Revisiting Old Pieces

I've always loved shopping, and I would be lying if I didn't say I sometimes considered the blog as an excuse to buy something new. I would also like to say that my efforts to be good this year and not shop were going well, however this month I found myself in more than one slip up.

When I was doing my closet clean out, I noticed several neglected pieces that I wasn't ready to part with, but still decided I need to try and bring back into rotation. The first was this peplum top. I purchased it in 2016 while I was in California and wore it to dinner once while I was there, and didn't take outfit photos. I wore it again over the summer, and then it sat. Regardless of rational, two and a half years seems like a long time to hold on to a piece that isn't being worn. It isn't the only article taking a backseat to new items coming in.

This Linea Pelle bag was once the pride and joy of my bag collection. It was purchased back in 2013 and was on heavy rotation for about two years before new bags came in and usurped its status. The CC Skye pyramid stud bracelet was once a favorite to pair with it, so I decided to reunite them. I stopped wearing the bracelet after the clasp came undone on a couple occasions and I almost lost it forever.

The shoes I should be most embarrassed about - one wear in one year! Now up to three as of this post, but still, these adorable heels in a neutral shade didn't do anything wrong, why so much neglect?

As much as I crave filling my closet with new things, I really need to step back, focus on what I have, and find new love for old pieces. (Not sure how long this mentality will last, this dress is calling my name!)

       

The Rundown
Black and White Peplum Top Banana Republic
Jeans Banana Republic
Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar
Kitten Heels "Moxie" c/o SAS
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle similar 
Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana similar
Circle Earrings c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Mini Punk Princess Bracelet CC Skye similar
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Raglan" Warby Parker
Nail Color "Cement the Deal" OPI

Linking up with Thursday Fashion Files

Greige

Sometimes I wonder if I'm a failure as a fashion blogger. After all, I'm someone who purportedly has a good eye for putting pieces together and creating cohesive, yet unexpected looks. However the reality is that I tried half a dozen different tops ranging from olive green (likely would have worked with blue jeans, but not the grey) to windowpane print (I've had that top for three years and haven't worn it yet, maybe it's time to give it up) only to land on cream, the very obvious choice.

I suppose it's okay to not be as adventurous with my outfits as I once was, maybe I should take my new perspective on color and print as a sign of maturity. Though the truth is, there are some people who make bold style choices work and appear effortless. I'm just not one of them, and perhaps it's time to accept my middle ground approach and stop trying to make 'extra' work.

Where is the edge of your own outfit comfort zone?

       

The Rundown
Tweed Moto Jacket "Pattyn" Joie thrifted similar
Cream Tank J.Crew thrifted similar
Grey Jeans Gap similar
Kitten Heels "Moxie" c/o SAS
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle similar
 Pave Hexagon Earrings Thrifted similar
Necklace "Scottie" LuxbyUK
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

Chasing the Light

Thanks to Vionic for sponsoring this post! My style and opinions are my own.

These shoes are so nice, I had to share them twice, and when we had the most divine taste of spring weather earlier this week, I felt motivated enough to take outfit photos after work. It's funny how when you continually take photos in the same places over the years, you get to notice the nuanced changes of the sunlight at different times of the year. I mention this because the library is a frequent backdrop in my photoshoots, and where I shoot largely depends on the light.

In the late afternoon as we reach the tail end of winter, my favorite staircase is just engulfed in light, so much so that I tend to avoid it, not being a fan of direct light. There is a more favorable place, also west facing, but I can shoot with the light behind me. However, what was once a picket fence and trees is presently a construction zone with a new house springing up.

I relocated once again, to more northern spot, which looks lush and vibrant in the summer, but presently just feels barren and raw. In a few more months the trees on the eastern side of the building will be in bloom, but right now there isn't much to see. Traipsing around to the front still wasn't quite giving me the light I wanted, as well as having the disadvantage of being the main entrance - ideal for shooting on bank holidays and after hours.

I circled again, the sun was setting. I finally spotted a staircase, not as grand or pretty as the others, but secluded and with just enough of the sunlight to get that rim light, and that glow.

All I could think was, thank goodness I was shooting my flat, comfortable Vionic mules; in a different shoe, I might have given up before I found my light.

       

The Rundown
White Silk Button Down J.Crew
Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar
Grey Jeans Gap similar

Silver Regan Mule c/o Vionic
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle similar
Earrings Taken for Granite similar
Diamond Chip Ring c/o Crown Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx similar steal
Nail Color "Couture Curator" Essie

Linking up with Jeans and a Teacup's Flashback Friday (one year ago today)

If the shoe fits

"I believe in my ability to create my own life."

Last Thursday I had an opportunity to visit Park & Oak restaurant in West Hartford with several other Connecticut bloggers, which was a lovely excursion for a weeknight, and the perfect opportunity to wear my latest closet additions, this one shoulder top and these fabulous gold earrings.

I've finally started wearing these black pumps I got sometime in May, they were the result of trying dozens of black pumps - dear Zappos, Amazon and my UPS guy, I'm sorry for all the returns - and coming to the realization that my shoe size isn't really an 8, but rather a 7 WW! It's not that I haven't been wearing pumps in a size 8 for all these years, just that they would always have a large gap in back and I made it my mission to find a pair of black pumps which fit without needing heel pads. So Naturalizer came to the rescue, and for a comfort brand, I think these pumps are a stylish step in the right direction. You can't really tell in these photos, but the inside of the heel itself is metallic, and that little detail really sold me on them. Plus they met my price cap $100... but of course I waited to take advantage of a 30% off sale and grabbed them in nude too.

        

The Rundown
Ruffled One Shoulder Top Banana Republic
Black Pants Gap similar
Black Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle similar
Gold Bon Bon Earrings The Dressing Room Boutique
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Starburst Ring TJMaxx similar
Nail Color "Twill Seeker" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

and

Oh To Be A Muse's Lookbook Linkup
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday

Electing leopard

I have little desire to discuss what a tumultuous election season it's been, but no matter your political views or ambivalence, you should still go and vote today, because it's a right not afforded to everyone and should not be taken for granted.

Seeing as we are now fully into November, it's time I start recognizing that winter is here, and as much as it pains me to delve into unwieldy layers and confusing bootie wearing rules, (I tried here, I cuffed my jeans, but I guess I still didn't execute it properly) I know it will be even more painful to suffer through the day being perpetually cold.

So I will pack away my sandals, pull out my outerwear, and begin the season of grin and bear.

       

The Rundown

Black Tee Gap similar

Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway

Leopard Poncho Fraas similar

Brown Booties "Upton" c/o Vionic

Bag "Astor" Linea Pelle

Gold Bar Earrings Argento Vivo via TJMaxx

Necklace "Greer V" Gorjana

Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana

Star Ring TJMaxx similar

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry

Sunglasses c/o Sicky

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

Fringe sweater dress

Sweater dresses are one of the higher points of fall, comfy and cozy, and of course bringing the ease of a dress into anther season. Maybe not quite as easy as summer, as a little more layering is required, but still a favorite.

I also managed to finally pull out a few pairs of my boots, and I was quite pleased to slide into this suede pair, sleek, comfortable and still available for under $100 this season at DSW and at few other sites for even less, but with limited sizing.

I suppose it's high time I get into the swing of things and get my over the knee boots out as well!

        

The Rundown
Fringed Sweater Dress Holding Horses via Anthropologie
Black Cardigan Gap thrifted similar
Boots "Jabine" Adrienne Vittadini
Bag "Astor" Linea Pelle
Loyce Earrings Elizabeth Cole c/o Shopbop
Hammered Pendant Necklace Avon similar
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses Halston Thrifted

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's What I Wore to Work

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda