Winter Classics

It's funny to think that back in September the thought of purchasing a new sweater was the last thing on my mind. I knew I had a very large dresser drawer filled to capacity, and as I was enjoying the summer heat, these frigid days seemed so far away; the idea that I could even want a new sweater seemed absurd.

Needless to say, at the first cold snap I was rationalizing how my cream sweater needed replacing and I'm so pleased with how cozy and warm this mock neck sweater from Ann Taylor turned out to be that I'm now contemplating picking it up in the new spring blush shade as well. I should probably listen to my September self, who knew I had more than enough sweaters to survive the winter, I've probably got enough blush in my closet I don't wear nearly enough as it is.

     

The Rundown
Cream Mock Neck Sweater Ann Taylor
Velvet Pants Loft
Velvet Bow Mules Loft
Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar
Cream Beret Amazon
Gold Twist Hoops Thrifted similar
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
 Nail Color "Bordeaux" Essie

Second Hand, First Love

In a time of instant access to shopping all hours of the day, it's easy to see why the secondhand market has been facing troubles. Even as a lover of thrift stores and eBay, when I contemplate ideas like only shopping secondhand, I know all too quickly I wont last when endless Banana Republic sales flood my Instagram feed.

Though I wish I could, as I do enjoy the hunt and the victory of finding that coveted piece (or the piece I didn't know I needed) for a fraction of the price. This Rachel Comey sweater is one such piece, I lusted over and stalked eBay for more than a year before it became mine, and I was lucky that the color I wanted turned up, and the size just so happened to work. That is not always the case, as a pair of Loeffler Randall sandals from Poshmark sit unworn as they seem to be about a size and a half lager than marked. The downfall of secondhand shopping (particularly online) is that sales tend to be final, or returns not worth the effort. Which isn't to say I don't have pieces I bought in person that have never once been worn. Sometimes that guilt free 90 day return policy is the only thing that prompts me to shop retail over secondhand.

While inspecting the tag of this sweater (who am I kidding, I knew it would say dry clean) I noticed a note the designer included, which read "Keep Forever". Clearly if the original owner had abided by that request I wouldn't be in possession of the sweater at all, but it did serve as a reminder of all the pieces which come and go from my closet, and made me wonder if I could ever come to terms with the idea of only having things I'd like to keep forever. It's something to keep in mind, next time the velvet jumpsuit from Banana Republic Factory, now half off, crosses my feed.

     

The Rundown
Fringe Hem Sweater Rachel Comey similar
High Rise Skinny Jeans "Ann" c/o Mott &Bow
 Sock Booties "Neola" Naturalizer
Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
 Nail Color "Bordeaux" Essie

Grand Avenue Jewelry

Thanks to Grand Avenue Jewelry for sponsoring this post.

I'm always looking for an excuse to get dressed up. If I had my way, every weekend in December would be booked with a party or gathering, any reason for a pretty dress, a pair of heels, and fabulous jewelry. When Grand Avenue Jewelry asked me if I'd be interested in styling a couple pieces from their latest collection, it was an immediate yes; gold and minimalistic has very much been my style as of late.

The pieces crafted from brass and double plated in 14 karat gold feel special enough for an evening out, but are also completely wearable for everyday. While I can sometimes be wary of plated jewelry, Grand Avenue describes their double electroplating process as being four times thicker than average, yet they keep their markups low enough that all the price points are under $100. Better quality jewelry that is kinder to my wallet certainly meets my approval!

If you are still searching for gifts for some of the special ladies in your life, or just something to treat yourself, Grand Avenue Jewelry is offering Chic on the Cheap readers an exclusive discount code, which can be used through the end of the year. Use CHICONTHECHEAP20 to get 20% off your order!

      

The Rundown
Maxi Dress Banana Republic similar
Black Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Scalloped Clutch "Tilly" Matine
Fur Scarf Target
Circle Earrings c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Curve Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Nail Color "Twill Seeker" Essie

Thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap. As always my views and opinions are my own.

A Touch of Vintage

I think it's fun that square neck scarves are trending again, I have a small collection that belonged to my grandma as well as some I picked up at a thrift store in high school, when I definitely did not wear them. It's strange to think I'd buy something with no intention of wearing it, but just because it was made of silk and pretty, I assigned it value. A couple years ago I started tying them on my purses, still not believing I could 'pull it off' around my neck. But if I've learned one thing over these near ten years of blogging, it's that I can 'pull off' anything I want as long as I believe it.

I can't give myself alone credit for that belief. It is only through seeing other bloggers wearing pieces with confidence and beauty that I am able to see the same for myself. It is a powerful thing.

Is there anything another blogger has inspired you to wear or try?

       

The Rundown
Striped Shirt L.L. Bean thrifted
Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway
Grey Wool Peacoat J.Crew Factory similar
Booties "Calixta" Cole Haan similar
Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar
Polka Dot Silk Neck Scarf Thrifted similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Couture Curator" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

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

Venturing North

This weekend I met up with Courtney of Live Lovely Photography, we had coffee at Oxford Baking Company and ended up chatting for hours. She then showed me a couple of her favorite spots in Woodbury and took outfit photos for me. It's crazy to think having lived in this state my whole life, there are still so many towns I've never been to, so many cute places I haven't seen. It's easy to scroll through instagram and get hung up on all the exciting places in New York or Los Angeles, but I know if I were to take the time, I could find amazing spots right in Connecticut.

Focusing more on what my home state has to offer is something I've been trying to do more of over the last few years, not just for the sake of content, but for my own benefit! While I was chatting with Courtney she told me she had a whole list of places to visit, and I need to take a page from her and set about discovering all of Connecticut's little gems.

         

The Rundown
Burgundy Sweater Dress Target similar
Navy Coat Mark New York via South Moon Under similar
Grey Over the Knee Boots Ivanka Trump similar
Fur Bag Vintage via Roundabout similar
Earrings Susan Roberts

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Gold Ring Thrifted
Nail Color "Couture Curator" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

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

Photos By Live Lovely Photography

Dressing for the cold

I've heard that there is no bad weather, only poor clothing choices. But after two weeks spent well below freezing everyday, I'd argue strongly for bad weather. Admittedly some clothing choices are more sensible than others. You won't see me out there with bare feet in a pair of pumps, cute as they may be. The taller the boot, the better, as far as I'm concerned.

I've always been fond of wool coats - as in, I've never owned one of those parkas meant to keep you warm and as covered as possible. I imagine one of those might have been nice these past few weeks, but I did okay in my wool. Longer is better, and always with some type of hat, glove, and scarf. This fur scarf was a christmas gift. Faux fur is great because it looks stylish while still being remarkably warm.

Underneath it all, a silk base layer under the sweater, fleece lined knee socks under jeans, and naturally, when not taking photos, all buttoned, and zipped straight to the throat.

It's supposed to get up to 50° later this week, so naturally we'll all be out getting ice cream.

      

The Rundown

Houndstooth Coat Kohl's similar

Merino Wool Sweater Gap

Black Jeans Old Navy
Boots "Jabine" Adrienne Vittadini similar
Huntley Tote c/o Joie similar
Wide Brim Fedora Goorin Bros. via ebay similar
Double O-Ring Belt Express

Faux Fur Scarf Target
Leather iPhone Gloves Glove.ly

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

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