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!)

Ruffles and Flares

Clearly I'd forgotten just how comfortable these flared jeans are, as this is the first time I've worn them since possibly last April. That sounds bad. But all those fall and winter days I could have been wearing them I was caught in the monotony of cycling through the same four pairs of skinny jeans. There's a lot of my closet which went unworn over the last two seasons. It's about time to get reacquainted with the rest of my wardrobe that isn't "really old grey sweater" and "really old white sweater", which I've essentially been living in all winter, and these past couple weeks of "spring".

Not that the chill is gone from the air, but when the sun is shining, and the wind isn't blowing, it almost feels like spring. I was hoping to do an outfit post with this fun blouse before it was totally sold out, but considering it was discounted to $15, it's no surprise the stock quickly dwindled. I was on the fence when it came to the zhushed up sleeve trend, trying on tops and thinking "but I don't want to be a pirate", however since they have inundated the stores I suppose it was inevitable that I'd eventually come across one I liked, that doesn't make me feel like a pirate ;)

         

The Rundown
Ruffle Sleeve Blouse Ann Taylor
Flared Denim Gap similar
Booties "Calixta" Cole Haan similar
Round Rattan Bag Etsy
Silk Floral Scarf Ann Taylor
Gold Ball Studs Kohl's
Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Couture Curator" Essie

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

Clinton Crossing Spring Preview

This is the third year the Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets have had their Spring Preview Event, and it's a fun way to see what the upcoming trends for the season will be, and mingle with other Connecticut bloggers. Plus shopping the outlets always means getting a great sale!

I arrived early with Meg and we took outfit photos before the event, then since we both won gift cards we shopped until close. Needless to say, even though I'd changed three times that morning, I was regretting choosing pants where I couldn't change into flats later in the day!

  Saks off Fifth always has great designer pieces, often discounted enough to be attainable.
  I could not believe the prices at G.H. Bass - these adorable espadrilles were only $24!
   Meg and I both won Tommy Hilfiger bucket bags in the raffle.
  Trying on a cute skirt at Banana Republic Factory. It would have only been $12 but I resisted.
       
The Rundown
Lace Camisole H&M
Tan Cardigan Max Studio via TJMaxx similar
Toe Cap Heels Me Too via TJMaxx similar
Suede Accordion Bag Banana Republic similar
Flared Denim Gap similar
Necklace Gift
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Nail Color "Zip Me Up" Essie

In Progress

"I see endless opportunities before me."

As the first signs of spring show and the weather improves, little bits of optimism are creeping into my mind. Having just celebrated another birthday, I'm once again reminded that I'm not yet where I want to be, and it's time to put forth the energy to try and get there. 

      

The Rundown
White Tee Loft similar
Draped Suede Jacket c/o Boscov's similar
Flared Denim Gap similar
Studded Booties Guess via TJMaxx similar
Tilly Tote Matine
Tanner Toggle Lariat Necklace Gorjana similar
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses c/o Sicky

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

Nostalgia

Enter to win a month of lingerie from The Enclosed! 

I recently spent way to much time looking through the archives of my blog. Eight years is a lot of outfits, some wonderful, some a bit less so. I kind of miss the days when I'd just run out to my driveway and snap photos with the tripod. Now I feel like I want my photos to be more reflective of life whenever possible, which means carrying the camera and often getting a somewhat reluctant photographer to stop what we are doing for the sake of photos. I hate it when outfit photos feel like a burden. There is something to be said for my tripod days.

I also happened to remember this polka dot blouse, which I don't think I've worn since 2012, and if I were anyone else, it would have been long gone, but I'm terrible with the follow through of dontaing items that end up in my donate pile, so I went to my parents house, dug around a bit, and sure enough, there was the blouse. Ready for round two.

         

The Rundown
Polka Dot Blouse Gap similar
Flared Denim Gap similar
Trench Coat London Fog thrifted similar
Studded Booties Guess via TJMaxx similar
Bag "Alexa" Danielle Nicole
Pearl Earrings Gift similar
Gold Choker Mark similar
Gold Circle Ring Thrifted
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Monday Mingle
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday