Kicking off summer

This seems like the perfect outfit to kick off summer ~ it's finally warming up (yes, even Southern California has it's weather fluxes; hello gloom) and I have to say I'm totally ready. We are heading to the desert for a few days and I'm really looking forward to a huge vegfest. Work has been busy & stressful, with back-to-back installations for the last 2 months. Needless to say, the next 4 days will place me completely off grid, and that puts a big smile on my face.

I'm packing lots of what you see up there. I haven't worn shorts in years, but thinking I might give them a go again. (I have my stand-by capris just in case, and a maxi dress, which you can never go wrong with). I love that little anchor tee, and I plan to pick it up at the Factory store on the way out. I bought the sandals a couple of months ago, and while the logo is a little in-your-face, they are super comfortable and I'm in love with the nude color. I think I bought the bag in the dead of winter and it was too bright and summery to break out; this is the perfect weekend for its' inauguration. Everything else is in my usual repertoire. Hope everyone enjoys their long weekend!

wearing, in hopes of sunshine.

Life has been crazy lately. Busy at work, busy at home, with little relief in between. I'm loving my new job and full immersion in our ongoing projects has been the best education. I feel so lucky to be working for a small company that recognizes and promotes this. On the home front, we've been dealing with a small flood that destroyed our master bathroom and laundry area downstairs. It's pure chaos, and I'm feeling very detached, noncommittal and just wanting it to be over. This is what grownups refer to as, life. It goes on...

This is what I'm wearing today. The sweater is actually a little different - today is recent, and from Banana Republic, and the scarf is recent from J. Crew Factory, but the same pattern. The pants are navy pin-striped from Gap last year. It's a sunshiny outfit and I'm hoping to brighten my mood. Cheers!

saturday style

This has been a humdinger of a week (and I know I have no right to complain with all the other craziness that happened on the east coast). It was crazy busy at work, training a new employee (yay that) and then being thrown into some new projects and seriously winging it. I think I pulled it off. The weekend is both welcome and cursed; last Saturday I arrived home from some errands and it was raining in our garage. I was only gone 2 hours, and a toilet upstairs had overflowed, and completely soaked through the carpet and subfloor in our master bedroom/bathroom and into the garage below (which I am thankful was not a 'regular' room). Needless to say, our bathroom, part of the bedroom and part of the garage is totally ruined and we are now looking at an impromptu, unexpected (and unplanned) remodeling project.

After I pack up the bathroom & bedroom, I'm going to get just a bit dressed up and treat myself to a maid/pedi (well deserved, I'm thinking). The weather is gorgeous today and it truly smells like spring. I'll throw on the look above, with the exception of the bag (which I have a similar style). Hoping everyone has a great weekend!

jeans / shirt (love!) / shoes / bag (similar) / belt (similar) / watch / sunnies / earrings / bracelet / bracelet / lipstick 

J. Crew: Pave vs. Pave

My love for J. Crew runs deep, it always has. I love the classic, preppy style and I've found my basics that fit me well. Everyone needs a go-to brand, and J. Crew is it for me. Sometimes a little over the top, but most of the time, right on the money.

I've been coveting the Classic Pave Link bracelet for awhile. It's simple, gorgeous and and I've seen it layered well with other bracelets, but is beautiful on its' own. I'm one of the those people that doesn't always give in to whim so fast, so I've thought and thought and thought, and finally, a while ago, when there was a storewide 20% off sale, I decided to get it. But first I tried it on. And, I was disappointed. It's still gorgeous, but it's actually pretty heavy! And I've got attention and sensory issues - meaning, I can't have anything that attracts attention to my hands (so, no bright or colored nail polish!) and certainly no really heavy jewelry pieces - I'd spend my entire day distracted. I know, weird.

Then I noticed that J. Crew Factory had a similar style bracelet, that looked smaller and lighter, and it was priced way lower, so I ordered it. After waiting a month for the backorder, it arrived a few days ago and I've been wearing it ever since. It is smaller, it is waaay lighter and it's actually more delicate looking. It still has all the gorgeous style of the larger Pave bracelet, but toned down, which is way more me anyway.

My Go-To outfit

Everyone has one: the outfit they grab when feeling uninspired and tired. I always reach for my khaki crops. They are slightly tailored and can be worn with nearly everything. These are a pair from J. Crew Factory - I actually have them in about 5 different colors. Maybe 6. They fit. They are comfortable. And they are my complete no-stress-dressing outfit.

pants / tee shirt / sweater / belt / earrings / watch (similar) / bracelet / shoes / scarf (old, similar)

Saturday Style

This has been a long week; one that, admittedly, went by quickly, but it was long nonetheless. Work has been a whirlwind, with projects getting approved and deadlines mounting. Planning has become difficult, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel! This weekend is such a welcome relief! 

I'm about to go run my usual errands and I'm wearing something very similar to this, which is a go-to weekend look for me as the weather begins to warm. Comfort always rules!

mint jeans / tee shirt / chambray / moc flats / bag / Michael Kors watch / Asos bracelet / earrings / belt

Wearing: 4.4.13

Comfort rules on this Thursday! Also, I'm trying to get over the fact that my twins turn 21 today. My, how time flies...

pants: j. crew skimmer / chambray: merona by target (in stores now and very nice for the price) / sweater: j. crew tippi / shoes: cole haan / belt: j. crew / watch: michael kors / bracelets: j. crew & stella & dot / earrings: nordstrom / scarf: j. crew