TBMD

Spring is in the air! Blooming flowers mean it's once again that time of the year where I step out from my mostly-secluded photo taking spots to wide open spaces. I give it... about a week before the flowers (and hopefully pollen) are all washed away. Until then, a change of scenery can never be a bad thing.

Sale alert at Ann Taylor:
Extra 70% off sale styles until Mon. 1/26 at 3am EST with code FLASH70.
Extra 65% off sale styles after Mon. 1/26 at 3am EST with code FLASH65.
40% off full-priced styles until Tues. 1/27 at 3am EST (no code needed).

Recent buys include:
- Striped mock neck sweater - $15 - $17.50 w/code (torso TTS, arms run small - I went up a size and am wearing XS / outfits: here, here, here)
- Ponte skinny ankle pants - $58.80 (TTS - I'm wearing 00 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Jewel neck long sleeve tee - $9 - $10.50 w/code (runs a bit small - I'm wearing sz XS / outfit: here)

Other picks: $136.80 trench cape (love my light pink version); $76.80 Kylie suede pumps (love and wear my blue suede pumps an awful lot); $23.70 twisted ring (my cross ring is probably my most worn piece of jewelry ever); $22.50 - $26.25 w/code chambray oversized shirt (can't ever go wrong with chambray, especially in a longer length).

I first became conscious of Isabel Marant through Kelly, but really aware while in Europe when SIL was considering purchasing their ankle boots. While she was looking for other items around the store, I saw and liked a ruffled maxi skirt (dress version) on the racks. Only larger sizes remained, so I didn't give it another thought.

Through a combination of mental digging and Google, I found Clara wearing the blouse version in the same print. Of course I'm always one step behind, so most sizes were sold out when sales hit, but I did manage to snag one off eBay. Fist pump!

I think given the colors of the top, it was natural to gravitate towards white + black color pairings. Of course, it wasn't after I took photos and started writing this entry did I realize Clara had already worn the white jeans + black purse combo. D'oh! No worries, because for future outfits I can see this top also working well with denim shorts, green/tan military jacket, ankle boots, peasant/eyelet skirt in a longer length, etc.

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.

I don't say this often, but it's been a longgg week at work, and sadly, will be for the foreseeable future. I'm definitely looking forward to doing nothing all weekend... starting now. Hope you have a good one!

One of my current obsessions is the combination of gray and white. These colors together just seem so fresh and modern to me. The Coach mini Borough bag may have sparked the initial interest (also have my eyes on the Kate Spade Shipley coat), but this image on Pinterest was what inspired today's matchy-matchy outfit.

Have a good Monday, everyone!

I've worn this sweater many times, but not once have I worn it as a tunic (which was its billing on the product description, I believe). The intentional half-side-tuck shortened the sweater and just looked more casual to me. Like with most pieces I own, it was only a matter of time before I'm tired of the same old look. I think wearing the sweater untucked dresses up today's outfit a bit -- or perhaps it's due to the jacket and/or heels. As an added bonus, the tunic-length also hides the unsightly denim creases at the top of my thighs. Win-win, if I'd say so myself.

Sale alert: Take 25% off at Shopbop's F&F through 4/17 with code INTHEFAMILY14.

Closet favorites include:
- Blank NYC spray-on jeans - $66.00 with code (I sized up to 26 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Blank NYC vegan leather skinny pants - $73.50 with code (I sized up to 26 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Elizabeth and James Windrose ring - $71.25 with code (TTS / all outfits with ring, also below)
- Loeffler Randall Rae wedges in gold - $221.25 with code (runs narrow, I sized up to 6.5 / outfits here in rose gold version)

Other picks: Clu Clu Too Ruffled Sweatshirt ($81 - still debating), Sam Edelman Gigi flat sandals ($48.75 - looks just like my LOFT version below, but in my experience better suited for narrow feet), Sam Edelman Felicia ballet flats ($67.50 - great reviews, considering replacing my worn-out black ballet flats).

I dust off my dress collection at the first sign of nice weather every year. I'd happily go about my days frolicking in the sun in cute dresses and bare legs. Dresses normally reserved for special occassions get their turn as well; I'd just throw on a casual jacket, flat sandals, and I'm good to go. I give it about a week before I scratch this dress-wearing itch and I'm back to wearing shorts and jeans again. This happens every spring, without fail.

Continuing with the pink (and red) theme from the last post, even though Valentine's Day is long behind us. I keep all my clutches in their respective dust bags on a high shelf when not in use, so sometimes I forget their existence. Shame on me. The Jenny Yuen clutch I'm carrying today was one of my earliest purchases when I first became interested in bags. I remember she and Rebecca Minkoff were up-and-comers around the same time. Unfortunately I don't think JY is in business any longer. I miss her clean designs and use of high quality materials. Note to self: must remember to reach for this pink clutch more often now that spring's right around the corner!

Sale alert: Take 40% off almost everything at Ann Taylor with code TRENDS40.

Recent purchases include:
- Silk blouse - $58.80 w/code (TTS - wearing sz 00 / outfits: here, here)
- Pearlized stone statement necklace - $70.80 w/code (outfit: here)
- Tweed clutch - $56.99 w/code (outfit: here)
- Pave cabochon stretch bracelet - $17.70 w/code (outfits: here, here)

Other picks: modern classic skinny hinge bangle ($16.80, reviews say bracelet runs small), Eryn exotic embossed leather kitten heels & Mari d'orsay exotic embossed leather heels ($82.80, love my Zara snakeskin pumps).

Today's outfit is one of those that looked better in real life vs. in photos. I think my chambray shirt has shrunk (a comparison photo from last summer), my legs look short in these white jeans... and so on. Perhaps my vantage point from eye-level gave off the illusion that everything looked proportionate?

I'm keeping things simple today in a classic color palette with a blazer, tee, and jeans. If there is an outfit that is me, this would be it. Have a good Thursday, everyone!

Once again I (subconsciously) turn to the navy blazer + white jeans combo when I want wear a colored top. Case in point: one, two. That's me, a creature of habit.

I've found that accessorizing for cold weather outfits is a bit easier than their warm weather counterparts. Once temperatures dropped, I've hardly reached for my ever-growing jewelry stash because nobody would see them once I'm all bundled up. Instead, I pick and pair from my less extensive scarf collection and three pairs of gloves. My grouchy self sure appreciates the less is more decision making process in the mornings.