French Miss

Top, J. Crew (via consignment); jeans, Rachel Roy; blazer, Aritzia; shoes, Tory Burch (via consignment); bag, YSL (via eBay)
Top, J. Crew (via consignment); jeans, Rachel Roy; blazer, Aritzia; shoes, Tory Burch (via consignment); bag, YSL (via eBay)

I am obsessed with the casual chic of “undone” hair – think Charlotte Gainsborough – but tragic things happen when I try to emulate it. Tragic like this French braid, which started falling apart about about 5 minutes after I finished doing it. Eventually, I just gave up on it. It was that kind of a day. A 3-Coke kind of day. The WORST, basically.

'tude for days
‘tude for days

The rest of the outfit is super cute, so you will forgive me for showing it to you again. I went back through my monthly capsules and, sure enough, it’s 90% similar to something I’ve worn before. (The jacket and bag are different this time, for the record.) But a cute outfit is a cute outfit, and I think we have all given up on me being an actual fashion blogger, yes?

it's not easy being French
it’s not easy being French

Fake It Till You Make It

Blazer, J. Crew (via consignment); top, J. Crew Factory (thrifted); pants, AE; shoes, Stuart Weitzman
Blazer, J. Crew (via consignment); top, J. Crew Factory (thrifted); pants, AE; shoes, Stuart Weitzman

You know when you’re sick as a dog, but it’s Saturday, and nobody cares that you’d rather be buried in 3 feet of bedcovers? The first thing to do is ask, rhetorically and loudly, why the universe hates you so much. Assuming that garners you the type of response I get at my house, the next thing to do is put on a cute outfit, and fake it till you make it, baby.* Fake being a marginally healthy (and only marginally grumpy) person while you run the umpteen random errands you’ve been putting off all week.

creeping on the neighbour's lilac bush
creeping on the neighbour’s lilac bush

I would not recommend high heels for this … unless you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the car, in which case, they can’t hurt. Literally or figuratively.

no red nose here!
no red nose here!

* And don’t forget to douse yourself in cold medication and concealer. You don’t want that red nose to give you away, natch.

Summer Neon

Dress, J. Crew Collection (via consignment); blazer, Topshop (via eBay); shoes, Stuart Weitzman; necklace, J. Crew Factory; bag. Mulberry (via eBay)
Dress, J. Crew Collection (via consignment); blazer, Topshop (via eBay); shoes, Stuart Weitzman; necklace, J. Crew Factory; bag. Mulberry (via eBay)

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.

bright 'n summery
bright ‘n summery

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!

blazered up for work
blazered up for work