Personal Styling

It is no secret that my guiltiest pleasure on TV, next to anything on Bravo is “What Not To Wear”. I used to want to nominate myself for the show, because let’s be honest—who wouldn’t bend over backwards (and probably sacrifice some personal dignity) to have a week with Stacy and Clinton?

One of the coolest events I’ve done thus far at work was a Style and Substance kick-off event, teaming together one of Washington D.C.’s top stylists with a presentation coach. The venue? None other than the perfect J.Crew. For an hour, they paired how to dress per certain occasions with how to present yourself. It was an amazing event and at the end I snuck to the side to ask her all of my questions like, “I’m 5’1″. Is an above the knee skirt ok?” or “Are tights and boots/booties appropriate for work?” Answers–yes and yes.

While perusing my blog feed, I saw a hyperlink to Stacy London’s online styling magazine. It’s 50-someodd virtual pages of tips, tricks and tutorials. I know people would kill for a few hours with a personal stylist, but they can be a bit pricey. So until “What Not To Wear” comes back on TV, or personal stylists become a free public service (which for some people, they should be), this guide will have to do the trick!

Live Colorfully…and Patriotically

Before you virtually scold me, I know. I posted in August that I was back in action! And then I lied. But the truth is, I actually miss documenting this evolving side of my life. I just got busy and tired and lazy and now that it gets dark at approximately 3 p.m., all I want to do when I get home from work is put on my jammies and watch some Bravo.

In the past few months, I’ve done a lot of closet editing. My old job afforded me the opportunity to wear whatever I wanted, and this new position is all business casual, all the time. This shift in everyday dressing has also shifted how I shop, and I can honestly say for the first time in a long time, the only things I’ve been buying are things I actually need.

Another (albeit unintentional) trend? A bulk of what I’ve added to my closet is blue. It’s no secret that I hate color–black, white, taupe, brown…and done. But I don’t live in New York, where people walk around in their black coats/black boots/large black sunglasses, so it was about time that I added some color to my closet.

Skirt, Coat, Blazer, Blouse: J.Crew

Pants: Ann Taylor

 In other news? I finally committed to the J.Crew Blythe blouse, a staple for many of the blogs I follow. On some fluke afternoon, I found the Blythe blouse, on sale for $60, plus an extra 25% off, plus my “student” discount of 15%…and it wasn’t in some hideous neon green color. I have to admit, it’s lived up to it’s hype. The fit is stellar in the shoulders and across the bust (no gaping buttons!) and drapes perfectly when tucked into a skirt.

And in a total ironic turn of events, I just realized that I’m posting about my blue closet additions…on Election Day. No red in this redhead’s closet! Remember,  its a gift and a privilege  that we have the right to vote—so go do it!

Miss Me?

Ok. I know. I’ve been gone for A WHILE. But before I get a menacing glare, let me explain why.

1. I moved to a new city. Goodbye College Town, Hello District of Columbia. It was overwhelming. There was a lot of boxes (17 to be exact), a lot of cursing in my direction from my parents and a lot of getting settled. But I’m here. And living out of an IKEA wardrobe armoir which doesn’t even begin to house my crap.

2. I’ve been busy! It’s exciting moving to a new town, exploring the ins and outs of the city, figuring out the best place to have brunch. Sorry Blog, you just weren’t the high on the list.

2. I started a new job. It was a fun two years Hillel, but it was time to part ways. I started as a Development Assistant at a University and have been spending most of my day basically decoding Development jargon and lingo. But I love my job and I wake up each morning excited to go. Which leads me to….

3. This blog is going to take a shift. Before it was “how to be an adult. and cook. and not buy ugly crap.” And it’s taken me about 24 years to figure it out, but I finally figured out how to dress myself. I was so fortunate that my old position was casual and anything short of PJs was ok. This job? Not so much. I work in Development–take it up a notch. I work for a business school–take it up another notch. So long are days of skinnies and tops, sundresses and wedges. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I basically need a new wardrobe. Of cute, not stuffy, not expensive business casual clothing.

4. I have yet to find a new photographer. Intern, I miss you. I refuse to ask my Roomsicle (who I have know for over a decade, mind you) to take my photos. And I also refuse….REFUSE…to ask the Boyfriend to take my photos, because well, I’d like to keep him as my boyfriend. He knows there is a blog and that is all. So I basically will have to revert back to MySpace mirror pictures until I can figure out my camera timer and not look slightly electrocuted while taking photos.

I hate to say it, but I think this Little Peter Pan has begun to grow up. She’s in a big city, with a big girl job and (hopefully!) a big girl wardrobe.

There are a few hidden outfit posts that will surface, remnants of my old wardrobe and old life. But stay tuned for the revamping of the blog—new city, new wardrobe and new adventures.

What I Wore: Saying Goodbye

This is certainly the season for change. After two amazing, wonderful and adventure filled years, I am officially leaving College Town for The Grown Up City. It’s time to say goodbye to my fabulous students and co-workers and begin my new adventure in Washington D.C.

