Spotted in a Sweater Skirt

Sunday, December 30, 2018

There's definitely a correlation between age and skirt length -- the older one gets, the longer the hemline. If I hadn't come to this realization myself, I may have fought harder to hang onto my youth. As it is, life's too short, and changes are to be embraced. That is one lesson I've learned this year and will continue to carry with me onto the next. Hope everyone have a safe and happy new year! See you in 2019!

camel coat, black cashmere sweater, Casetify blooming gown, Ann Taylor pave twisted metal cuff, Kristin Coffin small Sofia gray moissanite, Ann Taylor spotted full sweater skirt, Chanel reissue
camel coat, black cashmere sweater, Ann Taylor spotted full sweater skirt, Chanel reissue, LOFT fleece lined tights, Zara leather high-heel ankle boot
camel coat, black cashmere sweater, Casetify blooming gown, Ann Taylor pave twisted metal cuff, Kristin Coffin small Sofia gray moissanite, Ann Taylor spotted full sweater skirt, Chanel reissue
camel coat, black cashmere sweater, Ann Taylor spotted full sweater skirt, Chanel reissue, LOFT fleece lined tights, Zara leather high-heel ankle boot
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - 50% off w/code WEEKEND; similar - 50% off w/code LOVEIT)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
coat: J.Crew Factory (similar - 40% off w/code SALE)
sweater: J.Crew Factory cashmere sweater in black - sz XS (sold here)
rings: Ann Taylor pave link stacked ring set (sold here - on sale);
Kristin Coffin small Sofia in rose gold (sold here)
bracelet: Ann Taylor pave twisted metal cuff (sold here - 50% off w/code WEEKEND)
phone case: Casetify blooming gown (sold here)
skirt: Ann Taylor spotted full sweater skirt - sz XXS (sold here - 50% off w/code WEEKEND)
tights: LOFT fleece lined tights - sz S (sold here - 50% off w/code LOVEIT)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (similar; similar)
shoes: Zara leather high-heel ankle boot - sz 6 (sold here - 30% off; similar - on sale)

Making or Breaking an Outfit: Accessories

Saturday, December 22, 2018

The first time I wore this pink outfit [left pic below], something felt "off". After perusing through the photos, I had one of those aha! moments. The accessories I had chosen completely gave off a different vibe than the one I was going for -- (hard)working* and fashion-conscious girl in a sea of stodgy government workers.

*the hardworking part is debatable... and all relative, depending on the day, so working might be the most appropriate
Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific colorblock faux fur stole, striped turtleneck, theory Nyma coat, pink wool shift dress, Casetify blooming gown phone case, Celine small big bag, brown tights, Banana Republic tassel zip high-heel ankle boot

That saying, "accessories make an outfit" completely applies in this case. The purse I had chosen works well for business casual environments given its tote style, but is a bit fancy for the rest of the outfit. On the other extreme, the ankle boots are a tad too casual for the rest of the outfit. I think the three mis-matching shades of neutrals in the bottom half of the outfit didn't help either.

For the second go-around [right pic above + pics below], I deliberately chose accessories that were not at either extreme. The purse can pass for casual (worn with the long strap) or dressy (when hand-held). The biggest adjustment though are these pointy, rich suede ankle boots! Love. I think they completely elevated the outfit. (Side note: Boots are TTS and required no breaking in). The matching brown shades also ended up working well together.

The one accessory that I didn't change between outfits was the fun colorblocked stole. Every outfit needs a statement piece, and this was mine.
Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific colorblock faux fur stole, striped turtleneck, theory Nyma coat, pink wool shift dress, Casetify blooming gown phone case, Celine small big bag, brown tights
Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific colorblock faux fur stole, striped turtleneck, theory Nyma coat, pink wool shift dress, Casetify blooming gown phone case, Celine small big bag, brown tights, Banana Republic tassel zip high-heel ankle boot
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - 40% off w/code WRAPITUP; similar - 50% off w/code VERYMERRY)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific colorblock faux fur stole in pink combo (sold here; similar)
jacket: theory Nyma coat in ballet pink - sz P (similar; similar; similar)
turtleneck: Madewell whisper cotton turtleneck in wellton stripe - sz XS (this season's sold here - 30% off w/code VERYMERRY)
dress: Ann Taylor (great dupe)
ring: Kristin Coffin small Sofia in rose gold (sold here)
phone case: Casetify blooming gown (sold here)
tights: J.Crew (great dupe)
bag: Celine small big bag with long strap in smooth calfskin in tan (sold here; similar - on sale)
boots: Banana Republic tassel zip high-heel ankle boot in nutmeg suede - sz 6 (sold here - 50% off)


