Ocean Hues (& Loeffler Randall Rider bag)

Topshop skirt (hemmed), Loeffler Randall bag, Ann Taylor ruffle top (old, similar), Valentino heels
I enjoyed a bout of spring last week during a quick business trip to California - it was a treat for my legs to get fresh air after many tights-clad months. I took advantage of the sunshine, packing soft hues and bright colors that are not quite yet in season here in snowy Boston.

The latest member of my handbag family is a Loeffler Randall pastel beauty. I gravitated towards the durable, water resistant saffiano leather option, but it also comes in smooth camel brown, black, and prints. While browsing this brand of handbags at Nordstrom, I appreciated the multitude of petite-friendly options. Their signature Rider bag (also avail. in mini) is a very manageable size even for shorter ladies. I chose this style for its versatility - it can be held by hand satchel-style as shown, and also comes with a removable strap that adjusts to both shoulder and crossbody lengths. As an added bonus true to its namesake, the Rider bag has two straps on the back (see last photo below) to attach to bicycle handlebars.

I love mint green but own few pieces in this color. I turned to my helpful color wheel and decided to start with neighboring colors (in this case, varying hues of green and blue), plus neutral shoes to complete the outfit.

The Rider bag measures 11.5" wide x 8.5" tall, and the depth expands up to 4." It holds quite a bit, plus has a multitude of compartments for organization. There's two large pockets with a middle snap-strapped sleeve that can fit an iPad (as shown) or notebook. There's also card slot holders, a cell phone pocket, and three other smaller compartments. In my bag below is a sunglass case, wallet, makeup pouch, cell phone, ipad, keys, shoulder strap (strap length when attached expands from approx. 32" to 42") and more. I'll be doing another post in the coming week showing it worn casually with the shoulder strap.

This textured blurry check skirt has been on my wishlist for a while. It’s more than what I'd typically like to spend on an unlined skirt, but was decidedly a keeper given the good waist/hip fit and unique woven material. The fun color and print also make it a piece I want to reach for outside of just work.

In my experience, Topshop sizing runs at least one size smaller than US brands. If your size is currently unavailable, you can sign up for Nordstrom's online waitlist to get back-in-stock email alerts. For reference, this US 0 is more fitted than some size 00 skirts I’ve tried and just needed a simple hem job (2" shorter for me), which was a quick DIY job. Turns out I was not the only fan of the material - did a little double take upon seeing Nick's new gym accessory.

Skirt measurements: US 0 is 12" across the waist, 16" across the hips and 21.5" original length. US 2 (I had ordered both sizes to try) measures 12.5" across the waist, 16.5" across the hips, and 22" length.
This post was sponsored by Nordstrom.