January Budget

This post is kind of an addendum to my December budget post, as most of these purchases were made in the last three days of December. I decided my pink velvet heels weren't a good fit and went to J.Crew Factory to exchange them. I found a Point Sur jumpsuit that was 60% off it's already reduced price and thought it would be fun to bring to California. Then due to my poor planning I didn't hem it in time (it's like four inches too long, so not even going to work with heels). In some fantasy world I was going to have all this time before my flight, I was going to run errands, hem a jumpsuit... Instead I frantically packed and then unpacked trying to get my suitcase under weight.

I also made some purchases that I had sent to California; the Zara straw handbag which I wanted over the summer and successfully talked myself out of got marked down and I could no longer resist. I also decided to give a Knixwear bra a try, since I'm so tired of my painful underwire bras. I'd say the bottom line is, I like it enough. It's not a 'wear with everything' kind of bra, and doesn't replace my underwire bras, but it's great for casual days. I don't typically include bras in these roundups, but if you are thinking about trying it and want to know my thoughts, I'd be happy to share.

J.Crew Point Sur Jumpsuit, $40 gift
Zara Minaudière Bag, $33
Knixwear Evolution Bra $32

Courtesy of Happiness Boutique
Half Moon Necklace
Rhombus Charm Necklace

Stroll Through La Jolla

Over the weekend my sister, her roommate, her roommate's dog Henry, and I went on an overnight trip to San Diego. Our first stop was in La Jolla to brunch and visit the seals. Even though I know my sister and I stopped there on our 2016 trip, I don't recall taking much time to wander around the town, which is quite adorable.


When I saw this pink hotel, I knew my pink backdrops had to continue, and I was excited to get Henry in on the shoot. I hope Chloe doesn't feel offended I'm walking other dogs!

       

The Rundown
Red and White Printed Wrap Dress H&M similar
Sandals Target
Black Straw Bag Zara
Beaded Hoop Earrings Gorjana
Necklace "Greer V" Gorjana similar
Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Couture Curator" Essie
Dog Henry

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Solo in Santa Monica

While I'm often spoiled and have a friend, family member, or fellow blogger around to help me out with outfit photos, while I'm in California I'm going to have to work hard to figure out the solo outfit photo shoots. When I'm home, I have my go-to spots, where I know the light is good, the foot traffic is low, and I've worked out the angles. Here I don't have a clue where to go, and I suspect finding a public spot that is also a bit more secluded will be even more of a challenge.

I feel like I got a little lucky with this spot, it was about 12 blocks up from the beach in Santa Monica, and this alleyway was right off a main street with lots of shops, and tons of pedestrians. Fortunately since I was able to move off the sidewalk they were mostly out of the way, and then only a few cars drove down the alley that I had to worry about. Plus it was such a cute pink building!

       

The Rundown
Grey Leopard Top Joie via ThredUP similar
Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar
Jeans Banana Republic
Camera Bag "Palma" ONA
White Mules "Bianca" Target
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
 Sunglasses "Caravan" Ray-Ban
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

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Happiness Boutique

Los Angeles is not wanting for street art, not to mention that around nearly every corner is brightly painted wall. While a bright turquoise wall might not have seemed like the obvious choice with Manhattan Beach within eyesight, it was a very bright and blustery afternoon, thus necessitating a little shade and shield from the wind, so that my new necklaces from Happiness Boutique could be shot in their best light.

Happiness Boutique is a fun, affordable jewelry boutique, with everything from statement earrings to delicate layering necklaces, and they kindly sent me over the half moon and rhombus charm necklaces, which are both gold plated stainless steel. They are priced under $30, thus making them a budget friendly addition to a jewelry collection.

I'm sure you know by now what a weak spot I have for delicate gold jewelry, and I love when the pieces are easy to layer. Both the necklaces are the same length, but have extenders on them, so they are easy to adjust and create the look I want, which today was a bit bohemian, especially with my wind tousled curls.

Want 10% off your order? Use code iamchiconthecheap for any order over $22. Valid until 2.28.19.

        

The Rundown
Black Maxi Dress Gap similar
Denim Jacket Gap similar
Sandals Target
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Rhombus Charm Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

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Central Park

No typos in this post title, this really is called Central Park. While it has nothing on its New York namesake, it is a cute little park, replete with turtles, ducks, and cactus balls. Though I probably shouldn't be mentioning that I took photos here at all, as it's strictly forbidden, and there are park rangers there to enforce the rule.

This is what it looks like to take outfit photos while looking over your shoulder.

           

The Rundown 
Grey Tee c/o ThredUP similar
White Wide Leg Jeans Gap similar
Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar
Huarache Mules "Camila" Rebecca Minkoff
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
 Scalloped Earrings Bauble Bar
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

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Ahead of the Curve

"Wont you be cold in that?" my sister asked me as we headed out the door. No, I don't think so, as I'm still very much a Connecticutian where partly cloudy and 65° equals bare legs, no question.

She then went on to ask if I'd be alienating my readers by posting spring looks in January. Even though at this time I might normally be posting outfits in my heaviest of winter layers, I know in a few weeks everyone, even those still freezing Connecticut, will start posting spring fashion at the expense of the feeling in their fingers and toes. This year I'll just be a bit ahead of the curve.

       

The Rundown
Texture and Thread Wrap Top Madewell
Distressed Denim Pencil Skirt Banana Republic similar
White Mules "Bianca" Target
Black Straw Bag Zara
Gold Hoop Earrings Amazon
Necklace "Scottie" LuxbyUK
 Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

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