June (and May) Closet Additions

This post is embarrassing. I mentioned before I never finished May's budget post because I'd made so many purchases I was getting overwhelmed with guilt. So clearly rather than not shopping during June, I just continued on my reckless path and bought more.

Somehow I ended up on J.Crew's mailing list again. This is never good. Daily reminders first thing in the morning regarding half off summer essentials along with half off clearance resulted in quite a few items ending up in my cart. I have now come to my senses and unsubscribed.

TJMaxx was another weak point, I think I had maybe a $20 gift card which I then spent five fold (new workout clothes are not listed here, but they were purchased nonetheless). Then of course my biggest downfall, Banana Republic. With credit card rewards burning holes in my pockets, almost as soon as they arrived in my inbox I had to spend them, and then some.

July needs to be about not shopping. In fact, I really need to assess my summer wardrobe and take it out of storage. Yup, it's the end of June and I haven't switched out my closet yet.
How did you do this month?

Leopard Print Midi Skirt, $34 at Gap
Polka Dot Dress, $56 at J.Crew
Long and Lean White Blazer, $108 at Banana Republic ($40 after gift card)
Wide Leg Linen Cropped Pant, $48 at Banana Republic
Gold Hoop Earrings Argento Vivo, $20 at TJMaxx
New York Sweatshirt, $15 at J.Crew
Pearl Hoop Earrings, $4 thrifted
Striped Sweater Tank, $38 at Banana Republic 
Citrus Print Silk Blouse, $20 at Banana Republic
Dot Candy Midi Dress, $45 at Lou & Grey
Point Sur Square Neck Top, $30 at J.Crew
Scalloped Sandals, $9 at Banana Republic
Midi Eyelet Skirt, $28 at J.Crew
Linen Jumpsuit, $30 at Banana Republic
14K Gold Baroque Pearl Earrings, $50 at TJMaxx
Wide Leg Marina Pant, $49 at Ann Taylor

Sara Campell Sweater, $20 at Coco's on the Green
Lucky Brand Blouse, $35 at TJMaxx
Gingham Pixie Pants, $10 at Old Navy
All-Elements Full-Zip Hoodie, $18 at Gap

My Dirty Hair Fix

Creature of comfort that I am, I was delighted when I got an invitation to a blogger dinner at Eli's Tavern in my old stomping grounds of Milford. What can I say, I love knowing how to navigate without the aid of Google, knowing where to park, and where the good photo spots are. Naturally I immediately contacted Meg to meetup for outfit photos beforehand.

The only slight problem was that it happened to be on the night of the week when my evening plans typically include a workout at the gym followed by washing my hair. In my efforts to get my hair washing down to once a week, day seven is generally spent with a messy bun, avoiding public outings if possible. (Not ideal, I know, but even with my new favorite dry shampoo, OGX Teatree Mint, not much helps by that point.)

Enter the hat. The best accessory of all, with the power to hide the oiliest of scalps, while gaining numerous compliments. It's kind of my secret weapon, and now you know.

I have another secret, and it's for anyone presently thinking "oh, but I'm not a hat person", and I want you to know that you are. It's possible you haven't found the right hat yet. Perhaps you've gone into Target and tried on hats and laughed as they flopped around on your head, confirming that you are not a hat person. However one size fits all hats are the worst. While some can be adjusted slightly with a foam strip under the sweat band, it's best to find a hat that fits properly from the start. This J.Crew Panama hat comes in three sizes, and I also love my Brixton Joanna hat, which comes in four sizes and a dozen colors. I currently have it in navy and it's all I can do to not get another color!

Are you willing to try and become a hat person this summer, or are you already as hat obsessed as I?

         

The Rundown
Utility Shirtdress J.Crew Factory
Rust Mules Madewell similar
Round Rattan Bag Etsy similar
Panama Hat J.Crew
Gold Hoop Earrings Argento Vivo via TJMaxx
Wood Watch "Frankie" c/o Jord
Thin Gold Ring Ellyn Blue Jewelry via Etsy
 Nail Color "Find Me an Oasis" Essie

Linking up with  Style on the Daily

Oyster Shucking at Brizo

Earlier this month I was invited to attend an oyster shucking event at Brizo, a new seafood restaurant which opened in Rocky Hill Connecticut last year. The space is bright and airy, with subtle nods to the ocean throughout, but you wont see a single anchor, and that was intentional.

