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

Outfit for Nowhere

This weekend I took outfit photos for the first time in two weeks. It seemed silly, getting dressed for the sole purpose of snapping some photos then immediately heading back home, being sure not to interact with anyone. It was a brief bit of sun, a break from the deluge of rain, the only time I spent outside the house in four days.

It took me three hours to decide to put on jeans and a sweater. Everything else I tried just felt too contrived, I don't normally hang around the house in a dress and heels; though as much as I'd love to photograph my new dress, I don't want to just play dress-up, I want to wear it for real.

After half my closet was deposited on my bed in a desperate attempt to put together an outfit I would hang around the house in that didn't include jeans, I acquiesced to the denim, and less than an hour later I was back in my pajamas, letting the hours blur together once again.

Creating content in this quarantine is going to be a challenge, and I'm still working on figuring out what feels right to post.

      

The Rundown
White Pointelle Sweater J.Crew
Button Fly Jeans Gap similar
Snake Print Mules Banana Republic
Round Crossbody Bag French Connection
Pearl Hoop Earrings c/o Mejuri
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
 Nail Color "Party Mix & Match" Essie

Indestructible Denim

I've mentioned that it's been a while since my last office job, and my current gig has been dog walking. It tends not to require blazers, but jeans are on heavy rotation. I of course have the problem of not having any 'bad' jeans to wear, so mostly I've just been wearing whatever pair needs to be washed.

Last week, while wearing this pair of Yoga Jeans (that I won in Cee's giveaway five years ago) I was leaving the home of a dog, who in his efforts to get me to stay (he has bad separation anxiety) bit me. It was my first real dog bite on the job, and while, ever. I didn't even realize how bad it was until I saw the blood soaking through the denim. I went home to get cleaned up, tended to my wounds first, but the jeans were an immediate second. I rinsed out the blood and much to my surprise, found no evidence of holes or tears. They look far better than my leg at the moment. (It's not that bad though, I swear).

So all I can say is, invest in a pair of Yoga Jeans, they were built to last.

      

The Rundown
Rib Knit Sweater H&M
Jeans Second Denim
Plaid Blazer H&M similar
Pointed Flats Rothy's
Round Crossbody Bag French Connection
  Silk Scarf Ann Taylor
Simple Pearl Necklace c/o AUrate
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

A Distinction of Leopard Print

I went shopping with a friend a few weekends ago, and as we entered the store I made a bee line for a display featuring several pieces in leopard print. My friend commented that I was likely a leopard in my past life.

It's true, my love of leopard print has grown exponentially over the years, it's almost funny to think that before the blog I owned no leopard print. That first purchase - I think a pencil skirt from Forever 21 - became a catalyst for this now decade long love affair.

There was one type of leopard print that I'd never had in my closet, a print with the animal itself. Try searching google for this distinction and you might have some difficulty, so it was only by happenstance that I came across this blouse on Poshmark while in the midst of some other feverish search (which I've now forgotten). For a mere $8 I was willing to take a gamble on this possibly vintage blouse and fill a leopard print need I wasn't even aware that I'd had. Plus I'm always looking for slightly cropped silhouettes that will show off the cute button fly of these high rise jeans.

Are you a leopard print lover?

       

The Rundown
Blouse with Leopards on it Poshmark similar
High Rise Button Fly Jeans Gap similar
White Mules "Bianca" Target similar
Round Crossbody Bag French Connection
 Gold Hoop Earrings Amazon
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Sunglasses "Raglan" Warby Parker
Nail Color "Canyon" Ten Over Ten
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Linking up with  Style on the Daily

Spring Layers

The best part about transitional seasons is the ability to create layered looks, and while I've never mastered the number of layers commonly found on J.Crew models, I do love being able to add a favorite jacket, blazer or cardigan to complete a look.

I also love layering my jewelry, and while it can sometimes be tricky to find just the right pieces to mesh with one another, this layered necklace Grand Avenue Jewelry sent over takes the guess work out and provides two adorable 14k gold plated charms at just the right lengths.

It makes me sad to see the cherry blossom trees in the center of my town already losing their petals - of the four trees there, only one was still clutching to its delicate pink flowers. They are only in bloom for such a short time, it makes me appreciate their beauty even more. What is your favorite part of the spring season?

Grand Avenue Jewelry is offering Chic on the Cheap readers 20% off their entire order with code CHIC20 - happy shopping!

       

The Rundown
Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory
Wide Leg Crop Jeans Gap
Denim Jacket Gap similar
White Mules "Bianca" Target similar
Round Crossbody Bag French Connection
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
 Layered Charm Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Raglan" Warby Parker
Nail Color "Canyon" Ten Over Ten

 Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

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