It's hard to believe it's been an entire year since this pandemic started, and even more unsettling is the fact that the normal we left a year ago still feels so far out of reach.
I'll freely admit that I've had many years which felt stagnant, with life seeming to not move in any direction, but this last year was worse, because things went backwards. Every good habit I'd built up - going to the gym twice a week, eating less sugar, getting more regular dog walk clients, spending more time on the blog and engaging in person with other bloggers -- everything just went in reverse, and now a year later, getting back even a silver of what I had feels so impossibly hard.
A year later and I still feel like all I can do is just get through the days.
This sweater blazer was long overdue for an outing, and it really is a great piece for adding a bit of structure to a look while maintaining the comfort of a cozy knit; and I think we all can agree, comfort has been taking precedence these days.
The Rundown Camel Sweater BlazerJ.Crew Brown Turtleneck Sweater Ann Taylor similar Distressed Jeans Gap similar Cream BootiesAerosoles Bag"Abbot"Kate Spade Tiger Haircalf Belt Ann Taylor similar Twist Hoop EarringsS.V. Decker Thin Gold RingEtsy Twist Ring Etsy Sunglasses"State Street" Ray-Ban
If you were to ask me what has changed in the last ten years, I know my immediate response would be "not much", but that is because it's all too easy to dismiss the small changes and milestones which have transpired. I might choose to mention that I haven't traveled abroad since 2010, rather than recalling my three visits to the west coast. I certainly wouldn't consider the confidence I've gained, instead insisting that I don't have nearly enough, nor would I reflect on all the hard work and devotion I've given to this blog, dismissing it because it's not where 'it could be'.
That however, is no way to start a new decade, or a new year for that matter. While this might be an easy time to think of shortcomings, wouldn't it be better to focus on everything that has changed, grown, or improved, even slightly, and try to polish off memories so that they shine in a positive light?
If there is one resolution I need to follow through with in 2020, it is to believe that I am enough.
The Rundown Black Ribbed SweaterH&M Wide Leg Houndstooth PantsH&M Teddy Bomber JacketJ.Crew Sock Booties"Neola"Naturalizer Bag "Lewis Drive Michela"Kate Spadesimilar Double Ring BeltExpress Pearl Hoop Earrings c/o Mejuri Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
This week has been a blissful reprise of autumn weather, warm sun and cool air, the scent of the fallen leaves. I was grateful to be able to spend each of those gorgeous days outside walking with my favorite dog clients; the only thing I really miss about my office job is the chance to get dressed in clothing I would not welcome muddy paws on.
Lately my work day attire has been about the quick change - comfortable jeans that can effortlessly transition from sneakers and a tee shirt into a look that lets me feel polished and confident for any part of my day which doesn't involve my furry friends.
As much as denim silhouettes have been pushing for change, I am not ready to give up my skinny jeans, and styles that hold their shape, wear after wear, are the only ones I want in my closet. I'm happy to share the Ann jeans from Mott & Bow, a power stretch denim, designed to flatter every curve and provide the quality of designer jeans at half the price.
I love my silk button downs - it's likely I have far more than I could reasonably need, but they are a weakness. A classic, a staple, and Mott & Bow wants you to know that you can wear silk and skip the dry cleaner. Isn't that little tag frequently what stands in the way of pieces that get worn regularly and those which get saved for special occasions? It makes so sense not to wear what I love, even if that means simply switching tops and shoes for running errands between walks, with the right basics I can.
The Rundown Silk Shirt"Harper" c/o Mott &Bow High Rise Skinny Jeans"Ann" c/o Mott &Bow Black Velvet Blazer Urban Outfitters similar Mules Charles David via TJMaxx Bag "Lewis Drive Michela"Kate Spadesimilar Loop EarringsMejuri Diamond Necklace Belonged to my Grandma Fresh Water Pearl NecklaceS.V. Decker Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Whenever an item makes its way into my closet that I deem 'special' I often wait a terribly long time for an occasion to arise. When I finally acquired this Kate Spade dress last summer, after years of searching, I envisioned its first outing to be on a boat. There was nothing rational about this desire, and no reason I shouldn't have thrown on this dress the day it arrived at my doorstep. But I waited all the same, and when I had an opportunity to attend an event supporting small businesses in New London this weekend, I decided that boat adjacent would have to be good enough - this dress could not miss another summer.
While the forecast had called for cloudiness with a small chance of rain, it could not have been more wrong. Torrential downpours dashed my hopes of lunch al fresco, which was a shame, as the restaurants in New London along Bank Street all have fantastic water views. The rain didn't mange to stop me from shopping however, and I enjoyed patronizing all the small businesses in New London's historic downtown. When the sun finally broke through I thought it would be the perfect time to get ice cream; naturally the moment my sundae was in my hands the rain started up again! Despite dodging the rain drops, it was still a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon and I hope to plan another visit soon.
The Rundown DressFlorence Broadhurst for Kate Spadevia eBay White SlidesFerragamovia Coco's on the Green Black Straw Bag Zara similar Earrings Vintage similar Pearl Anchor Necklace Handmade similar Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Cat Eye Sunglasses H&M Nail Color"Caviar Bar" Essie
Now that I've been home a week, I've had a chance to appreciate all the little things I missed while I was away. Seeing Chloe, driving my own car, washing my hair -- having lived my whole life with soft water, I didn't like how my hair felt after being washed in California's hard, mineral rich water. Sprawling out in my queen bed is not on the list, because I share it with Chloe and she takes 75% of it. But getting fun things in the mail is on the list, and I arrived home to a package from Ana Luisa, the high fashion jewelry brand where you can find both classic and quirky pieces, all under $100.
I chose these 14k gold plated mobile earrings because they were my ideal combination of something a bit different, but still easy to wear. They are super light weight and comfortable to wear - while the material used for the posts is not noted on the item description, I can say it did not bother my ears. Ana Luisa promises to only use high quality metals and durable gold plating, so I imagine these will be a shining part of my collection for years to come.
