Today's Outfit: Back to Basics

JACOB convertible sash sleeveless blouse (c/o) | Banana Republic cardigan | Joe Fresh belt | J. Crew cafe capris | Paolo Corelli pumps | Badgley Mischka purse | J. Crew and H&M bangles

One of my fail-safe autumn outfits has always been a cardigan worn over a short-sleeved blouse, tee, or tank. Even today I'll still reach for this combination when I'm feeling lazy or rushed, or merely craving something comfortable. The latter was especially true when I donned this JACOB blouse for a day of errands. As great as its tomato red hue and bow detail look with this cardi-and-khakis ensemble, I imagine this blouse will look just as good tucked into pencil skirts, or worn loose over skinny jeans with the detachable bow tied around the waist as a sash. It's a versatile piece that can transition from the office to a casual date or a night of salsa dancing.

Speaking of salsa dancing, I feel compelled to tell you a bit about our trip to Seattle last weekend. The boy and I drove for three hours (plus the border wait) to dance at Century Ballroom with out-of-town salseros. (Lest you think we're insane, we know some hardcore dancers who drive there almost every week. In fact, salsa is why they got Nexus passes.) We spent the first day shopping and dancing. Unlike past trips where I was psyched to buy clothes and shoes, this time around I spent more time (and money) looking for things for the home: an acrylic tray to house my growing nail polish collection, kitchen essentials, Voluspa candles, luxuriously fluffy towels. As for the salsa dancing, it was SO much fun. Dancing with some of Seattle's best leads was completely worth the drive.

On the second day, we met up with some friends for brunch and strolled around Capitol Hill and Pioneer Square while enjoying the unseasonably warm sunshine. We also stopped by Experience Shoes because I needed some new salsa shoes. Experience turned out to be the highlight of the trip as we got to know owner Jim Hadley, a dance enthusiast and photographer who once shot for Vogue and Make Up For Ever. Jim ended up giving us a dance lesson in his store, ignoring Doc Marten-buying customers and even family members who stopped by to say hi just to show us a footwork combo.

Although we had low (read: zero) expectations of having good food during the trip, Seattle surprised us again and again. Carne asada tacos at Tacos Chukis (kudos to Yelp for that recommendation), thin-crust pizza at Via Tribunali, chicken and waffles at Local 360, and the creamiest clam chowder I've ever had from Pike Place Chowder were just some of the highlights. All in all, it was the perfect weekend getaway to unwind and relax. Other than this lingering cold I've been fighting, my spirits are rested and my energy is restored.

2 comments

  1. Oh I love cardigans, they really are comfort clothing. Thanks for sharing this, this is a really nice color combination you have!

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  2. Your Jacob blouse is fantastic - I love the colour. And I love cardigans; they're my fall/winter/cold spring and summer day staples!

    Kate - petite-adventures.blogspot.ca

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