A Distinction of Leopard Print

I went shopping with a friend a few weekends ago, and as we entered the store I made a bee line for a display featuring several pieces in leopard print. My friend commented that I was likely a leopard in my past life.

It's true, my love of leopard print has grown exponentially over the years, it's almost funny to think that before the blog I owned no leopard print. That first purchase - I think a pencil skirt from Forever 21 - became a catalyst for this now decade long love affair.

There was one type of leopard print that I'd never had in my closet, a print with the animal itself. Try searching google for this distinction and you might have some difficulty, so it was only by happenstance that I came across this blouse on Poshmark while in the midst of some other feverish search (which I've now forgotten). For a mere $8 I was willing to take a gamble on this possibly vintage blouse and fill a leopard print need I wasn't even aware that I'd had. Plus I'm always looking for slightly cropped silhouettes that will show off the cute button fly of these high rise jeans.

Are you a leopard print lover?

       

The Rundown
Blouse with Leopards on it Poshmark similar
High Rise Button Fly Jeans Gap similar
White Mules "Bianca" Target similar
Round Crossbody Bag French Connection
 Gold Hoop Earrings Amazon
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Sunglasses "Raglan" Warby Parker
Nail Color "Canyon" Ten Over Ten
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Linking up with  Style on the Daily

Spring Layers

The best part about transitional seasons is the ability to create layered looks, and while I've never mastered the number of layers commonly found on J.Crew models, I do love being able to add a favorite jacket, blazer or cardigan to complete a look.

I also love layering my jewelry, and while it can sometimes be tricky to find just the right pieces to mesh with one another, this layered necklace Grand Avenue Jewelry sent over takes the guess work out and provides two adorable 14k gold plated charms at just the right lengths.

It makes me sad to see the cherry blossom trees in the center of my town already losing their petals - of the four trees there, only one was still clutching to its delicate pink flowers. They are only in bloom for such a short time, it makes me appreciate their beauty even more. What is your favorite part of the spring season?

Grand Avenue Jewelry is offering Chic on the Cheap readers 20% off their entire order with code CHIC20 - happy shopping!

       

The Rundown
Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory
Wide Leg Crop Jeans Gap
Denim Jacket Gap similar
White Mules "Bianca" Target similar
Round Crossbody Bag French Connection
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
 Layered Charm Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Raglan" Warby Parker
Nail Color "Canyon" Ten Over Ten

 Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

Revisiting Old Pieces

I've always loved shopping, and I would be lying if I didn't say I sometimes considered the blog as an excuse to buy something new. I would also like to say that my efforts to be good this year and not shop were going well, however this month I found myself in more than one slip up.

When I was doing my closet clean out, I noticed several neglected pieces that I wasn't ready to part with, but still decided I need to try and bring back into rotation. The first was this peplum top. I purchased it in 2016 while I was in California and wore it to dinner once while I was there, and didn't take outfit photos. I wore it again over the summer, and then it sat. Regardless of rational, two and a half years seems like a long time to hold on to a piece that isn't being worn. It isn't the only article taking a backseat to new items coming in.

This Linea Pelle bag was once the pride and joy of my bag collection. It was purchased back in 2013 and was on heavy rotation for about two years before new bags came in and usurped its status. The CC Skye pyramid stud bracelet was once a favorite to pair with it, so I decided to reunite them. I stopped wearing the bracelet after the clasp came undone on a couple occasions and I almost lost it forever.

The shoes I should be most embarrassed about - one wear in one year! Now up to three as of this post, but still, these adorable heels in a neutral shade didn't do anything wrong, why so much neglect?

As much as I crave filling my closet with new things, I really need to step back, focus on what I have, and find new love for old pieces. (Not sure how long this mentality will last, this dress is calling my name!)

       

The Rundown
Black and White Peplum Top Banana Republic
Jeans Banana Republic
Blush Leather Jacket Athleta similar
Kitten Heels "Moxie" c/o SAS
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle similar 
Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana similar
Circle Earrings c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Mini Punk Princess Bracelet CC Skye similar
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Raglan" Warby Parker
Nail Color "Cement the Deal" OPI

Linking up with Thursday Fashion Files

A Perfect Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is such a wonderful wardrobe staple. Even if though they are only two season pieces here in Connecticut, I've still amassed a small collection, as a great leather jacket can be a truly transformative piece.

When The Jacket Maker reached out to me about creating my own bespoke leather jacket, I was delighted at the prospect. I scoured my Pinterest feed and made notes of all my favorite jackets and the details which I loved, then I emailed my contact some reference images as well as a description of my dream jacket. After a little correspondence to nail down the small details, I provided my measurements, and then I waited. After about four months I finally received an email with photos of my finished jacket, and I couldn't believe how gorgeous it looked!

Now I finally have my dream leather jacket in my closet, and I'm very impressed with the level of detail found on the piece; the zippered side pockets are nice and deep, there is an inside pocket as well, and I love how the small quilted section came out.

I would definitely work with The Jacket Maker again, it's so amazing to see a piece I'd imagined come to life!

         

The Rundown
Grey Tee Gap
White Jeans Gap
Custom Made Leather Jacket c/o The Jacket Maker
Nareen Block Heels c/o Vionic
Micro Perry Satchel Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop
Tortoise Earrings Loft
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses "Raglan" Warby Parker
Nail Color "Cement the Deal" OPI

Linking up with

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

The Jacket Maker provided me a custom leather jacket for the purpose of this post.

First Taste of Spring

We had our first gorgeous spring weekend, and I could not have been more excited to pull out this cute dress I picked up at Loft last fall. I'd only gotten to wear it once before it got too cold, but now it's long sleeves make it just right for transitional spring weather.

I've become such a fan of dresses with long sleeves over the years - how often do I struggle to find just the right cardigan or jacket to compliment a sleeveless dress? I wore this dress to a baby shower on Sunday and it was great being able to take off my jacket when I arrived and be perfectly comfortable. Loft actually has a very similar dress available now and it's only $35 - I need to resist!

       

The Rundown
Printed Dress Loft similar
Denim Jacket Gap similar
White Mules "Bianca" Target similar
Black Straw Bag Zara similar
 Pave Triangle Earrings TJMaxx
Half Moon Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
 Rhombus Charm Necklace c/o Happiness Boutique
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry

Sunglasses "Raglan" Warby Parker
Nail Color "Cement the Deal" OPI

Linking up with  Style on the Daily