Between Sun and Rain

“If you don't like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” - Mark Twain 

Over the weekend I found myself in Hartford for brunch at The Place 2 Be, and I happened to notice (check posts on Instagram) that the cherry blossoms in Bushnell Park were starting to bloom. Since I'm not typically in the area I didn't want to miss an opportunity to catch the blooms in the gorgeous park.

After a brief taste of sunny skies, the weather had reverted back to gloom, and on this particular day, it couldn't seem to decide if the sun or the rain was going to win out. Since I couldn't convince any of my fellow brunchers to accompany me to the park, I was solo with the tripod. Almost as soon as I had my shot set up the rain started. Nothing torrential, so I thought I could just keep shooting, but as rain drops fell on my lens they confused the auto focus so much that none of my shots were anything but a blurry mess.

Even as the rain was falling I could see the sun trying to break through, so I waited out the rain, dried off my lens and tried again. With the clouds moving and light constantly shifting it made for a bit of a challenge, and just when I thought I'd found a sweet spot, the wind kicked up. Frustrated, I retreated to my car, reviewed what I'd gotten, and decided it was enough to call it day. Even though I would have loved to have spent more time exploring the park and snapping away among the blooms, the crazy weather was more than I could handle, and I don't like risking a strong wind toppling my tripod, which has happened in the past.

They might not be 100% the photos I'd hoped for, but I gave it my best, and I suppose there is always next year!

         

The Rundown
Leopard Button Down Banana Republic similar
Grey Cardigan c/o Cabi similar
Distressed Jeggings Gap 
Nareen Block Heels c/o Vionic
Round Crossbody Bag French Connection
Circle Earrings c/o AUrate New York
Gold Plated Disc Necklace Matteo via TJMaxx
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Canyon" Ten Over Ten

 

No Time Other Than the Present

In the winter, there is rarely a perfect time for photos. They are taken when a sliver of an opportunity presents itself. The daylight hours are limited, and even as the minutes of sunlight do trickle back, it won't be noticeable for months. So in between errands with a wrinkled blouse, photos are taken, otherwise they won't be taken at all, and another week without posting might go by.

As you can see, all that snow didn't last, but the weathermen are promising a lot more this winter...

      

The Rundown
Blush Silk Blouse Max Studio via TJMaxx similar
Black Jeans Old Navy
Boots Migliorini via TJMaxx buy on eBay
Willis Bag Vintage Coach thrifted similar
Grey Cobblestone Cardigan c/o Cabi similar
Necklace "Scottie" LuxbyUK
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry

Linking up with Walking in Memphis in High Heels

and

Classy Yet Trendy's Trendy Wednesday

All in good time

Have you entered my JORD watch giveaway?

Over the past couple years the amount of work looks I share has steadily diminished. Summer used to be my time, with the extra sunlight getting a few snaps of a look at the end of the day was a cinch.

Now I feel like most week nights hold some obligation, all the while rationalizing that my work looks have just been uninspiring. So when Sean asked me if I wanted to go take photos on a particularly sunny Tuesday last week, my first response was that I didn't really like my outfit.

But I decided I liked this blouse with these pants for a reason, just when tucked in it was blousey and billowy and my waist felt lost, so I turned to my favorite trick, and knotted it up. Then I grabbed a pair of sunglasses I haven't worn in a while, as they've been tucked in a drawer - out of sight, out of mind. Finally I swapped my practical bag for the bamboo one. Not that I haven't taken the bamboo bag to work before!

With a few little tweaks, my boring work outfit became blog-worthy. If only I could think about these things when getting dressed the first time.

       

The Rundown
Floral Blouse c/o Cabi
Linen Pants Lou & Grey
Mules Madewell
Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar vintage, only $60!
Wood Watch "Frankie" c/o JORD
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Liho Liho Ring Rudiment via Rocksbox
(Use code lydiaxoxo for a free month of Rocksbox!)
Sunglasses "Caravan" Ray-Ban

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

Fabulous in a Flash

The other weekend I went to see the play "Barefoot in the Park" at The Kate theater in Old Saybrook, CT. The show was wonderful, just non-stop laughter, and the theater was so small and intimate, even in the balcony, I felt really close to the stage.

While I know it's not typical these days to get very dressed up for a show, in my mind it still stands, and nothing could be more simple to throw on than a maxi dress, for the maximum amount of chicness. The last time I wore this dress it was to my sister's college graduation, so it was long overdue for a wear.

I feel like I've spent a fair amount of time complaining that there isn't enough to do in Connecticut, but when I stop to actually look around, there is quite a bit! We have several theaters, and now that New Haven has College Street Music Hall, lots of really great bands are playing there. I actually bought tickets to three upcoming shows, Oh Wonder in September, Phoenix in October, and Regina Spektor in November. Now I just need to plan a day to attend Goat Yoga and ride the Elm City Party Bike!

        

The Rundown
Garden Party Maxi Dress c/o Cabi
Cork Platform Sandals MRKT similar
Snakeskin Box Bag c/o Vintanthromodern similar
Necklace The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Bracelet Vintage
Petite Double Moonstone Ring c/o Moonstone Magic
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

New Moon

Thanks to www.MoonstoneShop.com for sponsoring this post!

We had a brief heatwave at the end of last week, it was up to 100°! What better than a heatwave to make me feel like dressing a little bit bohemian? I was heading out to dinner at Bartaco with my sister, so I grabbed this fun mixed print slip dress and paired it with the Rainbow Moonstone jewelry that I'd just received from www.moonstoneshop.com. All of the pieces are handmade in Florida with genuine moonstone and sterling silver, and some incorporate other stones, like the lovely turquoise in the pendant.

As I don't wear too much silver, I forgot that I didn't have a chain for the pendant, but then I found this silver choker which belonged to my mother, and conveniently chokers are having a moment again. Naturally my favorite piece is the ring, I just love wearing delicate little rings on my index finger and www.moonstoneshop.com has so many other rings which would be fabulous for stacking.

        

The Rundown
Leopard Print Dress c/o Cabi similar
Distressed Denim Jacket Gap similar
Lace-up Sandals "Mariachi" Report
Fringe Bucket Bag Margot via TJMaxx similar
Vintage Mellow Moonstone Earrings c/o Moonstone Magic
Turquoise Assemblage Moonstone Pendant c/o Moonstone Magic
Petite Double Moonstone Ring c/o Moonstone Magic
Toggle Bracelet c/o Belcho USA
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Go Overboard" Essie

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

www.MoonstoneShop.com provided me with jewelry for the purpose of this post. My views and opinions are my own.

Lavender

"I use my natural creativity every day."

During the winter months I tend to shy away from color, while the spring and summer typically bring a renewed love bright shades and bold prints. This year I feel like the shift is less noticeable, I'm still reaching for my neutrals, however I was quite pleased to have received this lavender pleated peplum top for my birthday. I've also been living in my cardigans lately, as evidenced by the past few posts, and don't see that trend stopping until some summer weather eventually arrives.

         

The Rundown
Asymmetrical Pleat Top Banana Republic similar
Grey Cobblestone Cardigan c/o Cabi similar
White Jeans Old Navy
Nude Peeptoe Pumps BCBGeneration via TJMaxx similar
Micro Perry Satchel Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop
Gold Hoop Earrings Amazon
Tanner Toggle Lariat Necklace Gorjana similar
Bee Ring Kohl's similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Pave Toggle Bracelet Banana Republic similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday