Yesterday was absolutely beautiful outside. Sunny and bright and warm. I love warm! We had a client meeting on the UWS, which is about an hour on the subway for me on a train that I don’t typically use much. So, I left early to be on the safe side. I also got there quite early, which was perfect because I could sit on a bench in Central Park and read for a few. Awww, sunshine!

I’m reading a book called “Little Bee” and so far it really has me enthralled. It’s much deeper than the cheesy romance novel I read last by Janet Evanovich. But after a few heavy reads, I go for a guilty pleasure book which I can knock out in an evening or in this case on a plane. 

Yesterday I was perusing the web and saw a pic on Ann Taylor Loft that inspired my outfit.

I often used to see a picture that inspired me and immediately feel the need to shop. Do you ever feel the same? I would think, what cute shoes….only to realize I have a very similar pair in my closet. Or - great dress - and then realize that though I don’t have that same exact style, I may have quite a few in a similar color. So, over the past several years, I’ve realized I can often re-create a look by shopping my closet, and here’s how:

Ask yourself, what do you like about the look? Is it the color? Is it they feeling (like a calming beachy feel or Parisian nautical feel or Rocker Chic)? Is it the texture or shape?

In this case, I was drawn to the jewel toned color of the dress, the belted style, varying textures, the way that the blazer makes the summer dress a little more serious and of course the wedges! 

So, I thought……hmmmm…. I have a purple & teal dress (not silk, but jewel toned for sure!) & I have a brown woven belt and new wedges (great!) and a lovely navy blazer (score)….and the teal dress has some great textures……so I’m doing it!!!

Although I didn’t have the flower pins (which are adorable) or a silk dress or even a full on ruffle front, I think I was able to recreate a look that pulled the aspects of this look that I was drawn too. And I felt great in the outfit which is of course, in my book, the master plan! 

I scored the Rag and Bone blazer last year on Gilt Group, such a steal! And, my Mom was a shoe fairy last week (Thanks Mom!)! The Target selection was pretty picked over but we managed to find one pair of 6 1/2 CV for Target wedges and honestly, they are the perfect summer wedge for $29.99! I wore them running around yesterday and scooted pretty good and I love the color and the gold accents.

I also love details. A little texture to a dress or a ruffle front. The way a belt brings an outfit together or a bracelet adds just a touch of extra charm to the look! It’s all the little things that make an outfit interesting to me.

All in all, yesterday was a great day. When I came home from my meeting, my lovely husband had made (for the first time ever) home made pasta. He served it up with fresh red peppers, garlic, red onion, spinach and some fancy butter. It was, HANDS DOWN, the BEST pasta I have eaten. So light and fresh tasting. Not heavy at all and perfect for a warm evening. We have the Kitchen Aid pasta attachment and according to Dan, it works like a charm!

Mmmm, I think I’ll be making a special request for more pasta next week!

Enjoy the weekend!

XoXo

M