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!

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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.

Red and Ruffles

{What I’m Wearing: Blouse: Beacon’s Closet; Pants: H&M (thrifted); Heels: Zara (eBay); Watch: Michael Kors}

I’m not usually a huge fan of ruffles.  They remind me of pirates.

For some reason though I couldn’t help myself from purchasing this blouse when I found it at Beacon’s Closet.  I think it was the stripes.  Actually, I take that back I know it was the stripes.

As you may or may not know, I seem to have serious addiction issues with stripes, leopard and neon yellow.  I’m trying to figure out an outfit that includes all three for IFBCon and LuckyFABB in a few weeks.  Okay, not really but most likely I will be wearing at least two of those items in any given outfit seen around NYC during Fashion Week, and it won’t necessarily be a conscious decision.

So if you spot a girl with big curly hair wearing any of those things, be sure to say hi!

Valentine’s Highlights

Wearing my hot pink blazer and red shirt to work.

Delicious vegan heart cookie from my Valentine, Jim.

Beautiful roses from my Valentine.

Balloons waiting for me when I got home from work.