Sunny Afternoons

The days are shorter, the trees now bare, temperatures slowly erratically creeping lower. Never before have I witnessed a town bustling with outdoor diners in the middle of November, everyone trying to capitalize on the warm, sunny afternoons when we are graced with them.

I eavesdrop on restaurateurs recounting their tales of trying to secure heaters for their patios and the cutthroat Facebook Marketplace transactions. I observe the neighboring diners, who brought blankets, making a mental note that is a good idea. I lament how quickly my coffee has gotten cold (which isn't long enough even when indoors.)

As long as the sun shines, it's warm and beautiful, but once it sets and the evening chill settles in, the illusion of "dress weather" fades. At such time, it's best to have a furry layer on hand, or be ready to call it a night at 4:30 p.m.

The Rundown
Leopard Wrap Dress Poshmark similar
Cream Open Knit Cardigan Ali Express
White Caned Pumps Just Fab
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marley Lilly
Cream Wool Fedora Goorin Brothers similar
Gold Croissant Ring Etsy
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Looking Forward

Happy Friday! I know it's been a while since I've posted, and while I wasn't planning on taking such a long break from the blog, sometimes it just happens. I've definitely found myself in a bit of a rut lately, but hopefully that will change soon. I also wanted to thank everyone for your sweet words about Chloe, they mean so much to me.

This felt like the right time to try and get back into my regular post schedule, since this past week I found myself with an unexpectedly full blogging social calendar. It's been a lot of fun, and I got a chance to catch up with some bloggers I haven't seen in ages, but I'm still looking forward a quieter week ahead, and hopefully finding myself back into my routine of reading all your blogs, which I've been missing!

I've also done way too much shopping over the last month. I started writing my May budget post and just abandoned it because I was feeling embarrassed about how many things ended up in my closet, the new top and earrings I'm wearing included. Finding moderation with my shopping budget is still an issue for me, no matter how much I tell myself I don't need something, those moments of weakness, of believing my next purchase will somehow make me feel better are hard to quell. If you have any tips on how to shop the impulse shopping, I'm all ears. Also, someone please tell me not to buy this top.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday!

        

The Rundown
Striped Sweater Tank Banana Republic
 Denim Shorts Gap
Navy Espadrille Sandals Sonoma similar
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
Anchor Belt ASOS similar
Gold Hoop Earrings Argento Vivo via TJMaxx 
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Gold Circle Ring Thrifted
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Spring's Arrival

The calendar has officially marked the start of Spring, so there is now only waiting for the actual weather to reflect it, and dressing without a necessary additional layer in the time being.

Since I've been home I've been feeling the need to do a big closet clean out. I've been trying really hard not to shop this year, and with the exception of a pair of pajamas, I haven't purchased any clothes or accessories this calendar year (you already know about the shopping I snuck in during the dwindling hours of 2018).

Of course through some brand collaborations, new things have arrived all the same, and I'm trying to reconcile my closet so that it is no long in a state of chaos; and I don't have to buy more hangers. I know that has been my mantra for quite sometime, but clothing being perpetually camped out on a chair isn't much better of a solution.

I've tried listing things on eBay, mostly as a way of assuaging my guilt when it comes to things I've barely, or maybe even never worn. Though for the amount of effort it takes to list things, to only sell at a fraction of the price I paid and even less than I'd hoped to get, I'm not sure it's worth it. I might just send a box to ThredUP, knowing full well I'll get pennies for every piece, but it might be better than nothing.

Are you planning on any spring cleaning this year? Or did you start in January with the rest of the Marie Kondo obsessed crowd?

