TBMD

I was eyeing two pairs of sandals during Shopbop's 20% off Friends & Family sale last week. I took too long hemming and hawing, so by the time I was ready to buy, my sizes were sold out. Luckily LOFT's 40% off Friends & Family sale occurred a day later because I found dupes for both pairs. Thank you, shoe Gods!

Sam Edelman Gigi sandals [left] vs. LOFT Vaughn sandals in white snakeskin print, size 6 [right]:
I like how the Gigis have the signature (I think?) Sam Edelman cushioned padding. They certainly helped with comfort in my one prior experience with the brand. The LOFT pair doesn't have the same padding, but otherwise looks the same as the Gigis.

I found these sandals to run true to size. The footbed isn't the most comfortable, but that's to be expected without padding. I would compare the the type of material used (thickness, flexibility, etc) and level of comfort similar to J.Crew capri sandals (which I used to own) and Old Navy Faux-Leather Capri sandals (currently own).

The buckle closure was my biggest issue with these sandals. There's an elastic portion right next to the buckle, so every time I pulled, trying to undo the closure, the elastic part stretched but the buckle wouldn't budge. Am I just a n00b with chubby fingers? I can already see myself struggling with the closure every morning, so sadly, this pair will be going back to LOFT.

Sam Edelman Sophie sandals [left] vs. LOFT Frances color pop wedges in safari tan, size 6 [right]:
I wanted a pair of sandals with two thicker straps across the front and a thick/wide wooden heel. Though neither fit the heel requirement, I felt the lower heel (~2") was a good compromise and didn't look too clunky. I also liked the nude color of the top strap -- doesn't cut off your legs. I can see these wedges being dressed up with skirts and worn casually with jeans.

I took my usual size 6 in these wedges and felt they run a bit long in length and on the narrow side in width. My foot wasn't hanging off the side edges, but my toes do look a bit squished (pic below). The roominess in front didn't feel as significant as it looks in photos -- though I do wonder if the extra space will bother me over time. Sizing down probably wouldn't work because of the narrow width. The ankle strap could be slightly more snug (top strap isn't adjustable), but so far, no almost-twisting-the-ankles while briskly walking around at home.
The best feature is the back zipper. I struggled with the buckle closure of the Vaughn sandals, so it was a relief that I didn't have to fiddle with the strap on this pair. If I had to nitpick, the zipper doesn't glide as smoothly as I'd like, but using one hand to pull the material taut before unzipping helped.

I wore the wedges around the house and barely noticed I had shoes on. They're comfortable and it helped that the material is lightweight. I can possibly see a need to break in the ankle straps as they might cause blisters. But for now, I'm leaning towards keeping this pair because I love the colors and style. Please help me decide -- should I keep or return these wedges?

(Updated) Sale alert at Ann Taylor: Take an extra 50% off all sale styles until Mon. night (5/20). No code needed.

- Juliet strapless silk gown - $59.64 (I'm wearing size 00 - outfit here)
- Cotton wrap cardigan is $30.00 (I'm wearing sz XXS / outfits: here, here, here)

Also, at LOFT, take 30% off everything with code GOTTASHOP.

From this season:
- Flounce hem lace dress - $66.42 with code (I'm wearing size 0 - sized up for hips / outfit below, also here)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $20.65 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - TTS / outfit below)
- Pamela scalloped Mary Jane pumps - $62.65 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - review here / outfits here, here)

From previous seasons:
- Julie linen trousers - $48.65 with code (I'm wearing size 00P - shorter length to wear with flats / outfits: here, here, here)
- Modern skinny jeans in black - $27.92 with code (I'm wearing size 24R - TTS / outfits: here, here, here)

A quick post on this last spring weekend. I for one, don't mind the upcoming summer temperatures. If only my frizzy hair would cooperate with the humidity. Hope you have a good one!

Sale alert: Take 40% off everything at LOFT through 10/5 with code SHOP40.

- Pleated tie neck shell - $29.70 (TTS - I'm wearing sz XXS / outfit below; also here, here, here)
- Pamela scalloped Mary Jane pumps - $53.70 (TTS - I'm wearing sz 6 - review / outfits: here, here, here)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $14.93 in snakeskin (TTS - I'm wearing sz 6 / outfits: below; also: here, here)

I'm considering placing an order for the following: jewel embellished sweatshirt ($32.70 - similar to J.Crew's), colorblocked collar blouse ($29.70), halter neck maxi dress ($58.80).

