Flair for the Dramatic

Sunday, April 29, 2018

I call this my "eating well at the buffet" dress due to its voluminous skirt that has enough fabric to hide anything you can imagine really. I'm all talk because I haven't actually worn it on a test run... =/ My eating skills aren't what they used to be, unfortunately. Darn you metabolism and old age.

navy tweed draped jacket, striped ruffle midi dress, blue tote, embellished sandals with pearls
navy tweed draped jacket, striped ruffle midi dress, blue tote, rose gold jewelry
navy tweed draped jacket, striped ruffle midi dress, blue tote, embellished sandals with pearls
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - 50% off w/code MAINSQUEEZE; similar - 46% off + free shipping w/code HOORAY)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
jacket: LOFT (similar - extra 50% off w/code MAINSQUEEZE; similar - on sale)
dress: MSGM striped cotton dress (similar; similar; similar)
bracelet: Tory Burch (similar; similar)
ring: Etsy milegem morganite ring (sold here)
bag: Burberry small Banner in ink blue (this season's sold here; similar)
nail polish on toes: ILNP Juliette (sold here)
shoes: Tory Burch Tatiana slide - sz 6.5 (this season's sold at Nordstrom / TB / Saks)

Fringe & Tweed

Thursday, April 26, 2018

I walked around all day in the office with my jacket on *insert upside-down face emoji* -- all because I thought for sure it's short-sleeve weather. This sweater tee is made of substantial fabric... but the office just needed to be about 5 degrees warmer. Watch me wear this ensemble again next week and be complaining about sweating because we're supposedly heading straight to summer.

beige tweed jacket, fringe sweater tee, marled knit pencil skirt, burgundy tote, gold watch, embellished heels with pearls
beige tweed jacket, fringe sweater tee, marled knit pencil skirt, burgundy tote, gold watch
beige tweed jacket, fringe sweater tee, marled knit pencil skirt, burgundy tote, gold watch, embellished heels with pearls
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - 50% off w/code MAINSQUEEZE; similar - 30% off)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
jacket: Zara textured tweed frock coat (this season's sold here)
top: Ann Taylor fringe sweater tee - sz XS (sold here - $40 w/code MAINSQUEEZE)
ring: Etsy milegem morganite ring (sold here)
watch: Olivia Burton watch, 30mm in gold - removed 3 links (similar - 45% off; similar)
phone case: Apple smart battery case (sold here)
skirt: Ann Taylor marled knit pencil skirt - sz 0 ($30 w/code MAINSQUEEZE)
bag: Tory Burch Robinson pebbled square tote (this season's sold here; similar)
nail polish on toes: OPI Sorry I'm Fizzy Today (sold here)
shoes: Tory Burch Tatiana slide - sz 6.5 (this season's sold at Nordstrom / TB / Saks)


"Fancy" White Blazer

Monday, April 23, 2018

My cube-mate is a 20-something guy who wears a blazer to work every day without fail. Blazers over dress shirts, over plaid shirts, over t-shirts. At first I thought he's trying to make a good impression since he's new. Then over time, I changed my tune and figured he must really love them. My thoughts were confirmed when he complimented me on my white blazer. Said it was "so fancy" and now he's looking to add one to his collection. The least expected comments always make my day.

white blazer, gray top with lace, gray skinny jeans, gray tote with suede, pink glitter pumps
white blazer, gray top with lace, gray skinny jeans, gray tote with suede, pink glitter pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar; similar - 40% off w/code BFFS)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
blazer: J.Crew (similar - 40% off w/code BFFS)
top: Gap (similar - on sale; similar - 40% off w/code BFFS)
ring: Etsy milegem morganite ring (sold here)
bracelet: David Yurman cable classics bracelet with pearls and diamonds, 5mm - sz S (sold at DY / Saks / Nordstrom)
phone case: Apple smart battery case (sold here)
jeans: Caslon stretch skinny jeans in grey adoria wash - sz 25 (sold here - 33% off)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (rent; similar; similar)
shoes: Jimmy Choo Romy glittered pumps in tea rose - sz 36 (this season's sold here; similar)


'Tis the Season for Spring Scarves

Friday, April 20, 2018

You know when you have too many clothes when:
   1) you don't even realize an item is "missing"
   2) your closet starts to overflow
   3) you start buying duplicates of something you already own

Luckily #2 and #3 haven't happened... yet?

#1 threw me for a loop recently. This scarf I'm wearing in today's post is one that I thought I reached for often... but apparently not because I looked everywhere before realizing it's in my "dry clean" pile. I'm embarrassed to admit that pile has grown to a small molehill since I haven't made a trip in months. No excuses here; it's pure laziness on my part. I think I just needed the push from the warmer weather recently.

plaid scarf, draped trench coat, gray top with twist hem, white jeans, patterned tote
plaid scarf, draped trench coat, gray top with twist hem, white jeans, patterned tote, pearl embellished sandals
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - 40% off w/code TOPSTORY; similar - 40% off w/code FRIENDS)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: BP. check woven square scarf (similar)
jacket: Chicwish textured belted trench coat - sz S (sold here - 30% off; similar - 40% off)
top: Gibson twist front cozy fleece pullover in lavender - sz XS (sold here; similar - on sale)
bracelet: David Yurman cable classics bracelet with pearls and diamonds, 5mm - sz S (sold at DY / Saks / Nordstrom)
ring: Etsy milegem morganite ring (sold here)
jeans: J.Crew Factory white wash skinny jean with 30" inseam - sz 25 (sold here - on sale)
bag: Goyard Artois MM in black/tan (similar - 30% off)
nail polish on toes: ILNP Juliette (sold here)
shoes: Tory Burch Tatiana slide - sz 6.5 (this season's sold at Nordstrom - 20% off / TB - 20% off w/code SPRING / Saks)


Feels Like Summer

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

This skirt is one of those items that you just don't want to take off. I wore it on back-to-back days last week! That phrase "so comfortable you can sleep in it" is quite fitting... and I would have if not for my aversion of combining my "outside clothes" with my "home clothes".

gray wool baseball cap, dog patterned graphic tee, dark gray draped skirt, beige and gray tote, white embellished slides
gray wool baseball cap, dog patterned graphic tee, dark gray draped skirt, beige and gray tote, white embellished slides, cuff bracelet
hat: Madewell (similar)
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar; similar - 40% off w/code FRIENDS)
top: J.Crew Factory party animals collector t-shirt - sz M (check for re-stock)
bracelet: David Yurman cable classics bracelet with pearls and diamonds, 5mm - sz S (sold at DY / Saks / Nordstrom)
skirt: Zara draped skirt - sz S (sold here; similar - on sale)
bag: Cuyana Le Sud overnight in soft grey/natural (sold here; similar)
shoes: J.Crew (similar; similar)


Gaga for Gingham

Monday, April 16, 2018

Second only to stripes, gingham is right near the top of my all-time favorite patterns. To wear, admire, you name it, I'll want it. So naturally, my eyes bugged out with heart emojis when they saw these blue gingham sandals (currently 50% off + free shipping with code SPRINGTOIT). They are TTS, required no breaking-in, and perfectly comfortable for all-day wear.

PS - Since we're on the topic of Ann Taylor sales, I surprisingly tried and loved these pale yellow Marina wide-leg pants. Size 2P was a tad loose in the waist, so I have 0P on order. The petite length hits me above the ankles just like on the model. I'm already envisioning a pairing of these yellow pants with the gingham sandals...!

Ann Taylor Kinsley gingham bow heeled sandals in vista
gemstone necklace, navy tweed jacket, baby blue peplum top, black jeans, gold watch, gray tote
gemstone necklace, navy tweed jacket, baby blue peplum top, black jeans, gold watch, gray tote, blue gingham bow sandals
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar - 50% off + free shipping w/code SPRINGTOIT; similar - $15)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Banana Republic (similar - on sale; similar - on sale)
jacket: LOFT (similar; similar - on sale)
top: Zara (similar - 30% off; similar - on sale)
ring: Etsy milegem morganite ring (sold here)
watch: Olivia Burton watch, 30mm in gold - removed 3 links (similar - on sale; similar)
jeans: LOFT knit denim leggings (similar - 50% off + free shipping w/code SPRINGTOIT)
bag: Nina Ricci small Marche in gris (rent; similar; similar)
nail polish on toes: ILNP Juliette (sold here)
shoes: Ann Taylor Kinsley gingham bow heeled sandals - sz 6 (sold here - 50% off + free shipping w/code SPRINGTOIT)


Blog Update

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Notice anything new about the blog? (Hint: It's about damn time it started living in present day.) We're talking finally getting a makeover that's befitting of modern devices and browsers -- though I think the blog still looks best on a computer screen (non-mobile, non-tablet). I found a responsive template I liked before tweaking and customizing a few features. I believe everything works now, but let me know if anything looks off. All new posts going forward should look better in comparison to older posts.

TL;DR /end nerd talk

I've been kinda half-assing blog posts for awhile now... just really haven't had the motivation, I guess. But as of late, I think I've found a second wind, hence the blog makeover. For starters, I've been posting outfit photos with an accompanying sentence or two (!) Surprisingly I haven't been shopping all that much (relatively speaking). It's mainly been work that has been keeping me really busy, but is also the reason for this blog's sudden about-face. I've strayed so far from my comfort zone at work -- not really my choice, really, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to take on (and tackle) more challenges. So why not the same for blogging?

First the blog makeover with updated links and pages. Then I decided to start fresh on Instagram with a new handle and clean slate. That's enough changes for the short-term, lol. Fingers crossed that I can keep all this up.

Mad for Midi

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Let me present my favorite new skirt.

I know, this sounds trite -- especially coming from bloggers, who shop more than most and are probably sharing something new every week. But hear me out!

This skirt drapes beautifully and moves like a dream. I already experience slight movement issues in pencil skirts that hit at the knees or above, so anything longer would be almost impossible to walk in unless I take teeny tiny steps. I had no such issues with this skirt because of the high slit. Showing too much leg? Simply shift the waistband a bit to the right. If there's still paranoia, wearing biker-like Spandex shorts is always an option.

After finishing this spiel, I have to revise my first comment. Not only is this my favorite new skirt, I felt amazing in this outfit. It will definitely be in the weekly rotation until sweaters become unbearable.

gold link pave necklace, camel cashmere sweater, dark gray draped midi skirt, gold watch, monogrammed tote, nude sandals
gold link pave necklace, camel cashmere sweater, dark gray draped midi skirt, gold watch, monogrammed tote, nude sandals
gold link pave necklace, camel cashmere sweater, dark gray draped midi skirt, gold watch, monogrammed tote, nude sandals
sunglasses: Ann Taylor (similar; similar - $15)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Ann Taylor (similar; similar)
sweater: J.Crew Factory cashmere sweater in wheat - sz S (sold here - on sale; similar)
watch: Olivia Burton midi dial bracelet watch, 30mm in gold - removed 3 links (similar - on sale; similar)
phone case: Apple smart battery case (sold here)
skirt: Zara draped skirt in dark anthracite - sz S (sold here; similar - on sale)
bag: Goyard Artois MM in black/tan (similar)
shoes: Express low heeled sandals - sz 6 (sold here; similar)

Blooms

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

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?

faux fur scarf, navy blazer, blue striped shirt, gray skinny jeans, navy tote, burgundy pumps
gemstone necklace, faux fur scarf, navy blazer, blue striped shirt, gray skinny jeans, navy tote
faux fur scarf, navy blazer, blue striped shirt, gray skinny jeans, navy tote, burgundy pumps
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Lakeside sunglasses (similar - 40% off w/code STEPTOIT; similar - 50% off)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Ann Taylor faux fur scarf (similar; similar - on sale)
necklace: Banana Republic Montana heirloom necklace (similar - on sale)
blazer: theory Bindi tailored blazer (similar; similar)
top: Ann Taylor striped ruffle neck blouse (similar - on sale)
ring: Etsy milegem morganite ring (sold here)
phone case: Apple smart battery case (sold here)
jeans: Caslon stretch skinny jeans in grey adoria wash - sz 25 (sold here - 33% off)
bag: Burberry small Banner in ink blue (sold here; similar)
shoes: Kate Spade Jess pumps (similar; similar)

Transitional Weather: Layered

Friday, April 06, 2018

Layers. Love them. They add so much interest to the eye. Today's look is all about layers in transitional weather. Including the scarf, I'm counting four layers of solids and patterns -- some shorter, others more visible, but that's of the fun of mixing and matching.

striped scarf, gray oversized open cardigan sweater, blue striped shirt, gray dress, printed tote, suede ankle boots
striped scarf, gray oversized open cardigan sweater, blue striped shirt, gray dress, printed tote
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Lakeside sunglasses (similar - 50% off w/code REFRESH; similar - $15)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: c/o Everlane the cashmere scarf (sold here)
sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch (similar)
shirt: Banana Republic Dillon-fit vertical stripe shirt (this season's sold here)
dress: Gap (similar - on sale; similar)
bracelet: David Yurman cable classics bracelet with pearls and diamonds, 5mm - sz S (sold at DY / Saks / Nordstrom)
ring: Etsy milegem morganite ring (sold here)
phone case: Apple smart battery case (sold here)
bag: Goyard Artois MM in black/tan (similar)
boots: Madewell the Brenner boot in suede in mink - sz 6.5 (sold here - on sale)

