Uncommon Goods

These days it's uncommon to find many things that have been made in the USA, and for the last several years it has been my goal to check every tag and description and actively seek them out.

However in this instance, UncommonGoods found me. The Brooklyn, New York based retailer strives to support local artists and designers, and most of the jewelry sold at UncommonGoods is crafted here in the USA. There is also a big focus on sustainability, with one third of their collection featuring recycled or upcycled materials. Being a B Corporation, they use their power as a business to support their community, offer their employees wages above the minimum, while minimizing their environmental impact.

The ruby on my finger was grown by scientists in a California lab, and the Brooklyn based artist left it in it's raw form to create the Talisman Ring, ensuring that every ring is unique and sustainable, utilizing recycled brass for the setting.

The stunning pair of earrings I'm wearing are actual pieces of lace which have been dipped in wax, then bronze then gold. They were made in Columbia by artisans there working with the Colombian mother/daughter design team, who after immigrating to the US, realized that jewelry making could be a way benefit the citizens of Columbia. I love that each piece on the site shares information about the process and the creator.

Both these pieces reflect a high level of craftsmanship and I would feel confident in purchasing presents for the other women in my life this holiday season from UncommonGoods, both with the knowledge that many of the pieces are one of kind, and that I'd be supporting charities through their Better to Give program, which donates $1 to a charity of your choice with every purchase made.

There is also so much more to see at UncommonGoods than just jewelry, so be sure and check it out!

The Rundown
Dress c/o London Times similar
Red Pumps Nine West thrifted similar
Navy Foldover Clutch Clare V.
Castillo Gold Dipped Lace Earrings c/o Uncommon Goods
Cuff Gorjana via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Gold Wrap Ring gift from Meg similar
Ruby Crystal Talisman Ring c/o Uncommon Goods

UncommonGoods gifted me the pieces for the purpose of this post. My views and opinions are my own.

Make a splash

In an effort to cram more summer into my summer, this past weekend I attended a local Oyster Festival, spent time at the beach, rode a tandem bicycle, consumed lots of ice cream, watched the sunset, and wore printed sun dresses.

I have a slight addiction to printed dresses. It's possible you will notice this should you flip back through my last few posts. I feel I should wear them all at least once per summer, so I still have about a dozen more to get through in these next few weeks. Some can transition into fall, which is great, but purple tie dye is strictly summer in my mind.

The Rundown
Tie Dye Dress c/o London Times
White Sandals Ferragamo via Coco's
Earrings c/o Lucky Fabb
Crystal Flower Statement Necklace eBay similar exact
White and Rose Gold Link Bracelet c/o Jeweshop
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Nail Color "Bikini So Teeny" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Summer
and
Monday Mingle

The boot

Last week, before the weather suddenly turned to winter, I took out one of my favorite fall dresses, and my least favorite pair of boots.

They were my least favorite because they were terribly painful to wear, yet I'd put up with them for years. Well no more. They went out with my closet clean out this past weekend, and this is the last you will ever see of them.

Now I just need to find a comfortable replacement...

The Rundown

Chevron Dress c/o London Times similar

Boots Steve Madden similar

Leopard Clutch Gap similar
Earrings Aldo similar

Tortoise Flower Necklace Ebay similar

Gold Circle Bracelet St. Thomas c/o TJMaxx
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Crystal Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Sunglasses Ray-Ban Meteor c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color Butter London Wallis

Dahlia

By the time I get around to embracing fall fashion, it will probably be winter. But seeing as mother nature has been indulging me with warmer days, I see no reason not to get another wear out of this bright floral or my white blazer.

I still can't believe it's October already, time seriously needs to stop passing so quickly, I feel like I can't keep up!

The Rundown
Dahlia Mirror Print Dress c/o London Times
White Blazer Cynthia Rowely via TJMaxx similar
Turquoise Satchel Charm & Luck via TJMaxx similar
Shoes Adrienne Vittadini via TJMaxx similar

Turquoise Bracelet Thrifted similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class
Sunglasses Ray-Ban Emma
Nail Color Sally Hansen The Real Teal

Autumn paisley

I'm convinced that bold, pretty prints actually have some sort of gravitational pull, continually brining me to them.

