TBMD

Today I'm sharing an easy way to elevate a casual outfit to a more polished version by adding and swapping a few key pieces. Outfit #1 [left] is head-to-toe casual, from the slightly oversized striped tee down to the canvas sneakers. This is a favorite uniform of mine on weekends, especially for running errands. For business casual Fridays [right], I simply added a blazer (hides the relaxed tee somewhat), switched sneakers for loafers, and voila! Instant transformation. Wouldn't you take me more seriously now? ;)

Today's outfit garnered comparisons to "that kid from A Christmas Story," according to my coworker. He also added, "I don't think we'll see your neck until next April, C." Clueless like I always am when it comes to movie references, I went home to google, then immediately laughed out loud. My coworker could only have been referencing the kid on the left.

My current hair is at that awkward stage where I love the shorter length but hate how there's not enough to weigh down the volume at the crown. So I typically use a clip to partially pull my hair back or my go-to on lazy weekends -- a hat to solve my hair issues.

On the coldest day thus far this fall, I reached for the coziest accessory in my closet. The voluminous scarf sure did not go unnoticed by my coworkers. One wanted to know what I plan to wear when winter finally arrives. Another made a reference to Frozen which went over my head (I might be the only person who hasn't seen the movie). Also got a couple non-traditional compliments that only guys would think to say. I hadn't expected a scarf to be the equivalent of a coffee table book, but hey, it did make my day more interesting.

Spring weddings may be the more universally accepted version of beautiful with blooming flowers everywhere, but I think fall weddings are equally gorgeous, especially when timed just as the leaves are changing colors. DH and I went to a wedding at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens over the weekend. Um, how is it that I've never visited this place until now?! I'm ashamed to call myself a local :(

My pictures really do not do the "gardens" justice. I use the term loosely because Meadowlark is more like a mini-National Park with trails, wildlife, and just beautiful natural scenery all-around. I'm guessing we were a few weeks early because trees were still mostly green. I plan to go back soon to catch the leaves at peak foliage and will be wearing sneakers so I can freely roam about!

Today we have a combination of a little preppy (blue striped shirt) and a little girly (bow pumps) worn 3 ways. Paired with pieces that are easily found in most closets (sweater, jeans, blazer, pencil skirt), these looks are very wearable yet different. Then to finish off each outfit, accessorize for a touch of personal style (in my case, a bright blue scarf, a striped green belt, and a statement necklace).

I previously wore this brocade skirt and raffia heels combination over the summer. That outfit was dressier and more colorful... perfectly summer-y, for lack of a better word. Today's version is fall-like with muted colors and layers. Perhaps due to an abnormally harsh winter last year, I'm not quite ready to let go of summer yet. I hope we have a few more warm days remaining!

After a week of not taking outfit photos due to gloomy weather, I was all thumbs when setting up the camera to tinker with its settings. Not being on auto-pilot actually forced me to experiment a little more... by changing the camera angles, lol. For once, here's a set of photos where I'm not just staring straight on while standing in the same spot.