Feels like summer

Well, some of the time, anyway.
I know, I hate the weather talk, but it was pretty much a dominating factor all weekend. Friday was gorgeous, bright, sunny and warm. Downright balmy even after sunset, and the complete opposite of Saturday, which was doom and gloom all day. I got my obligatory strawberry shortcake at my town's annual festival, then headed home and hoped the rain would stop before the evening.

It didn't, and I had a wet walk to Toad's Place in New Haven, where I went to see "The Kooks". It was a fun show and it's been far too long since I've been to a concert. I'm happy to see more venus popping up in my area, but there still isn't much draw for bigger names to bother stopping in Connecticut, so I'm always delighted when a band I recognize plays New Haven.

Sunday was even more ridiculous, weather-wise. The rain carried over through the morning, but by noon the sun was so strong you could have forgotten the rain ever even happened. My Sister and I took our Dad to check out the new brewery that opened down the road from us; instead of offering food service they have food trucks outside, we had a fancy pear and gorgonzola wood fired pizza. Then, just when it seemed like we were going to enjoy a beautiful sunset of the summer solstice, it started to rain again... oh New England, what am I going to do with you?

The Rundown
Printed Tunic Joie thrifted similar
White Jeans Old Navy
Sandals "Keira" Trask via in.d giveaway
Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar
Earrings House of Harlow via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Bangle Margaret Elizabeth via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Gold Twisted Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box similar
Gold Open Ring c/o Lumo
Sunglasses "Harper" c/o Hobie
Nail Color "Find Me An Oasis" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

and

Monday Mingle

C'est La Vie

One of my main reasons for starting this blog was to help myself budget. To keep track of what I was buying, how much I was spending, and how much wear I was actually getting out of my investments.

I'm a little fuzzy on exactly when that stopped, but it did. Not that I suddenly started buying $300 handbags every time I turned around, but I have been making a lot more impulse purchases (especially at the thrift store), and not keeping track of exactly how much I've been spending.

For this upcoming Fall and Winter, I've finally decided to join Jessica, Meg, and Rachelle in embracing the French Wardrobe Challenge. Hopefully I can start making smarter purchases and work towards curating my perfect closet. If you aren't familiar with the concept, you can purchase as many basic pieces as you need to fill gaps in your wardrobe, along with five standout pieces for the six month duration.

The Rules:

• Quality over quantity. 
• Basics don’t count. 
• Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual. 
• Socks and underwear don’t count. 
• Shoes do count. 

The Basics*:

• The perfect striped shirt (I like the one I have, but it's starting to look worn out)
• Tank tops in black, grey and white (I'd like them in silk or something equally nice)
• Sweaters in black, grey and white (Cotton and acrylic blends need to be replaced with merino wool or cashmere)
• Winter coat (I don't have a black coat, or a down coat, so it's something to consider)
• Black pumps 
• Red pumps
• Ankle boots  
• Black ballet flats 
• Sneakers (I should probably get actual athletic sneakers, since I don't have any, but I'd rather get some white Converse. My sister just got the 'dainty ox' and I love them, they don't make me feel like Bigfoot.)

*This is my own personal list, adapted from the 'official' one to remind me of the things I do need to purchase. Additions to the list are at my discretion as they arise. 

I'm also giving myself a budget of $500, and will be posting updates on my purchases and progress each month. Hopefully I can rise to the challenge, and in the meantime, savor what will likely be my last graphic tee purchase for the next six months, because no matter how fun they are, I know I will not be including one in my five!

The Rundown
Graphic Tee Old Navy
Striped Shorts Old Navy similar
Sandals "Keira" Trask via in.d giveaway
Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar
Anchor Belt ASOS
Anchor Bracelet Knotical Knovelites
Shell Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Rings Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Bondi" c/o Hobie Polarized
Nail Color "Coral Bikini" Avon

Like stripes on white

This brand new, still available on the website, striped linen skirt from the Loft was found at a local consignment store, for $10. I tried it on and it fit perfectly.

If you aren't familiar with how many consignment stores work, typically the item brought in gets a price tag with a date a month out. If the item doesn't sell before that date it becomes half off. The date on this skirt was only four days away, and I kind of wanted to wait and come back, however my boyfriend thought I was being silly, and treated me to it instead.

The Rundown
White Tee Loft
Striped Linen Skirt Loft
Sandals Franco Sarto via TJMaxx identical
Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar
Anchor Belt ASOS
Earrings c/o Luck Fabb
Anchor Necklace Gift similar
Gold Circle Bracelet St. Thomas c/o TJMaxx similar
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewerly Box
Blue Ring c/o TJMaxx similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Harper" c/o Hobie
Nail Color "Gunta" Julep

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's Summer Style

and

The Tiny Heart's Look What I Got

Out in the sun

Last summer I had the opportunity to try out a pair of Hobie Polarized sunglasses. Never having worn a pair of polarized lenses before, it was not long before I realized just how marvelous they are.

The polarized lens cuts down on glare, so my Hobie glasses quickly became the only glasses I wanted to wear while driving. No longer was the mid afternoon sun reflecting off the sea of cars bothering my eyes. The near blinding light of the setting sun was practically a non-issue with my Hobie Polarized sunglasses on.

Now that I'm hooked, of course I want more style options, and was delighted at the chance to check out a pair of frames from their new 2014 line. There are several new and updated styles for men (but there is no reason women can't wear them as well), and one new style for women.

I chose the new Bondi frames with copper lenses; other than a change in the font of the logo, the most notable difference is the stiffness of the arm hinges. The older styles moved freely, these arms must be unfolded with purpose, and lend to a feeling of a more solid, rugged, frame.

If you've yet to try polarized sunglasses, I would highly recommend Hobie. They offer a wide range of styles and with most priced at $80, it's hard to find a more affordable pair.

Have you entered the Simple Skincare giveaway yet?

The Rundown
White Tee Majestic Paris via TJMaxx similar
Denim Pencil Skirt Lux via The Label Exchange similar
Sandals MRKT via DSW similar
White Mini Satchel Tignanello via TJMaxx similar
Gold Hoop Earrings Taken for Granite

Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana & Griffin

Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova via Lucky Fabb

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Bondi" c/o Hobie Polarized
Nail Color "Back to the Fuchsia" Sally Hansen

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's Summer Style
and

The Tiny Heart's Look What I Got

Sunglasses were provided to me by Hobie Polarized through Lisa Wells PR, my views and opinions are my own.

Over embellished

Many people swear by multiples. The logic is sound; if you love it and it fits well, why not get every color you can?

Typically I don't subscribe to this, in the past I have always ended up loving one color more than the other and it has turned out to be a waste.

However, my mother found the black version of my grey embellished sweater on the clearance rack at Kohl's and surprised me with it.

I promise to love them both.

The Rundown

Jeweled Sweater Elle for Kohl's

Jeans "Lola" Lucky Brand

Leather Jacket Gap similar

Brown Booties Crown Vintage via DSW

Leopard Calf Hair Clutch Gap similar

Mini Punk Princess Bracelet CC Skye c/o Linger Rose
Ring Taken for Granite similar

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry

Sunglasses "Harper" c/o Hobie

Nail Color "Naughty Nautical" Essie

Something to brag about

I adore secondhand shopping, which you well know. The thrill of finding a bargain on a great designer or a one of a kind vintage piece can not be rivaled.

As much as I love frequenting my local shops, the internet has made it possible to shop vintage world wide, and I always love finding a new shop to check out, like Brag Vintage. Based out of the UK, but shipping world wide, they have an impressive inventory and shipping to the US is a pretty reasonable $14. What is not to love about a garment that was probably last worn by a Brit? It's the little things, right?

This chunky green sweater was only $25 and kept me super warm on a frigid day - I will definitely keep checking back for more fun finds at Brag Vintage, they have some really great tweed jackets, and if I were still searching for the perfect denim jacket, this might be it.

Have you entered to win $100 to South Moon Under yet?

The Rundown

Green Sweater c/o Brag Vintage
Striped Shirt Gap similar
Skinny Jeans Kohls similar
Brown Booties Crown Vintage via DSW
Striped Scarf Gap similar
Color Block Clutch Gap similar
Bracelet J.Crew similar
Chain Bracelet Thrifted similar

Knot Ring c/o Emitations
Sunglasses Harper c/o Hobie
Nail Color Essie Aruba Blue

Getting out the colored denim

During the warmer months it is a rare occasion that I wear jeans, usually because by the time winter is over I'm completely sick of them. With the return of the cold comes the return of the colored denim. I have four pairs (is that all?) you will soon be seeing a lot of.

The Rundown

White Blouse Loft c/o ThredUP

Red Jeans Urban Outfitters similar

Boucle Jacket Kohls similar

Pumps BCBGeneration via TJMaxx similar
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle
Gold Belt Gap similar

Crystal Chevron Earrings Express
Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana & Griffin
Gold Circle Bracelet St. Thomas c/o TJMaxx
Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Signature Spade Ring Kate Spade
Sunglasses c/o Hobie
Nail Color Avon Olive Green

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion

One last beach day, and a Divissima giveaway!

With the weather still somewhere between summer and fall, this past weekend, the beach during mid afternoon was still pretty nice, and the water, having retained all the heat from the summer was actually reasonably warm. Not that I'd go in deeper than my ankles! But at least I had a chance to wear this pretty white convertible dress that Divissima, an Italian swimwear company sent over.

All of their beachwear and swimwear is made in Italy, which of course I love. While their swimwear is a bit to revealing for me, this dress is just my speed, and hopefully I can style this as a maxi in the cooler weather, you know I'm all about my winter whites!

Divissima is also giving away a pair of the Pantajazz beachwear trousers; they are made of the same material as this dress, so they are stretchy and comfy and would be great loungewear during these cooler months. They are a "one size fits most" kind of deal, but I would describe them as a small/medium. Enter in the rafflecopter below!

The Rundown

Three Way Dress c/o Divissima

Chambray Shirt Tommy Hilfiger via TJMaxx similar

Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebay similar

Hoop Earrings Coco's on the Green similar
Gold Cuff Nugaard Designs similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses c/o Hobie Harper

Nail Color Essie Go Overboard

a Rafflecopter giveaway