Shop Small: Luken & Co.

Today I'm excited to share a new brand, Luken & Co. based out of Norwalk Connecticut. The brand's founder, Francesco Lauri, after working with his family's chain stores throughout the Lazio region of Italy, as well as at top luxury brands, created Luken & Co. about a year ago.

 

The current collection focuses on bags built for everyday life, which provide a feeling of luxury while at attainable price points - ranging from $110 to $32. The bags in the collection are a mix of Italian leather, vegan leather, and fabric. One of the highlights of the collection is the option to switch up the straps on all the bags, with the addition of a sleek chain, or a vibrant printed guitar strap. 

 

I'm wearing the Firenze Shoulder Bag, a roomy camera bag made from Italian leather, with the gold chain strap. The bag features gold tone hardware and a fun tassel zipper pull. It's available in four colors, but I love this creamy nude/blush for a season-less neutral shade that isn't black.

 

If you fall in love with a bag from Luken & Co., use my code CHICLYDDIE to get 20% off your purchase!

The Rundown
Leopard Swing Dress Target similar
Raffia Wedges Steve Madden similar
Firenze Shoulder Bag c/o Luken & Co.
Earrings Akola via TJMaxx
Necklace Etsy
Bracelet TJMaxx
Gold Croissant Ring Etsy
San Marco Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "Orion" Ray-Ban

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!

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

Summer of the Vineyard

 The August days are melting away, or perhaps it's mostly me who is melting? Not that I would trade the heat - however the humidity can go. The heat will be gone soon enough, and the days of dining al fresco will fade away, which will be a terrible shame in this post pandemic world. Outdoor dining has been the saving grace of the summer, the feelings of normalcy in sharing a meal with a friend, and where better to do so than a vineyard? 

Connecticut is somewhat surprisingly rife with them, considering how difficult it can be to grow grapes in this climate, however I did recently read a piece in a local publication that mentioned how a winery can call themselves an estate grower even if as little as 25% of the grapes are grown locally, with the rest imported from California. Fortunately I'm not a wine snob, or connoisseur, or even particularly discerning - naturally I make most of my wine purchasing decisions based on how much I like a label - so I'm quite content with what the local vineyards have to offer. 

Sometimes there is table service and tasty offerings of burrata cheese and fresh tomatoes, other times we just throw a blanket on the grass - it's usually pretty easy to social distance, and is free from the worries of being a table hog, no one minds how long you linger, even if it's after closing time.

        
The Rundown
White Lace Maxi Dress "Assoulin" Joie via Poshmark
Straw Hat "Marcos" Brixton via eBay
Slide Sandals "Gracie" Vince Camuto via TJMaxx
Raffia Waist Bag Etsy
Mother of Pearl Earrings Argento Vivo via TJMaxx
Good Directions Necklace S.V. Decker
Blue Topaz Stacking Ring Hirajule via TJMaxx

Thin Gold Ring Etsy

Nail Color "Pre-Show Jitters" Essie

 

 

A Culmination of Holiday Shopping

This year I adhered pretty strictly to the holiday shopping rule of one gift for others, one gift for myself. I feel like the sales were just relentless, both before and after Black Friday, and temptation was everywhere. The biggest splurge being this croc embossed Loeffler Randall bag. When I was in New York with Cee we spotted it in Bloomingdales, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. Then there were sales on sales and I managed to get it for half off.

Of course it paired perfectly with my other new closet additions, and this outfit practically put itself together. While sandals would not be my usual choice for December, and I'd likely roll my eyes at anyone else wearing cropped pants and sandals in 40° weather, getting a manni/peddi was the first stop of a busy day and I'd sooner have freezing ankles and toes than a ruined pedicure. Besides, with the worst of winter yet to come, I need to get all the wear I can get from these faux leather pants while I still can.

       

The Rundown
Giraffe Print Blouse Banana Republic
Black Faux Leather Pants Ann Taylor
Wrap Cardigan Target
Asymmetrical Strap Mules Zara similar
Croc Embossed Leather Bag Loeffler Randall
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Signet Ring Sashi
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
 Nail Color "Bordeaux" Essie

What to Wear to Thanksgiving

Some years Thanksgiving is a casual affair, you can find me in my most comfortable pair of jeans and a sweater, other times I delight in the idea of having an occasion to get dressed for. The past few years I've been a big advocate for the long sleeve dress - sleeveless dresses in late fall tend to require additional layers, but with sleeves, a simple one piece outfit is back within grasp, and isn't that the best part of a dress after all?

The moment I saw this golden leopard faux wrap dress, I knew it would be perfect for Thanksgiving. The rich color epitomizes the fall season, with the jacquard leopard print being just my style. Plus it was on sale for $75, and I don't need much more convincing than that! Fortunately it can still be scooped up for 40% off plus an additional 10% as the Friends of Ann sale lasts through Tuesday.

The final reason I advocate for wearing a dress on a holiday such as Thanksgiving is for the comfort factor - I love my high waist skinny jeans, but they can stay in the closet until after the leftovers are gone.

Do you enjoy getting dressed up for Thanksgiving, or do you prefer to keep it casual?

       

The Rundown
Cheetah Print Jacquard Wrap Dress Ann Taylor
Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Leopard Clutch Clare V c/o Shopbop
Pearl Earrings Maris Pearl Co. 
Diamond Necklace Belonged to my Grandma
Fresh Water Pearl Necklace S.V. Decker 
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Nail Color "Mrs. Always Right" Essie