Unlikeliest Source

I fell for J.Crew's recent sale again (40% off PLUS free shipping?! unheard of) and picked up a yellow turtleneck. I figured this would be a practical addition because I've started to get some side-eye at work from wearing my red turtleneck multiple times a week. The only problem is, the dark shade of yellow isn't as easy to style as red. Side note: Perhaps a different ways to wear red turtleneck post soon -- any interest?

When I was backing up photos over the weekend, I came across one of my pre-teen self wearing what I dubbed "my McDonald's outfit." What else does red/yellow/white remind a kid of besides delicious fast food reserved only for special occasions?

So for today's look, I drew inspiration from my childhood photo by using updated clothing items for a more grown-up look. I kept the same theme of stripes with red and yellow accents, but didn't let patterns nor colors dominate the outfit.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)

scarf: J.Crew (similar)

turtleneck: J.Crew tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)

top: Gap striped cowlneck T (similar)

rings: Spotted Moth busy bee (similar)

Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)

belt: Express (this season's sold here)

pants: LOFT modern skinny (this season's sold here)

bag: Chanel camellia WOC (buy pre-owned)

shoes: Sperry Top-Sider Bluefish (sold here)

Again with the Hearts

With spring around the corner, I'm cleaning my closet to make room for new items. I've been figuring out what to keep, to throw out (hole-y pj bottoms from high school), and to donate. When I lived at my parents', Purple Heart would periodically leave donation bags in the mailbox for pickup service. It was easy and convenient. I haven't seen this at my new residence, so I'm thinking of dropping things off at a local Goodwill. What's your preferred method to donate clothing?

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)

lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)

necklace: Forever 21 chain link (similar)

blazer: theory Bindi Tailored (similar)

top: Forever 21 Essential georgette heart shirt (sold here)

cuffs: Madewell tree-twig (similar); Madewell nautical knot (similar)

rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)

pants: Express Editor (this season's sold here)

bag: Marc Jacobs large Single - gift from aunt (sold here)

shoes: Zara court shoe with snakeskin toe (similar)

Faux Leather & Faux Fur

I'm fairly competent at layering traditional pieces (ie: tee/top/cardigan/blazer) but am a bit clueless at thinking outside the box. I remember seeing Wendy layer a fur vest over a jacket but didn't think my bulky jackets would fit under a vest. A few minutes spent rummaging in my closet and voila! I found the winning combination: a fitted military jacket with leather sleeves that fits right over my fur vest. Turns out, Wendy has already worn this exact combination. That's subconscious inspiration for ya.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)

lips: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in coral crush (sold here)

vest: Zara Girl fur waistcoat (similar)

jacket: American Eagle military jacket (similar)

turtleneck: H&M (similar)

ring: Forever 21 (similar)

jeans: LOFT denim leggings (sold here)

bag: Chanel M/L flap (buy pre-owned)

boots: Tory Burch Nadine riding boots (similar)

Layers Upon Layers

I had an (obvious) light bulb moment when putting together today's outfit: v-necks are great for layering. Unlike a traditional sweater, a wrap sweater can be easily adjusted to accommodate various layers worn underneath. I was able to wear a turtleneck and a plaid shirt, while still accessorizing with a necklace, all under a navy wrap sweater. Despite multiple layers, there was no bulkiness and I stayed quite warm even on a windy day.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)

lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)

necklace: gift from aunt (similar)

blazer: theory Bindi Tailored (similar)

sweater: Ann Taylor (similar)

shirt: J.Crew perfect shirt in ivory tartan (similar)

turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)

rings: Forever 21 leaf & feather ring (sold here);

Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)

jeans: Hollister boot destroyed (sold here)

bag: Longchamp medium LM metal tote (other colors sold here)

shoes: Zara court shoe with snakeskin toe (similar)

