TBMD

I feel like my style has been all over the place this year. There's been a decent number of experiments (some good, others ehh), bold color choices, some arm-baring, just to name a few. For today's look, I'm doing a 180 and going back to my roots. Is there anything more classically summer than crisp whites with stripes? I think not. (I resisted the urge to carry the trendy wicker basket, but couldn't help but accessorize with the quirky lime coin purse).

Today's outfit is not quite the segue to a long weekend. I meant to post earlier in the week, but that pesky thing called work got in the way. Anyhoo... the last (and first!) time I wore this blazer buttoned up as a top, I loved the way it looked more and more throughout the day. So, the experimental train continues with a more casual look today in girlfriend jeans. Have a great long weekend for those who are off!

When I first put this outfit on, I was thinking the peplum top looked long in proportion to the pencil skirt. Enough so that I was wondering if I should buy another top in petite sizing and save the current one to be worn with pants. Is that crazy talk?! But now that I'm looking at these photos, the proportion doesn't look off like it did earlier in the day... probably due to the lowered position of the camera vs. at eye level. So basically, this outfit looks best to kids.

I've really enjoyed seeing others wear off the shoulder tops, but have yet to find one that looks semi-decent on me. The ones I've tried on usually had a combination of issues: elastic neckline was too loose or too tight, fabric didn't drape right across the chest, and/or the sleeves were puffy and unflattering.

Until now. The small floral print was what initially caught my eye. Then my excitement waned somewhat upon noticing the off the shoulder style. But I figured, what the hell, if there is even a small chance of being able to kill two birds with one stone, then it's worth a try.

The elastic neckline ended up being the perfect stretchiness. I actually think the floral print did double duty -- it's gorgeous, and the "busy-ness" actually hides the elastic threading more so than a solid colored top.

After I finished trying on the top as it was advertised (off the shoulder), I realized there are two other ways I could wear this top! Bateau style which I've loved seeing on Meghan Markle (ie: one, two, three) and what ended up being my favorite, one-shoulder. My excitement knows no bounds, so this top will be on the short list for the rest of the summer.

Today, I'm wearing a peplum top tucked into a high-waisted skirt. I think the proportions worked out well enough, though the outfit was a bit high maintenance. I found myself continually looking down and adjusting some fabric here and there so the peplum part stayed put. I do not look good when I wear tops that are completely tucked in, hence the need for half/semi tucks.

Today's look is inspired by the French soccer team. I think they have the best jerseys kit (that is the correct term, right? soccer noob here) of all the teams at the World Cup -- classy in both style and colors (examples: one, two). Of course, the outfit wouldn't be complete without accessorizing with a scarf somehow.

The last time I wore this exact outfit, I accessorized with all neutrals in the beige/tan/brown family. This time around, I went a little riskier and chose pastels. Give me a few more weeks and I may go off the deep end and re-appear with neons.