Comfort

Outfit Breakdown:

Shirt: Gap Link! in gray

Sweater Wrap: Express, old Similar

Pants: Gap Link!

Boots: Nine West Outlet, last year

Bag: Vintage Gucci via Ebay Similar Ebay

Neaklace: LC Lauren Conrad, last year

Some days... you just want to be comfortable.  This sweater is SO warm and comfy yet still has a shape since it has a belt, so I can justify wearing it to work ;) (or so I keep telling myself)...

This year I've been buying basically all of my Christmas presents online.  I get so anxious being at the mall during holiday season:  the parking, the lines, the chaos... no thanks.  I've been avoiding stores the past two years and it's made the process more enjoyable.  I probably don't save as much money, the deals are better in stores I think... but I would gladly pay a little bit more to save my sanity!  What do you guys do for present shopping?

xoxo
Joanna

Sparkles

Outfit Breakdown:

Sweater: Katsumi via London Boutique

Dress: James Perse via South Moon Under, old

Tights: Gap Link!

 Booties: Target, last year

I was in London in September for my girlfriends wedding, it was a beautiful time of year to be there and I loved every minute.  I went with two of my other friends and of course we factored in a couple days of shopping :)  I love sparkles and this sweater spoke to me!  I justified the purchase because it seemed perfect for the holiday season.  I was going to save it for Christmas but it's too pretty to only wear only once so I wore it to work yesterday.  I also love the high-low hemline, I hate when shirts or sweaters are too short, especially in the back, so this solves that problem.  What are you all planning to wear for the holidays?

xoxo
Joanna

Mustard

Outfit Breakdown:

Top: Target, old 

Tank: Loft Link!

Pants: Narciso Rodriguez for Kohls  Link!

Shoes: Tory Burch Link!

I've had this top for many years now and it's funny how colors come in and out of trend!  It's a very simple top I got at Target but I love the sleeve detail, it gives it a little something special. 

These pants I just got a few weeks ago at Kohl's and they are SO comfortable.  It's a bit hard to tell in the pictures but they have a tuxedo strip on the side to add some interest.  They were a little long, but my Mom was nice enough to hem them for me (I'm 5'4" for reference). 

xoxo

Joanna

Military

Outfit Breakdown:

Vest: Uniqueen (sold out)

Shirt: Forever 21, old

Pants: Gap Link!

Shoes: Walmart, old

I learned my lesson... don't take pictures with sun blasting in the window.

On to the outfit, military is a big trend this year and I searched high and low for a vest I liked.  I found a lot of them were really boxy and made me look big on top.  I found this one online and it has a wasteband that you can pull and adjust.  I also like the ruffles on one shoulder, it gives a little feminine touch to a masculine trend!  I also love these pants, I will admit they might not be the most flattering fit but they are SO comfortable, I have two pairs and wore them all spring and summer and just couldn't put them away for the winter months ;)

xoxo
Joanna

Ten Years

Outfit Breakdown:

Blouse: Loft Link! 50% off cyber monday!

Cardigan: Loft, old Similar

Jeans: William Rast via Gilt Similar

Shoes: Target, last year

Bracelet: Lia Sophia Link! 

Ring: American Eagle Outfitters 

Neaklace: Urban Outfitters, old Similar

Friday I attended my TEN year high school reunion... I can't believe it's already been so long.  I debated for a bit if I wanted to go, but was convinced by some of my girlfriends and I'm glad I went.  When I first walked in, it was a bit like walking into the twilight zone, but once I started mingling with classmates it was really great to catch up with everyone.  It's also a bit weird this day in age because I actually (creepily) know a lot about people's lives via Facebook.  A lot of convo's went a little something like this, "So, I saw you got married! Congrats!"... Although slightly stalker-ish, it was a good ice-breaker and got the conversations rolling.  

About the outfit, I honestly had no idea what to wear, so this is a go-to look for me: pretty blouse, jeans and booties.  I wanted to look nice, but not too casual or dressy all at the same time.  It was also at a bar so I knew I'd be standing the whole time, these booties are great because they have a small heel, so they are still stylish but comfortable.  

xoxo
Joanna

Thankful

Outfit Breakdown:
Shirt: loft, old
Vest: loft, old
Velvet Pants: gap, last year
Shoes: Ugg Same (diff color)

This was my turkey eating outfit yesterday, these pants have some give to them- ideal for the massive amount of food I consumed.  I also must admit, I didn't last too long after dinner before I put leggings on!  That outfit however, was decidedly NOT blog worthy- this one is even questionable with my "shoe/slipper" haha.
Hope you all had an amazing time with your loved ones, I sure did!

xoxo
Joanna

It's a loft kind of day

Outfit Breakdown:

Pants-Loft Similar (different print)

Sweater: Loft, last year

Vest: Loft, last year

Shoes: Target, old Similar

As I started uploading these pictures I realized everything I had on, besides my shoes, is from Loft.  How embarrassing!  But I suppose it's not that big a coincidence considering how many of my clothes are from there.  

My love affair with Loft started back in the beginning of optometry school, my good friend Mandy had the cutest clinic clothes and when I asked her, she told me they were all from Loft (which she lovingly referred to as ATL) because her mom works there.  I had never really been in the store at that point and decided to check it out.  I was pleasantly surprised with their selection.  They have great clothes for work and they also have great casual clothes.  They ALWAYS have good deals and coupons, which makes their clothes a bargain and the quality is definitely there.  

So I guess, in the end, I'm NOT embarrassed I'm dressed head to toe in Loft ;) Maybe I should change the title of my blog...

xoxo 

Joanna

PS: Sorry for the blurry picture quality, I wasn't quite awake I suppose!

Oldies but goodies

Outfit Breakdown:
Corduroy jeans- Banana Republic, old  Similar
Tank- Topshop
Cardigan: Loft, old Similar
Clogs: Nine West outlet, old

The holidays are fast approaching (can you believe Thanksgiving is in TWO days??) and I've attempted to implement a self-spending freeze until after Christmas.  I wouldn't say I'm a shopaholic but I definitely spend a decent amount of my money on clothes (as a single gal I have that luxury) but I definitely need to save a bit for gifts and honestly, I just need to be putting a little bit more away each month for the future. 
SO, I'm trying to re-love what I already have and I'm try to re-mix clothes in a new and interesting way.  All of the pieces I have on above I've had for a couple years or more and since they are classic pieces (except maybe the clogs ha) they can be used so many ways.  We'll see how long I stick with it!!

xoxo
Joanna

Oh, Baby!

Outfit Breakdown:
Dress: French Connection Talias Tale Dress (sold out on FCUK but still can find on Ebay)
Blazer: Silence + Noise via Urban Outfitters, old similar
Tights: Capezio New York via Marshalls Same in Black
Shoes: Cole Haan Link!

This is what I wore to my friend Julie's baby shower this weekend!  I went to high school with her and her husband Alex, and I can't believe they are having a baby, I don't know where the time has gone... seriously (and to make me feel even older, my ten year high school reunion is this Friday eek!).

Anyway, on to the outfit.  I wanted something cute and somewhat dressy, but fun.  The dress and blazer are pretty simple but the ribbed sweater tights add a little "something" to the outfit.  The past couple years I've been seeing more and more options out there for tights (patterns, texture, bold colors... you name it).  I think it's a great way to add a little surprise to an outfit!

xoxo
Joanna

Trends

Outfit Breakdown:
Shirt: Loft (last year) similar
Vest:  Jolt via Marshall's (recent)
Pants: Gap Similar
Shoes: Xhilaration,Target (very old)
Jacket: Gap via Ebay similar (fake leather)
Snood: Gap Link!

I would say I mostly buy classic pieces, but it's always nice to participate in a few trends that you think would work well with your style.  However, I try never to spend a ton of money on these pieces, who knows how long they will be around!  I would rather invest my money in classic pieces I know I will have forever.
Take for instance this fur vest, they have been popular for a couple seasons now but who knows about next year.  I like the look and wanted to try it but I was finding that a lot of the fur vests were pricey!  I found this vest recently (and by recently I mean two days ago) at Marshall's and scooped it up for $25.00!  Now I won't feel so bad if next winter I don't like it.

xoxo
Joanna

Boots

Outfit Breakdown
Dress:  French Connection (last year)
Boots: Nine West Outlet (similar)
Tights: Hue via Marshalls Link!

