Gridlock

First of all, how amazing are these $25 pants?! They look super chic and you’d never guess I got them from Old Navy! I haven’t found something I like at Old Navy in over a decade (it generally isn’t my style and/or doesn’t fit me well), but this pair of pants looked adorable AND fit me perfectly. While I love the buildup and anticipation of purchasing something I’ve wanted for a while, sometimes unexpected purchases are the most exciting and rewarding for me!

I’ve been wearing this velvet choker nonstop. I love pairing it with a more delicate piece to add a bit of edge to an otherwise ladylike outfit.

PANTS– Old Navy// COAT– H&M// HEELS– Banana Republic// BAG– Rebecca Minkoff// NECKLACES– H&M and Brandy Melville

March

Happy March! While technically still “winter”, just seeing March 1st on my phone screen, calendar, etc makes it feel like spring!

I purchased this sleeveless dress over the weekend knowing I wouldn’t be able to wait for warmer weather to wear it. Instead of throwing on a jacket over it I thought it would be a nice twist to layer something under it. Winterizing summer items is actually quite fun when you get creative about it. I chose this cozy burgundy turtleneck to give myself a little warmth. A turtleneck was surprisingly hard to find, despite the chilly temperatures, since stores are already preparing for spring (not that I mind).

Oh, and remember the missing waist belt from a few posts ago? Well I eventually found it, but after I took these photos it literally ripped in half while I was wearing it! So much for that!

DRESS– Forever 21// TURTLENECK– Forever 21// HEELS– Zara// BAG– Madewell

The Glasgow Satchel

Whenever I’m on the fence about buying something, I ask myself, “Could I walk out of this store right now and forget this [skirt, necklace, purse, etc] as I continue on with my day?” If the answer is yes, then I know to pass on whatever it is. If the answer is no, then usually I’ll indulge (I’m not really much of a buyer, just a window shopper, so I don’t find myself in this position too, too often). Sometimes, however, I find myself in the sticky situation of simply being in the grey zone. Should I get it? Should I not? You know the deal.

That’s exactly how I was feeling about a black Banana Republic bag I’d been eyeing for a few weeks. I’d gone to the store three times (yes, three!) and was quite torn. This should have been a major red flag, but I continued to agonize. I even texted my mum a fair bit trying to get her opinion. The only advice I got was, “It’s your money!”. Still at square one regarding the Banana bag, I wandered into Madewell to kill time before I would make the decision. And then- I saw the bag that would make me forget all bags, Meet the Glasgow Satchel.

I had seen the bag in brown the month prior and debated getting it, yet resisted since I wasn’t too keen on brown. But this lovely black version on the shelf was absolute perfection. The Banana Republic tote now merely a distant memory, I knew for certain that this purchase could answer my standard question “Could I walk out of this store….” with a solid NO. I could not leave Madewell without this bag in hand. And I didn’t!

I love this photo, except for that pesky background sticker!

SHIRT– Forever 21// SKIRT– Forever 21// HEELS– Banana Republic// BAG– Madewell// NECKLACES– Brandy Melville and Forever 21

Blazers: My Challenge Item

This leather sleeved blazer is definitely one of those pieces that I love, yet often times have a hard time fitting into my outfit. I think it’s partly because of the color combination and mostly because I’m not usually a blazer-wearing gal. Come to think of it, the only other blazer I have is a very formal black Banana Republic blazer which I’ve used for professional (non-fashion) interviews. This sucker has been nestled in the back of my closet for quite some time now. Every time I’d dig through my closet I’d pause briefly and wonder how to style it, then quickly reach for something else. I finally felt up to the challenge this weekend. I tried on a zillion different tops until I settled on this gray ribbed sweater. Cuffing the sweater sleeves over the leather arms of the blazer made my upper half feel a bit more cohesive while wearing jeans counterbalanced the feeling of being way outside of my comfort zone with the blazer.

Overall I’d say I’m pretty pleased with the outcome. Would I reach for this blazer often? Probably not. But now I can see it hanging in my closet and know I’ve conquered it at least once!

Do you have a certain piece that you struggle to make work too? I’m curious to know!

It was very windy!

How creepy is this?? There are three really odd creatures/heads in this urban “park”.

BLAZER– Hinge// SWEATER– Banana Republic// JEANS– BDG// HEELS– Cooperative// WALLET– Banana Republic// SPECS– Warby Parker

The Missing Belt

Do you ever have days when you tear through your entire closet and you simply can’t find the item you had in mind that would just make your outfit? Well, that was today for me. I wanted to pair this look with a skinny waist belt and I swear it was on my dresser yesterday, but today it was nowhere to be found! Alas, the show had to go on.

I admit to feeling briefly peeved at myself for always misplacing things, but I tried to look on the positive side. 1.)  No waist belt meant that I was free to enjoy my lunch. No feeling like my belt was going to pop off after having a few too many fries. How uncomfortable is it when your full belly is pushing against a tight belt?? 2.) I didn’t have to constantly fiddle with the belt all day (and you know what I mean- one doesn’t simply just WEAR this kind of belt….are your clothes getting scrunched up? Is the buckle sitting evenly? etc.. It’s quite stressful when you think about it. Today I just got to be and not worry about such nonsense). So, wherever my belt is hiding, I’m glad it was a sneaky little bugger today because it was for the best!

I put the sweater on as the day cooled down. Having it around my shoulders acted as my accessory in place of my missing belt.

I’ve been wearing these heels a ton lately. They’re so feminine, yet exude a powerful “boss-lady” feel. Can’t complain about that.

