Gold Dust & Sugar Lust

I bought this blazer with the sheath (and matching pants) from Benetton. If you live in Orange County like I do, you will remember that there used to be a store in Fashion Island and one in South Coast Plaza right across from the carousel. I was obsessed with this store. I have been wearing their suits since law school and I just find that they have a really nice corporate aesthetic and are very reasonably priced--cute suits, cardigans and pencil skirts --and winter coats that always have a pop of faux fur on the cuff or collar (this girl is a sucker for faux fur. And feathers!) When the South Coast store closed down, it was a dark day indeed, but it was replaced by Sugarfina, so the day brightened up in a hurry (because I am a candy-aholic!)! Now, I shop online and I still love everything I get! The jacket is HERE the dress is HERE and the pants are HERE. Everything is Italian sizing, so you will need to convert and figure out your size but there is a handy little chart on the website: www.us.benetton.com I really like this all white look, but you have to use caution for work (and not just when you are eating. Or drinking. Or using a blue pen!) Bright neon shoes? Um, no. Way too Crockett and Tubbsy (names I had to Google, by the way!) All black heels? Probably a better choice. I gave these floral guys a go and its a good pairing. The pants looks great with this blazer for dinner or drinks with maybe a white tank underneath and strappy heels. While I did not take my own advice ( I was busy last week, sheesh!), a spray tan or self tanner is probably a good idea with this color. Anyone else obsessed with this all white look? Have any cute outfit ideas you'd care to share? I'd love to hear them all! Hope you are all having an amazing week! xo Michelle

Well hello there! Let me tell you about the crazy weather that was going on when I was taking these pictures-- it got cloudy and rainy really quickly and COLD (Southern California cold. So like, 69 or 70. Freezing, in other words) The good news is that even though it was windy (read: hair flying everywhere) and my teeth were chat chat chattering, the sky turned an amazing pink. We've been over this before but I am practically dumbfounded over sunsets. Actually, the sky in general. My phone is full of pictures of great big clouds and beautiful skies full of pinks and red. I look up at the sky all of the time and it rarely disappoints and really, how can you have a bad day with all of that beauty surrounding you? Answer: You can't! Take my word for it. Look up.

I would have to think about whether I would wear this outfit to work because it might be a little short for a law office (for me anyway). I am really particular about the length and silhouette of pieces because dressing for the office as a woman is (for better or worse) establishing credibility and nothing undermines that faster than a too short hemline or too much cleavage. Maybe someday, we can all be judged by what is on our inside but until we stumble into that Utopia, I'm not taking any chances!! I think this little set is perfect for an after- work function or dinner and a show. The skirt and shirt are both from Zara and are a really nice quality- heavy and textured. It's a deep, beautiful shade of navy, too. In the summer, it would be really cute with a neutral strappy sandal and an arm full of bangles. I pulled this bag out of the closet for the first time in a long while. I love this bag. Wait, I love all bags. I have every Gucci bag I've ever purchased going back maybe 15 years and I never sell them. They are like family to me. I'm a Gucch-a-holic (we all have our problems though, am I right!?) 😊

We hope your day and your week are just lovely and hey! Thank you so much for stopping by! Xoxo 🎀🍭Michelle