My Obsession Continues

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm obsessed with "marsala." I purchased the shoes seen here,  this dress, and most recently this dress. This is more of a plum, but really I'm a sucker for anything in the dark red/purple family. And, I'm absolutely LOVING the wide selection this year!

Plus, I'm pretty sure it's my favorite color to pair with leopard.

As you'll see this dress is sold out in this color, but it is still available in some sizes in black. I recommend acting fast when JCrew releases new suiting dresses if you think you're interested because they tend to sell out quickly. You can always return if you change your mind, and if it goes on sale with a week of your purchase, you can get a refund for the difference. I'm pretty sure I've mastered this game.

Dress: here | Cardigan: here | Shoes: old, similar here

Color Blocking

DC welcomed fall this weekend and grey skies. I pulled out my jeans, striped three-quarter length shirt, and green cargo jacket. It's my fall weekend uniform.

I'm also re-acquainting myself with my fall wardrobe. I bought this dress on a whim last year on deep discount. Most of my JCrew suiting dresses are made of the Super 120s wool that is all-seasons appropriate. This dress is a heavy wool fabric, so it's strictly for the winter or so I thought. It is thick enough that it will work this fall without tights - making it that much more versatile. As if it weren't versatile enough since it incorporates black, navy, and grey. It's also flattering despite the horizontal stripes because it's structured enough that it doesn't cling.

These shoes. I'm not sure I can express to you my love for "marsala," the color of the year. It comes around every fall and I always manage I pick up at least something in the color, but this year it is everywhere and I'm scooping up as many items as possible. I've been waiting years for JCrew to offer their suiting dresses in a maroon and hunter green for the winter. My dreams came true this year (love this one and this one). I'm normally an 8 in pumps and wedges and took an 8 in these, but they do run a little small (but they have stretched while wearing and are very soft on the inside). I think they liven the dress up! I'm already counting the number of ways I can wear them.

Dress: Old, almost identical here from JCrew Factory; similar here and here; same pattern in skirt | Shoes: here | Short Necklace: here

Fall Florals

I'm falling hard for all patterned dresses for fall. Two of them made my fall wishlist here. I picked up this dress along with a few other times during one of Loft's amazing promotions a couple weeks ago. 

I'm not sure why, but I love it when I can buy a dress in "regular" instead of tall. For some reason, regular reads as "normal" to me and tall is just another word for "not normal." I have to say, my height caused me more insecurity when I was younger than it does now. As I've gotten older, I've come to accept the fact that at 5'10'' I'm the average height of a man. I think we all become more comfortable in our own bodies as we age. I'm also convinced that middle school and high school wreak havoc on a girl's body image, confidence, and self-worth. I became much more comfortable with my height once in college and graduate school. 

The growth of personal style blogs has also made me more comfortable in my own skin; seeing real women is inspiring. And pursuing this blog has made me even more confident. Nevertheless, I can't help but smile a little when I don't need the tall. The midi length trend is largely to thank for that this season. 

This dress runs small(er) as indicated by the reviews. I found that the regular small fit well (many dresses are a little loose in the shoulders/armpits but this fit perfectly). I love the print and the flutter sleeves are a nice, feminine touch. But, I was disappointed in the very long, thin belt. I love belts made out of the same material as the dress or shirt, but I prefer them to be an inch or more in width. I find that coordinating belts add definition and shape without adding anything visually. 

So, I  positioned the belt as though I was going to tie a bow in the back, but crossed it in back and brought it to the front to tie. Doing so made the belt appear wider and creates more of a waist line. It also means that the bow isn't overly long and droopy. I was amazed at how much better the dress looked to me after tying the belt this way.

Blazer: here | Dress: here | Shoes: old, similar here

Teal, Teal, and More Teal

These pants have been on my wishlist for a while now (see my fall favorites here). I tried them on in store but held off on buying them because they were full priced. So when they went on promotion a couple of weeks ago I bought them (along with some other items on wishlist). They were every bit as good as I remembered them to be. I wore them Saturday and Sunday. And while I have plenty of teal in my home decor, I am excited to incorporate more of it in my wardrobe. I'm already eyeing these pants plum as well. I did buy them in regular because I like my skinny pants to fall above my ankle. High waters are in style, right?!

