My own “back to work” outfits, 2010-2013

I’ve always had a job that follows the ‘academic’ calendar, so when August rolls around it feels like time for some back to school outfits (okay, “back to work”, in my case) shopping. One of the great things about this part of the year are the deals that come with it.  Cancer treatments are expensive, so let’s look at making your clothing budget go further.

My personal favorites for shopping on a budget? Gap, Old Navy, Target. As a rule of thumb, I’d say never bother purchasing anything from Old Navy or Gap unless it’s 30-40% off (they have these deals on a weekly basis). And if you are interested in a “store credit card”, for me this is the one to get. The rewards are great if you shop at Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy/Piperlime/Athleta. I recently booked my fiancé’s and my summer travel using my Gap credit card and HELLO $200 to spend at those brands. My other “cheap” favorite is, somewhat unexpectedly, JCrew. Oh, don’t get me wrong, it’s in no way cheap originally….but when you catch the clearance racks (often with my favorite “extra 40% off sale” sign nearby) and tack on a teacher or educator discount (15%)…suddenly it moves into the Old Navy/Target price bracket. H&M sizing rarely works for me, but I’d recommend it for trendier pieces at a low price point (I still love to browse their accessories). Currently, I’ve been stocking up on work basics (for me, t-shirts with a little more interest & new pants).

I enjoy reading and writing about clothes and style, but, I’ll admit it sometimes does feel trivial to post about on Lacuna Loft. I will say, my mom was in the hospital recently (she’s a breast cancer survivor, but spinal fusion surgeries have been the big challenge in recent years), and how to dress did enter my mind. I wanted to look put together and cheerful (and warm & comfy). I think this was partly because of all the “This is my daughter, Elena” intros that happen with the zillion doctors/nurses coming in and out (I get this feeling of representing my mom and family, as silly as that may sound) and because I think hospitals always use a bit more cheer (one outfit choice: a very bright orange dress).

Now I’m getting tangential. In any case, hope you find some great deals in the coming weeks if you’re looking! And if you’re spending a lot of time in the hospital, clothes probably aren’t your priority. But if you’re looking for comfort, Gap’s track pants are so cozy I never want to take them off. And if you’re looking for a smile-worthy dress, here’s one.

A few of my own recent purchases that I can vouch for (all purchased at 30-40% off + reward $)

1. Tee, / 2. Tailored Crop Pants / 3. Zip-pocket track pants / 4. Shawl-collar cardigan

Do you have some favorite back to school outfits or back to work outfits?  🙂  Any suggestions for shopping on a budget?  Let us know!

Depending on your age, this season might hit you harder (or not so much), but I know I’m in the midst of WEDDING SEASON! At this ripe old age of 28 (ha), I don’t tend to have quite so many to attend over the summer/fall months (I “only” have three this season), but I know I had a record 6 on my calendar a few years ago. Either way, I find it’s the time of year when I need a few reliable dresses in my closet for the actual big days, and for all the events that come with them (bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners!). I won’t deny that attending weddings can be expensive and time-consuming, but I love them. Celebrating those close to me finding their partners…it’s pretty great stuff! I’ve found that, even if my own personal life was feeling challenging at the time, I truly enjoyed being surrounded by love and good wishes for a happy couple.

As for what to wear, I just thought I’d share a few of my favorite sources for special dresses. I like to believe that most dresses can be transformed into “wedding guest” apparel through the magic of accessories, so I might only buy one new dress a season and work within my wardrobe for the rest. For the wedding my fiance’ and I attended recently, I went for this dress, knowing that I could also wear it more casually for date nights and future wedding events. I love to stalk Banana Republic (especially when I have reward $s to spend and they’re having 40% sales!), ModCloth, Nordstrom (free shipping and returns!), Anthropologie (these have higher ‘re-wear’ potential for me), and to scour the outlets (BCBG and JCrew’s outlets make their pieces much more affordable). I’ve also seen friends gussy up dresses from Target with ease (my height makes their dresses more challenging, but their bridesmaid-oriented options intrigue me). For this tall lady, heels aren’t my favorite option, but I make sure to have at least one pair of fancy, wedding-ready flats on hand throughout the year (this is my current pair; $30!).

If you have any specific summer wedding attire questions or challenges, feel free to send them my way. A few current options that catch my eye are below (and a few of my own wedding-guest looks of yore are above).

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While scarves and wigs can definitely take care of adding that bit of feminine appeal for you when you’re dealing with hair loss, I found them to be cumbersome and hot during the summer.  After a month or so, I quickly ditched the scarves and the blonde wig that I had purchased and walked around hairless.  I experienced eye makeup during hair loss as a magical pick me up and style accessory.  Makeup is a really easy way to dress up your face and add some feminine flair.  One of the easiest pieces of makeup you can use to add that extra bit of vavoom is eyeliner.  As a caregiver and later as a survivor, I know that I needed every bit of vavoom in my step I could get!  🙂

This website shows 7 different and fun ways to play with your eyeliner.  Some of them are fairly dramatic but seriously…you can do what you want!  🙂  What do you think?  Which one is your favorite?  (Mine is the feline flair!)  If you need some extra help getting that perfect, winged look try this easy tape-guide trick!

image via

I got engaged a few weeks ago (whee!), so I’ve justified a few new nail polish purchases (this cornflower blue is my current favorite).Working with preschoolers (and, um, being a nail biter), my nails don’t look great for very long…but there’s something soothing to me about painting them. Personally, I prefer lounging in my own home (sometimes with friends, a bottle of wine, and a few episodes of Say Yes to the Dress) and doing it myself, even if it’s less than perfect, but either way…there’s something about having your nails painted that makes you feel a bit fancier. More polished, one might say (I couldn’t resist). And it’s an activity that forces you to take some time to just sit back and relax, which I think we all can benefit from. As summer approaches, I gravitate more toward bright colors on my fingers and toes. Do you have any favorite brands or shades? Do you prefer to go to the salon or stay at home?

A few Essie brights: serial shopper, big spender, fashion playground, play date

After my last round of chemo, I spent the next year growing out my hair for my wedding.  Then I spent the next 2 years growing out my hair even more.  I wanted hair as long as Rapunzel’s and I wanted it bad.

Three years after this…

…I slowly started growing out my hair.  First it could be parted and spiked…

Then worn as a chique pixie…

Then trimmed up in a short, shag…

…and eventually worn as a medium length cut.

Finally my hair was as long as I wanted it…

Growing out your hair from nothing (literally!) can be a chore and can definitely feel like it takes forever.  Embrace yourself and the world will embrace you 🙂  Many people talk about the “awkward” phases of growing out short hair.  I think the main thing is to just roll with the punches.  You might have to change the way you style your hair quite often as your locks grow out to your desired length.  There are a TON of internet places devoted to growing out pixie cuts (those oh so cute short hair dos)…though not all of them assume that you start from NO hair 😉  Start here, here, here, and an actual step-by-step guide here.

I am not good with hair and—especially on a busy, not so good day—it is the first thing to drop out of my ‘style equation’ when I’m short on time or energy. I’ll spray with dry shampoo and throw it into a pony tail, twist it into a wet bun straight out of the shower, blow dry and not bother to straighten. I’m not saying these choices always leave me feeling my most professional, pulled together self, but I think having some go-to hair accessories certainly helps. I am all for a sparkly headband, a bejeweled barrette, a high sock bun to elevate not-so-perfect hair.

Anthropologie is my absolute favorite spot for hair accessories (I just nabbed this and this with my birthday discount), and I’m guilty of wearing a beaded gold headband from there very regularly (I’ll admit that I think they’re on the pricey side, but the cost-per-wear on mine is down to about zilch). ModCloth also has a pretty stunning collection. Target is upping their headband game, and sometimes you can find unique ones in rather surprising places (CVS & Walgreens, I’m looking at you).

I should say that I think head scarves/wraps that one may choose to wear because of hair loss due to chemo deserve their own post (and I would not be the best one to write it as I have no experience selecting them), but I am loving this turban from Anthro and this etsy shop’s many prints/styles.

Especially with summer approaching, here’s to finding ways to elevate easy, lazy hairstyles!

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My friend Cait inspired this post by sharing that she often went for easy up-dos & head scarves/head bands when her mother was going through cancer treatments to help herself feel pulled together while getting her hair out of the way. Thanks, Cait!