Off-the-Shoulder

I'm down in a warmer climate this week, which means it is a great opportunity to wear all the summer dresses it is too chilly to wear in the Bay Area. I started with this off-the-shoulder dress, as tops/dresses with this cut look great, but it feels silly to wear under a sweater or jacket, as the top sort of constricts your arm movements. This one is the Antonia from The Reformation, purchased at a sample sale they held last year, and currently on sale on their website.

Using my hair as a face curtain. 

This dress was light, easy to wear and kind of sexy. Also, because the look is ruined if you slouch, this dress helped force a betterment of my posture, which is always a plus.

Commuter Clothes

I (attempt) to walk to work most days, so I try to create outfits that I like, and that I can walk a mile in (in the snow, uphill, both ways!). I keep a few blazers and my "work shoes" at work, which is great, so I don't have to lug those things with me on my daily grind. 
Needless to say, I usually look pretty casual on my way into the office, and I sometimes run into people in the elevator and am convinced they are judging me, and that I should assure them I will be dressing up. In reality, no one probably cares.

A typical example is below: I am wearing the same silk top and jeans in both, but walking to work I paired these items with a zip-up sweater and sneakers, whereas once I'm in the office, I slip on loafers and a blazer. 

A close-up of the office look:

                     Blazer | J. Crew  ||   Zip-Up | Alternative Apparel
                          Top | Theory (secondhand)
Jeans | DL191
                                              Shoes | Cole Haan  ||  Sneakers | Asics Onituska Tiger Mexico 66 ( last seen here)

I must admit that the commute sometimes keeps me from wearing my more delicate items, or anything I feel like will make me break a real sweat, and I save those for days when I know I won't be walking. 
What do you wear when you commute and how does it influence your sartorial choices?

Beige for Days

I surprised myself today with such a work appropriate outfit. Just a classic cashmere sweater, pencil skirt, and a necklace for good measure. 

I mean, you also dress to match the walls, right?

I had to find another way to break up the bland...

Sweater | Inhabit (similar)
Skirt | Theory
Necklace | Goodwill 

...and added a leather jacket for good measure. 

What do you wear when you just want to be office appropriate?

Snip

This top used to be a sweater dress. I've had it for over 2 years and only worn it once. However, every time I go to donate it, I can't do it. I really love the lace detail across the top, but I just can't keep it around when I never wear it. Today, I grabbed a pair of scissors, laid the sweater on the ground and cut off the bottom, turning it into a sweater/top. 

I can't believe I didn't think of this a long time ago. 

Top | Rebecca Taylor
Pants | Joe's Jeans
Backpack | Clare V

It has an unfinished hem on the sleeves, so the same on the bottom doesn't seem out of place.

Also, I've been wearing this backpack nonstop recently. Who knew a white, leather backpack could be so versatile? I guess, Clare V, the designer, did. My only suggestion, if you are out there, Clare, is I wish the front and back segments were buttoned together, so you could pull the top one off and use it as a small clutch. If that was the case, this backpack would be unstoppable.

Saturday Reading

First, one more Denver photo - taken at their impressive botanical gardens!

Top: Ivy Park

Bottoms: Ironman shorts

Shoes: Nike Roshe Flyknit (on sale!)

Horse: Deborah Butterfield

Next, some sites for your Saturday perusal:

1. First, some practical advice from Racked, How Am I Supposed to Clean My Yoga Mat?

2. Also, from Racked, a fun look at women's gymnastic uniforms through the years (Racked) - this article does not address it, but does anyone know why the leotards are always long-sleeved?

2a. In more Olympics news - American woman Virginia Thraser has won Rio's first gold medal! (NYT)

3. An interesting look into the day-to-day of Hillary Clinton's long-time hairdresser (The Cut)

4. In the off-chance you've missed the article in Glamour - President Obama on Feminism, and the World He Wants to Leave His Daughters.

Style Dtour in Denver

Another type of detour =)

Colorado Consignment
This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Denver - it was my first time there, as well as my first time in Colorado! I had a great time, and, because there was some time for shopping, I wanted to do a review of three consignment stores I visited with my friend Ang. We had a great time exploring the second-hand scene in Denver, and finding pieces for each other and, of course, ourselves.

Mercer Place

First up, the delightful Mercer Place. 

When we pulled up, there was a sign saying that a summer clearance sale was happening, which is always a great thing to be greeted with. The store had a lot of clothes and jewelry, as well as really cute home furnishings. We also got to meet the lovely owner, and chatted about everything from her store to fast fashion.

Leifsdottir High Tea Dress

The color of this dress caught my attention on the rack and once I zipped it up, there was little doubt I would leave with it. Also, it has pockets!

Giving a twirl, for good measure.