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.

I hope you're not sick of my favorite outfit of 2019 yet because I sure am planning on wearing it until its last loose thread. The first variation was decidedly a winter outfit. The second was quite spring-like. Today's is somewhere in-between, perfect for all the fickle transitional weather we've been having.

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've now worn this pink dress + pink jacket combo for the third time this season on this blog (see previous two outfits here) -- and even more often in real life! When an outfit works, why mess with a good thing? As always, I switched up the accessories for a different look. Today's features two companions, piglets named Rosa and Scarlett drawn by the talented Catherine Rayner in a collaboration with Strathberry for Chinese New Year. Absolutely. Adorable. When not in use, I display the purse like a piece of art -- it's the first thing I see when I walk into my closet. For those who celebrate, Happy New Year!

Just like how sports writers make bold predictions before an upcoming season (or even the playoffs), I'd like to make one myself as we're starting 2019. Today's outfit will be my favorite of the year. There's so much to this look that I love -- from the soft faux fur to the silhouette to the color palette... this entire look defines my style down to a T.

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.

The first time I wore this pink outfit [left pic below], something felt "off". After perusing through the photos, I had one of those aha! moments. The accessories I had chosen completely gave off a different vibe than the one I was going for -- (hard)working* and fashion-conscious girl in a sea of stodgy government workers.


That saying, "accessories make an outfit" completely applies in this case. The purse I had chosen works well for business casual environments given its tote style, but is a bit fancy for the rest of the outfit. On the other extreme, the ankle boots are a tad too casual for the rest of the outfit. I think the three mis-matching shades of neutrals in the bottom half of the outfit didn't help either.

For the second go-around [right pic above + pics below], I deliberately chose accessories that were not at either extreme. The purse can pass for casual (worn with the long strap) or dressy (when hand-held). The biggest adjustment though are these pointy, rich suede ankle boots! Love. I think they completely elevated the outfit. (Side note: Boots are TTS and required no breaking in). The matching brown shades also ended up working well together.

The one accessory that I didn't change between outfits was the fun colorblocked stole. Every outfit needs a statement piece, and this was mine.

'Tis the season for cold weather accessories! I'm so late to the game, but where have collarless coats been my whole life?! They are great to wear heavy scarves with. Nothing is in the way and scarves can be wrapped completely snug around the neck. And here I thought I was done with my coat collection...

The last time I wore this pink sweater + white ankle pants combo, I dressed it up for an office appropriate look. Today's version falls on the other end of the spectrum. This look is completely casual, and most importantly, comfortable -- perfect for casual Fridays or running errands.

How quickly the leaves change! Just compare today's look (photos taken this morning) vs. the posts from last week. In the span of one week, leaves are now a solid reddish-orange -- simply gorgeous. I need to stop rushing into work in the mornings and remember to stop, breathe in the crisp autumn air, and enjoy the colors while they last.

On a random note, see that car in the background? I assumed it was empty because I couldn't make out silhouettes when I glanced over. So I went about my business and started setting up for photos. Then out of nowhere, I heard the engine start and literally jumped a foot in the air because the noise surprised me so bad. Part of me wished I was already in the midst of photo taking -- the outtakes would've been hilarious.

When I buy new items, I tend to wear the hell out of them. So after awhile, it's easy to feel like I've worn all the combinations. When this happens, sometimes you just need to be patient until inspiration strikes. Today's pink and blue look is such an example -- inspired by none other than the always fashionable Victoria Beckham.

Flowers are blooming, snow is finally behind us (knock on wood)... I'm so ready for spring! In preparation, winter accessories are slowly migrating their way to the back of my closet. This faux fur scarf has proven to be a consistent favorite, so I could not resist taking it out for one last spin.

PS - I came across this oversized faux fur scarf that looks amazing tied and worn over the model's gray coat. Love. Can a girl hope that it hits the sale section soon?