Burst of color [outfit]

H&M cardigan - 2009 - $30 (similar) / The Limited top - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Target skirt - 2007 - $6 (similar) / J.Crew belt - 2011 - $10 (similar) / Kate Spade pumps - 2011 - gift (similar here and here) / American Eagle necklace - 2010 - $7 (similar)

Outfit analysis: Red, teal, and pink? This color combination is pretty wild (compared to my usual), but I really, really like it! The belt balances out the full skirt, and the neutral cardigan and metallic heels anchor the colors. I originally picked out the top and skirt, and will probably try them together without the cardigan when it warms up.
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Thanks for the great advice, friends, on how to get out of a style rut. I ended up going the color route, as evidenced by this colorful outfit. I know, it's not super out-there, but just the fact that there are more colors than there are neutrals is a big step. I've worn teal and red together before, but the red is usually just a belt or a shoe.

I've been doing a major closet clean-out as we prepare for the move. I don't mean my every-few-months get rid of stuff I don't like type of clean-out. I'm talking the toss-it-if-I-can't-see-myself-wearing-it-in-Miami type of clean-out (also known as a get-rid-of-as-much-as-possible-so-there's-less-to-move clean-out). Aside from weather, one of the biggest changes happening when I move is that I won't be going into an office everyday anymore.

What the?? Yup. I've decided to try my hand at freelancing (writing, editing, social media, etc.) for a minimum of one year. Full-time freelancing has always been tempting, and I actually planned on doing just that when I first moved up to Sacramento, but with a student-husband earning a student-income, we needed something more steady, and I was lucky to find a great job rather quickly. Now that he's got a job of his own (making more than we do now put together), it's a great time for me to pursue my dream freelance career. When else will I be forced to quit my full-time job, still have a sustainable income while adding to our savings each month, and not have a mortgage, debt, or children to support? Sure, it will be challenging—I'm prepared for much discouragement and disappointment as I start out—but since much of my work is done online anyway, I'm hoping to use the networks I've built everywhere I've worked (Orange County, NYC, and Sac) as a jumping-off point. A one-year minimum will give me time to learn from my beginner mistakes and see if this is a viable long-term career choice. I plan on continuing this blog after I move, but there will definitely be changes (still working that out).

Any tips for the first-time full-time freelancer?

Wear and Wear Again | Pleated A-line skirt

It's time for another edition of Wear and Wear Again! I went through my closet this weekend just to take an inventory (for the first time ever), and was struck by a) how many clothes I have, b) how many clothes I don't actually wear and c) how many clothes I've worn many many times over several years. I have a dress—that I still love, but don't have much occasion to wear—that I bought my sophomore year of college (I last wore it about four years ago, but it's pretty classic and I'm sure I'll have a chance to wear it again). Needless to say, I don't go by the one-year rule. At the same time, there are many many many items that have entered and quickly exited my closet over that same time period. But that's a much larger, more rambly topic that I'd like to get into today.

Today, I'm talking about one of the best deals I've gotten. Ever. This skirt was $6 on the Target clearance rack in December 2007. It was a size too big when I bought it, but I've since grown into it (one of the few benefits of putting on wifely weight). While I'm currently in a pencil skirt phase, looking at these photos really makes me miss this skirt. In fact, I think I'll bust it out this week.

Three things I love about this skirt:

• The color. Bright and vibrant, perfect for casual or work wear.
• The pleats. Adds a nice fullness without being costume-y.
• The length. Demure and ladylike, but not frumpy at all.

August 2010

November 2010

December 2010

More pleated A-line skirts:

Mid-length Skirts by Forever 21

Do you like A-line skirts? What do you look for in a fuller skirt?

Flashback

J.Crew outlet blouse - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Forever 21 vest - 2011 - hand-me-down (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 (similar) / Gap belt - 2010 - $10 (similar) / Blake Scott heels via Off Broadway - 2010 - $40 (similar) / AE necklace - 2010 - $7 (similar)

Outfit analysis: I really liked the laid-back vibe of this outfit, and the trousers and oxford keep it office appropriate. The belt and shoes are a nice touch of color.
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It's flashback time, folks. We're going way back...back to the days when...

• When it was too dark after work to take outdoor photos (got home after dark again)
• When it was rainy and cold (high of 60?)
• When newspaper editors kept their sleeves rolled up and wore vests

This was just one of those mornings...the kind that makes me reach for the trouser jeans. I originally had a gray v-neck sweater over the shirt, but it just got too bulky, since I was a lazy shopper and bought this shirt without trying it on (it's a size too big). The shirt and jeans on their own looked a little too plain, so I grabbed the vest and I was sold. So comfy.

There is something about this outfit that reminds me of the old school newspaper industry. Sort of like in the Newsies. Am I crazy? Either way, I like it.

Do you draw inspiration from your industry's history?

Lucky charms

 

Loft blazer - 2010 - $90 in a moment of weakness (similar) / Banana Republic shirt - 2009 - $20 on sale (similar) / Merona trouser jeans via Target - 2011 - $18 on sale (similar) / Blake Scott red pumps via Off Broadway or DSW - 2010 - $40 (similar) / Grouse and Badger typewriter ring - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)

If you were to see my kitchen, you would think K and I were cereal fiends. That's only half true. K is a cereal fiend. I, on the other hand, eat only Lucky Charms, and only on weekends. True story.

I've been trying to post outfits as they come up, but since I'm on vacay right now and I happened to have this in the archives, this is what you're getting. This was my St. Patrick's Day outfit. There's some green (see the ring on the chain?). I escaped any pinching (although pinching in the workplace is awkward to begin with--just say no).

This blazer isn't as weird as it looks in pictures--I just apparently don't know how to model it right. It is super-cute when my arms aren't all out to the sides pulling at it. This was my first cheat from my shopping diet (along with the matching skirt), which in hindsight is a) too short and b) too wrinkle-prone to be work appropriate. So the skirt now has new life for casual wear, and this blazer has been added to my blazer collection.

What worked
Just a basic trouser-jean outfit. I like how the blazer sort of dresses it up. And of course the green and red combo (one of my faves...just keep them separated by other colors to avoid the holiday look).

What didn't
Just a basic trouser-jean outfit. Nothing special.

Do you ever buy a piece (or pieces) only to find out later they don't work how you wanted them to? How have you re-purposed them for other situations?

Made for TV

Merona top from Target - 2009 - ?? on sale (similar) / The Limited tulip skirt - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Hue herringbone tights via Macy's - 2010 - $10 (similar) / Vintage belt via Bows and Sparrows - 2010 - $12 (similar) / Enzo Angiolini Siobhan pumps via Piperlime - 2010 - $35 (similar) / Premier Designs pearl drop earrings - 2010 - $20 (similar)

About a week ago, I got an email from my friends over at News 10 blogs asking if I'd be interested in participating in their coverage of the Oscars, specifically on the fashion front. While I'm certainly no expert in red carpet wear, I jumped at the chance. So on Monday morning at 4:30 a.m. I dolled myself up and headed over to the station to chat on their live morning show with Natalie, another local blogger. And this is what I wore.

What worked
I loved the solid clothing with the print tights. I don't know much about TV but I know for photoshoots, solids read better than prints. And colors work better than black or white. I debated wearing this outfit verbatim, but grabbed this shirt the night before to consider as well, and luckily it worked out.

What didn't
Not sure on the hair, but I didn't really know what else to do. A ponytail is a bit lackluster when your hair is as short as mine--I'd look like a guy from the front.  And it was a non-hair-wash day (you know you have them) so leaving it down was not going to be pretty.

And here it is...my five minutes. So that means I have another 10 later, right?


For the record, my faves were Melissa Leo, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Anne Hathaway's burgundy gown (during the show). Hathaway's feminine tux was also stunning.

Did you watch the Oscars? What was your favorite?

Menswear inspired

The Limited top - 2009 - $20 (similar) / Knit vest - 2011 - hand me down (similar) / Old Navy trousers - 2006 - $6 (similar) / Brown belt - 2010 - swapped (similar) / Blake Scott red pumps via Off Broadway - 2010 - $40 (similar) / Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar) / Grouse and Badger typewriter key ring - 2010 - $5 (available)

I know, I know. It's these pants again. I actually wore it this week, though (Tuesday's outfit was from earlier this month). I liked this outfit so much that I ignored the six other backlogged outfits that are still waiting to see the light of screen. 

