Diary of a Real Girl

Okay, OBVIOUSLY, there is a reason for my post today!!! My office can’t make up it’s mind!!! It was BOILING hot the other day sitting at 32 degrees, then I arrive at work yesterday dressed in a sleeveless top and city shorts, only to find it’s 15 degrees!!! I had to keep my heater on!!!

So, I learned my lesson this morning and realized that LAYERS are the answer!!!

I always try to pack up my sweaters for the summer time…I only leave a sweater/cardigan if it’s lightweight and would work for a coolish day/evening or it’s a good layering piece. However, this year, I packed up EVERYTHING because I didn’t have any thin sweaters!!

While in Toronto, Amy pulled out a GORGEOUS sweater (in a GORGEOUS color) that I think a few of us complimented.

The sweater is found on the Reitmans site, and it called their “Irrisistable Cardigan” (and as Amy informed me, this is their “this year” version of last years “Perfect Cardigan” – which I own 2 of and are currently some of the VERY few layering pieces I have in my closet).

When I went on the site to take a look at the cardigan, I was actually impressed with their “10 pieces – 12 looks” page. I find that a lot of stores are doing this now-adays. I even added up the cost of Reitmans looks and it worked out to $257 before you purchased any accessories (buy one, get one half off) or paid tax…honestly, that isn’t too bad!!!

So anyway, with my completely unpredictable weather at work, I had to do a little closet re-arranging. I am thinking that most summer outfits will include:

Bottom: skirt, skort, capri or city shorts (I have a few long pants tossed on the top shelf)

Top – 1st layer: Sleeveless shirt (I have a MILLION styles of these, some collared – like blouses, some with ruffles, bows, sequins – I have a couple “boring ones” as well, but I like to have some “WOW” to my outfit – plus I want something that looks great on it’s own if need be)

Top – 2nd Layer: cardigans (buttoned and wrap), jackets, poplin tops – ANYTHING breezy!!!!

Throw on some bold accessories (which I have plenty) and some fabulous shoes (especially if you are wearing city shorts, heels or nice wedges are a must!!!) and you have a FABULOUS summer outfit for the office. Then when you are leaving and walking out into 30 degree temps, pull of the outer layer and you are ready to brave the heat!!! 

And if you check out places like Reitmans or even Suzy Shier or Smart Set, you can get away without spending a lot of money (just keep in mind that SOME of these clothes don’t have great wear to them and may only last a season…always try to think of how much wear you will get out of a piece before you buy it!!!)

Anyway, so I am thinking of doing a small segment over the next few weeks of “Cool” looks…along with my closet organization posts (the room is done!!! WOO!!!!)