Wearing Now: Working Girl

Turtleneck sweater: Valentino - $35 via eBay (I'm on a roll; join the ride)
Pants: J. Crew - $24 (here)
Suede jacket: Elie Tahari - $40 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Belt: Calvin Klein - $20 via Outlets
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender - $50 via Marshalls (real deal; similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

First day of work felt less like a job and more like utter fun, though this makes me wonder when the other shoe will drop (I just love microbiology). My boss has a penchant for fancy teas and coffees and I, with my chronic tea addiction, will probably be the sole reason for the increase in the break room budget. So to be less of a mooching d-bag I'll bring in my own stash :) 

In other not so newsworthy news, the weather cooled significantly after this post expressing dissatisfaction over chicks dressing in leather and wool in summer weather. It's finally fall here in DC - 55 degrees when I leave for work in the morning and 65-70 when I return. I broke out this Valentino sweater I bought on eBay for only $35. It's been online for a while (silly seller misspells brand name and I walk away with a great deal via best offer). 

Have you gotten any good deals lately?

Longwood Gardens, PA

Top: INC - $10 via eBay (want this one)
Jeans: Current/Elliott - $15 via eBay with tags still attached! (seller: BHFO; available here)
Shoes: Coach - $90 via Marshalls (similar here)
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Necklace: courtesy of Anjolee

1. Blatant abuse of chambray
2. Orange orchid
3. The silver garden - a glorious array of desert plants
4,5. Magenta orchids
5. Belin - the ambassador to Longwood Gardens and the guardian of the Pierce-du Pont house. Think I'm exaggerating? Check out his page here

Ever since I visited Longwood Botanical Gardens in Pennsylvania three weeks ago I vowed to return as soon as I possibly could. I took my dearest friend Kate for the ride this time and we spent a whole afternoon enjoying the view. This is but a snippet of all the photos I took since I picked the ones you might enjoy the most (while sparing your data plans if you're browsing with a phone/tablet). I traveled over two and half hours each way and I was not disappointed. If you live in the area (or are within reasonable driving distance), I couldn't recommend this place enough. I paid $8/ticket with a student ID but they're normally $18 with some variation in pricing on select days. If you have other questions/want to see other photos, just let me know in the comments!

Wearing Now: Chambray, Olive, and Black Accents

Chambray top: INC - $10 via eBay (from the ultimate authority on chambray)
Skirt: Burberry (similar, classy, and on sale here; another well-priced option here)
Sandals: Coach - $50 via eBay (similar here ($), here($$), and here($$$)
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Accessories: Coach watch, necklace courtesy of Anjolee

Making my way to the metro (subway, in non-DC English) after a productive day of work and application essay writing (I'm often a compelled volunteer at my boyfriend's business). Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Wearing Now: Chambray and Neutrals

Chambray top: INC - $10 via eBay (from the ultimate authority on chambray)
Linen pants: J. Crew - $25 (here)
Sandals: Theory - $50 via eBay (similar here)
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Accessories: Coach watch, Roberto Cavalli bracelet, courtesy of Anjolee necklace

Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack (these are gorgeous)

I could have easily titled this post "wrinkled" but that would have drawn attention to all that is wrong with this outfit (and linen/chambray in general). But wrinkles are like battle scars; evidence of a hard day's work. I'll spare you all the boring detail so have a great evening!