This is such a hodge-podge of an outfit, but somehow I love it. The sweater is one of my fave layering pieces in fall/winter, but it’s surprisingly wearable in the summer when the temps aren’t too high. The pants and scarf are both new — and both thrifted — and they’re both very summery, nicely balancing the knit. I’m especially fond of the scarf print; here’s a close-up:

With so much going on in the outfit (forgot to even mention the sparkly shoes), I wasn’t sure at first what bag to pick. Black is usually my safe default, but I was afraid it would be too stark and overpowering. When in doubt, my second choice is always burgundy. It’s a softer colour, but more versatile than brown for my wardrobe.

I call this the Heartbreak Dress only because it’s such a cute number … and it went and ripped in the most inexplicable manner. I was working and minding my own business (and not, say, doing calisthenics) when I heard the terrible sound of fabric ripping; it happened near the armpit, right where the bottom of the cap sleeve connects with the top of the dress. It wasn’t a seam that ripped, but the fabric itself (and the lining). Of course, once it started, it didn’t stop. Every so often, through the day, I would hear the sound again. By the time I was ready to leave the office, I had serious concerns about a wardrobe malfunction. Luckily, I got home before my top half was completely exposed, but it was a close call. I was able to sew the rip together, Bride-of-Frankenstein-style (i.e. poorly), and all I can do now is hope that the swirly pattern will distract people from the evidence of my botched “surgery”.

It’s too bad, really, because it IS such a cute little dress. I don’t want to give it up just yet — not before I try a few more combinations. For its first outing, I had to pair it with my new-to-me persimmon Gucci Soho tote, because the colours are just too perfectly matched, and kept everything else very plain and basic to avoid sensory overload. Thankfully, bag proved sturdier than dress on this occasion.