Liberty Floral

Blazer, J. Crew (via consignment); top, LOFT (swap); pants, BR; shoes, Ellen Tracy; bag, YSL (via eBay)
Blazer, J. Crew (via consignment); top, LOFT (swap); pants, BR; shoes, Ellen Tracy; bag, YSL (via eBay)

Ever since I saw Lisa from Respect the Shoes rocking this Liberty print J. Crew blazer, I have wanted to get my greedy hands on one. After about a year of unsuccesful eBay stalking, I had more or less given up on finding one for a reasonable price. Consignment deus ex machina to the rescue! I recently found this blazer in like-new condition for only $35. Admittedly, it’s a size too big, but that’s something I can live with, in the circumstances.

A memorably floral blazer is not the most versatile piece ever, but this one is too cute for such considerations. The subtle hints of colour within the print make it fairly easy to accessorize … were it not for one tiny problem. I don’t have a lot of solid colour tops in my work closet. I usually stick to the formula of solid colour blazer/cardigan + print top, which makes the reverse a bit more challenging. Luckily, I do have a few tops that I think will work with it, so keep an eye out for more OOTDs to come.

worth the wait
worth the wait
vintage brooch
vintage brooch

The other thing you’ll be seeing a lot is this vintage brooch. I’ve suddenly taken to wearing it All. The. Freaking. Time. I don’t know what that’s about (I go through phases with my jewelry, so it may be that), but I do know that this brooch seems to go with everything, which doesn’t hurt. I feel like I’m getting a lot of side-eye from my other, much-less loved brooches every time I reach for this one. Moral of the story? Don’t anthropomorphize innanimate objects.

red suede shoes - still alive!
red suede shoes – still alive!

Le Rouge et le Noir

Dress, Avenue Clothing; belt, Holt Renfrew; shoes, Ferragamo; bag. MbMJ
Dress, Avenue Clothing; belt, Holt Renfrew; shoes, Ferragamo; bag. MbMJ

The title is a book nerd sort of joke, in case you were wondering. (And no, I’ve never gotten around to reading Stendhal, much as I’ve never managed to finish Remembrance of Things Past – I’m more of a Balzac/Zola girl.) But, yes, I’m wearing red and black and white – again – because I’m nothing if not predictable.

wind machine effect engaged
wind machine effect engaged

This is one of those really basic/simple/plain outfits that’s not that special when you break it down on paper, but looks perfectly nice in real life. Know what I mean? I feel like I’m really starting to get the hang of these – which is a bit of a back-handed compliment to myself, I guess. On one hand, bo-ring! On the other hand, a cute outfit is a cute outfit. I’ll take it!

easy peasy
easy peasy

Blush on Blush

blazer, Topshop; top, LOFT (swap); pants, BR; shoes, Calvin Klein; bag, Mulberry
blazer, Topshop; top, LOFT (swap); pants, BR; shoes, Calvin Klein; bag, Mulberry

I’ll be honest: I didn’t have high expectations for this outfit … and I ended up LOVING it. Yes, all caps and everything. It’s another one of those basic/boring looks I seem to be specializing in these days, but I’m digging how the two-toned thing turned out – especially the blush-on-blush combo of the blazer and top. I’m looking forward to repeating it soon.

two toned
two toned

I know I’ve bitched about this Topshop blazer before (and the complaints still stand), but I will say this: if and when this blazer bites the dust, I’ll be on the lookout for another version. Who knew that a blush blazer could be such a useful staple piece? Lesson learned.

Chanel Beige Rose
Chanel Beige Rose
pretty in pink?
pretty in pink?