It's hard to believe it's been an entire year since this pandemic started, and even more unsettling is the fact that the normal we left a year ago still feels so far out of reach.
I'll freely admit that I've had many years which felt stagnant, with life seeming to not move in any direction, but this last year was worse, because things went backwards. Every good habit I'd built up - going to the gym twice a week, eating less sugar, getting more regular dog walk clients, spending more time on the blog and engaging in person with other bloggers -- everything just went in reverse, and now a year later, getting back even a silver of what I had feels so impossibly hard.
A year later and I still feel like all I can do is just get through the days.
It's the time of year when I like to let my outerwear take center stage. Sure, I'm willing to freeze for outfit photos sometimes, but what is the point of having two dozen coats (just guessing, I didn't go count) if I don't create my outfits around them, or just let them be the entire look. When I go out in the world that is what most people are going to see anyway.
Typically I'll make an excuse for one or two new coats each winter, but this year I'm likely setting records. I had my heart set on a blush coat this fall when I spotted this one at TJMaxx. I've certainly noticed the shift in the color pallet of my wardrobe; I haven't worn my red coat in a few years and perhaps I should let it go.
The Rundown Striped Sweater Numph via Coco's on the Green similar Easy Straight Jean Ann Taylor similar Blush Boucle Coat Tahari via TJMaxx similar BootsShutzvia The Outnet Round Crossbody Bag French Connection similar Ram Hoop EarringsVintagevia shopgoodwill.com Thin Gold RingEtsy San Marco Twist RingGolden Cleff via TJMaxx
It's funny, in early September when most bloggers are gushing about fall knits, nothing intersts me less than a sweater. I can even convince myself that I don't need any new ones (and there is no more room in my dresser to boot!)
Then the weather actually gets cold, everything that was new this fall gets discounted and forgotten in favor of a fresh wave of spring knits, and I end up six sale sweaters deep in a pile on my chair when those September feelings become a distant memory. How I will manage to store this surplus of sweaters is a problem for another day when a black chunky v-neck with fringe embellished sleeves is calling my name...
The Rundown Popcorn Knit SweaterJ.Crew Wide Leg Faux Leather PantsAnn Taylor Zip Teddy CoatJ.Crew via eBay Leopard Print Booties Franco Sartovia TJMaxx Round Crossbody Bag Mark Cross thrifted similar Thin Gold RingEtsy
If there is one trend that has been around since I started blogging (over a decade ago!) it's layering jewelry to make a statement. Of course the trend has evolved over the years; first it was layering bracelets, then we had statement necklaces and layering statement necklaces, which thankfully became usurped by delicate necklaces (likely because our necks were starting to hurt), and now the trend has moved to layered rings.
I've been steadily working towards growing my collection of stackable rings, so that I have lots of options to mix and match. I started out with some simple solid bands, but quickly added a chevron band because of how beautifully it accentuates a ring with a stone setting. Now I'm seeing twisted and curb chain bands increasing in popularity, and I love the addition of these new textures.
The jewelry lover that I am, I do often fall for the allure of inexpensive costume pieces, however, I'd much rather invest in solid gold, or at least high quality vermeil when I can. For custom pieces, Etsy can not be beat. Being able to order half and even quarter sizes is a game changer! If I'm going to spend money on vermeil, then shopping at AU-Rate is the clear choice, as they have an amazing life time warranty that includes re-plating if a piece fades or gets scratched.
I can't forget adding in a statement ring into the mix as well, because, why not? This art deco inspired fan ring is wonderful as the band is thin and thus it's quite comfortable to wear. I've also got my eye on another vintage inspired ring that I'm sure would be great addition to my collection!
Do you love layering your rings? Do you have a favorite band combination? Let me know in the comments!
The Rundown Camel Sweater Madewell White Jeans Gap Reversible Coat Banana Republic Booties Aerosoles Brown Croc Bag Loeffler Randall Aries Pendant Necklace Mejuri Deco Fan Pearl Ring c/o AUrate New York Thin Gold Ring Etsy Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York San Marco Twist Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry Gold Ring TJMaxx Nail Color"Surrounded by Studs" Essie
Thanks to Responsival for partnering with me on this post!
