It's funny to think that back in September the thought of purchasing a new sweater was the last thing on my mind. I knew I had a very large dresser drawer filled to capacity, and as I was enjoying the summer heat, these frigid days seemed so far away; the idea that I could even want a new sweater seemed absurd.
Needless to say, at the first cold snap I was rationalizing how my cream sweater needed replacing and I'm so pleased with how cozy and warm this mock neck sweater from Ann Taylor turned out to be that I'm now contemplating picking it up in the new spring blush shade as well. I should probably listen to my September self, who knew I had more than enough sweaters to survive the winter, I've probably got enough blush in my closet I don't wear nearly enough as it is.
The Rundown Cream Mock Neck SweaterAnn Taylor Velvet PantsLoft Velvet Bow MulesLoft Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar Cream BeretAmazon Gold Twist Hoops Thrifted similar Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Nail Color "Bordeaux"Essie
In a time of instant access to shopping all hours of the day, it's easy to see why the secondhand market has been facing troubles. Even as a lover of thrift stores and eBay, when I contemplate ideas like only shopping secondhand, I know all too quickly I wont last when endless Banana Republic sales flood my Instagram feed.
Though I wish I could, as I do enjoy the hunt and the victory of finding that coveted piece (or the piece I didn't know I needed) for a fraction of the price. This Rachel Comey sweater is one such piece, I lusted over and stalked eBay for more than a year before it became mine, and I was lucky that the color I wanted turned up, and the size just so happened to work. That is not always the case, as a pair of Loeffler Randall sandals from Poshmark sit unworn as they seem to be about a size and a half lager than marked. The downfall of secondhand shopping (particularly online) is that sales tend to be final, or returns not worth the effort. Which isn't to say I don't have pieces I bought in person that have never once been worn. Sometimes that guilt free 90 day return policy is the only thing that prompts me to shop retail over secondhand.
While inspecting the tag of this sweater (who am I kidding, I knew it would say dry clean) I noticed a note the designer included, which read "Keep Forever". Clearly if the original owner had abided by that request I wouldn't be in possession of the sweater at all, but it did serve as a reminder of all the pieces which come and go from my closet, and made me wonder if I could ever come to terms with the idea of only having things I'd like to keep forever. It's something to keep in mind, next time the velvet jumpsuit from Banana Republic Factory, now half off, crosses my feed.
The Rundown Fringe Hem Sweater Rachel Comey similar High Rise Skinny Jeans"Ann" c/o Mott &Bow Sock Booties"Neola"Naturalizer Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
When I arrive home from a trip, I like to unpack and do laundry immediately. I hate the thought of that suitcase sitting there and taking up space, plus having lived out of it for two months, there is no need to do so for one more day.
That naturally brings me to discuss the tripod I bought specifically so I could take outfit photos on my own. Cost per use: $20.
At least now my sister has a tripod?
The Rundown Floral Equipment Blousevia Roundabout similar Tan Merino Cardigan Max Studio via TJMaxx similar JeansBanana Republic Nareen Block Heels c/o Vionic Black Straw BagZara Wide Brim Fedora Goorin Bros.via ebay similar Circle Earrings c/o AUrate New York Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses"Caravan"Ray-Ban Nail Color"Caviar Bar" Essie
Christmas was filled with lots of family, friends, too much food and lovely new gifts, but right now all I'm craving is a bit of calm and quite, and to keep repeating my mantra to deal with the after holiday sales, "don't shop, don't shop." Hopefully it works at least a little.
As per usual I didn't make the time to photograph either of the outfits I wore on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. In the past I've sometimes made an effort to recreate the looks so that they could eventually get on the blog, though that is really more for my own sake than anyone else's. Right now I suppose I should be posting New Year's Eve looks.
Since my sister is home, I may even being going out for New Year's Eve for the first time in a long time. I can't say I feel remiss over spending the last few falling asleep on the couch. There is too much hype, it's so easy to feel let down. I'd much prefer an intimate gathering with those who mean the most to a big, overpriced night out.
How do you want to ring in the new year?
The Rundown Shawl Surplice Blouse Tracy Reese via Roundabout similar Black JeansGap Black Pumps"Natalie"Naturalizer Bucket Bag"Johnny"Danse Lente Beaded Hoop EarringsGorjana Gold Plated Disc NecklaceMatteo via TJMaxx Ruby Crystal Talisman Ring c/o Uncommon Goods Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Nail Color"Bubbles Only"Essie
If the background of the photo didn't clue you in, this is what I wore a couple weekends ago to see "Once" at the Ivoryton Playhouse. I love seeing live performances, and there is something very special about how small and intimate the Ivoryton is. There is not a bad seat in the house, no squinting from the cheap seats, just getting to feel swept up in the performance.
I know that NYC and Broadway are a quick train ride from me, but Connecticut has quite a bit to offer, as long as you've got the mindset of the small town scene. Dinner after the show was across the street at the Ivoryton Tavern and Cafe, where the floor boards are creaky, the menu is anything but adventurous, but the food is tasty, and if you grab a seat at the bar, chances are you'll be sitting next to one of the actors.
The Rundown Scattered Dot DressLoft Loafer Pumps Ferragamo via Roundabout similar Bucket Bag"Johnny"Danse Lente Versailles Earrings Julie Vos similar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Nail Color"Princess Charming" Essie
I decided to wear my ideal spring outfit, despite it still being cold for it. Yes, it is too much to ask to wear a blazer instead of a winter coat. Funny how when I was just starting to transition into fall, I reached for this particular floral blouse, and it's what came to mind when I wanted to wear something decidedly spring-like.
The perks of lingering winter weather? My favorite seasonal drink at Willoughby's Coffee Shop, the Mexican Spice Mocha remains on the menu, and the hot beverage is just what I needed to keep my hands warm. I've put away my gloves for the year in protest, but it's really a lose-lose situation. There is a promise of 60° on Saturday, but if happens, it will only be a brief reprieve.
The Rundown Floral Blouse Equipment via Roundabout similar Rust Satin Boyfriend Blazer Banana Republic White JeansOld Navy Nude Pumps"Natalie"Naturalizer Round Rattan BagEtsy Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx Nail Color"Couture Curator" Essie
I took outfit photos six times in February. I feel like that has to be some sort of record low. Even the coldest of times, I used to be so dedicated. I can even remember some of those days very clearly thinking, "Why, oh why, am I standing out here in the freezing cold with this tripod taking photos?"
I feel a little guilty, because when I started blogging it was in part to motivate me to want to dress my best every day. Now it's more like, wear jeans and a sweater every day, but maybe put on some cute heels the day I take photos. Just because I don't like wearing tights anymore doesn't mean I have to write off winter style, and while I ride out these last few weeks of winter (because the reality is that it is still winter) I feel like I should try harder to make the most of it in a way I haven't been these last few months.
I suppose now that I've got that extra hour of daylight I have one less excuse for not taking photos on weekdays.
The Rundown Snow Bird SweaterLou & Grey Grey Jeans Gap similar Nude Pumps"Natalie"Naturalizer Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar Gold Ball StudsKohl's Necklace Taken for Granite Signature Spade Ring Kate Spade Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx Nail Color"Caviar Bar" Essie
