Wearing Now: Cropped

Blouse: DKNY - $11 via eBay (similar here)
Trousers: Kate Spade - $40 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Cardigan: Banana Republic - $12 (similar here)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi (similar here)
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi

A quick hello, folks, before heading out on a date with Tom. I unfortunately cannot find the time to keep up with the blog as often as I said I would because I'm lucky to get home at twilight. I don't see the work schedule abating in the near future so I'll squeeze in posts as often as I can. I could, in theory, replicate the outfits I've been wearing throughout the week on the weekends but that would depend on how motivated I'll feel to dress up just to take everything off in 15 minutes.

I hope your lives have been a bit less hectic than mine - but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Wearing Now: Celine

Blouse: Theory - $13.50 via eBay (came with tags too! Similar here)
Trousers: Marc by Marc Jacobs - $40 via eBay (seller: BHFO; similar here)
Leather jacket: Cole Haan - $150 via eBay (here)
Pumps: Sergio Rossi - $60 via eBay (similar here)
Bag: Celine Trapeze
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

The first time I learned of Celine was when Anh of 9to5 Chic posted about her Phantom. I liked the novel design but it didn't speak to me aesthetically or practically: it may look good with a suit or jeans but you couldn't wear it to dinner or with a dress. Besides, I had (and have) little doubt this bag will go out of style in a few years. Since I'm not a bag person I wanted a quality purse that would carry me from day to night, from work to school, and go with everything from dress pants to denim cutoffs. Since the Phantom was unique enough I looked through Celine's other offerings, which is when I fell in love with the trapeze. A year later (because I don't make four figure decisions lightly) I got tired of unrequited love and bought this beauty at Bergdorf Goodman while in New York. DC, unfortunately, doesn't have a Celine boutique or an authorized dealer. I've heard that Hu's sometimes receives a shipment but I didn't feel like obsessively stalking a bag.

Bottom line: if you're after an item you've wanted for a long time, pull the trigger while you have no expensive responsibilities like a family, mortgage, medical bills, etc. I'm a recent college grad with a job I love, no debt, and no social/financial fetters, which makes this purchase perfectly reasonable for me. I don't want to inspire anyone to buy something beyond their means - buy what you love with what you have and never spend more than what's reliably in your bank account on frivolities.

Wearing Now: a Little Bit of Mod

Dress: courtesy of eShakti (another one I love from eShakti)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi - $55 via eBay (similar here)
Clutch: vintage - $24 via eBay (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Oops, here I go again - vanished without a word. I was actually in New York this past weekend to visit friends and family and had no time to upload a post (I'm done working at 5 PM and was on the bus by 6:30). I enjoyed my stay for what it's worth; I'm hardly a big city girl - the long distances, menacing skyscrapers, weirdos lurking in subways and dark alleys, and exorbitant prices on nearly everything limit my visits to once every year or two. This, however, was the opportune time to visit because the weather was nice and the screaming-fashion-week-OMG-chicks cleared the scene a couple of days prior to my arrival. I had the streets and shops to myself so it's no surprise I did some MAJOR damage while visiting 5th and Madison Aves. I'll give you a hint: Celine at Bergdorf's but the rest is up to you ;)

Onto the outfit then: I wore this fall preview collection eShakti dress on a date a few days ago and truly loved every minute I spent in it. It features a slightly stretchy waist to accommodate a food baby, a a modest take on the sweetheart neckline, and - the best part - pockets! I don't have a photo with my hands plunged down in them but you'll just need to take my word for it. The best part about eShakti is that they adjust clothing measurements to your specific frame, taking into account not just the usual waist-bust-hips but also your height, and personal preferences such as sleeve type, neckline shape, and hem length. The shipping was lightning fast to boot so I highly recommend these folks!

Wearing Now: Unfinished Business

 

Blouse: Faconnable (similar but sans embellishment here)
Trousers: BCBG - $110 via Lord & Taylor (here)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi (similar in suede here)
Bag: Bric's - $100 via DSW (similar in leather here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

I was due back at college a couple of days ago for a formal event so I wore my wide leg trousers again. In case it isn't obvious, I have wide hips and a flat behind, which rules out most cropped ankle trousers (example here). On the flip side I can wear parachute pants and look/feel awesome.

Enjoy your weekend!

Wearing Now: New Beginnings

Dress: Theory - $35 via eBay (similar here)
Belt: J. Crew - $13 (old) (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack (recent, very similar here and budget friendly here)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi - $55 via eBay (seller: Linda's Stuff, BNIB; similar here)

Finally free, friends! Once I shed the MCAT shackles I sprinted to the nearest Nordstrom Rack (the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale correlates quite nicely to NR clearance events - check out your local stores) and bought a couple of items I've long had on my mind. I'm in the process of internally overhauling the blog so bear with me as I schlep through this makeover.