Coral/Camel

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)

lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)

jacket: American Eagle peacoat (similar)

cardigan: Old Navy (similar)

top: Gap striped cowlneck T (similar)

belt: Express (this season's sold here)

gloves: H&M (similar)

jeans: Hollister boot destroyed (sold here)

bag: H&M (similar)

shoes: Jones New York Harlem (similar)

Queen of Hearts

After passing on J.Crew heartthrob items last year, I patiently scoured eBay to no avail. A few weeks ago, I was ecstatic to see J.Crew re-release this print on their Factory site in a variety of styles (cardigan, skirt, umbrella, scarf). The price for the blouse is a bit steep at $98, so again begins the waiting game. Just as I was about to pull the trigger during a 30% off sale, I saw Khatu share a great dupe for $20, the Forever 21 Essential Georgette Heart Shirt (sold here). Heart print item craving satisfied.

Forever 21's version is coral/navy, whereas J.Crew's is red/black. The longer length of J.Crew's probably looks better on someone my height (~5'5"), but for the savings in price, I can't complain about Forever 21's. I like longer sleeves in general, so was pleasantly surprised to find the sleeve length to be even longer than I preferred.

A few other noteworthy details: hidden placket covers black buttons, uppermost button and cuff buttons are gold instead of black (nice touch), two large flap pockets (don't really care for), machine washable, pretty good quality (no loose threads), fairly wrinkle-resistant.

For reference, I'm wearing a size XS. Approximate measurements:
- length: 24"
- shoulder-to-shoulder: 14"
- sleeve length: 24"

Also see this top on Olyvia and Elvy.

lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)

necklace: gift from aunt (similar)

jacket: UniQUEEN Malang tweed (sold here)

shirt: Forever 21 Essential georgette heart (sold here)

rings: Forever 21 leaf & feather ring (sold here);

Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)

pants: LOFT black modern skinny (this season's sold here)

bag: Chanel M/L flap (buy pre-owned)

shoes: Miu Miu leather pointed toe pumps (similar)

Not Too Cool For School

I have a soft spot for navy and orange because they're my alma mater's colors. There hasn't been much to cheer about recently, until I realized we have a shot at making the annual basketball tournament! Yes, a shot (not even a guarantee) is reason enough to show some school pride. A win tonight against #2 Miami would go a long way to beefing up the resume. Let's go 'Hoos!

Also see Wendy in a navy lace top with orange.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)

necklace: Amrita Singh Nello (similar)

coat: J.Crew Majesty peacoat (this season's sold here)

top: J.Crew lustre lace mockneck tee (similar)

tee: Uniqlo heattech tee (sold here)

pants: XOXO (similar)

bag: Marc Jacobs large Single - gift from aunt (sold here)

shoes: Ann Taylor covered platform bootie (similar)

Simple

I considered accessorizing with either a scarf or a chain necklace. Held up one in each hand and neither looked right, so I passed. Sometimes less is more.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)

jacket: American Eagle military jacket (similar)

top: Gap striped cowlneck T (similar)

belt: Express (this season's sold here)

jeans: Hollister boot destroyed (sold here)

bag: Chanel M/L flap (buy pre-owned)

shoes: Zara court shoe with snakeskin toe (similar)

Saint Valentine

I took a page out of Blair's book and paired a turtleneck with a full skirt. Red hues + feminine silhouette = all set for Valentine's Day. Have a good one!

sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)

lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)

necklace: gift from aunt (similar)

sweater: H&M (similar)

turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)

skirt: J.Crew Collection circle skirt (this season's sold here)

rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar);

Forever 21 textured horse shoe (similar)

tights: Forever 21 (similar)

bag: H&M (similar)

shoes: Valentino bow ballerina (similar)

Faux Fur & Leopard

Leopard heels have become my go-to pair of neutral shoes. I treat them like a pair of brown pumps (of which I do not own) and have been wearing them with colorful outfits, neutrals and everything in-between. Even a furry vest pairing today didn't stop me... though I did feel like I could've blended right in with all the wildlife nearby.

lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)

necklace: Amrita Singh Nello (similar)

vest: Zara Girl fur waistcoat (similar)

top: LOFT tie-neck drapey blouse (similar)

tee: Uniqlo heattech tee (sold here)

belt: J.Crew (similar)

pants: Zara TRF skinny trousers (similar)

bag: H&M (similar)

shoes: Jones New York Harlem (similar)

Double the Spots

A quick post to start the work week. Hope y'all have a good one!

scarf: gift from friend (similar)

jacket: Burberry Marystow trench coat (sold here)

turtleneck: H&M (similar)

belt: J.Crew (similar)

jeans: Hollister boot destroyed (sold here)

bag: Balenciaga city (this season's sold here)

shoes: Jones New York Harlem (similar)

The Need for Bling

I'm not sure what possessed me to layer two of my heaviest necklaces today. The need for more sparkles? I shall have to think more practically next time because my neck sure had a workout all day long.

Have a good Thursday!

sunglasses: Xhilaration (sold in stores)

lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in wink for pink (sold here)

necklaces: Cara Accessories pearl & crystal (similar);

J.Crew layered pearls (similar)

coat: Express (similar)

shirt: J.Crew perfect shirt in ivory tartan (similar)

turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)

gloves: Lord & Taylor (similar)

pants: LOFT black modern skinny (this season's sold here)

bag: Chanel M/L flap (similar)

shoes: Miu Miu leather pointed toe pumps (similar)

Navy & Gray

I was watching CBS' Super Bowl pregame show over the weekend and couldn't help but notice how stylish Clay Matthews looked in his three-piece suit (not that he needs any help looking good). I searched but can't find a photo online. His vest looked to be cut lower, so it framed his jacket evenly when buttoned. I used that as the source of inspiration for today's outfit. I went with a menswear theme and buttoned the top button of my cardigan to mimic the "vest." To tip the scales back towards the feminine side a bit, I chose a high-neck lace top.

blazer: theory Bindi Tailored (similar)

cardigan: Old Navy (similar)

top: J.Crew lustre lace mockneck tee (similar)

tee: Uniqlo heattech tee (sold here)

ring: Forever 21 (similar)

pants: Express Editor (this season's sold here)

bag: Marc Jacobs large Single - gift from aunt (sold here)

shoes: Ann Taylor perfect patent pumps (sold here)

Bundled Up

After looking through photos, I've come to the conclusion that today's outfit could be a bit more matchy-matchy. In terms of colors, I'd swap out the gray tights for black and match the turtleneck to the gloves. What I didn't accomplish with colors, I made up for in the fabrics worn. I kept the look cozy by picking wool, cotton, and fleece items.

Have a good Monday!

jacket: J.Crew Majesty peacoat (this season's sold here)

vest: Zara Girl quilted waistcoat (sold here)

shirt: J.Crew perfect shirt in ivory tartan (similar)

turtleneck: H&M (similar)

skirt: J.Crew wool bell (this season's sold here)

gloves: Old Navy fleece (similar)

tights: Forever 21 (similar)

boots: Tory Burch Nadine riding boots (similar)

Shift in Time

Today's outfit features a silk shift dress winterized with a turtleneck, tights, and suede booties (a photo sans jacket can be found here). The dress has navy stripes, so I debated whether to go with black or navy colored tights. I ended up picking black tights because it blends in with the black suede booties for a leg-lengthening look. I suppose in poor lighting conditions (like when this photo was taken) either color would've worked.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang silver-tone cluster (similar)

jacket: Burberry Marystow trench coat (sold here)

turtleneck: J.Crew Factory tissue turtleneck tee (sold here)

dress: J.Crew Jules dress in stripe silk twill (this season's sold here)

rings: Forever 21 braid & chain stack ring set (similar)

tights: American Eagle (similar)

bag: Marc Jacobs large Single - gift from aunt (sold here)

shoes: Adrienne Vittadini Adam (similar)