!

tweed indeed.

Mango zipper dress, $69; Victoria s Secret metallic jacket, $25 (sold out); Lauren Ralph Lauren pumps, $60; DSW Bag, $30; Piperlime Necklace, $24; Juicy Couture resin bangle, $17; Amrita Singh 18k jewelry, $20; Wendy Mink drop earrings, $31; Sephora Collection nail lacquer, $9.50


Hello Everyone! This is the last blazer week post. I hope you had as much fun viewing these as I had creating them. I absolutely looooove this blazer. It's so hard to find a good tweed jacket under $100. Unfortunately, and not to my surprise, this jacket sold out just after I posted it on my first blazer week post. However, here are a few similar tweed blazers that are just as cute at Talbots,Tobi, and Lord and Taylor. 


My Daily Musings:


On another note, I was updating my resume today and found myself mulling over my "Skills and Interests" section. The typical questions of (1) what should I include, (2) how long should it be, and (3) should I include this section at all came up. I'm sure many are concerned with whether they'll be judged negatively based on what they write in this section. I came to a few conclusions on this:


1. Tailor your interests to the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a job related to international issues, include any languages you know or are currently learning. 


2. Don't include anything controversial: nothing political or religious. You never know what your potential employer's stance is on a certain issue, and you don't want them to judge you solely on this fact.


3. Three is the perfect number. Maybe it's just my OCD, but if you can come up with 3 or less skills/interests, your resume will look well balanced. A great tip is to include 2 professional skills and 1 fun interest. i.e. "Fluent in Spanish, Certification in Lexis Nexis and Westlaw Legal Research, Latin and Italian Cooking"


4. Think about what you're skills/interests say about you. I love fashion, obviously. But I'm not going to write that in this section because that really doesn't say anything about my abilities in the work place (unless I represent designers in intellectual property cases). Now, the fact that I trained for and ran the Boston marathon (not true) says that I'm dedicated, disciplined, and can deal with high-stress situations.


5. Don't lie. It'll bite you where it hurts in the long run.


The point is that this section is supposed to set you apart from other candidates. When reviewing resumes at work, I've often seen myself scrolling down first just to see what the candidates are interested in because you want to hire someone who is interesting and fits in with your office culture. 


What are your views on the Skills/Interests section of a resume?  

the professor.

Quiksilver jacket, $38 Blue Label Megan Solid Oxford Shirt, $90 LOFT slimming pants, $55 Zara patent shoes, $50 Aldo handbag, $28 Chain necklace, $21 ASOS oval earrings, $6.96 Full Tilt bracelet, $7.99 Belt, $14


Isn't this jacket begging for some elbow patches? I was perusing the fabsugar site (which I've always been secretly obssessed with) and found this great video on how to add elbow patches to any kind of clothing:

Cute, huh? Do you have any other great diy ideas for updating an outfit?