It was one of those days--I had two meetings in the morning, including one I was in charge of. It was completely internal, so suiting up was not necessary.  I recently saw some belted vest looks over at J's Everyday Fashion, and remembered I had this vest lying around...it was handed down to me last time I hung out w/ my girlfriends. It's not quite the same style as J's, but I liked the result anyway. In hindsight, I'd like to add my brown velvet blazer next time I try this--would be like a mismatched three-piece suit! But oh well. This was fun, too.

What worked
The vest and belt made the outfit look almost suit-like without being too matchy.

What didn't
The pants look really long in the pics, but really they just slip down a lot. They have this really weird thin waistband with no belt loops and so they're always slipping down. While I love love love these pants to death, having to adjust them often is a bit annoying.

How do you make menswear work for a woman?

I-wish-it-weren't-winter white

The Rundown
Target dobby dot shirt - 2009 - $14 (similar)
Gap sweater - 2005 - $19 (similar)
Ann Taylor Loft corduroy trousers (Marisa cut) - 2006 or earlier - $30ish (similar)
Blake Scott red heels via DSW - 2010 - $40 (similar)
Earrings via Kohl's - 2008 - cheap (similar)

I have no idea when I bought these pants and just a vague idea of how much they were. I know it was before I got married. It may even have been when I was in college. All I know is that they've been sitting at the bottom of a box for the past 3+ years.  And they fit! How fun. I love corduroy. And I should wear these pants more.

What worked
The fun textures!  Dobby dots, cable knit, and corduroy. What's more fun than those?  Wish I had some more color in a texture, though I liked that no two items were the same color.

What didn't
I should have ironed these. But even though I thought about it earlier, I didn't. It was actually more wrinkled before I went to work.

Little trick I hacked this morning--spray some water on the wrinkled area with a spray bottle, and use your hair dryer to dry the area while you pull it taut. I recommend a spray bottle because you don't want it sopping wet (it will take too long to dry) but you don't want it to be too clumpy/spotty, either. I use water when ironing when I don't feel like starching, too.


Have you ever had a major find at the back of your closet or bottom of your dresser?

A positive start to the new year

The Rundown
Gap blazer - 2006 - $40 (similar)
BR sweater - 2008 - $30 (similar)
BR Factory trousers - 2009 - $20 (similar)
Blake Scott heels via Off DSW - 2010 - $40 (similar)
AE necklace - 2011 - $4 on clearance (similar)
Nordstrom stud earrings - 2010 - Christmas gift card (available)

Happy New Year, loves!  Hope you all had some time to unwind and catch up with friends and family over the holidays.  As you've noticed, I took a week off of my normal scheduled blogging to do just that. K and I started off our holiday with a seven-hour drive on Christmas Eve down to Southern California, where we jetted off to four Christmas celebrations in four counties in three days. Lots of fun.  And then we got to relax. It was divine. K's family, which we saw for three of our four celebrations, is awesome and some of them read my blog, meaning I got some really spot-on clothing items as gifts! Can't wait to work them into the rotation (they're currently awaiting laundering since I wore almost all of them over break already!).

This is what I wore for my first day back in the office.  Simple and easy.  The necklace and earrings are new--the necklace from an outlet jaunt with my besties on New Year's Day and the earrings purchased using a gift card from K's aunt.

What worked
What I loved most about this outfit was the color combination--nothing too wacky but just unusual enough to be intriguing.  Purple and orange-undertoned red are a two-third color combo, according to the super-useful Academichic color wheel, and the variety of neutrals (black, gray, and khaki-ish) is pretty fun, too.

What didn't
These pants were pristine and wrinkle-free this morning, but by midday they were a bit of a mess. I think once I start shopping again (March 1), I'm going to avoid unlined trousers. I don't know how much that will help, but I think it may help a little. Plus, lining helps the fabric fall better (I definitely notice a difference between my lined and unlined pants).

What unusual color combos have you tried recently? How did you like them?

