Royal T

As a child, when the time for school supplies came, I was most excited about the Crayons. I don't know about anyone else, but I was supremely excited if the 64-Count box of Crayolas- with the built-in sharpener, landed in the cart. My friend Danielle and I compared notes one day and she said that she used to go straight for the Silver and Gold, avoiding Cornflower, Sepia, and Burnt Sienna- as those were her least favorites in the bunch. I recalled with great clarity, always reaching for the Cerulean. This tunic is a bit of a deeper shade, but I love the richness of it.

I titled this post 'Royal T' because my dear friend Tami, who is a striking redhead, looks fabulous in this shade of blue and each time I pull it from my closet, I'm often reminded of her.

Tunic: Express, Mummy Leggings: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Steve Madden, Clutch: Karla's Closet for Coach, Bracelet: Kenneth Cole

Productive

Hello Darlings! How did everyone spend their weekend? I made my moms killer meatballs, got caught up on some reading, and did a little thrifting. Found a couple of beakers at my local Discovery Shop- a creative way to display the tools that put me together in the morning and a good solution for getting things out of the drawer and within arms reach.

The past two days were equal parts productive and relaxing. Off to catch 60 Minutes and The Women Who Dress America, with a glass of white and a chenille throw for comfort.

Fatigued

The three-day weekend was exceptional in every way, but I promised myself that I wouldn't leave the house, spend a dime, or lift a finger for the next two days. So far I've been true to my word, but a lunch-hour mini haul may have had something to do with my new-found enthusiasm to lay low and save.

I'm sure I'm not the only one flipping through the gargantuan Fall Preview issues of all of the major fashion publications this month- and setting eyes on utility jackets, dresses and trousers on nearly everyone. Frankly, this is a trend that should excite us all. It's versatile, inexpensive and requires minimal maintenance; no dry-cleaning, delicate cycle, or ironing required.

I meant what I said about staying below my wallet's radar for the weekend, but I don't think a quick trip into my local thrift store on a Friday afternoon for a $10 jacket- should be counted against me. It was a weekday, it was inexpensive, it was on my Fall 'Must-Have' list and I went straight back to the office to eat the lunch I packed that morning, immediately after. No harm, no foul... sort of ;)

Cargo Jacket: Banana Republic, Dress: Willow & Clay, Bag: Zara, Shoes: M.O.D., Aviators: Cole Haan

Citrus

I'm rarely disappointed when I convince myself to ease out of my comfort zone and into an element of fashion that I wouldn't normally be drawn to. It's usually a silhouette or a style that meets my resistance, but this season it was as simple as a color. For years I've shied away from yellow- and while I can't recall when or why it started, I've successfully overcome my aversion. Several pieces in this lively hue caught my eye this summer; a few even made their way into my closet.

Silk Slip Dress: Romeo & Juliet Couture; Silk Pleated Camisole: Saks 5th Avenue, Silk Embellished Top: Ecote; Button Down Shirt: life/after/denim; Short-Sleeve Ruffle Collar Jacket: Forever 21