Elbow patches are back! Back in my wardrobe rotation that is. I felt quite professorial at any rate, even though this outfit is pretty relaxed. I enjoyed how everything came together, and the muted colour palette.

I picked up this vintage(y?) cameo at The Junque Cellar because the setting struck me as unusual (it reminded me of some delicate material, like frayed lace) and the profile was nice. Hey, there are a lot of rather homely cameos out there, ok? It was just a small touch of frilliness in an otherwise low-key outfit.

Yes, it’s *another* navy dress. Wait, can we count it as just “blue” instead? Would that make the situation any better? Don’t answer that.

Thing is, this dress cost me a whopping $4, and I cannot resist a cute dress that is $4. I. just. cannot. That’s less than the cost of my fave drink at Second Cup, you guys. I only have to wear it 4 times, and it’s more than paid for itself. Heck, I can wear it once and call it a day. But I won’t, because I happen to quite like this dress. The sleeves will be tricky in the fall/winter, because they are a bit bulkier than I’d like, but that’s a problem for another season.

And I think I have finally solved my navy shoe problem! These Nine West pumps (thrifted new) are not navy, per se, but the bluish-greyish snakeskin finish is a passable alternative I think. I’m super pumped … no pun intended.

Pushing the business casual limits, that is. I promise these pants are, well, actual pants and not leggings — they have pockets and everything. They are also so, so comfortable, and I wanted to find a way to wear them to work (on a Friday, natch). Ditto for this jacket, which is quickly becoming a staple of my wardrobe — on weekends as well as during the week. I’ve been throwing it over my work clothes in the morning, when the temps are a bit cooler but not quite cold enough for a proper coat, and it works ever so well. It can be dressed up or down nicely.

My accessories are where it’s at, however. A simple outfit demands a statement piece (or two!) after all. I’m glad I decided to take a chance on this necklace because it’s proving to be a solid outfit maker. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with blue suede shoes.