Casual Office OOTD

Frye distressed Melissa boots; J. Crew plaid shirt; J. Crew wool mini skirt
Shirt, J. Crew (via consignment); skirt & cardigan, J. Crew Factory; boots, Frye

Please ignore (or excuse) the faux coy photo: I was making derpy faces in every other photo, and this was basically my only option. It’s a cute outfit that probably deserves better. I wore it on a day when I was technically on holiday, but came to the office to escape the kids get some work done. Actually, I was escaping the kids so I could get work done, because the whole working-from-home thing? Not working out so well for me. We don’t currently have a dedicated office in our house, and getting holed up in my bedroom does not fool the kids in the least; they want Mommy to come out and play now. On the plus side, the (actual) office was incredibly quiet (between Christmas and New Year, it’s a veritable ghost town) and I got to wear my Fryes to work. Yay.

Bargains Galore

Silence & Noise floral blazer; Frye distressed Melissa button boots
Blazer, Silence & Noise (thrifted); tee, Old Navy; jeans. Rachel Roy; scarf, Aldo; boots, Frye; bag. MbMJ (via eBay)

I found approximately a bazillion killer deals at the very tail end of December, and I didn’t even have to go to the malls to do it. Win win.

First, we have a floral blazer I thrifted during the BCRL brunch ‘n shop; the ladies had to talk me into it, but I’m glad they did – even if it’s not New Look-approved for work, it’s a great piece for weekends. The slouchy/unstructured boyfriend style has a casual vibe, but it’s just dressy enough to sass up a plain tee-and-jeans outfit.

Silence & Noise floral blazer; Frye distressed Melissa button boots
these boots are made for every outfit

And then, of course, we have the boots.

Silence & Noise floral blazer; Frye distressed Melissa button boots
I present, ahem, the little-seen side view

If you follow me on Instagram, then you’re probably already heartily sick of my gushing about these Frye boots, but you’re outta luck. Because gush I will. Again. And again. They’re pretty dang awesome, you guys – especially considering they cost me $50. I’m not going to tell you that you need to rush out and buy $400 boots because they will change your life, or some such nonsense, but if you happen to find them for under $100 – run, don’t walk, to the cash register.

Possibly my favourite thing about them is how they have started to subtly influence my weekend style. I’ve always had some boho-leanings, but vibe is coming on strong these days thanks to these boots. It’s a nice counterbalance to the New Look. All buttoned-up style all the time makes Adina a dull cranky girl.

Silence & Noise floral blazer; Frye distressed Melissa button boots
let’s mosey on along

Plaid on Plaid

J. Crew plaid shirt; Old navy khaki vest
Shirt, J. Crew; vest, Old Navy; pants, American Eagle; scarf, Merona; boots, Josef Seibel; bag, MbMJ

Ah, the return of Mommy Chic!

Just kidding. Or, rather, just temporary. I’m catching up on OOTD photos from over the holiday break, and then it’ll be business(wear) as usual in a week or so. But only for a little while … because we’re heading south, baby! All the way to Mexico, kids and grandparents in tow. If that is not the definition of “starting the year right”, I don’t know what is.

What can I say about this outfit? It was comfortable. And I dig the plaid on plaid. Actually, it may turn into one of my go-tos for days when I don’t really have time to over-think my casual wear (read, most days), but still want to look like I made an effort. Mixing plaids qualifies, right? Low expectations, folks: a fine tradition on BCRL since 2010.