You're an animal tonight

Oh, sunshine. Between shorter days and lots of rain, it's a rare sight these days (and getting rarer).

So, I decided to keep my Evans booties after all. They're cute no? They are a bit roomy but with a pair of thick socks they fit well enough, and I love them with skinnies - these skinnies in particular, the Zip Me Skinny Jean from City Chic. On sale and with a credit I snagged these babies for just over a dollar! They fit so well through the leg and butt, but of course are roomy in the waist - it's my usual problem with all this junk in my trunk. I had to hold 'em up with a belt this time, but they'll be making their way down to my sewing room for a quick darting soon enough. But if you're straight through the waist and hips I can't recommend these jeans enough! They're super stretchy and comfortable, and I just love the rich, dark wash.

Oh, and do you like my new bag?? Finally, a purse big enough to hold all the crap I lug around. I scored it off ideeli; the price was so good that I just had to get the black version for my sister for Christmas as well! I just might have to borrow it - that's allowed right?

Sweater, button down: Old Navy
Skinnies: City Chic
Booties: Evans
Necklace: H&M
Coat: New York & Co. outlet
Bag: ideeli

A new species discovered...Arianis Bloggeristrus

The nonstop rain we've been having here in NJ has turned my backyard into a veritable jungle. Standing there in my bit of leopard print, I have to say, I felt right at home!

My red skirt from F21+ continues to be one of the best $7 purchases I've made all year, and I was happy to step away from my usual red/black/white combo by pairing it with this shimmy bronze tank and a touch of sheer leopard. I've had this button down from Old Navy for ages but always have trouble styling it. I know, I know - leopard, sheer; what's the problem? Well I figured it out, for today at least, by simply rolling the sleeves and twisting the front into a knot for a high-waisted look.

Are you surprised to see my nude Bandolino's make yet another appearance on the blog? They've been my footwear of choice for the past three OOTDs and many unblogged outfits in between. I just can't contain myself!

Button down: Old Navy
Tank: Lane Bryant
Skirt: Forever21+
Pumps: Bandolino via Lord & Taylor
Ring: Vintage via La Casita
Necklace: Gifted
Bracelets: Syms, Brooklyn Flea, F21

Thanks to the BF for being my photographer for these photos, even though he insisted on cutting off my feet in half of them ;) Gotta keep training him I guess! 

Oh, and don't miss my LucieLu Giveaway!

Much delayed

Sorry for the blog silence! I had much less time than I anticipated to post this weekend, and I know I wasn't the only one exhausted after losing an hour of sleep! So here's my much delayed birthday work outfit :)

Button down: Alfani via Macy's
Dress: Forever 21+
Tights: Target
Booties: ASOS
Necklace: Macy's
Rings: Nordstrom Rack
Bracelet: Stella & Dot

Soo I was feeling rather ballsy being as it was my special day and all, so for the first time ever I decided to rock the red lip...to work no less! I did feel glamorous, but I don't know that it's something I'd be comfortable doing as often as some people. It's just so loud! I think I need to get a shade of red that's darker, maybe more towards a dark wine shade rather than true red. But I did like it and I think I'd wear it again on a night I'm feeling particularly sassy.

I love the graphic print on this buttondown, which doesn't get worn all too often. I really wanted more color in here and was searching through my drawers for my pink tights, but alas no luck so I settled for this textured pair from Target. I'm feeling like my closet is a bit lacking in the shoe department, so I'm going to make it my business to stock up on some fun bright heels (especially wedges) and flats for the summer.

All in all, not one of my most exciting outfits, but I liked the little twist I put on it by pairing the button down under the dress, and the kick of my bright lips. I'm also loving this pretty spiral bangle that boyfriend's mom got me for my birthday. It's from a company called Stella & Dot, which is much like Lia Sophia or Premier Designs in that it's sold through reps at jewelry parties and such, but you can also find their pieces here! I really love their style, it's trendy and cute, but doesn't lean toward matronly like some Lia Sophia pieces tend to do.

These are just a few of my favorites. Aren't they awesome? I would love to layer the heart and arrow necklace together! And the two statement necklaces?? SO fabulous!

Office Remix

Just because I work in an office doesn't mean that I'm going to conform to the ol' "skirt, slacks, button down" uniform you see on most people in cubes. Working at a newspaper, I do have a lot of lee way as our dress code is pretty casual, so sometimes I like to mix up my work staples to give them a little funk.

This slouchy sweater from ASOS Curve is one of my favorite purchases of the season so far. It's only midway through October and I've already worn it a million times, and in many different ways - it's so versatile! You can keep it casual with jeans, a cute tee and flats, or it's super easy to dress up too - One of my favorite ways to wear it is belted over a dress. Here I paired it with a tunic-length button down, leggings and boots. This is a perfect outfit for work for me, especially because the sweater keeps me warm in our ARCTIC air conditioning. I don't have all that many button downs because my chest makes it really difficult to find ones that fit properly. This one is great because it has seaming at the bustline that give it a much more feminine shape. I still had to pin the placket between the second and third button so it wouldn't gape, but I don't think its too obvious.

Closeup of my jewelry and of course my mani :)

Sweater: ASOS Curve (No longer available)
Tunic: New York & Co. (No longer available) similar idea
Leggings: INC via Macy's
Boots: Target
Earrings: H&M
Studs: A gift from my aunt for my Sweet 16 - they've been in my ears since that night.
Ring: A gift from my godmother
Bracelet: A friend's
Polish: Nars Zulu

Big welcome to Kimberlee of The Natural Fashionista! Check her out, she's rockin' some fierce outfits :)