Blue Stripes / Breezy White

Friday, July 31, 2015

green necklace, blue striped button up shirt, white pants, gray tote
green necklace, blue striped button up shirt, white pants, gray tote
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
necklace: Heirloom Finds (similar)
shirt: J.Crew Factory printed classic button-down (sold here - 40% off; similar - on sale)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (similar - on sale; similar - extra 50% off)
pants: Chelsea28 pleated wide leg pants (sold here)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
nail polish on toes: Deborah Lippmann Naked (sold here)
shoes: Ann Taylor Iris bow patent leather sandals (similar; similar)

Lilac / Navy

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

lilac sweater, navy pants, leopard flats
lilac sweater, navy pants, leopard flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar; similar - on sale)
sweater: J.Crew Factory drapey cotton (sold here - on sale; similar - extra 50% off w/code YAYSALE)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
pants: MICHAEL Michael Kors stretch ankle pants in new navy (sold here)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
shoes: Nine West Shindig (similar; similar)

Brocade

Monday, July 27, 2015

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.

white dress shirt, brocade printed wrap skirt, bow ballerina flats, gray tote
white dress shirt, brocade printed wrap skirt, gray tote
white dress shirt, brocade printed wrap skirt, bow ballerina flats, gray tote
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
top: J.Crew Factory infinity shirt (sold here - $24.15 + free shipping w/code PICNIC)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic X cuff (similar - extra 40% off w/code COOL)
skirt: J.Crew Collection mixed Italian jacquard faux-wrap (sold here - 40% off w/code SUMMERASALE)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
shoes: Valentino bow ballerina flats (similar - on sale; similar)

Heat Wave

Friday, July 24, 2015

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.

gray cropped vest, striped cami, navy pants, marine blue heels
gray cropped vest, striped cami, navy pants, marine blue heels
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
vest: Banana Republic crossover-hem tank (sold here - on sale)
top: J.Crew Factory stripe racerback cami (this season's sold here - on sale)
bracelet: Tory Burch sculpted metal cuff (sold here - on sale; similar)
pants: MICHAEL Michael Kors stretch ankle pants in new navy (sold here)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
shoes: Ivanka Trump Boni pointy toe pumps in navy (sold here; similar)

Blues Clues

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

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?

navy tee, tweed pencil skirt, blue chain scarf tied on white tote, snakeskin pumps
navy tee, tweed pencil skirt, blue chain scarf tied on white tote, snakeskin pumps
navy tee, tweed pencil skirt, blue chain scarf tied on white tote, snakeskin pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
top: Zara top with layered hem and yoke (may still be in stores; similar - on sale)
bracelet: Tory Burch sculpted metal cuff (sold here - on sale; similar - extra 40% off w/code SHOPSALE)
skirt: Ann Taylor tweed pencil skirt (may still be in stores; similar)
scarf (tied on bag): C. Wonder silk chain link printed (similar - on sale; similar)
bag: Longchamp medium LM metal tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Zara court shoe with snakeskin toe (similar - on sale; similar - on sale)

Yellow / Leopard

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

gray long cardigan, yellow dress, raspberry purple tote, leopard flats
gray long cardigan, yellow dress, raspberry purple tote, leopard flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Julie Vos coin pendant (sold here; similar)
sweater: theory Ashtry F open cardigan (similar - on sale; similar - 25% off w/code SUPER)
dress: Ann Taylor textured sheath (may still be in stores; similar - on sale)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
bag: Tory Burch Robinson pebbled square tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Nine West Shindig (similar; similar)

Long and Longer

Friday, July 17, 2015

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.

black vest, cream faux leather yoke top, black pants, raspberry purple tote, dark red pumps
black vest, cream faux leather yoke top, black pants, raspberry purple tote, dark red pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Julie Vos coin pendant (sold here; similar)
vest: Express sleeveless one-button jacket (similar - on sale)
top: Ann Taylor perforated faux leather yoke (sold here - 30% off w/code TOPS30)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
pants: Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle (similar - extra 50% off)
bag: Tory Burch Robinson pebbled square tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Kate Spade Jess pumps (similar)

Pink / Green / Navy

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

pink striped top, bright green and navy striped tie belt, navy shorts, brown loafers
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
top: J.Crew striped boatneck tee (sold here - 30% off w/code GOSHOPPING; similar - extra 40% off w/code TREAT)
belt: Old Navy tie (similar - on sale)
shorts: J.Crew Factory 3" chino shorts in navy (this season's sold here - $19.50)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - 30% off w/code GOSHOPPING; similar - extra 30% off w/code REALDEAL)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar - on sale; similar)

Photo thanks to DH!

Boho Vibes

Saturday, July 11, 2015

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.

crochet lace with fringe detailed top, gold jewelry
crochet lace with fringe detailed top, gold jewelry, bow ballerina flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Julie Vos coin pendant (sold here; similar)
top: LOFT fringe festival (sold here)
bracelets: Forever 21 mixed bangles (similar; similar)
jeans: Express mid rise jean legging (sold here - buy 1 get 1 $29.90)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here; similar - extra 30% off w/code COOL)
shoes: Valentino bow ballerina flats (similar - on sale; similar)

Gray Cropped / White Eyelet

Thursday, July 09, 2015

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!

gray cropped vest, white eyelet dress, colorblocked crossbody bag, striped flats
gray cropped vest, white eyelet dress, colorblocked crossbody bag
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: stone pendant via eBay (seller's shop for stone, chain; similar)
vest: Banana Republic crossover-hem tank (sold here - extra 50% off w/code BRSALE)
dress: Old Navy eyelet (this season's sold here, similar - both extra 25% off w/code TICKTOCK)
bag: Coach mini Borough bag in retro colorblock (similar; similar - on sale)
shoes: J.Crew Viv stripe flats (similar; similar - on sale)

Pink / Navy

Tuesday, July 07, 2015

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.

pink peplum top, navy shorts, rose pink clutch, bow ballerina flats
pearl and mixed metal necklace, pink peplum top, navy shorts, rose pink clutch
pearl and mixed metal necklace, pink peplum top, navy shorts, rose pink clutch
pearl and mixed metal necklace, pink peplum top, navy shorts, rose pink clutch, bow ballerina flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor pearlized stone statement (similar; similar - on sale)
top: H&M sleeveless ruffle (similar; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar - $2.59)
shorts: J.Crew Factory 3" chino shorts in navy (this season's sold here - on sale)
clutch: Jenny Yuen Cleo (similar - on sale; similar)
shoes: Valentino bow ballerina flats (similar - on sale; similar)

Photos thanks to DH!

