Cocktails at Conspiracy

On Sunday I found my way to Conspiracy, a craft cocktail bar in Middletown, CT, inspired by the prohibition era, the drinks are classic, the bar feels swanky and comfortable, and even the entrance is an unmarked door leading to an unassuming staircase. Stepping foot inside the bar does feel transformative. Exposed brick walls with large arched windows flooded the space with natural light on that afternoon. It is said that the type of seating found at a bar is indicative of the crowd the bar wants; hard stools with no backs mean they want the customers to keep moving. Where as a padded stool with a back is an invitation to stay a while. The moment I laid eyes on the mint green leather bar stools at Conspiracy, I knew I wanted an extended stay.

The bar was closed to everyone but the twenty or so bloggers, so it was nice to feel like we could snap photos, rearrange furniture, and enjoy the space without worrying about intruding on any other guests. For my cocktail, I had The Business, a simple gin drink with lemon and honey. When it comes to cocktails, I always just go for whichever one has gin, and I've yet to be let down by that method.

It turned out to be another spring-like day, and I decided I needed to pull out this floral midi dress while I could. I also decided to pull out my Jeffrey Campbell platform sandals. If you were reading my blog (or any blog) back in 2010 you might remember they were the trendy blogger must have at the time. They had a good run before other shoes usurped their coveted spot in my closet around 2013, but I never let them go. Now it seems the platforms are rising in popularity again and I thought it would be fun to pull them out again. Gosh I missed being that tall!

                

The Rundown
Floral Midi Dress Banana Republic similar
Platform Sandals "Splendid" Jeffrey Campbell similar
Scalloped Clutch Matine
Earrings Taken for Granite similar
Necklaces Luna Norte via TJMaxx
Petite Double Moonstone Ring c/o Moonstone Magic
Opal Ring T by Tahari similar
Sunglasses "Emma" Ray-Ban similar

Stylin' in St. Louis's Spotlight Linkup

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda
and

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

First sign of Fall

This chevron printed dress is another lovely piece sent to me by London Times. Chevron is the print I was obsessed with all summer, and the Flame Stitch dress is the perfect way to carry it into fall.

The thicker knit, three quarter sleeves, and gorgeous color pallet will work so well with chestnut brown boots and burgundy tights (when that dreaded time comes that I must give up my sandals).

Until then, the long sleeves were just what I needed for these now chilly mornings, as I'm not ready to pull out jackets and cardigans quite yet.

I also appreciate how completely office appropriate this dress is with out any added layers, perfect for those days when I don't know what to wear, or have over slept and need one simple stylish piece I can throw on without worry. London Times actually has several adorable office friendly dresses in their fall collection. Worth checking out!

The Rundown

Chevron Print Dress c/o London Times Flame Stitch

Heels Jeffery Campbell Splendid

Quilted Bag Thrifted

Lion Head Belt Thrifted

Bracelets Thrifted

Monogram Necklace Amazon similar 

Antler Ring House of Harlow

Simply Splendid

For those of you who've been reading the past few weeks, I suspect you already know what this post is about, based just on the title.

A wonderful surprise (I wasn't expecting them until the 10th) was waiting for me when I arrived home from work today. A shiny (okay, brown cardboard) box from Nordstrom. The contents: the Jeffrey Campbell Splendid sandal.

I immediately tore open the box and retrieved the sandals. So pretty. I had to put them on. And I suppose this doesn't accurately reflect what I wore today, since I was wearing my bronze wedges all day, but I don't care, these make the outfit better.

I must say I never knew why people referred to these as Woodies, now I do -- it says so inside.

Sometimes the autofocus chooses strange places to focus on, but the blur better disguises my pedicure that is long overdue for a refresher.

The Rundown

Top and Vest TJMaxx - Skirt Made by Me (pattern is Marie from Burda Style) - Earrings Taken for Granite - Sunglasses Old Navy (borrowed from Sister) - Shoes Jeffrey Campbell Splendid

Don't you just love a cute shoe box??