Here are outfits for the last few days, warm to hot weather for us here. . . .

1-3 (worn to work): linen trousers (NYDJ, Wylie, in sand dollar); ivory, blue and taupe tee (made by me); pewter belt (Fossil); pewter sling-back Mary Janes (Fidji); jean jacket (AG, Robyn). I took the photo after work, so the pants are quite wrinkled! Gotta make peace with the crease, right? I'm fine with it and love linen trousers, when I'm in the mood for them.

4 (worn to work): olive and ivory checked drop-waist dress (Caslon); olive 3/4-sleeved cardi (Halogen); black sling-back Mary Janes (Think! Aida).

5-6 (worn for a day off and piano lesson): blue and white pincord-striped shorts with white twill tape trim (Eddie Bauer); ribbed tank with blue and white tie-dye-like star design (Eddie Bauer); navy linen knit vest (made by me); silver dangled hoop earrings (Marjorie Bauer); silver and blue bracelets (Lucky & and gift); cream platform sandals (Naot); navy and tan satchel (Dooney & Bourke).

On the olive dress outfit: I broke my own unwritten rule; I did not wear anything that I made, even though I was dressing for work (I try to wear something I've made, since I work in a store, selling sewing machines). I bought this dress a few months ago and had not worn it yet. I was thinking of returning it, but I thought it's pretty late to do that, since it's on sale now and probably close to getting moved out to the Rack. So I pulled off the tag and wore the dress. My main reason for not wearing it is that typically I'd wear a dress to work rather than to hang around the house. And I couldn't figure out how to pair it with something I had made. So, I broke my little rule. It felt odd doing so. Still, I think I might need to break my rule once in a while, to get more wear out of some of my clothes. I guess that sounds pretty obvious, huh? Do you have any artificial stipulations that you put on yourself when dressing? If so, how rigid are you about them?

Thoughts and suggestions welcome!