Classic with a Twist

Monday, April 02, 2018

Today's outfit consists of taking a typical classic winter look (wool coat + suede boots) and adding a fun twist with accessories. Who says winter has to be dreary and boring?

gray baseball cap, wool trench coat, black crossbody bag, skinny jeans, gray suede over the knee boots
gray baseball cap, wool trench coat, black crossbody bag, skinny jeans, gray suede over the knee boots
hat: Madewell wool-blend baseball cap (sold here - on sale)
sunglasses: Ann Taylor Lakeside sunglasses (similar - 50% off w/code YESPLEASE; similar - 50% off w/code SPRING)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Banana Republic (similar)
coat: Burberry Brit Daylesmoore (this season's sold here; similar - on sale)
phone case: Apple smart battery case (sold here)
jeans: LOFT knit denim leggings (similar - 50% off w/code YESPLEASE)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (pre-owned; similar)
boots: Stuart Weitzman Lowland over the knee boots in londra - TTS, sz 6 (sold at Nordstrom / Shopbop / Bloomingdale's / Zappos)

30 for 30 abercrombie abercrombie & fitch accessories adidas adrienne vittadini agnes b alejandro ingelmo alexandre birman ali ro alternative apparel american eagle amrita singh ann taylor anthropologie apple aqua armani exchange articles of society asos award bag balenciaga banana republic barbour bath and body works bcbg bcbgirls beauty bebe bensoni biltmore for madewell blank nyc blog every day bloggers do it better bois du boulogne bp. brian nagourney burberry by malene birger c. wonder c/meo collective canada goose cara accessories carlos by carlos santana carolina bucci cartonnier caslon casual cb2 celebrities celine chanel chantecaille chelsea28 chicwish china glaze chloe christian louboutin citrus clothing clu too club monaco coach coffee shop cole haan collection collection 18 color brigade columbia crate & barrel crewcuts cuyana cynthia rowley david yurman dc deborah lippmann decor delman disney couture diy dogeared dressy dsquared2 ebay elizabeth and james elleme equipment esprit etsy everlane express featured fendi forever 21 frank & eileen free people gap gara danielle gibson giles & brother giveaway gorjana goyard grace gift gucci h&m halogen halogen x atlantic-pacific halston heritage haul hearth & hand heirloom finds hollister how to hue hunter ikea ilnp in real life inspired by iris & ink isabel marant ivanka trump j.crew jennifer chamandi jenny yuen jewelry jimmy choo john hardy jones new york joules julie vos kate spade kristin coffin l'oreal lanvin lanvin x h&m lesportsac levi's loeffler randall loft longchamp look for less looks like summer lord & taylor lou & grey love 21 lucy m.gemi mac macy's madewell maje make make up for ever manolo blahnik marc jacobs mary katrantzou massimo dutti maybelline mercedes-benz merona michael michael kors misc miu miu mlb modcloth mossimo moulinette soeurs msgm mvmt nadri new balance new balance for j.crew nike nina ricci nine west nordstrom north face nyc nyc new york color nyx old navy olivia burton opi oscar de la renta pfc pierrepont hicks piperlime plastic island pleione polene polo prabal gurung at j.crew proenza schouler ralph lauren ramblings raphaella booz reader mail rebecca minkoff red valentino reed wilson design review revlon river island robert rodriguez ross-simons rsvp saint james saint laurent sales sally hansen sam edelman schutz shashi shinhwa shoes shopbop shopping shopstyle simply vera vera wang sinful colors professional soia & kyo sole society sony sorel sorel for j.crew sperry sponsor spotted moth stella mccartney stephanie b strathberry stuart weitzman style file superdry t3 tadashi shoji tagged talbots target the container store the horse the limited theory tips & tricks too faced topshop tory burch tous colors toys travels ugg uniqlo uniqueen unknown valentino veque for j.crew vera bradley via spiga victoria's secret vince vince camuto vineyard vines walmart ways to wear west elm white house black market wishlist work xhilaration xoxo yearly summary ysl zac posen for target zara zella