TBMD

Rounding out the month of April on a high note! 4 posts in the last week, with the majority featuring one of my favorite jackets ever. I don't know how much longer this in-between spring and summer weather is going to last, so just trying to prolong jacket season as long as I can.

When I was putting together today's outfit, I was aiming for classic and understated (in my simpleton mind, that's how I equate neutrals and office appropriate-wear). By the end of the day, I was blown away at how much the caramel-colored wide tortoise belt stole the show. Ladies at work stopped to inquire, and I was only too happy to share it's a recent purchase and still available. Another generalization example: no comments = fly under the radar = understated. How wrong was I?! Time to change this mindset of mine.

I felt like a walking advertisement for Where's Waldo?, though of the female, colorful, and preppy variety. I've tried (and owned) a few shirtdresses over the years. My biggest problem with most is how they ride up when I raise my arms. To a lesser extent, they tend to somehow emphasize problem areas (too tight) or need belting (too loose). But this Waldo shirtdress is love at first sight! The fabric is thick and heavy enough that the hem doesn't ride up easily. I didn't feel fat nor felt like I'm wearing a sack. This dress is a throwback of J.Crew's from 1984 that they brought back. Unfortunately, I picked up the dress in the dead of winter, so very limited sizes are avail now. However, the shirt version is still available in many sizes in navy ivory.

Can a graphic tee ever be work appropriate? Why yes, let me point you to the example that is today's outfit. A pencil skirt will always work in office environments. For the top half, I went with a grandma cable cardigan sweater to offset the youthful casualness of the graphic tee. I also think it helps to keep the general color scheme neutral.

A big boss actually commented that he loves my shirt because he loves Mickey. I was all ready to say Hey back because that's typically the extent of our interactions, so was caught completely off-guard with my jaw hanging open scrambling to form a response. When I recounted the story to a coworker later, she asked, You wore a Mickey shirt?! We had just grabbed lunch together an hour prior! So given my tiny sample size (one being positive, the other didn't even notice), I'd give graphic tees at work my stamp of approval.

I'm so, so behind on blogging it's not even funny. Thank you all who are still hanging around here willing to put up with my sporadic, weekly-at-best posts.

A recurring theme every spring seems to be me subconsciously reaching for feminine pieces from my closet. (I blame it on the blooms, because flowers = pretty). Some years, it's lace. This year, it's pleats. Pretty in pleats was what ran through my mind as I put together today's outfit.

How many ways can one really accessorize a black sweater and a leopard skirt? Apparently 3 and counting (see prior looks: one, two)! I know, I really need to venture out of this combo. Every time I think about doing so, I'm reminded that classics are classics for a reason.

Instead I decided to have some fun with the faux fur scarf, beauty pageant style.

On second thought, I'm better off leaving that for the beauty queens.

Skinny jeans will always be a staple in my wardrobe. However, for this spring season, I'm all about thinner, drapey materials in varying styles. Wide legged, ankle lengths, and cropped versions are just a few examples that I've already tried, currently trying, and excited to try. As temperatures rise, so do hemlines.

A neutral outfit doesn't have to be boring. I love mixing in textures (calf hair pumps), prints (when in doubt, leopard), varying metals (see closeup shot of jewelry below), proportions (short trench, longer peplum top), and finally, a subtle pop of color that is bottle green. There are so many details to draw the eye, but yet, the overall effect is quite cohesive.