You Better Work: Week Nine

Week nine starts to get into some tricky territory. By this point, I've worn most of the things I really like. We're moving into the potential repeat zone (nooooooooo). When I moved here, it was still freezing, even snowing occasionally. Although the weather hasn't been amazing, it is late May after all, and there are certain items on my rolling rack that are just no longer appropriate. 

Thankfully, as of today we have a truck booked and we will finally be bringing all of our worldly possessions to the island, meaning my clothes and I will be finally reunited! And I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, it will feel so good.

So without further adieu, I give you... week nine.

Monday:

forever 21 shirt/j.crew skirt/nine west shoes

Guys, I cannot lie to you. This is one of my all time favorite ensembles. I most recently wore this for the Fit In Clouds photo shoot that I was super excited to be a part of, and then repeated again for a Monday that I also happened to be attending a social media course with Jason from Social Bridge Consulting and Holly from Nantucket BlACKbook. You know I like to straddle the line between looking profesh and fun, and what's more fun than a fuchsia skirt?

Tuesday:

lacoste sweater/forever 21 pants & headband/payless flats/kate spade keychain (turned necklace)

I don't know what got into me when I got up on Tuesday. I decided I was bored with my hair, over the weather, and was in desperate need of some hot pink lipstick. It was just one of those days, you know? I was happy how this look turned out though. I felt a little vintage pin-up, aside from the fact that I had all my clothes on. 

Wednesday:

j.crew blazer/gap sleeveless turtleneck/tj maxx pants/target shoes/forever 21 necklace

Wednesday was a day where I had to look good. Like I know I aim for that everyday, but Wednesday was super important because RON HOWARD showed up at the office that day. I am not kidding. The only reason I feel okay mentioning it now is because clearly he is long gone and also he tweeted about it, so it's common knowledge. Yes, Ron Howard has Twitter. He's even cooler than you thought. Unfortunately I do not have anything else cool to report, because we did not get a chance to meet, and therefore I was not cast as an extra in his new movie. But we totally made eye contact when he walked through the office to charge his phone as I stared longingly out of the conference room door. So there was that. 

Thursday:

lord & taylor top/forever 21 skirt & belt/j.crew bag/target shoes/h&M jacket

Like I said, I'm starting to run out of options with what I have here. So why not mix patterns? In fact, why not do it anyway? I was also excited to break out my denim jacket (I was able to snag just a few spring things the last time I was off island for all of ten minutes, obviously this had to come with) even thought I constantly get made fun of for the buttons. Um, it's called flair and the 80's are supposed to be back and everything, so let's just chill out, okay?

Friday:

old navy top & flats/the boutique at stowe mercantile skirt/vintage necklace

Ohemgee, it was finally nice enough out to wear a linen skirt. What you don't see in these photos is the awesome leopard trench that topped this whole outfit off (it really tied together nicely with the colors of the flats). It also marked the beginning of the first weekend that Steve and I had off together in which he didn't have to work in a restaurant and I wasn't working in retail. I NEVER THOUGHT THE DAY WOULD COME. And then it did. And then we spent the whole weekend doing touristy Nantucket things. As soon as I edit the photos, I'll share those too. Because I know it's not enough for you to see what I'm wearing everyday. 

Until then,

~L

You Are the Dancing Queen: Pt. 4

Photo ops are a huge trend at events right now, and the best ones involve an assortment of ridiculous props. Christine's friends made an Instagram style frame with the date and theme embellished on the front and a few silly props that guests made quite good use of.  I even got in on the action- can you spot me in my masterful disguise? 

Check out some of the zaniness below!

~L

You Are the Dancing Queen: Pt. 3

It's probably pretty obvious after not one, but two entries of photos from the Promiversary party that there are a lot of images to go through. If that's the worst case scenario after an event, then you're doing okay as a photographer. This next post is highlighting the fun stuff- the party! From pre-soiree shenanigans to making a grand entrance, from a picture perfect first dance to a 90's pop mashup, this couple totally had it going on. Enjoy!

~L

You Better Work- Week Eight

Here we are, the two month mark. I feel like I say this every week, therefore totally boring all of you, but I just can't get over that a mere eight weeks ago I was living a completely different life than I am today. Okay, maybe not completely different. I still watch my same TV shows (maybe just a little less of them, with no DVR yet), I still haven't really done any cooking for myself- basically what I'm trying to say is I'm still the same person. 

But being in a different place, working a new job, and even something as simple as wearing the things I want to wear has made me feel like this whole new person. Is everything perfect? No, of course not. Am I stress-free? Never. But it's a different type of stress, the kind that comes from wanting to be good at your job and really caring about the work that you're putting out there. What's really made a difference is Steve was finally down here with me this whole week, which has been amazing. Not just because I get to eat again, but because it's just nice to see your person everyday when you come home. 

But enough with the schmultz. Let's go to the outfits!

Monday:

banana republic dress/payless flats/kris nations necklace

I was kind of all over the place with my clothes this week. Steve and I were dog sitting, which meant that we found ourselves living between two places that both aren't ours. I tried to stick to easy things as I was running back and forth every few days to grab clothes. When I looked at some of these pictures, I was like, "ehhh, these are a little boring." That's the tricky thing- no matter how much you plan, sometimes, real life takes over. I have always liked this dress, mainly for its ease. You throw it on and your done. Ready for anything... like a safari! I needed a little color so I threw on red plaid flats. Why not?

Tuesday:

charlotte russe dress/j crew top/old navy flats

I admit, sometimes I even surprise myself with these looks. I'm not saying I'm God's gift to nautical fashion (although if someone else wanted to say it, that would be okay), but I looked back at this one that I kind of threw on and was like, "damn, I really liked that outfit!" The weather was once again, crummy, hence the pulled back hair, which I also ended up liking. And of course, the return of... the Scrabble earrings! I have always considered these one of my "signature" pieces. I used to wear them all the time, and I noticed recently I've been wearing less fun earrings in place of more simple ones to compliment statement necklaces. I bought these when I lived in Cambridge at Joie de Vivre, and I used to buy them as gifts for people all the time. Unfortunately, they no longer carry them and I've had to resort to finding them online. 

Wednesday:

j crew blazer/h&m dress/old navy flats/diy kate spade necklace

Notice the new mirror location? Told you I was back and forth! Luckily my dog sitting gig came with a full-length mirror. After work on Wednesday I worked an event at the museum, so I had to look a little extra profesh (but with comfortable shoes). I bought this dress at H&M so many years ago and it has been with me through a multitude of events. I remember buying it for something crazy like $11 and it did not fit at all. A few nips and hems later, and it's one of my most used outfits. Oddly enough, the material almost feels like it's water resistant or something, which I don't totally understand but it's nice and light for events in the summer months. 

Thursday:

old navy sweater/gap shirt/j crew pants/forever 21 belt/payless flats

I bought these polka dotted chambray pants during a jaunt to the J. Crew outlet the last time I was on the mainland. They sat in the bag for almost two weeks because I couldn't figure out what I wanted to wear them with. And then, my boss showed up to work in the exact same pants. Not that we can't both own these pants, but after that I feared we would both show up in them on the same day. So I still didn't wear them. Finally, I'm like, what the heck? You might not get it right the first time, but isn't that what fashion is all about?

Friday:

hand-me-down dress (from my sister)/ny & co cardi/lululemon leggings/target boots

Okay, so I realize that there are a handful of Fridays where I am basically wearing a different version of the same outfit. This was another day that I was headed back to the mainland on the ferry after work. So the goal is to wear something appropriate for work but comfortable that you can wear it all day, including at work, on the boat, and then in the 1.5 hour car ride. That's a pretty tall order, wardrobe wise. Since the weather hasn't been great, I tend to go with the dress/legging/boot combo. Now that it's getting a bit warmer (but barely) I'll probably switch to a flat... or maybe even a flip flop. I cannot wait. 

~L

You Are the Dancing Queen: Pt. 2

Back in March, I photographed a super fun prom-themed anniversary party for Christine and Joe. You can see the first round of picture here. Today I wanted to feature some of the pre-party shots, which of course had to include the exchanging of flowers and the traditional prom pose. I'm sure most people didn't have to deal with snow on their prom day (except for me and my class, actually, as it did snow on our prom day back in 2002- so New Hampshire) but I thought the fresh snowfall provided a beautiful back drop for Christine's bubble gum pink gown. Plus, how cute are these two together?

Enjoy the pics below, and check back soon for the party shots!

~L

You Better Work: Week Seven

We're finally living in the present! Week seven is here, and my struggle with Nantucket wind and weather continues. I always thought that in general, New England was a place of schizophrenic seasons, but when you are on an island thirty miles out to sea, it is, shall we say, amplified. As I write this, it's sunny and beautiful out right now but also it looks like a freakin tornado. What's a girl to do?

Wear everything she owns, duh. 

From floral tops to sweaters, and everything in between, my wardrobe is certainly getting a workout this week. Pieces I thought had run their course are suddenly back in rotation. Like bulky sweaters- this week marks the beginning of May, people. What is this?!

But I digress. Let's move onto the outfits, shall we?

Monday:

forever 21 top & belt/banana republic vest/tj maxx pants/gap flats/pink pineapple necklace

Guys, I think I need more pants. It's clear I love these red ones, but good lord, it might be time to mix it up. Instead of my normal nautical pairings, I decided to go with some black, white and gold accessories. This shirt was actually the first thing I ever bought at Forever 21 like seven years ago. Obviously, this is one of the longest and most meaningful relationships I've ever had. 

Tuesday:

old navy top & flats/ann taylor cardigan/banana republic skirt

And just like that, it was spring. The sun came out and so did the florals. I ate lunch outside that day with no coat in this outfit. It was glorious! And then...

Wednesday:

old navy jacket, sweater & chambray/forever 21 pants/gap flats/ny & co bag

... I reverted back into the arctic. I mean, it didn't snow or anything, but I was layered up. And I still cried icy tears on my walk to work because I didn't bring gloves. Gloves. It was May 1. Whatever. It's never too cold for polka dotted pants. And my first Nantucket sock bun! Can you believe it? I wasn't sure if they were ready yet. That's a lie- I was more afraid a giant gust of wind would come along and my hair credibility would be ruined forever. But more excitingly, can we notice- new nautical phone cover, courtesy of a jaunt to the J.Crew outlet with Liz? I love my glitter Kate Spade one, but it's gotten a little stretched out. With warm weather (hopefully) approaching, it was time for an upgrade. A super cheap totally on sale upgrade. 

Thursday:

old navy top/target skirt & shoes/forever 21 necklace & bracelet

I have always loved this full Isaac Mizrahi skirt that I got a bajillion years ago at Target- shocker- on a crazy sale. Sometimes, you just need a little more flounce, you know? Even for work. The only thing that bums me out about this look was my hair. I had a vision and it was just not happening. 

Friday:

No pic today. And what a bummer, because I really enjoyed my ensemble. Sometimes you have to just give way to reality- I worked a full day, then stayed until 11:00 for a late night event we were having. Don't get me wrong- I volunteered, and I was happy to be a part of it, but by the time I got home, it just wasn't happening. I mean, my pictures look like crap if I take them after 6:00 anyway since you know, I'm taking them myself in the mirror on an iPhone. The positive thing? I can repeat it at some point and no one will know. Mwahahahahaha. 

So let's hope after this twister today dies down, we can really jump into spring/summer looks with full force. Unfortunately, none of my summer clothes are down here yet, so we'll see if we can make it happen. IT HAS TO HAPPEN. 

~L

You Better Work- Week Six

Okay, so I think this is the last of my catch up for #ootd posts. As the weeks go on, the weather in Nantucket gets slightly nicer, and then a day later reminds you why she's known as the Grey Lady. Meaning it can be gorgeous and sunny, like sit out on a bench on your lunch break beautiful, and then the next day you wake up and you swear you've taken a time machine back to January. So depending on my mood, weather, and how many times I've hit snooze that day, my ensembles vary sometimes from one extreme to another. 

Monday:

j crew blazer/forever 21 dress & tights/payless boots/kate spade diy necklace

I've expressed before that I'm trying to step outside my color combo comfort zone. I love this orange dress, but I never know how to wear it (other than at Thanksgiving). I remember from my days in Intro to Visual Arts that orange and blue are complementary colors, so I thought I would give it a try. It's a little short, so I definitely wanted to wear tights. It borders on matchy matchy- navy blazer, navy tights. But I wanted to balance out the large amount of pumpkin that was happening. And of course, a few good gold accessories, namely my Kate Spade keychain-turned super awesome necklace. 

Tuesday: 

forever 21 jacket & necklace/h&m top/tj maxx pants/target boots & umbrella

Hey what a surprise? It rained. I don't know if you notice, but I have a tendency to not wear pants. Not like, Lady Gaga style, more like, I prefer skirts and dresses. I literally own two pair of pants right now that I like that are work appropriate/not black. So needless to say, these red ones have been on a pretty heavy rotation. Also this marks the first time I was rocking my natural hair texture on island, which is sort of partially wavy/partially straight/partially a lion's mane. When I first dry my hair naturally with a diffuser, I swear I look just like Dee Snider. Hence why I hardly ever wear my hair this way. And the crazy thing is, people always tell me that they like it and I always assume they are lying. But like exercising, sometimes you have to give yourself a day of rest. Because let's face it- the only body part I'm working on is my hair.

Wednesday:

old navy top, skirt & flats/ny & co belt and necklace

What do you know, that orange and blue combo strikes again. Weird, I didn't even realize I wore the same color scheme a mere days apart until I wrote this post. Also, sometimes you have a moment where you realize what a slave you are to particular brands when you go to describe your look and you're wearing head to toe one store. Whoops. Anyway, this skirt was one of those pieces that I purchased on a whim and had no idea what to wear it with. The color in the skirt (you know, the one that isn't orange) is more of a cream than a white, which goes with almost nothing. I actually put the question out to some blog friends last year and Lisa from Respect the Shoes was the one who suggested a denim/chambray shirt. At the time, I was like, what the hell is chambray? And now? You can't throw a rock in the mall and not hit eight different styles of chambray shirts. 

Thursday:

forever 21 top & necklace/j crew skirt/gap flats/ny & company bag

The weather finally improved to the point that it made sense to wash my hair. I love the pieces of this ensemble separately because they can do so many things. This striped top I bought years ago and I have worn it to death. I mean, how can you not love a gold beaded shoulder pad? And this skirt is probably one of my favorite J. Crew purchases ever (on sale of course). It's a classic shape but with a modern color. I totally fell victim of seeing it on a million other bloggers and was like "oh my God I must have that gimme gimme gimme." Not my proudest moment, but I'm pleased with the outcome. 

Friday:

shabby apple dress/rue 21 earrings/payless flats

Friday marked the official beginning of Daffodil Weekend, the first time this year that I've seen more than ten people on Nantucket in the same day. The entire island is decked out with daffodils, and people are not at all hesitant to match those very yellow flowers from head to toe. Since I knew I would spend the main part of Daffy Day in costume (more on that later), I knew I had to rock my most yellow outfit at work on Friday. I got this dress at Boutique in Stowe last year for my birthday, and this is only the second time I've been able to wear it. However, that moment was bittersweet, because despite steaming it a solid four times in the morning, it completely wrinkled the moment I sat down, and it continued to accumulate wrinkles the rest of the day. #fashionbummer

And with that, we're caught up to this point, which is week seven, which I can't even fathom. How have I already been on Nantucket for seven weeks? It feels like yesterday, but it also feels like a year ago that I left my old job, packed up my life and stepped on a boat, headed for an island. And yes, I am trying to still not repeat an outfit. Priorities.

~L