April Budget

Embraced the color of this spring and went a little sage green crazy. Spent $70 on non-leather sandals from Zara, because those heels. Had a Banana Republic shopping spree with my credit card rewards. Sure, a cash back card is more sensible, but this is an excuse to shop! (Not that I ever need one.)

 

Banana Republic Sage Green Pleated Maxi Dress, $17 (after rewards)
Zara Decorative Heel Slides, $70
Zadig and Voltaire Tee, $35 via TJMaxx
Ann Taylor Factory Printed Top, $15
Banana Republic Sage Green Sweater, $3 (after rewards)
Banana Republic White Wide Leg Jeans, $4 (after rewards)
Banana Republic Knit Pleated Colorblock Skirt, $11 (after rewards)
Lillian Vernon Silk Scarf, $25 via eBay
Marc Fisher Heels, $40 via Marshalls
Express Open Stitch Ruffle Sleeve Top, $40
Emerson Fry Linen Leopard Coat, $103 via eBay
Banana Republic Polka Dot Dress, $16 (after rewards)
Etsy Raffia Slide Sandals gift
Old Navy Ruffled Smocked Maxi Dress, $30

Meaningful Jewelry from Rellery

It's officially cherry blossom season and I can think of no better way to commemorate it than with this gorgeous bold cherry blossom pendant from Rellery. This new-to-me jewelry brand feels like a match made in heaven, with their focus on unique and customizable pieces made in the USA, and direct to consumer pricing. 

 

The cherry blossom is just one of nineteen floral designs, one for each month of the year and then some, so it's not hard to find a design with special meaning for yourself or to give as a gift. Custom engraved charms can also be added to any necklace to make it even more personalized. I decided on a layered chain look and paired my blossom pendant with the Laurel leaf chain necklace, which felt like the perfect complement to the floral necklace, while still being a subtle enough design to mix with any other chain, or be stunning on its own. Without detracting from the statement necklaces, I added these adorable pave huggie earrings for just a bit of shine!

While Rellery offers many of their pieces in both sterling silver and gold vermeil, I'm of course a gold girl, through and through. Because 18k gold is often out of my price range, I frequently buy plated sterling, only to have my heart broken when the metal tarnishes - which is why I love Rellery's lifetime tarnish guarantee! If any piece gets tarnished beyond what a simple polish can fix, just send it back and they will make it good as new!

The idea of having this cherry blossom pendant to wear while my favorite trees are in bloom just delights me so; however, even after their petals have faded and fallen, green leaves taking their place, I'll still have this necklace to keep them close to my heart.

The Rundown
Cream Knit Cardigan Dress Banana Republic similar
Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Croc Embossed Leather Bag Persaman New York via TJMaxx
Silk Scarf Lillian Vernon via eBay
Studded Huggies c/o Rellery
Laurel Chain Necklace c/o Rellery
Bold Cherry Blossom Necklace c/o Rellery
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Shop Small: Odeon Boutique

Since 1984 Owner Lyn Sabatasso has run Odeon Boutique in the artistic Westville Neighborhood of New Haven. When she first opened she only carried pieces imported directly from Europe, and while that has changed, she still makes sure her customers have a unique selection of brands to shop. Odeon is the only boutique in the area which carries Liverpool denim (which I'm styling here, and they are fabulous), Sergio Tomani footwear, and Joy Susan vegan leather bags.

 

Odeon is a perfectly curated shop, if you are shopping for an entire look, the experience is effortless - as I found, putting together outfit after outfit. From a great fitting pair of jeans to the accessories to pull everything together, Lyn's talent and years of experience buying for Odeon shine through in the cohesion of the boutique. 

 

After trying on half a dozen pairs of Liverpool jeans, they might be my new favorite brand. I loved the fit, which for someone with curves, can often be a challenge, plus I was delighted to find this flared, patchwork pair was just the right length for my 5'-1" frame! (I'm sure they were meant to be cropped, but I'll take it!) 

Odeon also happens to be neighbors with Soho Hair Group and Day Spa, which is run by Lyn's husband, so you can plan your next day of mani/pedis and shopping accordingly!

     
The Rundown
Floral Puff Sleeve Blouse Lush c/o Odeon
Fringe Hem Jeans Liverpool c/o Odeon
Booties Kenneth Cole Reaction
Caned Bucket Bag Tommy Bahama via TJMaxx
Gold Hoop Earrings Vintage via Shopgoodwill.com
Gold Knot Bracelet J.Crew
Thin Gold Ring Etsy


Odeon Boutique - 918 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515
Wednesday-Saturday 12:00-5:00 P.M.