DRESS– American Eagle// SWEATER– Banana Republic// HEELS– Nine West// BAG– Kohl’s// SUNNIES– Warby Parker

Wagon Wheel

If the background and title of this post is any sort indication, you might be able to guess that I stood out in this outfit. And I mean way out. Before these pictures were snapped I was dining amongst Carmel Valley’s finest farmers and folk at The Wagon Wheel- a cowboy-styled diner complete with spurs (and other rusty, indiscernible items) hammered to the wall. I can’t exactly say that anyone else was wearing four inch heels and a hat- except for possibly a cowboy hat, that is.

And speaking of hats, I absolutely love this new Wide Brim Sun Hat hat I snagged from Nordstrom for $28. It sits comfortably on my head and does a decent job covering my face. I’m thinking I might pick up the traditional straw color because you simply can’t beat the price!

These babies make me 6’1″!

PANTS– Marc by Marc Jacobs// SWEATER– Banana Republic// HAT– Nordstrom// HEELS– Zara// BAG– Rebecca Minkoff//

Eyelash Sweaters

When I was working in retail a few months back and my clothing department received a huge shipment of the so-called “eyelash” sweaters, my eyebrows shot up (so punny). I was convinced they would go straight to the clearance rack. But, much to my surprise, I watched woman after woman try them on. From light brown to baby pink to pastel blue- these strange sweaters flew out the door. I held off on purchasing one for myself because it seemed far too trendy to justify the $50 (which, when you receive an hourly wage, is about five hours of work and just not worth it!).

Well, I finally caved in to the trend today. Sticking to a style from Forever21 means that I can enjoy a fun piece without worrying if it will be dated next year. As a general rule I tend to stick to more timeless pieces- I view my clothing as an investment that will last me several years- but I’m happy I indulged this time.

Blush pink was my color of choice!

Why did I wait so long to get an eyelash sweater!? They’re so cozy!

SWEATER- Forever21// SKIRT- Banana Republic// HEELS- Forever21/ HAIRCLIP- ModCloth// LIPS- NARS Dolce Vita

Casual Saturday

When I wake up Saturday mornings I usually have an inner battle with myself. Half of me wants to just be cozy in yoga pants and the other half actually wants to wear proper clothes. While there are definitely days when I let my inner yogi win, most days I try to wear something a little more “put together”. That’s not to say that put together can’t be cozy (okay, maybe not quite as cozy as yoga pants but still!).

Take this outfit for example. I’m really only wearing a casual tee, jeans, and oxfords, but add a little layering (and different length) with a warm coat and toss on a hat and voila- the outfit suddenly looks a little more thought out without me really having to do anything at all! Adding a hat to pretty much any outfit is guaranteed to take your look to new heights, in my opinion. I prefer a more structured hat myself (think Maison Michel), but a floppy hat certainly has its place as well. What are your top tips for sprucing up casual no-fuss outfits?

San Francisco weather allows you to wear a coat in the morning and evening, when the fog is in, and to shed your outerwear during the day when the sun burns through the chilly layers.

Most oxfords rub my ankles the wrong way, but these Sam Edelmans are the most comfortable pair I’ve ever worn.

Always finding something to hide behind!

TEE– Forever21// COAT– Banana Republic// JEANS– AG Denim// OXFORDS– Sam Edelman// BELT– Forever21// HAT– BP// PURSE – BP

Floral Kimono

Isn’t it such a great feeling when the item you’ve been eyeing for weeks finally goes on sale? And an even better feeling when the sales associate rings it up and it’s even more on sale? Score. That’s what happened with these gorgeous heeled oxfords from Urban Outfitters. I only paid twenty bucks for a versatile pair of shoes that I see myself keeping for a long time. Can’t complain about frugal shopping. Does anyone else cringe when they have to pay full price? I’d need about ten hands to count all the times when I’ve purchased something and then two weeks later it’s on major sale (and conveniently outside the “price adjustment” policy time frame)? I try to hold out as long as possible for a price markdown before buying something at full price. Thankfully it worked out for these shoes and I was able to snag them before they sold out!

What’s the best sales deal you’ve scored??

It was so windy I had to keep my hair from flying everywhere!

❤

The delicate floral embroidery on this kimono is both playful and chic.

DRESS- Kimchi Blue// KIMONO- Pins and Needles// SHOES- Cooperative// SUNNIES- Warby Parker/ LIPS- NARS Dragon Girl

Legion of Honor

How adorable is this polka dot trench coat!? When I saw it through the store window, just barely in view between two rather large-bussomed mannequins, I did the classic double take. My friend knew instantly that I’d spotted something, as my rendition of Taylor Swift’s newest song had ended abruptly as I stood frozen in place. One thing was for certain. I needed that coat.

I had originally wanted to style it with a bit more edge. Think chunky blush colored turtleneck sweater, gray skinny jeans, black ankle boots, and blush toned purse. Instead I veered towards a more classic look, still incorporating the blush tone into my skirt. It seems that black and white polka often gets paired with shades of red, but I find light pink to be refreshing. The pastel blue of the bag compliements the soft, ladylike feel of the outfit.

Oh, and how lovely is this backdrop?! It’s the Legion of Honor in San Francisco- a fine arts museum. The exhibits are constantly rotating and quite unique. The location is gorgeous, with views overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. I definitely needed my coat for these photos because a heavy fog had already settled over the city, making it damp and windy!

COAT- Guess// TOP- Asos// SKIRT- Wayf (Nordstrom Rack)// BAG- Target// HEELS- Nine West// LIPS- NARS Dolce Vita