What I Wore: February 2016 Work Capsule

February was a weird month: long and short; stressful and slow; unproductive and, well, super productive. I finished the first draft of my second book (novella), and about 75% of the editing too. Next month should be a lot busier at work, so I may not make as much progress on other fronts, like my writing, but I expect I’ll be able to publish sometime in early May if not sooner. Needless to say, I’m very excited about that. As for February, I don’t have much else to say about it. Glad it’s over.

On to the outfits:

one, two, three
one, two, three
four, five, six
four, five, six
seven, eight, nine
seven, eight, nine
ten, eleven, twelve
ten, eleven, twelve
thirteen, fourteen, fifteen
thirteen, fourteen, fifteen
sixteen, seventeen, eighteen
sixteen, seventeen, eighteen

All in all, not a bad month. I had quite a few faves, including #3, 10, 14 and 17. Least favourite were #8 and 11. The print top from #8 went directly into my “purge” pile as soon as I came home that day. It doesn’t work for me anymore. The camel skirt is also on the bubble; I hate the way it fits. Life’s too short (and my closet too packed) to wear anything that doesn’t feel 100% amazing. Onwards and upwards!

Spring is next!!

Friday Hodge Podge

Sweater, Judith & Charles; top & shoes, J. Crew; jeans, Joe's Jeans; bag, Mulberry
Sweater, Judith & Charles; top & shoes, J. Crew; jeans, Joe’s Jeans; bag, Mulberry

I was going to wear this sweater with a different top initially, but didn’t like how it looked and then … I had the bright idea to try it with this ruffly blouse. I like the result, even though, by rights, the competing necklines shouldn’t really work. I also like the muted colour scheme combined with the pop of red from the loafers.

close-up
close-up
ruffles close-up
ruffles close-up

Hey, let’s look at that brooch more closely:

vintage brooch via eBay
vintage brooch via eBay

Yep, this outfit is a perfect mish mash of everything. Still works … I think.

What I might love best about it is the fact that everything — head to toe — came to me via consignment. My shopping philosophy in action: get the best quality possible for the lowest price possible. Cashmere sweater, silk top, designer jeans, leather shoes and bag … I would say I nailed it. The whole look cost me a hair under $600 (the bulk of it being the bag), and would have retailed somewhere north of $2,700.

neutrals + red
neutrals + red
Friday mish mash
Friday mish mash

Favourite Outfit 2016, Take One

Blazer, Banana Republic (thrifted); top, Joe Fresh; skirt, Anthropologie (via eBay); shoes, Ferragamo (via consignment); bag, Mulberry (via consignment)
Blazer, Banana Republic (thrifted); top, Joe Fresh; skirt, Anthropologie (via eBay); shoes, Ferragamo (via consignment); bag, Mulberry (via consignment)

First fave outfit of the year? May be, may well be. Needless to say, I love how all these pieces come together in this outfit, even though they’re a mix of brands bought at different times. It’s definitely not in the “business formal” category, but I think it’s a really lovely, polished look nonetheless — it makes me feel professional, while still allowing me to express my style. And by “style”, I mean my undying love of florals. But of course.

close-up
close-up
four-eye!! (Orla Kiely frames via Costco)
four-eye!! (Orla Kiely frames via Costco)
when favourite pieces come together ...
when favourite pieces come together …

I also love each of the individual pieces, but perhaps none more so than this Moulinette Soeurs skirt. It fits like a dream, which is rarer than one might think (pencil skirts and my waist-to-hip ratio are only infrequently on friendly terms). It also doesn’t wrinkle as easily as one might assume, considering it’s made of cotton. It’s a truly lovely skirt, well worth hunting down on eBay, where it pops up regularly. If you can snag it for under $60, I would recommend it.

... favourite outfits happen
… favourite outfits happen