Business as usual [outfit]

White blouse from Macy's - 2007 - gift card / Gap sweater - 2005 - $20? / Limited skirt - 2009 - $20 on sale / Enzo Angiolini pumps from Piperlime - 2010 - $35 / Necklace c/o Jada's Jewels - 2011

This is the most professional outfit I've worn in weeks. I'm not quite sure what it was (probably the fact that it was a Monday after a vacation), but I was just feeling it. I wanted the dressed up feeling. I wanted to wear heels. I didn't go far in this outfit, but it felt good while I was in it.

Now onto this sweater. I don't wear it often, but I've had it a long time and will probably never get rid of it. I remember the details of my purchasing the piece pretty clearly.

Let me set the scene.

Early September 2005. I recently moved to New York City begin grad school at NYU. One of the activities on our orientation week schedule is a job/internship fair. I only have three semesters to soak in all the journalism I can before I'm likely headed back to California, so I print out a stack of resumes and hit up some tables. I drop off a couple of resumes.

A few days later (I think it was the first week of classes) I have a free afternoon, so I decide to take a stroll over to Broadway in Soho to check out the shops. It's just a few blocks from my school-issued shared studio, and right before I get there, next to a wrought iron gate, I get a phone call. It's Time Inc. As in publisher of Real Simple, People magazine, In Style. I dropped off my resume and chatted with their internship coordinator a bit at the job fair, and it was at the top of my dream list.

After silently squealing in joy for a few seconds, I listen closely as the woman invites me in for an interview. I can't remember if she mentions what magazine or not, but no matter. I'm already in shopping mode, so I switch my mission to finding the perfect interview outfit. I walk into the Gap and head straight for the sale racks, since I'm fresh out of college and surviving on student loans and minimal savings. No luck. But then cable knit catches my eye. There are stacks of it in various colors on some shelves. And a small sign that says, "hey, these are on sale, too!" Not in those exact words. And that is how this sweater came to be mine.

I wore this sweater over this tie-neck top (purchased the same day) with black Forever 21 pants and red Payless flats. I remember feeling like I belonged in a country club. It must have gone well, since I got the internship (not with one of the big name mags, but with a smaller, custom publication). It was an awesome three semesters.

What clothing items do you still own and wear that hold the greatest memories?

Wear and wear again | Dobby camp shirt

One of my favorite things to wear for work or for casual days is a crisp button down (or button-up...they're the same thing, right?). But to be honest with you, they can get boring unless they have some cool detail or texture. And this top has both. Score.

Purchased in 2009 off of Target's clearance rack (I think it was $12 or $13), this black dobby camp shirt is a workhorse in my closet, both at work and at home. The three-quarter length sleeves are perfect for nearly every season, and the dots are just such a fun touch. And as with any other collared shirt, a sweater on top creates the perfect preppy look. I've worn it with everything from trousers and jeans to pencil and A-line skirts.

October 2010

September 2010

December 2010

November 2010

November 2010

January 2011

Looking back through these photos, my tendency to wear the death out of an item for a season and forget about it is extremely apparent. Speaking of which, it's almost November...time to bust out the dobby dots again.

Some fun camp shirts from around the web:

Button Front Tops at Kohl's

What's your favorite variation on the classic button-down/up?

Weatherproof [outfit]

Eclair top from Nordstrom Rack - 2011 - $13 / Banana Republic suiting pencil skirt - 2010 - $60? on sale / Nine West Outlet boots - 2009 - $50 on sale / Natural pearl necklace - 2007 - gift

For the first time since I've been in Florida, we've had nasty weather. Like, really nasty. Horizontal rain, tornado warning, flood watch nasty. As much as I'd love to hunker down at home (and as free as I actually am to do so), sometimes I know it's better to just suck it up and get on out there. I'm fortunate that my building's garage is attached, so I don't actually have to go out into the rain to get to my car (a major step up from my last apartment), but my destination did not have a parking garage, so I pulled out my non-rain rain boots.

