A Perfect Fit - Polka Dots + Plaid

When: Last Friday, since Friday's are when my brain is most creative and I out dress this town.

Alterations - The Key to a Perfect Fit

If you follow my Instagram you may have seen a peek of this outfit on Friday, but if not you should jump over and view the bits that don't always end up here on the blog.  In any case glad you are here!

This particular Tory Burch dress appealed to me because of the details it incorporated; an intricate wavy woven plaid, a to die for silk lining, cool ocean toned colors & that fringe.  The only problem was it had been made for a person who had a much longer torso than I.  The straps on the dress were just too long and did not sit right on my shoulders, but everything else fit perfectly.  So before returning it to the rack I asked the tailor if it was possible to alter the strap length on the dress to fit me.  Yes, it turns out, it was possible.   

Not everything fits perfectly when you try it on, however strap length is one of the easier things to fix and can be done by a tailor or yourself if you're willing to take that risk.  Pants or jeans are another simple fix if they are too long, waist modification however are another story completely.  So remember, all you need to do is ask, and you may just get your wish to come true when it comes to finding your perfect fit. 

Dress: Tory Burch Evelin Plaid Woven Dress via Nordstrom Rack, $120/$995

Heels: Kate Spade 'Lisa' Polka Dot Pump via NR, $170/$358

Handbag: Kate Spade via NR $160/$450

Necklace: Large Sunflower Necklace via J. Crew, $20/$55

Bracelet: Etched Enamel Bracelet via J. Crew, $12/$30

Sunglasses: Face a Face, Gleam2

Thankful

When: A while ago, can't quite remember since Summer (if you can call it that) is passing to quickly.

Thankful the the week is coming to a close and the weekend means sleeping in, drinking coffee while in my pajamas and enjoying a hopefully warm day near the mountains.  There aren't any lessons to post today on how or what to wear what you wear.  With all the busyness that surrounds our daily lives it's nice to step back and acknowledge something you find joy in each day.  This can be anything really that makes you smile.  Look out the window in the car as a passenger and notice what is beautiful or has changed in some way.  It's amazing what you will see.

Here's my happy point!  The street before I arrive home has no traffic, I can hear the breeze as it rustles through the trees and the small stream trickling down its path.  I close my eyes and coast on my bike, down the middle of the street, until I feel the bump in the middle of the road and then I keep going, eyes closed feeling the sunshine on my face until I think I might run into someone.  It's the ultimate letting go point and it feels wonderful.  You should try it sometime:)  

Tibi in Paris

When: Monday of last week, because I finally found the perfect top that make this outfit work.

Hot is what it was last week, not so much this week, as we return to rain and more "Flood Watch" warnings though.  Definitely never want to see this happen ever again in my little city by the mountains.  So I am very thankful for the days it is just plain hot and sunny.  Not much can go wrong on those days....

And the skirt!  Yes, I fell in love with this skirt the minute I saw it on the Tibi website for spring/summer this year.  I hemmed and hawed over the price tag as I have never spent that much on a skirt before.  This one drew me in with its colorful, vibrant palette and dreams of one day visiting Paris.  Luckily since I had just signed up to receive emails through Tibi, they also sent a lovely introductory discount code to use on my first purchase.  It does pay to sign up for emails to a particular brand that you love and could use discounts from.  It's also a great idea to share them with friends as well!

Top: Tibi City Stretch Top via Willow's super sale, $100/$278 

Skirt: Tibi Eiffel Tower Skirt, $210/$245 Similar & love this one

Heels: Tory Burch Leah via Nordstrom Rack, $150/$425

Necklace: J. Crew $20/$90

Bernadette + Steamers

When: Last week, due to fluctuating weather patterns and my continuation of white pants season.

I realized after uploading these pictures that there was one very large irritating factor in them - creases.  Creases on the softest silk lace shirt that I pulled out of the closet in the early morning hours when it was hard to see.  I could have sworn the blouse had already been steamed and put back in its place, but to my dismay that was not the case.  

Had I pulled out the handy Jiffy Steamer I received as a gift from my mother on my birthday 2 years ago, I could have avoided this disaster.  The steamer takes seconds to heat up and is quick to release the worst lines from your clothes.  It is a lifesaver and I honestly don't know how I lived without one for so long.  Here is my reasoning for putting a Jiffy steamer on your Christmas list this year:

Pros:

• Silk Blouses
• Skirts
• Evening gowns 
• Lightweight pants
• Mobile
• Easy to use and fill

Cons:

• Hard to use on cotton dress shirts
• Handle gets extremely hot after long use
• Burning yourself on occasion will occur

That said you may also want to check out Jiffy's article on allergens in the home and how you can cut down on them while you sleep.  I am definitely going to try it!

Shirt: Equipment Quinn Lace Sleeve Blouse via Nieman Marcus Last Call, $78/$258
Jeans: BDG via UO, $20/$54
Flats: Tory Burch Bernadette Flats via Nordstrom Rack, $75/$280
Necklace: UO $10
Earrings: NR $12
Handbag: Coach Alex Sateen Tote via Nordstrom $166/$358

Nautical

When: During what I would call the 'week of white pants,' because they match with everything!

White jeans, pants, trousers whatever you will call them are a great Summer item for many reasons.  First, and foremost they match with just about anything, whether your color palette tends to be pastel, dark or full of bright colors.  It's really an open canvas if you will to paint it up however you like.  I tend to enjoy a balance of light and dark, so black or blue tops preferably with stripes tend to be a favorite.  I believe pastels such as blush pink or peach work well for those with lighter skin or blonde hair & look extra summery when paired with white.

The second reason white is so wonderful in the summer is due to its reflective qualities.  This helps   keep the heat at bay & you won't burn to a crisp trying to look fashionable in your black jeans on a 90 degree day.  Not cool in the least.  What's your view on white jeans, pants, trousers, do you have a love/hate relationship with them?  Do you find it hard to find the right fit?  Let me know.  

Top: J. Crew Slide Slit Tunic, $15/$45 on sale now for $18
Jeans: BDG High Rise Grazer Jean via Urban Outfitters $20, high end version here, less here.
Flatforms: Tory Burch "Karissa" via Rue La La, $99
Bracelet: J. Crew $10/$30
Necklace: Urban Outfitters (old), $10/$24
Handbag: Milly 'Victoria' via Nordstrom Rack, $135

Neon Yellow

When: Last week, you know the days where it's chilly in the a.m. and rainy in the p.m., yeah.

In keeping with the theme of neon I decided it was finally time to pair these wonderfully cheery sandals with something simple.  After picking up these heels over a year & a half ago, looking longingly day after day in my shoe cabinet, I can finally say they heels have found their match with this J. Crew Merino sweater.  It is  so lightweight it works well both indoors and outdoors & it has a hint of neon with a lovely stripe down its side..  It's not too much, just enough.  It's a great way to wear neon if your afraid of looking like a flashback from the 80's.  

Sweater: J. Crew Tipped Merino Sweater, $20/$89

Jeans: J Brand 7/8ths Snow Cropped Jean via Nordstrom Rack, $30/$180, Similar here

Heels: Tory Burch Laurie Heel via NR, $70/$285

Handbag: Milly 'Victoria' via NR, $131/$435

Bracelet: J.Crew, $10