Project Defiance - Outfit #2

I'm not seriously violating any hardcore corporate dress codes this past week, but I AM pushing limits of professional workplace judgment while poking the twin set/bootcut slacks mafia with a very short and very pointy stick. 

It all started off with my Zara Culotte Shorts from my first attempt to stick it to the man. I considered just pairing it with the plain silk top again, but then I wondered where's the fun in that? I just kept adding until all seemed right in the world. Outside of the Zara skorts and the tee, everything else were items already in my closet, but I've tried my best to find comparable items where possible. Forgive me for the cardigan recommendation, and keep in mind that it's on sale AND import duty is included in the price. Just sayin'. 

Photo editor's note: My photographer has been busy with a day job, so I'm not too proud for the selfies. Notice the sliver of more leopard print in the bottom left which just happens to be a cat tunnel. 

...and there's a penguin...

Skorts (Black, Ecru and Geranium now available): Zara Culotte Shorts Tee (Grey linen, but many other colors available): Madewell Linen V-Neck Tee Boots My own Steve Madden, but similar style Ash Jalouse Western Boots Necklace: My own from Periwinkle Cardigan: My own, but similar style Christopher Kane Leopard Cardigan

Finally It Has Happened To Me, Right In Front Of My Eyes & I Just Cannot Hide It!

After weeks and weeks and probably more weeks waiting in the pre-order cue on Revolve Clothing, my Clare Vivier leopard print calf hair foldover clutch est arrivé! Calf hair can be rough (it's hair after all) but this is as silky and luxurious as I imagined in the summer of my dreams. I have a lot of looks on tap that were just waiting for this accessory to make it happen. Before the looks, I felt this clutch needed it's own post because it is just THAT BANGIN'.

Just to give a little perspective on the size, folded over, I can keep my TWO phones (yes, I'm totally bi-mobile when it comes to phones...Blackberry & iPhone) and the other side I can keep cosmetics and ID's and cards. Just look how it seems right at home in my chubby hand...

Unfurled and stalking from hydrangea bush on my wine drinking porch...Le ROAR. Unfolded, it can easily accomodate an iPad. In fact, I am considering purchasing a black foldover for my travel tech accessories.

I fell in love with these bags for the attention to detail and craftsmanship. This doesn't feel like a bag I got at a mall. It feels like something that was created for me as a personal, limited edition gift.

Vive Vivier!

Clutch (leopard on backorder) : Clare Vivier Foldover Clutch

Kilian Softly

When my husband offered to buy a "retirement" gift for me, I immediately thought of the first thing that I love but don't ever want to purchase on my own again, Kilian Parfum. I just don't want to do it and pretty much had come to the conclusion that I would never own a bottle again. Don't get me wrong, I smells like pure opulence, and the quality of the fragrance is of an echelon that does not have many rivals, but even I get the slightest bit of buyer's remorse after the investment. I don't like that feeling so from now on I'll get someone else to buy it for me. Problem solved.

Because the DC area spring that never was is going to go head first into schweddy balls summer by the weekend, I was in desperate need for a floral scent. I decided on Love & Tears - Surrender (let's pause and let that marinate....ok) with notes of jasmine and musk, part of the L'oeuvre Noire collection under the theme of "Love and its prohibitions". Well alright now...

Kilian fragrance is created by Kilian Hennessey who is heir to the french cognac house and he is not playing any kind of games when it comes to the presentation. If you have a moment, I'm going to take you on a journey...

Out of the box...

"What is that? Velvet?" Why yes, yes it is.

After the disrobing...

Like a black laquer sarcophagus that holds the spirit of my desires, set to release them out onto an unprepared world.

The key to my dreams...

And look at what appears to be essential guidelines for the proper experience of Love & Tears. 

The chambre privé...

Black satin because why not?

And the seductive black bottle...

Like a talisman that holds the mystical power to my dreams.

I can't help but distill it all down to Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock....

Parfum: Kilian Love & Tears Surrender Refillable Eau de Parfum