I'm all for rain boots. I love mine. They're from Target and were a Christmas gift from my in-laws a few years back. They get worn basically whenever it's wet out, even if the rain has stopped. Back when I used to take the bus to work (the first 2.5 years of my last job), I'd wear the rain boots for my commute and bring shoes to change into. But for a quick volunteering stop, something that would be awkward to change shoes at? Not so good.

My happy medium—these faux-leather tall boots. They protect my calves when I'm wearing a skirt, keep me from feeling any wet hemlines from I'm wearing trousers, and can even handle skinny jeans tucked in. The heel is thicker than my usual stiletto pump, and the rubber soles are a major plus for wet weather. They're not made for rain, of course, so I wouldn't walk through an ankle-high puddle the way I would in my normal rain boots, but it is nice to know that I'm not putting my leather goods at risk. They weren't cheap, but they've already gotten two seasons of wear and look nearly new.

How do you weatherproof your work outfit without dressing it down?

*bonus points if you've noticed that the boxes in this pic (taken Tuesday) were finally gone yesterday (pic taken Wednesday). I also wore this outfit to do some more unpacking. Slowly, but surely. I hope to be unpacked by the time we move again.

To tuck or not to tuck [outfit]

LOFT outlet top - 2011 - $10 on sale / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 on sale / Nine West flats - 2011 - $20 on sale / Canvas and leather belt - 2010 - swapped

Or tied up, to be more accurate. I like to wear my hair up, but it doesn't happen as often as I'd like because it looks sort of makes my face look like a boy's (the fact that even when I wear make-up it barely looks like I'm wearing make-up doesn't help).

I've been thinking a bit lately about when to tuck your shirt in and when to let it hang out. There are a lot of factors: volume of shirt, volume of skirt, waistband, ability or inability to belt, neckline, etc. I've worn this shirt tucked into a skirt before, but when I tried tucking it into this skirt, the look was not pretty, for several reasons. This skirt sits lower on my waist, giving the shirt a lot more space to billow between the waist and shoulder. This skirt's waistband is also less conducive to belting (partially due to it sitting lower on the waist). This skirt is also quickly becoming too small for me, which makes the looseness of the shirt even more obvious (I bought it without trying it on...go me). So this shirt + this skirt = untucked.

While I finally made peace between my top and skirt, these shoes still look a bit out of place. I was trying to give my nude flats a rest, but alas, I probably should have worn them for the fourth day in a row.  I love them, just not with this outfit.

How do you determine whether to tuck or not tuck your shirt? Do you have any rules or do you do trial-and-error each time?

Something like home [outfit]

Ann Taylor top - 2010 - $20 on sale (similar) / BR Factory Store pants - 2009 - $12 on clearance (similar) / Nina pumps from Ross - 2009 - $16 on sale (similar) / Belt taken from a suit (similar) / Necklace c/o Jada's Jewels [referral link]

[Worn: 09.24.11 | To: Work a fundraising event. Change of outfit afterward to meet K's coworkers and have a birthday dinner w/ family]

This is not what I'd normally wear on a Saturday, but most Saturdays don't involve lunch at the Fontainebleau Hotel with a Hollywood legend. Dress for Success Miami hosted a fundraising luncheon featuring acclaimed actress and filmmaker Dyan Cannon, and I jumped at the chance to help out. But what does one wear to a historic fancy schmancy hotel to be in the presence of Miami movers and shakers while still being appropriate for working (moving things around, lifting boxes, event set-up, etc.)?

I came to two conclusions: pants and low heels. I have two pairs of dress pants that work with low heels (in addition to one pair of low-heel jeans, five high-heel pants and three flats pants...you know you make the distinction, too), and between these and the brown ones, black won out. Unfortunately, my pants aren't fitting so well these days, so I needed a structured top to keep from having to adjust my waistband all day. Toss on a belt and some jewels, pull back the hair, and I was ready to go. And I couldn't have been more comfortable at the event, where I indeed ended up walking up and down stairs all day and had to bend over and lift several things.

After the event I changed into this outfit (swap the heels for sandals) to meet up with K and his coworkers at a pub after their department retreat. Got a crapload of restaurant recommendations and a new shopping buddy! And then it was onto Miami's Best Pizza for a birthday dinner with our cousins out here (hint: the Moroccan pizza is bomb). I was completely wiped by the end of the day, but there is something really comforting about having a day full of activities with new friends...something almost like home.

What do you take into account the most when planning a functional and fashionable outfit?

Favorites and not-so-favorites

Striped sweater via Marshall's - 2011 - $12 (similar) / BR Factory Store pants - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Enzo Angiolini peep-toes via Nordstrom - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade doodles necklace - 2011 - gift (similar)

[Worn: 09.13.11 | To: Dress for Success]

After being away from my work clothes for so long, I was dying to get back into some work slacks. (wow, that's not a sentence you hear everyday.) These are my favorite. They're getting a little snug, so I reached for a looser top. In hindsight, I wish I'd added some more color. My trusty red pumps are currently out of commission (missing a heel tip), but they would have been a great anchor to this outfit. But then they'd clash with the coral necklace. Oh, what the heck.

My favorite pants somehow made their way into a not-so-favorite outfit. I think they can redeem themselves, though.

Do you have a favorite item that sometimes just doesn't work, no matter how much you love it?

Wear and Wear Again | Wide-leg trousers

Although I've been gravitating more and more toward skirts and dresses lately, I am a pants girl at heart. So what better piece to showcase than the first pair of pants I ever wore on my blog? These Gap wide-leg trousers are so comfortable, and the wide leg balances out a fitted top.

Wide-leg trousers are best on straight figures (I think that's what I am) or those who are a little larger on top. They work best with a fitted top, or at least a belted one. The volume on bottom needs a little balance.

My trousers have seen me through every season:

Spring

Summer

Fall/Winter

Spring

More wide-leg trousers:

Wide Leg Pants by Banana Republic

How would you style wide-leg pants?

Last hurrah [outfit]

Mossimo dress via Target - 2011 - $20 (similar) / J.Crew belt - 2011 - $10 (similar) / Kate Spade pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / Premier Designs faux pearl strand - 2010 - free with purchase (similar) 

Outfit analysis: I love how the color gray can be paired with almost any color for a different feel. I love the softness of the pink and pearl, and the pumps keep it ladylike. I just love love love this dress, and hope to find a way to wear it even though I'm not in an office anymore. I wore this last Wednesday for my official farewell happy hour.
___

Goodbyes are hard. Did you know that? The past weekend has been so full of emotion, which is a weird feeling for me. This certainly isn't my first goodbye, but for some reason it's the hardest. Leaving college, I knew I'd be back in Orange County for holidays. I fell in love with New York, but wasn't all that close with any of my classmates so that wasn't so hard. Even our recent farewell trip down to Southern California wasn't too bad, since our families are there and we'll be back. But Davis and Sacramento? This is hard, and I wasn't prepared for this. I thought I'd be fine to keep blogging and packing and seeing friends until we actually get in the car and drive out of state on Friday, but I'm not so sure anymore. I've got some super guest bloggers that will be featured over the next few weeks, but please bear with me through this transition.

How do you deal with goodbyes?

Short day [outfit]

Mossimo pocket v-neck via Target - 2011 - $8 on sale (available) / Mossimo white tank via Target - 2011 - $9 (available) / The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Franco Sarto Hot sandals - 2011 - $45 on sale (available) / Vintage braided belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Kate Spade doodles pen necklace - 2011 - gift (available) / BR Factory Store sunglasses - 2011 - $8 on sale

Outfit analysis: I could live in these tees for summer (I've bought two already), and I am a major sucker for color right now (In addition to my top and necklace, I have two more colors of toe nail polish on). Today was sweltering, so I knew I needed a skirt and sandals, and I was a little over my sleeveless top + black skirt combo addiction I had a few months back. So I switched it up with a tee (so different, I know). 

