Transitions

I just cannot seem to get caught up with my life lately. I'm overwhelmed at work, the apartment never seems to get clean, and I've been lucky if I eat anything other than granola bars and popcorn. The blog is only one thing that seems to have fallen a bit by the wayside, to be sure. I'm hoping to turn over a new leaf this week, however. It's something of a quieter week, letting me focus better while I'm at work, allowing to me to have more weeknights at home, and maybe getting a little balance back.

The cool, crisp days have been a godsend, of course, and I've been thrilled to break into all my fall wardrobe options! (Note to self: time to rotate the closets!) It's been a mild transition to the cooler days, but the longer sleeves and warmer color palettes have been exciting changes to my outfit options. In fact, I just decided that I need to add a pumpkin-colored pencil skirt to my arsenal. (Yay! Something new to scour the internets for!)

Cardigan - LOFT / Striped tank - Old Navy / Skirt - eloquii / Sandals - Nine West
Handbag - Furla

I'm also grateful for the cooler weather because of the the return of hot coffee! I've already had more than my share of pumpkin spice lattes, but I really just love having hot french press or vanilla caramel tea with splash of my beloved almond milk. I soooo wish coffee shops would offer almond milk already! There is nothing I love more than propping up of my feet in front of the TV, curled up in blanket, and sipping a hot cuppa.

Regardless of the temperatures, black and white stripes are always a good idea, and the classic silhouette of cardigan and pencil skirt will never steer me wrong.

Necklace- Banana Republic / Ring - TJ Maxx / Belt - Talbots

Hats Off

I've been holding on to this outfit post for-eh-verrrr. It is probably one of my favorite outfits from the summer, and it's one I wore often.

I'm not normally a hat person, even though they generally do right by me. But after a series of Instagram pics and blog posts by the infectiously genuine Elena featuring this hat, I was convinced I needed one for myself. A trip to Urban Outfitters and 30% off sale sent me home less a mere $7 and plus one fun little straw fedora that I couldn't wait to wear. A lot.

Of course, I had to modify my normally pouf-tastic updo so the hat could actually sit on my head, forcing me to find another way to wear my short hair up. It's a similar twist and mini-clip technique (I know, I know - I have yet to share with you said technique), but just sitting lower at the nape of my neck. And no pouf. I quite like it even when I'm not wearing a hat.

OH! And it's another maxi! It's the last of the summer of maxis - the third from Old Navy - sister to the purple one and cousin to the printed one. I really did live in these things all summer. So comfy and rather flattering - a pleasant surprise considering how easy to wear they were. I liked them best with various toppers, long pendant necklaces and somewhat dressy sandals. For this one, I loved wearing peachy-toned gold jewelry, chocolate browns to mix with the black of the dress, and a pop of mint ala handbag. (Mmm, ice cream...)

Fedora - Urban Outfitters (similar) / Maxi dress - Old Navy / Instant Sleeves - LucieLu /
Handbag - Ruche / Sandals - Moda Spana (via Endless)

And the hat, of course =)

Necklace - Ruche / Ring - The Limited / Earrings - Anthropologie

P.S. I'm trying to figure out the best posting time for blog posts that will not only work well for my readers but for my own daily schedule. The write-at-night-post-in-morning thing has worked for a while, but lately it seems to contribute to my lack of regularity. What do you guys think? Does it matter what time the blogs you read post? If so, what are your preferences?

Make a Splash

I've decided to work my way backwards through my amassed outfit pictures, at least for now. I may change my mind and post a too-long-held-onto outfit of maxi dress avec hat before the week is out, however.

But this one - this outfit was either a stroke of genius or of madness. Or maybe I'm full of hyperbole. I love the idea of the outfit, right down to the steely grey topper over that splash of color, but to zip or to belt was the question. Highlight the fantastic colors of the top and sacrifice fit, or favor fit in lieu of colors? Well, clearly, color and print had to win, even if it meant my top half turned out a little boxy.

Jacket - Simply Vera by Vera Wang (Kohl's) / Top - Anthropologie / Skirt - eloquii /
Belt - Talbots / Sandals - Christian Siriano for Payless /
Handbag - DKNY (via TJMaxx)

But I found another way to wear this top, my first and rarely worn Anthropologie purchase from long ago. So there's that...

Ring - The Limited / Earrings - ??

Season Opener

It goes without saying that I'm behind. I've continued to take outfit pictures over the past few weeks, but I just haven't been posting enough to keep up. The season has begun, fall weather has returned (pumpkin spice lattes!! cozy sweaters and lots of layers!) and more or less my days have regained momentum. So what gives!? Rather than waste precious time and space attempting to find an answer, let's just dig in. And imma start with this fabulous frock I wore for opening night on Saturday!

Chevron dress - Lane Bryant / Shoes - Nine West "Danee" in Taupe Patent

I adore this dress. Truth be told, I bought (and wore) this dress for my trip to CA to visit Bob's family. I thought it was just the perfect combination of a fun, stylish, flattering, yet conservative outfit for a potential dressier night out. While we never did have that night out (everything was pretty darn casual), it got to play on the beach for a romantic dinner with Bob. Since I didn't snap pictures (and since, frankly, it didn't get the debut it deserved), I just knew it would be the perfect outfit for the season opening night.

For such a cool, comfortable dress, it sure does pack a punch. The chevron stripes in these vibrant tonal blues are slammin', and the hi-lo hem - something I usually avoid - really works for me here. The short dolman sleeves offered coverage yet kept me cool while moving through the crowds. Surprisingly, I wouldn't have given the dress much thought if it hadn't been for Lane Bryant styling, where the model is killing it with belt, clutch, tan (!!!) heels, and an effortless reclining pose. Compare that with the basic product picture - SNOOZE!! As you can see, I duplicated the styling pretty darn closely. Total kudos to LB for kicking up their product styling a notch! Styling sells!

Belt - Lane Bryant / Clutch - Lane Bryant / Ring - Banana Republic /
Earrings - Maurices / Nails - Blue Suede (Matte) by Orly

Anyhoo, the dress is fab, and I felt fab in it. I see it topped with a jacket paired with tights and boots in the fall...