Magnoila

Some days, despite the heaviness of quarantine, I can still feel the hopefulness of spring. The reminder that things will get better and life doesn't have to only be doom and gloom. Though to be fair, there are plenty of those days; when I get an email about yet another event being canceled, when I try to buy hand sanitizer but the only place it's in stock is eBay for double the retail price, when it's cold and raw and raining for days on end...

But then there are the other days. When the sun comes out, when I look out my bedroom window and see the cherry blossom tree in full bloom, when I get packages in the mail, even if they contain boring things like shampoo and deodorant, (but you know there are enough 'fun' packages ending up on my porch too). Sometimes positive thoughts come into my mind and they get to linger for a few minutes before the negative ones overtake them. Sometimes I scroll though my spring blog posts from all the years past and revel in the comfort that the flowers always arrive, the world turns green, and eventually the cold fades away.

      

The Rundown
White Ruffle Sleeve Sweater Sara Campbell via Coco's on the Green
Gingham Pants Old Navy
Pointed Flats Rothy's
Black Straw Box Bag Zara similar
Aries Pendant Necklace Mejuri
 Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

The Spring Wardrobe Challenge

Before the pandemic and the stay at home recommendations and my fit of add to cart madness, I was planning on joining Courtney in her spring wardrobe challenge. The rules are simple, no new clothes, wear as much of my existing spring wardrobe as possible, decide what should stay and what is just taking up closet space.

Clearly the no shopping portion of the challenge was pretty significant, and I definitely failed there - however - the important thing to do is just reset and try again, rather than continuing down the path of more shopping. This weekend every time I wanted to make a purchase, I added the piece to a Pinterest board instead. If I'm still obsessing come June 20th (and they are still in stock) then I can buy them.

The second component of the challenge I approached with more gusto, pulling out this Madewell silk wrap top that was purchased December of 2018, and to the best of my recollection, was still yet to be worn; along with this houndstooth print coat, which I've had for over a decade, but hasn't been worn in a few years.

The verdict - I think both pieces can stay. Would you agree?

Now I just need to get out of my lounge wear and put the rest of my spring wardrobe to the test, even if it's for no other reason than to take photos and decide if the pieces should stay or go.

       

The Rundown
Silk Cropped Wrap Blouse Madewell similar
White Jeans Gap
Houndstooth Coat Kohl's similar
Pointed Flats Rothy's
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Simple Pearl Necklace c/o AUrate
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Winter Classics

It's funny to think that back in September the thought of purchasing a new sweater was the last thing on my mind. I knew I had a very large dresser drawer filled to capacity, and as I was enjoying the summer heat, these frigid days seemed so far away; the idea that I could even want a new sweater seemed absurd.

Needless to say, at the first cold snap I was rationalizing how my cream sweater needed replacing and I'm so pleased with how cozy and warm this mock neck sweater from Ann Taylor turned out to be that I'm now contemplating picking it up in the new spring blush shade as well. I should probably listen to my September self, who knew I had more than enough sweaters to survive the winter, I've probably got enough blush in my closet I don't wear nearly enough as it is.

     

The Rundown
Cream Mock Neck Sweater Ann Taylor
Velvet Pants Loft
Velvet Bow Mules Loft
Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar
Cream Beret Amazon
Gold Twist Hoops Thrifted similar
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
 Nail Color "Bordeaux" Essie

End of a Decade

If you were to ask me what has changed in the last ten years, I know my immediate response would be "not much", but that is because it's all too easy to dismiss the small changes and milestones which have transpired. I might choose to mention that I haven't traveled abroad since 2010, rather than recalling my three visits to the west coast. I certainly wouldn't consider the confidence I've gained, instead insisting that I don't have nearly enough, nor would I reflect on all the hard work and devotion I've given to this blog, dismissing it because it's not where 'it could be'.

That however, is no way to start a new decade, or a new year for that matter. While this might be an easy time to think of shortcomings, wouldn't it be better to focus on everything that has changed, grown, or improved, even slightly, and try to polish off memories so that they shine in a positive light?

If there is one resolution I need to follow through with in 2020, it is to believe that I am enough.

       

The Rundown
Black Ribbed Sweater H&M
Wide Leg Houndstooth Pants H&M
Teddy Bomber Jacket J.Crew
 Sock Booties "Neola" Naturalizer
Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Double Ring Belt Express
Pearl Hoop Earrings c/o Mejuri
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Elevated Basics

This week has been a blissful reprise of autumn weather, warm sun and cool air, the scent of the fallen leaves. I was grateful to be able to spend each of those gorgeous days outside walking with my favorite dog clients; the only thing I really miss about my office job is the chance to get dressed in clothing I would not welcome muddy paws on.

Lately my work day attire has been about the quick change - comfortable jeans that can effortlessly transition from sneakers and a tee shirt into a look that lets me feel polished and confident for any part of my day which doesn't involve my furry friends.

As much as denim silhouettes have been pushing for change, I am not ready to give up my skinny jeans, and styles that hold their shape, wear after wear, are the only ones I want in my closet. I'm happy to share the Ann jeans from Mott & Bow, a power stretch denim, designed to flatter every curve and provide the quality of designer jeans at half the price.

I love my silk button downs - it's likely I have far more than I could reasonably need, but they are a weakness. A classic, a staple, and Mott & Bow wants you to know that you can wear silk and skip the dry cleaner. Isn't that little tag frequently what stands in the way of pieces that get worn regularly and those which get saved for special occasions? It makes so sense not to wear what I love, even if that means simply switching tops and shoes for running errands between walks, with the right basics I can.

       

The Rundown 
Silk Shirt "Harper" c/o Mott &Bow
High Rise Skinny Jeans "Ann" c/o Mott &Bow
Black Velvet Blazer Urban Outfitters similar
Mules Charles David via TJMaxx
Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Loop Earrings Mejuri
Diamond Necklace Belonged to my Grandma
Fresh Water Pearl Necklace S.V. Decker
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx

Thanks to Mott & Bow for providing my jeans and blouse. As always, my views and opinions are my own.

Pieces from the Past

Considering my proximity to New York City (about an hour and fifty minutes if I get an express train) it had been over a year since my last visit. Going twice in the span of seven days was certainly not something I expected would happen this month, yet both trips reminded me of how much I love being in the city.

Stepping off the subway at Canal Street brought back a flood of memories from my trips with my friends when I was in high school. As soon as my mom decided I was old enough to go without adult supervision, the months that would pass without at least one trip to New York were few and far between.

This was before I had my iPhone (or any cellphone) offering me turn-by-turn walking directions, telling me which subway train would get me to the right place, before I could call a car with the tap of a button. I'm so spoiled now, but perhaps back then, with nothing but a printed set of Map Quest directions, getting lost was part of the fun. Lost we did get, wrong turns, walking ten blocks in the wrong direction, riding the subway to the end of the line because we'd missed our stop long ago but hadn't noticed.

There was sometimes a plan for our trips, a concert, dim sum in Chinatown, or to see a movie in one of the huge IMAX theaters, but often there was not - it was about being able to wander, on our own, without an agenda.

For a moment, lost in my nostalgia, I wondered if I could find photos from some of those trips, but of course if any exist, they would be prints from a disposable camera, buried deep in a poorly organized drawer. Maybe it's better that way.

        

The Rundown
White Ruffle Sleeve Sweater Sara Campbell via Coco's on the Green
 Black Jeans Gap
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Leopard Mules Franco Sarto via TJMaxx
Camera Bag "Palma" ONA
Pearl Hoop Earrings Thrifted similar
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx
Nail Color "Generation Zen" Essie