Is this a wishlist or a summer mood board? Maybe a little of both?
I know the raffia bag is basically a reimagining of the Japanese bamboo bag, which I have and therefore do not need another similar bag, but still, isn't she gorgeous?
When it comes to perfume I'm terribly picky, and I ordered a sample of Le Labo's Ylang 49 over six months ago. I apply it sparingly, and after much deliberation, I think I'm ready to commit. I don't need a size that large, which would probably last me for the rest of my life considering how little perfume I wear, that was just the better image - you know how it is.
The raffia slides popped up in a google image search for something entirely different, and you can imagine I was quickly distracted by them. My size isn't available online, but they might be in the store. I might want to go look for them. I'm not supposed to be shopping.
If there is one thing I wish for in the spring (sartorially speaking) it's light jacket weather. Being in California for two months spoiled me rotten, as it was light jacket weather for the entirety of my stay. I'm now wishing I'd hung out until April so I could have seen all the flowering trees bloom, as here in chilly Connecticut buds are only just starting to appear and I likely won't be seeing any flowers until May.
I'm often pushing the limits of what is weather appropriate. There was no wool coat tucked out of sight on a nearby bench or in the car as there typically is this time of year. Just me in this satin blazer, trying to make a California winter outfit work for a New England spring.
The Rundown Striped Turtleneck Ralph Lauren via TJMaxxsimilar Rust Satin Blazer Banana Republic similar Distressed JeggingsGap White Mules"Bianca" Target similar Micro Perry SatchelRebecca Minkoffc/o Shopbop Gold Ball EarringsKohl's Gold Plated Disc Necklace Matteo via TJMaxx Gold Circle Ring Thrifted Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx Nail Color "Bikini So Teeny"Essie
Yesterday I attended a blogger event in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and since it was only ten minutes from this cute spot in Old Weathersfield, I met Meg early so we could take outfit photos.
I really love the old homes in Connecticut, even though a good many have been transformed into businesses, as long as they are preserved I'm happy, and then I feel far less uncomfortable taking photos in front of them. (On the rarest of occasions I've taken photos in front of a single family residence I've come to regret it.) You can't read the year on the plaque in any of these photos, but this home was built in 1767, and I really admire the care and detail that went into it.
Despite having a frigid and windy Saturday, driving away from the shoreline on Sunday gave way to a far more spring-like day. I always struggle with what to wear during transitional weather, will I be too warm or too cold? Should I dare to wear a dress, or resume the safety of jeans and a sweater? Bare ankles and a cozy sweater felt like the safest bet, but it's looking like April will be more welcoming to bare legs and maybe even bare toes if I put that much stock in the ten day forecast!
The Rundown Cashmere Turtleneck Cynthia Rowley via TJMaxx similar White Wide Leg Jeans Gap similar Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar Leather Loop Belt J.Crew similar Springbok Clutch Oliveve c/o Shopbop similar Nareen Block Heels c/o Vionic Pearl Stud Earringssimilar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
In true spring fashion, it's started raining. Thankfully not when these photos were taken or I would have had to swap out the faux suede trench for the actual waterproof coat, but it's pretty grey and soggy out at the moment. It's funny to think of spring as being a rainy season here, because our precipitation amounts average to be pretty much the same all year (thanks for the info, weather.com).
Of course my favorite signifier that spring is coming is the start of my tulips. I have neither much patience nor talent when it comes to gardening, but when I see the beginnings of my tulips cropping back up each year, I feel such a sense of pride. I'll I did was dig a hole, and they take care of the rest, but I will take all the credit, thanks!
Much to my surprise, yesterday I held myself to doing a small closet clean out, and pulled over two dozen things to consign or donate. I know I could do more, I didn't even attempt time consuming areas like the lingerie drawer or my massive jewelry collection, but I took care where it was needed the most. I liberated some hangers, my denim is once again neat and orderly, and for the time being, I'm completely ignoring the rubbermaid bin of summer clothes.
I hate to admit to the number of things I hold on to for sentimental reasons. The Desigual skirt I bought in Italy, a unique thrifted tee from a short-lived Australian designer, and a vintage canvas and leather bag are a few that I know I haven't worn or carried in at least four years (!) but I don't want to let them go. I've often said I wished I had my own vintage shop, but honestly I think it would be hard for me to want to sell anything! When I find those unique items, it always pains me to let them go, even when they are no longer something I reach for when getting dressed.
Are you good about purging, or do you fall victim to wanting to hold on to things for nostalgia?
The Rundown Striped Wrap Top Banana Republic similar Flared Jeans Gap similar Faux Suede Trench Coat eBay similar Sock Booties"Neola"Naturalizer Red Willis Bag Vintage Coach via eBaysimilar White BeretAmazon Loop EarringsMejuri Ring Necklace Banana Republic similar Watch"Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
The calendar has officially marked the start of Spring, so there is now only waiting for the actual weather to reflect it, and dressing without a necessary additional layer in the time being.
Since I've been home I've been feeling the need to do a big closet clean out. I've been trying really hard not to shop this year, and with the exception of a pair of pajamas, I haven't purchased any clothes or accessories this calendar year (you already know about the shopping I snuck in during the dwindling hours of 2018).
Of course through some brand collaborations, new things have arrived all the same, and I'm trying to reconcile my closet so that it is no long in a state of chaos; and I don't have to buy more hangers. I know that has been my mantra for quite sometime, but clothing being perpetually camped out on a chair isn't much better of a solution.
I've tried listing things on eBay, mostly as a way of assuaging my guilt when it comes to things I've barely, or maybe even never worn. Though for the amount of effort it takes to list things, to only sell at a fraction of the price I paid and even less than I'd hoped to get, I'm not sure it's worth it. I might just send a box to ThredUP, knowing full well I'll get pennies for every piece, but it might be better than nothing.
Are you planning on any spring cleaning this year? Or did you start in January with the rest of the Marie Kondo obsessed crowd?
The Rundown Rima Fringed Cardigan Anthropologie similar Blush Button Down Blouse Joie via swap.com Distressed JeggingsGap Blush BootiesOld Navy Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
I chopped another inch off the hem of these jeans. In reviewing these photos I'm pretty sure I stand by that decision, though it looks like more than an inch when I compare them to the photos of the last time I wore them. I swear I did measure.
I also proceeded to style them in a nearly identical manner; slim fitting top tucked in for the full effect of the high waist, flat loafers, coat in a shade of brown, same bag.
There is comfort in styling things in similar ways, it worked before, therefore it should work again. While it's fun to browse Pinterest and look to others for new ways to style my pieces, it's much easier to look to my own archives.
Anyone who's ever taken outfit photos with me knows I try to avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows as much as I possibly can. You will find me running to the shady side of the street, or under a big tree, pillar or any object that provide just enough coverage from the sun.
On this afternoon, however, I was feeling bold, wondering if I could make the shadows work and play up the drama on an otherwise pretty simple outfit. The sun was out, I thought I might as well enjoy it.
The Rundown Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory Grey Cashmere Cardigan TJMaxx similar Grey Plaid Pants Gap similar White Mules"Bianca" Target Micro Perry SatchelRebecca Minkoffc/o Shopbop Gold Ball EarringsKohl's Gold Plated Disc Necklace Matteo via TJMaxx Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Crystal Bar RingUpper Metal Class Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