While oysters are the only bivalve I will eagerly devour, I'd never tried my hand at shucking one before. Thankfully Chef Aaron gave detailed instructions along with up close demonstrations, and I had one of each oyster varieties open in no time. We sampled four east coast oysters, Martha's Vineyard, Malpeque, Duxbury, and Barnstable. At the table were three different Mignonette sauces, including a cucumber and a spicy melon, but my favorite was the classic red wine.

After they oysters I was still feeling a pick peckish, so I ordered the fish and chips entree, which was huge and delicious.

If you are in the area, Brizo is located at 945 Cromwell Ave. Rocky Hill, Connecticut and is open for both lunch and dinner with happy hour specials from 4 to 6 p.m. They also serve brunch on Sunday, and will be hosting many more events like this one, so be sure to follow them to find out when the next one is happening!

Thanks to A Little Bird Told Me for inviting me to this event!

         The Rundown
Black Off The Shoulder Dress Loft (back in stock this year!)
Wedge Lace-up Espadrille Soldous
Black Straw Bag Zara similar
Baroque Pearl Earrings TJMaxx similar

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
 Nail Color "Find Me an Oasis" Essie

The Longest Day

Happy Summer Solstice! Isn't it weird that by the time the first day of summer actually arrives it feels like summer is already half over? Not that we've been having the most summery weather as of late - it's been grey and rainy all week. Hopefully that changes, the sun comes out and the humidity breaks.

I'm pleased to report that after six months, I finally hemmed this jumpsuit. I guess that is what is bound to happen when I buy summer things on after Christmas clearance. Since it was a good four inches too long, there was no getting around it, even with my highest heels. I wish I could say I've learned my lesson, but two more recent purchases are eagerly awaiting the hum of my sewing machine. Fingers crossed I get them done before the days become short and the summer melts into fall.

      

The Rundown
Floral Jumpsuit Point Sur similar
White Slides Ferragamo via Coco's similar
Straw Clutch Rodo Italy via Goodwill similar
Rhombus Charm Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
 Nail Color "Find Me an Oasis" Essie 

Easy Summer Pants

During one of my many visits to Banana Republic over the last month (yes, I have many weaknesses) I found these fabulous linen pants. They are a blend with a bit of stretch, but as you can see they do still fall victim to linen's greatest fault, excessive wrinkles.

As far as sizing goes, size down. Maybe even two sizes, as I found they stretched a bit after wearing. They also come in three lengths, as well as petite. I probably should have opted for petite or even the short length, but since I bought them in the store and decided when I tried them on that I liked them as they were, I stopped myself from ordering three other options 'just to see'.

The other new piece I'm sharing here is the pair of blue and white ceramic earrings. When I walked into one of my favorite thrift stores I was surprised to find a huge influx of jewelry. Apparently a shop went out of business and donated all their remaining inventory. After much deliberation, and talking myself out of pieces which felt very similar to things I already have, I left with two pairs of earrings, priced at $4 each. Hopefully I wont be tempted to go back for a third!

      

The Rundown
White Eyelet Top "Heidi" Ella Moss via Coco's similar
Wide Leg Linen Cropped Pant Banana Republic
White Mules "Bianca" Target similar
Round Rattan Bag Etsy similar
Ceramic Button Earrings Thrifted similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

 Linking up with  Style on the Daily

Looking Forward

Happy Friday! I know it's been a while since I've posted, and while I wasn't planning on taking such a long break from the blog, sometimes it just happens. I've definitely found myself in a bit of a rut lately, but hopefully that will change soon. I also wanted to thank everyone for your sweet words about Chloe, they mean so much to me.

This felt like the right time to try and get back into my regular post schedule, since this past week I found myself with an unexpectedly full blogging social calendar. It's been a lot of fun, and I got a chance to catch up with some bloggers I haven't seen in ages, but I'm still looking forward a quieter week ahead, and hopefully finding myself back into my routine of reading all your blogs, which I've been missing!

I've also done way too much shopping over the last month. I started writing my May budget post and just abandoned it because I was feeling embarrassed about how many things ended up in my closet, the new top and earrings I'm wearing included. Finding moderation with my shopping budget is still an issue for me, no matter how much I tell myself I don't need something, those moments of weakness, of believing my next purchase will somehow make me feel better are hard to quell. If you have any tips on how to shop the impulse shopping, I'm all ears. Also, someone please tell me not to buy this top.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday!

        

The Rundown
Striped Sweater Tank Banana Republic
 Denim Shorts Gap
Navy Espadrille Sandals Sonoma similar
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
Anchor Belt ASOS similar
Gold Hoop Earrings Argento Vivo via TJMaxx 
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Gold Circle Ring Thrifted
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx