Summer daze

We almost had a full week of perfect weather. Almost. Every moment spent hanging outdoors and drinking up the warmth of the sun is a good one. There is just never enough summer, especially since come Monday I will undoubtedly see half a dozen posts on fall fashion popping up in my feed. My continual wish to delay that, at least until September is never granted. As a society we always seem to fixated on what is to come next...before you know it holiday things will be out, and no I don't mean halloween.

I know you fall lovers might be rejoicing, but as for me, and the other summer lovers out there, let's make the most of August and keep thoughts of flannel and faux fur at bay.

Have you entered to win a piece of jewelry from Serendipity & Grace yet?

The Rundown
Striped Dress Forever 21 similar
Sandals "Karezza" Enzo Angiolini similar
Straw Tote TJMaxx similar
Mint Etta Necklace c/o Jami
Crystal Quartz Cuff Bracelet c/o Serendipity and Grace
Knot Bracelet Banana Republic
Gold Ring Thrifted similar
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with Jeans and a Teacup's Flashback Friday (One year ago today)
and
Linking up with Forage Fashion's Friday Finds

Throwback

While I'm always trying to move forward with my style, sometimes I come across a piece that feels nostalgic, and I have to indulge myself with it.

Such was the case with this brown and white silk floral blouse, which immediately made me think of a top I purchased from H&M years ago (and since donated).  The similarities between the two are striking, but while the H&M top was a faux wrap knit, this is a Banana Republic silk blouse with a ruched front.

Even though the new top is secondhand and thus several years old (is ruching out?) I'd like to think of it as a more sophisticated update of the top I originally loved.

Have you entered to win a piece of jewelry from Serendipity & Grace yet?

The Rundown
Silk Floral Blouse Banana Republic thrifted similar
White Lace Skirt Miguelina via Coco's similar
Sandals Franco Sarto via TJMaxx similar
White Mini Satchel Tignanello via TJMaxx similar
Gold Hoop Earrings Taken for Granite similar
Pave Triangle Necklace Meredith Leigh via TJMaxx
Pave Toggle Bracelet Banana Republic similar
Crystal and Pearl Open Ring Forever 21 similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Haute as Hello" Essie

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's Summer Style

and

Happiness At Midlife's Throwback Thursday (last time I wore this skirt)

It's geometric

Admittedly much of this outfit is borrowed from one I wore the previous week, but this little black and white dress did need to be taken out for a spin, and I'm still so smitten with my new sequined clutch that I just want to pair it with everything.

Have you entered to win a piece of jewelry from Serendipity & Grace yet?

The Rundown

Geometric Printed Dress Tarte c/o ThredUP similar
Heels "Reverse" Charles by Charles David similar
Sequined Aztec Clutch Melie Bianco via TJMaxx
Gold Bar Earrings Argento Vivo via TJMaxx
Braided Gold Necklace Kenneth Jay Lane similar
Gold Circle Bracelet TJMaxx
Gold Twisted Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box similar
Gold Wrap Ring gift from Meg similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Find Me An Oasis" Essie

Trend Spin Linkup - Black and White

Cropped it

Every so often I will get it in my head that I need to reinvent a piece in my closet, and while I loved this white eyelet top, I felt the length didn't quite work for me. In light of the current crop top trend, I decided to chop off a few inches and transform it into a crop top, while preserving the bottom scalloped lace.

I'm pleased with my results, and could not resist doubling up on eyelet lace by pairing it with these navy shorts!

Have you entered to win a piece of jewelry from Serendipity & Grace yet?

The Rundown

White Eyelet Lace Crop Top Gap similar
Navy Eyelet Shorts J.Crew similar
Sandals Ferragamo thrifted similar
Straw Clutch Rodo Italy via Goodwill similar
Earrings Gorjana via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Lariat Necklace Made by Me similar
Gold Circle Bracelet TJMaxx
Gold Ring Thrifted similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Haute as Hello" Essie

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday
and
Cute and Little's on Trend Tuesday

Elephants in the closet

If I were honest with myself about my closet, I would probably only keep half of what is in there. So much goes unworn for months, even years, but I can't let it go.

I like both these pieces, they fit, they aren't uncomfortable, or unflattering, yet both sat for unworn for over 16 months. Does it make sense to keep things even if they only get worn once a year? Should my focus be on a more concise closet, or can I just allow myself to continue on the path of cheap (thrifted) sartorial thrills?

P.S. Full disclosure: I bought two dresses I did not need at a consignment store sidewalk sale this weekend. One is a strapless beachy maxi that screams 'resort', so there is a chance I might not even wear it this summer.

Have you entered to win a piece of jewelry from Serendipity & Grace yet?

The Rundown
Green Silk Blouse Banana Republic thrifted similar
Pencil Skirt Judy Lee Cole thrifted similar
Sandals Franco Sarto via TJMaxx similar
Bag IIIBeCa by Joy Gryson c/o Serendipity & Grace
Earrings Gorjana via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Pave Triangle Necklace Meredith Leigh via TJMaxx
Watch Fossil "Stella" via ebay
Arrow Bracelet Furbish Studio similar
Green Cabochon Ring Taken for Granite similar
Gold Wrap Ring gift from Meg similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Summer

and

Monday Mingle