TBMD

I feel like my style has been all over the place this year. There's been a decent number of experiments (some good, others ehh), bold color choices, some arm-baring, just to name a few. For today's look, I'm doing a 180 and going back to my roots. Is there anything more classically summer than crisp whites with stripes? I think not. (I resisted the urge to carry the trendy wicker basket, but couldn't help but accessorize with the quirky lime coin purse).

Sleeveless in the summer?! Yep, your eyes aren't deceiving you. This is such a rarity for me, but sometimes when the humidity is suffocating, there just aren't many ways to stay cool. Note that I'm clutching the jacket on for dear life, ready to be worn the second I step indoors.

This wicker basket elicits comments everywhere I go. Exhibit A: at work. The other week, my manager asked if it was my lunch bag? If it was anyone else (we have a tenuous relationship), I would have LOL at the randomness. Exhibit B: standing at the hostess stand waiting to be seated. An older lady was so happy to share her bargain hunting find, which meant she is now also part of the straw basket club. Now this was a much more pleasant encounter.

Earlier in the year, one of the security guards at work stopped to inquire about my tulle midi skirt. I was disappointed to tell her that it was from a couple seasons ago, therefore sold out. We then reminisced about items that we loved and regretted not buying multiples of. I told her if I ever see this skirt again, she will be the first to know. Lo and behold, Banana Republic came through this season and brought back this skirt in two colors! I wasn't sure which one of us was more excited -- me sharing the news or her upon hearing the news.

Today's look is a bit different than my usual. It's fun, ladylike, and a little crazy. The proportions work okay when I'm walking around, but when standing still, they look a tad off. I wish the top was more cropped or the skirt was longer. All in all though, I enjoyed this experiment.

Today's outfit looks boring at first glance. Black and white? It's only a step up from all black, imo.

Look closer though... the colors may not draw attention, but the textures sure should. A hint of fringe along the hem of the white sweater tee? A smooth leather jacket contrasting against an "eyelash" fringe pencil skirt? Nope, not a typical black and white outfit anymore.

Today's outfit is what I dub my "ladies who lunch" look. I've been playing the housewife for a couple of weeks before starting a new job. Unlike the last time, this change is on my terms (my 1099 dreams are finally coming true!) The only downside is the state of this blog. I'll be taking the Metro to the new job, so that means I won't be lugging my tripod and camera along. I'm not sure when I'll find the time and place to take outfit photos... weekends? Should I just stick to iPhone photos? Everything is up in the air right now, so just a heads up that posts will be very sporadic while I figure things out.