But with this change also comes the transition from my fantastically casual job to the corporate job attire. No longer will I be able to go to work in jeans and a top or even the occasional pair of shorts on a super hot day. I can bid farewell to looking and dressing like a student, and hopefully begin being able to pass for my actual 23 years.

I decided in honor of my last day of work I would  dress it up just a little bit. I fell in love with the details of this dress–the mint and cream on the bottom, gold buttons and lattice back. It’s the perfect summer sundress–light, a little nautical and I can’t wait to bring it with me on my next life adventure.

[Dress: Forever 21. Sandals: Target. Jewelry: Vintage/Michael Kors]

And lastly, this blog would not have been possible without the girl behind the camera. I’m definitely a little nervous about having to find a new blog photographer–someone who doesn’t think I’m completely insane taking picture of what I wear each day and someone who doesn’t roll their eyes when I awkwardly stand with my hand on my hip and head tilted to the side. So Dani–first my intern, but mostly my friend/personal assistant/photographer–thank you for all your Little Peter Pan blog love.

What I Wore: Trail Blazer

I love blazers. I really do. I think they add instant sophistication to any outfit, dress up a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt and are a classic, staple item every girl should have in their wardrobe. Over the last few years, I’ve amassed blazers from allover–Theory, J.Crew, Juicy Couture–all at insane discounts. I really believe that a blazer is worth investing in since an ill-fitting blazer can make you look sloppy instead of polished. Being petite, blazer shopping is a bit trickier, so I often purchase them when I find a great fit even if I don’t necessarily need it.

It isn’t uncommon for cheaper stores to be hard for petites to shop in since cuts are often generous and designed to fit an average shopper. However, I have found great blazers from Forever 21 and more recently Kohl’s.

[Blazer: LC Lauren Conrad. Tank: Target. Skinnies: F21. Flats: Tory Burch. Tote: Banana Republic. Sunnies: Target. Jewelry: Vintage/Michael Kors.

‘ll be honest…this blazer made me a little nervous. The drapey boyfriend fit was a far cry from the fitted blazers I normally wear. However, the length and shoulder seams were perfect, so I was spared from drowning in it. The color is a mix of beige and peach, but stands in enough contrast to my skintone not to wash me out. I kept it simple with dark skinnies and a white tank, but I think this topper has endless possibilities.

What I Wore: Meow Mix

Just a quick little post today! I have made it tradition that each time I’m in Orlando, I stop by the Outlet shops and hit my stores: Off Fifth, Last Call, Kate Spade, BCBG and J.Crew Outlet. It’s taken a bit of time but I’ve finally gotten that overwhelming tourist trap down to a science. Those stores never disappoint and I always leave with solid bargains and cute items.

I picked up this fun button down at the J.Crew outlet during my last trip. Lately, I’ve been on a leopard kick and was unwilling to purchase this button down at J.Crew Retail at full price. The Factory version was $59 with 40% off and an additional 15% off (Thank you to my never expiring student ID that I have for work!). It came out to around $30 and I quickly snatched up the last extra small.

[Top: J.Crew Factory. Shorts: Ann Taylor Loft. Sandals: Jack Rogers. Jewelry: Vintage & Michael Kors]

I’m not a big fan of button down shirts (I OD’d on Ralph Lauren oxford shirts when I was about 13), but I figured it was time to start incorporating some “grown up” wear into my wardrobe since I won’t be working in College Town for more than a few weeks. I love the ‘casual yet polished’ look of a oxford and shorts that J.Crew has been showing, so I paired the top with black chino shorts and my trusty Jacks.

I think this outfit is a bit too preppy for my taste (perhaps a half tuck with the shirt next time?) but I love the subtle playfulness of the leopard with black bottoms—definitely a fun yet professional pairing to a black pencil skirt or black cigarette pants!

What I Wore: Peachy Keen

It’s been insane how busy I’ve been even though College Town is so quiet. There’s been lots of traveling and much movement on my job search front. Combine my city hopping with Hurricane-like storms, and you get a lack of photos (and photo-worthy outfits!). But no worries–I’m back in action and I’ve even recruited one of our student greeters as my second photographer. Hi Kari!!

If you were around last Fall, you’ll remember my obsession with eggplant skinny jeans. The day Paige Eggplant Skinnies went on sale was pretty much a small holiday in my world. And slowly, I’ve warmed up even more to colored denim. Let it be known–you will never see me in cobalt or red skinnies–I’m simply not that adventurous. But I’ve become drawn to flattering pastels, like mint, peach and rose.

I found these bargain pants at, where else, Target for a mere $24.99. Sure they have to be hemmed, and while I really wanted the mint, I settled on the peach. I was afraid they would blend into my fair skin, but they are more peach than pink, so it’s all good in the fashion hood.

I woke up this morning feeling a little nautical. Perhaps it’s due to all the rain we’ve gotten and the ever looming threat of flash floods, but I cuffed them, threw on a navy cardigan and gold Jacks and headed out the door.

[Cardigan: BCBG. Tank: Target. Pants: Target. Shoes: Target. Watch: Fossil]