4 minute read
First outfit for morning coffee: Coat: MM.LaFleur; Dress: MM.LaFleur; Boots: Stuart Weitzman; Bag: Olympia Le-Tan; Sunglasses: Celine; Hat: Jennifer Behr
Second outfit for afternoon meetings: Dress: MM.Fleur; Turtleneck: Ted Baker; Boots: Stuart Weitzman; Bag: Chanel; Sunglasses: Celine; Bracelet: Miansai
Third outfit for evening drinks: Top: MM.LaFleur; Skirt: MM.LaFleur; Shoes: Manolo Blahnik; Clutch: Kate Spade; Jacket: Alexander McQueen; Sunglasses: Celine; Lips: Stila "Beso"; Necklace: Yvel
Raise your hand if you appreciate the following adjectives: classic, effortless, elegant and machine-washable.
If you're waving your arms at this point for any of the above, (especially the last one!), let's talk. Specifically about MM.LaFleur.
I was first introduced to the brand back when I lived in San Francisco, thanks to my girl Anh of 9 to 5 Chic. I loved every last piece on her -- each one more timeless and fuss-free than the last. So why didn't I pull the trigger then?
Not entirely sure. But I think it might have something to do with the fact I tend to not believe brands when they say something is machine-washable. Let's face it -- it's a marketing buzz word that gets thrown out there a little too liberally, much like "organic" or "gluten-free" when in reality, it's not 100% the truth.
I've gone down the "we promise it's machine-washable" road before only to have clothes pill, lose their shape and generally tear after one wash. I'll admit it. I'm jaded. And therefore, have stuck to their dry-clean only counterparts, which comes at a pricey tradeoff.
Naturally, when MM.LaFleur approached me earlier this season to partner together, I was curious to see how their pieces really stand the test. First of all, it goes without saying, their designs are right up my alley. Their lead designer, Miyako Nakamura, hails from design houses like Jason Wu and Zac Posen, so girlfriend knows a thing or two about elegant design. And believe you me, I enjoyed styling each and every piece, especially with fall now upon us.
But then it came time to wash.
While each piece has the option to dry clean, I opted to include them all (with the exception of the coat, because coats always make me nervous) with my hand wash load in the delicate cycle. And then I waited with bated breath. 
Lo and behold, after each piece air dried, I was incredibly pleased with the shape and feel of the fabric afterward! Which means only one thing: I'm stocking up on more. 
If you're new to the brand (like me) you can try them out via their Bento Box service. Here's how it works: fill out a quick style survey and their team will then personalize one gift box with a handful of hand selected items. Each piece you love, keep. Each piece you don't. Send it right back with the return labels they include.
That's it! Commitment free and none of that awkward avoiding of texts when you'd rather just not see the other person. No questions asked. Plus, if you order now with the code MMTOMORROW, you'll receive a free copy of their book Wear to Work with your order.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm throwing on my Gramercy coat to walk Elvis around the West Village (but perhaps we'll head over to Gramercy instead). 
It's worth noting that not every piece from MM.LaFleur is machine-washable, although a majority of them are. Each item is labeled accordingly on their site though so you can easily double check!

This post was in collaboration with MM.LaFleur. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!