The moment I saw this dress in an email from London Times, I was smitten. When they kindly offered to send me a dress from their fall line, my decision was nearly already made (because they have at least half a dozen other gorgeous printed dresses this season).

It did win out in the end though, and as I have come to expect from London Times, the fit is perfect, it's terribly comfortable to wear, and the print is dazzling.

The Rundown
Paisley Print Dress c/o London Times
Contrast Cardigan Old Navy similar
Marielle Satchel c/o Nicole Lee
Shoes Adrienne Vittadini via TJMaxx similar
Black Bracelet Thrifted similar
Gold Cuff Avon similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses Halston via Coco's similar

Nail Color Essie Big Spender

London Times provided me with this dress for the purpose of this post. My views and opinions are my own.

Savvy in my city

Summer. The days may be longer, but they always seem to fly by faster than any other time of the year. For me, summer is always about the dress - that perfect summer frock that is bright and fun which could go to brunch, or drinks, or even the office - and oh yes, needs to be affordable!

Fortunately London Times has a ton of stylish and versatile dresses aimed at the savvy shopper and they are launching their biggest giveaway yet, $1000 for your savviest summer ever!

Whether you are looking to beat the heat or to relish it, how do you enjoy the summer in your own city? Find out how bloggers across the US and Canada spend summers in their cities, and share your own way to stay savvy in your city.

In my city there are dozens of places to get your caffeine fix, but in the warmer months, no place could be better than Common Grounds. The coffee beans are roasted on the premises and their offerings are expansive - my summer favorite - an iced coconut latte. However, the best reason to go to Common Grounds in the summer is the patio hidden in the back, where you are away from the traffic and can sit at a table shaded by the tree it was built around.

After your coffee, you could walk across the street to do some shopping at Coco's on the Green (my favorite second hand shop) or head a few minutes down the road to the local beach, a place you've seen me frequent quite a bit in my outfit posts, and soak up some sun!

Enter the London Times Savvy Summer Sweepstakes now through June 29th at 11:59 pm est. Must be a resident of the US or Canada.

The Rundown

Tie Dye Peplum Dress c/o London Times
Sandals Enzo Angiolini Karezza
Color Block Clutch Gap similar
Bling Earrings c/o JoJo Loves You
Neon Necklace Kohl's similar
Bee Bracelet Target
Neon Bracelet Vince Camuto via TJMaxx similar
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Midi Ring Urban Outfitters
Hammered Metal Ring Thrifted similar
Sunglasses Ray-Ban Emma
iPhone Case Kate Spade
Nail Color Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow

Summer Fridays

It's been far too long since I last wore this London Times dress, but at least I finally get to properly show it off, and it's fun exposed zipper in the back!

Did you know London Times is having an instagram contest every Friday this month? All you have to do is post a photo of how you are spending your Friday with the tag #summerfridays @LTFashion to enter. The winner gets a dress of their choice!

This weekend I'm heading up to Cape Cod to help my Brother photograph a wedding, but with this tropical storm moving through, it looks like it's going to be a very wet weekend. Still, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a little sun!

The Rundown

Dahlia Mirror Print Dress c/o London Times

Sandals Frye similar

 Panama Hat Gap similar

Bling Earrings c/o JoJo Loves You

Striped Bracelet Coco's on the Green similar

Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box

Bracelet TJMaxx gift from Christine

Green Onyx Ring c/o RedEnvelope

Sunglasses Ray-Ban Meteor c/o TJMaxx

Nail Color Essie Aruba Blue

Dog Chloe

Pearl Leash Fabuleash

Sakaura

All the petals fall off the cherry blossom tree, making a carpet of pink on the ground, a flurry of petals in the air; a beautiful goodbye.

The Rundown

Two Tone Lace Dress c/o London Times

Pumps Seychelles similar

Earrings Market in Italy similar

Monogram Necklace Amazon similar

Pink Bracelet c/o INPink

Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box

Signature Spade Ring Kate Spade similar

Midi Ring Urban Outfitters

Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class

Sunglasses Ralph c/o Sunglasses Shop

Dog Chloe