Take 40% off at LOFT's F&F with code SHAREIT through Sun. 8/17.

Picks: $41.70 moto super skinny ankle pants in Marisa fit (color soft magnolia looked white in person, but I didn't get to try because my size was sold out; the fabric is very soft to the touch, not like typical white denim that always feel stiffer than blue denim); $32.70 colorblock tuxedo shell (color scheme looks exactly the same as my much-loved peplum tee worn here, here, here); $23.70 oversized metallic link and pave necklace (like the casual touch w/grosgrain ribbon); $20.70 double stripe plaid scarf (Burberry-esque); camo everything - $35.70 skirt, $41.70 Marisa fit skinny pants, $41.70 Julie fit skinny pants, $58.80 field jacket, $58.80 haircalf pumps.

Happy shopping and have a great weekend!

Last summer, I wore my striped maxi dress practically once a week (sorry for mentioning this for the nth time yet again.) This summer's equivalent is the tweed dress... except I'm already running out of styling bag-and-shoe pairing ideas, so the most versatile clothing piece award will safely remain with the maxi dress.

Suits is currently my favorite show on TV (and has been for some time now.) Harvey is eye-candy, Mike is someone you want to root for, I want to steal Rachel's wardrobe, Donna is just badass, but my favorite character from the show has to be Louis. Louis Litt, who once hilariously said, "You just got Litt up!" I seriously laughed for a minute straight when I saw that episode. Love a good pun.

When I was debating whether or not to wear a hat with today's outfit, my mind wandered away from my dilemma and randomly started playing the word association game. Hat... to cap... to lid... to Litt. Nothing beats a good laugh as an instant mood lifter.

Just want to conclude by tipping my hat (har har) to Louis, the best character on TV.

The newest installment (previously: reds, yellow/black) in this accessorizing-the-tweed-dress series features blues and neutral snakeskin. I was originally going for a cool color palette, but the gold hardware on my bag couldn't be helped. Aside from that minor blip, I'm glad for the reminder that I need to dust off older pieces more often and stop being continuously enamored with new items.

It's three weeks after Independence Day and I find myself wearing a rather patriotic outfit. As a bonus, there's even an American flag in the background (not planned, but I'll take it!)

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale has begun! Select fall items are discounted from now until 8/4 (when prices go back up to retail.)

Picks:
1) Tory Burch Eloise Riding Boot (sale $299.90; retail $495) - My TB Nadine riding boots from a few years ago was also a Nordstrom exclusive. This year's version, the Eloise, has slightly different detailing. Measurements for the Eloise look the same as my Nadine, so I'd recommend these boots to ladies looking for taller shafts with narrow-to-normal calf circumference.

2) Burberry Brit Cobridge Hooded Anorak with Detachable Liner (sale $659.90; retail: $995) - The Cobridge looks the same as my burgundy version from last season (outfits: here, here, here), but with the additional interior liner for extra warmth.

3) theory Gabe B 2 Blazer (sale $263.90; retail: $395) - A classic blazer at a discounted price. I bought my navy blue theory blazer many years ago and it's still the one that I reach for most often.

4) kensie Faux Leather Mixed Media Dress (sale $65.90; retail $99) - LBD with the added faux-panel twist looks a lot like my Zara faux-leather dress (outfits: here, here).


I'm channeling my inner prep with an almost-all-J.Crew outfit, with an accompanying scenic background that isn't so random. If I had actually planned ahead of time, I would have used a large tote, because realistically, who brings a clutch anywhere near bodies of water?

Happy shopping and have a great weekend, everyone!

My plan is to slowly go through my closet and wear as many bag + shoe pairings with this dress. I don't foresee anything ground-breaking, but I hope they're somewhat "interesting." Last time, the theme centered around the color red. Today's resembles a... bumblebee? I also like how the satin shoes with a bow adornment fit with the feminine vibe of the jeweled dress.

My trick to wearing too-short tops is to layer a tank underneath, preferably one in a similar color to blend in with the rest of the outfit.

Happy Monday, everyone!

The post title says it all -- the 3 P's that perfectly sum up today's feminine outfit.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Today's outfit is one of those that I think looked better in theory, aka in my head. The top half looks fine, but the shoes...! I should've chosen simple brown loafers to wear instead. Not sure what I was thinking there.

Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

I don't own many any "work" dresses -- ones in an appropriate length and style that fit in most offices -- because there just hasn't been a need for one in my life. There's still no need, but now I'm upping my tally to one after falling in love with this Ann Taylor jeweled neck tweed dress (now on sale for $60!) For reference, I'm wearing size 00, my usual AT size.

The lightweight tweed material and short sleeves make it a perfect warm weather work dress. The jeweled neckline means one less accessory to mull over in the mornings because I already look put-together. I also like how the dress is chameleon-like -- is it black or is it navy? It depends on the lighting, which opens up even more color pairing options to choose from. (Shades of) red is the color du jour.

I felt like a walking sorbet in today's outfit, albeit a watered-down version in pastel colors. Oh the silly comparisons my mind conjures up.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

I was in London riding the Tube when I saw an extremely petite girl (< 5') board the train wearing a gorgeous floral printed dress. I'd like to think I was being sneaky with my covert glances trying to get a better look, but that's probably because she was too busy concentrating on keeping her balance without holding onto any handrails.

From what I could discern, she was wearing the mini version [left photo below] and it hit her around mid-thigh. Her dress was made of canvas-like material (later learned it was hemp), so the floral print looked like it was painted on. I thought that was so cool and unique. Alas, I knew even if I somehow stumbled across this dress again, it would be much too short on me. My hunch proved to be true when SIL found the mini version when we were in Rome. She's ~5'2" and the dress was borderline indecently short on her. Sigh. The upside was that we now had a brand to go with the dress.
[left] RED Valentino wildflower mini dress ($297 at Valentino store)
[right] RED Valentino wildflower dress ($238 at BG / $357 at Saks / $357 at Valentino store / $595 at Nordstrom / $595 at Shopbop)

A quick google search on RED Valentino returned a longer dress in the same floral print (!) Unfortunately the longer dress was made of cotton instead of hemp, so the print didn't look painted on. It's still pretty in person, just not as cool looking. The cotton fabric also made a slight swish-ing sound which may bother some.

I first tried on the dress in US 0/IT 38 and found it to be super unflattering. It emphasized my bony torso, so I looked like a long rectangle on top, then all of a sudden, the bottom skirt portion poofed out in an unproportionate way. US 2/IT 40 was looser on me everywhere, so the skirt poofiness didn't look as jarring. SIL (who is shorter and curvier than I am) also tried on both sizes but had the opposite results. The smaller size flattered her curves while the larger size made her look stocky due to its boxiness. I wish we had taken comparison photos because I don't think my descriptions are clear enough at highlighting the differences.
I ended up buying the dress at Nordstrom because they price matched Bergdorf's sale price. I read online that the policy is to price match on exact items for sizes that are in stock only. I didn't see any more sz 2 left on BG's site, but figured I'd print out a screenshot and try my luck with a SA at a Nordstrom brick-and-mortar store... and it worked!

When I wore the dress out for the first time, I couldn't help but check myself out whenever I passed by a mirror, lol. So vain, right?! I kept glancing at the pretty print, and think I fall a little more in love with it each time. I'll probably have the bust area taken in by a tailor some time down the road; it's only noticeably baggy when I lean forward.

The same floral print is also available in a skirt ($198 at BG / $223 at NM / $297 at Saks / $297 at Valentino store) and shorts ($210 at Valentino store) versions.

Keeping it simple and casual in both color and item choices today. Have a good one!

I've been watching so much soccer since the World Cup started. For sports I don't care about, I go from being a non-existent fan to a fair-weather fan only during major international tournaments. This year for some reason, I've become so invested, so much so that I'm now one of those crazies who scream when things go right and shout at the TV when things don't. It's only fitting that today's outfit (somewhat) mirrors the colorful World Cup logo.

Today's outfit is inspired by Massimo Dutti's model touting their denim effect blazer. I love the contrast of crisp white jeans with a dark gray blazer and bright shoes. I couldn't channel her effortless cool though -- think I should've worn looser jeans or a longer top instead.

Over the weekend, DH and I went to a friend's wedding at the charming and historic Hollin Hall. The ceremony was held at the outdoor garden -- an intimate setting with the afternoon sun as the perfect backdrop.