January Budget

Nothing new here, just a sever lack of impulse control and the deep set idea that if it's on sale I'm somehow losing out by not buying it.

The most expensive and unnecessary purchase being the Retrofête sequin wrap dress, but when an $800 dress shows up at tjmaxx.com for under $200, at the very least, I have to order it, and try it on (size way up on this one, by the way) and pretend I have some fabulous place to wear it. Then I ordered the BB Dakota sequined duster, which I liked a lot - it had pockets, was lightweight and easy to wear - but the sequins were catching on each other every time I moved my arm, and one of the pockets had a hole in it. And it was $148! (I got it when it was 30% off, but still.) So $180 for this glamorous, incredibly heavy, designer dress seemed like a very sensible purchase in comparison. 

 

My logic is impeccable, as always. 

 

Perhaps I can turn over a new leaf in February?




Ann Taylor Cashmere Cardigan, $58
J.Crew Leopard Slip Skirt, $20
Retrofete Audrey Sequin Dress, $180 via TJMaxx
Ann Taylor Wide Leg Pants, $27
Loft Herringbone Coat, $33
Tahari Zebra Print Coat, $65 via Nordstrom Rack
Express Faux Fur Coat, $45
Abercrombie Lace Trim Camisole, $20
Banana Republic Croc Embossed Crossbody Bag, $50
Naadam Cashmere v-neck Sweater, $70
Banana Republic Velvet Camisole, $14
Banana Republic Sequin Skirt, $36
Ann Taylor Striped Cardigan, $50
J.Crew Jungle Cat Silk Blouse, $20
Banana Republic Reversible Plaid Wrap Coat, $20 (after rewards)
Madewell Pointelle Sweater in Honeysuckle and Moss, $30 each
AUrate Fan Ring, $150 c/o
Banana Republic Leather Gloves, $46
Anthropologie Velvet Stretch Belt, $15
Saint Laurent Sunglasses, $130 via TJMaxx
Ann Taylor Zebra Calf Hair Belt, $20
Ann Taylor Plaid Blanket Scarf, $17
Sorel Joan of Arctic Wedge Boots, $39 via TJMaxx
Kate Spade Bag, $100
Abercrombie Leopard Bodysuit, $17
Nine West Jory Sock Booties, $28 via Amazon
Anthropologie Shimmer Cardigan, $42

Don't Forget Your Booties Cause it's Cold Out There Today

I think this will be a year I need to re-watch Groundhog Day. Given the year 2020 was, there might just be some new meanings to be found.

 

cashmere cardigan, cream coat, jeans, booties-15.jpgcashmere cardigan, cream coat, jeans, booties-2.jpgcashmere cardigan, cream coat, jeans, booties-11.jpgcashmere cardigan, cream coat, jeans, booties-7.jpgcashmere cardigan, cream coat, jeans, booties-13.jpgcashmere cardigan, cream coat, jeans, booties-4.jpgcashmere cardigan, cream coat, jeans, booties-12.jpgcashmere cardigan, cream coat, jeans, booties-6.jpg
The Rundown
Cashmere Cardigan Ann Taylor
Curvy Mid-Rise Skinny Jean Banana Republic
Herringbone Coat Loft
Cream Booties Aerosoles
Velvet Bag Thrifted
Necklace TJMaxx
Crescent Moon Necklace c/o Marijane Boutique
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
San Marco Twist Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx
Sunglasses "Nina" Ray-Ban

Stacking Rings for a Statement

If there is one trend that has been around since I started blogging (over a decade ago!) it's layering jewelry to make a statement. Of course the trend has evolved over the years; first it was layering bracelets, then we had statement necklaces and layering statement necklaces, which thankfully became usurped by delicate necklaces (likely because our necks were starting to hurt), and now the trend has moved to layered rings.


I've been steadily working towards growing my collection of stackable rings, so that I have lots of options to mix and match. I started out with some simple solid bands, but quickly added a chevron band because of how beautifully it accentuates a ring with a stone setting. Now I'm seeing twisted and curb chain bands increasing in popularity, and I love the addition of these new textures. 


The jewelry lover that I am, I do often fall for the allure of inexpensive costume pieces, however, I'd much rather invest in solid gold, or at least high quality vermeil when I can. For custom pieces, Etsy can not be beat. Being able to order half and even quarter sizes is a game changer! If I'm going to spend money on vermeil, then shopping at AU-Rate is the clear choice, as they have an amazing life time warranty that includes re-plating if a piece fades or gets scratched.


I can't forget adding in a statement ring into the mix as well, because, why not? This art deco inspired fan ring is wonderful as the band is thin and thus it's quite comfortable to wear. I've also got my eye on another vintage inspired ring that I'm sure would be great addition to my collection! 


Do you love layering your rings? Do you have a favorite band combination? Let me know in the comments!



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The Rundown
Camel Sweater Madewell
White Jeans Gap
Reversible Coat Banana Republic
Booties Aerosoles
Brown Croc Bag Loeffler Randall
Aries Pendant Necklace Mejuri
Deco Fan Pearl Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
San Marco Twist Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Gold Ring TJMaxx
Nail Color "Surrounded by Studs" Essie


Thanks to Responsival for partnering with me on this post!

