Summer Yellow and Tangerine Orange

Happy Monday! I thought I'd start your week off with something bright and cheery, because god knows we need all sunshine on deck to fight these Monday blues (+ dreary grey humidity here in Hong Kong). As if Mondays weren't bad enough, am I right?

Well, here are a few snaps from my latest trip to the West Coast where I was enveloped with so much sunshine I didn't know what to do with it. So I channeled it in an extra bright, overly upbeat, lemon yellow and tangerine orange outfit. Have I thoroughly annoyed you with my optimism and energy yet? Good.    

All joking aside, this outfit screams summer and is something I know I'll be reaching for on those sticky summer Fridays when you wish you were sitting poolside sipping margaritas. Just maybe throw on this structured cream vest to keep it profesh for the office.    

Camisole: TopShop (love this affordable version)

Cardigan: Club Monaco

Skirt: H&M (very similar version here for $35!)

Sandals: See by Chloe

Prim & Proper

Sometimes, all it takes is a knock out coat to take your outfit from casual to professional and from winter to spring. 

And a bed of flowers to make your day just a little brighter.

Hope you're having a happy week!

PS - I've linked to a bunch of great spring coats down below so be sure to check it out! 

Top: Theory

Coat: Zara

Pants: Zara

Bag: Prada

Heels: Cole Haan

How to wear: Spring Turtleneck

Apologies for being a little sporadic on posting outfits for the conservative work place. I promise I'm still employed - I've just been lagging on the photo documentation front.  

But I am back with a spring inspired, pastel toned outfit for the corporate work place. It's been raining non stop in Hong Kong the past several weeks, which has been soul crushing (dramatic, I know) but on the bright side (harhar...) the constant rain has gotten the city a-blooming with flowers, making for a perfect backdrop for today's post on how to wear a turtleneck into spring.  While at first glance, a sleeveless turtleneck might seem like the most ridiculous oxymoron, it has been surprisingly handy during this shoulder weather.   I've also found that it has been perfect for when you're on the verge of getting a cough or a sore throat and want a little extra coverage around your neck.   Oh and yaknow, all the trendsetters are on it, so... fashion points?  

Hope you had a lovely weekend and have a happy start to your week!

         

          

Top: Vince

Skirt: Cacheral (which comes with a matching top that I last wore here)

Heels: Cole Haan

How to wear: Athleisure

Because my weekday wardrobe consists mostly of structured, tailored pieces, I absolutely relish in wearing the softest, drapey-est, comfiest outfits on the weekends. This means cotton tees, breezy dresses, loose stretchy pants. But gym clothes? That's where I draw the line. 

Or so I thought.  

While I have always been opposed to rocking gym clothes to anywhere but the gym, the onset of the athleisure trend has inspired me to find a way to incorporate it into my everyday closet. And after some experimenting, I must say I'm starting to understand its appeal.  Not having to pack an additional set of clothes and lug around an extra pair of shoes (hello bag lady)? Now that's a win in my book. 

So today I thought I'd share my take on the athleisure trend, which is just a fancy way to describe hiding your gym outfit under a chic jacket rather than a hoodie. I've learned that the best way to approach this is to pick a sports bra and leggings in a neutral palate (black/grey/white) and top it off with a denim, bomber or army jacket. Extra points if you pull your hair up in a top knot or rock it down with a baseball cap. But the most crucial part to looking on trend? Show a little midriff, the athleisure trend is nothing without the crop top. 

Top: ASOS (similar here)

Cardigan: Elie Tahari (on sale now! They also have a beautiful dress version here)

Pants: Gap

Shoes: Nike

Cap: Club Monaco

Sunglasses: Dior

Floral Lace Applique

Remember how I last raved about my new found obsession with Elie Tahari here? Well, turns out this love runs deep and goes way beyond their workwear line. Case in point - this lovely floral lace applique top, which has easily and rather quickly become a closet favorite. I love how it's more interesting than your run of the mill black top yet plain enough to go with most everything in your closet. The kind of top that you pack in your suitcase half way across the world because it not only makes for a great day to night piece but also seamlessly transitions your outfit from girly to cool with the right accessories. Like my recent trip to San Diego here - I wore it with an army jacket and the world's most comfortable pair of shoes (I call them my cloud shoes) while wandering around during the day.  Come nightfall, I amped it up for a date night with a red lip and this breezy asymmetrical skirt.  

Top: Elie Tahari (very similar here and here)
Jeans: Levi's
Jacket: H&M (old but love this)
Shoes: Reebok