TBMD

I keep a Pinterest board of items that I'd love to add to my closet, but the chances of me doing so are slim to none (late to the game being the #1 reason). Among the ones on my board is this unique embellished tweed shift dress. It was love at first sight the second I saw it on Wendy.

The dress was sold out everywhere I looked, so imagine my elation when limited stock appeared on The Outnet a few months later. I literally squealed out loud, quickly put a hand over my mouth, then looked around to see if any of my co-workers heard. A vain attempt, no less. I knew a trip to the tailor was necessary because the smallest size available didn't look like it would fit based on measurements. I was hoping that the neckline and length will fit ok off the rack and I can just ask for the dress to be slimmed.

Sale alert at Ann Taylor: Use code CITYCHIC for 40% off your entire purchase. I haven't bought anything from them recently, so I don't have any new recommendations. Old favorites that are brought back this season include:
- Perfect pumps in leather or patent leather are $76.80 with code (see review / outfits: here, here, here)
- Cotton wrap cardigan is $35.99 with code (I'm wearing sz XXS / outfits: here, here, here)

(Updated on 4/27): LOFT is also running 40% off everything with code NOW40.
- Flounce hem lace dress - $56.93 with code - final sale (I'm wearing size 0 - sized up for hips / outfit here)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $17.70 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - TTS / outfits: here, here, here)
- Pamela scalloped Mary Jane pumps - $53.70 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - review here / outfit here)
- Denim leggings - $35.99 with code (I'm wearing size 24R - TTS / outfits: here, here, here)

I've placed an order to try the modern skinny ankle jeans with 29" inseam (the search for white skinny jeans continues) and cotton shorts with 4" inseam in white.

The first time I wore this pleated skirt, I went for a dressier look. This time around, I chose a decidedly more casual path in flats and a sweater messily-tucked (but intentionally done). Next up: pairing the skirt with feminine blouses.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Have you ever bought a piece of clothing that is so soft to the touch that you can't bear to wash it? I have, and it's this blue & green striped cotton tee that I know would change in texture after laundering. I probably wore it 8-10 times before finally giving in. To prolong wears between washing, I treat it like outerwear and try to avoid direct contact on skin as much as possible (especially the armpit area). I'd wear it with a tissue-thin tank with sleeves underneath. I'd also avoid wearing it to places where smells stick onto clothing and skin (ie: greasy restaurants). Do you employ any tactics to make clothing last?

Sales alert at Saks' F&F event: Use code FRNFAM2 for 25% off (designer exclusions apply) through 4/28.

A few closet favorites available at a discount:
- Burberry Marystow trench - $896.25 sale price (I'm wearing sz 2 - see outfits)
- Longchamp LM Metal tote - small is $116.25, large is $131.25 (read review / see below + outfits with bag)
- Ali Ro draped dress - blue is $187.50, hot pink is $112.49 (I'm wearing sz 0 - see outfits)
- Marc Jacobs large Single - pink is $506.25 (see outfits with bag)

Also, today's the last day for Neiman Marcus' gift card event for regular-priced purchases of $250+ by using code BET2GET. If the item/designer is excluded from Saks' F&F and/or probably won't be going on sale, the next best thing is getting a gift card towards a future purchase. It's not instant savings, but it's better than nothing. For this reason, I went ahead and purchased an item I've long been lusting after, the Valentino Rockstud sandals. The shoes are actually $895 (listed price of $945 is marked wrong) and will be corrected once an order is placed. During check-out, I noticed a $29 delivery and processing charge, but was able to waive it by stacking two codes, APRILFS with BET2GET.

Lastly, at Hollister, take 40% off entire purchase (+ free shipping over $75) using code 36040 through 4/24.
- Destroyed boot jeans - $35.70 sale price (I'm wearing sz 3R - see outfits)

A traditional summer piece (linen pants) may seem at odds with a turtleneck (usually associated with winter). However, the tissue-thin fabric of the turtleneck makes it a great transition piece on colder spring days. The linen pants were mainly chosen for its white color, but also worked weather-wise. Versatility ftw.

After wearing pants practically all winter long, I'm embracing going bare-legged in anything feminine. A shopping spree as of late that includes an eyelet skirt, a casual lace dress, a pleated paperbag skirt, and now I can add a shirtdress to my wardrobe. Spring, I heart you.

I'm on a roll with posts this week. The last time I blogged so often was probably during my 30x30 day. Pats self on back. Let's see if I can keep this up. Anywho, have a great weekend, everyone!

Sale alert at LOFT -- use code FRIENDS for 40% off everything through 4/21.

A few items I've bought recently and kept:
- Flounce hem lace dress - $58.80 with code (I'm wearing size 0 - sized up for hips / outfit here)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $17.70 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - TTS / outfit here)
- Pamela scalloped Mary Jane pumps - $53.70 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - review here / outfit here)
- Denim leggings - $35.99 with code (I'm wearing size 24R - TTS / outfits: here, here, here)

A few old favorites from previous seasons:
- Modern skinny jeans - rinse wash is $41.70, dark autumn indigo is $29.99, light autumn indigo is $35.70 (I'm wearing size 24R - TTS / outfits: here, here, here)
- Modern skinny jeans in black - $35.70 with code (I'm wearing size 24R - TTS / outfits: here, here, here)
- Julie linen trousers - $41.70 with code (I'm wearing size 00P - shorter length to wear with flats / outfits: here, here, here)

Also at J.Crew Factory -- use code GETMORE for 30% off final sale items.
- Skimmer pants in wool - $17.49 with code (I'm wearing size 00 - review here / wearing them in today's outfit below)

I'm so behind when it comes to keeping up with social media. One, my basic phone is still alive and kicking. Two, my life is rather boring. Three, there are some people who follow me on multiple platforms and I'd hate to be bombarding them with the same post/tweet/photo/etc on each.

I have made an effort to be more active on Twitter and Instagram. Case in point: four IG photos in the last month compared to the two before that! When it's all said and done, I still am more comfortable replying/commenting than I am at initiating a topic -- kind of at odds with blogging. I'll get there... eventually (probably when everyone else have moved on to the next big thing).

Today's inspiration source of a gray blazer over plaid shirt is from Zara's most recent winter collection (sorry I seem to have lost the photo). This may be one of the last times I wear flannel shirts until this fall, so you bet I'll be making the most of it, even if I'm sweating just a tad underneath the blazer.

Spring means I can finally dust off the cobwebs from my linen pants. They're the only white pants I own, so until I find the perfect pair of white jeans, these will be on constant repeat.

Kicking off the week with yet another post with more flower photos. This is the last one, I swear :) Happy Monday, everyone!

ETA: I just realized I took photos in the exact same spot last year for the same reasons.

Sale alert at Gap: Use code GAPSHOP for 30% off today 4/12 or 25% off tomorrow 4/13.

Two old, but much loved items from my closet are:
- Broken-in straight khakis (retail $54.95): I'm wearing size 00 - outfits: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight
- Pure longline tunic (retail $32.00): I'm wearing size XS - outfits: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight

I placed an order for a few items to try: printed crossover maxi dress in yellow print, luxlight crew cardigan in extremely green, and moss stitch striped cardigan in true indigo.

Continuing my love affair with all things romantic, I wanted to add an eyelet/voile skirt to my wardrobe. I was looking for one that hits around the knees, with a handkerchief hem, and isn't too poofy. I came across many that were on the shorter side, too poofy, and/or had an even hem.

When I saw this Old Navy eyelet tube dress, my creative side went into overdrive, imagining all the potential it held. The strapless top worked in my favor because I figured I could tuck it down and inward. Converting the dress into a skirt meant the bottom portion of the bust area would sit at my waist, therefore giving me the longer length I desired. The skirt works for the time being, but I'm considering slimming the sides and/or shortening the length just a tad. For today's look, I balanced out the longer skirt with a cropped top and jacket.