Everyday Neutrals

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Unlike the last outfit (definitely an out-of-the-box experiment), today's look is totally all me -- or rather how I see myself. I'm comfortable, in casual attire, and have mastered the art of mixing high-end with low. When an outfit resonates with you, it's meant to be worn multiple times throughout a season. For me, that means turning regular weekdays into casual Fridays. <Runs and hides from upper management>

J.Crew Factory camel wool coat, navy turtleneck sweater tunic, skinny jeans, Celine small big bag, Miu Miu brown suede over the knee boots
J.Crew Factory camel wool coat, navy turtleneck sweater tunic, skinny jeans, Celine small big bag, Miu Miu brown suede over the knee boots
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - 40% off w/code WRAPITUP; similar - 50% off)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
coat: J.Crew Factory (similar - 45% off w/code HOLIDAY)
sweater: LOFT (similar - 60% off)
jeans: Articles of Society Mya skinny jeans in Tahoe (other washes sold here)
bag: Celine small big bag with long strap in smooth calfskin in tan (sold here; similar - on sale)
boots: Miu Miu suede pointed toe over the knee boots (similar; similar - on sale)

All the Winter Accessories

Monday, December 17, 2018

I wore this same sweater + skirt combo earlier this spring. Fast forward to now... you name the winter accessory and I'm wearing it. Scarf? Coat? Gloves? Tights? Check, check, check, and check! Did I feel a little bit ridiculous? A tiny bit -- it certainly was a chore getting ready. But I also felt glamorous -- because a fur stole and ladylike purse will do that to ya.

faux fur scarf, Ann Taylor twisted pearlized pave necklace, J.Crew Factory cashmere sweater, J.Crew cashmere-lined leather tech gloves, Strathberry midi tote in bottle green, J.Crew Factory wool topcoat, Zara draped skirt, Hue tights
faux fur scarf, Ann Taylor twisted pearlized pave necklace, J.Crew Factory cashmere sweater, J.Crew cashmere-lined gloves, Strathberry midi tote in bottle green, J.Crew Factory wool topcoat, Zara skirt, Hue tights, Zara leather high-heel ankle boot
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - 50%+ off w/code GIVE50; similar - 50% off w/code HOLIDAY)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Ann Taylor (similar)
necklace: Ann Taylor twisted pearlized pave necklace (sold here - 57.5% off w/code GIVE50)
coat: J.Crew Factory (similar - on sale)
sweater: J.Crew Factory cashmere sweater - sz S (sold here)
gloves: J.Crew cashmere-lined leather tech gloves in glazed pecan - sz S (sold here)
skirt: Zara (similar; similar - on sale)
tights: Hue absolute opaque tights (sold at Bloomingdale's / Macy's)
bag: Strathberry midi tote in bottle green (sold at Strathberry / Lane Crawford)
shoes: Zara leather high-heel ankle boot - sz 6 (sold here; similar - on sale)

Navy Neutrals

Thursday, December 13, 2018

My office's holiday potluck party was today and there was a host of activities -- from ugly Christmas sweaters to cubicle decorations to spreading positivity through Post-it notes. My excuse for being the Grinch? I don't own any ugly sweaters... anymore? But I added my own twist with a fun (and stylish) winter accessory, a fur stole with a ribbon tie. I remember falling in love with this piece last year and still love it just as much to this day. J.Crew, please bring it back!