A little bit country

The Rundown:
4 + 18 + 27
Vintage braided belt - 2010 - $7 (similar)
Simply Vera Wang tights (via Kohl's) - 2009 - Christmas gift (available)
Kmart socks - 2006 - ?? (similar)
Urban Outfitters double-finger ring - 2010 - birthday gift (available)
New Old Jewelry earrings - 2010 - blogger meetup swag bag (similar)

Another cold and rainy day, another verging on casual outfit. I've only worn this skirt once so far in the challenge, but it is a really great skirt. Seeing there are only a few days left, I figured I should give the skirt its due, and tossed it on today. It's a great shape to pair with a button-up, and of course I mixed the brown and black (again).  Still kept my down parka on all day at work though...having a window is great but the draft makes my cubicle noticeably cooler than the rest of the office. Evidence: I was talking to our receptionist, who sits nowhere near a window, and was sweltering in my coat. Made a mental note to doff it once I got back to my desk. As soon as I reach my desk, I feel the chill coming in through my coat, so I kept it on. It's that noticeable.

Lip color experiment is on hold for today, mainly because I left my lipgloss at work on accident. So you won't be missing out on another lipgloss that doesn't add any color to my lips. This color thing is harder than I thought it would be.

How about these earrings? They're from the Sacramento Fashion Blogger Meetup...New Old Jewelry's Steven Millington-Foster sells his goods at the Midtown Bazaar, a weekly indoor event featuring local crafters.  Check it out.

What worked:
Back to my proportions--fitted on top, volume on bottom.  Oh well.  It works.  I was considering pulling a full week of neutrals, but forgot the past two days by putting some red in there. So maybe it's neutrals + red week. How festive of me.

What didn't:
Nothing in particular.  Don't you just love those days?

No question today--open thread! Write whatever you want in the comments (within reason and with respect to one another, of course).

I think you can guess what tomorrow's outfit will be based on today's title...

Pucker up!

The Rundown:
1 + 6 + 16
Nina pumps (via Ross) - 2009 - $16 (replacing item 8) (similar here and here)
Kenneth Cole Reaction coat - 2007 - Christmas gift (similar)
Forever 21 chain bracelet - 2010 - $5 (similar)
Urban Outfitters double-finger ring - 2010 - birthday gift (available)
Target silver stud earrings - 2010 - $5 (set of two earrings) (similar)
Gray scarf (used as neck knot) - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Red lips: Sephora lips pencil No. 411 with L'oreal Color Juice Stick in Cherry Freeze
Gray nails: self-mixed Wet n' Wild black and white

Today's get-up was more about the accessories and hair/make-up than the outfit itself (which was kind of boring, but warm--I wore tights under my jeans, too). Two things, one obvious, one not-so-much.

1. I curled my hair. But it was such a mess I had to pull it back. Will wait a few more weeks until I try it again.
2. I wore bright lipstick! With today's blah outfit, I needed something to light up my face. Pulled some stuff from my lip product drawer (yes, I have one, but it's pretty small), and layered some colors on.  I like it! I've always been self-conscious about my lips, so usually stick to clear gloss or chapstick.  My goal is to try a different lipcolor each day until I've tried everything in my drawer (should take about a week).

What worked:
The shoes! Love these shoes. And the coat. (Cold-weather outerwear doesn't count in the 30, remember?) And the lips.


What didn't:
The baggy shirt under a thin-knit sweater. It did keep me warm, though!

Are you a lip color gal or do you keep it pretty neutral?

Schoolboy or stewardess? [12 of 30]

The Rundown:
3 + 15 + 25 + 29
Vintage scarf - 2010 - $12 (similar)
Artisans Lane Turkish Jewelry necklace - 2010 - gift from mom (available)
Premier Designs crystal earrings - 2010 - $19 (similar)

I call this look "schoolboy chic."  Something about the scarf as a tie and the black blazer with jeans really was very menswear.  Alternately, the scarf tie also reminds me of a flight attendant--good thing I didn't wear this with a pencil skirt and pumps!

I also got new stud earrings! Not during the 30, of course, but a few weeks before. My friend Shawna sells Premier Designs jewelry, and when I found out all their studs have hypoallergenic titanium posts, I was sold. I'm allergic to silver and gold, and it can be difficult to find nice earrings with surgical steel or titanium posts (reason number 572 why I'm hard to shop for).  I ordered these, a pair of pearl dangles, and a jewelry set (which will be a gift). They just arrived on Sunday and I'm loving them (and to be honest, finding it a little hard to let go of that set I bought--so pretty! Someone's getting very lucky this Christmas).