Every time the weather warms, I realize how complacent I've been throughout the colder days because I can randomly choose a public spot for photos and there would hardly be anyone milling about. I usually have to ease my way back into thick-skinned mode come spring, but this time around I dove in head first. Well, I had a little push. I figured I only had a few days' window before the rain washed all the pretty flowers away, so there I was, taking photos with my tripod next to an intersection with fairly heavy traffic. Well worth the few minutes of awkwardness, I'd say.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

I gasped and immediately fell in love with this vintage letters fabric when I saw SPG pin it to her inspiration board. It had a soft and romantic feel that really appealed to my girly side. I seriously considered buying the fabric to keep around until I could figure out what I can decorate the home with, lol. S mentioned that it'd actually work for structured clothing items (her post on fabric selection is a must-read, imo), so I excitedly asked her if she would be so kind to make a skirt for me. She was so patient answering all my questions, advising me on options, and putting up with my indecisiveness. Yes, I was quite the high-maintenance customer.

Spring's upon us, and with it so are the pollen. Achoo! I'm trying to find a balance between being outside long enough to enjoy the nice weather but knowing my body's limit. So far, 15 minute seem to be the longest I can handle. This is karma coming back to bite me for all those years that I bragged about being immune.

Have a good Tuesday!

The "color" side of my closet is mainly composed of reds, blues, and some greens. There's an occasional yellow and purple thrown in the mix, which is the complementary color pairing I've chosen for today. Like most of my outfits, I feel a bit odd only wearing mainly colors (stands out too much? too bright?), so I almost always balance it out with neutrals.

There are a few things I'm looking forward to this weekend:
- Hopefully I'm cleared to wear contacts again. Wearing glasses for the past two weeks hasn't been fun. I must learn to take care of my eyes better.
- An exciting Final Four. I'd like to see Louisville vs. Michigan in the championship, but I'll settle for close games instead.
- Enjoying the gorgeous weather outside. Can't wait for sunshine in the high 60s on Sunday.
- Getting taxes over with. Doing them won't be fun, but I can't wait until I don't have to think about them for another year.

I hope you have a good one!

Today's outfit consists of staples from my closet: button-up, turtleneck, jeans, and flats. They're all simple and classic pieces that can be thrown on without much thought.

Bloomingdale's Friends & Family is currently going on until 4/7. Use code FRIENDS for 20% off almost all items.
- Longchamp LM white tote is my workhorse bag (read review / see bag with outfits) - small size is $124 with code, large size is $140 with code
- Burberry Marystow trench coat (see outfits - I'm wearing sz 2) - $876 with code
- Sperry Top-Sider Bluefish boat shoes (read review / see outfits) - womens is $68 with code, kids is $44 with code

I've also had past success asking Nordstrom to price-match. I would print out a copy of the item from Nordstrom's website along with Bloomie's F&F (shoot me an email if you need one) to use in stores. Or if you prefer shopping online, chat with customer service and they should be able to add the discount.
Same items from this retailer: Longchamp tote (small with short handle, large size) / Burberry Marystow trench coat / Sperry shoes (womens, kids)

On to today's outfit. One of my favorite purchases from last summer is this dalmatian print dress. Sadly I didn't pay attention to the care label and now it's shrunk to a length that's indecent to wear by itself. The only option left is to wear as a top, which happens to be a favorite trick of mine (see past examples: one, two, three, four). I normally don't mind tucking in excess fabric, but the material on this dress is on the thicker side, so I'm contemplating chopping off a couple inches.

I blog about my travels, but don't really talk about my hometown. That's because I tend to stay in the suburbs and don't venture inside the city often. It's such a shame because DC is just a short metro ride away and really has a lot to offer.

My cousin was in town over the weekend and asked if I could take Friday off so we can spend a day inside the city. I happily agreed as I already had plans to be off from work. She wanted to check out Union Market, then also casually mentioned that there's a ramen shop inside. Umm... no need to ask this glutton twice!