The Sun

It's been a grey and wet July, and I'm feeling robbed of my long summer days. I haven't had a beach day (or beach three hours) yet, nor have I gotten ice cream at 9 p.m. while enjoying the last glimmers of sunset while it's still warm out, or had a picnic at a winery, so I hope the sun returns soon. I hate feeling like I'm missing out on summer.

The Rundown
Navy Off The Shoulder Top Banana Republic similar
Cream Button Fly Jeans Banana Republic
Woven Slide Sandals Marc Fisher
Bag Kamilah Willacy via ThredUP
Gold Hoops Vintage via Shopgoodwill.com
Coin Pendant Necklace Julie Vos
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color Couture Curator Essie

After the Bloom

Time has been moving quickly this year. Contrary to the believe that it would be passing slowly with so little to differentiate between the days, it turns out the less I need to do, the less I want to do, and large swaths as what could only be described as 'nothing' consume the days before I even realize the daylight hours have dwindled away. 

Which is likely why when my sister and I went to visit the rose garden at Elizabeth Park we'd missed the roses. And why it's now taken nearly a month for me to post these photos. 

However, the heartbreak I feel every August, as the skies start to darken before 8 p.m., is right on schedule with the deluge of Nordstrom Anniversary sale posts (pandemic be damned) only this year as the summer winds down, the loss of trips not taken, swimsuits not worn, and events not attended feels even more profound.

       The Rundown

Dress "Milanira" Joie 

 Strappy Slide Sandals Zara similar
Straw Box Bag Zara similar

Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar

 Fatima Bracelet c/o Gorjana similar

Gold Croissant Ring Etsy

Thin Gold Ring Etsy

Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx

What to Wear for Valentine's Day

I haven't done much in the way of celebrating Valentine's day the past few years, however this year my mom, sister, and I are hosting a Galentine's Day, and when I reviewed my closet for potential outfits, this maxi dress stood out. It has only been worn once, Christmas Eve of 2018, and never properly photographed, so it seemed like a perfect choice.

Another small nod to the occasion with my double heart earrings, and topped off with this vintage inspired faux fur coat; I will be the most glamorous single girl drinking wine and eating chocolate at home with her girlfriends this February 14th.

If you have actual cause for celebration or an outing, I found a few similar maxi dresses and bold heart shaped earrings which I've linked below.

What are your Valentine's plans?

      

The Rundown
Color Block Maxi Dress Banana Republic similar
Brown Faux Fur Coat Banana Republic
 Jeweled Strap Mule Banana Republic
 Scalloped Clutch Matine similar
Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar
Bracelet Vintage
Pearl and Pave Ring Forever 21 similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Losing Daylight

Yesterday we turned the clocks back, and while I'm supposed to be grateful for that 'extra' hour, I never quite feel like I'm gaining anything. Earlier sunsets are a part of life during fall and winter here, I can't stop the turn of the earth, nor move to Australia six months of the year, yet each year on the first weekend of November, it feels like a cruel joke to watch the sun setting before five p.m.

I wore this outfit to a blogger dinner I attended a couple weeks ago. In stark contrast to the dinner I went to over the summer, when even after the event was over, it felt as if there was all the time in the world to take photos; these were snapped hastily, racing against the impending darkness, and of course rain.

The meal at First and Last Tavern in Plainville was quite good, a range of Italian offerings with the standout dish in my mind being the eggplant parmigiana. I may have had more than one helping, and taken some home too!

Even knowing the restaurant was a casual affair, as I tried on different combinations of jeans and tops, I decided I needed to take advantage of the fact that it was still reasonably warm out and give this rust knit dress another wear. The time for enjoying the fall outfits of magazines and pinterest is coming to an end; how many bare leg and leather jacket days could be left this year?

        
The Rundown
Rust Knit Dress H&M
 Brown Moto Jacket c/o Wallis similar
Leopard Heels Sam Edelman similar
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
 Twisted Hoop Earrings Thrifted similar
Coin Pendant Necklace Julie Vos
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Signet Ring Sashi

Dinner at Vyne in Middlebury, CT

Last Tuesday I was invited for dinner at Vyne Restaurant in Middlebury, CT. I had never been before, as living on the shoreline means I don't often venture towards the center of the state - I know it's silly and clearly I'm missing out on a lot after being completely impressed by Vyne.

I didn't know much about the restaurant aside from my quick perusal of the menu before sending my response to the invitation, but I planned on leaving early and hoping I could find a cute spot for outfit photos before dinner. Little did I know the grounds outside of the restaurant were stunning; stone steps, archways, gardens, and a waterfall spanning the length of the entire outdoor seating area. The heat from earlier in the day had tapered off and no one would dare to eat dinner outside, so I had the whole space to myself while I snapped away with my tripod.

When it was time to head in, I was lead through the main dining room to the lounge area with the bar, which apparently a lot of people miss and don't even realize there is a bar! I started out with a cucumber gin martini which was as strong as it sounds and very tasty. Sadly I knew at some point I'd have to drive myself home, so I didn't give any other cocktails a try.

As for the food, an impressive tasting menu with two to three dishes from each course was served. The dishes were unique and delicious. Creamy burrata mingled with grilled peaches and balsamic vinegar, lamp lolly pops were served with pesto sauce (I had to use a piece of bread to mop of every last bit of the pesto), the wedge salad was based on a recipe from the owners grandfather, and I just about devoured the seared tenderloin and wild mushroom risotto.

After a delightful meal, we toured the building, which houses an enormous gift shop on the first floor and a banquet hall for weddings and parties up to 200 guests on the third.

If you are in Connecticut, Vyne is not to be missed!

        

The Rundown
Floral Dress J.Crew x Abigail Borg similar
Asymmetrical Strap Mules Zara
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar
Gold Rectangle Chain Necklace Etsy
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Canyon" Ten Over Ten

Midsummer

I've been so slow to unpack my summer things. I don't know why - it's not as if waiting longer will prolong the summer. But I finally pulled out my vintage bamboo bag. Now that the market is flooded with them, I'm not sure if they've lost their charm, however the price inflation in the vintage market has calmed down significantly. I've linked up several below on Etsy and they are all under $50.
Even if the bag feels over saturated in the blog world, when I take it out into my own microcosm, it still catches many eyes.

When the humidity dropped down just a titch, I felt like it was my opening to pull out my white wide leg jeans and finally pair them with this bodysuit - the outfit I've had in mind since I added the bodysuit to my closet last fall.

Humidity or otherwise, I'm happy summer is here. The long days, warm sun, and valid excuse to eat ice cream everyday make these some of the best months of the year.

       

The Rundown
Wrap Bodysuit Zara similar
White Wide Leg Jeans Gap similar
Wedge Sandals Loft similar
Coin Pendant Necklace Julie Vos
Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar vintage
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Hammered Gold Ring Thrifted
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
 Nail Color "Barely There" Avon