I have the power to choose my thoughts and actions.
I can't help but feel like I cheated on my shopping ban this month. Since I got to collaborate with Swap.com and $100 at Swap goes a LONG way, I have five new items from them. Then a surprise box from Cabi, who I worked with last spring, appeared on my doorstep containing the trench and floral blouse. Finally, I noticed that the small hole in my black cardigan had become a large hole, and since I had credit card rewards to spend at Gap, I was able to procure a replacement without actually spending any money. While I'm trying to stay away from gift card shopping, I decided to make an exception since the cardigan will just be replacing something I already have. Now there is just one month left of the shopping ban, and honestly a little part of me is enjoying it...now my real goal for this final month is to get that closet clean out done.
This weekend I had a chance to visit the Yale Botanical Gardens, which prior to this weekend, I didn't even know existed. It was nice to wander around the 76° greenhouses, see all the gorgeous tropical plants and breath in that clean air.
I decided to switch from clothes to housewares for this week, because even in my small apartment, I'm always looking for new little ways to add a bit of flare. I definitely need some plant stands and I think a gold watercan would be the perfect 'accessory' to my houseplants.
I welcome each new day with a happy heart and a smiling face.
Forgive me for looking so tired in these photos - they were an early morning attempt, foolishly pre-coffee! Outfit photos before the Daylight Savings Time switch always have their challenges, and I have to squeeze them in anyway I can. I'm grateful that Sean is willing to get up early and stand in the cold and help me get photos done. I like to call myself a morning person, but that is kind of a loose interpretation. I'm more like a 9 A.M. morning person. This weekend I'm thinking will call for some serious sleeping in.
It is my greatest desire to live each and every day with unlimited confidence.
Sometimes a sequin shirt on a Saturday for a doughnut run is completely appropriate. Most of the time, I'm the person who fades into the background, not socializing at a party or speaking up for myself, yet when it comes to getting dressed, I have no qualms about going out in a sparkly top in the middle of the day or putting on an even more ostentatious coat with matching shoes. If only that confidence could transfer to the rest of me.
The Rundown Blush Sequined Blouse J.Crew via Swapsimilar Distressed Jeans Old Navy similar Leopard Fur Coat JCP similar Leopard PumpsSam Edelman Bag "Lewis Drive Michela"Kate Spadesimilar Leather PomMatine Gold Bar EarringsArgento Vivovia TJMaxx Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
I constantly remind myself to enjoy all the good I have in my life right now.
It was one of those strange spring weekends smack dab in the middle of February. Last Sunday I took photos during a snowstorm, yesterday I traded my boots for ballet flats and my heavy wool coat for this light striped trench that Cabi surprised me with.
I always find the mentality of the warm winter day a bit comical, to look around you might think it were August - women wearing sundresses and sandals with no coat, every convertible in town driving around, and the line at Milkcraft wrapped around the building, even after sunset - save for the fact that the ground is covered in snow.
Naturally I took a more practical approach, longsleeve silk blouse, knit skirt (another fall purchase getting its very first wear), light jacket, and even tights!
I won't deny that a little part of me did want to get ice cream, but I can wait. Spring is coming.
The Rundown Scalloped Blouse Banana Republic similar Maritime Trench c/o Cabi Knit Skirt Cynthia Rowley via TJMaxx similar Black Flats"Gessica"Easy Spirit Tilly Scalloped ClutchMatine Pearl Earrings Gift similar Pearl Anchor Bracelet Made by Me similar Knot Ring c/o Emitations similar Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
An under $50 post is long overdue here, and even though today marks the halfway point to my shopping ban, I can honestly say I'm not tearing myself up over not being able to purchase any of these finds. Which I hope speaks more to my resolve than the 'buyableness' of the items. The ring bag is really adorable and perfectly priced, I'd also note that a lot of Target's latest Who What Wear collection is worth giving a glance to.
However I did deliberately lean towards spring with my choices, as there's snow on the ground, it's much easier to resist adding the adorable white perforated flats to my cart...
I celebrate all accomplishments, both great and small, with equal joy.
Two wears for this sweater in one week isn't bad, and I can check another item off my unworn list - these red lace up flats from Old Navy. I do like the color, and I can't argue with the price, though they aren't quite as comfortable as my similarly styled leather flats from Gap. Hopefully they will break in?
I'm feeling pretty proud of myself for getting four posts written this week - dare I say for the first time this year? So, see you tomorrow!
The Rundown
White Sweater Loft c/o Swap.com similar Boyfriend Jeans Old Navy similar Red Lace-up FlatsOld Navy Suede Accordion Bag Banana Republic similar
Earrings Topshop Necklace"Greer V" Gorjana similar Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry Bee Ring Kohl's similar Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