I took the larger of my two Loft pant sizes in these; I do think they run a little small. They do stretch throughout the day, but I don't find that they become baggy or saggy. I paired them with a simple white shirt and a coordinating scarf for an easy weekend outfit that was perfect for our low seventies temps and the freezing grocery store. Does anyone else have to bundle up to go grocery shopping? 

I find that adding a third element to my outfit is a great way to feel pulled together and polished. For example, add a jeans jacket, cardigan, scarf, or statement necklace.

As a side note, this shirt is almost entirely sold out in regular (which is what I'm wearing), but it is still available in Tall and I regret not having stocked up in multiple colors. 

Shirt: here | Pants: here | Scarf: old, similar here and here | Shoes: old, similar here | Bag: here

Petite Midi Skirts

I'm loving a-line midi skirts this year (see my previous post on midi skirts here). And I have to say, The Limited's recent offerings have been spot on - fun, but work appropriate. 

I picked this skirt up last week from The Limited when it was on sale with an extra promotion. When I snagged it, it was only available in petite. It's a midi skirt, so I sized up and went with the petite (and crossed my fingers and hoped it would fit). It worked perfectly for me since I don't like skirts or dresses to fall below my knees. Unfortunately, it's no longer available. But, I've linked some other midi and a-line skirts below. And, keep in mind that petites may actually be an option for us tall girls with midis this season if you're looking for a knee length skirt. 

Top: old, similar here | Skirt: similar here, here, and here | Shoes: old, similar here and here

If I'd Only Known

You've probably noticed, I have a thing for three-quarter length sleeves. They're perfect. Perfect for the office during summer when the air conditioning is blasting. Perfect for fall when you need just a little extra coverage.

I picked this dress up several years ago from JCrew Factory and I had no idea how fabulous it was until it was too late. It was available in this grey and a dark hunter green. I was in law school at the time and knew it'd be great for work, but wanted something that was versatile and wearable on a regular basis without anyone realizing I was wearing the same dress over. and. over. again. So, naturally I picked up the heather grey. And I'm so glad I did. Unfortunately, I didn't wear it right away so I didn't realize how perfect it was until it was no longer available. It was only after it was long gone did I really, really want the hunter green. And every time JCrew Factory releases new arrivals, I check for this dress. I haven't given up hope yet, but it doesn't look like it's coming back.

JCrew is offering a couple three-quarter length dresses and those are linked below. I promise, you won't regret this purchase. I sure haven't. 

I pair this dress with a statement necklace in the summer, a scarf in the fall, and tights in the winter. This scarf was an Old Navy find I stumbled on last year and I couldn't wait to  break it out again this year. 

Paired with these peep toe sling-back booties, it's a great transitional work that will keep you warm when the temperatures are cool in the morning, but it warms up by the afternoon only to cool down again. As a bonus, it allows me to match my toenail polish to my scarf!

Dress: old, similar here, here, and here | Shoes: old, similar here and here. | Scarf: old, similar here.

Saying Farewell To the Dress

This is another shift dress I picked up solely because of the pattern. It's also one of those dresses that I bought to wear to a couple of  fall and winter events, but have recently incorporated into my work wear rotation. The banded boat neck collar and pops of navy make it easy to pair with a blazer. Like many of JCrew's pretty patterned dresses, it did not come in Tall and was too short off the rack, so I did let the hem entirely out which gave me another two plus inches (a ribbon on inside of the dress allows for the finished hemline).

I've had this dress a year and a half or maybe a little more. And I've gotten some good use out of it;  it's by no means on heavy rotation. But, its days as a dress are over. 

The first time I ever wore this dress was to a friend's bridal shower and I ended up ripping the right sleeve with my engagement ring. Go figure. Fortunately, it tore along the seem so I had a tailor repair it (and take in the other sleeve because I didn't want one fat arm and one skinny arm - these are the things I worry about and I always thought the arms were a little wide). 

