TBMD

I've previously mentioned styling struggles when it comes to this top. It took trial and error to find pants that worked with the tad-too-short-top without proportions looking off. To nobody's surprise except mine, I encountered the same issue when trying on skirts. I really wanted to wear a pencil skirt, but anything knee-length just made the outfit look dowdy. The balance looked much better when I went with a shorter skirt -- and dare I say, more youthful? As for the matchy-matchy scallop hems, that can be overlooked because priority for choosing a navy skirt for the color scheme won out.

One of my most (if not the top) pinned outfit on Pinterest is this gray/black/leopard outfit from 4 years! ago. It's a work classic for a reason, given the items can be found in most closets as well as their neutral color palette. So in a trip down memory lane, I decided to re-create the outfit using current pieces I had on hand.

The more things change, the more they remain the same. I swapped out the black pencil skirt for a textured navy one in the same silhouette. As my tastes have matured, out went the oversized watch and in with all the jewels. What has stayed the same? My trusty gray tote that I still love to this day. Oh, and apparently the way I still side-tuck my sweaters.

Summer is officially here! That means out comes the short-sleeves, especially if I'm spending the majority of my time outdoors. Though this sweater tee has good weight, so it also works fairly well in AC-heavy environments. When in doubt, I always keep a long-sleeve within reach at the office... you know, for those times when work is just so engrossing that I forget to take a break.

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.

I suppose my practical nature is the reason I'm a sucker for versatile pieces. Officially named a "neck warmer" (love the term), this piece of cold-weather accessory doubles as an infinity scarf, a shawl, or even a half-blanket when the occasion calls for it. I like how it's not quite symmetrical with a small slit up one side. I'm right-handed, so that's the side I prefer to have more "arm room," but in actuality, I'm wearing it backwards.

Today's one of those days where the top priority was to be comfortable first and foremost, then way behind was not looking too schlubby. I had a couple yikes moments as I added on the layers. Beige scarf with a camel coat? Navy purse with black jeans? Ehh... schlub test passed. This will have to do. Out the door I went.

The mere thought of wristlets conjures up memories of my first "purse", the Coach wristlet. <insert laughing/crying emoji> Who else lived in this glorious era and what did yours look like? Mine was the signature C monogram in green.

In the years since, my love for bags have grown, collection has expanded, and tastes have matured (I'd like to think so anyway). So it's funny to feel like I've come full circle with the latest purchase: Polene Numero Six.
The shape of this clutch/wristlet/small purse is simply stunning in its simplicity. I love the way the wrist strap loops through the gold hardware to keep the inner contents secure while maintaining its shape. Tangent: one of my pet peeves with traditional wristlets is the floppiness of the wrist strap.

With so many colors to choose from, I had a hard time deciding. Ultimately my eyes kept going back to the crocodile print, and felt the navy version fits with my wardrobe better than burgundy or black. If I were to choose between the monochrome colors, peach would be my pick (not a fan of the contrast stitching with some of the other color options).

As much as I loved the Numero Six, I couldn't hit the checkout button due to reservations of it fitting in with my lifestyle. You see, with the dimensions being 18 x 14.5 x 5.5 (in cm), would a smartphone even fit (I have the iPhone XR)? Let alone my other daily necessities like car keys and credit cards. In the Coach wristlet era, this would not even be a dilemma.
I scoured the Internet but couldn't find definitive answers. Some said only smaller iPhones would fit; others said bigger phones will have to be placed inside diagonally. I ended up spamming a handful of Numero Six Instagram photos asking if the owners can fit their phones inside (pats self on back for resourcefulness). Thank you to all who replied with assurances that though the clutch is small, XR phones fit fine inside!
As you can see, the right side is slightly larger, and I'm able to fit my iPhone XR with Casetify case snugly inside with no more room to spare. I actually placed my phone diagonally initially, but was not able to close the clutch. There is also an inner compartment for credit cards and bills. Then in-between fits my car keys comfortably. Whew! I'm happy to say this practically impractical clutch will fit in with my lifestyle just fine.

I re-discovered this plaid jacket a few weeks back when I moved into the new closet. It had been hidden in a garment bag for... years?! months!? Sad to say, it was one of those out of sight, out of mind situations. I think one of the reasons this jacket slips the mind is because of the pattern. Solid colors are so much easier to mix and match with outfits, whereas patterned items often end up needing to be the statement piece.

See past outfits with this jacket: 1) with a fur stole, 2) with a chambray shirt, 3) with ankle boots, 4) pattern mixing, and 5) soft pastels (my favorite of them all!)

Lately I've been going through a pullover/fleece phase, as evidenced by: 1) already blogged about the Madewell one; 2) own the Frank & Eileen version; 3) and keeping my eyes on the Kate Spade one. Today I'd like to do a quick review of the popular Vineyard Vines shep shirt.

Vineyard Vines is a brand that I'm not too familiar with. I own a few long sleeve graphic tees in size S from seasons past (can never seem to pass up the goofy whale in costume). For shep shirts, I was torn between my regular size of S or downsizing to XS. The style I eventually bought is the "relaxed" version, so I downsized to XS. This version is roomier overall and is longer in the back -- perfect for wearing with tights. I'm still able to layer a button-up shirt underneath (this is a personal preference, but I prefer to wear these half-zip pullovers unzipped, hence layering with non-crewnecks). If I had bought the "regular" shep shirt, I would've stayed with my usual size S.

The other feature that caught my eye is the strip of red plaid underneath the hem. It can be purposely folded outwards (see first photo below) or left as is (see third photo below) for two different looks depending on your mood.

I have yet to wash the shep shirt, so fingers crossed that it won't shrink. Per directions, wash cold and I plan on hanging it up to dry.

There are some outfits where a color palette just works. The last time I wore this black sweater + leopard midi skirt combo (both items on sale!), I accessorized with more black and camel. This time around, I went with accessories that are shades in-between, in the brown family. Dark neutrals are just the perfect complement.

A few years ago, Burberry released these black equestrian rain boots that my preppy heart fell in love with. I wasn't able to track down any in my size, so simply resolved to keep my eyes peeled for dupes. When I came across the Banana Republic version, I couldn't help but be excited that my search could potentially be coming to an end! I say "potentially" because I'm picky about the fit of rain boots. Now that I've experienced the perfect fit with Hunter Tour rain boots, I just can't go back to shorter and wider boots.

The BR boots turned out to be perfect in person. They are TTS, the same height as my Hunter Tours, and are snug against my small calves -- I'm wearing my usual tall boot socks over jeans and there is not much of a gap. The buckles are what initially sold me on the boots, but I have to say they are a bit disappointing in person. The straps have a tendency to uncross, whereas I'd prefer if they remain criss-crossed. I've yet to explore solutions, but have a couple in mind that I plan to try (double sided tape, tighten the buckle), so fingers crossed on that front.

Everywhere you look, today's outfit is all about the small touches. Pearl collar against an otherwise plain black coat. Cable cardigan for added texture. A neutral, but dramatic peplum top. Leopard pumps to top it all off. There's something interesting to see from head to toe.