Now that my hair is shorter, I can't just tie it back in a ponytail when I'm on 3rd/4th day hair. I've been using dry shampoo in-between washes (great time saver for lazy people). Still, nothing beats good ol' regular shampoo with water to rinse out the greasiness. Then there's the option of hats (which for some reason I didn't think to wear more often). I used to treat hats as more of an accessory than for practical purposes. No more! They're great for hiding day(s) old hair.

Sale alert at LOFT, take 40% off everything (excludes jeans) through 6/23 with code GIRLSNIGHT.

- Cotton shorts with 4" inseam - $23.70 with code (I'm wearing size 00R - TTS / outfit below)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $17.70 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - TTS / outfit below)
- Flounce hem lace dress - $56.93 with code (I'm wearing size 0 - sized up for hips / outfits: here, here)
- Pamela scalloped Mary Jane pumps - $53.70 with code (I'm wearing size 6 - review here / outfits: here, here)

No order placed for me this time around, but I'll be on the lookout for the painted parrots scarf ($20.70 with code) in stores this weekend. Love the fun, quirky print.

At J.Crew, take 30% off with code THEBEST through 6/24.
- Saint James for J.Crew three-quarter sleeve tee - $69.99 (excluded from promo) (I'm wearing size XS / outfits here)

At J.Crew Factory, take 40% off everything (prices as marked). Also use code SUMMER for an extra 10% off $75+ or 20% off $125+.
- Lightweight long printed scarf - $20.50 (outfit below)

Lastly at Ann Taylor, take an extra 40% off all sale styles. No code needed.

I've been talking about transitioning away from short shorts for what seems like forever... and now I can finally back up all my talk. White was my color of choice (because owning white skirts and white pants apparently aren't enough). I went with the 4" inseam and think that might be the longest I'll wear for now... until I hit my mid-life crisis. I'm thinking a 3" inseam could also work and will be keeping my eyes out to replace my navy colored short shorts.

An easy, casual outfit on this gorgeous weekend to run errands. Hope you have a good one!

Today's outfit is a change of pace for me. Instead of dark colors, I wore pastels in airy fabrics to combat the summer humidity.

Sale alert: Take 25% off at Shopbop's F&F through 4/17 with code INTHEFAMILY14.

Closet favorites include:
- Blank NYC spray-on jeans - $66.00 with code (I sized up to 26 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Blank NYC vegan leather skinny pants - $73.50 with code (I sized up to 26 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Elizabeth and James Windrose ring - $71.25 with code (TTS / all outfits with ring, also below)
- Loeffler Randall Rae wedges in gold - $221.25 with code (runs narrow, I sized up to 6.5 / outfits here in rose gold version)

Other picks: Clu Clu Too Ruffled Sweatshirt ($81 - still debating), Sam Edelman Gigi flat sandals ($48.75 - looks just like my LOFT version below, but in my experience better suited for narrow feet), Sam Edelman Felicia ballet flats ($67.50 - great reviews, considering replacing my worn-out black ballet flats).

I dust off my dress collection at the first sign of nice weather every year. I'd happily go about my days frolicking in the sun in cute dresses and bare legs. Dresses normally reserved for special occassions get their turn as well; I'd just throw on a casual jacket, flat sandals, and I'm good to go. I give it about a week before I scratch this dress-wearing itch and I'm back to wearing shorts and jeans again. This happens every spring, without fail.

I first wore this outfit on my actual birthday to dinner, but didn't have time to take photos with a better camera. I wore the outfit again last Friday on my day off from work to run errands. One of the things I picked up was the blue wristband on my left arm for admissions to a concert later that night. Unfortunately I couldn't remove it because it was wrapped too tightly around my wrist, so I walked around the whole day with it on, lol. So do excuse the unplanned colorful accessory!

Unlike previous years, I've been living in skirts and dresses this summer. Pants have been mostly relegated to unseasonably cool/rainy days. It's a long time coming, but I've finally realized that jeans aren't the only casual clothing item out there. I can make dresses and skirts fit my casual lifestyle, too. Especially ones with a longer length because they're great for pulling double duty between work and home. Yes, my uh duh moment couldn't have come at a better time.

I've slowly been replacing items in my closet as time progressed, mostly due to wear and tear. I have no one to blame but myself as I'm pretty religious about washing my clothing after each wear. The second go-around usually means I'm much better informed about what I'm looking for vs. "Need X now. On sale? Buy." Take the chambray shirt in today's outfit for example. It's made of thicker material, less wrinkle-prone, and longer in length, all of which I found lacking in the previous version (and are no-brainers now that I've learned my lesson).

Today's outfit may look new, but it's really made up of old pieces worn in ways that have already been seen on the blog. Scarf knotted at ends, unbuttoned chambray shirt, and lace dress with casual sandals. For a puzzle nerd like me, mixing and matching various items and methods is like putting together combos in Tetris -- there are so many ways to build it, but the challenge and pay off are worth the effort.

