Crayola



 After wearing mainly black for several years, I find myself now drawn to color.  I love this brush print dress.  And the white blazer has become my summer staple- it goes with everything.

 

Linking with Not Dead Yet Style


Outfit:
Dress:  Chetta B from LastCall
Blazer:  Banana Republic Outlet
Shoes:  Target
Watch:  Tourneau

June 2014 Purchases

1) Blue Dress- flattering shape, seems good quality, goes with several items I already own (multiple blazers and cardigans). So far I have worn it once for a presentation I gave, with a black and white houndstooth blazer and without the skinny belt (sorry no photos).

2) Silk Paisley Blouse- because I love every part of that!

3) White Peasant Blouse- Nice basic summer blouse, also bought it for the family portrait that I have been wanting to get done but haven't gotten around to arranging.  We're all in white shirts and blue jeans, on a bridge by a waterfall.  Sounds nice, no? 

 

 

4) Striped Linen Trousers, aka I Am Weak.  Just when I was congratulating myself on not buying printed pants (they're so cute, but I would never wear them), I bought printed pants.  Sort of.  They're striped, which doesn't count as a print anymore, right?  They're a neutral?  I really went to Loft looking for linen trousers. I tried on every style in the store, but the only ones that grabbed me were these striped ones.  I kept thinking about how fabulous they will look with my navy asymmetric blouse.  And... nothing else. Drew a blank on what else in my wardrobe to wear with them.  So then I bought the two blouses above!  It all makes sense in my head if not my wallet.

 

 

Linking with Fran

Suited for Office Air Conditioning

Believe it or not, I am still wearing some of my cold weather clothes to the office because the air conditioning keeps it FREEZING!  I guess it makes my purchases more cost effective, since I'm wearing them year round.  Unfortunately my little Honda can't keep up, even with the air conditioning on full blast, so I melt on the drive home.  Last week I found myself wearing tights to work one day, and then taking them off in the car on the way home!

 

 

 

 

 

Outfit:
Tshirt: Loft
Vest: Target
Pants: Dalia Collection via Marshalls
Shoes: Payless
Watch: Tourneau

April 2014 Budget

I'm pretty happy with my April purchases.  First up, this pair of oxfords:

Super cute.  I actually saw a pair at TJ Maxx that were flat and so cute, total Janelle Monae vibe.  I liked them so much, I went back to the store a second time to try them on, knowing full well that they were a size too small!  Then started the online hunt, and this pair ended up on my doorstep (along with Elmo sandals and Planes sneakers, so I don't feel so bad).
My hesitation was whether I would really wear a pair in burgundy, but I didn't like the black color, and I managed to wear these three days last week!  So there.  Not the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, but not the most uncomfortable either.  And I think I will get a lot more wear out of them this fall.
In my effort to keep my life uncluttered (or at least my closet), I also have decided on a new rule for shoes.  I'm limiting my collection to what fits on my Target shoe rack (initially a sweater rack when I had one closet total in my apartment in NY).  Since the rack is already full, that means one pair has to go.  My red flats are on the chopping block.  My last outfit post was a farewell to them.  Although so cute, I don't wear them much, they're not the most comfortable, and they show their wear.  Adieu.




My other purchase this month was this gorgeous skirt.

I know.

Spending:  Shoes $17 + Skirt $36.37 = $53.37

I thought about using the same shoe rule for clothes, but yeah right, who am I kidding?  Instead I will leave you with this inspirational minimalist closet.  I saw it on Patti's blog, not sure where it is from originally (Google was so not helpful).

 Linking with Fran

Red, White and Blue

This is the tomato red blouse I mentioned earlier.  The sleeves are knit, so it's super comfortable, but I'm not crazy about the tabs on the sleeves.  Add my favorite warm neutral skirt, navy belt for contrast, and voila.  I tried to resist adding my red shoes and making it so matchy, but I lost that battle with myself! 

 Linking with Not Dead Yet Style

Outfit:
Blouse: Target
Skirt: Limited
Belt: Limited
Shoes: DSW

Watch: Tourneau