___

This was my outfit on one of the hottest days of the year so far. Just a week ago it was 60 degrees (the high) and raining. Tuesday (when I wore this outfit) it was 102 and humid. Turns out the A/C in our work building wasn't quite up to the challenge, and we were sent home at 10:30 a.m. due to "unhealthy work conditions" (aka 90+ degrees indoors on some of the top floors), which essentially left me with a three-day workweek, with Friday being my last day at my job. How the time flies by.

Thanks, friends, for your kind words and encouragement about the blog's future on Tuesday's post. I think I have a grasp on how it will evolve (in the near future anyway) and I hope you'll stick around as I feel my way through this transition. I'm also finalizing some dates for my Movin' to Miami Tour 2011: Blog Edition and hope to meet up with some of you along the way! Dallas, Austin, New Orleans, and Orlando—I'm lookin' at you! 

Have you ever been sent home early from work? For what reasons?

Totally me [outfit]

Banana Republic suit blazer - $100ish on sale (similar) / J. Crew blouse - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Rockabilly jeans via Renew Denim - $40 on sale (similar) / Calvin Klein pumps via Off Broadway - 2007 - $70 on sale (similar) / American Eagle outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2011 - $9 (available)

Outfit analysis: This outfit just felt...right. It felt like "me." A nice jean, a crisp button-up in a not-too-girly color, an awesome blazer, heels, and sparkles. In this outfit, my step is just a little quicker, my chin held a little higher, and my smile a little brighter. This outfit is all about amazing fit...all of these pieces fit my body really well, and a good fit makes any body look great. It's also very covered, but because of the fit, you see my figure. Not such a big fan of the blazer closed, but overall, did I mention I love this outfit?
___

No, I'm not wearing fully covered and black clothes in July—this outfit was from June 1 and I just never posted it! I usually post within a week of taking a photo, but sometimes I do take photos of outfits I know I might not post for days like this (and for my Facebook exclusives album).

Speaking of outfit posts, I've been thinking and thinking and thinking about what direction to take this blog in once my office job ends this Friday. We're taking a two week road trip (I have some guest bloggers lined up for some fabulous posts for y'all) and then I'll be plunging right into my new life of being a freelance writer.

Things I want to keep:

• Outfit photos. They just might not all be officewear.
• Professional and career topics. Even freelancers have to develop professionally.

Some ideas I've tossed around for themes/topics:

• I have a long-term goal of spicing up my casual wardrobe. My off-hours wear still consists mostly of tee-shirts, jeans, and flip flops. Now that there won't be as big of a distinction between off-duty and on-duty, I want to start dressing more interestingly even when I'm going casual. This could be a new theme to the blog.
• More fashion trend-type stories (like I used to do clusters and wish lists).
• More DIYs, now that I'll have time to learn some.
• Adding more of my personal life into the blog.

Do any of these catch your fancy? What would you like on the blog as it evolves? Leave a comment below (or you can email me, too).

Snap and scrap [outfit]

Gap dress - 2011 - $25 on sale (similar) / Banana Republic bib necklace - 2010 - $12 on sale (similar) / Vintage braided leather belt via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $7 (similar) / Franco Sarto boots via Macy's - 2010 - gift (similar)

Outfit analysis: When I looked at the weather report for early this week (highs in the 60s/70s), I knew I had to squeeze another wear out of this cozy dress. I've paired this dress with brown before, but the boots and necklace give this a totally different look than last time. This almost has a country vibe, which was great. I had the first of my several goodbye lunches this day, and the flat boots were perfect for our walk across Capitol Park.
___

This weekend, K and I grabbed the last of our stuff from our parents houses. I'd already edited my childhood stuff into one medium sized box before I got married, so this weekend was just a little walk through my college life. I grabbed a few books to keep and put the rest in a donate pile. I took photos of my scrapbook pages, ripped all my photos out of my scrapbooks to scan later, and tossed them. I brought back one plastic bin. I call my process "snap and scrap."

K, on the other hand, hadn't gone through his stuff in ages. He did a quick sift through a few of the boxes, but several others he just brought back entirely to look at here. He brought back 3 bins, 2 large boxes, and two shoeboxes of stuff. He's started going through the bins, but while I'm content to keep a digital copy, K is a little less decisive. He's been asking me what to do with stuff, and I'm at a loss. So far we've edited out an entire box, and the shoebox content will be easy to place, but there's still a lot to do.

Do you part with stuff easily or do you hang as long as possible?

Happy hours and lunches [outfit]

BR Factory Store tiered tee - 2011 - $6 on sale/clearance/coupon (similar) / The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Mossimo pumps via Target - 2010 - $10 on sale (similar) / J. Crew Outlet belt - 2011 - $5 on clearance (similar) / Necklace via Gottschalk's - 2008? - $6 on clearance (similar)

Outfit analysis: Aside from the shoes, which are just bearable, this has to be one of my most comfortable outfits yet. I like that this skirt doesn't cinch too tightly at the waist and has a forgiving tulip shape. I love the softness of the tee (although it could use an ironing...those tiers did not weather the washer well at all). I like the colors, which are soft without being too pastel and girly. I like the hair, even if it doesn't look as nice in the back as I imagined and especially because it was a happy accident—I braided my still-wet hair so it would be out of my face while I put on my make-up and just never took it down. It did need a bobby pin by midday, though, since my layers are still a little too short for this hairstyle.
___

The countdown is on...eight working days left at the Day Job. It's also celebration season, so this outfit was worn to work and then to a happy hour to celebrate a coworker's graduation from business school. Leaving in the summer is apparently a bit awkward, since several of my coworkers will be on vacation on my last day, which means the happy hours and good-bye lunches will be starting soon. I already have most nights this week booked: my last book club meeting tonight, my last Sacramento fashion bloggers meet-up, and my last Sacramento Rivercats game. For the next 2.5 weeks, everything I do will be titled "the last _____ (while I live in CA)."

This past weekend was full of see-you-laters as well. We spent four days immersed in family and friend time in Southern California, visiting our parents, K's grandma and grandpa (on different sides), K's sister and her family, and our closest friends. Of course, with just one weekend to spare, there were many faces we missed seeing, but it's comforting to know that we'll still be gravitating home for all the major holidays and any other excuse we can come up with. One of the things K and I are most grateful for is the closeness of our families, in geography and in relationship. Our parents live less than an hour apart and communicate pretty regularly with each other. It's not something we thought about much before we got married, and our parents never hung out much before that, but we're really happy with how things have developed.

Enough with the sappiness. Happy hours and lunches, happy hours and lunches. All good things.

How do you celebrate or mark milestones at work? Do you prefer after-work happy hours or midday lunch breaks?

The brighter, the better [outfit]

Hawaiian dress - 2011 - swapped (similar) / J.Crew belt - 2011 - $10 on sale (similar) / Nine West pumps via Ross - 2009 - $25 (similar) / Faux pearls (similar)

Outfit analysis: This dress is a tad loose, but a skinny belt cinches it in nicely. I love the fullness of the skirt, the front pockets, and the bright colors. Simple accessories let the print be the star of the ensemble, although I think I could have coordinated the shoes better with my other accessories.
___

I'm going to be honest—I wasn't so sure about this dress. I grabbed it off the table at a swap, glanced at the size and saw it was somewhat around mine, and took it home with me. It sat in my closet for months, and I glided right by it for many an event...weddings, dinners, graduations. It caught my eye at the swap, but for some reason I hadn't even tried it on once since I brought it home.

One day I decided I had to try it. I'm purging as much as possible before the move, so I needed to know if this piece would work or if it needed to be tossed. Gosh it was pretty. The colors were so nice. The fabric is heavy and elegant. The pockets are adorable, even if they do form a slightly unflattering dropwaist look. The length was perfect.

I zipped it up, turned around...and was not all that impressed. It looked pretty shapeless. I apparently had swapped on one of those days where I mis-perceived my own size (in no small part due to the crazy large lunch I had right before hand). If I'd been buying this at retail, I would have needed an entire size down. But it wasn't retail, and there wasn't another. The label is some Hawaiian sounding brand I can't remember (and I'm at my parents' house typing this so I can't check). So it was either make do or throw out.

Last ditch effort: belt it. And wha-la. The dress lives to see at least one more day. Still not sure on the shoes, though...what color shoes do you wear with such a loud dress?!? Even so, I'm glad this piece found its place in my closet. This sheath-lovin' gal has found a place in her heart for an A-line dress. World peace is possible.

How many chances do you give a piece before you pass it on to its next destination? Do you kick it out once it stops working for you or do you hang on just a little longer?

Throw on and go [outfit]

Ann Taylor top - 2010 - $20 on sale (similar) / BR Factory Store skirt - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / Enzo Angiolini pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 on sale (available) / H&M leather mini duffel - 2007 - $40 on sale (similar) / Premier Designs faux pearl necklace - 2010 - free with purchase (similar) / BR Factory Store sunglasses - 2011 - $8 on sale

Outfit analysis: I'm not sure if green and purple are supposed to go together, but I was feeling it. Another qualm I had about this outfit was the pleats on the skirt and the top...I have a preconceived notion that if one piece is detailed, it should be worn with a simpler piece. But this seemed to work okay, too. I like how the paper-bag waist of the skirt stands out more because the upper ruched part of the skirt blends into the top (does that make sense? Not sure how to explain it). Neutral accessories help the colors stand out.
___

This had to be one of my laziest mornings ever, and to be honest, I loved the result! This outfit was pretty random. I picked out the skirt and top separately as things I might want to wear together, and just put them on. I air-dried my hair (usually I blow-dry with round brush...not really a blow-out cuz my hair is straight already). And to top it off, I even ate almost the same meal for lunch and dinner: chicken and french fries. Out of one rut, into another.

What odd color combo do you like to wear? How did you discover it?

Comfortable combos [outfit]

 

LOFT outlet top - 2011 - $14 on sale (similar) / Textured pencil skirt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Franco Sarto sandals via Piperlime - 2011 - $45 on sale (available) / Canvas and leather belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Ball chain necklace (similar)

Outfit analysis: This outfit isn't really anything new for me (I love ruffles and pencil skirts) but I do like how this color combo turned out. The top is a bit of a stone color...not quite gray but not quite brown. It reminds me of Linley's top that I borrowed way back when. This belt + shoe combo is quickly becoming a summer favorite, too.
___

Ever since my shopping diet ended, I've been shopping up a storm. These shoes and this top are just a few of my latest purchases. And unlike my usual formula, I didn't try either of these on before I purchased.

The shoes—I got these from Piperlime, knowing that I could return it for free. I already have a pair of Franco Sarto boots, so I know the brand runs relatively true to size

The top—I got this from the new LOFT outlet in nearby Vacaville (the outlets are the same distance away as the regular mall for me). I didn't feel like trying things on so I eyeballed it. Unfortunately I cut the tags off before I tried it on at home, and it's slightly large. I don't think it will be a huge problem, but with this fitted look it felt a little awkward.

Lesson learned: try it on!

Do you try on clothes or eyeball your size? How often do you miss?

