When You Move, I Move

There are no shortages of chic and affordable timepieces as of late, so when MVMT reached out to me about featuring one of their watches I agreed mostly because I fell in love with this unique purple watch, and partly because I think their name is really clever. They were also kind enough to extend a 15% discount to my readers with code CHICLYDDIE15.

 

Of course if I'm being honest, this outfit is more about the bag, the Dip by Yuzefi which I spotted on another blogger's arm sometime last fall. First I balked at its $700ish price tag, and then I beat myself up for not nabbing it at 60% off before it went out of stock at Net-a-Porter. But then, as I always do, I set up my saved searches, and when this snake embossed version came up on eBay, I quickly snapped it up for $115. 

I'm always very drawn to bags that are structural and statement making, while still being functional*. I love how the design allows you to easily switch from carrying by the top handle to the shoulder strap  without needing to hook/unhook the strap or having the top handle be in the way. 

 

I know, I'm just a bit obsessed with bags, and now I have a new designer to love, I mean, just look how cute this 'Dinner Roll' bag is!

*You know I use the term functional somewhat loosely, as long as my phone, my tiny wallet, and my car key fit, then it's functional enough!

The Rundown
Wrap Blouse Banana Republic similar
Faux Suede Leggings Ann Taylor
Camel Striped Cardigan Ann Taylor
Leather Sneakers Sperry via TJMaxx
Bag "Dip" Yuzefi secondhand via eBay
Earrings Banana Republic
Paperclip Chain Necklace Cote D'argent via TJMaxx similar
Watch "Vibe" c/o MVMT
Papercilp Chain Bracelet c/o MVMT
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Chevron Ring Sashi via TJMaxx
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx

Last Sip of Summer

 To say I've gotten behind on the blog would be an understatement, though I feel like I've gotten behind in every facet of life this year. The 12th anniversary of this blog came and went earlier this month - I had every intention of dedicating a post to it as I've done in the past, which clearly didn't happen. It's easier to be in denial of time passing right now. 

 

I have a few more summer looks to share, so let's pretend the air is still warm, the nights are still long, and we don't need to buy new sweaters.

       
The Rundown

Striped Linen Dress Max Studio via TJMaxx

Espadrilles Soludos

Macrame Bag Vintage via Poshmark similar

Hair Scarf J.Crew

Rattan Hoop Earrings Loft similar

Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry

 Blue Topaz Stacking Ring Hirajule via TJMaxx

Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx

Nail Color "Pre-Show Jitters" 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

Looking Forward

Happy Friday! I know it's been a while since I've posted, and while I wasn't planning on taking such a long break from the blog, sometimes it just happens. I've definitely found myself in a bit of a rut lately, but hopefully that will change soon. I also wanted to thank everyone for your sweet words about Chloe, they mean so much to me.

This felt like the right time to try and get back into my regular post schedule, since this past week I found myself with an unexpectedly full blogging social calendar. It's been a lot of fun, and I got a chance to catch up with some bloggers I haven't seen in ages, but I'm still looking forward a quieter week ahead, and hopefully finding myself back into my routine of reading all your blogs, which I've been missing!

I've also done way too much shopping over the last month. I started writing my May budget post and just abandoned it because I was feeling embarrassed about how many things ended up in my closet, the new top and earrings I'm wearing included. Finding moderation with my shopping budget is still an issue for me, no matter how much I tell myself I don't need something, those moments of weakness, of believing my next purchase will somehow make me feel better are hard to quell. If you have any tips on how to shop the impulse shopping, I'm all ears. Also, someone please tell me not to buy this top.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday!

        

The Rundown
Striped Sweater Tank Banana Republic
 Denim Shorts Gap
Navy Espadrille Sandals Sonoma similar
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
Anchor Belt ASOS similar
Gold Hoop Earrings Argento Vivo via TJMaxx 
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Gold Circle Ring Thrifted
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Light Jacket Weather

If there is one thing I wish for in the spring (sartorially speaking) it's light jacket weather. Being in California for two months spoiled me rotten, as it was light jacket weather for the entirety of my stay. I'm now wishing I'd hung out until April so I could have seen all the flowering trees bloom, as here in chilly Connecticut buds are only just starting to appear and I likely won't be seeing any flowers until May.

I'm often pushing the limits of what is weather appropriate. There was no wool coat tucked out of sight on a nearby bench or in the car as there typically is this time of year. Just me in this satin blazer, trying to make a California winter outfit work for a New England spring.

      

The Rundown
Striped Turtleneck Ralph Lauren via TJMaxx similar
Rust Satin Blazer Banana Republic similar
Distressed Jeggings Gap
White Mules "Bianca" Target similar
Micro Perry Satchel Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
Gold Plated Disc Necklace Matteo via TJMaxx
Gold Circle Ring Thrifted
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Bikini So Teeny" Essie

Linking up with  Style on the Daily

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!)