Afternoon! Sorry about the late post… there’s been a flurry of activity chez LVP this morning, from baking (Super Charge Me! cookies for a friend), closet cleaning, and- I’ll be honest- a little sleeping in 
Yesterday I was at a loss about what to eat for breakfast. We’re out of fruit, so I just made a bowl of PB&J Protein Oats :
- 1/3 cup oats
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 T egg whites
- 1 T protein powder
- 1 T Nuttzo
- 1 T raspberry jam
- cinnamon
- stevia
A short while later, I met my little redheaded friend for lunch at the Grey Dog’s Cafe. I don’t know how I’ve never been here before… it’s adorable, and reminds me so much of the coffee shops I love in Minnesota. They even use a dumbwaiter to bring up the food!
I ordered the Country Style Salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, grape tomatoes, pea shoots, chickpeas, marinated tofu, and balsamic dressing on the side. The tofu was so good! The salad came with focaccia, but I was too full after devouring my salad to eat it. I’ll definitely be going back here… it looks like they serve a great breakfast, too!
When I got home, I red in bed a little and cozied up with a bowl of Decadent Chocolate Protein Pudding. I didn’t have any Nasoya Creations left, so I used plain silken tofu, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and stevia instead. It may not be pretty but it sure tastes good!
Fueled by pudding, I powered through 30 minutes on the CrossRamp and 30 minutes of lower body/ab work. I’m starting to feel strong again
While I made dinner, I munched on some market-fresh carrots.
For the meal itself, I tried a new recipe: Fall Chili with Whole Wheat Flax dumplings. It turned out fabulously!
I sipped a glass of red wine in bed while we watched a ridiculous amount of television. There are some days when that’s just what the doctor ordered.
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Seasonal Shopping… on a tight budget.
As you know, I work as a hostess in a restaurant. We don’t have uniforms, but we’re meant to look “put-together” and somewhat chic, which means NO jeans and tees. Because I work 5-6 days a week, it can be difficult to come up with creative outfits that don’t repeat themselves, but in the 3+ months I’ve been there, I’ve rarely repeated an exact outfit. How, you ask?
1. Buy separates. I love dresses as much as the next girl, but they can be limiting as you really only have a couple ways to wear it. With separates, however, the options are limitless! You can take any piece from formal to laid-back by switching your sweater, shoes, and accessories, thus adjusting the entire tone of the outfit.
- If you do want to get the most out of a dress: Layer! A vest and chunky necklace can completely change your look. If the dress is made out of jersey, like American Apparel’s versatile polo dress, try putting a patterned skirt on over it.
2. Quality vs. Quantity. When it comes to trendy items (pleather leggings, anyone?) I am all about the bargain shopping. I will not buy couture when I know I can get a similar item at H&M or Forever21 for a fraction of the price. Sure, the item may fall apart before the season’s over, but this way I won’t feel bad about breaking the bank on something that will be out of style in six months.
Here’s what I won’t skim on quality for:
- Shoes. I have enough foot problems as it is, and can get blisters just from looking at a pair of cheaply-made shoes. Good shoes are made to last, and I won’t put my feet through the pain and suffering of flimsy three-inch heels made in China.
- Earrings. I have diva earlobes, and anything that’s not 14k gold or higher infects the heck out of them. I almost never wear earrings for precisely this reason.
- Handbags. With the exception of a good find at a vintage store or my favorite Lesportsac totes, I do like to splurge on these. And by “splurge,” I mean twice in my entire lifetime. I am a notorious schlepper, and my purse typically weighs upwards of 15 lbs. I don’t want to buy a cheap bag that’s just going to fall apart on the subway.
3. Clean out your closets. I know this is the most basic tip, and I know it’s annoying. Trust me: I am by far the poster child of a clean and tidy space, despite our beautiful “organization for dummies” California Closets. But when you do go through your racks and drawers, you’ll be surprised by how much you have that you don’t wear.
- Has it been over a year since you’ve worn it? Donate it. Sure, there’s sentimental value to the skirt you wore in 8th grade the first time you talked to Bobby HighSchool, but you’ve got the memory itself for that.
- Rethink what you already have. I have a bunch of clothes leftover from my days of working in an office, and I couldn’t conceive of a situation where I’d need to wear them again. But again, with some funky jewelry and accessories, I made it work! Skinny belts are my favorite way to work business-casual pants and skirts.
