TBMD

A quick preface before diving into today's post: there will be lots of fangirling ahead. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I have a handful of favorite brands that I constantly browse for new releases and styling ideas. I'd say I'm an equal opportunist shopper. Sure I go through phases where I'll buy from one more than the others, but never for a prolonged period of time. This year was a game changer for me. Ever since the Fall/Winter 2019 shows back in February earlier this year, Tory Burch has been it for me. I completely fell for the Lee Radziwill soft deconstructed bag on the runway (see how it slouches so beautifully?) and have been chomping at the bits for its release. Now that different colorways are slowly trickling out, I'm having a hard time picking just one. I am leaning more towards a suede version because the slouchy look should be easier to achieve than a leather version. Then there is the dilemma of plaid pattern or solid colors? Decisions, decisions.

The last couple months saw me make multiple purchases from their Spring/Summer collection -- shoes (like the ones in today's outfit), watches (yes, plural), and peasant top. I feel like I've been wearing at least one Tory Burch item every single day for the past few weeks, without stoppage any time soon.

The Lee Radziwill bag may be at the top of my wishlist, but there are several others that I'm holding out for to go on sale in the near future: yellow bucket bag, colorblock ponte dress, wool scarf, another pair of Penelope shoes. Oh who am I kidding. Just take all my money now, Tory Burch.

If I'm not going to be dressed in costume, then the next best celebratory outfit would be to wear orange and black on Halloween. Hope you have a good one!

I took a recent summer outfit, added a military jacket, then swapped out flip-flops for ankle suede boots. Instant outfit transformation and perfect for fall.

I follow a pretty simple blogging formula: choose an outfit to wear in the morning, take photos sometime during the day when I'm out and about, then blog about it soon after.

Today's look is a bit different. I never actually stepped foot outside my front door with this outfit on. One, I'd look silly wearing this outfit to work. Two, I was experimenting with different bottoms to pair the top with and couldn't find a combination I liked. Too short. Not long enough. Then it hit me; why not try it with my wedding dress? It's been hanging in the corner of my closet ever since my wedding day 2+ years ago, untouched until now. The dress has the flowy, girly look I was going for and it's a maxi length. Another bonus is the strapless neckline, which means I can also try wearing the top in an off-the-shoulder look. (Note to self: wear the top lower next time so there isn't a noticeable gap between the top and the dress.) I wasn't sure about this outfit initially, but the more I look at the photos, the more I'm warming up to it.

I'd be curious to hear what you did (or plan to do) with your wedding dress after the big day? My cousin suggested that if I dye my dress, it'd be easier to wear again in the future. I haven't ruled that option out, but I also haven't been pro-active in doing anything else about it either. Now if I have a semi-dressy party to attend, this outfit may just see the light of day!

On our wedding day, DH and I carved our initials on a wooden railing of our favorite alcove along the Potomac River. 2+ years later, we strolled back to the same spot [see 4th + 9th photos] only to discover that parts of the railing had been replaced with new pieces of wood! Noooo... so much for everlasting memories.

I first became conscious of Isabel Marant through Kelly, but really aware while in Europe when SIL was considering purchasing their ankle boots. While she was looking for other items around the store, I saw and liked a ruffled maxi skirt (dress version) on the racks. Only larger sizes remained, so I didn't give it another thought.

Through a combination of mental digging and Google, I found Clara wearing the blouse version in the same print. Of course I'm always one step behind, so most sizes were sold out when sales hit, but I did manage to snag one off eBay. Fist pump!

I think given the colors of the top, it was natural to gravitate towards white + black color pairings. Of course, it wasn't after I took photos and started writing this entry did I realize Clara had already worn the white jeans + black purse combo. D'oh! No worries, because for future outfits I can see this top also working well with denim shorts, green/tan military jacket, ankle boots, peasant/eyelet skirt in a longer length, etc.