TBMD

I've been at my new job for a few days now. Things are going about as well as I could have hoped for. Knock on wood. I was basically thrown into the deep end of the pool from the first day, so there is a lot to learn! Business rules are all brand new as expected. I also get to play with the latest and greatest technology which my inner geek is super excited about. My days are busy, but it's the good kind of busy. I won't lie, a part of me longs for the unproductive days of my sabbatical. I hope in time I'll be able to find some sort of happy medium.

In the meantime, look at me wearing "new" work appropriate outfits! My mind hasn't been completely taken over with work thoughts ;) One aspect that I haven't put much thought into are the accessories. I've been pretty much wearing the same 3 pairs of pumps and carrying the same 3 bags. Even worse, I've only been wearing a fraction of the 9 possible combinations. Blue shoes with a blue (or neutral) bag or in today's case, red shoes with a red tote.

Many words come to mind when asked to describe my style. Simple. Preppy. Casual. Every once in awhile I find myself deviating from the norm. Such is the case today after I fell in love with this darling top. The crochet, fringe, and embroidery detailing gives off that boho vibe, which happens to be the last word that I would use to describe my style. I gave it my best effort with what was available though! Mixed jewelry (nice touch, I think), tote bag and jeans (effortlessly casual?), but the shoes...! Perhaps a bit too formal, but I didn't really think so until long after the fact. For reference, I'm wearing size XXS in the top.

P.S. - A shout-out to Sydney for introducing me to these Express jeans! I've been a LOFT denim girl for many years now, so wasn't really expecting much when I gave these jeans a shot. I like how the length hits me just above the ankles because it's perfect for the warmer months. I may just have to pick up another pair in the regular length! For reference, I'm wearing size 0 in short.

Sale alert: Take 40% off (almost everything) at LOFT (no code needed) + extra 25% off $100+ with code INSIDER357. Total savings would be for either 40% off or 55% off.

Picks (55% off listed first, 40% off listed second in parenthesis):
- Poplin Crop Illusion Dress - $40.28 (or $53.70) - Love the yellow color. Wanted to compare against the AT printed tie-front dress that I'm also eyeing ($89 w/code DRESSFORIT).
- Floral Lace Dress - $53.10 (or $70.80) - I own the version from a few years ago, so am happy to see an old favorite brought back for the second (I think?) year in a row.
- Floral Lace Pencil Skirt - $35.78 (or $47.70) - The skirt version of the dress above. I'm intrigued and wondering if the length is longer on the skirt (fingers crossed).
- Relaxed Skinny Jeans in White - $31.28 (or $41.70) - Would love for this to work out when I need a break from my skintight pair.

Towards the end of my trip abroad, I started to tire of wearing the same ol' outfits day after day. Once I came home, I couldn't wait to wear everything else in my closet, albeit still casually. It took me two weeks, but I finally felt the itch to wear "work" clothes again. Today's outfit isn't new and exciting (muted color palette, favorite trousers), but it felt new to me.