TBMD

The newest installment (previously: reds, yellow/black) in this accessorizing-the-tweed-dress series features blues and neutral snakeskin. I was originally going for a cool color palette, but the gold hardware on my bag couldn't be helped. Aside from that minor blip, I'm glad for the reminder that I need to dust off older pieces more often and stop being continuously enamored with new items.

I'm letting multiple photos speak for themselves today. Have a good weekend, everyone!

Back in 2010, I posted about my then-collection of 7 bags. Fast forward three years to present day and my love for bags has not waned. During this time, I've sold some, donated others, bought more, and now am the happy owner of 11 bags in my possession. At around the #8 mark, I told myself to employ a one-in-and-one-out rule to keep my materialistic side in check. Umm... yeah, so much for that. My willpower was no match for my greediness.

I thought it'd be fun to do a bag collection update. I'll also take this opportunity to reflect on shopping lessons learned, regrets, and share any other thoughts in general. Here we go...

1) Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote (c. 2013, paid $154 / buy at Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, NM) - I don't know how I've lived without a large, dark-colored throw-around bag before this year. It easily tops my bag list and is the one I reach for the most often. I should've known an ubiquitous bag like the Le Pliage is popular for a reason! I could've waited for a F&F 20-25% sale, but was impatient and paid full price instead. No biggie. I've made up for the lost savings in the number of uses since.

2) Longchamp LM Metal Medium Tote (c. 2011, paid $108 / buy at Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Selfridges, Saks) - I'm normally not a fan of bags with signature logos plastered all over, but figured Longchamp's horse and rider isn't as well-known (not sure if my perception is accurate or delusional?) I used to reach for this white tote more often, but ever since the black Le Pliage was added into the rotation, this one has been mainly relegated to pairings with preppy-casual outfits. I can't definitively comment on my bag's condition without seeing it next to a brand new version. But from my observations, it looks like there's been minimal creasing on the canvas, the corners have held up well, the silver handles haven't lost luster, but the white color has most likely yellowed over time. This is after two years of abuse in all types of weather and travel conditions.

3) Jenny Yuen Cleo (c. 2008, paid $65) - This bag was bought during a phase where I snubbed all the "popular" brands in favor of up-and-comers or brands that flew under the radar instead. Ha! How times have changed (ahem Longchamp, Chanel). The clutch is actually quite roomy and fits all the essentials. I just don't use it as often because of the metallic pink color -- which I love but is just harder to pair with outfits.

4) Marc Jacobs Large Single (c. 2012, gift from aunt / buy at Nordstrom) - Before receiving this bag as a wedding gift from one of my aunts, I was actually considering the MJ small single (eventually bought the Chanel Camellia WOC instead). My aunt and SIL (whose help was enlisted to pick out the color) must've been reading my mind with this choice. I've still yet to figure out how they sensed that I'd prefer a bag over jewelry (which is what everyone else gave).

5) Chanel M/L Classic Flap (c. 2010, paid $2730 / buy pre-owned at Vestiaire) - Hindsight is 20/20 and I'm so glad I bought my flap when I did (1-2 weeks prior to prices increasing from $2600 to $3400). I regret not giving the reissue more consideration because the longer strap can double as a crossbody bag. At the time, I was worried that the all-metal chain on the reissue would pose a problem on hot summer days against bare skin. LOL at me. Most recently, I've briefly considered selling my classic flap to buy a Boy flap, which may suit my casual lifestyle better (and can be worn crossbody!), but I don't think I can bring myself to pay the price difference.

6) H&M Snakeskin Envelope Clutch (c. 2011, paid $19) - This bag is the least functional due to its flat shape and envelope style. I really can only fit my keys and a few credit cards (forget about my phone, iPod) before the clasp wouldn't snap shut. Sometimes an outfit just calls for a smaller brown bag, so that's when I'd use this clutch. It actually doubles as a crossbody, so that's another plus. I think eventually I'd want to replace this with a similar sized brown bag that has more depth.

7) Chanel Camellia WOC (c. 2012, paid $1785 / buy pre-owned at Vestiaire) - I seriously thought my black flap would be my one and only Chanel. Riiiiight, who're you trying to fool? I've expressed the exact thoughts when others tell me they'll stop once they own just one Chanel. Now I'm the recipient of my own snarky thoughts, so laugh away! This bag fills my bright and feminine bag void due to the color and camellia embossing. The only regret is with the Chanel brand and their yearly price increases. If only I had bought it earlier when prices were lower. Should've, could've, would've...

8) Sole Society Shay Textured Vegan Satchel (c. 2013, paid $47 / buy here) - My newest addition to the bag family (literally a few days old), so I don't have many comments thus far. I bought it to replace my H&M bag because this one is more structured and less pink in color. It also comes with an adjustable shoulder/crossbody strap (not shown in photo above).

9) agnes b Nylon Tote (c. 2005, gift from cousin) - I've admitted to myself that the only reason I still have this bag is due to sentimental reasons. The fact that it was my first "adult" bag and a gift makes it twice as hard to let go. In all honesty, this bag is sorta redundant now that I own the black Le Pliage, which is roomier and the longer handles make it easier to throw over (and stay on) the shoulder.

10) Ann Taylor Tweed Clutch (c. 2013, paid $68 / buy here) - The second-most recent acquisition, so I don't have a whole lot of thoughts on this clutch yet either. Bigger than typical minaudieres I've seen, I love how the size fits all the essentials, plus shows off the pretty (and semi-sparkly) tweed pattern. So far, I've only used the clutch with casual outfits, but can see this tweed pattern pairing well with dressy outfits as well.

11) Balenciaga City (c. 2009, paid $1152 / buy at NM, Barneys) - This bag was my first foray into the designer bag realm. You know that saying, once you go designer, you can't go back? Well, I was afraid that would happen to me, but thank goodness, it hasn't (knock on wood). Of all my bags, if there is one that needs to be babied, this would be it. The lambskin leather plus light color have potential disaster written all over it if not treated with care. I don't handle this bag like fragile china, but nor do I toss it around like my nylon bags. After three years of use, the corners and handles are showing wear and tear as well as denim color transfer. I personally think that fits with the bag's casual moto style and adds "character" rather than detracts.

Looking over my entire collection as a whole, it's easy to see what types of bags work for me, and the ones that don't. Satchels with only top handles are not my friend. I need the option of a long shoulder strap. I value versatility -- the more ways to wear a bag, the better. I gravitate towards bigger bags in neutral colors, and save the fun colors/patterns for smaller bags.

In the back of my mind, I've always known the ballpark figure of what I've spent on this bag "hobby" of mine. I've just never actually totaled up the cost... until now. $6,128. Yikes! Well, I'll just hope my "shoe collection" never gets to this point ;)

Whew, that was long-winded. Thanks for reading!

I picked up this shawl-style open cardigan over Labor Day weekend to fill my void of a cozy sweater. It was an essential travel item when I visited San Francisco a few weeks ago (see photo montages from SPG and Jean) -- practically wore it everyday! -- but haven't had many other opportunities to wear the sweater due to the warm weather here in DC. If there's a silly thing I'm impatient about, it's buying out-of-season clothing while waiting for the appropriate season to roll around.

Today's look is yet another office appropriate outfit. That increases the tally for this week to a whopping two (a first for me in a long time). No worries, I'll be back to wearing casual outfits the rest of my weekend... which starts now.

I figured the navy stripes on my top would be dark enough that I can get away with wearing black pumps. But whether due to the lighting or the blue bag (or a combination of both), the black pumps turned out to be such a glaring contrast in photos. Perhaps I should've worn another neutral color instead? Nude pumps? Snakeskin pumps?

As expected by now, a week can't go by without another maxi dress outfit ;)

In the past week of blogging, I'm 4-for-5 when it came to wearing stripes. It was completely unplanned, which goes to show how many striped items I actually own. Move over gingham, there's a new obsession in town.

Have a good Monday, everyone!

Sale alert: At J.Crew, take an extra 40% off final sale items + free shipping on every order with code STYLE40. Today only.

Also, at Ann Taylor, take an extra 60% off sale items. No code needed, ends tonight.

Lastly, at Gap, take 30% off regular-priced + extra 35% off sale items with code GAPSHOP. Today only.

I keep about ten pairs of shoes within easy reach for everyday wear. The rest are stored in shoeboxes on the top shelf in my closet. One of which are these hot pink heels. Since they require me to stand on a chair to reach the top shelf, my lazy self doesn't wear them as often as I'd like. I had taken them down earlier to wear to an event, so I figured I'd wear them as much as possible before they're never to be seen again for months.

Have a good Wednesday, everyone!

Sale alert: (Updated) At Forever 21, free shipping on $21+ purchases through 7/21 with code FREESHIP21.

Today only at LOFT, take 50% off everything with code TODAY50.
- Cotton shorts with 4" inseam - $19.75 with code (I'm wearing 00R - TTS / outfit below)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $12.50 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - TTS / outfits: here, here)

Also, at Ann Taylor: take 40% off entire purchase with code FASHION40.
- Balcony shirtdress - $65.99 with code (see review/outfit)

With summer humidity in full swing, I turned yet again to a favorite color scheme of mine, the all-white ensemble. The lighter colors really do help me stay cooler longer. For added interest, I accessorized with blue accessories.

Both outfits today feature the navy circle skirt that has been in constant rotation as of late. After wearing the skirt with fitted tops early on, I've been experimenting more with looser blouses in fun prints. I'm loving all these various combinations.

Have a good Wednesday, everyone!

Sale alert at Neiman Marcus: Earn up to a $500 gift card with select regular-priced purchases of $200+. Use code MAYGC through tomorrow 5/16. Should be able to stack MAYFS on top to waive shipping.

Gift card events are a great time to purchase items that generally won't go on sale, like:
- Valentino Rockstud sandals - $945 in poudre, black (see review)
- Balenciaga City - $1545 in gris tarmac (similar to my 09 galet) or other Balenciaga styles

Items that are eligible for % off sales from time to time, but if you missed out or no longer want to wait:
- Burberry Marystow trench - $1095 in trench, black (I'm wearing sz 2 - see outfits)
- Marc Jacobs large Single - $675 in black/nickel (see bag below, also outfits with bag)

Day 15, Wednesday: A day in the life (include photos from throughout your typical day - this could be "a photo an hour" if you'd like)

A day in the life of a code monkey/blogger goes something like this:
1st row [from left -> right]:
- Coffee to start the day.
- A 30 minute commute to work.
- A quick stop for blog photos. Just me, my tripod, and wildlife.

2nd row [from left -> right]:
- The blank spot represents the hours I spend at work. Sorry, no photos because all I do is stare at a computer for 9-10 hours a day until lines of code start blurring with one another.
- Happy hour at Starbucks!
- Enjoying the nice weather on my commute home from work. When I bought my car a few years back, my only requirements were a sunroof and audio controls on the steering wheel. Both have been worth the money and then some.

3rd row [from left -> right]:
- My little corner in the home where I can sit for hours reading on my iPad. iPad + Kindle app = greatest invention ever.
- Blogging consists of downloading photos once I have a couple sets, making color adjustments in Photoshop, and writing up posts.
- Asian grass jelly drink to end the day. In conclusion, I've realize I drink a lot in a day, a lot of sugar that is.

The outfit of the day:

Spring means I can finally dust off the cobwebs from my linen pants. They're the only white pants I own, so until I find the perfect pair of white jeans, these will be on constant repeat.

I bought this pair of electric blue tights a few years back when I was going through a rather colorful phase. Even now, I'm still surprised to see that I own something so bold. Bright tights are a statement piece, one that's already pushed me to my adventurous limit, so I kept the rest of the outfit as neutral as possible. One could argue dark colors just make the blue tights stand out more; I say neutrals make the outfit more wearable.

With spring around the corner, I'm cleaning my closet to make room for new items. I've been figuring out what to keep, to throw out (hole-y pj bottoms from high school), and to donate. When I lived at my parents', Purple Heart would periodically leave donation bags in the mailbox for pickup service. It was easy and convenient. I haven't seen this at my new residence, so I'm thinking of dropping things off at a local Goodwill. What's your preferred method to donate clothing?

I have a soft spot for navy and orange because they're my alma mater's colors. There hasn't been much to cheer about recently, until I realized we have a shot at making the annual basketball tournament! Yes, a shot (not even a guarantee) is reason enough to show some school pride. A win tonight against #2 Miami would go a long way to beefing up the resume. Let's go 'Hoos!

Also see Wendy in a navy lace top with orange.

I was watching CBS' Super Bowl pregame show over the weekend and couldn't help but notice how stylish Clay Matthews looked in his three-piece suit (not that he needs any help looking good). I searched but can't find a photo online. His vest looked to be cut lower, so it framed his jacket evenly when buttoned. I used that as the source of inspiration for today's outfit. I went with a menswear theme and buttoned the top button of my cardigan to mimic the "vest." To tip the scales back towards the feminine side a bit, I chose a high-neck lace top.

Today's outfit features a silk shift dress winterized with a turtleneck, tights, and suede booties (a photo sans jacket can be found here). The dress has navy stripes, so I debated whether to go with black or navy colored tights. I ended up picking black tights because it blends in with the black suede booties for a leg-lengthening look. I suppose in poor lighting conditions (like when this photo was taken) either color would've worked.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

I turned to my friend-with-considerable-knowledge-and-many-talents Elle, seeking advice* on when the best time to buy the navy J.Crew Majesty peacoat (that I can't stop thinking about) at a "reasonable" price. Turns out, I missed two opportunities to buy at ~$140 with a stackable code on top of a sale by mere days #storyofmylife A few days later, Elle calls to say she found one in my size at a J.Crew sample sale for $105. I can not thank her enough for always thinking of me. Much, much, much appreciated!

*Her advice: $140 is about as low as it goes for popular colors. If supplies last, the coat will eventually be marked down to the $70 range, but colors/sizes will be limited.