Pieces from the Past

Considering my proximity to New York City (about an hour and fifty minutes if I get an express train) it had been over a year since my last visit. Going twice in the span of seven days was certainly not something I expected would happen this month, yet both trips reminded me of how much I love being in the city.

Stepping off the subway at Canal Street brought back a flood of memories from my trips with my friends when I was in high school. As soon as my mom decided I was old enough to go without adult supervision, the months that would pass without at least one trip to New York were few and far between.

This was before I had my iPhone (or any cellphone) offering me turn-by-turn walking directions, telling me which subway train would get me to the right place, before I could call a car with the tap of a button. I'm so spoiled now, but perhaps back then, with nothing but a printed set of Map Quest directions, getting lost was part of the fun. Lost we did get, wrong turns, walking ten blocks in the wrong direction, riding the subway to the end of the line because we'd missed our stop long ago but hadn't noticed.

There was sometimes a plan for our trips, a concert, dim sum in Chinatown, or to see a movie in one of the huge IMAX theaters, but often there was not - it was about being able to wander, on our own, without an agenda.

For a moment, lost in my nostalgia, I wondered if I could find photos from some of those trips, but of course if any exist, they would be prints from a disposable camera, buried deep in a poorly organized drawer. Maybe it's better that way.

        

The Rundown
White Ruffle Sleeve Sweater Sara Campbell via Coco's on the Green
 Black Jeans Gap
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Leopard Mules Franco Sarto via TJMaxx
Camera Bag "Palma" ONA
Pearl Hoop Earrings Thrifted similar
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx
Nail Color "Generation Zen" Essie

Signature Blouse

April marked the expiration of my license, and while waiting in government buildings is rarely a fun way to spend a Saturday morning, I approached the task of getting it renewed with enthusiasm; I was excited about the photo.

When I look at my last two ID photos, the clothes I wore in them just feel like who I was at the time. A snippet of what was important, and how I identified my style. I deliberated for a while over what I should choose this time, and finally landed on the perfect blouse that would represent my identity for the next six years. Due to security issues, licenses are no longer issued the same day, but mailed. When my new license arrived I was crestfallen, while I look okay in the photo, you can see no sliver of my neck or shoulders, not even the tiniest glimpse of the carefully thought out blouse. But here it is, a blue and white silk floral blouse by Joie, purchased at Coco's on the Green, the piece I chose that feels important to my style identity right now.

       

The Rundown
Silk Floral Blouse Joie via Coco's similar
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway
Red Bow Pumps Ferragamo via eBay
Scalloped Tote Matine
Loop Earrings Mejuri
Necklace "Greer V" Gorjana similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Signature Spade Ring Kate Spade similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Cute & Little's On Trend Tuesday

Under the Pink

I am free to change the way things are.

At bit out of order here, but here are my trees, in their peak pink glory. For a chilly spring day I pulled out some old favorites. The trench has of course been on constant repeat, both with and without the rain, it's a nice weight and I appreciate have the longer length. The yellow sweater has three quarter sleeves and I love the inherent preppiness of pairing it with navy cropped pants. Yes, I'm wearing nude trouser socks, my feet get so cold, every little bit helps. After a day in the 80°s over the weekend, going back to 60° just feels so chilly.

       

The Rundown
Yellow Sweater TJMaxx similar
Navy Minnie Pant J.Crew via Coco's similar
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Toe Cap Heels Me Too via TJMaxx similar
Micro Perry Satchel Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop
White Scarf Taken for Granite similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Bee Ring Kohl's similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

Let it be mine

"I choose to welcome all the good things that life has to offer."

For anyone who had a three day weekend, I'm super envious. Today came far too quickly, and as lovely as Easter was, I feel like I should have an extra day to eat cream pie for breakfast. 

I must confess, while I was trying to continue with my shopping ban, I succumbed to the holiday weekend sales and placed a few orders. This scalloped off the shoulder top, this lace cami, these sandals, this bodysuit, and a few other things. I'm not sure what I'll end up keeping yet, and I already feel a smidge guilty about the purchases. I've got to do that closet clean out though. Next weekend? 

Did you take advantage of any of the holiday sales this weekend?

        

The Rundown
Striped Shirt L.L. Bean thrifted
White Jeans Old Navy
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Red Suede Pumps Nine West thrifted similar
Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar
Vintage Silk Scarf Thrifted similar
Gold Bar Earrings Argento Vivo via TJMaxx
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Gold Ring Thrifted
Sunglasses Vogue via Sunglass Hut

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

April Showers

"I am forever evolving into a better and happier person."

The month certainly started off with quite a bit of rain, and while I tend to shy from photos in the elements, it was free cone day at Ben and Jerry's, and even when it's dreary out, I can't miss an opportunity to take photos in downtown New Haven by Yale.

It also gave me an excuse to show off my adorable Kate Spade umbrella. Admittedly not quite as convenient as the kind which collapse small enough to be tucked into a purse, but so much more fun.

      

The Rundown
White Sweater Loft c/o Swap.com similar
Black Jeans Old Navy
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Boots Migliorini via TJMaxx buy on eBay similar
Tilly Tote Matine
Umbrella Kate Spade
Chevron Necklace Loft similar
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Gold Wrap Ring gift from Meg similar

Stylin' in St. Louis's Spotlight Linkup

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

Nearly Spring

I choose to welcome all the good things that life has to offer.

 

Hello March! I know weather wise, you don't always deliver the way I hope you will, but then again, neither do April and May, so I will just have to be content that you are here and bring the promise of spring and warmer weather.

This vintage London Fog trench continues to be the best $3 I ever spent at a thrift store, I'll have had it going on seven years now. I'm also quite pleased with my black tote, even though I've noticed that carrying a tote makes me a crazy packrat. Every weekend I dump it out and always seem to be surprised when I find half a dozen pens, several lipsticks, and usually a spoon. Small bags force me to be the organized person I want to be. However a small closet just forces me to take over every possible surface in the bedroom to store all my bags.

       

The Rundown
Striped Turtleneck Ralph Lauren via TJMaxx similar
Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Black Flats "Gessica" Easy Spirit
Scalloped Tilly Tote Matine
Watch "Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class
Gold Circle Ring Thrifted
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Stylin' in St. Louis's Spotlight Linkup

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda