Shop my closet

Red pants

2010-05-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

So far, I have worn these pants only twice. I am not too worried because I got them free when I bought something else at H&M. I had great expectations for these pants when I first bought them because I thought I could put together really creative outfits, but so far I have only paired them with a whitle turtleneck and this black sweater and white blouse combination. I have not been daring enough to pair them with any other colors. But maybe that's the point of wearing red pants. The other parts of the outfit can be simple to let the pants stand out.
H&M Sweater: $20; Ann Taylor Blouse: $16; H&M Red Pants: Free; Nine West Shoes: $40

Work to evening

2010-05-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

I have seen a lot of bloggers wearing maxi dresses and skirts and I wanted to try it out for work. I really like how it looks with a jacket and scarf. The best part is that when it's really cold in the office and its really hot outside I can take off some layers. It's also a nice transition from work to going out. And apparently maxi dresses are really in for fall, so I am a season ahead of schedule. Points for being early.

Kohls jacket; Target Maxi dress; H&M scarf; H&M purse; Sam Edelman sandals

Consignment skirt

2010-05-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

So I got this skirt via the consignment shop that I frequent in Pittsburgh. There is nothing better than finding something both stylish and unique in the perfect size and better yet, for $12. I think I am a romantic at heart and finds like this floral print skirt are evidence of that. I just fell in love with the bright red pattern and neutral background. Although floral prints are in right now, I swear I made them popular 2nd through 3rd grade. My love affair clearly never ended.
Ann Taylor Loft Blouse: $16; Macy's INC skirt: $12; Nine West shoes: $40; J.Crew necklace: $20

Sailor suit

2010-04-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Check out that pretty tree blooming. It has been going crazy this past month. I love when it blooms. I picked out this outfit mainly to wear this scarf I found at a consignment shop over the weekend. The print is actually more equestrian than anything and reminds me of something from Ralp Lauren, except that it was $3!! When I added the red coat and the striped shirt I realized how over-the-top nautical it was. Maybe I went a litte "overboard", but I don't wear this red coat enough and there are only so many cooler spring days left, hopefully.
H&M Coat; Ralph Lauren striped shirt: $20; The Limited pants; Consignment scarf; J.Crew purse: gift; Mudd shoes: hand me downs

Zebra stripes with pink

2010-04-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

I have been wearing a lot of skirts to work lately. The weather is finally warm enough that I don't have to wear pants. Yes! I bought this shirt at H&M a couple of years ago. Now that stripes are really in, I thought I would pair the black and white neautrals with this bright skirt, which I styled differently here. I ate my lunch and read Vanity Fair at the park near work today. It almost looks a little too warm to be wearing tights in this picture, but I assure you there is still a coolness in the air.

Spring sequins

2010-04-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

My friend Dan and I went to this outdoor mall where they have restaurants and shopping. After being told that the restaurant we wanted to go to was closed for a private party we had to choose a more upscale establishment. All we wanted to do was sit outside. So we waited for the table on the patio for 30 minutes. We didn't have the friendliest waitress in the world but we made the best of a beautiful night. Here I am trying to incorporate sequins into my everyday work look. This tank top from the Limited is about 3 years old, and I never wear it during the day. This is a nice way to play with the classic white shirt with black skirt combo.
NY & Co. blouse: $15; Limited tank; Skirt: gift; Nine West pumps: $40; J.Crew necklace: $20; T.J. Maxx purse: $20; Pac Sun Sunglasses: $10

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone

2010-04-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

I have been away for a while because A. I am always at a loss for good outfit ideas during these transitional months and B. I have been really lazy. Every night when I get home from work I have been so tired lately that I can't exert enough energy to plan out my outfit so I have been throwing on whatever works. This morning was the same routine, but I remembered that I had this skirt and all of the other pieces fell into place. I purchased this skirt with my 40% off discount when I worked at Ann Taylor Loft. That discount makes me wish I still worked in retail, but the pull to go back is never strong enough for some reason.
H&M Trench Coat: $30; Target turtlneck: $10; Ann Taylor Loft skirt; Franco Sarto Boots: $80

Easy outfit when you don't want to get out of bed

2010-04-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

I really love this shirt/sweater combo. It's one of my go-tos when I can't think of anything to wear, but I still want what I like to call a "creative" outfit. The contrast of the blue and purple is fun. I also love wearing those slimming black pants with just about anything. They make me feel thinner and longer. And you can't go wrong with a pair of comfy loafers, right?
H&M purple sweater: $20; New York and Company Blouse: $15; H&M Black Pants: $20; Target Loafers: $20

Wall mural photo shoot

2010-03-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

We had an idea for a photoshoot when we saw this random wall mural. It was a gray day and we thought the crumbling old wall would look cool next to my bright umbrella and dressy coat. We were on our way to Whole Foods where we had an impromptu antipasti misti.
Victoria's Secret herringbone coat; H&M corduroy pants: $10; Cashmere turtleneck: gift; Target loafers: $20; J.Crew umbrella: gift

Nauti stripes

2010-03-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is one of the more casual looks I wear to work, but that's because we're business casual. We basically can wear jeans as long as they don't have holes in them. Some people abuse the rules and wear hooded sweatshirts. I have even seen some sweat PANTS. That's just crazy. I was trying to incorporate my striped shirt into a good look for the office and this is how it came out. I really wanted to use a true nautical stripe, but this will do for now.
Kohl's jacket; H&M scarf: $14; H&M striped shirt: $20; H&M pants: $10; Shoe Dept. Shoes

Chanel inspired look

2010-03-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by the movie Coco before Chanel yesterday and decided to wear black and white to work today. I tried to keep everything else really simple. Usually I am not someone who wears black on black, but I knew I wanted to try it out. I actually felt really stylish all day. I tried to add little parisian details like the red lipstick and side chignon. Those details especially pulled the look together.
Nordstrom Cardigan: $26; New York and Company Blouse; The Limited Pants; DSW flats; Mom's vintage beaded necklace; Revlon red lipstick

Lights and Darks

2010-03-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my first attempt at taking pictures outside in a while. It has finally been warm enough and sunny. I don't think I would normally pair a light colored outfit like this one with black tights, but I am a "fashion risk-taker" and everything has been edgier lately from biker jackets to leather skirts and leggings.
TJ Maxx blouse: $20; H&M skirt: $29.50; Tights: ?; Shoes: Shoe Dept.; Ann Taylor Loft Headband; Rose Quartz necklace: gift

She wore a rasberry blazer

2010-03-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

I'd like to think my red blazer is as cool as Prince's Rasberry Beret, but it's just not. I am definitely trying to find that fine line between warm weather and cold, when you don't know how to dress because in the morning it is 35 degrees but by the afternoon it is 60 degrees. In these situations I usually go for good leg coverage because no one wants to get stuck in a 40 degree rain storm wearing a skirt. I also don't go with anything that is too tight because that can create pit stains and discomfort. So this loose blazer and airy tank top work perfectly.
Consignment blazer: $12; Filene's Basement top: $20; H&M black pants: $20; Aldo shoes: $80

Groovy girl

2010-03-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

For whatever reason, I associate scarves and hoop earrings with the 1960s/70s. Throw that in with long straight hair and you are really groovin. Yikes. That is some corny writing folks. Not only am I spewing cliche terms, but I am also behind on my posts. This outfit is from Friday. It was feeling unseasonably warm and it was nice to just pick out a fun top instead of a top, a cardigan, a jacket for my cardigan, and a coat for my jacket.
H&M stripe sweater dress; Arden B Jeans; Aldo shoes; Scarf: prize; H&M earrings

Neutrals

2010-03-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Neutrals and light colors are big trends for spring, which is why I tried to be creative with what I already own. I tried this with a khaki skirt, but the skirt was making me look too hippy (it's really poofy), so I opted for this gray skirt instead. To follow the trend for spring and carry it into summer, I would probably replace the skirt for a khaki color, "safari" clothes are also very in, and the top for a brighter color to pop against the neutral. (P.S. It's a very sunny today!)
Gap shirt; American Apparel Skirt: $36; Ann Taylor Loft tights: $12; Shoes: I don't remember; Target scarf: an exchange
See this skirt styled differently here and here.

Spring forward

2010-03-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

I know it's not spring yet, but I have been waiting for the perfect day to break out this floral print dress with some layering action. I wore this dress for my friend's rehearsal dinner last summer. It actually poofs out a little at the waist but under this sweater it just looks like a skirt. There is no occasion for it other than the fact that it's finally March and the weather just has to get better, it just has to!
H&M Sweater; Gabriel Brother's Dress: $20; Target tights: $12; Aldo flats: $36; Nine West purse: $20; Rose quartz necklace: gift
See another way to wear this dress here. I am already thinking of another remix for this dress.

Blazing colors

2010-02-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

I was inspired the other day by this image from Stockholm Streetstyle. It immediately made me think of my colorful scarf and black blazer.

Even though this was probably one of the coldest stormiest days all winter, I wore this very colorful scarf because I'm not giving up just yet. Although I don't know how many more winter storms I can take, we were allowed to leave early, so I'm not complaining.
H&M Blazer: Gift; J.Crew long sleeve white shirt: $20; Levi skinny jeans: $60; Avalon Consignment in Pittsburgh Booties: $12; H&M Purse: $10

And here is a little side braid inspired by Alexander Wang's runway models.

Colorful stripes

2010-02-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

This outfit isn't that interesting other than the fact that I got this sweater at the Gap for $12. And that Malia Obama has the same sweater. Yes! But seriously I think it's a fun outfit for work.
Gap sweater: $12; American Apparel skirt: $32; Ann Taylor Loft Tights: $15

J.Crew inspired outfit on the cheap

2010-02-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the bad quality of this image, but I have had a period of separation from my camera and a camera phone is the best I could get. I really wanted to share this outfit because it was inspired by the J.Crew outfit above. I knew I wanted to recreate it, but I couldn't afford to buy all of the pieces from J.Crew. So I looked in my closet and put this together. Notice I am wearing Hunter Wellingtons. I was wearing high heels with this outfit in the office, but while getting dinner, I just left on my boots. I love these boots. And since we were trying a new burger and beer restaurant, I felt that my lack of formal shoe wear was acceptable. (We went to the new Michael Symon restaurant in Cleveland called, Bspot. It's delicious) I think the boots especially compliment a girly outfit like this one. (H&M Dress: $29; J.Crew striped shirt: $20; H&M Scarf: $15; Ann Taylor Loft Tights: $15; Hunter Wellington Boots: $115)

Moto Magic

2010-02-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

One way to blur the line between tough and sweet, is to splurge on the new moto-style sweatshirt jacket. When I say splurge, I mean spend $15 at Forever 21. I saw several today in all different colors, and I think it adds a little edge to any outfit. I'm probably not going to be riding a motorcycle anytime soon, but at least I look like I could hop on the back of a moped...or at the very least, a bicycle.

(Sigh)

Boho Chic: You decide

2010-02-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite outfits to wear on the weekend is a dress over jeans regardless of the weather. It's just comfortable and by adding a scarf and a long sweater it turns into a cute boho chic look.

When I submitted my outfit to Glamour I recieved a lot of constructive criticism. Some tips I will use in the future and some I probably won't, but it was really helpful to find out what people actually thought of what I was wearing. That's why I want you to choose which scarf/outfit combination you like best.

I personally like the top scarf because I think it matches the best. I like the cream scarf and the light blue scarf, but I wasn't sure how those scarves look with the whole outfit and how well they match.

Shop My Closet in the News

2010-02-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

Shop My Closet is in the news. Today, I am one of Glamour's Best Dressed Readers. I am so honored. I would like to thank my family, friends, and my blogging buddy, Allison, for making this possible. Check it out here.

Military Chic

2010-02-10T06:18:00.001-08:00

There is only one way to get me into military gear, and that's when it's chic. And, as a 27-year-old, there are only two ways to get me into a mini-dress - with a few cocktails, or with some kind of pants situation. Because the dress is form-fitting, I think it still has that masculine/feminine mix, even with the full-on outfit underneath.

Military Chic, We Salute You!

Don Draper, you've met your match

2010-02-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

I usually post fun outfits or something that falls into the category of a current trend, but today I wanted to share a more professional look. I really like this outfit because the pants resemble menswear. They have a trouser look to them. I like pairing them with this top because although it also resembles a mens shirt it has girly details like the slight poof on the shoulder and v-neck. I wore this sweater to keep warm as the snow fell all day outside. And I styled it with my briefcase purchased for 50 cents from a garage sale.

Secret Agent Man

2010-02-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

I feel like a spy in this outfit, which is what the Charlie's Angel pose from Prom 2001 is for. It's a little Agent 99 from Get Smart. But I wore my red scarf for Wear Red Day for the American Heart Association and decided it would be fun to wear my purple shoes with the whole ensemble. I think it's okay to mix the two colors because the rest of the outfit is so basic. Even though I am not going anywhere special tonight and I will mostly just be printing out invitations for my sister's bridal shower, I still wanted to look good today. Sometimes it's nice to dress up for yourself when you have nothing else to do and it's a Friday night.

Wine-colored confidence

2010-02-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

There isn't an outfit I don't like when I have incorporated my wine-colored boots. I don't know why, but I just love them. Even though this outfit is really simple, I think it looks a little snazzier with the boots and a nice pair of dangly earrings.
Franco Sarto Boots (Investment piece): $80; H&M sweater: $10; American Apparel pencil skirt: $32

Striped shirt dress

2010-02-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

I think this outfit materialized because I like to look dressed up for work, but I also want to be comfortable and warm. Soooo striped shirt dress with leggings and grandpa cardigan is born. And I just love those riding boots. They were an investment piece, but I wear them with everything. Completely worth it. Sweater: H&M ($15); Shirt dress: F21; Legginings: Target ($6); Belt: Banana Republic ($16); Boots: Franco Sarto ($80)

In Vests We Trust

2010-02-01T17:45:00.001-08:00

I don't know why, but I got a lot of compliments on this outfit. I think it's because it has the illusion of menswear, but still hugs what my mama gave me (Thanks, Elaine!).

You can't see it in this picture, but the vest has a full-on black lace back — the equivalent of a mullet — which my coworkers so aptly pointed out means it's business in the front, party in the back.

Colorize

2010-01-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

Wow, I still look really tired in these pics. Sorry. I tried to jazz it up a bit more today, maintaining the whole color idea. Color=acessory=colorize. Ha! I need to get more sleep.
My favorite thing about this outfit is that every piece was under $20.
Scarf: H&M, $15
Top: Zara, $18
Skirt: Gap, $11
Tights: Ann Taylor Loft, $15
Boots: Consignment, $12

When all else fails...

2010-01-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

I have felt really tired lately. The winter is finally starting to take its toll on me, which is why I am posed so badly and why I feel like I am in an outfit rut. When I get home from work, I am usually too tired to do anything let alone plan out a cute outfit. I still like this outfit even though it is somewhat casual. To take care of my outfit rut I wore some of my favorite colors together: red and blue. I also have been trying to accesorize more.

One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is my Black hills gold ring from South Dakota. The gold comes in this light green and red, which makes it very unique. (Anniversary gift from the beau.) Also there is an investment piece in this outfit that costs more than I usually tend to spend. Can you guess which item it is?

Summer in the winter hurts so good

2010-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

In this outfit, I should probably be swaying on a grassy hill at a John Cougar Mellencamp concert and hanging out with my friends Blossom, Six, and Joey. But really, is it that bad to be wearing a jean jacket? J.Crew is doing it!!!!

To wear this cute little dress from summer, which was purchased for $15 at Marshalls, I needed some layering. I thought my denim jacket would create a good Americana look with the pattern of this dress, and I knew I needed reinforcements with the cardigan because denim freezes in the winter. I also enlisted the help of my good friends leggings, knee socks and boots, and an “undershirt”.

Did anyone’s mom make them wear a so called “undershirt” under literally every item of clothing when they were younger? Am I the only one?

And tada! Summer outfit remixed for winter! Woah!

(P.S. did anyone know that Mayim Bialik was on What Not to Wear?!?)

The tale of the salmon-colored pants

2010-01-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

I always say I can never find anything to wear. How could I be saying that this whole time when I had these salmon-colored skinny pants in my closet? I got these at H&M for free with another item that was purchased on sale. At first I thought that they were a risk but then I thought, "At least this will be an interesting post on SMC"...wait!!...what are those?
Oh my gosh, they are bright blue Margarita socks from J.Crew!!!! (Birthday gift)

Don't look at them too long they are like the sun!!!

Wow, just when I thought I couldn't make myself stand out anymore. I think I took it a step too far with these socks, as a coworker pointed out to me today, but I do have to say after all of this dreary winter weather, it did brighten my mood.
The End.

Prepster

2010-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

I was in a preppy mood today, so I broke out the blue and white striped oxford, a blazer from Forever 21 that allows me to walk freely on the set of any of the Harry Potter movies, and my pearl necklace of course...oh yeah! That brown little briefcase was an afterthought that I just decided to use to style up the photo. I actually got it at a garage sale for 50 cents. It's one of my favorite purchases. To go with the theme I thought I would opt for a Leighton Meester-esque hair style. To make sure I wasn't drowning in my own pretentiousness I threw on these black skinny pants. I think it evens out the whole look.

At first blush

2010-01-11T15:11:00.001-08:00

I don't wear pink. It's not that I have anything against it, but it's a little too girly for me. That also goes for anything with flowers or pastels. Maybe my aversion comes from the fact that I used to dress up in fatigues and play G.I. Joe with my brother when I was little, or perhaps it's because I also played He-Man. Either way, pairing this sweatshirt blazer with a light pink shirt was a big step.

I was also trying to get a close up of the navy blue lapel in the second pic, but really all I accomplished was documenting my enormous gazangas. Enjoy. Sigh.

Tights tricks

2010-01-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

Layering clothes reaches a whole new dimension when you live in Cleveland. You have to be tricky if you want to escape the wrath of cold winds blowing up your skirt. Why would I even be wearing a skirt or dress in the middle of winter?—because I am THAT girl. No, not puking in the bathroom of a bar girl who is wearing a dress that is too tight for her and her control top is showing, I mean the kind of girl who sacrifices her comfort in the name of outfit elitism.
So the trick here is to layer an opaque color like red or blue under a more sheer pair of tights like this polka dot pair. I tried it with a maroon pair of tights and the color is a little too dark to notice. So if you really want it to pop out I would recommend using a bright red. So if you have a pair of really sheer tights that you want to wear in the winter you can with this easy method. (P.S. I was still freezing!)

Fish-tastic!

2010-01-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

This enormous fish on a chain is a true "Shop My Closet" find, it just so happens that it wasn't MY closet. It was given to my grandmother in the 70s (she gave it to me for Xmas!), which means it has seen more polyester, Bee Gees and bellbottoms than I can imagine. Even so, I will not let that intimidate me. I like to think I have the style prowess to pull off this aquatic gem, but, I will admit, it has an ocean of 70s glam. And I have more like... a fish tank full.

Today I played it cool with a simple t-shirt/cardigan combo, but one day I will break out my gold lamé onsie and light up DC like a twirling disco ball.

Rubber is my friend!

2010-01-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Shop My Closet,

I'm sorry I've been MIA for the last 3 months. Part of that was unadulterated laziness, but the larger part was a big move to a shiny new city. I decided to pick up and move to DC to find new fashion in the capitol of prep, politics, and, as I've come to find out, short men. Oh, and I got a new job.

And part of that new job is walking to work every day -- rain, snow, sleet, slush...and occasional shine. An epic blizzard and many wet socks later, I decided to get some protection. Rubber. Rubber boots, that is, and they have become my new favorite friends. You know, aside from my robot friends...and some of my people friends.

I'm also wearing a cute dress. Just because I can.

Love,

Allison

Summer skirt recycled

2009-12-16T17:09:00.000-08:00

I originally bought this skirt (H&M) for the summer, but I wanted to get more mileage out of it for work. I feel like I wear the same gray and black skirts all winter. With the help of these tights (Ann Taylor Loft $14.50) that are amazingly warm and this plaid shirt (Forever 21), which was also bought for the summer and was much warmer with some layering (Sweater, Kohls), I was able to extend the life of this skirt. I also just love the colors in that plaid shirt and that sweater is super cozy. I wasn't even that cold at work where the vents blow out cold air in the middle of winter.

French-inspired jacket

2009-12-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

So I definitely neglect this little houndstooth jacket. I give it looks when it's in my closet, but I always decide to go with something else. Today I tried to wear it with these blue corduroys ($10 H&M!!!) to add some spiffyness to an overall plain outfit. I threw on that red beret for kicks because I think there is something French about the jacket. I have this tight black dress that I wear this over sometimes with tights, so that is probably why. What do you think? Is the cute jacket totally wrong for those blue corduroys? Let me know!

Vested

2009-12-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wear my boyfriend jeans but they are, of course, cropped, and it is starting to get cold outside, so I pulled them over my favorite Franco Sarto boots and created a look for work with this white blouse from New York and Co and this pinstripe vest from Wet Seal. This outfit easily transitions into a night outfit with skinny black pants...

Vintage pocket watch necklace from an estate sale.

sultry stare?

Plaid shirt dress

2009-11-18T16:57:00.000-08:00

There is one outfit that always looks good and is always comfortable: leggings with anything! But not with shirts that do not cover your bum, because I am not a fan of legging pants unless, of course, they are leather.

What led me to this post was when I started pondering about the next couple of weeks. Thanksgiving is coming up, then Christmas, I am taking several trips out of town and, I thought, what would be the perfect travel/holiday outfit? I quickly realized that I needed more shirt dresses and when I popped into H&M tonight I found this plaid shirt dress for $15!!!

I am excited to try it out with different layering tricks. Obviously a cardigan would look nice, but I was also thinking of wearing a turtle neck underneath. What do you think?

Skirts and tights and cardis, oh my!

2009-11-12T04:03:00.000-08:00

There are three essentials that I have in my fall wardrobe. Skirts, tights, and cardis. I don't like to put away my dresses and skirts from summer just because there is frost on my car windows, and I have to sit in my driveway for a half hour while the car heater warms up. I put up with the wind and cold because I am not ready to retire into jeans and snow pants just yet. So the ultimate solution to staying warm while trying to be cute are obviously tights and cardigans. There is nothing special about this outfit expect that I love the skirt, which I purchased from Forever 21, and it was ridiculously cheap.

What to do about knee socks

2009-11-11T06:05:00.000-08:00

Many of you will be happy that I was tinkering around with my camera today and was able to find another option that made the color come out better. Yay!
So when knee socks started to appear for fall I was confused. Knee socks kind of look a little skanky. But then I saw this post on Frolic, and I was shown the light. Adding knee socks to the layered look prevents them from making you look like a naughty school girl while wearing them. Wearing knee socks over your leggings or pants just adds another layer and it actually looks kind of cute, like leg warmers or something. And they do provide more warmth, especially because my toes are normally in the bottom of my boots freezing because my leggings are not footed. Try it out.

Edgy fem

2009-11-10T06:03:00.000-08:00

Umm I like the top photo because I was trying to be girly, but it just turned out blurry and weird. Haha.
Anyways, I like to pair really flowy tops with edgy black pants and accessories because it makes the outfit more interesting. If I were wearing biker boots and if those were actually black leather leggings, this outfit would be really amazing. Dear Santa, please bring me Bleggings for Christmas so I can showcase both my edgy and feminine side. Thank you!

Onsie: Practical

2009-11-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

So when I bought my onsie, I never thought I could put such a practical outfit together. I like this outfit because the onsie alone is kind of sexy, but when I cover up the plunging neckline with a fall scarf and put some tights on, it looks more like a romper or jumper than something sexy and impractical...it does doesn't it? Doesn't it???

Brighten up

2009-11-04T03:52:00.000-08:00

I know that you just set your clocks back and that when you drive home at say 5 or 5:30 it is practically pitch black outside already. So to brighten up your day, I suggest taking your floral pieces from this summer and making them winter and fall appropriate with tights, leggings, and cardigans. I am actually not wearing tights in this photo, but knee socks that I purchased at Marc's grocery store for about 50 cents. The dress is from Forever 21. This outfit worn with maybe some thicker leggings or tights and a heavy cardigan can be worn through winter. And maybe some boots too! Just make sure you have a warm coat.

Day to Night Outfit

2009-10-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

Day outfit: I am wearing my onsie underneath a stretchy pencil skirt with tights and with a cardigan over it to make it appropriate for work.
Night outfit: I took off the pencil skirt and the cardigan and could add some statement jewelry to make it dressy for an evening out.

How do you like my transitional outfit? Does it work?

Disclaimer: My hair looks crazy because it was the end of the day, please excuse.

Buffalo girl

2009-10-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

I certainly look like someone from the west with my buffalo plaid and boots. I assure you I am not. I am much more prone to suburban/city life, but every once in a while I have to jump out of character. I got this dress on sale at Urban Outfitters. I wore it during the summer alone with sandals and a cardigan, but I knew I couldn't let the love affair end just yet. So I am bringing it with me into fall but with leggings and a blouse. I also put on my vintage pearl necklace that I found at a shop in Columbus. What do you think?

Everyday glamour

2009-10-22T05:59:00.001-07:00

I love this new scarf I got from Dina at Dina's Days courtesy of chick downtown. It's so lightweight and falls so romantically anyway you wear it because of its pleats. I wanted to wear it with a casual outfit because I thought it would add something dramatic to just an everyday look. What do you think?

Seaside caper

2009-09-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

Mediterranean vacation by The Cosmopolitan Clevelander featuring J Crew

With the nautical stripe you can bring this shirt with you anywhere from Cape Cod to a coastal town in the mediterranean, and in my case, to Cleveland. It's by a lake. That works.
The nautical stripe works best with basics such as navy or neutrals like this khaki pleated skirt. The skirt almost looks a little nautical itself as well as the gold jewlery.
The large, round sunglasses gives it a sixties, retro vibe.

Everyone loves an Italian girl, including George Clooney. CNN covered this extensively. It will soon become a national trend.

Shirt: H&M
Skirt: H&M
Earrings: H&M
Shoes: Charlotte Russe
Sunglasses: Pac Sun

Lady is a Vamp

2009-09-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

Blood red by The Cosmopolitan Clevelander featuring Forever21

I was going to wear this grey and black dress with a boyfriend jacket, but it ended up being too much black. So when I pulled out my ever-trusty red, fitted jacket I knew it would achieve some of the latet trends for fall—red and vampires. So I have included a picture of Edward for your viewing pleasure because I know you are all swooning over him right now.
My favorite vampire, however, will always be Leslie Neilson, Dracula: Dead and loving it.
Something about the shape of this jacket makes it look good with almost anything, and the deep red is irresistable—it's science! It especially looks good over the bubble skirt of this dress. I wore this outfit with flats, but I think it would look especially good with a pair of ankle booties. I really want a pair and still haven't bought any yet!
I also broke out the gold jewelry because it's such a nice compliment to the red, and it adds to that whole vampire feeling.

Jacket: Consignment
Dress: Marshalls
Leggings: Target
Necklace: H&M
Earrings: Gilt Group
South Dakota black hills gold ring: Pawn shop

Black, white and hot all over

2009-09-02T17:18:00.001-07:00

The perfect print by atsai

I love this dress, and though typically I make any excuse to wear it, on this particular day, I was a bit of a cranky tank because I was unhappy about where I was going in it. Rewind 5 weeks before this picture was taken, and you will see me agreeing to be a coworker's date to a wedding...in slow motion, as my inner voice screams "Nooo!" and my mouth says "suuuure."

Let it be known that I can't think of any excuses, let alone legitimate excuses, at 8:15 a.m. That said, it wasn't that bad, and this cute, comfortable number made it all the more bearable. If I had been wearing it for a hot date, I might have spruced it up with some feminine details (such as the romantic pearls and bowed belt and heels), and a tough leather jacket to balance the slight Minnie Mouse feel.

In reality, I wore a giant turquoise ring to double as a brass knuckle in case of emergency.

A simple shift

2009-08-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

The shift dress emulates power, structure, and form. It makes a woman look both professional and styled at the same time. It is a classic. I purchased this at H&M for $39.50. Upon inspecting it, I found the material to be just as sturdy as its form. This is probably one of the best and most practical purchases I have ever made. I always look good in it, and it gives me confidence. Pairing it with different accesories and pieces from your wardrobe only can make this simple grey dress even more intriguing. I love to wear my rose quartz ball necklace with this.

Shapes and colors

2009-08-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

I rarely wear this shirt, so this is really a shop my closet find. I usually go for things that flatter my shape a little better. However, this flowy top paired with these shorts really accentuate the legs. Sometimes it's nice to show off one area of your body at a time. Also, it is an interesting sherbert green that is hard to find bottoms to go with, so I tried these yellow shorts. I think it makes the outfit playful. I would add some colorful earrings or a neckalce with complimentary colors to spruce it up even more.

Colonial Times

2009-08-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

Knickers and tights have been worn ever since ye Colonial Times! Although my knickers are actually shorts and my tights are black, it's almost exactly the same...right. I just needed a creative title for this post.
I know the shorts and tights look is a bit risky because you are verging on bad eighties/early nineties or just childish, I can't decide. Despite the angle of this picture, the tights under shorts were very slimming and very cute. I think this might be a good transition from summer into fall when the weather can be misleading—80 degrees during the day and 50 degrees at night. I threw on my maroon velvet jacket with gold buttons to complete the look and continue with the whole colonial theme. I don't think I can wear shorts to work even with tights, but this is a different look for a nighttime outing—maybe to a movie or play or better yet, a reanactment of the Boston Tea Party.

My knickers are showing!

2009-08-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Something happened between work and home today, and it's called H&M. When I walked in, little did I know I would soon encounter my childhood arch nemesis...knickers. It's not that I hated all knickers as a child, it's just that I hated wearing the excruciatingly scratchy wool knickers my mom made me wear (not to mention the full-on wool outfit. Love you!). But seriously, imagine wearing pants made of horsehair...and fire.

These knicks are not scratchy, however, and they are surprisingly cute. Just be careful how you stand, because the extra crotch material is projecting a slight Lady Gaga situation in this picture. I'm a girl, I swear.

Vest obsessed

2009-07-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

My love for vests has persisted for 16 years, but the road hasn't always been easy. I've denied it, hid it and even gone so far as to make FUN of vests, all to cover up my addiction. It all started with a red and blue vest with horses (and, oh god, cowboys) printed on the front. And by red and blue, I mean one whole side was red, and the other whole side was blue. It was hideous, but please don't feel bad for me, I still had friends despite the rodeo vest. Possibly because some of my friends were wearing pink sweatsuits with a bear- in- clothes pattern. We were quite a team.

I've come a long way since then, and so has my choice in vests. My white Saturday Night Fever vest is the centerpiece of this otherwise boring outfit, and it also brings a little sex appeal to the table. I have to say, every time I have worn this little guy out to the bar, men magically buy me drinks. Granted, they were all ugly.... but that's neither here nor there.

Don't fear the onsie

2009-07-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Anything that looks like it is made from the same piece of material is something I used to avoid like the plague. I mean the sheer physics of it are enough to scare away my simple mind. And the fact that when I was younger, I was traumatized by wearing shirts that buttoned at the crotch just so they would look tucked in. But, as you have seen on this blog before, onsies have actually become...kind of sexy.

I don't want you to get the wrong idea and for you to run around like a hot mess in a cheap imitation. So please, follow the rules. If you are going to buy a onsie, buy a classy one. The cheap ones are not as nice. Trust me, I have looked. They end up making you look like a blast from the past, but not in a good way.

Look for a detail that makes it current. For instance, this one has a ruffle halter detail that is very contemporary.

Also, if you are going to buy a nice one, try to find it on sale. This one from Urban Outfitters was originally $70, marked down to $35, marked down to $18. It was magical, like a onsie fairytale. Good luck with your onsie search!

Flower Power

2009-07-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

I secretly love anything floral print. Even though I used to pretend that I hated it and that it looked outdated, I know I owned several dresses and jumpsuits with a floral print when I was younger. I rocked those floral prints then, and I'm going to rock them now!

So, you could understand my elation when floral print all of the sudden became stylish again. I just have to say that this dress was a no-name brand purchase from Gabriel Brothers for $20. I wore it to a wedding last weekend and people mistaked it for a dress from J.Crew (which was my plan all along).

As much as I love pairing a floral print with black tights to give it more of an edge, I can't help but admit that what compliments it best are this button down white blouse and a pair of mary janes, and I will soon be receiving my membership to the American Association of Librarians. Is anyone looking for a sexy librarian?

Strap perfect, fashion tape unite

2009-07-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

So, I bought strap perfect in a weak moment at CVS, and somehow I thought I would be impressed. Not only does it look like I could craft one myself out of paper clips and yarn, but, I don't even own the kind of crazy-strapped tank tops shown in the commercial to try it out. And who would really use this thing for a sports bra. I don't even understand the physics, honestly.

Then, while trying on my 3 billionth bridesmaid dress, I came across Hollywood Fashion Tape, designed to keep garments in place, and banish the gaping holes that appear in the most inappropriate areas on button down shirts. The cleave. I am happy to report that this tape works, and I no longer walk around with a window to my bosoms.

And this last picture is an example of why you should use a strap perfect, because otherwise you will be a hot mess. Like me. Hi boys.

Follow Shop My Closet

2009-07-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

I just realized that we have no followers. Please follow us before people in the blogosphere start teasing us for being that loner blog with no friends.

My friend, the jean jacket

2009-07-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Jackets of any kind will save you this summer. I took this maxi from Forever 21 and this jacket from Old Navy to make a more relaxed but still stylish summer look. This look can be worn anywhere from barbecues to summer concerts and, most importantly, you will be comfortable. The shoes from Charlotte Russe dress it up a little more as well as the necklace from Francesca's Boutique. I don't know why I look angry in this picture. I promise that I am not scowling at you.

Iconic pop

2009-06-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

As a lifelong fan of the legendary King of Pop (I am utterly heartbroken by his untimely passing), I feel the need to pay tribute to such a style (and music) icon. Throw on a fedora, tie, red leather jacket or sparkly silver glove with everything from skinny jeans to your wedding dress, and I will approve. For now, I would just like to be held, like the river Jordan. We love you MJ.

Yellow fever

2009-06-17T17:30:00.001-07:00

I am obsessed with canary yellow hues these days, and this little jacket fits the bill. Don't shy away from bright colors unless the thought of being cheerful all day disgusts you. I feel like I can't be an asshole when I'm wearing sunshine yellow, which really isn't fair, but it's all about sacrificing for fashion, right?!

Oh, and I cut my face out of this picture because, I'll be honest, I looked like a troll. HOT.

Splurge worthy: DVF wrap dress

2009-06-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

When talking about buying quality over quantity, I think of the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress. It's a classic, and it's been in style since the 70s when DVF made it famous. Though, that ample bosom in the first picture would have been totally out of style. Good thing I was born in the 80s.

If you're going to buy something expensive, think of it as a fashion investment. Make sure it's crafted well and made from quality material, and only buy items that have proven their style staying power. Then give yourself a pat on the back (or a slap on the ass if you're feeling especially saucy), because you've just entered the most fulfilling fashion commitment of your life. And possibly your most fulfilling commitment in general (heeyyy-ooohhh!).

Wow, I just made a Bret Michaels noise. New low.

Summer layering

2009-06-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

If you work in an office and that office is fairly new with sterile looking walls and bland cubicles, than that office probably has a very strong central air conditioning unit that turns your workplace into an icy prison.

I feel your pain. I am constantly cold. When it comes to dressing, with your office in mind, it is probably a good idea to think in layers. I would never wear a strapless dress to work anyways unless I had a cardigan over it, but this is a different way to layer that creates a completely different look, while taking care of the chills.

All I did was throw on my strapless polka dot dress over a black t-shirt and paired it with these red shoes to add some color to the outfit.

I really felt like I was wearing a whole new dress all day. The polka dots and red shoes remind me of Minnie Mouse, and I like that because it takes me back to that happy place when I was a child.

The Uniform Project

2009-06-16T07:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know what could give you better inspiration to shop your closet than the Uniform Project. Sheena Matheiken, Brooklyn-based designer, has decided to wear the same dress every day for 1 year, and every day she will reinvent the look. The project, besides being about sustainable fashion, is also to raise awareness for the Akanksha Foundation, which is attempting to revolutionize education in India. What's also interesting is that most of the accessories she wears are either vintage, hand made, or a hand-me-down. What a creative way to support a cause and at the same time express yourself. Props to you Sheena!

(Via A Cup of Jo)

Onsie Love

2009-06-06T06:30:00.001-07:00

I have always avoided onsies with the same fervor that I've avoided unitards. Why would anyone be so brazen to assume a unitard with shorts would look good?

I must say, after trying one on for the first time (Forever 21, $22), I'm sold. I like this one because it's still structured, and has a nice waist-defining detail. I would still avoid the flow-y onsie, because I would prefer to only look pregnant when I actually am pregnant. I'm taking it one step at a time here.

I also put on leggings so as not to appear too sluttish. Yes, I'm wearing leggings under shorts, but somehow I'm OK with it in this instance.

Happy Friday!!

2009-06-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ahhh!!! It's Friday!!! It could not have come sooner. What are your plans? Do you have an outfit waiting to bust out of your closet? I am wearing this garden lace shift dress in coral if the weather is nice. This is a recent purchase from J.Crew, and it was only $9.99! I have no buyers remorse. Have a good one whatever you do!

Dressing up skater pants

2009-06-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Who isn't inspired by Audrey Hepburn these days?—especially with such a focus on vintage. I took these H&M pants, which I believe are marketed towards the skater-genre and wore it with this dressy blouse, black headband, and heals for a more classic look. Add the silver pearls and there it is. I also wanted to share this amazing coat and umbrella combination just for fun.

It's ok to wear white

2009-05-31T08:23:00.000-07:00

It's past Memorial Day. I'm not breaking any rules. Do I look like Freida Pinto? P.S. I love her. My inspiration for this outfit came from Freida in her Chanel dress (and maybe Barry Manilow). I thought that if I draped some black strands over a crisp white shirt and jacket that it would create a very interesting, Chanel-esque look. I sometimes wear this jacket with a pink tank top, and I think it would look even better with my black skinny jeans.

