Starts with a green plaid shirt...

Happy Wednesday! Continuing to indulge by current obsession with plaid I recently picked up this boyfriend plaid shirt to add to my "business casual" rotation. 

One of the perks of working in an environment that isn't overly formal is the freedom to experiment a bit more with textures and patterns. This crinkle boy shirt is made work-appropriate by layering a fitted blazer on top. This is paired with skinny jeans (not jeggings) and a statement belt. The stack-heel ankle boot is a casual alternative to the classic pump, providing height while still being comfortable. 

Admittedly, leaving a a formal workplace where shift dresses and dress pants were go-to staples took a bit of getting used to. But once I figured out the balance of looking (and feeling) too dressed-down and being overly dressed-up -- business casual became quite fun. The best part is that items previously reserved for the weekend could be re-styled to be work-appropriate for the week. Imagine the possibilities!

Hope you're having a great week!

Top: J.Crew shirt (other colours here and here, sale items now an additional 30% off until April 6th with code "SHOPNOW")

Blazer: Banana Republic

Bottom: J.Brand

Shoes: Vince Camuto

Accessories: Tiffany & Co necklace, Ferragamo belt, Botkier bag, D&G sunglasses, Hermes bangle

Starts with a floral tank...

The warmer weather of late has been the perfect segue into springtime florals.

Paired with flowy silk cargo shorts and a bag in a pop-out hue, this was the perfect ensemble for an afternoon stroll through the park with the hubby.

Have a great weekend!

Top: Topshop tank, Banana Republic cardigan

Bottom: Club Monaco (old)

Bag: Botkier "Valentina Shouler"

Jewelry: Gap and Tiffany & Co necklaces; Hermes and Tiffany & Co bracelets

Starts with a blue patterned blouse...

This top was purchased years ago for a friend's birthday party, and this weekend while looking for something to wear to another friend's baby shower, I found this tucked away. Styled with a shiny statement necklace for contrast, metallic belt to add shape, and fitted blazer for warmth, this old piece was reinvented and ready for another party.

A purple bag was added to provide additional pop while neutral shoes were used to anchor the ensemble without being too overwhelming. 

Hope you had a great weekend and are enjoying your week so far!

Top: Zara (old, similar here and here)

Jacket: Banana Republic

Bottom: J.Crew

Bag: Botkier

Shoes: Elizabeth & James

Jewelry: Gucci watch; Gap, Tiffany & Co and Hermes bracelets; All Things Tinsel necklace (Etsy)

Starts with a printed silk shirt...

Over the past few months, I've added quite a number of pieces to my wardrobe in an effort to inject colour and texture. Among my favorites is this abstract plaid blouse in semi-sheer silk. In a relaxed but tailored fit that's perfect for tucking-in, it added some much-needed brightness to an otherwise bone-chillingly cold weekend. 

Even better was the fact that my purple handbag paired wonderfully with it!

Despite the cold temperatures this weekend, it was still filled with delicious dinners out, shopping, and lazy movie nights at home. Among the highlights were homemade macarons from my sister, a belated Valentine's dinner with my hubby, and re-watching Hugo. How did you brave the cold?

Have a great week!

Top: Suno (sold out, similar here)

Belt: Ferragamo

Bottom: J. Brand

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Jewelry: Michael Kors watch, bangles by Hermes and unknown designer (purchased from street market in New York)

Jacket: Aritzia (on sale)

Bag: Botkier (last seen here and here)
Sunglasses: D&G

Starts with black cropped pants...

It's official. I'm obsessed with cropped pants. Come Fall, I don't know how I can go back to my wider-legged dress pants. I love how cropped pants look so effortlessly chic while providing a great way to show off my shoes. 

It's a bit tricky for a slightly shorter person like me. I have to be careful that the pants aren't too long (otherwise it adds bulk to the legs) and careful that it's not too short (otherwise it looks like I'm wearing capri pants). My preference is just above the ankle.

 

Here, I've paired my pants with a feminine checked top and a long statement necklace to elongate the torso.  

We're coming into the long weekend, and I'm looking forward to spending some time outside - how are you spending the last days of summer?

Pants: Gap

Top: T.Babaton (from Aritzia) blouse, Banana Republic sweater

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Jewellery: Banana Republic long necklace (old); Tiffany & Co, Tag Heuer)

Sunglasses: D&G

Purse: Botkier (last seen here and here)

Starts with a black lace skirt...

Happy Monday! There's nothing like a mid-week soiree to really get the week going.This is what I wore for a friend's event last week at the Thompson Hotel celebrating the anniversary of her blog.

The relatively neutral palette allowed me to bring out the purple shoulder bag (worn as a clutch with the straps tucked inside) again.

I have to say, being at my friend's event really inspired me to continue with my blogging. Though I'd still consider myself a novice, I've had so much fun learning about blogging and have even surprised myself with my "techy" skills! Her success truly exemplifies the results of hard work and dedication, always something to remember. 

Hope your week has gotten off to a great start!

Top: J.Crew

Jewellery: All Things Tinsel necklace (on Etsy, last seen here), Hermes bracelet, Michael Kors watch

Bottom: Joe Fresh (also loving this pencil version)

Purse: Botkier (shoulder bag used as clutch, last seen here)

Starts with summer brights and mixed patterns...

There's nothing quite like long weekends in the summer. This lovely purple bag was a recent purchase during a business trip and quick stop into Nordstrom. I'm loving how it brings out the flowers in the patterned shorts. 

These snake-print pointed flats keep the look from being too casual (and my first attempt at mixing patterns!)

Hope however you spent it, you had a lovely weekend as well!

Top: Aritzia (currently on sale)

Bottom: Zara

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman (also loving this version)

Bag: Botkier

Jewellery: Hermes bracelet, Tiffany & Co necklace, Gap necklace, Michael Kors watch

Sunglasses: D&G