It's funny, in early September when most bloggers are gushing about fall knits, nothing intersts me less than a sweater. I can even convince myself that I don't need any new ones (and there is no more room in my dresser to boot!)
Then the weather actually gets cold, everything that was new this fall gets discounted and forgotten in favor of a fresh wave of spring knits, and I end up six sale sweaters deep in a pile on my chair when those September feelings become a distant memory. How I will manage to store this surplus of sweaters is a problem for another day when a black chunky v-neck with fringe embellished sleeves is calling my name...
Winter has truly arrived. Even thought it feels like we are already months into it, the days of basking in the above freezing temperatures seem to have finally departed. This past weekend was filled with bright sun and biting cold winds a.k.a. terrible conditions for taking outfit photos. The week ahead looks like it will be bringing quite a bit of snow.
Snow however, I don't have a huge objection to, so long as it means I can take pretty photos. A fresh coat of shimmering white certainly does add beauty to the otherwise barren landscape of winter. And I can wear these snow boots - one of my favorite purchases of 2020 - I've come a long way since the days of thinking sequined platform clogs were adequate winter footwear.
The Rundown Plaid Cocoon CoatAnn Taylor Striped Sweater Numph via Coco's on the Green Curvy Mid-Rise Skinny JeanBanana Republic Boots"Harlow"Sorel Fur Pom Knit Hat Amazon similar Cashmere Scarf Banana Republic similar Aries Pendant NecklaceMejuri
Before the pandemic and the stay at home recommendations and my fit of add to cart madness, I was planning on joining Courtney in her spring wardrobe challenge. The rules are simple, no new clothes, wear as much of my existing spring wardrobe as possible, decide what should stay and what is just taking up closet space.
Clearly the no shopping portion of the challenge was pretty significant, and I definitely failed there - however - the important thing to do is just reset and try again, rather than continuing down the path of more shopping. This weekend every time I wanted to make a purchase, I added the piece to a Pinterest board instead. If I'm still obsessing come June 20th (and they are still in stock) then I can buy them.
The second component of the challenge I approached with more gusto, pulling out this Madewell silk wrap top that was purchased December of 2018, and to the best of my recollection, was still yet to be worn; along with this houndstooth print coat, which I've had for over a decade, but hasn't been worn in a few years.
The verdict - I think both pieces can stay. Would you agree?
Now I just need to get out of my lounge wear and put the rest of my spring wardrobe to the test, even if it's for no other reason than to take photos and decide if the pieces should stay or go.
The Rundown Silk Cropped Wrap Blouse Madewell similar White JeansGap Houndstooth Coat Kohl's similar Pointed FlatsRothy's Bucket Bag"Johnny"Danse Lente Simple Pearl Necklace c/o AUrate Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
It doesn't take long for me to grow tired of my daily winter uniform of jeans and sweaters, longing for my summer dresses while months of cold still lie ahead. February tends to be the coldest month, I fear the temperatures of the surprise warm days January offered might not come around again for some time.
Thus, I try to make the best of it, I let myself suffer a little in the cold pairing a sweater dress with over the knee boots - sure I could put on a pair of tights, but I convinced myself the hem of the coat was just long enough that I didn't need them.
This outfit is the first appearance of a few new things, the wrap coat which I purchased immediately after seeing it (or something very similar) on my sister-in-law, and the brown over the knee boots which took four purchases and subsequent returns as well as a price adjustment before I was happy with the size, color, and price. I initially got them from DSW on Black Friday, tried three different sizes, and ultimately got them from Aerosoles.com which had the best sale price, and then got it adjusted when they went to an extra 60% off - it ended up being a $40 difference from the original DSW price I paid, so I feel like it was worth all the effort. As for my previous brown-ish suede boots, they found a new home in my sister's closet.
Thank you to Marelylilly for sponsoring this post.
When I was in middle school I identified that a monogrammed backpack was the epitome of a status symbol. I wanted one so badly, and when a new school year came around and I'd managed to wear down my mother enough to order one for me, I naturally made the most impractical color choice there was, purple tie dye. Nevertheless, I carried that bag with pride far longer than I should have, while my peers moved on to carrying their logo emblemized designer bags and carrying their books in their arms, I had my monogrammed backpack.
Even though the backpack has (thankfully) been retired for many years now, there is something about a monogrammed bag that still elicits those feelings of status and clout in me, so I was delighted when Marleylilly wanted to collaborate with me. The online store has a truly expansive product offering of pieces that can be monogrammed or personalized with a name. While I was drawn to this gorgeous leather bucket bag, options run the gamut from monogrammed dishtowels to duck boots.
As for the bag, I love that the leather is soft, but also structured, the drop handles are long enough to be worn over the shoulder, but also short enough that the bag wont touch the ground if I carry it in my hand - occasionally and issue when you are as short as I am! And of course, the gold foil monogram stands out beautifully. It's a classic piece I know I will carry for years.
I will always believe that a monogrammed item makes for an especially thoughtful gift, and even though we've but the holidays behind us, there is always a birthday, a baby, or a wedding around the corner - not to mention simply shopping for yourself!
The Rundown White Sweater Loft similar Jeans Banana Republic Grey Peacoat J.Crew Factory similar Red Bow Shoes Ferragamo via eBay Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly White BeretAmazon Plaid Scarf c/o Front Row Shop similar Pearl Anchor Bracelet Made by Me similar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap. As always my views and opinions are my own.
