Pink / Orange

Monday, June 30, 2014

Happy Monday! Cheers to a short work week and a long weekend to look forward to!

light pink scarf, white eyelet dress, orange clutch
light pink scarf, white eyelet dress, orange clutch
sunglassese: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
scarf: Ann Taylor eyelet (sold here)
jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch denim (similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Revolve Clothing; similar)
nail polish on toes: Sally Hansen in mellow yellow (sold here, here)
shoes: LOFT Vaughn t-strap sandals (great dupe; similar)

Wildflowers

Friday, June 27, 2014

wildflower dress, orange clutch
I was in London riding the Tube when I saw an extremely petite girl (< 5') board the train wearing a gorgeous floral printed dress. I'd like to think I was being sneaky with my covert glances trying to get a better look, but that's probably because she was too busy concentrating on keeping her balance without holding onto any handrails.

From what I could discern, she was wearing the mini version [left photo below] and it hit her around mid-thigh. Her dress was made of canvas-like material (later learned it was hemp), so the floral print looked like it was painted on. I thought that was so cool and unique. Alas, I knew even if I somehow stumbled across this dress again, it would be much too short on me. My hunch proved to be true when SIL found the mini version when we were in Rome. She's ~5'2" and the dress was borderline indecently short on her. Sigh. The upside was that we now had a brand to go with the dress.
RED Valentino wildflower dress
[left] RED Valentino wildflower mini dress ($297 at Valentino store)
[right] RED Valentino wildflower dress ($238 at BG / $357 at Saks / $357 at Valentino store / $595 at Nordstrom / $595 at Shopbop)

A quick google search on RED Valentino returned a longer dress in the same floral print (!) Unfortunately the longer dress was made of cotton instead of hemp, so the print didn't look painted on. It's still pretty in person, just not as cool looking. The cotton fabric also made a slight swish-ing sound which may bother some.

I first tried on the dress in US 0/IT 38 and found it to be super unflattering. It emphasized my bony torso, so I looked like a long rectangle on top, then all of a sudden, the bottom skirt portion poofed out in an unproportionate way. US 2/IT 40 was looser on me everywhere, so the skirt poofiness didn't look as jarring. SIL (who is shorter and curvier than I am) also tried on both sizes but had the opposite results. The smaller size flattered her curves while the larger size made her look stocky due to its boxiness. I wish we had taken comparison photos because I don't think my descriptions are clear enough at highlighting the differences.
wildflower dress, orange clutch
I ended up buying the dress at Nordstrom because they price matched Bergdorf's sale price. I read online that the policy is to price match on exact items for sizes that are in stock only. I didn't see any more sz 2 left on BG's site, but figured I'd print out a screenshot and try my luck with a SA at a Nordstrom brick-and-mortar store... and it worked!

When I wore the dress out for the first time, I couldn't help but check myself out whenever I passed by a mirror, lol. So vain, right?! I kept glancing at the pretty print, and think I fall a little more in love with it each time. I'll probably have the bust area taken in by a tailor some time down the road; it's only noticeably baggy when I lean forward.

The same floral print is also available in a skirt ($198 at BG / $223 at NM / $297 at Saks / $297 at Valentino store) and shorts ($210 at Valentino store) versions.
open cardigan, wildflower dress, orange clutch
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
cardigan: Alternative Apparel (this season's sold here - on sale)
dress: RED Valentino wildflower (sold at Saks / Valentino / Nordstrom / Shopbop)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Revolve Clothing; similar)
nail polish on toes: Sally Hansen in mellow yellow (sold here, here)
shoes: LOFT Vaughn t-strap sandals (great dupe; similar)

Classic Palette

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Keeping it simple and casual in both color and item choices today. Have a good one!

black faux leather yoke top, white shorts
black faux leather yoke top, white shorts
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (sold here - 50% off)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
shorts: LOFT cotton shorts w/4" inseam (similar - extra 30% off w/code HISUMMER)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (buy pre-owned)
nail polish on toes: Sally Hansen in mellow yellow (sold here, here)
shoes: Old Navy faux-leather capri sandals (sold here - 20% off w/code SAVE)

Green / Navy / Orange

Monday, June 23, 2014

I've been watching so much soccer since the World Cup started. For sports I don't care about, I go from being a non-existent fan to a fair-weather fan only during major international tournaments. This year for some reason, I've become so invested, so much so that I'm now one of those crazies who scream when things go right and shout at the TV when things don't. It's only fitting that today's outfit (somewhat) mirrors the colorful World Cup logo.