Snowy Forecast

Winter has truly arrived. Even thought it feels like we are already months into it, the days of basking in the above freezing temperatures seem to have finally departed. This past weekend was filled with bright sun and biting cold winds a.k.a. terrible conditions for taking outfit photos. The week ahead looks like it will be bringing quite a bit of snow. 

 

Snow however, I don't have a huge objection to, so long as it means I can take pretty photos. A fresh coat of shimmering white certainly does add beauty to the otherwise barren landscape of winter.  And I can wear these snow boots - one of my favorite purchases of 2020 - I've come a long way since the days of thinking sequined platform clogs were adequate winter footwear.



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The Rundown
Plaid Cocoon Coat Ann Taylor
Striped Sweater Numph via Coco's on the Green
Curvy Mid-Rise Skinny Jean Banana Republic
Boots "Harlow" Sorel
Fur Pom Knit Hat Amazon similar
Cashmere Scarf Banana Republic similar
Aries Pendant Necklace Mejuri

Shop Small: Marijane Boutique

Small businesses are the life blood of our communities, and I want to share one of my favorite local shops, Marijane Boutique. If you are a Connecticut local, you can find this charming shop full of both new and consignment pieces in the Guilford center, and if not, you can always shop online!


Upon entering the boutique, owner Lisa LoRicco instantly makes you feel warm and welcome, and it's easy to lose track of time chatting with her while browsing through the shop. It's not hard to see the influence of her fashion design and illustration background, and she is truly as much of a fashion lover as you would expect; confessing to have immediately fallen in love with a newly consigned Ferragamo scarf, trying it on, and admitting she was likely going to buy it herself.


It's no secret that I love shopping consignment, as it puts gorgeous designer pieces at more attainable price points, plus, there is always something new to discover each time I visit. Covetable Chanel, luxurious cashmere, unique vintage pieces, and some perfectly curated retail items, means it is hard to leave Marijane Boutique empty-handed.


Shop small, shop local, keep your community thriving. I hope if you are in Connecticut you are able to visit Marijane Boutique, and you can mention this post to get 15% off your purchase!



Connecticut style blogger Lydia Abate wearing a satin slip dress, cashmere cardigan, vintage bag, croc heelssatin slip dress, cashmere cardigan, vintage bag, croc heels-11.jpgsatin slip dress, cashmere cardigan, vintage bag, croc heels-15.jpgsatin slip dress, cashmere cardigan, vintage bag, croc heels-9.jpgsatin slip dress, cashmere cardigan, vintage bag, croc heels-12.jpgshopping in Marijane Botique Guilford CT-2.jpgowner Lisa LoRicco of Marijane Botique Guilford CT-1.jpgjewelry on vintage dresser-1.jpgMarijane Handmade greeting cardshopping in Marijane Botique Guilford CT-1.jpgCharles Jourdan Paris Bag-1.jpgsatin slip dress, cashmere cardigan, vintage bag, croc heels-14.jpgsatin slip dress, cashmere cardigan, vintage bag, croc heels-2.jpg
The Rundown
Copper Satin Slip Dress J.Crew
Cashmere Wrap Cardigan Daniel Bishop via Marijane Boutique
Brown Croc Pumps "Everly" Naturalizer
Vintage Leather Bag Charles Jourdan Paris c/o Marijane Boutique
Ram Hoop Earrings Vintage via Goodwill
Crescent Moon Necklace c/o Marijane Boutique
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
San Marco Twist Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx
Gold Ring TJMaxx


Marijane boutique
Marijane Boutique - 57 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT
Tuesday - Friday: 12:00 - 5:00 P.M.
Saturday: 11:00 - 5:00 P.M.

Investment Pieces Without the Investment

I love a good sale, I hunt them down with fervor (I've been stalking the Anthropologie Tag Sale for the past week and hoping the pieces I bought work out!) but no matter how deep the clearance cuts are, typically my best deals are found shopping secondhand. 

 

Earlier this winter I spotted a faux leather blazer at Abercrombie with a less than palatable price tag of $140 (and while the light brown is sold out, there are a handful of sizes still left in black clearanced to $67). However, I'd much rather have a genuine leather blazer, at half that clearance price, so I turned to eBay. 


eBay has been a long standing favorite of mine, the search refinements make it easy to narrow down the results, buy it now options eliminate the stress of the auction format, and when buying from the average person just hoping to clear out their closet, amazing deals can be found. (The resellers are their own breed, and I have mixed feelings about them.) 


If a leather blazer happens to be calling to you, avoid retail, and take a look at this option for under $30, or this one under $40, or 'splurge' on a vintage piece, this one listed at $60 and another at $80.



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The Rundown
Knit Top Mango
Giraffe Print Silk Pants J.Crew
Leather Blazer Isabella Bird thrifted via eBay
Brown Croc Pumps "Everly" Naturalizer
Green Mini Trunk Bag c/o Italic
14k Gold Hoop Earrings thrifted via Shopgoodwill.com similar
Paperclip Chain Necklace Serefina via TJMaxx
Maya Bracelet Gorjana via TJMaxx
Blue Topaz Stacking Ring Hirajule via TJMaxx
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Gold Croissant Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "State Street" Ray-Ban