TBMD

Through tomorrow 7/31, use code SHIPFREE for free shipping (no minimum) at Forever 21.

A recent purchase of mine from said store is the scarf worn in today's outfit. I first fell in love with SPG's "Chinese porcelain" DIY skirt, which featured an intricate blue floral design. I wanted something in a similar pattern and color scheme, but didn't have my heart set on a particular type of clothing item. After passing on a Zara scarf, I decided to give F21's a try. The pattern reminded me more of Indian Henna tattoos than flowers, but the color scheme was right. Buying scarves from fast fashion type stores is usually a tossup for me because the material used is often stiff and itchy. Luckily, this one isn't the case (100% viscose).

In the past week of blogging, I'm 4-for-5 when it came to wearing stripes. It was completely unplanned, which goes to show how many striped items I actually own. Move over gingham, there's a new obsession in town.

Have a good Monday, everyone!

I've slowly been replacing items in my closet as time progressed, mostly due to wear and tear. I have no one to blame but myself as I'm pretty religious about washing my clothing after each wear. The second go-around usually means I'm much better informed about what I'm looking for vs. "Need X now. On sale? Buy." Take the chambray shirt in today's outfit for example. It's made of thicker material, less wrinkle-prone, and longer in length, all of which I found lacking in the previous version (and are no-brainers now that I've learned my lesson).

Sale alert: At J.Crew, take an extra 40% off final sale items + free shipping on every order with code STYLE40. Today only.

Also, at Ann Taylor, take an extra 60% off sale items. No code needed, ends tonight.

Lastly, at Gap, take 30% off regular-priced + extra 35% off sale items with code GAPSHOP. Today only.

I keep about ten pairs of shoes within easy reach for everyday wear. The rest are stored in shoeboxes on the top shelf in my closet. One of which are these hot pink heels. Since they require me to stand on a chair to reach the top shelf, my lazy self doesn't wear them as often as I'd like. I had taken them down earlier to wear to an event, so I figured I'd wear them as much as possible before they're never to be seen again for months.

Have a good Wednesday, everyone!

Unfortunately the pale yellow tank in today's outfit looks washed out, with the color blending right in with the white stripes on the dress. The yellow looked more vivid in real life, but just doesn't photograph well. Yellow and navy is one of my favorite color pairings, but only when the contrast is more apparent, a la with a bolder, brighter yellow.

Shorts, skirts, linen pants, and now skinny jeans. I've finally filled in all voids for white bottoms in my wardrobe. Thank you Kelly for introducing me to these jeans! Be prepared for even more white on white ensembles in the near future ;)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Sale alert: (Updated) At Forever 21, free shipping on $21+ purchases through 7/21 with code FREESHIP21.

Today only at LOFT, take 50% off everything with code TODAY50.
- Cotton shorts with 4" inseam - $19.75 with code (I'm wearing 00R - TTS / outfit below)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $12.50 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - TTS / outfits: here, here)

Also, at Ann Taylor: take 40% off entire purchase with code FASHION40.
- Balcony shirtdress - $65.99 with code (see review/outfit)

With summer humidity in full swing, I turned yet again to a favorite color scheme of mine, the all-white ensemble. The lighter colors really do help me stay cooler longer. For added interest, I accessorized with blue accessories.

Over the weekend, DH and I went to a wedding held at the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown DC. The venue was absolutely gorgeous, with a traditional neoclassical exterior and contemporary interior complete with high ceilings and glass everywhere. I wish I had taken more photos, but was too preoccupied with making sure we didn't get lost (one of the few times a smartphone sure would've been handy!) The building is open to the public though, so we'll have the chance to visit again. Just a heads up that IDs are checked and people/cars are screened by metal detectors upon entrance.

[photo above]: On the Pavilion room balcony overlooking the Woodrow Wilson plaza

Today's outfit is a change of pace for me. Instead of dark colors, I wore pastels in airy fabrics to combat the summer humidity.

When putting together today's outfit, I had the niggling suspicion in the back of my mind that I was copying the look from somewhere. A few clicks later confirmed my thoughts. Over a year ago, I had seen Alexandra in a green blouse with a lace skirt. Even though I was drawn to her snakeskin clutch at the time (which I happily bought thanks to her), I must've made a mental note to try her outfit if I ever find myself with similar pieces. Today's outfit is the result, a casual spin with flats and a camo belt.

Sale alert: Today only at J.Crew, take an extra 40% off final sale items with code WEDNESDAY.

Also, at Ann Taylor: take 50% off dresses through 7/11 with code SUMMERSTYLE.

A recent, but already closet favorite:
- Balcony shirtdress - $74 in petites, $79 in regular (both after code) - see review/outfit

Maxi dresses as a recurring theme continues with yet another outfit today. Have a good Wednesday, everyone!

The last time I wore an all-white ensemble, Spiffie suggested pairing the eyelet skirt with a non-cropped top. I mentally ran through the tank tops in my closet and vetoed them all for one reason or another -- ribbed material is too casual, fabric is too thin, etc. Then all of a sudden I remembered a white sequined tank that hasn't seen the light of day in ages. It's the perfect middle ground of dressy-casual that I was looking for.

A quick post to end this long weekend. Hope you have a good one!

The Ann Taylor balcony shirtdress in desert sky, size XXSP (sold in petite/regular) was the only item I was really excited about when the summer collection was released. I fell in love with the mixture of prints, the preppy vibe, and the shirtdress style.

During the recent 50% off dresses promo, I tried on XXSP [below left] and XS [below right] I'd say the dress fits TTS to a bit large. The regular size is about 1.5" longer than the petite, which I didn't think was as flattering on me. Though I could use extra fabric as the dress does hike up when I sit down.
Approximate measurements: shoulder-to-shoulder is 14" on XXSP, 15" on XS / length is 34" on XXSP, 35.5" on XS.
The material has a nice weight (97% cotton, 3% spandex), similar to those on dress shirts. It's comfortable but does wrinkle as the day progresses. Dress is dry clean only.

Note the $10 price difference between regular and petite sizing ($158 vs. $148) for the balcony shirtdress. It's odd because the tag has the dress priced at $128 for both versions.

To shop other sales during this holiday weekend, see the right sidebar. Enjoy the fireworks and have a happy Fourth!

DH and I have been talking about going on a honeymoon for what seems like forever. Fast forward a year, and we're still at the same spot in the planning stage as back then (!) Sigh. What we are able to make decisions on are short trips, preferably to places we've been to before. So I guess our recent trip to Charlottesville fills that void until we go someplace more exciting.

UVA was our home away from home for four years, so it holds a special place in our hearts. There are a few spots we make a point to stop at every time we visit, which includes Bodo's Bagels, a dining hall, and more Bodo's. Sadly, dining hall hours are irregular in the summer, but I did manage to eat enough bagels to last me until the next visit. I'll never tire of their smoked turkey on an everything bagel [photo below]. We even brought some back with us for lunch the next day. Bagels for three consecutive days? No complaints here.