       

The Rundown
Rima Fringed Cardigan Anthropologie similar
 Blush Button Down Blouse Joie via swap.com
Distressed Jeggings Gap
Blush Booties Old Navy
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

 Linking up with Style on the Daily

Between Brunch and Ice Cream

It was admittedly, a pretty leisurely Saturday. Friday had been a late night of seeing Eliot Glazer's Haunting Renditions followed by an hour of driving around looking for a parking space so we could get dinner. (Honestly L.A. how do you live like this?) Thus resulting in a late Saturday brunch. We went to one of my sister's favorite spots in Manhattan Beach, Cafe Wild, where the cinnamon french toast was tasty, and their mimosa pitcher might as well have been bottomless, for we couldn't finish it - and we really did try our best.

After brunch we strolled down to the boardwalk while admiring the stretch of coastline, the dozens of surfers, and the million cute dogs walking by. The day had somehow crept into late afternoon, and we decided that our indulgent brunch wasn't enough, so we headed to the ice cream shop.

As for this outfit - I haven't worn this jumpsuit in forever - or at least I didn't wear it even once last year, which I feel guilty about. It was another one of those pieces where I needed to hem it, and truthfully I should have sized down on this as well, because I had to safety pin it to keep it from sliding down. It's strapless and the weight of this fabric is just immense. It's probably the reason my suitcase was overweight! However from the moment I brought this jacket home last fall I'd imagined pairing it with this jumpsuit, and I felt like this trip would be the perfect time. I'm really pleased I got it wear it and photograph it.

       

The Rundown
Rust Wide Leg Jumpsuit Free People similar
Tweed Moto Jacket "Pattyn" Joie thrifted
White Mules "Bianca" Target
Wide Brim Fedora Goorin Bros. via ebay similar
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Couture Curator" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

Bright Spot Through the Clouds

Over the weekend it rained nearly non-stop. Torrential, buckets of rain. I suppose since this is the only rain Los Angeles is getting for probably the rest of the year, it has to get it all in?

On Saturday I accompanied my sister on her side hustle, which is grocery shopping and delivery. We had to brave the rain through four Trader Joe's shopping trips, but at least they all had different free samples (tell me I'm not the only one who feels motivated to go there for the samples alone). At the end of the day just before sunset there was the most beautiful rainbow, or so I saw on Instagram, on multiple accounts. Sadly, we missed it.

Sunday was set out to be another full day of rain, but the sun came out for a bit, and we diverted from another grocery store run to snap these photos. Just as we finished all the clouds rolled back in and the rain resumed. Fingers crossed there will be more bright skies for the rest of my stay, especially because the only boots I brought are suede, and this jacket is both missing its hood, and isn't waterproof.

P.S. I'm terrible at packing.

      

The Rundown
Striped Ruffle Sleeve Tee Green Envelope via TJMaxx
Field Jacket J.Crew similar
Jeans Banana Republic
Silver Regan Mule c/o Vionic
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
Circle Earrings c/o AUrate New York
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Couture Curator" Essie

Linking up with Style on the Daily

Happiness Boutique

Los Angeles is not wanting for street art, not to mention that around nearly every corner is brightly painted wall. While a bright turquoise wall might not have seemed like the obvious choice with Manhattan Beach within eyesight, it was a very bright and blustery afternoon, thus necessitating a little shade and shield from the wind, so that my new necklaces from Happiness Boutique could be shot in their best light.

Happiness Boutique is a fun, affordable jewelry boutique, with everything from statement earrings to delicate layering necklaces, and they kindly sent me over the half moon and rhombus charm necklaces, which are both gold plated stainless steel. They are priced under $30, thus making them a budget friendly addition to a jewelry collection.

I'm sure you know by now what a weak spot I have for delicate gold jewelry, and I love when the pieces are easy to layer. Both the necklaces are the same length, but have extenders on them, so they are easy to adjust and create the look I want, which today was a bit bohemian, especially with my wind tousled curls.

Want 10% off your order? Use code iamchiconthecheap for any order over $22. Valid until 2.28.19.

        

The Rundown
Black Maxi Dress Gap similar
Denim Jacket Gap similar
Sandals Target
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Rhombus Charm Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

Linking up with

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