treading that fine line

     I had so much fun wearing my printed chiffon scarf that I couldn't resist picking up a new one at Ross. It didn't have any tag, so I was a bit nervous about the price, but it came out to a whopping $5.99.
     Good thing about this scarf: it has more volume than my thin chiffon scarf.
     Problematic thing about this scarf: see above.
     I tried wearing it simply draped around my neck, but it reaches my knees. I took this first photo earlier, so it shows me wearing it in an infinity tie, with the blazer over it to cut down on the poof.

   
     But when I actually wore this outfit (second photo), I did some major twisting. I might try the simple drape with a longer black blazer (and heels for some height wouldn't hurt either).

     

Opal earrings, previously loved by EKM

       After wearing this, I'm wondering whether the scarf and stripes are too much at once. There's a fine line between playful juxtaposition and overload.

show what you (don't) know

   Do you ever have one of those weeks? You know, those weeks in which you realize several days after the due date that you needed to post your assignment online; in which you feverishly prep for an in-class exercise, only to figure out that it's really scheduled for next week and you have a little more time. And let's not forget this morning ... I showed up a bit late to aikido class and it turned out I had to take the instructor's place. Which is interesting to do when it's 6 a.m., I haven't had my coffee, went to sleep later than I should have the night before, and didn't sleep well in the first place.
     I wish I could say that midterms are eating my brain, but I haven't really had my midterms yet.
     I picked out this outfit thinking I needed to be in front of the class today. Wearing some jewelry always gives me confidence, so I added a colorful necklace and a pared-down arm party.

I broke the pearl bracelet during class, while I was putting on my blazer. :( More proof that this blazer is a size too small for me!

Fossil "Mystic" necklace (Macy's)

    Hope you are having a more organized week than I am!

closet orphans, part #2

    Since I had so much fun wearing yesterday's underloved but beautiful top, I decided to show another closet orphan a little love to celebrate Friday.

Banana Republic blouse; Loft blazer 

     Check out the wonderful beading using different colors, sizes and shapes of beads, plus the embroidery.
     There is also a ribbon tie in back, but there were two problems. One: it's hard to tie a neat bow with your hands behind your head. Two: taking a decent photo of the bow is beyond my camera skills right now. I suppose this means I will need to wear this top again. :)

        
     Problem 3: I think it's so cute to wear a blazer with sleeves cuffed, but this blazer is so snug on me that rolling the cuffs up a bit makes it difficult to move my arms! So I had to roll the sleeves down. Oh, the things I do for the love of stripes. ...

Try-it-out Tuesday: pattern mixing

This American Eagle Outfitters ruffled camisole has up until now been relegated to weekend wear. On Friday, however, I wanted to experiment with ways to make it work-friendly.

With a pair of jeans and my new striped blazer, it was ready to work! This blazer was my first purchase from Loft online, and it’s a little snug across the back. If I buy a similarly cut blazer from them again, I will definitely consider a 6P.

This floral top has a surprising blend of colors, from red to navy to yellow. I'm looking forward to pairing it with other items (maybe a colored pencil skirt?), or even just adding jewelry and accessories to play up certain hues.