I've always had a really hard time finding boots that fit, I have pretty muscular calves and I find most boots are made for skinny legged people.  In the past I mostly had to wear "slouchy" boots or Uggs (gasp!).  It was my mission over the past two years to try and find black and brown boots that I could wear to work and with skinny jeans.  Last year I found the boots I'm wearing above at Nine West Outlet.  The have a leather front but a stretchy back.  They are super comfortable and easy to slide on, and since they have a leather front I still feel that they look dressy. 
This year I began the search for the elusive brown boot and I ended up with two pairs I like (yay!).  First I found a pair at Banana, I read the reviews online that said they were really loose so I ordered them online on a whim and they fit.  I had also really been wanting to invest in a pair of Frye boots.  I found some this year they were making in extended calf versions.  I ordered online and again, success! 
Moral of the story:  if you have trouble with boots try a stretchy back, reading reviews online or search for boots that come in extended calf sizes.  Also, don't get discouraged.  I have tried on MANY boots to find the perfect ones!

xoxo
Joanna

Pippa

Blazer: Gap Link!

Blouse: Talbots (old)

Pants: Gap Link!

Shoes: Tory Burch (gift) Link!

Bag: Modalu Pippa Bag Link!

This is what I wore to work today.  This is a pretty normal outfit I will wear: skinny pants, flats and a blazer! 

A note on the purse... I have a slight obsession with Pippa Middleton (Kate too, but her clothes have become Duchess status so I can't afford them).  I always keep a look out for pictures of her and if the clothes are affordable I scout them out!  This purse is by Modalu and they actually re-named it the Pippa bag since she wears it so often.  I got it last year in this color and the grey (shark).  It's a great size bag for work, plus it has many compartments. 

Short story about the royal wedding:  I got up at like 5am with my mom to watch it, my dad had gotten us scones from Panara Bread and we made tea.  I wore a tiara (I'm not joking).  It was so fun and it was magical to see Kate in her dress!  Then I had to go to work, I kept the tiara on (still not joking).  I got some funny looks, but most of my women patients were like, "Royal Wedding?" and I was like, "Totes". 
Did anyone else get up at the crack of dawn to watch it live?

xoxo
Joanna

Monday Blues

Top: Gap Similar
Skirt: Loft (old)
Shoes: Cole Haan Stephanie Air Chukka  Link!
Watch: Skagen Link!
Bracelet: Gift


I attempted taking pictures with a timer... much harder than it appears.  I didn't really get a good full body shot, so I had to take a few iPhone pics!

Generally, I wear flats to work.  Mondays, I only work four hours so I can stand to be in heels that long (I'm a baby).  These shoes are awesome because they have the Nike AIR Technology which makes them much more comfortable. I got them last year, but they can still be found a few places online.

Have a great day!

xoxo
Joanna

First post

Hello everyone! ( or no one ... Ha)

At you can tell by the title this is my first post EVER!

A little about myself: my name is Joanna, I grew up in northern New Jersey and loved it.  I have two younger sisters and we are all very tight. I moved to PA for college and then stayed there another four years for optometry school.  After graduation in May 2010 I decided to move back to my hometown to start my career.  I have been working for a little over two years now at a private practice.

Why I want to start a style blog:  I have always loved clothes, make up and anything artistic really.  I took art classes my whole life and I even thought I might end up in illustration as my career.  I obviously also enjoy the sciences and ultimately decided on a career in medicine.  Since leaving college, I haven't really had the opportunity to pursue my creative side and I miss it!  In the last year I have started to read many blogs (at my lunch break ha), mostly style blogs and it has been very inspiring to me and my personal style.  My hope is this blog fills an area of my life I have been missing, and honestly, it's just going to be fun!

You!:  we've all stood in front of our (packed) closets and said, "I have nothing to wear!"... I hope to inspire all of you to feel more joy and confidence with fashion.

As a side note, I don't have a fashion degree, photography degree or cosmetology degree... I am also pretty basic when it comes to technology so I apologize if this blog looks like a hot mess.  Hopefully I can figure out how to get pictures on here so we can get some outfit posts up and running!

Xoxo
Joanna