Separates Outfit

Cartonnier blazer (anthro) (similar)

Nanette Lepore top (ebay) (similar here, here, and here)

Juicy Couture skirt

Hue tights

Rosegold Liz booties

Misc. jewelry

I've been wearing this Nanette Lepore blouse frequently, with pants, with skirts, and because it has been so cold (and the blouse is pretty sheer) with layers. So far I've only taken the time to photograph the above. This was for dinner with friends downtown.

Resin and enamel bangles (most of which were gifts from family and friends) 

from MBMJ, Kenneth Jay Lane, Target, and Hiptique 

Betsy Johnson watch (similar here)

You can see the print and the jewelry a bit better in the closeup. I have a few camisoles and pretty short sleeved blouses from J. Crew but my long sleeved tops are still few and far between. I was glad to add this one to the repertoire when I found it on ebay. 

One trick pony

Juicy Couture dress from Gabriel Brothers (years ago)

Delman wedges

Anthro blouse and belt

I keep expecting the heat to break and I keep finding things that look nice with the back porch blouse so I am indeed a one trick pony lately. When I'm not wearing cover-ups, cotton skirts, or my favorite Old Navy shorts with a tank top, I'm wearing some version of the above.

Weekend Shopping Outfit

Alma Mater jacket from Anthro

J. Crew silk top (in cotton here)

Juicy Couture bow skirt (similar here and here)

Hue tights

Aquatalia suede boots (current season version here)

Balenciaga bag (similar here and here)

Recently, I got a postcard alerting me of a clearance sale at the Washington, PA Off Fifth. I realize that outlets essentially are perpetual clearance sales, but I was still interested in visiting. I knew that my friend Sarah purchased very cool Comme des Garcons clogs at her local store not long ago. I wanted to see if we got anything interesting. Thankfully Chris and few friends wanted to check out the Men's suit sale so we packed into the car and headed south. Although they found no suits, Chris scored a nice pair of James Perse pants and I found a silk DVF top for $17!

There were a lot of other clearance tops from MBMJ, Milly, and Theory, and a few clearance dresses by Tibi. They did have CdG clogs (not on clearance) in white and green but I couldn't figure out my size and none seemed to be the right fit. There were a few pairs of Miu Miu Jewel flats (also not on clearance) in larger sizes. I stopped short of buying anything that wasn't a perfect fit (sale goggles and what not). But it is definitely worth the trip if you are looking for an occasion dress. There were a number of gorgeous options (particularly if you are a smaller dress size) from Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, YSL, and Moschino. Prices were still kind of high but all were an additional 50% off.

Recent outfits: Dinner at Kaya, Bday Party at Kelly's

Last Thursday Chris decided to take me out to celebrate strategic victories and resultant financial windfalls from his participation in two fantasy football leagues.* While dining at Kaya we got to see our friend Tim who must have been promoted to server since we last ran into him working. This is great news because that means he has excelled in a restaurant that boasts some of the most friendly, attentive, casual fine dining service in Pittsburgh!

 That night I wore the above ensemble of purple, oatmeal, and black. The purple cashmere cardigan is from winter 2009 clearance racks of TJ Maxx (I think it was around this time last year that I scored major deals). The Juicy Couture skirt has a cute bow detail at the waist that doesn't translate through my poor quality iphone photos. The long sleeved tshirt is from Old Navy. The tights were a free Bloomingdales.com score from when they distributed mystery money gift cards via email. And the shoes are Me Too (also from TJ Maxx).

The next day I went to Kelly's in East Liberty to celebrate a friend's birthday. I belted the Marc by Marc Jacobs Peacock Paisley dress to change the silhouette and it was a big success in that my outfit was showered with compliments all evening!

I paired it with suede and leather captoe mary jane MBMJ pump, a navy patent Miu Miu bag (scored from the Waterfront Filene's Basement years ago, RIP), and a polyblend fabric sash from a vintage dress, used as a makeshift obi belt.

But my favorite outfit moment of the weekend was on Saturday evening when I stayed in and entertained friends (one of who brought over his very sweet dog).

Although I was covered with various furs by the end of the evening, I was so snuggly and warm thanks to my furry friends, Speck and Laika!

*Note that I also participated in one of the above-mentioned leagues, only to find myself in last place by the end of it. But someone has to take last place! My hypercompetitive inner jerk argues that I'd rather be the best at losing than be numbers 2-9. But rational me knows my performance was quite embarrassing.

Skirting the Issue of Summer Heat

Thus far in Pittsburgh the weather has been exceedingly mild. But in the spirit of seasonal dressing, I've taken to going bare legged, and wearing skirts as often as possible. While I do own a few pairs of shorts, I tend to mostly wear dresses in summer. After picking up some key skirt pieces, I have more options.

I bought the Anna Sui for Anthropologie skirt on the left and the A.P.C. skirt on the right in Georgetown, back in May. Since then, they've been summer staples for me.

I tried on this anthropologie skirt in Georgetown also, but it was too big. So my friend Lilykind from Fashionism.org proxy shopped and found it for me!

I fell in love with a See By Chloe bow skirt but couldn't find it in my size for a reasonable price so I settled for this Juicy Couture number.

Lastly, I didn't get this 3.1 Phillip Lim sailor skirt, but I hope to find it on ebay eventually.

With all of these fantastic skirts, I might need to upgrade my tops. In the meanwhile, I'll keep pairing them with American Apparel tri blend deep v tshirts.