Lapis Lazuli (and a Hello from the Boyfriend)

Dress: Anthropologie (with alterations. similar, similar) / Belt: Madewell (similar) / Wedges: Target / Bag: Jason Wu for Target / Sunglasses: Target / Bracelets: Gift / Necklace: bought in Italy

 

I had an interview of sorts today (I say of sorts because it was pretty informal) for a job I'm hoping to get on campus. Essentially, the job's primary duty is serving alcohol to (of age!) undergrads. Or, to put it more seriously, standing between undergrads and their alcohol. This actually sounds like tons of fun to me. I thought on-campus bartending might be a good way to meet people from other departments, learn a new skill, have a good time, and of course make a little cash.

I mention this because the Boyfriend and I were in a bit of a debate over what I should wear to said interview. He was advocating a much more business-y look (black pencil skirt & button-down, pumps), while I thought this shirtdress (with a more professional leather bag) was appropriate for a casual job in the middle of the world's hottest summer. In the end, he deemed this look appropriate. This was aided by the fact that I'm currently living out of a suitcase and these wedges were the only pair of heels I had access to...kind of put a limit on what I could wear.

So, what do you think? Casual job (I was more dressed up than the interviewer, which I think is always a good sign), hot summer...what to wear?

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[Boyfriend edit: I requested the right to defend myself in court, and permission was granted... so hello! I am the boyfriend. My experience with clothes is, shall we say, binary. You are either dressed up (for men: collared shirt tucked into slacks and fancy shoes) or not (T-shirt, jeans). I learned this growing up in a small California town, but now that I am living in Boston I suppose these shades of grey are what I will need to learn. Luckily, Miss Petite on a Penny steadfastly ignored my "but, um, black pencil skirt and white blouse" plea, and put on something fun and vibrant. 

Now, all of that being said, I have a hard time gauging how far to dress up and when. So if the boyfriend is allowed to pose a follow-up question to the court: what factors and thought process determine how "dressed up" you get?]

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Edit to add: I must have done something right, because I got the job! :D

Petite Fashion Challenge #18: Date Night

This month's challenge is hosted by Amber at Easy Petite Looks. She challenged us to put together an outfit for a date night or a girls' night out.

Allow me to apologize for the horrible indoor photos! I left this challenge to the last minute and it was raining by the time I got around to taking the pictures.

Here is my date night outfit. It's been so horribly hot in Boston I couldn't wrap my head around anything more than a sheer, flowy mini dress and some comfy wedges. Anything more, and I was probably going to melt. Also, this whole outfit cost me somewhere under $60! (I can't remember how much the purse was...I know it was cheap...but the dress was $12 and the shoes were $24.99.)

Dress: Ross ($12.00) / Shoes: Target ($24.99) / Necklace: gift / Bag: honestly no idea.... :)

Please go on and check out the other entries (with undoubtedly better pictures!) over at Easy Petite Looks.

Simple Stripes & Gold Collar Necklace

 Top: Anthropologie / Jeans: Gap 1969 Always Skinny / Wedges: Target (similar) / Necklace: Asos ($20.87, buy here) / Glasses: Coach

 

One of my goals for beginning this blog was to get out of my jeans and a solid-colored t-shirt rut. I'm trying to wear more skirts, dresses, and patterns, and (hopefully) succeeding. This outfit, I think, is a pretty good example of how jeans and a t-shirt can still be a successful (and not always boring!) look. Note to self: wedges, an interesting piece of jewelry, and a patterned top can go a long way to elevating my wardrobe staples.

The main credit has to go to my favorite statement necklace, this gold collar from Asos. I love how it mimics the lines of a dress shirt's collar, and dresses us an otherwise simple look.

Going on a field trip with the class today, to the California Science Center. 80+ 5th graders and six chaperones...wish us luck!

Target Leopard Print Flats

I have run holes into the bottoms of my favorite black flats. :( The boyfriend advises (and rightly so) that I should really stop wearing them, so I've recently been on the lookout for their replacement. I've tried on a ton of flats from a ton of stores, but nothing has been quite right. My top complaints are: a) too much toe-cleavage (am I the only one who hates it?), b) too wide, and c) not comfortable enough to walk all day in. Boo.

The next pair I'm hoping will be the big winner are these leopard print flats from Target. They are a fantastic $12.99 (but I ordered them for free with a Target gift card!).

A bit different than my old basic black, no? But, hopefully they'll fit my wardrobe (and my feet!) Just as well.

For cute shoes on a budget, I cannot recommend Target enough! I've gotten some great shoes from there including my favorite Elliana Wedges ($24.99):

 and Pearce Pumps ($29.99):

(Ok, I can deal with a bit of toe cleavage. But only a bit!)

 Any recommendations on comfy, cute flats that you can wear all day?