Play Ball

Monday, July 06, 2015

red cap, baseball tee, cargo shorts, canvas boat shoes
red cap, baseball tee, cargo shorts, canvas boat shoes
hat: MLB Washington Nationals cap (sold here - on sale)
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
top: J.Crew Factory stripe baseball tee (similar; similar)
sweater (tied around waist): H&M (similar; similar)
shorts: J.Crew Factory boyfriend short in broken-in chino (similar; similar - both on sale)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here; similar - extra 30% off w/code SPARKS)
shoes: Sperry Seacoast canvas sneakers (sold at Lord & Taylor / Macy's / Bloomingdale's / Tilly's)

Red, White, and Stripes

Saturday, July 04, 2015

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!

red cap, striped dress, cognac brown tote, boat shoes
red cap, striped dress, cognac brown tote
red cap, striped dress, cognac brown tote, boat shoes
hat: MLB Washington Nationals cap (sold here - on sale)
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
dress: J.Crew Jules dress in stripe silk twill (similar; similar)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (sold here - 30% off w/code LONGWEEKEND; similar - extra 30% off w/code VERYGOOD)
shoes: Sperry Seacoast canvas sneakers (sold at Lord & Taylor / Macy's / Bloomingdale's / Tilly's)

Summer Pastels

Thursday, July 02, 2015

turquoise necklace, blue striped dress shirt, white eyelet dress, pastel colored caged flats
turquoise necklace, blue striped dress shirt, white eyelet dress, pastel colored caged flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
necklaceAmrita Singh Sag Harbor (similar; similar)
shirt: J.Crew Factory printed classic button-down (sold here - $23.60 w/code HOTSALE; similar - on sale)
dress: Old Navy eyelet (this season's sold here, similar - both extra 30% off w/code VERYGOOD)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar - $2.59)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (similar; similar - 50% off)
bag: Longchamp medium LM metal tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Valentino Rockstud leather cage flats in watercolor (other colors sold here, here, here)

30 for 30 abercrombie abercrombie & fitch accessories adidas adrienne vittadini agnes b alejandro ingelmo alexandre birman ali ro alternative apparel american eagle amrita singh ann taylor anthropologie apple aqua armani exchange articles of society asos award bag balenciaga banana republic barbour bath and body works bcbg bcbgirls beauty bebe bensoni biltmore for madewell blank nyc blog every day bloggers do it better bois du boulogne bp. brian nagourney burberry by malene birger c. wonder c/meo collective canada goose cara accessories carlos by carlos santana carolina bucci cartonnier caslon casual cb2 celebrities celine chanel chantecaille chelsea28 chicwish china glaze chloe christian louboutin citrus clothing clu too club monaco coach coffee shop cole haan collection collection 18 color brigade columbia crate & barrel crewcuts cuyana cynthia rowley david yurman dc deborah lippmann decor delman disney couture diy dogeared dressy dsquared2 ebay elizabeth and james elleme equipment esprit etsy everlane express featured fendi forever 21 frank & eileen free people gap gara danielle gibson giles & brother giveaway gorjana goyard grace gift gucci h&m halogen halogen x atlantic-pacific halston heritage haul hearth & hand heirloom finds hollister how to hue hunter ikea ilnp in real life inspired by iris & ink isabel marant ivanka trump j.crew jennifer chamandi jenny yuen jewelry jimmy choo john hardy jones new york joules julie vos kate spade kristin coffin l'oreal lanvin lanvin x h&m lesportsac levi's loeffler randall loft longchamp look for less looks like summer lord & taylor lou & grey love 21 lucy m.gemi mac macy's madewell maje make make up for ever manolo blahnik marc jacobs mary katrantzou massimo dutti maybelline mercedes-benz merona michael michael kors misc miu miu mlb modcloth mossimo moulinette soeurs msgm mvmt nadri new balance new balance for j.crew nike nina ricci nine west nordstrom north face nyc nyc new york color nyx old navy olivia burton opi oscar de la renta pfc pierrepont hicks piperlime plastic island pleione polene polo prabal gurung at j.crew proenza schouler ralph lauren ramblings raphaella booz reader mail rebecca minkoff red valentino reed wilson design review revlon river island robert rodriguez ross-simons rsvp saint james saint laurent sales sally hansen sam edelman schutz shashi shinhwa shoes shopbop shopping shopstyle simply vera vera wang sinful colors professional soia & kyo sole society sony sorel sorel for j.crew sperry sponsor spotted moth stella mccartney stephanie b strathberry stuart weitzman style file superdry t3 tadashi shoji tagged talbots target the container store the horse the limited theory tips & tricks too faced topshop tory burch tous colors toys travels ugg uniqlo uniqueen unknown valentino veque for j.crew vera bradley via spiga victoria's secret vince vince camuto vineyard vines walmart ways to wear west elm white house black market wishlist work xhilaration xoxo yearly summary ysl zac posen for target zara zella