TBMD

Today's outfit -- backpack and all, has been an appropriate reflection of my work life as of late. Long hours (for me), working on multiple projects, fixing production issues, etc. I've been quite the studious worker bee lately, if I do say so myself. I see light at the end of the tunnel though, so here's to getting through the remainder of this week relatively unscathed!

Today's outfit is a contradiction. The weather was freezing, hence the reason I'm wearing an oversized down parka (and gloves to boot). But what's with the bare ankles?! There's no logical explanation other than fashion over function.

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.

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.

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.

Unlike the last outfit (definitely an out-of-the-box experiment), today's look is totally all me -- or rather how I see myself. I'm comfortable, in casual attire, and have mastered the art of mixing high-end with low. When an outfit resonates with you, it's meant to be worn multiple times throughout a season. For me, that means turning regular weekdays into casual Fridays. <Runs and hides from upper management>

After my red rain boots ripped, I didn't rule out Hunter boots completely. I love the light weight of these Tour boots, so figured I would give them one more try. If the new pair also rips, then well, fool me twice shame on me. I thought about getting the same red color again, but decided I liked this mustard yellow just as much. Life is too short for regrets.

Around this time last year, I switched jobs to one where I took the Metro every day. I wore heels perhaps 3 times max the few months I was there before an unexpected opportunity came along that I couldn't turn down. Since then, I've been back to driving daily. That meant, hello heels! I felt like a little girl wearing her mom's shoes those first few weeks -- taking baby steps and a bit unsteady on my feet. All these months later, I'm not sure if my heel-wearing skills are what they once were.

I got these Kefee heel inserts recently for my shoes that fit slightly loose, either from leather stretching out over time or just running a tad large. The sandals I'm wearing today are the latter, so I stuck heel inserts underneath my toes and behind my heels. Instead of using 2 separate pieces for each shoe's heel and having to trim the ends, I cut one piece in half. Voila, instant comfort without the wobbliness. Only time will tell how they hold up, but so far so good.

My coworker saw me and said that my outfit gave her flashbacks, in a good way. "Britches [of Georgetowne] polos?" At my blank look, she explained that the polos were huge in the 80s with the warthog logo. I also popped my collar just like they did back then, lol. They would "pin and tuck" their jeans (because skinny jeans were not in) and finish the look with boat shoes. It was so cute to see her so excited as she reminisced.