Rhapsody in Blue

No, I didn't decide to boycott outfit posts, nor have I fallen off the face of the earth. Mainly I will blame the frigid cold for robbing me of inspiration for outfits during the week...I mean how cute can you look when your breath freezes when you walk outside? Oh and that stupid broken toe? That didn't help.

STILL! No more excuses. Even though I am trying to be slightly better about shopping {well, for me} it doesn't mean there aren't plenty of new to me outfits just by shopping my closet. I've had both the sweater and skirt since last year but never wore them together. Since I've been into that whole monochromatic look lately, it was a natural combination.

So take that Mother Nature, I've had it with your iron grip on my wardrobe choices. No more!

Sweater: Asos {love this gold one} // Skirt: Forever21 {try this or this} // Fur Vest: LaRok {try this}

Bracelets: Oia Jules, J. Crew

Nail Polish: Zoya 'Giovanna'
{This was a little lighter than I expected but still love how mesmirizingly mirror-like it is}

Boots: Forever21 // Bag: J. Crew 'Tillary' tote // Puffer Coat: Michael Kors

Just One of the Boys

I have a love hate relationship with button-downs. For the last year, the majority of mine had been stuck languishing away in the back of my closet (except for my Equipment blouses which are always and forever perfect.) They just felt too preppy, too stuffy, too 'done.' Then all of a sudden I did my usual 180 and starting throwing them over everything (just look at yesterday's post!) Instant-waist just by tying them, its like closet magic. That being said, I'll probably banish them again by next year, but they always come back around.

I've been eyeing this top for a while but considering I already have 3 (or is it 4?) short-sleeve buttons downs I held back. Then of course the little devil on my shoulder (whispering about an extra 30% of the sale price) reminded me that I don't have a striped one. Plus, it fits much better than the shirts I used to steal from my Dad!

Shirt: J. Crew // Skirt: Zara {similar here and here}

Necklace: Vintage

Nail Polish: Essie 'Borrowed & Blue' // Bracelets: Oia Jules, J. Crew

Sandals: Vince Camuto // Toenail Polish: Essie 'Lilacism'

Vintage Vibing

I seem to be on even more of a retro kick than usual this week. Whether its just retro inspired or legit vintage, I can't get enough! I purchased this 70's wrap dress on Ebay a few years back and always reach for it on a bright sunny day. The cute white piping and delicate little ruffles just feel so happy to me.

I know that I probably wear this Oia Jules bracelet at least twice a week, but it just seems to go with everything...including perfectly matching my nail polish! It took me a while to get off the red/pink nail polish bandwagon, but I love experimenting now. In case you haven't noticed yet, I have a major Essie addiction (and if you don't, what are you waiting for??)

Dress: Vintage {try this and this Lanvin is amazing!} 

Necklaces: Both gifts from my parents {both from some little store in San Fran..}

Nail Polish: Essie 'In the Cab-Ana' // Bracelets: Oia Jules, J. Crew

Time for the Tropics

No, I'm not on my way to an island getaway that I somehow forgot to mention (I wish), but I am loving the tropical print on my skirt. After seeing palm prints everywhere this season, I was on a mission to make it my own, just at a much more reasonable price point.

Now I could have scoured the internet and stores alike for hours on end (as if I haven't done that before), but instead went straight to ebay. I can't even list all of the amazing finds I've scored on there, from vintage rings to new with tags Tibi! This little number popped right up-- Ann Taylor of all places and under $10! Done and done.

Hopefully it will help tide me over until I DO finally go on the tropical vacation of my dreams...

Blazer: Marc Jacobs // Blouse: Elizabeth & James // Skirt: Ann Taylor {similar or try shorts}

Bracelets: Oia Jules, J. Crew 

Necklaces: Max & Chloe, Zodiac charm {gift}

Heels: Pour La Victoire

Paisley Party

I love bold patterns, bright colors, and clothes that are crazy comfortable but still look fancy. This D&G dress has all three! Seriously, I could sleep in it (but won't), its just that comfy. I had been eyeing it on Gilt for a long time but was still out of my price range...until it went on super sale. 

The material and pattern were even more wonderful than I expected, and its one of these ever elusive easy to dress up or down pieces. Its a perfect transitional dress for the crazy temperatures we've been having. My only regret is that I don't have it in more patterns!

Blazer: Kulson {try this or this} // Dress: D&G {similar here and here but adore this}

Fishnets: Wolford // Bracelets: J. Crew, Oia Jules 

// Nail Polish: Essie 'Off the Shoulder'

Heels: Pour La Victoire 

Studs, Stripes, and a Semi-Suit

This outfit combines plenty of old stand-by's, but hopefully in a slightly different way. This is again my attempt at creating a suit-like look without being too matchy. What can I say, a girl needs options!

