Confessions of a Pandemic Shopaholic

It's hard to explain the comfort that comes from scrolling through product pages, each piece that catches my eye sparks a tiny fantasy of the future it could hold. A creamy croc embossed leather bag tucked in the crook of my arm as I head out to meet a friend for coffee; oversized cat-eye sunglasses as I sunbathe on the beach; a white eyelet dress that I'm wearing while sipping a glass of rosé on a patio with a profusion of blue hydrangea surrounding it.

It hasn't seemed to matter how many times I tell myself I need to stop shopping, I am always back, like a moth to a flame with a million ways to rationalize my purchases. Either I'm 'just browsing' and will inevitably return what I've bought, it's a 'necessity', like comfy lace bralettes, cozy loungewear, or cute face masks, and of course, the biggest of them all: 'it's such a good deal, how do I not?'

At the retailers where I typically shop, the pandemic brought forth such a copious amount of sales, it was hard to avoid temptation. Even as I purged my email subscriptions, Instagram was always there at the ready to remind me of promotions like half off plus an extra 20% (!) $70 off a purchase of $100 (!!) with free shipping and returns (!!!)

I clicked away, endlessly dreaming about places I would walk in my new shoes, how the sunlight might glint off a gold ring, straw bags full with fresh blooms from the farmers market, savoring an ice cream cone in a linen dress, being oh-so-careful not to let a drop of chocolate fall.

I'm not going to write some resolve to stop shopping, because at this point, I know it would simply be a lie. Not when I can slip into the zen of hearting new arrivals at TJMaxx and Marshalls while I lie in bed at 1 a.m. How else would I happen upon this dress or these shoes, or this bag? Besides, there is already another TJMaxx order on its way.

Rewardstyle is currently not active with TJMaxx and Marshalls, so I had to find other sources for the sake of this widget - just know that you should look for them there for the prices noted.
 
       

The Rundown

Satin Wrap Blouse Banana Republic

Jeans "Tomboy" M.i.h similar

Mule Sandals Zara similar

Springbok Clutch similar

Pearl Earrings TJMaxx similar

Gold Rings Etsy

Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Nail Color "Just the way you Arctic" Essie

Bare Ankles

Yesterday I attended a blogger event in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and since it was only ten minutes from this cute spot in Old Weathersfield, I met Meg early so we could take outfit photos.

I really love the old homes in Connecticut, even though a good many have been transformed into businesses, as long as they are preserved I'm happy, and then I feel far less uncomfortable taking photos in front of them. (On the rarest of occasions I've taken photos in front of a single family residence I've come to regret it.) You can't read the year on the plaque in any of these photos, but this home was built in 1767, and I really admire the care and detail that went into it.

Despite having a frigid and windy Saturday, driving away from the shoreline on Sunday gave way to a far more spring-like day. I always struggle with what to wear during transitional weather, will I be too warm or too cold? Should I dare to wear a dress, or resume the safety of jeans and a sweater? Bare ankles and a cozy sweater felt like the safest bet, but it's looking like April will be more welcoming to bare legs and maybe even bare toes if I put that much stock in the ten day forecast!

        

The Rundown 
Cashmere Turtleneck Cynthia Rowley via TJMaxx similar
White Wide Leg Jeans Gap similar
Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar
Leather Loop Belt J.Crew similar
Springbok Clutch Oliveve c/o Shopbop similar
Nareen Block Heels c/o Vionic
 Pearl Stud Earrings similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Nail Color "Bikini So Teeny" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

Seasons Change

I know so many people relish the fall season. I never quite get it, I'm too fixated on the thought that the leaves are dying, the days are getting shorter, and my bare shoulder days are numbered. The seasons always change though. We cycle through, and I should spend more time appreciating what I have than worrying about what I'm losing, and not wishing all the months away just to get to spring again.

       

The Rundown
Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory
Suede Culottes Old Navy similar
Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Springbok Clutch Oliveve c/o Shopbop similar
Tear Earrings Etsy custom design via Bonanza Studio
Evil Eye Necklace c/o Belcho
 Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Emma" Ray-Ban

Linking up with Shopping My Closet Style Me Wednesday
and
Style on the Daily

One step forward, two steps back

After having a weekend with a couple opportunities to meet other bloggers and get outfit photos taken, this past weekend was another one of hibernation. I read "What Alice Forgot" cover to cover and aside from celebrating my niece's first birthday, did little else. I really enjoyed the book, hence not wanting to put it down, and I'm at least off to a good start with my resolution to read more. Perhaps I should continue with this author and read "Big Little Lies" before starting with the HBO series.

