Around the Corner

In true spring fashion, it's started raining. Thankfully not when these photos were taken or I would have had to swap out the faux suede trench for the actual waterproof coat, but it's pretty grey and soggy out at the moment. It's funny to think of spring as being a rainy season here, because our precipitation amounts average to be pretty much the same all year (thanks for the info, weather.com).

Of course my favorite signifier that spring is coming is the start of my tulips. I have neither much patience nor talent when it comes to gardening, but when I see the beginnings of my tulips cropping back up each year, I feel such a sense of pride. I'll I did was dig a hole, and they take care of the rest, but I will take all the credit, thanks!

Much to my surprise, yesterday I held myself to doing a small closet clean out, and pulled over two dozen things to consign or donate. I know I could do more, I didn't even attempt time consuming areas like the lingerie drawer or my massive jewelry collection, but I took care where it was needed the most. I liberated some hangers, my denim is once again neat and orderly, and for the time being, I'm completely ignoring the rubbermaid bin of summer clothes.

I hate to admit to the number of things I hold on to for sentimental reasons. The Desigual skirt I bought in Italy, a unique thrifted tee from a short-lived Australian designer, and a vintage canvas and leather bag are a few that I know I haven't worn or carried in at least four years (!) but I don't want to let them go. I've often said I wished I had my own vintage shop, but honestly I think it would be hard for me to want to sell anything! When I find those unique items, it always pains me to let them go, even when they are no longer something I reach for when getting dressed.

Are you good about purging, or do you fall victim to wanting to hold on to things for nostalgia?

       

The Rundown
Striped Wrap Top Banana Republic similar 
Flared Jeans Gap similar
Faux Suede Trench Coat eBay similar
Sock Booties "Neola" Naturalizer
Red Willis Bag Vintage Coach via eBay similar
White Beret Amazon
Loop Earrings Mejuri
Ring Necklace Banana Republic similar 
Watch "Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with

Jeans and a Teacup's Flashback Friday (one year ago today with the same top!)

Entrenched

My poor shopping habits are numerous, and proving difficult to break. Even though I will happily throw on a pair of jeans that are over a decade old, the moment I see something I want, I resolve to have it, even better if it's a challenge.

Take for instance this faux suede trench. I saw a genuine suede trench at Banana Republic for just shy of $600. Even with their generous holiday offer of 30% off, it still wasn't going to happen. Naturally my next step was to search for dupes and secondhand pieces; lastly I arrived at this inexpensive coat from china, which I won in an eBay auction for $23. It might not have the luxury of real suede, the seams aren't perfect, the flaps on the pockets are decorative, and it isn't lined. Not to mention I don't how much I'll actually get to wear it, since it rains here pretty much every other day and I wouldn't dare to take even faux suede out in inclement weather, however, I was determined to have it, so I got it, and I'm not sure that is a good thing.

       

The Rundown
Rust Turtleneck Tee J.Crew Factory
Jeans Max Studio via TJMaxx
Faux Suede Trench Coat eBay similar
Leopard Loafers Franco Sarto via TJMaxx similar
Snakeskin Box Bag c/o Vintanthromodern similar 
Wide Brim Fedora "Lady Roulette" Goorin Bros. via ebay similar
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
Evil Eye Necklace c/o Belcho
Gold Circle Ring Thrifted

Linking up with Thursday Fashion Files

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

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

Dot Dot Dot

...Photos after dark with the flash are not a common occurrence, but Meg and I really wanted to take outfit photos before dinner at Jack's Bar and Steakhouse last week, so we made it work. Normally I avoid harsh direct light like the plague (and the closeups we tried for turned out a bit garish) however overall I'm kind of into the film noir vibe of the dark alley.

While not intentional, I feel like this outfit is a testament to my thriftiness, the new J.Crew blouse I only paid $5 for, my vintage trench and these thrifted jeans cost even less - seriously. I won the shoes in a giveaway, and I love them. They are from Shoes of Prey, and you can customize every shoe they have. It may seem silly, but I made half a dozen slightly different versions of this shoe before settling on the suede d'orsay with a rose gold leather insole trim that you definitely can not make out in these photos.

       

The Rundown
Polka Dot Wrap Top J.Crew
Cropped Bootcut Jeans Gap thrifted similar
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Toe Cap Pumps "Varesse 70" Shoes of Prey
Snakeskin Box Purse c/o Vintanthromodern similar
Necklace "Scottie" LuxbyUK
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

Linking up with Classy Yet Trendy's Trendy Wednesday
and

Straight A Style's Style on the Daily

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

Under the Pink

I am free to change the way things are.

At bit out of order here, but here are my trees, in their peak pink glory. For a chilly spring day I pulled out some old favorites. The trench has of course been on constant repeat, both with and without the rain, it's a nice weight and I appreciate have the longer length. The yellow sweater has three quarter sleeves and I love the inherent preppiness of pairing it with navy cropped pants. Yes, I'm wearing nude trouser socks, my feet get so cold, every little bit helps. After a day in the 80°s over the weekend, going back to 60° just feels so chilly.

       

The Rundown
Yellow Sweater TJMaxx similar
Navy Minnie Pant J.Crew via Coco's similar
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Toe Cap Heels Me Too via TJMaxx similar
Micro Perry Satchel Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop
White Scarf Taken for Granite similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Bee Ring Kohl's similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

Let it be mine

"I choose to welcome all the good things that life has to offer."

For anyone who had a three day weekend, I'm super envious. Today came far too quickly, and as lovely as Easter was, I feel like I should have an extra day to eat cream pie for breakfast. 

I must confess, while I was trying to continue with my shopping ban, I succumbed to the holiday weekend sales and placed a few orders. This scalloped off the shoulder top, this lace cami, these sandals, this bodysuit, and a few other things. I'm not sure what I'll end up keeping yet, and I already feel a smidge guilty about the purchases. I've got to do that closet clean out though. Next weekend? 

Did you take advantage of any of the holiday sales this weekend?

        

The Rundown
Striped Shirt L.L. Bean thrifted
White Jeans Old Navy
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Red Suede Pumps Nine West thrifted similar
Vintage Japanese Bamboo Bag via eBay similar
Vintage Silk Scarf Thrifted similar
Gold Bar Earrings Argento Vivo via TJMaxx
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Gold Ring Thrifted
Sunglasses Vogue via Sunglass Hut

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

and

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