Last Year's Look

In a time when I am faced with endless sources of inspiration, it's often my own camera roll that serves me best. The pieces are already in my closet, and I'm not so distracted convincing myself that I need to be adding faux leather pants to my cart that I never manage to get dressed.

Even if you aren't a blogger, chances are you've got a phone full of half a decades worth of selfies and snapshots, and it's easy to see what you had on a year ago today. As I scrolled through my archives I found some slightly blurry and underexposed shots of this outfit (or at least a close approximation) and realized I'd never shot it for the blog.  How lovely it was to rediscover these velvet pants and appreciate how much I adore this blush leather jacket, which I've barely worn since I was in California earlier this year. (Lucky Californians and their perfect leather jacket weather, here I'm limited to the beginning of fall and the end of spring.)

Sadly to say that one week into the new month my November budget post is already shaping up to be as extensive as October's, and this outfit serves as a good reminder to spend more time getting inspired by my own archives and shopping my closet instead of Banana Republic.

        

The Rundown
Lace Camisole Coco's on the Green similar
Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar
Velvet Pants Old Navy similar
Leopard Heels Sam Edelman similar
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Loop Earrings Mejuri
Necklace "Scottie" LuxbyUK
Ruby Crystal Talisman Ring c/o Uncommon Goods
Cat Eye Sunglasses H&M similar

Wild One

For as much as I wish I had a wardrobe full of streamlined and simple pieces, all able to work together to create effortless outfits, the pieces I'm most drawn to are wild with color and print. Even though I feel like I've tamed things down over the years, always with the desire of 'effortless' looks, sometimes I find a print I simply cannot ignore.

Such was this jungle print blouse from J.Crew. With the design inspired by a vintage scarf, this mixture of three prints in shades of green, pink, and gold, was not meant to blend in. At least I know I'm not alone in my wild ways, as this blouse has nearly sold out. There are a few sizes left, which can be snapped up for $60 with the promo code 'family' right now.

      

The Rundown
Jungle Print Blouse J.Crew
Velvet Pants Banana Republic similar
Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Leopard Clutch Clare V c/o Shopbop
Pearl Earrings Maris Pearl Co. 
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Ruby Crystal Talisman Ring c/o Uncommon Goods

Nail Color "Mrs. Always Right" Essie

After the Holidays

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 Jeans Gap
Black Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Beaded Hoop Earrings Gorjana
Gold Plated Disc Necklace Matteo via TJMaxx
Ruby Crystal Talisman Ring c/o Uncommon Goods
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
 Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Magnolia

It is not happenstance that I come across so many flowering trees this time of year. Over my years of blogging I've spent time each spring keeping a watchful eye of the blooms, hopefully adding a new location to my mental list of places to visit. Timing is important too, and I'll find myself taking the long way home from work most days to check on the progress of the trees.

This beautiful magnolia can be found in the center of Madison, CT, and I've only managed to catch it in bloom once before.

       

The Rundown
Ruffle Sleeve Blouse Ann Taylor similar
Satin Pants Ann Taylor similar
Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Suede Accordion Bag Banana Republic similar
Castillo Gold Dipped Lace Earrings c/o Uncommon Goods
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Nail Color "Fishnet Stockings" Essie

 

Linking up with Classy Yet Trendy's Trendy Wednesday
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Thursday Fashion Files

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Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

Unworn

I dare to put my mind, emotions and actions to work for what I want in my life.

Taking stock. It's become apparent during this shopping ban of mine that not only do I have an overflowing closet, but ten things I've purchased since September haven't even worn yet. It's got me wondering if my perception of my style and the things I want to wear when I get up in the morning have fallen out of alignment.

Before the end of the month I'm committing to two things: going through my closet, actually trying things on and deciding if they are worth keeping, and wearing all ten of those items, staring with these velvet pants. I purchased them the day before Thanksgiving with the intent of wearing them on the holiday, but between cooking and family drama, I never bothered to change out of my jeans.

I do like these pants however, they are stretchy and comfortable and of course velvet - current sizes are limited, but they are currently on sale.

         

The Rundown
Shawl Surplice Blouse Tracy Reese via Roundabout similar
Velvet Pixie Pants Old Navy
Pumps "Gennie" Coach thrifted similar
Tilly Scalloped Clutch Matine
Castillo Gold Dipped Lace Earrings c/o Uncommon Goods
Beaded Bracelet Alex & Ani
Gold Wrap Ring gift from Meg similar
Ruby Crystal Talisman Ring c/o Uncommon Goods
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

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

New Year's Looks with Swap.com

Every year when the holiday season rolls around I find myself rationalizing the desire to add another pretty dress to my closet. I know special occasion dresses have pretty much the lowest cost-per-wear out of anything else I own, yet what is New Year's Eve without a festive dress?

As I'm a big fan of shopping secondhand, I was really excited when Swap.com, an online consignment store, invited me to shop for some fabulous holiday looks, and the discounts off retail are so good I will never feel guilty about another special occasion dress again. The invetory at Swap.com is simply massive, and even with making sure to use filters for my size and colors I was interested in, I still spent hours browsing the site and adding things to my cart.

I finally decided on putting together a couple of New Year's looks - first up is New Year's Eve. I completely fell for the fun and on trend bell sleeves of this lace overlay dress. There is a similar one up on the site and it's only $17, new with tags. I added in my gold sequined clutch for the obligatory NYE sparkle and I'm ready for my champagne toast.

For my New Year's Day look I wanted something a bit more cozy, so when I found this Target sweater dress for $8, I immediately added it to my cart. I had actually been eyeing a similar dress that was retailing for over $100, so my eyes lit up when I saw this! I thought the fur vest would add just the right amount of holiday glamour while still keeping me warm and comfortable.

I was impressed at how expansive Swap.com's inventory was, and their search feature is pretty effective too. I do wish they would include a couple measurements for pieces, because if I wasn't familiar with a brand it's hard to know how the sizing runs, but they do allow for returns just in case a piece doesn't work out.

I'm really excited to do a little closet clean out and send a box into Swap.com as well - they offer a higher commission than my local thrift store!

Check out Swap.com and get 20% off your first order and free shipping!

       

The Rundown
Black Lace Dress c/o Swap
Studded Pumps c/o OASAP similar
Gold Sequined Clutch Halston similar
Tassel Earrings Banana Republic
Hammered Pendant Necklace Avon similar

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry

Nail Color "No Place Like Chrome" Essie

       

The Rundown
Sweater Dress Target c/o Swap
Fur Vest c/o Choies similar
Boots "Jabine" Adrienne Vittadini
Metallic Scalloped Clutch Matine
Tanner Toggle Lariat Necklace Gorjana similar
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Ruby Crystal Talisman Ring c/o Uncommon Goods
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "No Place Like Chrome" Essie

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's What I Wore to Work

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Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

Swap.com provided me with a credit to shop their site in exchange for this post. Thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap!