Outfitting: If Juliette Low could see us, you know what she'd say? She'd say, "Look at Troop 1153 in a special way!"

Yes, this is a real Girl Scouts shirt that has belonged to me since the fifth grade, when I was a Junior level Girl Scout. I remember it was really big on me back then, but it fits pretty well now. Several years ago I dug it up in a spare room at my parents' place, and have been trying to make it work into my wardrobe ever since, because let's face it, it's pretty darn awesome. I had a lot of trouble figuring it out and kept trying to pair it with jeans, wearing it open. 

Yesterday I was struck by a bit of inspiration and thought maybe it would work tucked into a high waisted skirt. I thought first of using a pencil skirt, but then came across this really full, oldschool kind of skirt in my closet that I bought, no joke, just because it had pockets. I LOVE skirts with pockets! And it happened to be perfect with the shirt. A lot of this outfit is very experimental; I felt there was something missing at the neckline and thought maybe a scarf would do really well there (this shirt is intended to be worn with a neckerchief of sorts), but I just didn't have one in the right weight and color. I had just bought this giant flower necklace from ModCloth and thought, heck, why not try it out?

The two belts I added because the skirt has two belt loops. I experimented with a few different ones in different colors and decided it was probably best to keep things simple. Same went for footwear - I toyed with red pumps and electric blue loafers, which worked, okay, but I think the studded black sandals bring a bit of edge to an otherwise conservative look.

Even as I went out the door, I was not sure how this outfit would fly, but as it turned out, everyone at work liked it a lot, and they are a discerning bunch!

Outfitting: My panda bear is staring at you, too

So this outfit was a total experiment. I had gotten the band jacket off ModCloth because I thought, if anyone were in the market for a band jacket, this had to be the best example of one out there, provided you didn't want to spend more than about $75. The details are all wonderful, from the gold braided cords across the front, to the big brassy buttons, to the detailed epaulettes on the shoulders. I can't deny it's a bold piece, very flashy, very Michael Jackson (r.i.p.).

That's one thing I love about working at ModCloth - it's really encouraged me to take more fashion risks that I'd never have considered before. So I thought I'd give it a try.  The panda tee I absolutely love, even though it doesn't seem to elicit much of a reaction out of people. But they do love those studded Dolce Vita flats.

Outfitting: Rockin' da Boots (last one of the day, I promise)

I have had so much trouble getting these boots to work with anything other than this skirt. Maybe it's the plum color, but they also have this really odd shaft height that stops right where my calves get fat. I've learned to stick to either ankle or knee boots, but I couldn't resist the luscious leather and quality handiwork one can expect from Frye, and the truth is, I love the boots just the way they are. Even if they end up sitting on my bookshelf for 90% of the year.

Dear Anthro: I am in love with your Creative team.

Okay, I intended to make this post more sincere, but I just had too much fun making captions for the pictures. If you recall, I love making snarky captions.

In all seriousness though, I think the branding/merchandising folks over at Anthropologie are f-ing geniuses. They create this vibrant fantasy world in which women of all kinds want to live - a romantic place full of lush textures, flowery scents, afternoons spent by the lake, and daydreams. The aesthetic has such a French emphasis on living well and surrounding oneself with simple luxuries. And the team has taken it up a notch by creating this quietly dramatic, visionary take on an outfit collection/lookbook. They have my team here at work practically drooling at the mouth with its sophistication and general gorgeousness.

But make no mistake, this kind of lifestyle doesn't come cheap.  In fact, a trip to the bakery could very well cost you $1000 if you want to look as good as these models do!

Outfitting: OMFG My Favorite Things LOLs!

This thrifted Marc Jacobs blazer is one of the crowning jewels of my closet. I got it for just $40 and love the grosgrain ribbon details (sorry, forgot the detail shots!). Also wearing my favorite pair of shoes and a pretty amazing ring from Noir. All makes for a simple look for the modern workplace.

Outfitting: Primary/Secondary Colors

Again combining a few things I haven't worn in forever, and colors I don't usually wear. I really liked how the moss green of the scarf played against the bright red, but to keep it from looking too Christmas-y (a bit early for that!), I added some neutrals and a bright teal in the same color group. Voila.

  • Basic H&M knit top
  • Random polka-dot scarf I got off Canal St. in NYC
  • Arden B. linen skirt (you'll be seeing a lot of this one - one of my favorite versatile pieces, even though it's quite lumpy when it's not been ironed in a while)
  • Esska 'Milo' mary-jane heels from the Coclico website

Outfitting: Office appropriate with Shanti, from Friday

Just catching up. Nothing too special about my outfit - pretty boring actually.

On me:
  • Vintage crocheted cardigan, bought at some discount store in Mong Kok
  • Ransom tee from Mervyn's
  • Express herringbone pants from like ten years ago. I will never give these pants up because they are awesome.
  • Fluevog 'Aquarius' heels

On Shanti: 

  • Vintage secretary blouse
  • Vintage sweater vest
  • New black satin mini skirt and fishnets (don't know the brand)
  • Vintage Ferragamo flats

Outfitting: Citius, Altius, Fortius

I don't follow a lot of sports, but I am such an Olympics nerd. Since I was a kid, even the opening theme song makes my eyes tear up. So I was super thrilled to make it to this year's winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC. Walking along Robson St., soaking in the festive atmosphere, I ducked into Canadian boutique Aritzia and found all their Olympics paraphernalia on sale.

You can imagine my elation when I found this reproduction track jacket with none other than the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics logo printed on it. Talk about blast from the past. I was suddenly full of nostalgia and hometown pride. Of course I had to buy it immediately.

  • Aritzia Olympics-branded track jacket
  • Adriano Goldschmied jeans
  • Gap Outlet ballet flats

Eyewear for the digital age: Protect your internet-surfing eyes with GUNNARs

Even the name sounds pretty badass. GUNNAR Optics. I've seen these on a couple of guys here at work and wondered why they looked like they were ready to pilot a jet. Make no mistake, they look really good on. And according to the website, their lens technology "is the result of intensive study and research on the human optical system and its interaction with digital devices."

The signature yellow lenses (actually they come in several other colors too) give way to frames that are "designed using advanced computer algorithms," resulting in a sleek, aerodynamic, and distinctive product. Given how much we use our computers, I know what's topping my list this Christmas!