What worked:
The necklace + scarf layering!  I started out with the blouse and necklace, but the expanse of white looked a bit bare, and it was only supposed to be 54 degrees today, so I added the scarf. It goes outside of the collar so it doesn't hide the necklace.  The blue and orange complemen t each other really nicely, too, adding some interest to an otherwise bland outfit.

What didn't:
Not that it didn't work, but I think this would have looked better with skinny jeans and boots than with bootcut jeans. But I wanted to get away from that combo since I've already resorted to that so many times.  What's a challenge if you don't try something new?

How are you getting out of your comfort zone with the challenge? Or if you're not doing the challenge, what's something you'd like to try?

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EDIT/UPDATE

So I totally forgot that Rochelle of Rochelle Approved tagged me to share seven secrets! Not sure if these are secrets, but maybe fun facts.  Here goes...


I have a bad habit of picking off my nail polish. I've read nearly every issue of Sports Illustrated over the past five years (except for the last few, which are sitting on my nightstand).  I love jigsaw puzzles and I have a 3,000 piece one that I haven't finished (yet). I make a killer meatloaf. My favorite movie is Singing in the Rain. I married my first boyfriend. I'm allergic to cats, but determined to get one when we get our own house.


I tag...YOU. Share something in the comments!

Friday full of fun (sort of)

The Rundown:
5 + 15 + 23 + 29
Pearl necklace - 2007 - wedding gift (similar)
Black necklace - 2010 - swapped (similar)
Nancy Rosetta circle ring - 2010 - birthday present (similar)

What worked:
After Thursday's holiday, I was reluctant to believe that Friday was a work day. Or that Friday was Friday, to be exact (it felt more like a Tuesday or  Thursday).  I had to lead an important (to me) meeting, which I spent most of the morning preparing for and most of the afternoon recovering from.  Since the meeting also included some folks from outside our organization, I was unsure of how formal or informal it would be, so tempered the jeans (which aren't as dark wash as I'd like them to be) with a nice tweed blazer and more formal jewelry (put together in a fun combo).  I snatched up the jacket from the latest swap I went to, but it's Merona brand from Target. The jacket was a hit at work, and the meeting went pretty well, although our brainstorm was going so well it was hard to stop it at just two hours. Better than it being a drag!

What didn't:
Not sure about the green jacket, red shoes combination.  This happens to me a lot, since green and red are my favorite colors. But whatever.  I think next time I'll try this blazer with a skirt or trouser jeans instead of these boot cut ones.

After work I went to my friend Ashlee's house for a fun girls dinner, after which we hit up Target to get some goodies to put in our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  I've done Christmas shoeboxes many times, mostly back in high school and college, and was so happy when Ashlee decided to bring it up last year. We ran out of time to wrap our boxes this time (lid separately from bottom of course), but we did get lots of goodies for the kids. If you haven't done one yet this year, there is still time (collection week is November 15-22)...check out the Operation Christmas Child website for more info and a list of drop off locations.

Here is what I packed for a 5-9 year old boy:



What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Ready, Set, Remix

The Rundown

Remix items 2 + 18 + 24 + 27

Belt - 2010 - swapped (similar)

Forever 21 leaf necklace - 2010 - $5 (similar)

Rings on a ball chain (DIY)

What worked

It seems as if fall decided to take a break this year and we've transitioned straight into winter. Now, I understand that in some places there is already snow (and THAT's winter), but here it was 45 degrees when I left the house this morning, which is almost winter to me.  I wish I would have layered two long sleeve tops instead of a sleeveless + long sleeve.  The boots were a must, though. 

What didn't

Oddly enough, as comfy as this outfit is, it is one of those that actually looks better than it feels. Frankly, it felt frumpy.  Something about the volume around the neck combined with the volume of the skirt and heaviness of the boots made me feel like I was clomping around all day, but from these photos, the outfit looked great. I guess it's better than an outfit that's the other way around. I'd wear this again.

I tried on three different outfits this morning before settling on this one.  None of them felt right. I think it was just one of those days. Like last time, I made a list of possible outfit combos before I settled and posted, but wound up barely consulting it. This morning, three outfits in, I dug through my purse for that list and picked the most comfortable sounding outfit. See--planning does work!

Do you ever feel frumpy even when you look fab? Does it make you feel better than you actually look good?

