WIW 07.30 [pajama-esque]

Another wonderfully warm day! I started with the lightweight cotton pants, and since my work has no AC wanted a sleeveless breezy top. I don't have many options there, as sleeveless is rarely useful in my mild summers, but I have been looking to update my existing more fitted sleeveless tops with looser ones. This borderline semi-sheer, light blue tank makes me extra happy to wear because I bought it last month during the Seattle meetup.

While getting dressed, still sans tuck and sans shoes, my husband walked by and said I looked like I was wearing pajamas (I had noticed it too). I actually hadn't put together that this tank was a nod to the pajama trend until this morning -- due to the silky fabric, cut, and piping... even the pastel color probably contributes. I'd been thinking of the pants as more resort, but I can see the PJ connection. The pairing of the two pieces certainly has a pajama vibe but of course not nearly as strong as the silky matching sets that were fringing; I wouldn't say no to one of those tops, but the right one has yet to come along.

I debated with myself about The Look, ultimately decided I liked the vibe but it felt just a bit too sloppy untucked so I semi-tucked the front for a little structure and added heels to dress it up just a little. Accessorized with some graphic stripe action (earrings, clutch) and a swipe of light pink lipstick. Quite happy with the resulting nod-to-pajamas look, and it's perfectly comfy and breezy today.

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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WIW 07.29 [refreshing a favorite formula]

Today I dusted off a favorite summer formula I haven't been sporting much: summer sweater + baggy short shorts + short boots. Though it usually manifests strongly in the summer, I've been toying with the idea of adding a little more boho flair to my fall/winter wardrobe (we'll see). For the most part that side of my style has taken more of a back seat this year, but it's still there and I still like it; my curls always add a boho touch, and many days that's been the extent of it. This formula tends to skew boho by default since nearly all of the boots that I wear in summer fall into that category, and perhaps that's why I haven't been wearing it much this season -- been really into my pointy and ankle-strap footwear! For today, I am enjoying a refreshed older staple look: the shorts and boots are from previous years but the formula feels perfectly updated with a very current, very oversized sweater. (The rose gold booties I've been considering would be another fun way to refresh this.)

Without the semi-tuck the open-weave knit of this sweater causes some grinning; since it's low contrast against my skin and not that open a weave, I skipped layering a tank underneath which gives a much smoother look. In the sunlight you catch a glimpse of my outline beneath, a very subtle effect which I quite like. Plus it helps keep it as breezy as it can be (the linen content helps otherwise). Accessorized with warm tones -- gold filigree earrings, tan and neon orange clutch -- and a swipe of soft pink lipstick. I really like how the final mix is both soft and graphic. Definitely falls into my royal realm of Modern 70s With A Touch Of 80s, which makes me feel happiest. A bucketload of sun doesn't hurt, either :D

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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WIW 07.24 [fuzzy sequined fun for a gloomy day]

After wearing a white-out look for a seriously rainy day, for the second straight day of gloom and rain I decided to go with the fun: color, fuzz, sequins, and pompadour-ponytail! (Happy to report that summer has since returned.) I spent the day out shopping with and for my sis, and purposefully chose to wear something complicated to take off so I would be less inclined to try stuff on -- between the booties, BF jeans, crew neck and updo it was definitely difficult, but of course I still managed to find some things for myself ;)

This cropped-over-long silhouette is something I've been eying a good while (Rae does it particularly inspiringly: 1|2|3|4) so I decided to make the most of the cool day to try it out now that I have two cropped sweaters that it'll work with (I have a second that I got at NAS). This bright and fuzzy sweater came home with me a little while back, intended for fall/winter/spring + cool summer days. But after wearing it for the first time I think I'll have to reduce that to fall/winter and only the coolest days in early spring as it's ridiculously warm! It elicited several comments which was amusing (every SA in BP at Nordies, so hmmm.. too young?). The very high crew neck isn't the most flattering on me but the fun factor totally earns it a place in my wardrobe, and I look forward its cheerfulness when it's extra grizzly this winter. Plus it's super cuddly, and that's always nice ^^ 

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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WIW 07.23 [white-out for the pouring rain]

