I had a lot of time to explore my weekend casual style over the holidays … too much, maybe. See, my winter casual style is not much to write home about (I much prefer dressing for summer weekends, or summer period), and I don’t particularly enjoy getting creative with those clothes, unlike my work wardrobe. It’s easy to fall into a rut, especially when it doesn’t even really feel like one; after all, weekends are usually short, and are sandwiched by days upon days of cute outfits (or so I tell myself). But a week-long (stay at home) holiday is a different matter — definitely rut territory. I’m the kind of person whose mood is very much influenced by what I wear; too many blah outfits, and I start to feel blah. Something had to be done! So I made an effort. I mean, not much of one, as this outfit attests, but enough to feel a few steps above blah.

Non-blah weekend casual, for me, is all about pairing simple pieces with a few interesting accessories; nothing too fussy. Unlike the rest of the time, I don’t wear prints — it’s all about solids, and neutrals at that. So accessories have to be interesting to stop the whole look from free-falling into the blahs. This scarf is a neutral, but has a luxe texture (even though it’s just acrylic) that works nicely off the silky blouse. My YSL satchel is, again, pretty simple but with a few interesting design details.

Last but not least: my old Tiffany “love” necklace, recently rediscovered. About a year ago, it somehow “disappeared” and I was convinced that I had lost inside my own house (possibly in a tragic vacuuming accident). I was cleaning out a drawer, and checking all the various jewelry pouches hoarded there, when I found it. I’m not sure how I managed to overlook it for an entire year — and through a half dozen searches — but I am glad to have it back. I love its simplicity, and since it was a gift from my family, it’s extra special. And you can bet that I’ll be keeping it *far* away from the vacuum.

Marigold sounds better than mustard, doesn’t it? And, in all fairness, this boiled wool jacket is more golden than yellow. We’ll get to the bouquet part in a moment. First, let’s talk about my new favourite outfit formula: the column of black + statement piece. It’s so easy, and when you have as many cool blazers as I do, it’s almost too easy. My next step is to try it with a different neutral in place of black. I’m thinking forest green or plum, thanks to my new Club Monaco turtlenecks.

So, the bouquet. It’s brooches, of course! I recently thrifted this simple gold bow, and it’s a perfect complement to my big sparkly pieces like this old favourite (made in Australia!) hyacinth bunch. I love doing brooch bouquets because they feel a bit more modern and funky than just single brooches, and they allow me more opportunities to showcase my ever-growing collection. Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve starting looking at vintage brooches on eBay again and … ho, boy, I smell trouble. Someone needs to stop me from looking up any more Trifari pieces before I do something I’ll regret. Hashtag: crazy brooch lady.