Gray / Black / Leopard

Monday, August 31, 2015

mixed metal necklace, gray sweater, oversized watch, black pencil skirt, leopard pumps
mixed metal necklace, gray sweater, oversized watch, black pencil skirt, leopard pumps
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)
top: J.Crew Factory Teddie sweater (sold here - on sale)
watch: The Horse Original watch in rose gold/blush (sold here)
skirt: Ann Taylor seamed pencil (sold here; similar)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa; similar)
shoes: Vince Camuto Vivienne pumps (sold at Nordstrom / Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Sole Society)

Summer Days

Saturday, August 29, 2015

lace and crochet top, tassel necklace, ring with stones, distressed shorts, raffia sandals
lace and crochet top, tassel necklace, ring with stones, distressed shorts, coganc brown tote, raffia sandals
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
necklace: H&M tassel (similar; similar)
top: LOFT fringe festival (may still be in stores; similar - $15; similar - 50% off)
ring: Amrita Singh Deauville (similar; similar)
shorts: Express 2 1/2 inch low rise destroyed cuffed denim (similar; similar - both on sale)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (similar; similar - on sale)
shoes: Raphaella Booz raffia garden heels (similar)

Navy

Friday, August 28, 2015

navy printed silk blouse, yellow belt, navy pants, rose gold metallic wedges
navy printed silk blouse, yellow belt, navy pants
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; similar - $12.50 w/code BRSALE)
top: J.Crew Factory printed silk blouse (similar - on sale; similar; similar - on sale)
bracelet: Tory Burch sculpted metal cuff (sold here - on sale; similar)
belt: Ann Taylor exotic perfect skinny (similar)
pants: MICHAEL Michael Kors stretch ankle pants in new navy (sold here)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa; similar)
shoes: Loeffler Randall Rae in rose gold (similar; similar)

Version 2.0

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

I'll always remember the first time I wore version 1.0 of this outfit. It happened to be the day after I interviewed for my current position. The recruiter called to say that they loved me but wanted to bring me back in again to "meet other people." Neither of us knew what that meant exactly... but sure? I glanced down at my holey jeans and said I'm free anytime later in the week. A couple phone calls later, I was told they would really appreciate it if I could make time for them that same afternoon. They also didn't care if I was wearing jeans. Well, if they insist, then alright.

I showed up later that afternoon exactly as I was. Nobody blinked at my outfit (as far as I could tell, anyway). My plan was to hide my legs under the table, but that fell through since there wasn't a table in sight. So I improvised by making a conscious effort to cross my legs to cover the big ol' hole on my right knee. When I could feel my left leg starting to fall asleep, I'd just stretch out both legs. Then repeat.

I was reminded of this memory when I walked into work wearing today's outfit. Now that I've been briefed on the dress code, the holey jeans will never make another appearance. The rest of the outfit sure can though!

gray cropped vest, white dress shirt, black pants, oversized watch, blue suede pumps
gray cropped vest, white dress shirt, black pants, oversized watch, blue suede pumps
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 - $17.50 w/code BRSALE)
top: J.Crew Factory infinity shirt (sold here - $24.15 w/code PIZZATIME)
watch: The Horse Original watch in rose gold/blush (sold here)
pants: Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle (similar)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa; similar)
shoes: Sole Society Desirae almond toe pump (similar; similar)

Feathery

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

gray sweater, feathered top, black pencil skirt
gray sweater, feathered top, black pencil skirt, burgundy pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
sweater: theory Ashtry F open cardigan (similar - on sale; similar - 25% off w/code DEAL)
top: Moulinette Soeurs feathered fringe blouse via Anthropologie (similar; similar - on sale)
skirt: Ann Taylor seamed pencil (sold here; similar - both 40% off w/code FRIENDS40)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa; similar)
shoes: Kate Spade Jess pumps (similar)

Watches from The Horse

Sunday, August 23, 2015

I find myself attending too many meetings at my new job and not having the means of telling time. I don't carry my phone everywhere with me because 1) I don't want the temptation of the phone beckoning me to check my texts/Google Hangout sessions during the inevitable lulls at meetings and 2) I'm not important enough where others need to reach me asap. Unfortunately, clocks are a scarcity at meeting spots for some reason. So my solution? A watch. I actually used to wear one daily in my younger years, but don't recall the exact reason I stopped... perhaps the invention of cell phones for the masses? Anyways, I no longer have that watch from years ago, so starting from scratch it is.

blue and pink striped shirtdress, brown belt, pink metallic clutch, oversized watch

I'm currently going through an obsession with rose gold (as evidenced by the cuffs below), so that was pretty much my only requirement. My top three contenders were the Burberry City watch (really loved the color scheme and the subtle iconic pattern) and two watches from The Horse: the Classic and the Original.

The gray watch (the Classic) lives up to its name, from the leather strap with stitching to the size and clean look of the case. The pink watch (the Original) is the more trendy of the two, with an oversized case and casual leather strap. The gray watch's 36mm case was the perfect size on my 6" wrists compared to the pink watch's oversized 42.33mm case. DH was not a fan of the pink watch on me, saying I looked like a little kid wearing a chunky toy watch, hahaha.

I briefly contemplated the idea of keeping both watches so I would have an option for both dressier days (gray watch) and casual days (pink watch). In the end, I thought that was a bit silly. Here I am, new to watches after a decade hiatus and about to jump in with multiples?! What if watches are just a phase and I tire of them quickly? So I sent the gray back and kept the pink. It ultimately came down to which one I loved more. I felt like I was settling with the gray watch and only keeping it because it was more "classic." With the pink watch, I didn't have those feelings. I loved the simpler and cleaner overall look. The rose gold and blush color scheme is actually very similar to the first watch I seriously considered (Burberry City). I thought the Burberry watch was the one until I compared the watch face side by side and found myself preferring the cleaner look of The Horse over the busier plaid pattern of Burberry.

Will the pink watch with its casual vibe go with every outfit I wear? No, and I'm okay with that. I may find my fickle self refusing to wear the watch on some days because it just does not complement my outfit. I'm sure there will also be days where I do not care about clashing accessories. The best days will be the ones where my watch proves its usefulness as I go from meetings to meetings and is the perfect outfit accessory.
The Horse (Original and Classic) watches, Giles & Brother cuff, Tory Burch cuff
bracelets: [left] Giles & Brother cuff, [right] Tory Burch cuff
blue and pink striped shirtdress, brown belt, pink metallic clutch, oversized watch, brown loafers
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
dress: Ann Taylor striped linen shirtdress (sold here - $47.93 w/code FRIENDS40)
belt: J.Crew Factory (similar)
watch: The Horse Original watch in rose gold/blush (sold here)
clutch: Jenny Yuen Cleo (similar - on sale; similar - extra 20% off w/code TICKET)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (similar - on sale; similar)

Summer Colors

Friday, August 21, 2015

mustard yellow top, brocade wrap skirt, orange clutch, raffia heels
mustard yellow top, brocade wrap skirt, orange clutch
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 pleated tie neck shell (similar - 40% off w/code FRIENDS40; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
skirt: J.Crew Collection mixed Italian jacquard faux-wrap (sold here - extra 30% off w/code GREATSALE)
clutch: J.Crew Claremont perforated clutch (similar; similar)
nail polish on toes: Sally Hansen in mellow yellow (sold here, here, here)
shoes: Raphaella Booz raffia garden heels (sold here - extra 20% off w/code SUNNYSKIES)

Easy in Black

Thursday, August 20, 2015

black faux leather yoke top, black pants, gold jewelry, red purple tote, leopard flats
black faux leather yoke top, black pants, gold jewelry, red purple tote, leopard flats
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar; similar - on sale)
top: Ann Taylor faux leather yoke (this season's sold here - 40% off w/code FRIENDS40; similar - on sale)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (similar; similar)
pants: Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle (similar - 40% off w/code FRIENDS40)
bag: Tory Burch Robinson pebbled square tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Nine West Shindig (similar; similar)

Colorblocking

Monday, August 17, 2015

gray silk wrapped pearl necklace, colorblock tee, navy pants, red purple tote, burgundy pumps
gray silk wrapped pearl necklace, colorblock tee, navy pants, red purple tote, burgundy pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: J.Crew pearl and silk wrapped (similar)
top: LOFT colorblock modern peplum tee (similar, similar - both 40% off w/code SHAREIT)
bracelet: Tory Burch sculpted metal cuff (sold here - on sale; similar)
pants: MICHAEL Michael Kors stretch ankle pants in new navy (sold here)
bag: Tory Burch Robinson pebbled square tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Kate Spade Jess pumps (similar)

Light Pink + Baby Blue

Saturday, August 15, 2015

pink cap, pink and blue stripe shirtdress, white tote bag
pink cap, pink and blue stripe shirtdress, white tote bag
hat: Gap Outlet (this season's sold here)
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
dress: Ann Taylor striped linen shirtdress (sold here - $39.94)
bracelet: Giles & Brother skinny crystal railroad spike (sold at Shopbop / Amazon / Lord & Taylor)
bag: Longchamp medium LM metal tote (sold here; similar)
nail polish on toes: OPI South Beach Paint My Moji-toes Red (sold here)
shoes: Old Navy faux-leather capri sandals (sold here - on sale)

Photos thanks to DH!

