Safari Breeze

I see Madewell as one of those under presented brands in Chinese community. Its casual chic style is effortless and relaxed. Besides those wardrobe basics, I like Madewell silk dresses. They may not catch your eyes on the hanger or on the website (Madewell online pictures do no justice to these pieces), but they look nice when you put them on. The silk material is usually of high quality for its price. And, just like JCrew, this brand goes on sale from time to time. You may not get huge discount as good items do not stay long on the shelf, but I find discounted prices are usually quite reasonable.

This is one of the silk dresses I got from Madewell last summer. I was very much attracted to its cool safari sketch print and breezy silk chiffon material. I've got lots of compliments every time I wear it. I even wear it in office with a white blazer or cardigan. It's one of the most comfortable summer dresses in my closet.

BTW Madewell has a two day sale now - 25% off on selected summer items with code HIGHFIVE.

Click for large pictures.

Silk dress: Madewell
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Necklace: Wide Link Choker from Anthropologie (layered in this outfit)
Belt: Club Monaco
Sandals: Marc Jacobs

Business Monday

概要

星期一是“忙day”，所以我一般会打扮得比较严肃。中性色＋保守式样，不玩新鲜颜色新鲜款式。但是严肃不等于枯燥，我尽量往严肃而有型的方向努力吧！比如这件Fendi的长袖连衣裙，虽然走的是严肃保守的路子，但是裁剪合体，插色设计恰如其分的凸显体型，搭配他家常见的泡泡袖设计。配上点点丝袜和尖头皮鞋，再增加点女性情趣。Louis Vuitton家的豹纹围巾够大够蓬，松松的围在脖子上可以平衡一下整套打扮的女人味，以免流于老套的娘味。当然，灰裙子和豹纹围巾都很容易找到更便宜的替代品，不要跟我这个时不时抽个风的败家女学。咱只讲搭配，是吧？不过，我还是要真心赞一下这条裙子的，超厚超软超暖和，经典职业装扮，今冬最佳投资就是它了，我要多穿几年，把本儿挣回来。。。

When I was little and just started learning English, my teacher taught us how to memorize Monday through Sunday: Monday is 忙-day (忙, pronounced “mon”, means “busy” in Chinese). I didn't quite get it until I finished school and started my own career. Monday is indeed the day you can't mess up in business, even in your business attire.

So I tend to look more serious on Mondays. Gray and black are the colors I usually turn to. Conservative simple styles help me to focus on business. But that doesn't mean I have to look like a boring dead fish. Here I built my business attire around a long-sleeved wool dress (Fendi) that features figure-flattering color blocks and cute curved sleeves. It nailed down the classy professional look I was aiming for. Polka dot stockings added a touch of feminine fun to the outfit, balanced out by the boldness of the animal print scarf (Louis Vuitton)… No, you don’t need brand names to get a professional look. It just so happens that I fall in love with designer pieces from time to time. What can I say? This Fendi dress felt so warm and soft that I just couldn't let it go the minute I had it on. It was definitely my best buy this winter and I see it last for many seasons... *_^

Have a productive week ahead, everyone!