Blazer: Theory {similar} // Top: Zara {try this J. Crew one} // Skirt: H&M 

Necklace: Max & Chloe Monogram Disc // Watch : Michael Kors  // Earrings: Sorrelli

{I love a good stud}

Bracelets: Oia Jules // J. Crew Classic Pave

Heels: Manolo Blahnik {try these and these are AMAZING}

Finally Free

...Of tights, heavy coats and yes, fur and leather. Its been real guys, but its time to pack it up and GO. While the seasonal changeover in my closet always gives me anxiety (its a massive project guys, but that's another story,) I'm gleefully giddy to be wearing this sundress.

Talk to me in July when its so hot you can barely move and I'll likely be curse any and all forms of clothing, but for now, its a fresh start. Time to say hello to some old forgotten friends and make room for some new ones. Oh, and patios of course. All the patios, please and thank you.

Blazer: Kulson {love this one} // Dress: Jack by BB Dakota {old but try this or this} // 

Belt: Vintage // Necklace: Ben Amun {similar  here and here}

Love, love, love a low back!

Vintage belt // Bracelets: Oia Jules, J. Crew Golden Gears

Nail Polish: Essie In the Cab-Ana

Flats: Sam Edelman {similar}

Oh hi there grass and cute yellow flowers, welcome back!

Lessons and Lace

Remember when you used to pick out your outfit the day before school? You would just wake up in the morning, get dressed, have breakfast and GO. Well, until middle school when we didn't have uniforms. That's when I can trace my habit of staring at my closet waiting for a miraculous new outfit to appear developed (perhaps this can be blamed on "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" as well.)

While my closet has gotten significantly bigger, my habit of staring into the abyss of clothes has not improved. So, time to try something new. Last night, I laid out everything-- yes, EVERYTHING-- that I would wear today. Pigs must be flying because I still liked it in the morning and was able to have extra time for breakfast (yes, the banana french toast...mmmm.)

I'd love to say I will be doing this every night before bed from now on, but lets be honest, I'll be lucky if I do it once a month. Still better odds than a magical closet...

Dress: Zara {old but this DVF is almost identical, and a more affordable version here} // Necklace: Ben Amun {similar  here and here}

Bracelets: J. Crew Wide Bangle // Oia Jules // J. Crew Gear Bracelet

Nailpolish: Essie "Cute as a Button" and one finger of Opi "Pink Flamenco"


Shoes: Pour La Victoire

That's a Wrap

 

Dress: Issa {similar here and here or try this short-sleeved DVF } // Tank top: H&M // Earrings: Sorrelli  // Necklace: Vintage c/o my Mom! {similar here and here} // Bracelets: Oia Jules and J. Crew // 
Boots: BCBG Rachel Wedge Boots {sold out but try these or these} 

I would love to say that I have known about Issa for ages and ages before Kate Middleton, but I could never lie to you guys. I'd been dying for one of my own, but since I am not a future princess, I had to wait until it was on Gilt and I snapped it up {ok and later a red one too but that's for another day.} The fit, the fabric, the drape are all fantastic as I expected, but my favorite part is the ridiculously bright aqua color {Doesn't quite come through in the photos, but trust me}. I mean POW--this baby pops! 

If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably seen all of today's jewelry on constant repeat, but I can't help it-- I love my chunky chains and these are my faves. The boots manage to give me height but also be amazingly comfortable and even appropriate for a metro commute (a rarity, trust me.)

Loving the pleating and layers!

This is probably my favorite necklace I own-- My Mom has the best taste!

 

Nail polish: Face Stockholm in Dance Party

Whatever Suits You

I'm lucky that I work in a job where I don't have to do the whole Über conservative full on suit uniform every day (though perhaps that would shorten my time getting ready...) On the few days when I do need to be much more conservative, I still try and mix it up a little so I don't look straight up cookie cutter business lady.

While this looks like a separate blouse and skirt, it actually one of my favorite Milly dresses. Possibly the easiest thing to put on ever-- top, bottom, and even neckwear, all in one! Pair it with a cropped tuxedo jacket and I'm good to go in under 5 minutes-- perhaps I should call it my miracle dress now that I think about it.

 

Dress: Milly {old but love this , this and this  by Milly}

Jacket: French Connection {old but try this great one from Asos or Elizabeth and James. This Helmut Lang is gorgeous too!}

Bracelets: Oia Jules and J. Crew

If you haven't already checked out Oia Jules you need to right this minute-- their jewelry is so unique and looks so much more expensive than it is!

Heels: Nine West {old but these would work and I love these Kate Spade's}