Consumer spending

2009-05-19T06:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why society is obsessed with labels, brand names, and ivy league colleges? These things give us the feeling that our peers, friends, and potential mates will treat us differently or find us more appealing. It stems from the thought that other people care about what we buy. Researcher Geoffrey Miller has found, however, that other people's perceptions of us are much more profoundly affected by the personality traits that we display. So, when you are reaching for that purse with the large, impressive price tag, ask yourself, is anyone really going to like me more? Or should I just take up singing lessons? Read the full article here.

Photo via the New York Times.

Geoffrey Miller's book: Spent: Sex, Evolution, and Consumer Behavior

Boyfriend jacket

2009-05-15T05:29:00.000-07:00

This may look like a properly tailored and packaged boyfriend jacket, but I promise you it is not. It is the jacket that goes with my black suit. Ya know, that interview suit we all have? The one that I sometimes wear with a black skinny tie and nothing else—sometimes.

I thought this might be the perfect fix for the boyfriend jacket look this spring. This will work if you have a nice suit (not one from fashion bug) because they generally make women's professional suits to look a little more boxy to achieve that androgynous look that will hopefully put you on the same playing field as your male counterparts and out of view of the dirty old men.

To make it a little more dressy I would suggest wearing a dress or skirt with it.

Belt it out, ladies

2009-05-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

Back in the day, I was really into belts. I was always looking for new shapes, styles and colors to add visual interest to my outfits. Then, grad school happened and put my belt obsession on hold for a while. But just the other day, I realized "I have a bag full of belts in my closet just begging to accentuate my waist!"

Now, I still don't wear belts that often (thought my two posts seem to contradict that statement), but as a big-boobied girl, it is a good idea to squelch any muumuu action before it starts. That's why a thick belt around the waist is always a good call, especially on a loose-fitting dress.

This belt I've had since college, and actually looks cute with this newer Forever 21 dress, and these berry suede shoes add a pop of color. I would typically wear it with leggings or jeans, so please ignore the fact that it looks like I'm just wearing a shirt. When I get home from work, the first thing I want to do is take off my pants...Who's with me?!...Anyone?......Bueller?

It's a match: Lace blouse and boyfriend jeans

2009-05-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

This is a truly great shop my closet find. I purchased this lace floral blouse from Express in 2004, if I had to guess, when I was still in college. I was at the verge of throwing this away because I hadn't worn it in a long time. So, this morning when I was looking for something different to wear with my maroon jacket (a consignment shop purchase $15), I came upon this blouse.

For work I wore this top combination with a pair of black dress pants, but to modernize it a little bit I would suggest wearing it with a pair of boyfriend jeans (American Eagle jeans that I rolled differently to create the look) and a cute pair of heels (Target $22).

Ode to Carrie Bradshaw

2009-05-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for this little number popped into my head, I believe, because I am a huge fan of the tu-tu wearing Carrie Bradshaw. The short skirt that poofs out and the tight tank top, I think, is the ultimate way to flatter long and sometimes gangly legs. I also think the scoop neck elongates my neck.

And this look is updated from the tu-tu and pink tank top that Carrie wears. It is cute and girly, but the black makes it a little edgier. I suggest pairing this with an ultra bright tank top for the ultimate spring look or a bright pair of shoes. Oh and as far as saving money, you can buy that tank top or a bright one like it at H&M for around $7 and the skirt from Forever 21 for around $20.

Strap-defying!

2009-05-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a busty girl. Though I've come a long way (emotionally) since they first appeared in 4th grade, I still envy women who can wear a strapless dress without feeling like a walking motorboating invitation. So, when spring and summer roll around, and I want to wear cute, strapless dresses like my fabulous -- less chesty -- friends, I throw a t-shirt underneath to feel less...booby.

I suggest pairing a pattern t-shirt with sexy neckline (Club Monaco, $25), with a bright colored dress (Forever 21, $12), and if you're feeling extra chic, throw on a thin, patent belt for a waist-defining touch (Forever 21, free with a different dress!). And don't shy away from that short hem line. Just because we're de-vulgarizing our bust, doesn't mean we can't play up a little leg!

Wilderness girl

2009-05-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Plaid is making an appearance this season in the form of long button downs, dresses, and skirts. I realize that the Urban Outfitters shirt on the left might look a little nicer than my plaid shirt from Guess, two seasons old, but it costs close to $60. So, I put together a little lumberjack/state trooper outfit adding my own pieces such as my Ray Ban aviators and wine colored boots from Nordstroms, which have proven to be one of the best purchases I have ever made as they reappear in my outfits time after time. Also, I rarely stand like that. I don't know what I am doing.

Closet Grand Opening!

2009-05-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

(Photo via Sex and the City-the movie)
The closet is open! Shop My Closet, the blog, is making its grand entrance on the information highway and becoming part of the noise that is the Internet.

The idea for this blog came along because unless you have been living under a rock this year, you know that the economy has been better.

Although it is starting to look up, according to those in the know, it is to be followed by a not so predictable future.

Many are saying that this will change the way that consumers spend, the same way people of the depression era were changed.

So, we thought now might be a good time to start getting thrifty and stop making so many needless purchases—beginning with our closets. The term "shop your closet" has been used in countless consumer magazines and news sources so we can't coin it as our own.

But, essentially, it is the quick fix for the fashionista gone broke. It involves creating a new outfit, never worn before, right from your own closet to achieve the same rush you get when carrying a shiny new bag out of Saks (choose your poison).

It's like an experiment. It will tell us if we can actually go for long periods of time without making those impulse buys that get poorly paid editors like ourselves in trouble. It also will show us that maybe we didn't need to buy a whole new outfit for Friday night because maybe there was one waiting for us in our closet.

Join us in our adventure to learn values such as saving money and conserving the amount of waste we produce, while trying to look amazing.

-Allison & Christina