10-12-2025 MY WEEK: the dress code is...

is it finally officially fall? the temperatures dipped, the leaves are crunchier, and the skies are losing the blue.i am not hating this change - i am missing out on halloween this year to go back to family in croatia, and sib and i are going to try and squeeze our fall traditions (pumpkin patch, halloween movies, mandatory spirit halloween visits) this week as well.

not get ahead of myself, as more will be said on the topic of my travels soon, but i am so excited to be back in motherland during fall. it's been almost 10 years since my last fall there (senior year of high school). 

this week's looks

the app merazine has dress code challenges for users to create moodboards based on the "dress code" from making your own hello kitty and labubu inspired looks, to what you would wear at paris fashion week or to study abroad, every day is a challenge. i decided to take it next level and instead of digital vision boards - actually use the challenge as inspo for my own wardrobe and work looks. here's how it went!

monday for work i was stuck in a game. i chose futuristic/utilitarian with funky jewelry. thrifted top, second hand cargo pants from target, replica tote, steve madden sandals.

tuesday's challenge was fave fall drink - mine's is the pumpkin cream cold brew. since i'm boycotting starbucks, i am always open to varieties of fall drinks from local coffee shops. still, what does a pumpkin cream cold brew look like - in terms of an outftit? i wore a white cotton blouse (oversized), as the cream, with light brown slacks (that have darker woven parts, as the cold brew being mixed with cream. wore my black fisherman loafers (the darkest part of the cold brew), and a statement necklace in shades of brown (kind of shaped like espresso beans?). my bag of choice was sib's coach bag in varied shades of brown and leather. looking back, i probably would've added a splash of burnt orange to emphasize the pumpkin part, but i think these neutrals were perfect.

here's where the challenge gets rough. i am slapped with the vague prompt of fashion freak on wednesday. i see layers, eccentricity and maximalism. mismatched prints, a la john galliano in the 2000s or indie sleaze of the 2010s. opulence and fashion gluttony. my first thought was - bring out the designers. i opted for this graphic marni skirt. abstract and kind of violent but still work appropriate. i borrowed sib's black top with gold hardware, and added sparkly tights (it was cold enough). i chose my kate spade leather bag, and a blazer i up cycled with vintage, thrifted and old brooches and pins. added versace sunnies and chanel necklace, and converse - just to through everything off. 

thursday's prompt was a good one: niche halloween. i referenced my huge list of potential outfits for halloween (ranging from charlie's angels to he-man, and much more), and zoolander was on the top of the list. if you've seen the film - i'm hoping you understand the vision i tried to put out with this outfit. it was supposed to be owen wilson boho style? granted, i initially wanted to do a louder color blouse but i hadn't put out my transitional tops yet, so i was just a day late. so technically, i did get to wear one costume? i should be excused, bro.

i was stumped on friday for the carnival date prompt. for work, i think i channelled halloween fortune teller vibes - giant halloween sweatshirt, expressed layered gauzy midi skirt, and floral tights in shades of blue and yellow. i added a blue metallic faux pearl necklace.

for dinner with bestie victoria, i tried to go for the county fair look, stripes and fringe, simple jeans, and a pop of red with my red flats. 

saturday was a cute one - retired dancer. i wanted to channel the ballet core look - meets off duty vs models in casual streetwear. i rarely go anywhere in leggings (other than walks or yoga), but for our pumpkin patch date i wore black leggings, my mom's old aerobic bodysuit, a black cardigan and my pumas. this bodysuit can be hard to style due to its open back and plunging neckline, alongside it being completely skintight, acting like a second layer of skin. but i'm glad i got to incorporate it early this fall season in my fits.

on sunday i may have diverged from the prompt for graphic tee - but instead i wanted to do something dressier for church. i chose this graphic floral blouse instead, with a brown cardigan and loafer heels.

i redeemed myself, though, in the evening for boyfriend's family birthday dinner. wore this hard rock cleveland graphic tee, with american eagle jeans, olive cardigan, and matched the paint splatter of the top with my pumas.

what am i looking forward to this week?

it's boyfriend's birthday week, and why not bug him on his fave styles, looks, and share his opinion on fashion? sib is going to parents first, and we're finishing up house renovations, and beginning to brainstorm our packing necessities for out fall mediterranean voyage.