navy/green striped top, navy lace skirt, orange clutch, brown sandals
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 chain (similar; similar - extra 30% off w/code BIGSALE)
top: Saint James Galathee tee (similar)
bracelet: Madewell knot cuff (similar; similar)
rings: H&M (similar)
skirt: J.Crew daisy lace mini (similar; similar - extra 30% off w/code BIGSALE)
clutch: J.Crew Claremont perforated (may still be available in stores)
nail polish on toes: Sally Hansen in mellow yellow (sold here, here)
shoes: LOFT Vaughn t-strap sandals (great dupe; similar)

Orange / Black / Gold

Thursday, June 19, 2014

I'm wearing and using two of my favorite recent purchases today. Quick reviews for each:

1) The AT top has a hint of leather detailing with wonderful draping throughout. I also like the longer length in front. I'm wearing the top in XXS, my usual AT size. It's on the looser side, so size down if in-between sizes. Unfortunately, not many sizes remain online, so definitely check store availability if you're interested.

black faux leather yoke top, cargo pants, orange clutch

2) I've been looking for an orange accessory (belt or clutch) for awhile now and love the Claremont perforated clutch from J.Crew. The leather is saffiano-like (so low maintenance), the interior is lined in greige-colored suede (so luxe!), the front clasp is magnetic but sturdy so I haven't had any problems with it opening by itself randomly. I can fit a coin purse, card holder, iPod, dumb phone, lipstick, keys, and my work badge inside. I've actually reached for this clutch every day this week, so expect plenty of outfit posts to follow featuring this summer-y colored clutch.
J.Crew Claremont perforated clutch in sunbaked orange
The perforated rounded plus-sign design bugged me for a long time because it looked so familiar but I couldn't place it. Then it hit me -- it looks a lot like LV's design! (Is there a name for that? I'm not hip to anything LV at all.)

black faux leather yoke top, cargo pants, orange clutch, wooden heeled pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 curved bar (similar; similar)
top: Ann Taylor faux leather yoke (sold here)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
clutch: J.Crew Claremont perforated (sold here - extra 30% off w/code HISUMMER)
shoes: YSL Charlotte pumps in Millennium print (similar; similar; similar)

EuroTrip: London, Paris, Venice, Rome

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

London, Paris, Venice, Rome
So many cities visited, so much to take in. Every day was a new experience in sensory overload. The immediate and lasting impressions I had of each city were: Loved London. It's a more refined version of the US, and I may actually prefer to live there over any other US city. The accents alone are enough to convince me to move. Disappointed with Paris. The city didn't live up to its "romantic" billing -- perhaps we didn't stay in/visit the right areas? I felt like it was the NYC of Europe -- dirty, smelly, had their share of unsavory characters. LOVED Venice. So charming and picturesque. Its laid-back vibe and slower pace of life meshes well with my personality, so I'm a bit biased there. It was so apparent the passion Italians have for their craft. Rome was my least favorite city of the four. Crowded, aggressive people everywhere. Hated how there were hidden costs in practically every restaurant we ate at.

Just a warning, a ton (compared to the usual) photos ahead.

Elbow Patched in Plaid

Monday, June 16, 2014

Today's outfit is inspired by Massimo Dutti's model touting their denim effect blazer. I love the contrast of crisp white jeans with a dark gray blazer and bright shoes. I couldn't channel her effortless cool though -- think I should've worn looser jeans or a longer top instead.

plaid blazer, gray tee, white jeans, red loafers
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
necklace: Heirloom Finds (similar)
blazer: Zara checked blazer with elbow patches (similar; similar)
tee: LOFT sunwashed tee (sold here - $12)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
jeans: Blank NYC spray-on (sold at Shopbop / NM)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (buy pre-owned)

Weekend Ready

Saturday, June 14, 2014

This is my first commitment-free weekend since I've been back. I was all ready to take advantage by sleeping in, watching boatloads of sports, and sitting down to churn out an Europe recap post. Well, #1 didn't turn out as planned (10am is early for me), but will definitely be tackling #2 and #3.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

striped button up shirt, distressed jeans, colorblock crossbody bag
striped button up shirt, distressed jeans, colorblock crossbody bag, espadrilles
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
necklace: J.Crew Factory brass-plated crystal (sold here - on sale)
shirt: Ann Taylor striped perfect button down (may still be in stores)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
jeans: LOFT super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue (may still be in stores)
shoes: Tory Burch Beacher flat espadrille (sold at TB / NM / Bloomingdale's - all on sale)

Easy in Eyelet

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Sale alert: Take 40% off almost everything or extra 50% off select sale styles at Ann Taylor.

