It's already been September for a week, but somehow it didn't feel official until yesterday, Labor Day. When inexplicably the temperatures shift, the gradual shortening of the days become suddenly more pronounced, as if we'd lost the time all at once, and the leaves which insist on turning early come into sharp focus amidst the swaths of green.
The usual dilemma of hitting the breaks on summer fashion in favor of embracing all things autumnal arises, even though I know I'm planted firmly in camp summer and wont vacate until forced by something far colder than a morning chill.
Even though I know beautiful summer-like days can continue to crop up through mid October, once Labor Day has passed, the mindset changes, and little can be done to reverse it.
I've had a bit of an obsession with velvet this winter - not that my closet really needed more - but Banana Republic was tempting me with the most gorgeous pieces, and once I tried them on, I was sold. Unlike some of my older velvet pieces, which seem to be glorified lint traps, Banana Republic's velvet is uncannily soft, plush, and slightly iridescent. I had the hardest time deciding on just one color of this long line blazer, the deep cherry red was so tempting, but since I've been embracing all shades of brown these days, the camel colored 'toasted marshmallow' won out. Admittedly, I always wait too long to share things, and many sizes of this blazer have already sold out. However, if your size is available and you can take advantage of the sale price, you likely wont regret the purchase.
Each week I start off with the optimism that I'm going to dedicate time to the blog; I'll edit photos, I'll write thoughtful posts, and I will finally catch up with all my favorite blogs I'm so behind on. Then it's Friday and the days seem to have simply evaporated. Seemingly simple tasks like responding to an email or scheduling an oil change consume large swaths of time, and are only rewarded with the response that requires the next reply or the news that my car has an oil leak, a coolant leak, a mouse nest, and when can I bring it back to address these things?
So often I find myself stuck in the mental clutter, convinced I can't do anything else until it's been cleared, but the problem with clutter is that it takes hours to address and mere seconds to accumulate. By telling myself I can't focus on anything else until the clutter is gone is a way of making sure I stay suck, when the reality is, sometimes the mess needs to be neatly stacked into a pile which can be dealt with later to make a little room for the things that will enrich my life now.
The Rundown White Pearl Button Cardigan Nordstrom Rack similar Wide Leg JeansGap Nareen Block Heels c/o Vionic Croc Embossed Leather BagLoeffler Randall Silk Spotted Scarf Ann Taylor Layered Charm Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry Cat Eye Sunglasses H&M similar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie
Last weekend I attended an event hosted by the New England Blogger Babes, and it was the first time I got to go to a blogging event with my sister Anna, now that she has officially launched her blog, In a City Night! It's still a work in progress, but in a way, I suppose all our blogs are. We always love to tweak, change, and improve them; after helping her get set up I was starting to feel like things have gotten a bit dusty around here!
It's certainly been great to have someone to shoot with, and I hope we can plan even more adventurous shoots in the future. She wants travel to be a big part of her blog, so naturally I'd more than happy to join her, where ever that may lead.
I hope you will visit her blog and say hi, and don't be surprised if a lot of her clothes look familiar ;)
I was poking around Lucky Brand earlier this year when I spotted this chiffon duster - it doesn't take much for a blue and white print to win my heart, but I was willing to patiently wait four months until it finally went on sale. I was also taken by a wrap dress in the same print and posted both pieces on my Instagram stories. Even though the dress won in the poll, and was $10 cheaper, I couldn't rationalize keeping both. My heart belonged to the duster.
Naturally this print has sold out now, but Lucky Brand does have a number of other options for that perfect end of summer layering piece.
The Rundown Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory Button Fly Denim ShortsGap
Last week I ventured into New Haven to celebrate the grand re-opening of Hamilton Park, the restaurant at The Blake Hotel. This being my first time there, I was immediately impressed with the grand space, high ceilings, hugs windows flooding the space with natural light, and plenty of comfortable seating. Additionally there was a large outdoor patio which offered feelings of seclusion few outdoor dining areas in New Haven do. There is also a rooftop bar, the High George (a fun play on the intersection of which the hotel is located) that I didn't get to check out, but I can't wait to!
The cocktail list was full of some old favorites, such as the Bee's Knees (gin, lemon, and honey), but also offered some unique drinks such as Smoke on the Water, a rye drink with a fun presentation in a glass box filled with applewood smoke, and my personal favorite, the 1724 Tonic, similar to a gin and tonic, but with the additions of vermouth, sage, and a cucumber lavender syrup.
I also sampled a number of appetizers, most of which were very unique, such as a tapioca clam chowder, smoked bluefish dip with trout roe, and a tomato tart with melted onions. Every bite I had was delicious, and I may have eaten more than a couple of the tomato tarts, along with quite a few oysters, when we were reaching the end of the event and was told to take as many as I'd like!
If I were planning a stay in New Haven, Connecticut, The Blake Hotel would be at the top of my list, and I will definitely be dining at Hamilton Park again soon!
Thanks to Splash PR and Hamilton Park for inviting me!
The Rundown White Ribbed Midi Dress Mango Pearl SandalsAnn Taylor Black Straw Bag Zara similar Pearl Earrings"Sailor"Maris Pearl Co. Layered Charm Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Emma" Ray-Ban similar
