On Trial: Rugby Ralph Lauren Dress

It’s been years since I asked your opinion on whether or not I should keep an item of clothing. I’ve been pretty reckless with the donations. I need some help deciding on this dress, though.


Jacket, Mossimo. Dress, Rugby Ralph Lauren (consignment). Tights, We Love Colors. Booties, Blondo. Sunglasses, Earthbound Trading Co. Bag, Steve Madden. Gloves, gift.


I’d simply cull it if I weren’t planning on doing some teaching and professional speaking. It’s one of the few conservative dresses in my closet.

Pros:
warm, modest, well made, tailored, a-line shape, tweed

Cons:
bulky, unflattering(?), drab, frumpy

What do you think? Here’s how I’ve worn it:

Tenth Blogoversary

It’s my tenth blogoversary and I’m not quitting this outfit diary. Are you curious about what’s new in Year Eleven of WhatIWore2Day?


Shirt, Moda International. Skirt, Talbot’s. Shoes, Enzo Angiolini.

First of all, I’ve given up on replacing the green cardigan that I wore with this blouse and skirt in my very first outfit post (and the first four blogoversaries). After the sweater was ruined by dye transfer from a dark purple shirt, I attempted to replace it with three different green jackets and a denim vest for my later blogoversaries. This year, I just wore a nude camisole underneath and went topper-less. This is California, after all. We still see 80 degrees and higher in October.


Second, I’m embracing my natural hair color. It used to be dishwater blonde, but now it’s coming in silvery and I like it.


Last, I am trying Snapchat as a platform to show you behind the scenes, outfit details, and outfits in motion. My user name is whatiwore2day. (I’ll be honest, I’m still trying to figure it out, but Beefy is younger than I, so hopefully he’ll help.)


Here’s to another great year!

Plus Ca Change

My first blog was a home and garden blog (emphasis on the “garden”). Newly transitioned to civilian life, living in a town where I knew no one, married to a man in law school, I spent all my free time digging in the yard, browsing nurseries or leafing through garden books. Eventually, I moved on to other hobbies: theatre, running, swimming, and socializing. Now, I have a whole new set of activities (but I still run and swim).

Wearing older pieces, like this blazer from the beginning of my style blog, prompts me to stop and reflect on how our lives change over the years (and how much I LOVE change).


Jacket, The Limited. Tee, American Apparel. Skirt, Victoria’s Secret. Pumps, Nine West. Sunglasses, Target. Earrings, Super Silver.

This tee is a souvenir from my second half marathon.


Hairstyes, like hobbies, change:


But I still like an animal print pencil skirt!
I haven’t totally abandoned gardening. I planted nasturtium along our walk and I support local farms with my bi-weekly box of organic produce. (You wouldn’t believe the volume of vegetables I consume! Sometimes, it feels like feeding an elephant.)

Boss Man

I had the boss man with me today, so I had to tone it down a bit. Also, no boobs or leg. Gotta keep it HR-approved!


Shirt, Old Navy. Dress, Rugby Ralph Lauren (consignment). Boots, Nine West. Sunglasses, Giselle. Earrings, Stardust Remembered.


Even my 365 photo is corporate friendly.

A Purse for Every Skirt

While waiting for my soy Ginger Elizabeth Mocha, a young man, very sincerely, asked me if I had a purse to match every skirt. I, just as sincerely, considered my handbag collection and my skirt collection and conceded that there were a few matches, including today’s pairing.


Blazer, James Jeans. Tank, Old Navy. Skirt, Talbots. Tights, We Love Colors. Boots, Lauren Ralph Lauren. Bag, Imoshion.


Here is (most of) my purse collection:


I suppose I’ve been a bit matchy with my bags a time or two: