I rarely wear orange, but when I do … I go all out, apparently. Thank goodness this greige blazer goes with everything because I was feeling rather stumped by this dress the morning I decided to wear it. I didn’t want to default to black again, but I also didn’t want to be too bright, even on a Friday. I do like that the blazer also “adults” this dress a bit, which is probably needed to make it a viable (albeit casual) work option.

Both the blazer and the dress were thrifted, and cost about $20 altogether. My cost-per-wear metrics are getting better every day, you guys. That’s another wardrobe stats post, for another day. (Two in one week? I wouldn’t do that to you.) The shoes and bag are closet faves, and proof that those two categories are worth upgrading. You can get away with a lot, when your shoes and bag are on point. That’s my theory, and I’m sticking to it.

I love blue. I mean, duh, but seriously: I. LOVE. Blue. So of course I love this outfit — so much. It’s just straight up blue. And there are florals involved. Prepare yourselves for a bazillion photos.

It’s a head-to-toe pre-loved situation. The top and shoes are from consignment, and I tracked down the matching skirt on eBay. (Let me pause here for a second to say that these blue J. Crew pumps have been one of my best shoe purchases ever. So, so versatile.) The cardigan is by UK brand Nougat, and a recent thrift find. English peeps: is Nougat still a thing on your side of the pond? I still see pieces here on consignment stores from time to time, and it’s always priced along with mid-range labels, but it’s not very well known here otherwise. Last but not least, my ebayed YSL Muse II in all its matchy teal glory, still looking sharp.

Let’s face it, this is all about that trench. Did I mention how lucky I got, thrifting a good-as-new Burberry trench … in my size, no less. It looks fantastic. Total aside: do any fellow thrifters ever get the impulse to say “I got it at Goodwill” whenever someone compliments you on your outfit — whether they asked for that information or not? I’m not sure why I get that urge, but it’s especially hard to resist when it comes to designer pieces. Maybe it’s because spending a lot of money on clothes is considered frivolous, and I don’t want people to think I’m frivolous. Or, at least, to know that I’m savvy about my frivolousness. Anyone else feel the same? Anyone? Bueller?

Hey, let’s look at some more pics.

Naturally, I wore some clothes under my trench too. The cardigan is Theory, via the clearance rack at Winners. The top is a recent thrift find, and another pretty good score — DVF for $4? Yes, please. The outer layer is silk, but the inner lining is bamboo, which is kinda neat; I’ve never seen that on a fabric tag before. It’s incredibly soft and lightweight. The shoes are also thrifted, and they’re leopard-printed calf hair, although that’s hard to see in these pics. Black pants are boring, but sometimes an outfit needs some boring to pull it all together. Last but not least, my croc-printed Mulberry Bayswater; heavy bag, but a classic. I’ve been obsessed with Mulberry lately … you’ll see what I mean soon. To be continued …