What to Wear for Valentine's Day

I haven't done much in the way of celebrating Valentine's day the past few years, however this year my mom, sister, and I are hosting a Galentine's Day, and when I reviewed my closet for potential outfits, this maxi dress stood out. It has only been worn once, Christmas Eve of 2018, and never properly photographed, so it seemed like a perfect choice.

Another small nod to the occasion with my double heart earrings, and topped off with this vintage inspired faux fur coat; I will be the most glamorous single girl drinking wine and eating chocolate at home with her girlfriends this February 14th.

If you have actual cause for celebration or an outing, I found a few similar maxi dresses and bold heart shaped earrings which I've linked below.

What are your Valentine's plans?

      

The Rundown
Color Block Maxi Dress Banana Republic similar
Brown Faux Fur Coat Banana Republic
 Jeweled Strap Mule Banana Republic
 Scalloped Clutch Matine similar
Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar
Bracelet Vintage
Pearl and Pave Ring Forever 21 similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Draped in Velvet

I'm not always on top of things when it comes to shooting holiday content in a timely manner, aka, before the actual holiday; I usually drop the ball when it comes to taking photos on the actual holiday as well. However, approximately one month later is when I can get it together and share what I wore for Christmas Eve.

I'm sure you know I've got a bit of an affinity for Banana Republic and may have over done it when it came to purchasing holiday styles; I first bought the velvet cami in navy, but then decided I also wanted it in taupe, only to conclude that it would just be foolish to not have the matching midi skirt as well.

As Christmas Eves go, having 30+ family members gathered in a space where the oven has undoubtedly been on all day, means that sleeveless tops, bare legs, and open shoes are easy to get away with, even if I have to be extra bundled up outside. I did have a cardigan, but I barely needed it all night.

Thankfully my delays in photographing this outfit worked in my favor, as we had that warm weekend, and I was not freezing to death shooting this outside. Perhaps we can forget this was meant to be Christmas outfit and instead repurpose it for early Valentine's Day? You can even still pick up the top and the skirt in a gorgeous deep red at a delightful 60% off.

     

The Rundown
Velvet Cowl-Neck Camisole Banana Republic
Velvet Midi Skirt Banana Republic
Asymmetrical Strap Mules Zara similar
Scalloped Clutch Matine similar
Pave Disc Earrings similar
Fresh Water Pearl Necklace S.V. Decker 
Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Grey Plaid Cardigan and Sock Booties

I've been thinking about dipping my toes into the sock bootie trend for a while, because I love the idea of not having to deal with the cold ankle conundrum that has arisen with most pairs of booties. I'd had my eye on this pair from Naturalizer all season, and finally decided to order them when they were on sale for half off.

I think I've become a Naturalizer convert, I know that most comfort brands tend to have the stigma of being unfashionable old lady shoes, which isn't to say that they don't have some of those, but overall they offer a lot of cute shoes that are designed with comfort in mind and come in different widths, which I will always wish would become more common place.

I hope you have some great plans for the weekend, and that your 2019 is off to a good start!

       

The Rundown
Grey Tee Gap
Long Grey Plaid Cardigan Ann Taylor similar
Jeans Banana Republic
Sock Booties "Neola" Naturalizer
Scalloped Tote Matine
Double O-Ring Belt Express
Grey Wool Fedora Forever 21 similar
Loop Earrings Mejuri
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Nail Color "Penny Talk" Essie

Linking up with

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

2019

Happy New Year!
I'm not very good at resolutions. If you asked me what I wrote about on January first last year I don't think I could tell you. This year, if I were to resolve to do anything, it would be to find more confidence in myself and to stop allowing my life to be ruled by fear. While it's one thing to acknowledge the problem, it's another to actually do something about it. Additionally, I need to find a new job, and also shop less (obliviously). What are you looking forward to in 2019?

The Rundown
Cashmere Turtleneck Cynthia Rowley via TJMaxx similar
Black Jeans Gap
Leopard Fur Coat JCP similar
Booties "Calixta" Cole Haan similar

Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Leather Pom Matine

Loop Earrings Mejuri
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Linking up with
I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

A Bit Holiday

I wanted to be a bit festive over the weekend so I pulled out some very old pieces, this beaded antler tee from J.Crew, and this velvet blazer from Urban Outfitters. I often feel like the best way to wear a very old piece is to pair it with a very new piece, so I'm wearing a new pair of girlfriend jeans from Gap.

I swear I've been trying so hard to not shop for myself this month, but I'll admit a couple pieces may have slipped into my cart. Mostly from Gap and their family of brands, partly because I have a credit card which gives such good rewards, and partly because time and again, Gap proves to have some of the best customer service I've ever received. I ended up needing to call them three times this month and each time they not only helped me with what I needed, but were so kind and friendly, I ended each call with a smile on my face. I can't say that is something I've experienced from too many other realtors, particularly during the busiest shopping season of the year, so if a pair of gap jeans ends up in my cart and they are under $30, I'm just going to let it slide.

      

The Rundown

Velvet Blazer Urban Outfitters similar

Beaded Antler Tee J.Crew eBay

Distressed Girlfriend Jeans Gap

Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer

Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Leather Pom Matine
Watch "Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington
Diamond Chip Ring c/o Crown Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's

Grand Avenue Jewelry

Thanks to Grand Avenue Jewelry for sponsoring this post.

I'm always looking for an excuse to get dressed up. If I had my way, every weekend in December would be booked with a party or gathering, any reason for a pretty dress, a pair of heels, and fabulous jewelry. When Grand Avenue Jewelry asked me if I'd be interested in styling a couple pieces from their latest collection, it was an immediate yes; gold and minimalistic has very much been my style as of late.

The pieces crafted from brass and double plated in 14 karat gold feel special enough for an evening out, but are also completely wearable for everyday. While I can sometimes be wary of plated jewelry, Grand Avenue describes their double electroplating process as being four times thicker than average, yet they keep their markups low enough that all the price points are under $100. Better quality jewelry that is kinder to my wallet certainly meets my approval!

If you are still searching for gifts for some of the special ladies in your life, or just something to treat yourself, Grand Avenue Jewelry is offering Chic on the Cheap readers an exclusive discount code, which can be used through the end of the year. Use CHICONTHECHEAP20 to get 20% off your order!

      

The Rundown
Maxi Dress Banana Republic similar
Black Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Scalloped Clutch "Tilly" Matine
Fur Scarf Target
Circle Earrings c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Curve Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Nail Color "Twill Seeker" Essie

Thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap. As always my views and opinions are my own.

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