Neutrals: Gray, White, and Leopard

Thursday, August 13, 2015

statement chain necklace, gray sweater, white pants, leopard pumps
statement chain necklace, gray sweater, white pants
statement chain necklace, gray sweater, white pants, leopard pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor estate shimmer (similar; similar - on sale)
top: J.Crew Factory Teddie sweater (sold here - on sale)
belt: J.Crew (similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
pants: Chelsea28 pleated wide leg pants (sold here)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa; similar)
shoes: Vince Camuto Vivienne pumps (sold at Nordstrom / Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Sole Society)

Crisp White + Classic Black

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

statement necklace, white dress shirt, black pencil skirt, wooden heeled pumps, gray tote bag
statement necklace, white dress shirt, black pencil skirt, wooden heeled pumps, gray tote bag
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
necklace: J.Crew Factory fanned jewel (may still be in stores; similar)
top: J.Crew Factory infinity shirt (sold here - $29.50)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (similar - on sale; similar)
skirt: Ann Taylor seamed pencil (sold here; similar)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
shoes: YSL Charlotte pumps in Millennium print (pre-owned; similar - great dupe)

Making a Statement

Monday, August 10, 2015

I call this outfit "business on top, party at the bottom." I kept it plain and simple above the waist, then went a bit crazy with the patterned skirt and glittery shoes. Who says dressing for work has to be boring? ;)

navy tee, brocade patterned wrap skirt, tweed and glitter pumps
navy tee, brocade patterned wrap skirt, tweed and glitter pumps
navy tee, brocade patterned wrap skirt, tweed and glitter pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
top: Zara top with layered hem and yoke (may still be in stores; similar - on sale)
bracelet: Madewell knot cuff (similar; similar)
skirt: J.Crew Collection mixed Italian jacquard faux-wrap (sold here - 25% off w/code SHOPMORE; similar - on sale)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
shoes: J.Crew Collection Etta tweed and glitter pumps (similar - love!; similar)

A Shirtdress + Raffia Heels

Saturday, August 08, 2015

blue and pink stripe shirt dress, raffia heels
blue and pink stripe shirt dress, raffia heels
blue and pink stripe shirt dress, raffia heels
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar; similar - on sale)
dress: Ann Taylor striped linen shirtdress (sold here - extra 40% off)
bracelet: Tory Burch sculpted metal cuff (sold here - on sale; similar)
bag: J.Crew Downing tote (similar - on sale)
nail polish on toes: OPI South Beach Paint My Moji-toes Red (sold here)
shoes: Raphaella Booz raffia garden heels (sold here - on sale)

Peach / Lace / Leopard

Thursday, August 06, 2015

peach silk button up shirt, white lace pencil skirt, purple red tote
peach silk button up shirt, white lace pencil skirt, purple red tote, leopard pumps
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)
top: Everlane silk round collar blouse (sold here; similar - extra 40% off)
bracelet: Tory Burch sculpted metal cuff (sold here - on sale; similar)
skirt: LOFT floral lace pencil skirt (similar; similar - on sale)
bag: Tory Burch Robinson pebbled square tote (sold here; similar)
shoes: Vince Camuto Vivienne pumps (sold at Nordstrom / Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Sole Society)

Grays + Blues

Tuesday, August 04, 2015

gray pearl wrapped necklace, cornflower blue sweater, tweed pencil skirt, gray tote bag
gray pearl wrapped necklace, cornflower blue sweater, tweed pencil skirt, gray tote bag
gray pearl wrapped necklace, cornflower blue sweater, tweed pencil skirt, gray tote bag, marine blue pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: J.Crew pearl and silk wrapped (similar)
top: J.Crew Factory Teddie sweater (sold here - on sale)
bracelet: Tory Burch sculpted metal cuff (sold here - on sale; similar)
skirt: Ann Taylor tweed pencil skirt (sold here - $23.93; similar)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
shoes: Ivanka Trump Boni pointy toe pumps in navy (sold here; similar)

Dressing Down a Dress Shirt

Sunday, August 02, 2015

When DH saw me wearing my new white dress shirt with shorts, he said I looked like I wasn't wearing any bottoms. Err... I guess I'll take that as consent to raid his closet instead!

gray vest, white button up shirt, distressed shorts, red loafers
gray vest, white button up shirt, distressed shorts, red loafers
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Metropolis (sold here)
vest: Banana Republic crossover-hem tank (sold here - on sale)
shirt: from China - borrowed from DH (similar; similar)
bracelet: Madewell knot cuff (similar; similar)
shorts: Express 2 1/2 inch low rise destroyed cuffed denim (similar; similar - both on sale)
bag: Balenciaga city (this season's sold at NM / Barneys)
shoes: Gap driving moccasins (great dupes here, here)

Photos thanks to DH!

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