Today brought us a ridiculous amount of rain, which dampened (hah) my mood a correlating amount. To combat the gloominess, I decided to throw practicality into the wind (hah again) and wear what makes me feel the most cheerful: loads of white. As far as practicality does actually go, it's really not that bad to manage: avoid large puddles, the beret keeps my hair relatively dry, the clutch doesn't get too wet tucked under my arm, and when I get to where I'm going I do a quick wipe down of the shoes. All the water my clothing picked up dries out quickly enough once inside. Easy peasy. Of course, were this not the middle of summer I'd have popped my cream trench coat over the whole thing, but I just can't show the rain any sign of weakness ;)

I bought this sweater, sized way way up, while out with the YLF gals this past weekend. I've been on the hunt for a creamy semi-chunky oversized 90s reminiscent sweater and this fits the bill perfectly. It's super duper cozy and soft, but the open weave (and 20% linen content) makes it rather breezy as well. (Angie -- happy to report that the sleeves stay put, and not much stretching throughout the day.) Should work for fall, spring and summer for me which is perfect. Styled today in a "summery" way, with rolled white skinnies and white pumps. Simple accessorizing because the sweater is a lot on its own, just my rose watch and silver cutout earrings, along with some peachy-nude lip balm to keep the look light. Chose my sequin clutch because sequins also make me happy! And also I liked the texture and shine it added.

When getting dressed I'd expected to have to walk several blocks right in the midst of the heaviest rain, but that turned out not to be the case. I popped on my black beret for outside time to help keep my hair somewhat under control because, well, as a native Cascadian I don't use an umbrella. Worked perfectly, even though I wasn't outside as much as I'd expected. Ultimately this outfit was just what I needed to perk up and get through a very gloomy day! Bodes well for this sweater for fall (and spring, for that matter), when rain like this becomes the norm.

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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Quick NAS question

Hi ladies, I had a quick question about how the stores are handling the mech for this year's NAS. I didn't hit last year's in person so I'm not sure if they stuck with it, but are they doing the thing where they have only some of the items at a store (minus the flagship which has it all) in sizes you can take home that day OR are they doing the thing where all the stores have all the stuff to try on but you then order to ship what you'd want? Thanks :D

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WIW 07.09 [white-out for Angie's birthday]

I have a whole bucketfull of outfits to post from the past few weeks, but for today I wanted to post an Angie birthday tribute outfit -- an outfit that is 100% me and makes me 100% happy, but clearly inspired by Angie. I had planned this outfit last night, and was tickled to see Angie's white-out birthday look this morning ^^

During my early time at YLF, Angie helped me come to the realization that I LOVE white. Waaaay more than black which had been my predominant neutral. Looks just as good (if not better) on me, and makes me infinitely happier to wear. I joined Team White and Team White-On-White very early on and haven't looked back! So thank you, Angie, for helping me to realize that although black may be a predominantly favored neutral, it doesn't have to be MY favored neutral. I couldn't be happier with this realization, and it continues to drive all of my wardrobe decisions going forward.

I also wouldn't have tried white jeans (which are now a staple!) without a little gentle push, nor the sequin tank for daytime sparkle even though I have the Magpie Gene; I'd have ruled both of these items as too impractical and not-normal-enough. Good thing I got those thoughts out of the way! And although we style our pieces differently, Angie and I share a very similar style aesthetic so I couldn't help but also don our twinnie clutch and shoes today.

The scarf is new, something I bought while out shopping with a friend this past weekend. I actually purchased it for fall but hey I hover on the outskirts of Team Wear and once in a while pop my head in ;) Minimal jewelry, just small ivory studs and my rose gold watch. Finished off with an Angie-inspired watermelon lip color which I achieved by layering two semi-sheer shades (pinky-red underneath a candy pink crème).

Thanks for all the awesome style advice you've given me over the years, Angie! You are always such wonderful inspiration <3 For you, TWO photos with my usual toothy grin!

Available items collected below. Comments, critiques, thoughts and questions welcome.

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Rectangle store/brand recs?

A dear friend of mine is looking to step up her work wear, and I was scratching my head trying to remember what stores and brands are best suited to rectangles; she's also tall and long limbed. All I could think of was JCrew and maybe Banana Republic? No brands came to mind. Clearly my rectangle knowledge is lacking!

We're looking at lower-to-mid range for now. She doesn't have huge shopping stamina, so I'd really like to be able to just take her to places that we know ahead of time are rectangle friendly. Once she gets some essentials then we can branch out, but for now I think limiting where we go will be a huge help to her.

So over to you gals, what stores and brands fit our lovely Racy Rectangles best? I'd love to hear any suggestions you gals have, either for work or casual wear!

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