So yesterday I went to Forever21 to update my wardrobe a bit for Fall, and I’ve already got tons of ideas of how to mix and match. When I got home, I packed up all my summer clothing, which I’m going to store until it’s warm again.
Sequined blouse and tweed shorts:
I also found another pair of shorts and two skirts, which I’m excited to pair with wooly tights and patterned stockings.
I’m particularly excited about this Hervé Leger-style body-con dress.
Part of the back is sheer! I love great details on the backs of dresses and blouses.
What are your top three shopping and style tips?
Cute! I love those skirts/shorts. I really want some tweedy shorts for fall, too – they’ll be super cute with tights + boots.
Grey Dog’s is the BEST! Love the atmosphere. And food of course. Shopping and style tips…Hmmm…I try to keep classic basics that are easy to mix and match. Blazer, jean jacket, basic tees, leggings, and boots are my fall staples
Super cute shorts! So weird I literally just did an overhaul of my wardrobe today – been putting it off for way too long! Feels so good to get rid of stuff. I am slowly trying to filter the tee/jeans/hoody/converse look out of my wardrobe and replace it with more girly and grown up clothes!! My season splurges are a new pea coat and black moccasin booties
WORK IT! I love your style. More posts like this!
Gorgeous buys and great tips. I totally agree with layering to change up a look, instead of buying this seasons maxi skirt I’ve been wearing my summer maxi dress with a basic tee on top. It looks great and much cheaper than buying a new skirt!
Your protein pudding looks delicious! Thanks for all the shopping tips…I’m all about stretching a tight budget. Love the sequined blouse!
Such great tips. I love your style so I will definitely takes these tips with me next shopping trip.
You seriously have the best style ever! Thanks for the great tips. I like to gather up clothes that I don’t wear anymore and have a clothing swap with friends.It’s a great way to score some sweet hammy downs!
Ah that country salad has all my faves!
Totally bookmarking this post for your style tips. I agree on the shoes–totally worth spending extra money for good quality.
girl i like yo style!! I know everybody else said that but you for real got it goin on!! i LOVE forever 21 and love those shorts!
I love this post! I’ve recently had this conundrum myself, and it took a thorough cleaning of my closet to remind myself that I do have a ton of stuff that I wear and love (although that doesn’t stop me from constantly browsing on line stores).
Some of my current obsessions:
- shorts over black tights and boots. Warm and keeps my summer favorites going year round.
- button down shirts with a cardigan or chic jacket. I love what a faux-leather bomber can do to a plain oxford.
- blouses tucked into a banded mini. Perfect for dancing!
oh! that dress is ADORABLE but also adorably sexy haha i love the back too
i love dresses and clothes that have surprise fun features like that! i think it makes such a great addition to an outfit.
mmm i want to cuddle up in bed right now with some puddin haha. have a great weekend girl!!
Loving the style post! Love Forever 21!
I love to buy plain tees in different colors and buy lots of cool necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to dress up a plain shirt with jeans or a skirt! Love ya girl! xoxo
Hey! First off, farmer’s market goods are always so fresh looking! I passed by Union Square today and I don’t know if it’s because it was linked directly to a street fair, but the market was packed even more than usual! I guess people are on the hunt for some seasonal produce. ^^
Secondly, great style tips! I agree that people should splurge on staples. I also think a really great tailored jacket can be worn up and down, so those are good to splurge a little on.
My fav style tip for those who don’t mind second hand is to go thrifting. You pay a fraction of the price you would at retail and you find one of a kind items too. DIY is also fun: there are great videos on youtube for how to make your own kitschy necklaces and hair accessories.
I work at an office that has a biz cas dress code and I’m definitely in love with separates. It’s amazing what a few cardigans can do.
you have some of my FAVORITE outfits ever to be seen on a blog.
i love forever21!
haha flax dumplings!! thats amazing
beyond being visibly flaxy..they look really scrumptious.
the salad looks AWESOME. clearly that was the reason i fell in love with ur blog way back when i did- again, u still order and make the best salads around!
btw the sheer backing on the dress is so chic. quite sexy too without being revealing!
xoxo
i love that i just commented on your last post how i want you to be my personal stylist, and then i read this post. i still want you to come dress me though. pretty please?!?
p.s. i would love some outfit-spiration from you on the reg on the blog.
Men cardigan sweater are a good purchase for men that helps to be up-to-date.