Cold Snap

Some days in mid March are tolerable, they give the illusion that warmer weather is on the way, just around the corner. Other days the cold slaps me hard in the face, and taking more than one photo without my coat or scarf on is just not going to happen. If only the weather could change with my mindset, instead of having to force myself to change its whims.

The Rundown
Leopard Print Blouse "Tariana" Joie similar
Corduroy Pants Banana Republic
Herringbone Coat Loft
Brown Croc Bootie "Ragon" Marc Fisher similar
Vintage Leather Bag Charles Jourdan Paris c/o Marijane Boutique similar
Cashmere Scarf H&M similar
Lioness Pendant c/o AUrate New York
Deco Fan Pearl Ring c/o AUrate New York
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx

Blankest Year

It's hard to believe it's been an entire year since this pandemic started, and even more unsettling is the fact that the normal we left a year ago still feels so far out of reach.

 

I'll freely admit that I've had many years which felt stagnant, with life seeming to not move in any direction, but this last year was worse, because things went backwards. Every good habit I'd built up - going to the gym twice a week, eating less sugar, getting more regular dog walk clients, spending more time on the blog and engaging in person with other bloggers -- everything just went in reverse, and now a year later, getting back even a silver of what I had feels so impossibly hard. 

 

A year later and I still feel like all I can do is just get through the days.

 

The Rundown
Camel Sweater Dress Banana Republic
Zebra Coat Tahari via Nordstrom Rack
Black Croc Boots Aquatalia
Bag Kate Spade
Belt Anthropologie
Pearl Necklace S.V. Decker

When You Move, I Move

There are no shortages of chic and affordable timepieces as of late, so when MVMT reached out to me about featuring one of their watches I agreed mostly because I fell in love with this unique purple watch, and partly because I think their name is really clever. They were also kind enough to extend a 15% discount to my readers with code CHICLYDDIE15.

 

Of course if I'm being honest, this outfit is more about the bag, the Dip by Yuzefi which I spotted on another blogger's arm sometime last fall. First I balked at its $700ish price tag, and then I beat myself up for not nabbing it at 60% off before it went out of stock at Net-a-Porter. But then, as I always do, I set up my saved searches, and when this snake embossed version came up on eBay, I quickly snapped it up for $115. 

I'm always very drawn to bags that are structural and statement making, while still being functional*. I love how the design allows you to easily switch from carrying by the top handle to the shoulder strap  without needing to hook/unhook the strap or having the top handle be in the way. 

 

I know, I'm just a bit obsessed with bags, and now I have a new designer to love, I mean, just look how cute this 'Dinner Roll' bag is!

*You know I use the term functional somewhat loosely, as long as my phone, my tiny wallet, and my car key fit, then it's functional enough!

The Rundown
Wrap Blouse Banana Republic similar
Faux Suede Leggings Ann Taylor
Camel Striped Cardigan Ann Taylor
Leather Sneakers Sperry via TJMaxx
Bag "Dip" Yuzefi secondhand via eBay
Earrings Banana Republic
Paperclip Chain Necklace Cote D'argent via TJMaxx similar
Watch "Vibe" c/o MVMT
Papercilp Chain Bracelet c/o MVMT
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Chevron Ring Sashi via TJMaxx
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx

Can't Change My Stripes

The Rundown
Brown Satin Bodysuit Abercrombie
Zebra Cardigan Banana Republic similar
Flared Jeans Gap similar
Sock Booties"Neola" Naturalizer similar
Quinn Circle Necklace Gorjana via TJMaxx
Coin Necklace TJMaxx
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Blush

It's the time of year when I like to let my outerwear take center stage. Sure, I'm willing to freeze for outfit photos sometimes, but what is the point of having two dozen coats (just guessing, I didn't go count) if I don't create my outfits around them, or just let them be the entire look. When I go out in the world that is what most people are going to see anyway. 

Typically I'll make an excuse for one or two new coats each winter, but this year I'm likely setting records. I had my heart set on a blush coat this fall when I spotted this one at TJMaxx. I've certainly noticed the shift in the color pallet of my wardrobe; I haven't worn my red coat in a few years and perhaps I should let it go. 

The Rundown
Striped Sweater Numph via Coco's on the Green similar
Easy Straight Jean Ann Taylor similar
Blush Boucle Coat Tahari via TJMaxx similar
Boots Shutz via The Outnet
Round Crossbody Bag French Connection similar
Ram Hoop Earrings Vintage via shopgoodwill.com
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
San Marco Twist Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx

Fringe Sweater

It's funny, in early September when most bloggers are gushing about fall knits, nothing intersts me less than a sweater. I can even convince myself that I don't need any new ones (and there is no more room in my dresser to boot!)

 

Then the weather actually gets cold, everything that was new this fall gets discounted and forgotten in favor of a fresh wave of spring knits, and I end up six sale sweaters deep in a pile on my chair when those September feelings become a distant memory. How I will manage to store this surplus of sweaters is a problem for another day when a black chunky v-neck with fringe embellished sleeves is calling my name...

The Rundown
Fringe Sweater Ann Taylor
Corduroy Pants Banana Republic
Faux Fur Coat Express
Leopard Print Booties Franco Sarto via TJMaxx
Round Crossbody Bag Mark Cross thrifted similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Gold Croissant Ring Etsy
San Marco Twist Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx
Sunglasses "State Street" Ray-Ban