Well, I wore this dress yesterday to work. In the late afternoon, I realized I had a huge rip in the back, just below my butt. Thank goodness it's lined with a grey slip. I'm not sure what I would have done if it wasn't. It would have been quite the show. I have no idea how it happened, but it's ripped. Badly. So, I think I'll be taking this one to the tailor (for the third time now) to be made into a shirt. I'm sad to see the dress go, but I'm happy I'll be able to hold onto the print. For a little bit longer anyways. 

Dress: old, similar here | Blazer: here | Necklace: here | Shoes: old, similar here

Mixed Feelings

I have to say, my hair in the above picture made me laugh out loud, so I thought I'd share it with you. I figured you could use a good laugh on a Monday morning. Bloopers happen. And I like to keep things real, so there you have it! The windblown look is not my thing. #shorthair

I have mixed feelings about fall. I've said it before. So please excuse me while I say it again: I love fall, but I hate that it brings winter. 

When dressing for fall, I tend to wear my mixed emotions. Sometimes I can't help but pull on the layers and jewel toned colors. Other days, I'm holding onto summer with everything I've got. This outfit reflects my attempt to hold onto summer. Who says you can't wear bright colors in cooler temperatures?

I love that it allows me to bring color to dreary or cool days. It reminds me of summer. But, it's very practical for fall (and yes, winter) because of its thicker fabric. It's a Target blazer, and every year they seem to offer different colors and patterns, so it's definitely something to keep your eye out for. It's not the cotton twill I've worn a few times before, it's more of a wool fabric. See it in camel here.

I love peplum. Well, that might be an understatement. I'm kind of obsessed with it. I would own more. A lot more. But for some reason, finding peplum is hard, really hard when you're tall. I don't know what the peplum fashion gods have against tall people. So, when I found this peplum in Tall from The Limited, I had to get it. I find that it runs a little big, so I took my smaller size. It's still available in black (linked below) and it's on sale. Pictures of the back are compliments of my husband, he really appreciated the varying fabrics (suiting-like material for font and peplum with a knit back).

Blazer: old, similar here, here, and here | Shirt: here | Pants: here | Necklace: old, similar here and here | Shoes: old, similar here

Fall Favorites

New arrivals at The Limited and Loft are on sale, so I've rounded up some of my favorites. If you don't catch these on promotion this go round, I'm sure there will be another opportunity. 

Floral dresses in fall colors are calling my name. As you know, I'm a sucker for dresses. And these are just too good!

This one is available in Tall from The Limited.

Dresses with sleeves are hard to come by and I'm loving the pattern, colors, and keyhole detail.

Or, this more casual one from Loft.

Throw on a cardigan or blazer and it will work for your work day and weekend. 

I'm also really excited about these floral joggers. I haven't jumped on the jogger bandwagon as of yet because I haven't found a pair in a pattern I like that didn't have the elastic sweat pant like ankle openings. But, this pattern is just too pretty to pass up. And they're cuffed. Cuffed pants are my jam.

And while we're on the subject of pants, I tried these on in store the other day, but I didn't pull the trigger because they were full priced. I found they run a little small in the legs, but they are stretchy and super soft. Unbelievably soft. They're a great casual Friday option for work if your office doesn't do jeans day on Friday, or if you have to pay to wear jeans and you'd prefer not to do that. 

I usually buy regular length skinny pants because I like for them to fall above my ankle (like pictured below), especially I plan on pairing them with booties.

I'm sure you've heard, flare jeans are back. I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the plus side, they're easier to wear with booties in the depth of winter when thick socks are mandatory and bare ankles aren't an option. I'm looking forward to giving these a try. I'll let you what I think.

And no fall wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of booties. I bought a black pair of Toms desert booties in black several years ago, and I've gotten a lot of wear out of them. A LOT. And last year I started the search of a pair of tan or lighter color. It's been quite the search. I started it again this year during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. And three pairs in this year, I finally found the perfect neutral bootie. I find Sam Edelman generally runs narrow which is perfect for me because I have very narrow feet.

I got them in "putty suede" pictured above. But they also come in black, navy, grey, and leopard and black calf hair.

What's on you wishlist? Is your online shopping cart full. Please say so, because mine is!

Motivation

Comfort is always a priority for me, but it's the most important factor for me when it comes to activewear. I'm always on the look out for affordable, comfortable work out clothes that perform well both in cycle class and the yoga studio. I prefer for my gear to do double duty which means I ask a lot of my tops. 

When selecting a work out top, I go for a tank top, especially for yoga (no matter the season) because I find them less restricting. I want a top that's long, fitted but not tight, and doesn't end up drenched by the time class is over. A fun pattern that goes with several colors is a bonus! Work out clothes that are cute, comfortable, and practical help motivate me.

As for my pants, I prefer capris for both yoga and cycle. And I mean true capris, not the pants that come down just below my knee (either because they're designed to or because their not tall friendly). In the winter, I  do transition to ankle length workout leggings. 

This top comes in many different colors and prints, so it's practical and fun for my early morning workout routine. It's long and fitted enough that it's appropriate in yoga during donward facing dog. It also does well in spin class - and I don't leave pealing it off my skin.  

I own these pants in three different colors, and they are my go to capri. They are thick (read: not see-through), plenty stretchy, and come to just below my belly button which is a new requirement for me since lower sitting leggings create a muffin top. Not fair. 

Tank top: here | Pants: here

A Splash of Olive

Fall made a brief appearance here in DC last week, but summer has since returned. I have to admit, I enjoyed breaking out a few of my fall favorites. As we begin the transition, I find it difficult to dress for the office. Fall makes wearing dresses a little trickier - at some point the temperatures dip low enough that bare legs aren't an option, but it's still too warm for tights. 

One of my favorite ways to transition my work dresses it to pair them with a mid-weight scarf with fall colors. 

I picked this scarf up last year because of the hints of olive and mustard, which are some of my favorite fall colors. Lucky for me, olive is going to be one of this season's premiere colors. 

I hope everyone had great weekend; we really enjoyed the long weekend. We even got in a hike with the in-laws which finally convinced me to do an activewear post, so stay tuned this week.

Dress: old, similar here and here | Scarf: old, similar here and here | Shoes: old, similar here

Pearls + Sneakers

I've shared my obsession with pearls here before and how I wear this necklace regularly. I don't do super casual very well, but since moving to DC, I've been forced to make some practical footwear decisions. Normally, I'd be inclined to wear flats or sandals with this dress, but those don't offer long term comfort for lots of walking. So, I've integrated these Converse slip on tennis shoes into my more casual weekend outfits. And, I have to say I love the look and comfort.

Although pearls and tennis shoes may not be the most obvious combination, I think it allows me to stay in my comfort zone while dressing for the reality that I often do a lot of walking on the weekends. They're also super easy to slip on when walking the dog which is a plus. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful, long weekend!

Dress: here | Jacket: Here | Shoes: here | Necklace: here

All About This Shirt

 

This is hands down my favorite shirt. And, it wasn't meant to be a shirt. It was a drop waist dress from JCrew Factory that I bought on super sale and had made into a shirt. Like I did here. In fact, this was my first go at turning dresses into shirts and it got me hooked on the idea because it turned out so well!

I've worn it during the work week with these and with jeans on casual Friday. I normally pair the shirt with leopard print shoes -- wedges or flats -- but, on Friday night I went with jeans and nude d'Orsay pumps. There's a reason why this blog features work-wear. My casual wear has taken a backseat since I started working and my weekend attire usually consists of gym clothes. So, when I put this outfit together, I was rather pleased with myself and I had to share it. It will be on repeat every weekend through the fall. And that makes me very happy.

Also, since I decided to forgo leopard print shoes, I had to incorporate it in some other way, so I pulled out this leopard cuff bracelet I picked up years ago at Banana Republic. 

Shirt: similar here, here, and here | Jeans: Joe's from Marshall's | Shoes: old, similar here | Bracelet: old, but almost identical here (and great for stacking since it's thinner) | Necklace: here.