After the blogger brunch which was hosted by The North House in Avon, most of the fashion bloggers at the event clamoured to get some shots in this gorgeous window lined hallway (which I did too, naturally) but I'd had my sights set on the cute entryway outside - always a sucker for a staircase. Thankfully Nonee was able to hangout for a bit, after we took photos we stopped for coffee at Dom's Coffee just down the road. Such an adorable place, and a good latté too!

It was warm enough for rain, so I took advantage of the 'high' temps and finally wore my new satin blazer. I have always had such a soft spot for blazers, even if I don't wear them that much. I can't resist, they always make me feel put together. I think this blazer has sadly sold out, but if you like the boyfriend fit, there is one in a classic navy. If colorful satin is more you, gap has a couple of cute bombers, one even has a frenchie embroidered on it.

       

The Rundown
Lace Blouse c/o Choies similar
Rust Satin Boyfriend Blazer Banana Republic
Jeans Joe's via saks off fifth similar
Pumps "Gennie" Coach thrifted similar
Springbok Clutch Oliveve c/o Shopbop similar
Hoop Earrings Robert Lee Morris Soho via TJMaxx
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday
and
Cute and Little's on Trend Tuesday

Customized with a Click

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend, and start to the holiday season. I was so happy when eShakti reached out to me a few weeks ago to customize and style another piece with them. Every piece I've gotten in the past has always been very well made and this dress was no exception.

As soon I spotted this great rust and navy print, I knew right away I'd want to create a dress for Thanksgiving. With eShakti's customization options, I chose to have the dress hemmed to knee length and the sleeves changed from short to long. Those are just a couple of the numerous options available to make sure the garment fits and flatters the actual customer, not just the model in the photo.

Being 5'-2" with a curvy figure has always meant fit challenges, from simple things like hem lengths, to more difficult things like necklines being too low or having a piece which fits my hips being far too loose at the waist. With eShakti, custom measurements can be used to create a perfectly fitting piece.

eShakti challenged me to create a piece that would allow me to 'look as good as I feel, and feel as good as I look', so with that in mind, I chose a wrap dress, the perfect cut to flatter my hourglass figure. By bringing up the hem to knee length I can show off my legs without worrying about anything else being shown off, changing the neckline for a bit more coverage, and having pockets in a dress is always a game changer! The pockets allowed me to keep my phone at hand during Thanksgiving, so I was always ready to snap cute photos of my Nephew and Niece, and my Nephew especially enjoyed leading me around the house by the ties of the dress and pretending I was his doggy.

I'm really excited that eShakti now allows even further customization by offering styles which can be done in a number of different fabrics - and the price points for their custom garments are almost all under $100!

       

The Rundown
Graphic Print Wrap Dress c/o eShakti
Pumps "Gennie" Coach thrifted similar
Springbok Clutch Oliveve c/o Shopbop similar
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Oh To Be A Muse's Lookbook Linkup
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday

eShakti provided me with this dress for the purpose of this post and partaking in their "Look As Good As You Feel, Feel As Good As You Look" campaign. My views and opinions are my own.

Heartbreaker

Thanks to Soft Comfort for sponsoring this post!

It may be spring, but my booties are not getting packed away because it is still so chilly out! To be fair they've been taking a backseat for many blog posts because I was getting tired of seeing my same two pairs, however Soft Comfort recently sent me over a pair of their adorable 'Heartbreaker' booties, which pair a low heel with memory foam insoles for lots of comfort, as well as some gold zipper detailing to make brown booties feel fresh and fun again.

I'm not sure what's going on this spring, it just does not seem to want to get warm and stay warm. I've made Sean take my hibiscus plants outside, then back in, about five times because they can't be out when it's lower than 50°. Some logical part of my brain is trying to tell me to embrace it and enjoy layering, but I promise I will not be aching to wear my wool blazers and cardigans until August when I feel like I've exhausted all my warm weather options.

        

The Rundown
White Cold Shoulder Top H&M similar
Rockstar Jeans Old Navy similar
Brown Booties "Heartbreaker" c/o Soft Comfort
Springbok Clutch Oliveve c/o Shopbop
Fringe Bracelet Taken for Granite
Gold Hoop Earrings Amazon
Gold Wrap Ring gift from Meg similar
Nail Color "Haute as Hello" Essie

Stylin' in St. Louis's Spotlight Linkup

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda