TBMD

A month ago, I wore this top and skirt combo with "summer" accessories. As the seasons change, so do the accessories. I probably went a bit overboard piling on all the cognac colors from my closet, but really, who can resist this warm brown color? It's gorgeous and such a great transition color for fall. Not to mention, it pairs wonderfully with navy and white. So, bring on all the cognac!

A quick preface before diving into today's post: there will be lots of fangirling ahead. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I have a handful of favorite brands that I constantly browse for new releases and styling ideas. I'd say I'm an equal opportunist shopper. Sure I go through phases where I'll buy from one more than the others, but never for a prolonged period of time. This year was a game changer for me. Ever since the Fall/Winter 2019 shows back in February earlier this year, Tory Burch has been it for me. I completely fell for the Lee Radziwill soft deconstructed bag on the runway (see how it slouches so beautifully?) and have been chomping at the bits for its release. Now that different colorways are slowly trickling out, I'm having a hard time picking just one. I am leaning more towards a suede version because the slouchy look should be easier to achieve than a leather version. Then there is the dilemma of plaid pattern or solid colors? Decisions, decisions.

The last couple months saw me make multiple purchases from their Spring/Summer collection -- shoes (like the ones in today's outfit), watches (yes, plural), and peasant top. I feel like I've been wearing at least one Tory Burch item every single day for the past few weeks, without stoppage any time soon.

The Lee Radziwill bag may be at the top of my wishlist, but there are several others that I'm holding out for to go on sale in the near future: yellow bucket bag, colorblock ponte dress, wool scarf, another pair of Penelope shoes. Oh who am I kidding. Just take all my money now, Tory Burch.

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.

Hello again! I took a mini hiatus to spend time with family, but am now back on the wagon with blogging. Hopefully I can keep it up without too many work distractions ;)

Today's outfit is from... oh gosh, perhaps early August?! I'd describe it as a little business mixed with a whole lotta casual. I see women all.the.time pulling off chic looks with white sneakers (and not just for commuting purposes either). I think choosing the right type of sneakers is essential -- too clunky and they just end up looking like clown shoes; too worn and they ruin the whole look. The pair I'm wearing skews more towards the clunky side. I have fairly small feet for my height and they do not look dainty in these shoes at all (especially standing still). The crisp white leather is perfection though. And the touch of blue stripes at the heel? Love.

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!

With skirts that fall past the knee, I typically try to balance out the proportions by wearing a top that is tucked in (see exhibits: one, two, three, four). For today's outfit, I experimented with a slightly oversized, and definitely long-ish, double-breasted blazer. It took a few minutes for my eyes to get adjusted to the "stumpy" bottom half. But once it did, this look isn't half bad! What say you -- stick with tucked-in tops or keep the experiments coming?

Off the top of my head, there's nothing more spring-like than a wicker basket. The sight of one immediately conjures up picnics under a gigantic tree, or a lazy afternoon frolicking through the flower fields (making mental notes and adding both to my bucket list!) Though not very practical (perhaps only a bit more so than an evening clutch), I do love their whimsical nature. The easiest way to style wicker baskets is to pair them with feminine pieces (lace, frills, floral prints), light colors (white, pastels), and/or with warm temperature fabrics and textures (silk, linen, light cotton). I cannot wait to wear mine all throughout the spring and summer months. Yay or nay -- are you a fan of wicker baskets?

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.

A neutral outfit doesn't have to be boring. I love mixing in textures (calf hair pumps), prints (when in doubt, leopard), varying metals (see closeup shot of jewelry below), proportions (short trench, longer peplum top), and finally, a subtle pop of color that is bottle green. There are so many details to draw the eye, but yet, the overall effect is quite cohesive.

I suppose my practical nature is the reason I'm a sucker for versatile pieces. Officially named a "neck warmer" (love the term), this piece of cold-weather accessory doubles as an infinity scarf, a shawl, or even a half-blanket when the occasion calls for it. I like how it's not quite symmetrical with a small slit up one side. I'm right-handed, so that's the side I prefer to have more "arm room," but in actuality, I'm wearing it backwards.

Leaves haven't changed colors yet, but the crisp air sure is signaling fall. For today's transitional outfit, I paired fun neutrals with a relaxed, but modern silhouette of peplum top with girlfriend jeans. Can never go wrong with classic and comfortable!

After a week of rain and clouds, this weekend has been full of beautiful weather. It's a welcome change and one I'm definitely taking advantage of. So, putting on my comfiest weekend clothes and I'm off again.