TBMD

I've become quite accustomed to (and thus spoiled with) customer reviews on retailers' websites. Though googling for reviews/sizing info on a particular item isn't a hardship, I'm all for convenience when browsing through my favorite retailers' sites. J.Crew Factory, please get with the times!

A recent favorite purchase of mine is the J.Crew Factory long-sleeve stripe boatneck tee (on sale for $29.50). Thank you to both Fran and Jess for their reviews and sizing tips! I ended up keeping the tee in two colors. I know... duplicates, really? And stripes, again? *sheepish grin* I was originally drawn to the Forever 21 heathered striped top for the bright blue color, but the material was thin (doesn't feel like it would hold up in the wash) and the fit was off (sz S was too tight in the torso, sz M too loose everywhere).

Back to the J.Crew Factory tee. I love the thicker material, bright color, spacing between the stripes, and most of all, the looser (but not baggy) fit and longer (but not too long) length. For reference, I'm wearing size XS which measures: 15" shoulder-to-shoulder, 23.5" length, 24" sleeve length. I'd say the tee is TTS, or go up if in-between sizes. If I were to nitpick, the sleeves are tighter than usual around the forearms. It was slightly bothersome at first, but now I'm fine with because the sleeves stay in place when I wear it at three-quarter length.

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 inspiration of baseball tee + plaid + ankle boots is thanks to Pinterest. Plaid has been on heavy rotation lately with the upcoming holidays.

This time of year is typically low-key for me, as family all live close by. I plan on enjoying the day off, taking advantage of after-Christmas sales to prepare for next year's holiday season (all of a sudden I'm really into random home decor knickknacks, lol), and eating half my weight in food.

Hope you have a good one!

Winter is here! ...and that means it's time to pile on all the cold-weather accessories -- scarf, coat, gloves, turtleneck, and boots. Though I suppose I could've also used a beanie/knit cap of some sort; otherwise... winter, I have you covered.

Today's outfit inspiration credit goes to Nordstrom -- the link I seemed to have lost :( It's what I like to call a blend of feminine meets masculine -- the embroidered and fringe top paired with what DH calls my "lumberjack" look (flannel + jeans).