First lady [outfit]

A'gaci blazer - 2011 - $26 (similar) / Ann Taylor Factory Store top - 2011 - $20 on sale (similar) / LOFT pencil skirt - 2009 - $13 on sale (similar) / Kate Spade pewter pumps - 2011 - gift (similar) / Natural pearls - 2007 - gift (similar) / Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - gift (similar)

Outfit analysis: Speaking of small steps, this is the fourth time I've worn this blazer, and the first time I've busted out of the white tee - blue jeans combo. I started this look with the top untucked and a black belt around the natural waistline, but a) it just didn't look right and b) it definitely didn't look right once I added the blazer. I could probably have added a belt onto the tucked look, too, but I like it without just the same. And something about wearing a colorful outfit makes me reach for these shoes, but I'm not complaining.
___

I'm not actually a first lady (duh), but my husband does study the presidency and the piping on this jacket is just so DC chic that I went for the title anyway. But come to think of it, this outfit looks kind of like it could have been picked by the fabulously stylish Michelle Obama herself. Classic pieces. Fun colors. A mix of affordable (LOFT, A'Gaci) and high-end (Kate Spade). My husband always gets asked if he plans on entering politics (the answer is no), but if he ever did, I think I know what I'm wearing to his swearing-in.

Who is your style inspiration? What draws you to their style?

Silky smooth [outfit]

Ann Taylor Factory Store top - 2011 - $12 on sale (similar) / Mossimo tank via Target - 2009 - $7 on sale (available) / BR Factory Store trousers - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Mossimo gladiator sandals via Target - 2010 - $25 (similar) / American Eagle outlet necklace - 2011 - $4 on sale (similar) / Silver ball studs via Target - cheap (similar)

Outfit analysis: I'm sure this outfit breaks some rules...I have a loosely fitted top and relaxed trousers. No belt. No real shape to the shirt. But you know what? I love it. I found this great silky blouse a few months ago at the outlets, and I stuck it in my closet and forgot about it. I pulled it out last week to remind myself to wear it, and I decided just to keep it simple (I start small, remember?). It's one of those things that doesn't makes sense, but just works.
___

I'm back! I know, you barely noticed I was gone (thank goodness for scheduled posts), but I was running around like a madwoman most of last week prepping for K's graduation and our family time in town. We're really lucky—our families get along swimmingly, and we basically spent Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning together (all 10 of us...whew).

Memorable moments from this weekend:

• Almost missing K's walk across the stage at graduation because the emcee called K by the WRONG NAME. 
• Hearing my 3-year-old nephew exclaim, "Your bed is in your living room!" when he saw our futon made up as a bed (for my brother).
• Discovering that I left my car unlocked for three days, parked four blocks from my apartment. Good thing we live in Davis.
• Eating. Lots of eating. And I cooked a meal for everyone, too.
• Watching my nephew tried using chopsticks for the first time. He plays the drums daily, so it was one stick per hand. While eating fried rice.
• Sending Ashlee home with three whopping bags for this weekend's Stitch Swap when all she came over for was a bike (she got the bike, too).

Although my two days off last week were great (and I got to unplug a bit...lots of catching up to do), it's good to be back!

Do you use your vacation days or do you let them gather dust?

Mad, mad world [outfit]

Gap dress - 2011 - $25 (similar) / Nina Paladin pumps via Ross - 2009 - $16 (similar) / J.Crew outlet belt - 2011 - $5 (similar) / Vintage frame bag via Bows and Arrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Necklace via Gottschalks - 2009 - $6 (similar) / Silver ball studs via Target - cheap (similar)

Outfit analysis: The sleeves, wide neckline, and defined waist of this dress really hearken back to the Mad Men days. I think the bag only adds to that vibe, and I like it. Looking back at this outfit now, I sort of wish I'd tried it with my braided leather belt, to carry the color of the bag through to the outfit, and maybe another necklace. Although I really do think the leopard print of the belt is a nice touch. Well, that was rambly. Bottom line: I liked this outfit. It was easy. It was comfy.
___

When I get a new item of clothing, I tend to start out simply and then branch out. That was the case with my gray Target dress (iteration 1, 2, 3), and that's how I'm approaching this dress as well. Sure, I have an idea of how I'll be styling the item when I buy it, but in reality it often takes me a few tries to figure the piece out. This styling isn't all that different from the first time, but hey, it's only my second try, so cut me some slack, okay? Any ideas for my next try with this dress?

How do you approach working a new piece into your wardrobe? Do you try out the waters one toe at a time or do you cannonball right in?