Nothing is ever as perfect as you imagine

Having done a collaboration with Shopbop, I very patiently held on to the gift card money I was compensated with until a sale arrived. When it did the other week, I was ready to pile up my cart with all the items I'd been hearting. The Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB, the Clare V. leopard clutch, a black foldover clutch by Oliveve, and after a quick pass through the sale section, I added a unique pair of Elizabeth Cole earrings.

The Mini MAB, a bag I've been in love with for the better part of two years turned out to be just too small for my liking, and the black clutch was fine, but that's all - the zipper didn't pull very smoothly, the leather wasn't that supple - I expect more for $135.

The earrings are gorgeous, but when I put them on almost immediately my ears started to ache. The description states 24k gold plating, however that did not extend to the posts. I emailed the company to inquire as to what they are, and received the response of surgical steel. The retail price for these costume jewelry earrings is $182. For that, they couldn't opt for a sterling post, or at least plate it?

Still, I was reluctant to return them so I ventured to the local jewelers to find out if the posts could be replaced. Much like dry cleaners and tailors, the jeweler didn't want to commit to an exact price for the job, or even give me much assurance it could be done, but I decided to just go for it anyway. It ended up costing $30 for sterling posts, so while I'm beyond annoyed with Elizabeth Cole for selling surgical steel for $182, I love the earrings and now I can wear them.

At least one item I ordered is perfect, the Clare V. clutch is ridiculously soft and beautiful, and I can see why it's a blogger favorite.

The Rundown
Striped Shirt LL.Bean thrifted
Black Pants Gap similar
Black Leather Moto Jacket Express similar
Black Loafer Pumps Ferragamo via Roundabout similar
Leopard Clutch Clare V. c/o Shopbop
Loyce Earrings Elizabeth Cole c/o Shopbop
Vista Cuff Gorjana via Rocksbox
Spike Bracelet "Baby B" c/o Marrin Costello
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Fizz & Frosting's Mix it Monday

and

Monday Mingle

November

The start of November brings with it many things; we've turned the clocks so sunsets are painfully early, halloween will be cleared out of stores at light speed and Christmas will soon be saturating every facet of our lives. (Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that sort of gets shoved the corner, marketing-wise we only treat it as a segue way to Christmas.)

The next two months will go by in a flash, and before you know it the year will be over. You are all freaking out too, right?

The Rundown
Chambray Tee Shirt Forever 21 similar
Black Coated Jeans Joe's via TJMaxx similar
Leopard Pumps Sam Edelman
Bag "Alexa" Danielle Nicole c/o Serendipity and Grace
Tassel Necklace Thrifted similar
Spike Bracelet "Baby B" c/o Marrin Costello
Snake Ring Brilliant Imports
Hammered Gold Ring Thrifted similar
Sunglasses "Cat Eye Combination" Cole Haan via TJMaxx

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall 

and

Monday Mingle

Elevated joggers

These floral print joggers are as close to being pajamas as you could possibly get, and therefore I feel compelled to pair them with sleek heels, bold jewelry, and luxe fabrics. Just to over compensate for their pajamaness and declare to the world that I didn't just roll out of bed and hope for the best, but that I put these clothes on with intention.

The Rundown
Black Tee Banana Republic thrifted similar
Floral Soft Pants Old Navy
Heels "Reverse" Charles by Charles David similar
Navy Foldover Clutch Clare V.
Earrings JoJo Loves You
Lariat Necklace Made by Me similar
Cloudy Agate Bracelet J.Crew
Spike Bracelet "Baby B" c/o Marrin Costello
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Green Cabochon Ring Taken for Granite similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Lion Around" Essie

Linking up with Jeans and a Teacup's Flashback Friday (One year ago today)
and
Linking up with Forage Fashion's Friday Finds

In spot pursuit

The Rundown
Leopard Dress Calvin Klein via TJMaxx similar
Sandals MRKT via DSW similar
Bag Tahari c/o TJMaxx similar
Earrings Urban Gem via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Palm Rope Necklace Jenny Bird via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Spike Bracelet "Baby B" c/o Marrin Costello
Gold Wrap Ring gift from Meg similar
Hammered Gold Ring Thrifted similar
Sunglasses Halston thrifted
Nail Color "Bunny" Julep

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's Summer Style

and

Happiness At Midlife's Throwback Thursday (last time I wore this dress)

Those who wait

Are those who hesitate lost, or do good things come to those who wait?

I always fall squarely in the waiting category, which does mean that sometimes I miss out on things, but more often than not, I find my patience is rewarded.

Such was the case with these jeweled espadrille sandals, first spotted on Jessica's blog back in March. With a list price of $110, I knew I would have to hold out for a sale. When Piperlime was going out at the end of May, they could have been had for 40% off, but again I hesitated, since they would be final sale I would have to take a gamble with the fit.

I then found them on Amazon, still at list price, but added them to my watch list. Eventually the price slowly crept down. When they got to 40% I was ready to make my purchase with the sound knowledge that I could always return them for free.

The day after I purchased them the price plunged even lower, to 50% off, but thankfully Amazon offers price adjustments within 10 days of your delivery (store credit only), so they became mine for $54.

Fitting comfortably and true to size, I would definitely recommend them!

The Rundown
Cream Tank J.Crew similar
Ikat Shorts Gap similar
Jeweled Espadrille Sandal Dune London
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle
Earrings Urban Gem via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Palm Rope Necklace Jenny Bird via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Ellis Bracelet Robyn Rhodes via Rocksbox (one month free with lydiaxoxo)
Spike Bracelet "Baby B" c/o Marrin Costello
Gold Wrap Ring gift from Meg similar
Sunglasses Vogue via Sunglass Hut
Nail Color "Naughty Nautical" Essie

Linking up with Jeans and a Teacup's Flashback Friday (One year ago today)
and
Linking up with Forage Fashion's Friday Finds