Second Fresh Start

While I didn't start off the year with any grand resolutions, particularity with regards to my shopping habits as I have in past years, as I was starting to compile my January budget post I came to a somewhat upsetting realization about the number of things I managed to buy in just one month. It started off innocently enough, as it always does, those extra 40%-70% off sale price ads start invading my inbox, instagram feed, and just about anywhere else wifi touches. I think there is no harm in placing an order just to try something, and then it snowballs.

I may or may not have gotten three coats today.

I know I need a hard reset, but I don't know how to combat the temptation without removing myself from my internet connected life. I also need to find something to fill the void I keep trying (and failing) to fill with clothes.

     

The Rundown
Cable Knit Sweater Banana Republic
Button Fly Jeans Gap similar
Plush Fleece Coat J.Crew
Pointed Flats Rothy's
Pom Beret Madewell
Vintage Coach City Bag thrifted similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

End of a Decade

If you were to ask me what has changed in the last ten years, I know my immediate response would be "not much", but that is because it's all too easy to dismiss the small changes and milestones which have transpired. I might choose to mention that I haven't traveled abroad since 2010, rather than recalling my three visits to the west coast. I certainly wouldn't consider the confidence I've gained, instead insisting that I don't have nearly enough, nor would I reflect on all the hard work and devotion I've given to this blog, dismissing it because it's not where 'it could be'.

That however, is no way to start a new decade, or a new year for that matter. While this might be an easy time to think of shortcomings, wouldn't it be better to focus on everything that has changed, grown, or improved, even slightly, and try to polish off memories so that they shine in a positive light?

If there is one resolution I need to follow through with in 2020, it is to believe that I am enough.

       

The Rundown
Black Ribbed Sweater H&M
Wide Leg Houndstooth Pants H&M
Teddy Bomber Jacket J.Crew
 Sock Booties "Neola" Naturalizer
Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Double Ring Belt Express
Pearl Hoop Earrings c/o Mejuri
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Fleece Bomber Jacket

It wouldn't be fall (but really winter) in Connecticut if I didn't add a new coat to my collection. And I suppose my sister wouldn't be my sister if she didn't then buy the same coat in a different color. Not that I didn't do my part to encourage it - you know I'm a shopping enabler.

This weekend my plans include checking out the new mall in South Norwalk, the SoNo Collection, and meeting Cee in New York City! I'm so excited, as I feel like I've known her for the last decade, but we've never met in person!

      

The Rundown 
Sweater Banana Republic
 Plush Fleece Bomber Jacket J.Crew

Black Jeans Gap

Open Heel Booties c/o Vionic
Willis Bag Vintage Coach via eBay similar
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
Scarab Necklace Vintage via Etsy similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx

Small Things

Now that I've been home a week, I've had a chance to appreciate all the little things I missed while I was away. Seeing Chloe, driving my own car, washing my hair -- having lived my whole life with soft water, I didn't like how my hair felt after being washed in California's hard, mineral rich water. Sprawling out in my queen bed is not on the list, because I share it with Chloe and she takes 75% of it. But getting fun things in the mail is on the list, and I arrived home to a package from Ana Luisa, the high fashion jewelry brand where you can find both classic and quirky pieces, all under $100.

I chose these 14k gold plated mobile earrings because they were my ideal combination of something a bit different, but still easy to wear. They are super light weight and comfortable to wear - while the material used for the posts is not noted on the item description, I can say it did not bother my ears. Ana Luisa promises to only use high quality metals and durable gold plating, so I imagine these will be a shining part of my collection for years to come.

      

The Rundown
 Black Cable Knit Sweater Banana Republic similar
Jeans Banana Republic
Cream Funnel Neck Teddy Coat Loft similar
Black Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer 

Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Leather Pom Matine

White Beret Amazon
 Mobile Earrings c/o Ana Luisa
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

The Teddy Coat

This coat isn't mine. Well, it isn't supposed to be mine at least. When my sister was home for Thanksgiving we popped into J.Crew and she tried it on and loved it. Since the Black Friday sale was so good (just $70 before tax) I decided to get it for her. Then my mom mentioned that since moving to California, all of my sister's winter coats remained in Connecticut. However the coat was final sale, so I reasoned I'd just keep it.

When my sister came home for Christmas she saw the coat in my room and was highly offended I'd bought a coat she'd wanted. I explained the situation, and that I'd already purchased her a different gift for Christmas - but if she'd prefer to have the coat, I'd return her other gift.

Not willing to commit and potentially give up her other gift, she said she might want the coat as a birthday gift, but I'm not sure where we landed on that. Needless to say, it did not come to California, so I felt while the coats ownership was still in limbo, I might as well do a blog post with it!

       

The Rundown
Black Tee Gap
Girlfriend Jeans Gap
Teddy Coat J.Crew
Silver Regan Mule c/o Vionic
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Gold Plated Disc Necklace Matteo via TJMaxx
Pave Triangle Earrings TJMaxx similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Nail Color "Penny Talk" Essie

Linking up with Style on the Daily

Teddy Coat for the Last Snow of the Season

A very wintery look from Monday's snow, not that you can see much of it in these photos. I wish I'd been able to take them while the snow was still falling, it was so big and fluffy. Of course by late afternoon it had stopped, the sun was out, and the snow quickly melting away.

Try as I might, I can't let a winter pass without adding a new coat to my wardrobe. It is a weakness, for sure. But having just the right coat to complete an outfit feels essential to me. I don't regret picking up this teddy coat this year. It's not a super heavy coat, but when layered it's quite cozy.

        

The Rundown
White Sweater Loft similar
Funnel Neck Fleece Teddy Coat Loft similar
Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway
Brown Boots "Mullin Spice" Clarks via eBay
Wide Brim Fedora "Lady Roulette" Goorin Bros. via ebay similar
Bag Tahari c/o TJMaxx similar
Silk Floral Scarf Ann Taylor
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Couture Curator" Essie

Linking up with Classy Yet Trendy's Trendy Wednesday
and
Style on the Daily
and

Stylin' in St. Louis's Spotlight Linkup

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda