TBMD

The day before my school's football season opener, I unwittingly wore UCLA colors. Oh the horror! Good thing I snuck in a little orange and navy to go with the blue and yellow.

On game day, I was a little apprehensive about turning on the TV, fearing a beat down. The days leading up to the game, DH was telling me that some of his friends (all UVA alums, nonetheless) were so sure of a UCLA win that many took the bet -- and this is with a 3 touchdown spread! So with one eye half closed, I turned on the TV. They're #7 in the nation?? ...and we're only down by 11! Yes, this is the reaction of someone who's never known what it's like to cheer for a winning football program. We can pray for a win, but making it respectable is all we can ask for. We kept it fairly close throughout and lost by 8. DH's friends aren't so lucky and lost quite a bit of money. Love sports. That's why they play the game.

I first became conscious of Isabel Marant through Kelly, but really aware while in Europe when SIL was considering purchasing their ankle boots. While she was looking for other items around the store, I saw and liked a ruffled maxi skirt (dress version) on the racks. Only larger sizes remained, so I didn't give it another thought.

Through a combination of mental digging and Google, I found Clara wearing the blouse version in the same print. Of course I'm always one step behind, so most sizes were sold out when sales hit, but I did manage to snag one off eBay. Fist pump!

I think given the colors of the top, it was natural to gravitate towards white + black color pairings. Of course, it wasn't after I took photos and started writing this entry did I realize Clara had already worn the white jeans + black purse combo. D'oh! No worries, because for future outfits I can see this top also working well with denim shorts, green/tan military jacket, ankle boots, peasant/eyelet skirt in a longer length, etc.

A few sales that have already begun in anticipation of the long weekend ahead:

Take 40% off everything at Express through Mon. 9/1:
- 2 1/2 inch pleated cuffed soft shorts - $29.94 (TTS - wearing sz 00 / outfit: here)
- Editor pants - $41.94 - $52.80 (TTS - wearing sz 00 - review here / outfits: below, here, here)
* I'm contemplating the ultimate double weave columnist ankle pants ($41.94) but hoping to try on in stores first.

Items with recent discounts:
- Sperry x J.Crew authentic original bow boat shoes - $52.49 w/code ALMOSTFALL (TTS - wearing sz 6 / outfits: here, here, here)
- J.Crew Majesty peacoat - $223.50 w/code ALMOSTFALL (I can't speak to this season's sizing, but mine from 2 years ago was TTS - wearing sz 00 / outfits: here)

Between moving and donations over the years, there aren't many things left in my closet that I can't pinpoint when they came into my possession. I dub these items B.A., aka Before Adulthood. I'm actually wearing two B.A. pieces today, the denim jacket and tie belt. If I were to guess, I'd say they're from the early 2000s. Oldies but goodies that's for sure.

Baseball caps have become a weekend staple for me this summer. It's funny because hats and I go back a ways. In high school, I wore them every day for the 3 months during tennis season (fall sport but practices started in the summer.) My mom was a stickler about sun protection because I was already the darkest in the family. So hats and sunscreen it is. After awhile, I could've sworn my hairline started receding from the lack of breathing room under hats (dramatic much? I blame teenage hormones), so for the next decade I stayed far, far away. But now? I love plopping a cap on my head, especially during dirty hair days. And surprisingly, they've been a fun accessory that doesn't detract from outfits.

DH and I met up with friends for lunch at Founding Farmer's (highly recommend!) over the weekend. Afterwards, I asked him to quickly snap some photos in succession when there was a break in foot traffic around us. Hair blowing in every which direction, me with my hands full of bags, trying to smile normally but failing miserably... these are the most non-embarrassing and about as "real" as it gets for my outfit photos.

I first wore this outfit on my actual birthday to dinner, but didn't have time to take photos with a better camera. I wore the outfit again last Friday on my day off from work to run errands. One of the things I picked up was the blue wristband on my left arm for admissions to a concert later that night. Unfortunately I couldn't remove it because it was wrapped too tightly around my wrist, so I walked around the whole day with it on, lol. So do excuse the unplanned colorful accessory!

I lived in t-shirts and polos all throughout college. Case in point: current license photo taken when I was 19-20 years old. After I started working full-time, my polo-wearing days slowly dwindled to non-existence (t-shirts however, lived on.)

A couple weekends ago, DH asked if I would go to the outlets with him so he can get his yearly clothes shopping over with. Three t-shirts, one polo, two pairs of sneakers, and several hours later, he was all set. I hadn't planned on purchasing anything (how many times have I said that before?) but left with a couple items.

DH has always reiterated that he liked the clothes I wore in college much more than the "weird outfits" I wear now, lol. So even though we don't see eye to eye on most of my wardrobe, that doesn't stop him from picking out items he'd like to see me wear and persuading me to try them on. Usually I'll take one look and just shake my head. I actually had this reaction when he held up the polo I'm wearing today, but gave in because I could slip it on without having to stand in line for a changing room. What do you know, we both ended up really liking it! So gotta give credit where credit's due. DH must've thought I acquiesced too easily because he tried pushing his luck with another polo for me to try on. It was a bright, solid, lime green (his favorite color) polo. No way am I cool enough to pull that off.

Take 40% off at LOFT's F&F with code SHAREIT through Sun. 8/17.

