TBMD

I'm nothing if not predictable. The obvious is the blazer and girlfriend jeans combo that is on the verge of uniform territory. But wait! I almost always like to mix in something "new" (Bottega Veneta lookalike clutch) with the "old". Lastly, I wouldn't be me if I didn't look slightly disheveled. Today's perfectly imperfect touch is the messily wrapped scarf sorta tucked into the blazer. It was a bit chilly in the morning, so for once practicality won out.

Fall has since come and gone, but I'm determined to share the few outfits that I did snap during the last few weeks before diving into seasonable winter looks. Up first is a menswear-inspired outfit composed of pretty much every tomboy-ish item from my closet. Long (and aptly named) boyfriend blazer? Check. Loafers in a men's silk tie print? Definitely. A suede bag in colors and a plaid pattern that, in my opinion, tied the whole outfit together.

What's my excuse for the latest mini-blogging hiatus? I've been completely immersed in the Nats' post-season run the last few weeks. Staying up late to catch games in their entirety plus all the post-game shenanigans has me walking around like a zombie at work and guzzling coffee like it's my only source of nutrient. You know what though? It's all been so worth it. 2019 has the makings of the greatest sporting year of my life, first with my beloved Hoos winning their first ever NCAA basketball championship... and now, the Nats 2 games away from their first ever World Series? Pinch me, I must be dreaming. #FINISHTHEFIGHT

A month ago, I wore this top and skirt combo with "summer" accessories. As the seasons change, so do the accessories. I probably went a bit overboard piling on all the cognac colors from my closet, but really, who can resist this warm brown color? It's gorgeous and such a great transition color for fall. Not to mention, it pairs wonderfully with navy and white. So, bring on all the cognac!

Usually by this time of the year, I would have already jumped the gun and busted out my fall jackets. Multiple times. Sweating just a tad in the early stages of fall while sipping a pumpkin spice latte is like a rite of passage. Nope, not this year. I waited until I absolutely had to without jeopardizing my health. True to form though, once I'm in, I'm in. There's no such thing as going overboard with all the fall accessories -- scarf, suede (love this bag, btw! drapes so well), and of course bare legs while I'm bundled up like an eskimo on the top half. Welcome to fall and happy layering, everyone!

Never in my life have I worn a pair of jeans that fit perfectly off the rack without any (faux or real) alterations whatsoever. Until today! Boyfriend jeans don't count because they're meant to be baggy. In the past, I always got the length hemmed or simply folded any excess fabric over/under to shorten the hem. Most of the time, the fit is fine around the waist and hips. The minute I tried on these J.Crew jeans, I finally understood why women rush out to stock up once they've found their holy grail of jeans. Nothing makes you feel more confident than a pair of perfectly-fitting jeans. This was also the first time I tried high-waisted jeans, and... I'm smacking myself for dismissing them in favor of low-waisted jeans for years. But, better late than never, right?

As summer is winding down around us, I'm trying to not get ahead of myself. Just living in the moment, enjoying wearing summer pieces a few last times, sipping iced cold drinks, and even not complaining about the humidity (ha!) Fall will be upon us soon enough and there will be plenty of time to wear layers then.

Details are what makes an outfit fun. The striped top and cap-toe shoes are bold and bright. Upon closer inspection, what I really love are the pom poms and twilly scarf. The pom poms came with the top, so it's not like I spent painstaking time sewing each one on. But the twilly scarf tied around the purse handle? Definitely an amateur job as I started over like five times... and parts still ended up lumpy. I really love how a patterned scarf easily tones down the formal-ness of the purse. Practice makes perfect, and I will be trying this look on other purses!

A quick preface before diving into today's post: there will be lots of fangirling ahead. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I have a handful of favorite brands that I constantly browse for new releases and styling ideas. I'd say I'm an equal opportunist shopper. Sure I go through phases where I'll buy from one more than the others, but never for a prolonged period of time. This year was a game changer for me. Ever since the Fall/Winter 2019 shows back in February earlier this year, Tory Burch has been it for me. I completely fell for the Lee Radziwill soft deconstructed bag on the runway (see how it slouches so beautifully?) and have been chomping at the bits for its release. Now that different colorways are slowly trickling out, I'm having a hard time picking just one. I am leaning more towards a suede version because the slouchy look should be easier to achieve than a leather version. Then there is the dilemma of plaid pattern or solid colors? Decisions, decisions.

The last couple months saw me make multiple purchases from their Spring/Summer collection -- shoes (like the ones in today's outfit), watches (yes, plural), and peasant top. I feel like I've been wearing at least one Tory Burch item every single day for the past few weeks, without stoppage any time soon.

The Lee Radziwill bag may be at the top of my wishlist, but there are several others that I'm holding out for to go on sale in the near future: yellow bucket bag, colorblock ponte dress, wool scarf, another pair of Penelope shoes. Oh who am I kidding. Just take all my money now, Tory Burch.

The longer I stare at today's outfit, the more I'm getting flight attendant vibes. The brooch can be mistaken for an airline pin. The knotted cardigan sweater taking the place of a neck scarf. The dark pencil skirt certainly is uniform-like. I suppose all I'm missing is a dark blazer? It's funny how inspiration can be drawn from anywhere... and if I'm smart, I will heed the universe telling me to stop working so damn much and please take a relaxing vacation, preferably by plane to a destination far away.

Hello again! I took a mini hiatus to spend time with family, but am now back on the wagon with blogging. Hopefully I can keep it up without too many work distractions ;)

Today's outfit is from... oh gosh, perhaps early August?! I'd describe it as a little business mixed with a whole lotta casual. I see women all.the.time pulling off chic looks with white sneakers (and not just for commuting purposes either). I think choosing the right type of sneakers is essential -- too clunky and they just end up looking like clown shoes; too worn and they ruin the whole look. The pair I'm wearing skews more towards the clunky side. I have fairly small feet for my height and they do not look dainty in these shoes at all (especially standing still). The crisp white leather is perfection though. And the touch of blue stripes at the heel? Love.

Up until today, I've lived by the motto: scarves in the winter are for warmth; scarves in the summer are purely decorative. Boy, was I wrong. I literally discovered Starbucks' London Fog Tea Latte yesterday, so decided the trek to Farbucks today (what everyone at my work calls the "far" Starbucks, ~0.5 miles away) was worth it in this sweltering humidity all for an iced cold, delicious drink that reminds me a bit of milk tea. What I didn't count on was how much of a sweaty mess my "purely decorative" scarf made me (and especially my neck). Once I made it back to my building, I'm sure I looked like a lunatic experiencing AC for the first time in my life.