When to Invest: Traditional vs Trend

VS

Both boots from Tory Burch

When I'm working on my seasonal budget, I'm often torn between whether I should spend my money on traditional pieces that will last me for years to come, or whether I should buy something trendy and fun. Since I do try to work within my budget, I figure out what amounts to about 20% of my income for about three months (ie the fall shopping season) and I figure out what I will buy that works within that budget. Obviously I try to find things that already match what I own, or outfits that will incorporate themselves nicely into my existing wardrobe. However, I always try to invest in a few key pieces such as a new pair of boots and a new jacket or coat every fall. And this is where the problem arises.

Because my mother made me start using a clothing budget when I was in the 4th grade, I have learned that the investment piece is usual a better buy. When I'm trying to figure out the cost per wear of the piece.  So, in the instance of booties, I realized that I had been looking for the perfect pair of high heeled winter booties pretty much since college (which was so long ago it seems!).  Chelsea booties, such as the trend pair, have only been on my radar for about a year or so, thus making them a less reasonable purchase in terms of cost per wear. I might wear them all winter long, but when they fall out of fashion's favor, I'll still wish I had bought the high heeled pair. If only they weren't so darn cute, though! 

Until next time,

xo

T

I ❤️🐘

Top: Lilly Pulitzer; jeans: Rag and Bone; shoes: Tory Burch; bag: LL Bean; watch: Michael Kors; sunglasses: Karen Walker

I spent the past weekend in Santa Cruz with my college friends for our yearly end of summer reunion. The thing about dressing for California beach weather, though, is that layering is essential because fog will be inevitable. So jeans plus a cute tank and a sweater you can just throw into your tote bag once the sun comes out is the perfect combo. Also, I am completely in love with this Lilly top of mine - it's hot pink (!! ) and it is covered in elephants, my favorite animals! Win win. 

Until next time,

xo

T

Short Party

Jacket: LL Bean; jacket: JCrew; shirt: Equipment; shorts: Cover via Monkees; necklace: Loren Hope; shoes: Tory Burch 

I wore this the other day when I was about to jump on a plane. I was leaving foggy Seattle (hence the jacket) for sunny San Jose to visit my granddad and then to Santa Cruz for my annual college reunion, so I wore high waisted shorts with a button up tucked in. I always like to try to still look put together when I'm at the airport- you never know when you might get upgraded for a first class seat! 

Until next time, 

xo

T

Junior League, and why you should probably join!

A few months ago, I decided to look into joining my local Junior League chapter. At first, when I thought of Junior League I thought of my grandmother, and it kind of turned me off in the same way that being a debutante like her turned me off. I am a modern, independent woman, after all! But, being new to the Seattle Tacoma area and knowing basically no one, I figured what harm could it do to try it out. And I am so thankful that I did! After the first meet and greet I knew that this is how I wanted to spend my extra time. 

While many may have the preconceived notion that Junior League is just a bunch of women with coiffed hair and pearls meeting for lunch, it really is so much more. Not only do you have to dedicate a certain amount of time every year to the various charities Junior League supports (from Habitat for Humanity to local childhood obesity education programs and even lobbying in congress about issues such as human trafficking), you also have to go to various training meetings. These meetings teach you all sorts of things that essentially help you become an amazing woman. You can learn about public speaking, how to become a member of various charity boards, even about workplace politics. Then, of course you have monthly meetings to attend, as well as various fundraisers like Bachelor Auctions and black tie dinners. 

But, through it all, you are spending time with amazing women who are driven and intelligent and caring. You walk into volunteer event or a committee meeting and realize that you are surrounded by women who you wanted to be when you grew up. Also, it doesn't hurt that we all have pretty cute shoes :) 

Until next time,

xo

T

Maxi Dress Season

Dress: Target; Vest: Nordstrom; Necklace: Kate Spade; Shoes: Tory Burch

Lately I've been living in these t-shirt maxi dresses from Target. I have this navy and white striped (duh) t-shirt style as well as a black racer back that I seriously have just been alternating between everyday for weeks now. They are so comfortable and easy to throw on, especially on those extra hot August days. And, because they're from Target, they're the perfect pieces to just wear for a season and not worry if next year wearing maxi dresses seems like wearing moon boots or something equally awful. 

Until next time, 

xo 

T

Sunday Style

Top: Amanda Uprichard; Jeans: J Brand; shoes: Tory Burch; bag: Kate Spade; sunglasses: Karen Walker 

Yesterday I had my provisional retreat for my upcoming year in Junior League. Because it was a brunch sort of setting I took the opportunity to wear these Tory Burch wedges that I bought a few months ago and would wear to sleep if I could. Paired with white denim and a light blue blouse it was an easy and comfortable outfit but still cute. 

I'll post more about Junior League and how awesome it is later this week! 

Until next time,

xo

T

Love My Murfee

Dress: Theory; scarf: Lilly Pulitzer; shoes: Jack Rogers; bag: Kate Spade; sunglasses: Karen Walker 

I have a confession to make: I am slightly in love with my Lilly Pulitzer Murfee scarves. They are absolutely perfect for summer, especially living by the water when morning fog and wind means I need a little extra layer. I of course love mixing patterns, too, and I really like how the stripes of my favorite theory dress go with the pattern of the Murfee. Just make sure your patterns are always in the same color family and of a similar size (ie no rugby stripes with a ditsy floral, generally speaking) and your good to go! When I have two competing patterns going on though, I tend to keep the rest of my outfit pretty minimal and stick to the basics like my jacks and a simple bag. 

Until next time,

xo

T