Layer Up

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

I'd like to give two shout-outs for today's look. 1) Gap for providing the inspiration outfit which I copied straight down to the bottom layer and switching it up only slightly with different colors/patterns. 2) Jean for sharing her leopard flats find. I wear flats quite often so I'm always happy to add new pairs to the rotation. I couldn't pinpoint why leopard printed ballet/round-toe flats, sneakers, pointy flats, and the like didn't call out to me until I saw this smoking slipper version. Just waiting for the right combination to come along, I guess.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

trench coat, chambray shirt, white eyelet dress, leopard flats
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
dress: Old Navy eyelet (similar; similar)
belt: H&M (similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
bag: Sole Society Shay textured vegan satchel (sold here - on sale)
shoes: Nine West Shindig (sold at NW / Amazon; similar - extra 15% off w/code SHOPSALE)

Fall Transformations

Monday, September 29, 2014

I took a recent summer outfit, added a military jacket, then swapped out flip-flops for ankle suede boots. Instant outfit transformation and perfect for fall.

military jacket, ruffled blouse, distressed shorts
military jacket, ruffled blouse, distressed shorts, suede ankle boots
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
jacket: Gap military (similar - 15% off w/code FORYOU; similar)
top: Isabel Marant Adriana (sold here; similar; similar; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
shorts: Hollister Hobson (this season's sold here; similar - on sale)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Nordstrom / Bloomingdale's / NM)
shoes: H&M suede ankle boots (similar; similar)

Lilac / Floral

Friday, September 26, 2014

As evidenced by my recent summer sales haul, I've become somewhat of an outerwear snob. I wouldn't say in the monetary/brand sense necessarily (though it does seem that way), but rather I'm more willing to spend money on jackets and coats because they can pull together an outfit the same way that a purse or pair of shoes can. Unlike clothing which are often layered underneath, outerwear is highly visible. I've accepted that I'm a purse and shoe snob, but haven't come to fully accept my fate regarding outerwear yet. Tick tock, it's only a matter of time...

Have a great weekend, everyone!

lilac leather jacket, floral pencil skirt, lace printed clutch
lilac leather jacket, floral pencil skirt, lace printed clutch
lilac leather jacket, floral pencil skirt, rose gold wedges, lace printed clutch
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor pearlized stone statement (similar; similar)
jacket: Balenciaga original moto leather jacket in parme (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
tee: Everlane the women's V (sold here)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
clutch: Tory Burch Kerrington carryall (similar)
shoes: Loeffler Randall Rae in rose gold (gold version sold here; similar)

Peplum / Patterned

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

I've been really enjoying the weather lately. It's chilly enough to start diving into my jacket stash but not too cold to put away the shorts and skirts yet. Hooray for this transitional period between summer and fall -- hope y'all are here to stay for awhile!

plaid patterned short trench jacket, colorblock peplum tee, white shorts
plaid patterned short trench jacket, colorblock peplum tee, white shorts, brown loafers
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
jacket: Coach Tattersall short trench (tag info - saw a few at the outlets fairly recently; this season's sold here)
top: LOFT colorblock modern peplum tee (similar - extra 40% off; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
shorts: Express 2 1/2 inch pleated cuffed (sold here)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar; similar)

Tweed on Tweed

Monday, September 22, 2014

A business casual outfit to kick off the new work week. Hope you have a good one!

tweed jacket, jeweled tweed dress, taupe bag, metallic rose wedges
tweed jacket, jeweled tweed dress, taupe bag
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
jacket: UniQUEEN Malang tweed (similar; similar)
dress: Ann Taylor jeweled neck tweed (similar; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
bag: Sole Society Shay textured vegan satchel (sold here - on sale)
shoes: Loeffler Randall Rae in rose gold (gold version sold here; similar)

Ankle Booted

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Today's outfit is a little different. Deviating from my usual girly/preppy/casual mix and inspired by a Madewell ad, I was able to choose similar pieces from my closet to recreate what I'd dub my wannabe-effortlessly-cool outfit -- keyword being wannabe.

plaid button-up shirt, graphic tee, leather dress as skirt, suede ankle boots
plaid button-up shirt, graphic tee, leather dress as skirt, suede ankle boots
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
shirt: J.Crew perfect shirt in ivory tartan (similar)
top: Old Navy "live laugh love" graphic tee (this season's sold here, here - both extra 30% off w/code SWEET)
dress (as skirt): Zara straight combination (similar; similar)
bag: Balenciaga city (this season's sold at NM / Barneys)

Wedding Dress Recycled

Friday, September 19, 2014

I follow a pretty simple blogging formula: choose an outfit to wear in the morning, take photos sometime during the day when I'm out and about, then blog about it soon after.

Today's look is a bit different. I never actually stepped foot outside my front door with this outfit on. One, I'd look silly wearing this outfit to work. Two, I was experimenting with different bottoms to pair the top with and couldn't find a combination I liked. Too short. Not long enough. Then it hit me; why not try it with my wedding dress? It's been hanging in the corner of my closet ever since my wedding day 2+ years ago, untouched until now. The dress has the flowy, girly look I was going for and it's a maxi length. Another bonus is the strapless neckline, which means I can also try wearing the top in an off-the-shoulder look. (Note to self: wear the top lower next time so there isn't a noticeable gap between the top and the dress.) I wasn't sure about this outfit initially, but the more I look at the photos, the more I'm warming up to it.

I'd be curious to hear what you did (or plan to do) with your wedding dress after the big day? My cousin suggested that if I dye my dress, it'd be easier to wear again in the future. I haven't ruled that option out, but I also haven't been pro-active in doing anything else about it either. Now if I have a semi-dressy party to attend, this outfit may just see the light of day!

off-the-shoulder ruffled top, white dress as skirt, mixed bangles
off-the-shoulder ruffled top, white dress as skirt, mixed bangles
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
top: Isabel Marant Adriana (sold here; similar; similar; similar)
bracelets: Forever 21 bangles (similar - on sale; similar)
nail polish on toes: NYC New York Color in Sidewalkers (sold here)

Blue / Gray / Orange

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

In my world, tees and jeans are a combination that never gets old. Play with colors and/or change up accessories, and I could probably have enough blog content to last me a long while. But... that would get boring pretty fast, so I'll just sneak in these posts every now and then. Today's color inspiration comes from Piperlime's styling of the "Furthest Thing Coat" by The Fifth Label. Orange clutch, blue suede pumps, gray top -- check, check, and check!

blue printed scarf, gray tee, orange clutch
blue printed scarf, gray tee, orange clutch, blue suede pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: H&M (similar; similar; similar)
tee: Vince Little Boy (sold at Last Call NM - on sale / Nordstrom / Lane Crawford)

An Update: Everlane Swing Trench

Monday, September 15, 2014

I bought my Everlane swing trench jacket back in April of this year. I only wore it a handful of times before putting it away until fall. In the middle of the summer, I received an email from the Everlane team saying that while the trench I bought is water-resistant, it isn't as water-resistant as they'd like. They've fixed the problem and is sending me a new one free of charge. Wait, what?! This kind of customer service is unheard of! I was completely.blown.away. I already valued Everlane's business approach, but standing behind their products like this? I'm a customer for life.

sage green swing trench, printed wildflowers dress, orange clutch, mustard yellow bow pumps
So now I have two almost-identical swing trenches in my possession. From what I can see, the only difference between the two is the color. The current trench is one very slight shade darker than the previous version. Everything else remained the same -- black buttons, material used (fairly wrinkle prone), lined in the sleeves only, nice craftsmanship.

For reference (not included in my April post), size XS measures approximately: 14" shoulder-to shoulder, 24" sleeve length, 27.5" collar-to-hem along the back.

Along with the sage green color, the 2.0 release of the swing trench also comes in navy and tan.
J.Crew Claremont perforated clutch, Zara bow pumps
sage green swing trench, printed wildflowers dress, orange clutch, mustard yellow bow pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
jacket: Everlane swing trench (sold at Everlane / Spring)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
shoes: Zara silk satin high heel court shoe (similar; similar)

Go Go Graphic

Sunday, September 14, 2014

denim jacket, graphic tee, navy lace skirt, red crossbody bag
denim jacket, graphic tee, navy lace skirt, red crossbody bag
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch (similar - buy 1 get 1 50% off)
top: Old Navy "live laugh love" graphic tee (this season's sold here, here - both on sale)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
skirt: J.Crew daisy lace mini (similar - 40% off w/code FALLSTYLE; similar - on sale)
nail polish on toes: NYC New York Color in Sidewalkers (sold here)
shoes: LOFT Vaughn t-strap sandals (great dupe)

Mustard Yellow Worn 10 Ways

Friday, September 12, 2014

I was looking through archived photos the other night when I realized a whole year had passed since I've made a compilation post. I'm rectifying that today with 10 outfits featuring the same mustard yellow pleated top.

Due to its lack of sleeves, I mainly wore the top from late spring all the way to early fall. So for three seasons, I was able to transition the top between work to weekend and casual to semi-dressy outfits. That's pretty versatile, I'd have to say.

My LOFT top is from last year, but this season's version (extra 40% off w/code FALLSTYLE!) looks to be the same as mine, aside from the front pleats. For other similar tops, try: Equipment, H&M, LOFT, Max Mara, Modcloth, and Shoptiques.

10 ways to wear mustard yellow
Outfit details...
Top Row: one, two, three, four, five
Bottom Row: one, two, three, four, five

Eyelet / Espadrilles

Thursday, September 11, 2014

denim jacket, white eyelet dress, chain scarf
white eyelet dress, chain scarf, espadrilles
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: stone pendant via eBay (seller's shop for stone, chain)
jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch (similar - buy 1 get 1 50% off)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
scarf (on bag): C. Wonder silk chain link printed (similar)
shoes: Tory Burch Beacher flat espadrille (sold here, here - both on sale)

Summer Heat

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

On our wedding day, DH and I carved our initials on a wooden railing of our favorite alcove along the Potomac River. 2+ years later, we strolled back to the same spot [see 4th + 9th photos] only to discover that parts of the railing had been replaced with new pieces of wood! Noooo... so much for everlasting memories.

patterned ruffled top, distressed shorts, colorblock crossbody bag
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
top: Isabel Marant Adriana (sold here; similar; similar; similar)
shorts: Hollister Hobson (this season's sold here; similar - on sale)
nail polish on toes: Sally Hansen in mellow yellow (sold here, here)
shoes: Old Navy faux-leather capri sandals (sold here - 30% off w/code SAVEMORE)

Photo thanks to DH!

Sleeveless in Cargos

Friday, September 05, 2014

Just a quick post today. Have a great weekend, everyone!

sleeveless blazer/vest, cargo pants, leopard pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Dogeared "Key to Success" - thanks to ShopStyle (sold at Zappos / Amazon)
vest: Express sleeveless one-button jacket (similar; similar)
top: Ann Taylor cotton tank (sold here)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
bracelet: Madewell knot cuff (similar; similar)
pants: Zara (similar - on sale)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (buy pre-owned; similar - 30% off)
shoes: Jones New York Harlem (similar; similar)

Wide Stripes / Thin Stripes

Thursday, September 04, 2014

My maxi dress is a couple inches too long, but I'm too cheap for a hem job that likely costs more than what I paid for the dress. So as a quick and easy DIY fix, I pull up the skirt portion, tighten the drawstring waist, then fold over excess fabric. I normally "secure" the waist (to prolong gravity from weighing down the fabric) by adding a belt or knotting the hem of a top. A third method that I've recently re-discovered is to simply tie a shirt around my waist. This brings back flashbacks of wearing fanny packs on childhood vacations but hiding them underneath a tied sweatshirt around the waist due to embarrassment. I find a tied top to be more comfortable than a belt because fabric is stretchier than leather. As a bonus, it's another way to accessorize because I have plenty of shirts to choose from.

rugby striped maxi dress, striped shirt, orange clutch
denim jacket, rugby striped maxi dress, striped shirt, orange clutch
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
bracelet: Madewell knot cuff (similar; similar)
shirt (tied at waist): Saint James Galathee tee (similar; similar - on sale)
nail polish on toes: Sally Hansen in mellow yellow (sold here, here)
shoes: Old Navy faux-leather capri sandals (sold here - 20% off w/code SAVE)

Polo + Shorts

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

There's something about this polo and shorts combo that makes me feel like I'm about to go to work at a country club. Perhaps it's the crest emblem? Maybe it's the cream color with navy? I wish I had an amusing backstory to tie the outfit to a particular experience, but since I don't, I'll throw out a random thought instead. One of these days, I will cross driving a golf cart off my bucket list. I hope it doesn't involve playing golf because I can't hit a ball off the tee to save my life.

polo, navy shorts, chain scarf
polo, navy shorts, chain scarf, brown loafers
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
shirt: Polo Factory slim polo (recent - tag info; similar)
belt: J.Crew Factory (similar)
shorts: J.Crew Factory 3" chino (sold here - on sale)
scarf (tied on bag): Collection 18 via Nordstrom Rack (similar; similar)
bag: Longchamp medium LM metal tote (sold at Bloomingdale's / Saks)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar; similar)

Non-Accessorized

Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Today's look required accessorizing only in the practical sense. A denim jacket to stay warm from AC blasts, a handbag to tote around necessities, and shoes because I can't go around barefoot.

Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

denim jacket, jeweled tweed dress, colorblock bag
denim jacket, jeweled tweed dress, colorblock bag, striped flats
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
dress: Ann Taylor jeweled neck tweed (similar; similar)

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