Picks: $41.70 moto super skinny ankle pants in Marisa fit (color soft magnolia looked white in person, but I didn't get to try because my size was sold out; the fabric is very soft to the touch, not like typical white denim that always feel stiffer than blue denim); $32.70 colorblock tuxedo shell (color scheme looks exactly the same as my much-loved peplum tee worn here, here, here); $23.70 oversized metallic link and pave necklace (like the casual touch w/grosgrain ribbon); $20.70 double stripe plaid scarf (Burberry-esque); camo everything - $35.70 skirt, $41.70 Marisa fit skinny pants, $41.70 Julie fit skinny pants, $58.80 field jacket, $58.80 haircalf pumps.

Happy shopping and have a great weekend!

I dressed up today's black outfit with gold accessories. The chunky chain necklace had been sitting at home unworn, so hey, why not pair it with a simple black dress? Oh that's right, Elle had already worn this necklace + dress combination last winter! I'd like to thank my subconscious for remembering in time so I can give Elle proper credit.

Inquiring minds wanted to know (hi Yesenia and Anon!) what I packed for my 2.5 week European spring vacation, so maybe others would find this helpful as well.

What I had in mind was to be practical and pack as efficiently as possible, while being somewhat-stylish.

1) I packed light because dragging our luggage in and around 4 different cities is not fun. We didn't rely on cabs because most of the hotels we stayed in were within walking distance/easily accessible from transportation hubs. I was able to fit everything into one carry-on sized suitcase (rolled items to reduce wrinkles and save space) and a Longchamp Le Pliage large tote. I also stored a folded tote in one of the pocket compartments of my suitcase, just in case I needed extra storage on my return flight home. My one suitcase worked out for the best because we often had to go up and down flights of stairs (no elevators/escalators around.)

2) To dress appropriately for the weather. I learned my lesson the last time I went to Japan in December and had only packed a leather jacket and a sweatshirt as the heaviest layers (face palms.) From my research, I was prepared for colder weather in England and France, but warmer weather in Italy. Expected May temperatures ranged from 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit across those three countries. There was also a high probability for rainy days.

- Cold weather days: sweaters, sweatshirt, long-sleeve tops, jeans, scarf. I avoided packing duplicate items in the same colors (ie: didn't pack two pairs of blue jeans), figuring I wouldn't have a problem re-wearing items.

- Warm weather days: t-shirts, shorts, skirt, dress, flip-flops. As much as I love light-colored bottoms, I knew it would be hard for me to keep them clean for a long duration, so I stuck to dark colors. One pair of shorts and one skirt ended up being sufficient. I packed three t-shirts because they're great layering pieces under long-sleeves or would work as standalone tops on warmer days.

- Rainy days: small-sized umbrella, water-resistant jacket with a hood. I chose a lightweight jacket because I didn't mind layering sweaters and long-sleeves underneath for extra warmth. The thin jacket could also be easily rolled up and tucked away in my tote when I don't need it. The most important thing for me was choosing a jacket with a hood because I don't like getting my hair wet.

Of the 24 items* I packed, I ended up wearing every single piece at least once; many I wore several times by either repeating outfits or by slightly changing an item here or there. The key was to pick basics from a color scheme that are easy to layer and mix-and-match. Along with "neutrals" (denim, white, gray, black), I stuck to variations of reds/yellows/blues -- any combination of the three are colors I could create outfits around.

In my family, I'm used to being the designated photographer because everyone else use their phone's camera or a point-and-shoot. So by default I'm supposedly a "better" photographer due to owning a nicer camera. That's total crap, I say. A larger camera just feels more intimidating.

Every once in awhile, I'll ask DH to take a few quick snaps while we're out and about. And each time, he'd react as if someone had thrust a screaming baby into his arms. It's so awkwardly endearing that I try not to ask too often. The pros of having someone take your photo? Pretty new backgrounds! The cons? Goofiness slips out, like my inner-FOB.

Looking through the last 20 or so posts, I'm seeing a pattern of wearing mostly the same batch of clothes every week. There are sections of my closet that I haven't touched in months and it's not because they're seasonal attire. For example, today's whimsically patterned silk blouse was last worn in Feb. Hopefully I'll be better at rediscovering and restyling other old items and interspersing them throughout future posts.

PS: A few noteworthy sales for the weekend...
- 40% off everything at Gap w/code FFSALE. Picks: $32.97 pink boyfriend oxford shirt, $47.97 military jacket (see Jean's from 1-2 years ago), $44.97-47.97 stripe strapless maxi dress (love mine from ON).

- 40% off almost everything at Ann Taylor w/code FRIENDS40. Picks: $89.40 trench dress (seen on Khatu, Blair), $29.70 modern classic sculpted cuff (contemplating purchase), $32.99 fiore resin and tortoiseshell necklace.

Last summer, I wore my striped maxi dress practically once a week (sorry for mentioning this for the nth time yet again.) This summer's equivalent is the tweed dress... except I'm already running out of styling bag-and-shoe pairing ideas, so the most versatile clothing piece award will safely remain with the maxi dress.

Suits is currently my favorite show on TV (and has been for some time now.) Harvey is eye-candy, Mike is someone you want to root for, I want to steal Rachel's wardrobe, Donna is just badass, but my favorite character from the show has to be Louis. Louis Litt, who once hilariously said, "You just got Litt up!" I seriously laughed for a minute straight when I saw that episode. Love a good pun.

When I was debating whether or not to wear a hat with today's outfit, my mind wandered away from my dilemma and randomly started playing the word association game. Hat... to cap... to lid... to Litt. Nothing beats a good laugh as an instant mood lifter.

Just want to conclude by tipping my hat (har har) to Louis, the best character on TV.