Let me tell you about when you shouldn't wear a 100% polyester dress. You should not wear a 100% polyester dress during a holiday weekend that causes a major road to close so that instead of taking an Uber all the way to your destination, you're forced to walk.

Welcome back for Part II of my Reformation haul/review! I admit that to call my review of two pieces a "haul" is a bit generous, but I am not made of money ok?! This blazer was a bit of an accident anyway, because even though I'd been looking for a summer boyfriend blazer, I just didn't expect the Reformation one to fit me well.

But oh how it does.

I've worn this constantly since accepting I was going to keep it, hahaha, and it's been a wonderful topper for summer outfits once I've gone inside to the land of A.C. It's lined in a nude fabric so no matter which piece I put it over there's no peaking through of patterns/colors. But there's just something about the way it hangs that makes it spectacular. It's the perfect relaxed but tailored fit, so not only do I not regret keeping it, I'll probably be saving up for an appropriate Fall/Winter version.

And just in case you were wondering, a couple fit notes:

-the sleeves are a bit wide for me, so folding and scrunching them up is pretty essential in my opinion, but I'll play with it and report back
-the size large fits everywhere BUT the hips - I'm not the person who's interested in buttoning a boyfriend blazer anyway, but if it matters to you and you're close to my size, it's not an option with this piece



And surprise, but I have a couple sh*tty bonus shots to share! This outfit is just one of the many I've tried throwing the blazer over, and while it was too hot to shoot them all on Sunday, here are some of the phone snaps I've sent to friends:


Part of the reason I feel like this blazer is such a good buy is because of how versatile it is, and I hope I can show you more up close - and better quality - examples soon!

After 7 straight days of humidity, rain, and generally gross weather, this past Sunday things once again felt like summer. Now whether that was an improvement is up for debate, but I am just sadder as a person when I can't feel the sun on my face or get some fresh air. Plus I was super happy to finally get the chance to share with you the pieces I bought from Reformation, cool girl brand extraordinaire.

Now I want to preface this post by saying this brand is not affordable in my opinion. It's up to you to decide if their ethical stance and fabric choices make the prices a bit more palatable, but what finally tipped me over the edge was the fact that I'd be trying so many similar styles, but could never find the right fit. Also, I hate when my ads are full of a brand I've never tried, that I've only seen on people skinnier than me, that I liked but wasn't even sure if it would fit me at all (see their only very recent introduction of plus sizes).

But with free shipping and returns I threw caution to the wind and bought two pieces, which (shockingly) ended up not only fitting, but fitting incredibly well. First up is the Thelma Dress, in a size 12.

According to fit notes and size chart on the website, the predicted 32.5" waist for the size combined with a slim fitting bodice had me about 70% positive it wouldn't fit (I'm narrow under the bust but my true waist is a bit closer to 35"). But not only did it zip all the way up on the first try, the slim fit and adjustable straps allowed me to get away without wearing a bra at all. Plus - and I have no idea why this isn't emphasized on the website - the buttons are only functional from the waist down. Which means there is NO BUTTON GAPING along the bust, and for someone's who tried on most of the button front dresses that are so popular this season, it was a freaking revelation.

I'm sharing pictures after wearing the dress and hand-washing it in cold water, and while the bottom is indeed slightly sheer (which is why you can kind of see the outline of the pockets) I don't find it a problem as long as I wear nude undies. Also, even after steaming you can see that there are wrinkles, which is a result of the dress being 100% linen and DC being a humid swamp of (sometimes) death. I knew what I was getting into buying a linen dress, and after being out all day I think it just gives the overall affect of looking "lived in" but your mileage may vary. Me? I'm looking forward to wearing the CRAP out of this dress for the next forever.

I think if left to my own devices I could post pictures of this exhibit for forever. The Renwick is definitely turning into one of my favorite museums/galleries in DC, because every time I go the whole thing is such an experience. I don't always feel this kind of connection to art, but the beauty and diversity of the collection is incredibly moving, and makes searching out all the little bits and bobs totally worth it.

And then on top of all that, Burning Man is in itself such an experience that combined with the scale available in the Gallery - it's just all A+. I took the day off of work to try and avoid the inevitable weekend crowds, but if you have the opportunity to go, GO, because I can't imagine it not being worth it.

Just a little late, but let's hear it for the March/April recap! Things went a bit better this time, due to a combination of personal fortitude and the fact that I just didn't like the majority of things I tried on. I think that's the best part about the short shopping bans - even when I shop the question becomes "is this worth breaking a goal?" and it makes me more critical/aware of what I really want.

After chatting with a friend I decided to give myself space for adding in staple clothing items that I need. The Marine Layer tees that I bought are part of my everyday/work & weekend wardrobe, and before, when I only had 2 t-shirts that required washing every time I wore them, it was very frustrating.

Now the H&M pants weren't a staple I was looking for, so I own up to the fact that buying them was technically a no-no, but they are the BEST high waisted pants, I don't have to wear shapewear, and I love them. So... no regrets.

1. Cashmere Sweater (Lord & Taylor)
2. High-Waisted Button Front Jeans (Madewell)
3. White Utility Jumpsuit (Madewell)
4. Striped Button Down (H&M, similar but with side buttons)
5. Via Spiga Mules (Nordstrom Rack)
6. Studded Sandals (& Other Stories)
7. Sam Edelman Bay Sandals (Amazon)
* 8. High-Waisted Khaki Pants (H&M)
* 9. Marine Layer Tees (old, this season's)

 While Spring has taken its own sweet time coming to the DC area, one relatively new piece (I found this in store in March) has been able to make me smile every time I've worn it, and that piece is this H&M sweater. Now this is not to downplay jeans that I actually paid full price for (this rarely happens) but because of how practically neon this sweater is, it perks up practically everything I pair it with. And that, my friends, doesn't suck.

Read & Have Opinions On:

Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston
It’s not every day that a beautiful naked woman falls out of the sky and lands face-first on grizzly shifter Berg Dunn’s hotel balcony. Definitely they don’t usually hop up and demand his best gun. Berg gives the lady a grizzly-sized t-shirt and his cell phone, too, just on style points. And then she’s gone, taking his XXXL heart with her. By the time he figures out she’s a honey badger shifter, it’s too late.

Honey badgers are survivors. Brutal, vicious, ill-tempered survivors. Or maybe Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan is just pissed that her useless father is trying to get them all killed again, and won’t even tell her how. Protecting her little sisters has always been her job, and she’s not about to let some pesky giant grizzly protection specialist with a network of every shifter in Manhattan get in her way. Wait. He’s trying to help? Why would he want to do that? He’s cute enough that she just might let him tag along—that is, if he can keep up . . .

My Thoughts: I am a Shelly Laurenston fan girl. Full stop. While this particular book was a bit heavier on the cast building than main relationship, I still enjoyed every dang page. She excels at writing characters - especially women characters - who are well rounded individuals with "colorful" vocabularies (lol) and a tendency to kick ass. She is probably my #1 comfort read author at this point, which is saying something when I'm a women with two packed bookshelves of Nora Roberts. Hot and Badgered is the beginning of a new direction within Laurenston's larger shifter world, and while I would say you should read all of them just for the enjoyment alone, this new book is mostly a stand alone, and perhaps an even better introduction to the hilarious pandemonium Laurenston writes.

The Lightning-Struck Heart by TJ Klune

Once upon a time, in an alleyway in the slums of the City Of Lockes, a young and somewhat lonely boy named Sam Haversford turns a group of teenage douchebags into stone completely by accident.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power, and Sam’s pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King's Wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

When Sam’s fourteen, he enters the Dark Woods and returns with Gary, the hornless gay unicorn, and a half-giant named Tiggy, earning the moniker Sam of Wilds.

At fifteen, Sam learns what love truly is when a new knight arrives at the castle—Knight Ryan Foxheart, the dreamiest dream to have ever been dreamed.

Naturally, it all goes to hell when Ryan dates the reprehensible Prince Justin, Sam can't control his magic, a sexually aggressive dragon kidnaps the prince, and the King sends them on an epic quest to save Ryan's boyfriend, all while Sam falls more in love with someone he can never have.

Or so he thinks.

My Thoughts: I was very much on the fence for about 60% of this book. Reading it felt like watching a season of RuPaul's Drag Race set in the world of Tamora Pierce and my brain couldn't decide what to do with it. Plus I had to go look up TJ Klune because so much of the verbiage seemed specific to a certain population of gay men and I wouldn't have felt nearly as positive about the ending if it was being written by someone unfamiliar with that world. This book is hilarious, graphic, heart-warming in a way I haven't read in a while and at times way too long, but in the end it's a book about finding yourself and family, so shocking no one I've already picked up book two :).

Cardinal Witches Series by Alyssa Day
First in a funny, sexy new paranormal romance series from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Alyssa Day.

He's a warrior, hardened by years of protecting his town from vampire attack.
She's a garden witch who sees the world in shades of sunshine and delight.
Opposites don't only attract, they go supernova in this sizzling tale of magic and mayhem.

“Alejandro, meet Bob,” Rose said, and he quickly looked around the room, only to confirm that nobody was there.
“Bob? Who is Bob?”
“Bob is my cat,” she said, that quicksilver grin again crossing her face and then vanishing. “The basilisks got him just after I rescued Ninja.”
“The basilisk attacked your cat after you rescued a ninja?” he repeated slowly, realizing he’d been right. There was no way a woman this beautiful could have a personality to match her looks.
She was nuts.
My Thoughts: Despite the fact I could only include the summary for Alejandro's Sorceress, I read through all 3 of Day's Cardinal Witches series and I think on the whole I'd call them fine? A bit of love-at-first-sight combined with happy-for-now resulting in quick reads featuring some of the usual characters for paranormal romances. Since they're novella length and priced accordingly I'd recommend them for someone looking to pass the time, but they're not life changing.

I'm Looking Forward To:

Planet Dragos by Thea Harrison (May 14, 2018)
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison comes the final novella featuring Pia and Dragos…

Pia’s latest pregnancy has become a daily challenge, her relationship with Dragos strained with argument. That hasn’t stopped them from achieving a compromise and traveling to Las Vegas to celebrate their friend Rune’s wedding to his mate Carling.

From the moment they arrive, the trip goes awry. Death walks in Vegas, and Pia is kidnapped as an ancient enemy makes a move to destroy the Great Beast once and for all.

But the Great Beast has other plans.

On Planet Dragos everything goes the way he arranges it—unless someone decides to cross him, and God help them then, because he doesn’t know how to back down, and he doesn’t ever, ever let up….

Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews (June 6, 2018)
Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast.

Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she’s trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself—and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify.

Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies?

As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.”

Hugh and Elara may do both. 

Ocean Light by Nalini Singh (June 12, 2018)

While in my hearts of hearts I really wanted a black utility jumpsuit a la The Anna Edit, not only are options slim in that style on this side of the pond, they're even MORE slim in my size range. Poop.

I persevered in the sense that I continued to try on the style when I come across it despite the variations from my original goal, which in the end proved to be the best way to go about the whole thing, since I fell in love with this one from Madewell. It's perfect for Spring and I've paired it with a bunch of different shoes and earrings, which is ideal for me. Will the fabric be too heavy for Summer? Unknown really, though at the very least it'll continue to deal well when I wear it to work.

And hey, it's the return of curly hair!