TBMD

I'm nothing if not predictable. The obvious is the blazer and girlfriend jeans combo that is on the verge of uniform territory. But wait! I almost always like to mix in something "new" (Bottega Veneta lookalike clutch) with the "old". Lastly, I wouldn't be me if I didn't look slightly disheveled. Today's perfectly imperfect touch is the messily wrapped scarf sorta tucked into the blazer. It was a bit chilly in the morning, so for once practicality won out.

I've previously mentioned styling struggles when it comes to this top. It took trial and error to find pants that worked with the tad-too-short-top without proportions looking off. To nobody's surprise except mine, I encountered the same issue when trying on skirts. I really wanted to wear a pencil skirt, but anything knee-length just made the outfit look dowdy. The balance looked much better when I went with a shorter skirt -- and dare I say, more youthful? As for the matchy-matchy scallop hems, that can be overlooked because priority for choosing a navy skirt for the color scheme won out.

One of my most (if not the top) pinned outfit on Pinterest is this gray/black/leopard outfit from 4 years! ago. It's a work classic for a reason, given the items can be found in most closets as well as their neutral color palette. So in a trip down memory lane, I decided to re-create the outfit using current pieces I had on hand.

The more things change, the more they remain the same. I swapped out the black pencil skirt for a textured navy one in the same silhouette. As my tastes have matured, out went the oversized watch and in with all the jewels. What has stayed the same? My trusty gray tote that I still love to this day. Oh, and apparently the way I still side-tuck my sweaters.

I still remember the first time I wore this embroidered top. I paired it with white, wide-leg cropped pants and thought I looked so chic because everything was flowy! Upon further inspection, it was just too everything... too white, I looked too rectangular, top was too short, pants were too cropped. The only "too" statement I can make about today's outfit is that it's too casual -- but hey, there's a time and place for that (and it's not always a bad thing). The girlfriend jeans are just loose enough to counterbalance the shorter-than-I-prefer top.

I'm showing my age again as I find myself gravitating towards another "long" dress (especially compared to my last t-shirt dress which was well-above the knee). I previously gushed over the weighted and drapey material and am so happy to find an equivalent fabric in this midi version! I feel like the longer length shows off the fluidity of the fabric even more without hindering movement. This dress is definitely an easy one to toss on and be instant chic. In fact, I feel like I'm not doing the dress justice in these photos -- way over-accessorized!

Sleeveless in the summer?! Yep, your eyes aren't deceiving you. This is such a rarity for me, but sometimes when the humidity is suffocating, there just aren't many ways to stay cool. Note that I'm clutching the jacket on for dear life, ready to be worn the second I step indoors.

Ripped shorts and a top are usually my no-fuss, on-the-go casual outfits for weekends. But sometimes, there is that urge to change things up. So staying true to the same theme, it doesn't get any more low maintenance than tossing on an easy-breezy dress. Boat shoes and a slouchy hobo round out the look. Lastly, I just had to make the outfit somewhat interesting somehow... so on went the cheerful lime bag charm that brings a smile to my face.

This wicker basket elicits comments everywhere I go. Exhibit A: at work. The other week, my manager asked if it was my lunch bag? If it was anyone else (we have a tenuous relationship), I would have LOL at the randomness. Exhibit B: standing at the hostess stand waiting to be seated. An older lady was so happy to share her bargain hunting find, which meant she is now also part of the straw basket club. Now this was a much more pleasant encounter.

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!

I got 4 photos in (translation: one pose with variations of the head tilt) before my camera battery died. D'oh! So sharing 2 photos today is probably overkill, but what the hell... my profile actually looks fairly nice?

For the longest time, I was a firm believer in wearing wide-legged pants that skimmed the floor. Because god forbid I get mistaken for wearing high water pants. (TMI maybe: I would actually Clorox wipe the hem after a day of wearing pants that touched the ground). Perhaps I know my germaphobe tendencies aren't going away any time soon, or simply seeing more catalog models looking amazing in their wide-legged pants that do not fully cover their shoes (shout out to Ann Taylor and J.Crew!) I'm inclined to believe it's the latter. I think the key is to thread that fine line between wearing high enough heels and pants that skim just the top of your foot.

Rounding out the month of April on a high note! 4 posts in the last week, with the majority featuring one of my favorite jackets ever. I don't know how much longer this in-between spring and summer weather is going to last, so just trying to prolong jacket season as long as I can.

When I was putting together today's outfit, I was aiming for classic and understated (in my simpleton mind, that's how I equate neutrals and office appropriate-wear). By the end of the day, I was blown away at how much the caramel-colored wide tortoise belt stole the show. Ladies at work stopped to inquire, and I was only too happy to share it's a recent purchase and still available. Another generalization example: no comments = fly under the radar = understated. How wrong was I?! Time to change this mindset of mine.

I'm so, so behind on blogging it's not even funny. Thank you all who are still hanging around here willing to put up with my sporadic, weekly-at-best posts.

A recurring theme every spring seems to be me subconsciously reaching for feminine pieces from my closet. (I blame it on the blooms, because flowers = pretty). Some years, it's lace. This year, it's pleats. Pretty in pleats was what ran through my mind as I put together today's outfit.

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.