TBMD

There are holes in my work wardrobe that I've been meaning to fill, but my eyes keep wandering to non-practical items (ie: a pretty cornflower blue coverup when I have zero plans of vacationing anytime soon, let alone at the beach). I finally buckled down once I started working again, so as a result, I've been on quite a shopping rampage as of late.

A crisp, classic white button-up shirt has topped my wishlist forever. I've tried on a few but none looked quite right. Not slim enough, easily wrinkled, too short, etc. I love the J.Crew Factory infinity shirt ($24.15 + free shipping w/code PICNIC) that I'm wearing today. The shirt lives up to its name and I could realistically wear it as a tunic over leggings in the coming fall months. For everyday work wear, I simply tuck in the excess fabric for a polished look. Granted, this is easier done with skirts than pants due to the longer length. I also like the hidden button placket. For reference, I'm wearing size XXS.

The J.Crew Collection mixed Italian jacquard faux-wrap skirt (40% off w/code SUMMERSALE) is an item that was not on my wishlist. This purchase fell into the, Whoa I love the print! ...and J.Crew's having a sale?! Ok, bought! category. I'm just so happy that I guessed my size correctly. I'm wearing 0P (typically wear 00-0 in J.Crew skirts) because I figured the regular length would be much too long judging by the stock pics. The skirt is made of thicker material and the brocade-like pattern is simply beautiful in person. The only con? The skirt tends to fall open when I sit, so I have to consciously remember to act more ladylike.

Every year I tell myself, "summer is really not that hot in DC." And every year I chastise myself for my short term memory. There's really no other way to dress for both the indoors and outdoors besides layering. A sleeveless top and lightweight pants really do help during my commute (I use commute loosely because mine is about as easy as it gets, except compared to telecommuters). Then after I arrive at work with the AC on full blast, I simply shrug on a cardigan or blazer for the rest of the day.

PS - I'm in love with these navy pants! They're lightweight, wrinkle resistant, with functional pockets, and so comfortable. They are unlined and mine came with a shiny silver button closure (neither of which are deal-breakers). For reference, I'm wearing size 0P. I usually wear regular length in pants, but the petite sizing surprisingly hits me at the perfect spot right above the ankles.

Remember what I previously said about repeating shoe and bag combinations multiple times a week? I can now also add this skirt to the multiple-wears-per-week list. It's probably the best fitting (office appropriate) skirt I own, so why not squeeze in as many wears as possible?

I've been at my new job for a few days now. Things are going about as well as I could have hoped for. Knock on wood. I was basically thrown into the deep end of the pool from the first day, so there is a lot to learn! Business rules are all brand new as expected. I also get to play with the latest and greatest technology which my inner geek is super excited about. My days are busy, but it's the good kind of busy. I won't lie, a part of me longs for the unproductive days of my sabbatical. I hope in time I'll be able to find some sort of happy medium.

In the meantime, look at me wearing "new" work appropriate outfits! My mind hasn't been completely taken over with work thoughts ;) One aspect that I haven't put much thought into are the accessories. I've been pretty much wearing the same 3 pairs of pumps and carrying the same 3 bags. Even worse, I've only been wearing a fraction of the 9 possible combinations. Blue shoes with a blue (or neutral) bag or in today's case, red shoes with a red tote.

Many words come to mind when asked to describe my style. Simple. Preppy. Casual. Every once in awhile I find myself deviating from the norm. Such is the case today after I fell in love with this darling top. The crochet, fringe, and embroidery detailing gives off that boho vibe, which happens to be the last word that I would use to describe my style. I gave it my best effort with what was available though! Mixed jewelry (nice touch, I think), tote bag and jeans (effortlessly casual?), but the shoes...! Perhaps a bit too formal, but I didn't really think so until long after the fact. For reference, I'm wearing size XXS in the top.

P.S. - A shout-out to Sydney for introducing me to these Express jeans! I've been a LOFT denim girl for many years now, so wasn't really expecting much when I gave these jeans a shot. I like how the length hits me just above the ankles because it's perfect for the warmer months. I may just have to pick up another pair in the regular length! For reference, I'm wearing size 0 in short.

Credit for today's outfit goes to an Anon reader who suggested layering my gray cropped top over my white strapless dress. Like I wrote in my reply, I had been pining over this dress for the longest time, but figured I could duplicate the look... if I owned a trapeze-style dress to experiment with. Anon suggested my strapless eyelet dress... and voila! I think the resulting outfit is quite cute, so thank you!

DH and I didn't get a chance to celebrate our anniversary last month. When we finally found the time, we went back to the spot where we said our I Do's. It's our first time back and I swear, the Carlyle House garden has only gotten prettier and more colorful over time. Just like the last time we were there, we pretty much had the place to ourselves. There was even a sprinkling of light rain in the air. Both were the perfect re-enactment of our wedding day.

If there is one item that I associate with a holiday, it's this striped dress and Independence Day. The dress has been my go-to for the past two years (if not longer). Have a happy Fourth of July!