What to Wear for Valentine's Day

I haven't done much in the way of celebrating Valentine's day the past few years, however this year my mom, sister, and I are hosting a Galentine's Day, and when I reviewed my closet for potential outfits, this maxi dress stood out. It has only been worn once, Christmas Eve of 2018, and never properly photographed, so it seemed like a perfect choice.

Another small nod to the occasion with my double heart earrings, and topped off with this vintage inspired faux fur coat; I will be the most glamorous single girl drinking wine and eating chocolate at home with her girlfriends this February 14th.

If you have actual cause for celebration or an outing, I found a few similar maxi dresses and bold heart shaped earrings which I've linked below.

What are your Valentine's plans?

      

The Rundown
Color Block Maxi Dress Banana Republic similar
Brown Faux Fur Coat Banana Republic
 Jeweled Strap Mule Banana Republic
 Scalloped Clutch Matine similar
Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar
Bracelet Vintage
Pearl and Pave Ring Forever 21 similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Styling the Sweater Blazer

This is not a new piece to J.Crew's offerings, this sweater blazer has been around for quite a few seasons now, and has been offered in a number of different colors and even has a Factory version. I'd been coveting it since at least last fall, and since I've been shopping with reckless abandon lately, picking it up at 40% off seemed like a good idea.

It's got the casual throw on vibes of a cardigan, with just that little bit of extra structure and polish of a blazer. Everything the blazer loving person in me loves without the notions that I should be heading to the office. Let's not think about the white blazer I bought in June and haven't worn yet, this is the kind of piece you could wear around the house when you need that extra bit of cozy, but still look pulled together enough to head out into the world. A bit like what I'd hoped my grey cashmere cardigan would be, even though I always felt like it was missing the mark.

I probably should have posted this on Monday when the blazer was still on sale, but these days it seems like every weekend J.Crew is having some sort of promotion, so keep an eye out and snatch it up next time it's discounted. Also consider sizing down, I went with the extra small here.

        

The Rundown 
Camel Sweater Blazer J.Crew
Scalloped Camisole J.Crew Factory
Wide Leg Jeans Gap
White Mules Target similar
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
Gold Chain Necklace Thrifted
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Signet Ring Sashi
Cat Eye Sunglasses H&M similar

Late Afternoon

Last weekend I was invited to try out the happy hour specials at Fork & Fire in Farmington, CT.
It was one of those events where everyone was relaxed - the restaurant was closed but for our group, so there were no concerns about taking over every corner of the space for photos, no one was opposed to leaving their seats to get up and mingle, and I was astonished to realize just how late it had gotten when I finally made my way out the door.

Since Meg was there, we did a quick google search to try and find a cute nearby spot for photos and landed on the historical society. Even thought it was late, the sun was still high in the sky. I don't know why, but I always find that to be such a marvel; in a few short months I'll be rushing to get photos done by three p.m.

I'm finally debuting the leopard midi skirt - which I bought weeks ago and hadn't worn. I tired to talk myself out of jumping on the trend, but when it popped up at the Gap in both petites and on sale, well, my willpower is frayed to say the least.

I don't have any weekend plans as of yet, but hopefully something fun will come my way. How about you?

        

The Rundown
White Bodysuit Gap similar
Leopard Midi Skirt Gap similar
Blush Scalloped Mules Marc Fisher similar
Round Rattan Bag Etsy similar
 Gold Hoop Earrings Thrifted similar
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx   
Nail Color "Barely There" Avon

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

Shadow Play

Anyone who's ever taken outfit photos with me knows I try to avoid direct sunlight and harsh shadows as much as I possibly can. You will find me running to the shady side of the street, or under a big tree, pillar or any object that provide just enough coverage from the sun.

On this afternoon, however, I was feeling bold, wondering if I could make the shadows work and play up the drama on an otherwise pretty simple outfit. The sun was out, I thought I might as well enjoy it.

       

The Rundown
Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory
Grey Cashmere Cardigan TJMaxx similar
Grey Plaid Pants Gap similar
White Mules "Bianca" Target
Micro Perry Satchel Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
Gold Plated Disc Necklace Matteo via TJMaxx
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with

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

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.