Unfortunately the pale yellow tank in today's outfit looks washed out, with the color blending right in with the white stripes on the dress. The yellow looked more vivid in real life, but just doesn't photograph well. Yellow and navy is one of my favorite color pairings, but only when the contrast is more apparent, a la with a bolder, brighter yellow.

While Blair is the epitome of elegance in a black top and lace skirt, I went the opposite route. I kept my outfit casual and wore my summer whites. White is a color that I love wearing year-round, never mind the archaic no-white-after-Labor-Day rule. I just keep the weather in mind and choose fabrics accordingly. Linen is reserved for spring/summer and wool is better suited for fall/winter. I'll wear cotton anytime though, even thinner versions in the colder months because they're great for layering.

Sale alert: Take 50% off + free shipping (no minimum) at Ann Taylor with code WOW50. Some exclusions apply.

Closet favorites include:
- Estate shimmer necklace - $49 w/code (outfits: here, here, here)
- Modern classic skinny hinge bangle - $14 w/code (outfits: here, here)
- Silk blouse - $49 w/code (TTS - wearing sz 00 / outfits: here, here)
- Pearlized stone statement necklace - $59 w/code (outfits: here, here, here)
- Pave cabochon stretch bracelet - $14.75 w/code (outfits: here, here)

I went a bit stripe crazy and ordered these to try: striped cascade ruffle front top ($34.50), striped perfect stretch cotton sleeveless shirt ($34.75), striped perfect button down shirt ($79.50 - excluded from sale).

Also, take 50% off + free shipping (no minimum) at LOFT with code CYBER50.

Closet favorites include:
- Sunwashed tee - $9.75 (outfits: wearing sz XS in grey here, here / sz S in yellow here)
- Super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue - $39.75 (TTS, sized up for looser fit - wearing sz 25 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $14.75 (TTS, wearing sz 6 / outfits: here)
- Modern skinny jeans - $34.75 - $39.75 (old review here / outfit: here)
- Modern straight jeans - $29.75 - $34.75 (believe it used to be called the modern slim / outfits: here, here, here)

These boots may have been a late season purchase, but I feel I've worn them an inordinate amount of times, so much so that I can now easily justify the cost. I wore them one last time on an unusually chilly day this past week before putting them away for good until the fall. Boots, you will be missed.

I've been watching so much soccer since the World Cup started. For sports I don't care about, I go from being a non-existent fan to a fair-weather fan only during major international tournaments. This year for some reason, I've become so invested, so much so that I'm now one of those crazies who scream when things go right and shout at the TV when things don't. It's only fitting that today's outfit (somewhat) mirrors the colorful World Cup logo.

A few noteworthy sale alerts for this long holiday weekend:

1) Take 50% off everything at Ann Taylor with code WINTER50.

Recent buys/items seen on the blog include:
- Silk blouse - $49 (TTS - I'm wearing sz 00 / outfit: below)
- Pave cabochon stretch bracelet - $14.75 (outfits: here, here)
- Tweed clutch - $52.50 (outfit: here)

I recently placed an order for: park stripe side zip sweater ($40), pearlized stone statement necklace ($59 - loved Jean's long version), estate pave link necklace ($39.75 - loved Elle's shimmer version).

2) Take 40% off full-priced styles (excludes Lou & Grey) with code GET40 + extra 60% off sale styles at LOFT.

Closet and seasonal favorites include:
- Vaughn t-strap sandals - $17.70 (TTS, wearing sz 6 / outfits: here)
- Knit denim leggings - $35.70 (TTS, wearing sz 24 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Modern skinny jeans - $20 - $41.70 (old review here / outfit: here)
- Modern straight jeans - $24 - $41.70 (believe it used to be called the modern slim / outfits: below, here, here)

I went a little stripe crazy and ordered: inked stripe long sleeve cotton tee in dusty rose ($17.70), button shoulder cable sweater in winter blueberry ($22), Lou & Grey mariner stripe tunic ($49.50 - excluded from promo).

More stores listed on the right sidebar. Happy shopping!

This is outfit #I've-lost-count of the same cowlneck sweater worn over a different top with pants. The slight variation in today's outfit is in the form of bold colors using a green silk blouse with blue suede shoes. I don't think I'll be satisfied until I try every shirt and shoe combination in my wardrobe with this sweater!

After wearing pants practically all winter long, I'm embracing going bare-legged in anything feminine. A shopping spree as of late that includes an eyelet skirt, a casual lace dress, a pleated paperbag skirt, and now I can add a shirtdress to my wardrobe. Spring, I heart you.