Closet favorites/recent purchases include:
- Eyelet scarf - $23.70 (outfits: here, here)
- Estate shimmer necklace - $44.99 (outfits: here, here, here)
- Modern classic skinny hinge bangle - $16.80 (outfits: here, here, here)
- Pearlized stone statement necklace - $59.99 (outfits: here, here, here)
- Pave cabochon stretch bracelet - $17.70 (outfits: here, here, here)

Other picks: $70 jeweled neck tweed dress (own and love, just haven't worn on the blog yet - TTS), $40.80 Gemma sandals (gorgeous yellow), $14.99 spritz citrus stone earrings (if only I have pierced ears), $80 jeweled shift dress (very J.Crew-esque).

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Even if I wanted to, my office is too cold in the summers for short sleeves, let alone strapless tops/dresses. So a light sweater is pretty much an essential item year-round for me. If I was outside much longer for photos, I'd have been burning up in this outfit. As is, a few quick snaps to choose from meant this awkwardly hunched over pose is the best photo of the batch.
orange necklace, camel open sweater, white eyelet dress
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
sweater: Banana Republic piped open cardigan (similar - on sale)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (buy pre-owned)

A Summer Garden Wedding

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Over the weekend, DH and I went to a friend's wedding at the charming and historic Hollin Hall. The ceremony was held at the outdoor garden -- an intimate setting with the afternoon sun as the perfect backdrop.

tweed + sequins dress, tweed clutch

Ballet Pink + Metallic Rose

Monday, June 09, 2014

Some people keep unique pieces around their coffee table that make for great conversation starters. Me? I wear these shoes out in public and they never fail to garner comments. The most recent being, "Nice shoes. You plan on hurting* someone with those?" To which I responded with maniacal laughter. The guy probably thinks he's gotta steer clear of the crazy girl who works in his building now.

*Substituted for a tamer synonym

light pink scarf, white tee, metallic rose clutch, distressed jeans, studded heels
light pink scarf, white tee, metallic rose clutch, distressed jeans
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
scarf: Ann Taylor eyelet (sold here)
tee: Everlane the women's V (sold here)
bracelet: Ann Taylor modern classic skinny bangle (sold here - 40% off)
ring: Etsy ElishaMarie siren (sold here)
jeans: LOFT super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue (may still be in stores)
shoes: Valentino Rockstud (sold at Nordstrom / NM / BG / Saks; similar)

Peplum / Shorts

Saturday, June 07, 2014

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

colorblock peplum top, navy shorts, red loafers
denim jacket, colorblock peplum top, navy shorts, red loafers
colorblock peplum top, navy shorts, red loafers
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch denim (similar - 20% off w/code TREAT)
top: LOFT colorblock modern peplum tee (may still be in stores)
bracelet: Madewell knot cuff (similar; similar)
shorts: J.Crew Factory 3" chino (sold here - $29.50)
bag: Marc Jacobs large Single - gift from aunt (sold here)
shoes: Gap driving moccasins (similar; similar - extra 25% off w/code FRIENDS)

Pom Poms

Thursday, June 05, 2014

Summer humidity is back in full swing here at the Nation's Capital. That means it's time again to start wearing easy, breezy fabrics, such as this maxi dress. I wore this dress practically every week last summer, so I've since run out of new styling ideas... but that doesn't mean I can't try out different color schemes!

light pink scarf, striped maxi dress, lace printed clutch
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
scarf: Ann Taylor eyelet (sold here)
bracelet: Ann Taylor pave cabochon (sold here)
rings: Etsy ElishaMarie siren (sold here); H&M (similar)
clutch: Tory Burch Kerrington carryall (may still be in stores; similar)
nail polish on toes: OPI South Beach Paint My Moji-toes Red
shoes: Old Navy faux-leather capri sandals (sold here)

In Sweater + Shorts

Monday, June 02, 2014

My current state of mind is still in vacation mode, so bear with me as I catch up on life, work, and sleep (not necessarily in that order). Blogging may be sporadic for a bit as I don't have a backlog of outfits queued up (look at me, bringing the British English back to the States!)

gray cowlneck sweater, plaid shirt, white shorts, brown loafers
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in softsilver rose (sold here)
sweater: Gap cowlneck (sold here - $19.97)
shirt: J.Crew (similar - extra 30% off w/code SWEET)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold here; similar)
shorts: LOFT cotton shorts w/4" inseam (this season's sold here - $25)
bag: Coach mini Borough bag in retro colorblock (sold here)
shoes: Tory Burch Ludlow driver (sold here in gold; similar)

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