TBMD

What's my excuse for the latest mini-blogging hiatus? I've been completely immersed in the Nats' post-season run the last few weeks. Staying up late to catch games in their entirety plus all the post-game shenanigans has me walking around like a zombie at work and guzzling coffee like it's my only source of nutrient. You know what though? It's all been so worth it. 2019 has the makings of the greatest sporting year of my life, first with my beloved Hoos winning their first ever NCAA basketball championship... and now, the Nats 2 games away from their first ever World Series? Pinch me, I must be dreaming. #FINISHTHEFIGHT

Usually by this time of the year, I would have already jumped the gun and busted out my fall jackets. Multiple times. Sweating just a tad in the early stages of fall while sipping a pumpkin spice latte is like a rite of passage. Nope, not this year. I waited until I absolutely had to without jeopardizing my health. True to form though, once I'm in, I'm in. There's no such thing as going overboard with all the fall accessories -- scarf, suede (love this bag, btw! drapes so well), and of course bare legs while I'm bundled up like an eskimo on the top half. Welcome to fall and happy layering, everyone!

Never in my life have I worn a pair of jeans that fit perfectly off the rack without any (faux or real) alterations whatsoever. Until today! Boyfriend jeans don't count because they're meant to be baggy. In the past, I always got the length hemmed or simply folded any excess fabric over/under to shorten the hem. Most of the time, the fit is fine around the waist and hips. The minute I tried on these J.Crew jeans, I finally understood why women rush out to stock up once they've found their holy grail of jeans. Nothing makes you feel more confident than a pair of perfectly-fitting jeans. This was also the first time I tried high-waisted jeans, and... I'm smacking myself for dismissing them in favor of low-waisted jeans for years. But, better late than never, right?

As summer is winding down around us, I'm trying to not get ahead of myself. Just living in the moment, enjoying wearing summer pieces a few last times, sipping iced cold drinks, and even not complaining about the humidity (ha!) Fall will be upon us soon enough and there will be plenty of time to wear layers then.

Details are what makes an outfit fun. The striped top and cap-toe shoes are bold and bright. Upon closer inspection, what I really love are the pom poms and twilly scarf. The pom poms came with the top, so it's not like I spent painstaking time sewing each one on. But the twilly scarf tied around the purse handle? Definitely an amateur job as I started over like five times... and parts still ended up lumpy. I really love how a patterned scarf easily tones down the formal-ness of the purse. Practice makes perfect, and I will be trying this look on other purses!

The longer I stare at today's outfit, the more I'm getting flight attendant vibes. The brooch can be mistaken for an airline pin. The knotted cardigan sweater taking the place of a neck scarf. The dark pencil skirt certainly is uniform-like. I suppose all I'm missing is a dark blazer? It's funny how inspiration can be drawn from anywhere... and if I'm smart, I will heed the universe telling me to stop working so damn much and please take a relaxing vacation, preferably by plane to a destination far away.

Up until today, I've lived by the motto: scarves in the winter are for warmth; scarves in the summer are purely decorative. Boy, was I wrong. I literally discovered Starbucks' London Fog Tea Latte yesterday, so decided the trek to Farbucks today (what everyone at my work calls the "far" Starbucks, ~0.5 miles away) was worth it in this sweltering humidity all for an iced cold, delicious drink that reminds me a bit of milk tea. What I didn't count on was how much of a sweaty mess my "purely decorative" scarf made me (and especially my neck). Once I made it back to my building, I'm sure I looked like a lunatic experiencing AC for the first time in my life.

Third time's the charm as I finally wore this linen sheath dress as it was intended -- with the accompanying belt. (See previous outfits here, here). I gotta say, the designers were onto something. The fabric belt is the right width and has enough give that the bottom of the dress flared out nicely. I felt quite ladylike. There's nothing wrong with experimentation, but my track record is certainly one of an amateur. Never doubt the professionals.

Continuing the sleeveless trend that I've been sporting this summer (exhibits: A, B), today's outfit is probably more late-summer appropriate as we transition into fall. I happen to snag this sleeveless tunic on super sale recently, and of course, had to wear it immediately, lest I forget all about it. The last time I bought an out-of-season item, I only recently unearthed it from the back of my closet. Sigh. So, here's an outfit that will take me from summer to fall. Then when the weather cools considerably, the tunic can still be worn layered over a crisp white button-up shirt.

I'm embracing this recent heatwave by stepping out of my comfort zone completely. Talk about lots of skin baring (for me!) in a sleeveless top and cropped pants. I chose thin fabrics that are loose but yet still fitted. (Side tangent: the pants are unlined and a tad itchy, so even in this heat, I wish there was an extra layer). I stuck to a neutral palette because... well, the cropped pants already kind of stand out at the office. Of course, a cardigan (in white) is tucked away in my bag for when indoor temps become unbearable.

When you're having a great hair day (trust me, this is a rarity for me, and my standards are so very low), it's okay if the outfit isn't 100% on point. The tweed blazer is just a bit too long with the dress (see last photo), and perhaps a bit heavy for summer. It was actually on back-order for awhile, but instead of waiting patiently to wear it during appropriate weather, I just had to take it out for instant gratification. When I tried it at home, the tweed blazer fits and looks amazing buttoned with girlfriend jeans. Outfit to come this fall!