Let’s ignore the blush atrocity happening here, and focus on my outfit, ok? It’s pretty cute, right? I was not 100% sold on this J. Crew Collection dress when I bought it, but got swayed by the deal ($40, new with tags at consignment). It may not be the most versatile thing I own, but I’m still glad I bought it. The colours and fabric weight are perfect for summer (at least in an air-conditioned office), and the cut is very office-friendly. The above-the-knee hemline is nicely balanced out by a high neck (perfect for statement necklaces), and there is enough coverage on the shoulders that I can wear it in my office without a topper.

Speaking of which, this Topshop blazer is another new addition to my closet, and another great summer piece. I wasn’t able to find it in stores (sold out everywhere – sad face), but I did manage to grab it on eBay for about $40. I like the look of it a lot, but I don’t think the quality is worth more. I don’t have a lot of experience with Topshop, but if this blazer is a good indicator of their general quality, I think I may stick with J. Crew (outlet or consignment) in the future. If you’ve got thoughts/feedback on Topshop, hit me up in the comments!

You saw this dress not too long ago, and the styling here is, well, pretty much non-existent, so the real reason I’m posting these photos is because I got new glasses, see?

I’ve had glasses for as long as I can remember, and because I grew up in the 80s, they were big-ass glasses. Fellow Gen X-ers will know what I’m talking about. Unsurprisingly, I got teased a lot for my glasses, and developed an early and abiding hatred of them … which explains why, for most of the past decade or so, I’ve worn contacts almost exclusively. So, these glasses were an interesting development. Chalk it up to wanting to try new things. I think … I like them. I certainly enjoy the Miss Moneypenny-ish vibe happening with this outfit.

My bag is an old Louis Vuitton limited edition I scored for a song on Kijiji years ago. I really should use it more often because it’s such a lovely bag, even with the monogram overload. The silver “lace” filigree work is so beautiful and unusual. This is actually the bag that ignited by love affair with designer bags, and started my collection. So … thanks, bag!

I used to wear cardigans all the time. “Librarian chic” could well have defined my style at the time, and I say that without any intended self-deprecation. Librarians are cool. For a law office, this look is on the more casual side, but still perfectly acceptable on days without any client meetings. With summer around the corner, and most of my blazers on the heavier side of knits, it’s a look I’m enjoying rediscovering.

Can we talk about my shoes for a minute? Conventional wisdom is that Ferragamo shoes are the epitome of style and comfort, and while I would not dispute the former, I have reservations about the latter. The Vara style IS indisputably one of the most comfortable I’ve ever tried (at least the older/vintage pairs I have). The Varina style (i.e. these flats) is another story. Admittedly, I haven’t worn them extensively in the 3 years I’ve owned them, but I am still breaking them in. Painfully. Good thing they’re such a pretty colour.

Okay, minute’s up. Back to the outfit. I’m glad I’ve held on to this ancient Valentino skirt (scored at consignment, years ago, for $40 or so) because it’s such a nice staple piece, strange silhouette and all. (It’s not an A-line, nor a pencil skirt.) Did I mention how much I love rediscovering old classics in my closet?