an outfit deconstructed . . .

A big thank you to the lovely Joslyn for doing this outfit blog swap with me - it was so much fun collaborating. Be sure to pop on over to Simple Lovely to check out my outfit - I'm all about wardrobe staples right now!

And don't worry, I think we'll be doing these a little more regularly!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Both Caitlin and I have recently lamented the sartorial challenges this time of year presents. We're over our summer clothes, but with warm days still the norm (at least here in Texas), pulling out the sweaters and blazers just isn't realistic yet. Enter transition dressing . . . or, more specifically, enter the transition dress.

My good friend Sharon turned me on to this dress. She has a "fancy" job (she's the director of advertising for a well-known beverage company) that has her regularly traveling to NYC and LA, eating in fab restaurants and working on set with the likes of say, Fergie. She also has two young daughters, so it's safe to say she's a major multi-tasker, and she happens to have transition dressing down-pat. At a recent playdate/breakfast at her house, she told me about this dress that she's been living in.

Apparently the entire advertising department at her company owns it in multiple colors...they're dressing it down with flats for days on set and up with heels and a great necklace for dinners out... bare legs on warm days and tights + a scarf in cooler environs. You get the idea. And here's the kicker, ready?? It's from Talbots . . . and it's majorly on sale. I bought one in navy and one in black pretty much immediately after she told me about it.

I've worn the navy one more times than I'd like to admit. Pretty much anytime I'm having a fashion conundrum, I reach for it. It's easy but makes me feel instantly pulled together, which is pretty much the ultimate in terms of what we expect from our clothing, yes?

The Details:

Dress -- Talbots

Bag -- Clare Vivier

Necklace -- Lizzie Fortunato

Shoes -- Maxx Studio

Photos by Joslyn

a return to my favorites

What a busy week, I've been running around working 24/7, but when you love what you do working around the clock doesn't seem to matter. I've posted this office multiple times, I find it an incredibly inspiring place to work day in and day out - don't you? Someday, I hope to have a office this beautiful!

With that said, I've been turning to my trusty skinny jeans, camel tote and adding a touch of spring with open toed heels and a light weight top. The perfect combination for my hectic schedule. Do you have a go-to outfit that you gravitate to when you're on the run?

At least tomorrow is Friday . . . hip hip hooray!

Photo: living room via domino magazine

Clothing: Madewell embroidered dot top, Zara leather belt, Cheap Money jeans, Madewell oxford slingback, Zara plaited shopper

casual weekend date

This weekend Eric and I will be celebrating our one year wedding anniversary. Time flies! It feels like just a few months ago we were packing up the car and heading to Yountville.

Since it creeped up on us , we're having a low-key date up in Yountville to have lunch at Bottega. My mouth is watering just thinking about their ricotta gnocchi - YUM. I started dreaming up what to wear on our date and this seemed like the perfect ensemble - bright blue dress, a casual pump and of course girly nails.

Now if only this dress could appear in my closet . . .

Images: living room Lonny, Steven Alan Dress, Clare Vivier Foldover Clutch, Chanel Orange Fizz Nail Polish, Philippe Audibert Sienna Gold-plated Cuff, Zara Heels