Colored and Patterned Jeans for Spring

JUSTFAB Signature Skinny Ombre $39.99

Over the past few weeks I’ve been completely uninspired to get dressed in the morning.  When I tried to figure out why, the answer was simple.  I hadn’t cleaned out my closet in over a year (where I usually do it every 6 months) and much of what I had I simply didn’t like anymore or didn’t fit.  I thank Crossfit for that.

So I finally did a big purge a few weekends ago and sold off most of what I was getting rid of, which then gives me some funds to buy new stuff!

The thing I was needing the worst to complete my wardrobe after I cleaned it out was new pants.  None of my pants fit properly anymore because of Crossfit.  I couldn’t get anything up over my quads anymore.  So first thing I decided to shop for was some new jeans.  Luckily my job is business casual, so I can wear jeans so long as they aren’t standard blue jeans.  Colored and patterned jeans are totally acceptable in my office, which is awesome because this spring that’s exactly what’s on trend so there are tons of options!

These are some of my most recent additions you’ll see on the blog soon enough.  I can’t wait to wear them all!

JUSTFAB Signature Skinny Printed in Black and White Snake $39.95

H&M Slim Regular Jeans $29.95

Can’t wear these to the office, but they’re great for weekends.  I’ve been wanting ripped jeans for a while and these were inexpensive enough to try the trend without breaking the bank.

H&M Ankle Length Pants $34.95

I actually got these in a super cool black colored lace overlay version.  Couldn’t find it on their website.

NYDJ Alina Tuxedo Stripe Jeggings $130.00

What’s your favorite denim trend for spring?

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Pinning / Curly Bobs

It seems just about every single year once it gets nice out, I have this urge to chop off all of my hair. By the end of winter, I’m totally over having to blow-dry my hair for close to 30 minutes because I have so much of it. While I love my current really long length, it’s now becoming impracticable for me to keep up with. I also think it’s kind of boring. I usually like a little edge to my haircuts and the current one just isn’t doing it for me anymore. Walking the streets of NYC there are tons of girls with long loose curls like mine.

When I did my last big chop back in 2009, the shorter curls were ridiculously easy for me to manage. It was literally wash and go. I’d like to get back to that for this summer considering how active I’ve been lately.

Last year at this time I was totally macking on Keri Hilson’s bob below, but as of recent I also love the soft, inverted bob that Marion Cotillard wears.  So I’m kind of undecided what version I want to do, or how short I want to go yet (at or below the chin).  I also haven’t decided yet if I want to stay a red head, dye it back to my natural brunette, or even maybe an ombre brunette.  All I know is I want all my hair gone and for my hair routine to only take 10 minutes again.

Here’s some of my favorite inspiration images I’ve been pinning lately to try to come up with some ideas of what to do.  My next hair appointment is in less than two weeks, so I better hurry up and make up my mind!

So what do you think?  Should I cut it all off?  Dye it?  Both?  I’d love to hear your suggestions!

Keep It Conservative

{What I’m Wearing: Sweater: no name brand (thrifted); Skirt: Michael Kors (thrifted, similar one here);  Boots: Aldo; Bag: Cornelia Guest}

I learned a few new things this week.

First is I should always let Jim take my outfit photos for me. He helped me out twice this week because I was short on time and didn’t feel like setting up my tripod. It took way less time, and the photos came out great because he has such a great artistic eye. In fact, in these photos he insisted on using this wall as the backdrop, and I didn’t understand why until I saw the images.

Rock on Jim, rock on.

Second thing I learned is I can’t wear what I used to wear to work now with my super red hair. The hair is accessory enough, and if I wear something else really colorful or busy looking it doesn’t come across super professional. The hair color is pretty punk rockish. Before the change I would very easily pull off neon heels and bright graphic blouses at work and with the new hair it’s almost sensory overload.

While I’m lucky my job adheres to a business casual dress code (plus most of my colleagues are men, and know nothing about professional women’s attire), it’s still extremely important to me that I’m taken seriously. While I don’t really talk about it on the blog, I have around 40 people who report to me just within my own company, and scores of colleagues who are vendors or customers. So this week I’ve learned to lay off the bright accessories and let the hair do the talking. It seems to be working well, since most people noticed the hair but didn’t really make a huge deal out of it. That alone helped assure me that I towed the line between conservative and punk to the best of my abilities.

Now what I wear on the weekends, that’s another story. I’m really excited to experiment with my faves, like leopard. That and I’m excited to do some shopping. For some reason I’m really feeling I need more gray to compliment this red.

What additions do you think I should make to my wardrobe that will compliment my new hair color? I’d love some suggestions!

Crisp

What I’m Wearing: Rain Jacket: Aryn K. (via Crossroads Trading Co.) Shirt: H&M (via a yard sale); Jeggings: Unknown Brand (gifted); Bag: Cornelia Guest; Rain Boots: Dirty Laundry

Friday night after my hair appointment I went out with some friends and didn’t get home until late in the evening. So instead of waking up early on Saturday to get my chores and errands done, Jim and I instead took the day to relax and recharge. I went to Crossfit, got to Skype with my friend Gina for a bit (Which was awesome! Miss you girl!), and then had a Homeland marathon. This was all well and good, but it was absolutely gorgeous Saturday. Like 80 degrees gorgeous. Slightly overcast, but it still was a total waste not to be outside doing something.

Sunday I got my ass up to start getting some things done around the house and around the neighborhood, and it was miserable outside. Temperatures dropped, rain coming on and off. Apparently it’s now officially fall. It’s like overnight all the leaves turned and are falling off the trees.

When I was about 75% done with my chores and projects and there was a break in the drizzle, Jim and I took a quick run to The Blue Stove to grab some baked treats for dessert after dinner. No better way to finish a productive cold and rainy day with a nice vegan ginger pear crisp.

Dip Dye Diva

Here’s the result of my hair appointment on Friday. I decided to go with the dip-dye in red. I’m honestly kind of shocked I actually went as bright as I did, and love it! I can’t believe I waited this long to finally do it.

Now I’m all excited to clean out my closet and do some shopping for some new clothes to compliment the new ‘do.

Stay tuned tomorrow for some more photos from this shoot.

Edit: For anyone interested, the dye used for my hair was Organic Color Systems and is 100% vegan and cruelty free.  Believe it or not, the color is that bright without bleaching.  It’s only available in salons.  I highly recommend their brand, and no I’m not being paid to say that.  I had my color done by my long time stylist Casey, at Adelaide Salon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Dip Dye

I’ve been wanting to refresh my hairstyle lately every time I get my hair cut, which is usually every three months or so. I have a haircut appointment coming up the end of August, and have been racking my brain on how to change things up a bit. I really like my current length and overall cut, so I’m thinking I’ll go with a color change.

I love the ombré I had done for this summer, though I don’t think it’s fall/winter appropriate. This past weekend I came across some images of dip dying on Pintrest and love it! Since high school I’ve always wanted to dye my hair bright red ala Rhianna, but never had the guts to do it.  So instead I’m seriously debating doing some bright red dip dye to my already ombréd ends.  Best part is it’s semi-permanent so even if I hate it, it will only last a few weeks anyway.

What are your thoughts on dip dye? Do you love it or hate it?