Dobby dots

The Rundown:
Target shirt - 2009 - $14 (similar)
Ann Taylor Loft skirt - 2009 - $13 (similar)
Blake Scott shoes (from Off Broadway) - 2010 - $40 (similar)
Claire's ring - 2006? - cheap (similar)
Kohl's necklace - 2009 - cheap? less than $10 probably (similar)

What worked:
While I don't normally plan outfits, this one has been in the back of my mind for a while (meaning about three days).  I really love this dobby-dotted camp shirt, but usually only wear it for casual Fridays or weekends. But then I got bored with all my button-up shirts (temporarily...I'm sure I'll get over it soon), and this one just stood out to me from the closet. I love the subtle texture, and you can see there are adorable pockets and fun sleeve details. The perfect interesting shirt to set off a basic skirt. And with black and khaki, red shoes just pop!

What didn't:
I wish I had worn a black cami underneath instead of gray...it looks way too see-through!  Black would have been more demure.

Sometimes the outfits in my head work out, sometimes they don't. Today I really loved my outfit, but K had tennis with the guys (until they got rained on) so I had to resort to flash after I got home from work. I don't know how those gals who go outside everyday for gorgeous shots do it!  A little freaked out for how winter will go...I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. Maybe it's time to recruit a second shooter at work?  hmmmm...

Do you ever obsess over an outfit in your mind to find that it actually does work? What combo did you discover?

A wrinkle in time

The Rundown:
Mom's blazer - from the '70s or 80s (similar here and here)
The Limited top - 2009 - $12? (similar)
Old Navy bootcut pants - 2008 - $20 (similar)
Blake Scott pumps from Off Broadway - 2010 - $40 (similar here and here; probably still in stores)
Anne Klein watch - 2009 - $55 (available here)

What worked:
Loved this blazer for work. Two of my coworkers (who remembered back in the day when this style was all the rage) cuffed my sleeves for me, and I think I really like it this way. I also really like the teal and the red in the same outfit...for some reason, they both feel like neutrals to me (at least this deep red), and really let the blazer stand out today.

What didn't work:
I think I should have cuffed up the sleeves just one more time...uncuffed it was bracelet length, two cuffs may have made it near-elbow length. But this is a little awkward in between. Also, I have to remember to really press out the hem of these pants next time (I recently let out the hem since the pants shrunk and didn't accommodate heels anymore).

I'm pretty bad with the whole wrinkles thing. Granted, these photos are taken after a day of sitting at the office and 20-minute-per-way commute.  I tried spray starch this last time (in a spray bottle, not one of those aerosol cans; was supposed to be all natural, too), and its been a bit better than starchless, but not consistent enough to make me a believer. Still on the lookout for a good solution.

Do you starch when you iron? What are your tips on staying wrinkle free?

p.s. Trying out a new format and some new info (similar items on the web) based on the your feedback from my reader survey! If you haven't filled it out already, please do...you have until this Friday.

Meet and greet

7 + 13 + 18 + 24

So I'm a week late, but this is my office-ready version of patriotic red, white, and blue (in case you ever have to work on a fourth of July, I guess, or just for everyday wear).  These are a lot of my favorites put together.  I considered wearing brown shoes to go with the belt and bag, but these red heels were just screaming out.  The right heel tip fell off halfway through the day, however, so these are headed to the cobbler tomorrow.  My six other pairs of 30 for 30 shoes should tide me over until they're fixed (I knew there was a reason I included both pairs of pointy-toed pumps).

I was all good and proud of this outfit until I got to work and realized that everyone else was in suits for tonight's meet and greet with our board members at a really posh hotel.  I think I was the only one not with at least a blazer on, and definitely the only one not in black.  Why do people default to black for business dress, anyway?  I didn't include any suits in my 30 (only figured out I was going to this thing last Thursday), and so the thought didn't even cross my mind.  Funny how the rest of my closet just disappears in my mind when it's off limits.  Also funny -- I still have not worn a single one of my planned outfits.  This might just veer into 30 for 60 category before I exhaust all possibilities (j/k, really).

My favorite part of the outfit today, aside from the red, white, and blue, is the braided belt.  I'll have to admit this is a relatively new purchase from my favorite local vintage shop.  Last week I belted over my cardigan, and today the belt went under.  Works both ways, yeah?

Do you default to black for formal work events or do you try to go against the grain?