J.Crew navy fur stole with ribbon tie, Burberry Daylesmoore wool trench coat, gray sweater, Burberry banner bag, navy trousers
J.Crew navy fur stole with ribbon tie, Burberry Daylesmoore wool trench coat, gray sweater, Burberry banner bag, navy trousers, leopard pumps
J.Crew navy fur stole with ribbon tie, Burberry Daylesmoore wool trench coat, gray sweater, Burberry banner bag, navy trousers, leopard pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - 30%+ off w/code YOUCHOOSE; similar - 50% off + free shipping w/code MERRY)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: J.Crew (similar - 25% off w/code FRIENDME; similar - pre-owned)
coat: Burberry Brit Daylesmoore (this season's sold here; similar - 40% off w/code THURSDAY; similar)
sweater: LOFT lacy pointelle sweater in silver heather grey - sz XS (sold here - 50% off + free shipping w/code MERRY)
ring: Ross-Simons aquamarine ring (sold here - 30% off)
phone case: Apple smart battery case (sold here)
pants: MICHAEL Michael Kors stretch ankle pants in new navy - sz 0P (sold at NM / Saks)
bag: Burberry small Banner in ink blue (sold here; other sizes sold here; similar)
shoes: J.Crew Colette d'orsay pumps in leopard calf hair (similar - 30%+ off w/code YOUCHOOSE; similar)


Cozy in Fleece & Blanket Scarf

Friday, December 07, 2018

Two fleece outfits in the span of one week? You can now add fleece to my list of obsessions for this year along with the color green. Unlike the first look, today's is appropriate for weekends and casual Fridays at the office. I wore the blanket scarf mainly for added visual interest, but without still looks just as put-together.

Madewell Polartec fleece popover jacket in highland green, green plaid blanket scarf, Old Navy black watch button up shirt, black skinny jeans, Celine small big bag, Madewell the Brenner boot in suede in mink
Madewell Polartec fleece popover jacket in highland green, green plaid blanket scarf, Old Navy black watch button up shirt, black skinny jeans, Celine small big bag
Madewell Polartec fleece popover jacket in highland green, green plaid blanket scarf, Old Navy black watch button up shirt, black skinny jeans, Celine small big bag, Madewell the Brenner boot in suede in mink
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - on sale; similar - 50% off w/code NEWNOW)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Abercrombie & Fitch (this season's sold here - 50% off; similar - 40% off w/code SALELOVE)
jacket: Madewell polartec fleece popover jacket in highland green - sz XS (sold at Nordstrom - 20% off; Madewell - 20%+ off w/code MERRYME)
shirt (layered): Old Navy classic plaid flannel shirt in black watch (sold here - on sale; similar - 50% off)
jeans: LOFT (similar - 40% off w/code GIVEANDGET)
bag: Celine small big bag with long strap in smooth calfskin in tan (sold here; similar)
boots: Madewell the Brenner boot (similar - 20%+ off w/code MERRYME; similar)


Pink Mink

Wednesday, December 05, 2018

'Tis the season for cold weather accessories! I'm so late to the game, but where have collarless coats been my whole life?! They are great to wear heavy scarves with. Nothing is in the way and scarves can be wrapped completely snug around the neck. And here I thought I was done with my coat collection...

Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific colorblock faux fur stole, theory Nyma coat, LOFT lacy gray pointelle sweater, Elleme pink raisin bucket bag, lightwash jeans, Stuart Weitzman Lowland over the knee boots in londra
Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific colorblock faux fur stole, theory Nyma coat, LOFT lacy gray pointelle sweater, Elleme pink raisin bucket bag, lightwash jeans, Stuart Weitzman Lowland over the knee boots in londra
Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific colorblock faux fur stole, theory Nyma coat, LOFT lacy gray pointelle sweater, Elleme pink raisin bucket bag, lightwash jeans, Stuart Weitzman Lowland over the knee boots in londra
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - $25; similar - 50% off w/code NEWNOW)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific colorblock faux fur stole in pink combo (sold here)
jacket: theory Nyma coat in ballet pink - sz P (similar; similar; similar)
sweater: LOFT lacy pointelle sweater in silver heather grey - sz XS (sold here - 50% off w/code NEWNOW)
ring: Ross-Simons aquamarine ring (sold here - 30% off)
jeans: LOFT (this season's sold here - 50% off w/code NEWNOW)
bag: Elleme raisin bag in gin fizz/ginger (similar - on sale; similar)
boots: Stuart Weitzman Lowland over the knee boots in londra - TTS, sz 6 (sold at Amazon / Nordstrom / Shopbop / Bloomingdale's / Zappos)


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