Coffee and Wine

Desperate to cling to every day left when sitting outside is enjoyable (even if it's a little chilly) there are two main reasons to go out; for coffee and for wine. 

 

Lately we've been enjoying the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven, where there is an abundance of cute spots to sit outside and enjoy either (or both). Granted, the areas are small, usually comprised of no more than five tables, but that's why we always leave the house at three in the afternoon, so there is daylight for photos and we can arrive promptly when the wine bar opens at four p.m. Then we can sip our wine and people dog watch. I saw a dalmatian puppy while we were taking these photos and you can probably tell which photo shows the genuine "I'm dying of puppy adorableness" smile.

The Rundown
Camel Velvet Blazer Banana Republic similar
White Lace Trim Cami Coco's on the Green similar
Straight Leg Jeans Ann Taylor
White Caned Pumps Just Fab
Cream Croc Purse Persaman via TJMaxx
Necklace Thrifted
Gold Croissant Ring Etsy
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Twist Ring Etsy
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Toasted Marshmallow

I've had a bit of an obsession with velvet this winter - not that my closet really needed more - but Banana Republic was tempting me with the most gorgeous pieces, and once I tried them on, I was sold. Unlike some of my older velvet pieces, which seem to be glorified lint traps, Banana Republic's velvet is uncannily soft, plush, and slightly iridescent. I had the hardest time deciding on just one color of this long line blazer, the deep cherry red was so tempting, but since I've been embracing all shades of brown these days, the camel colored 'toasted marshmallow' won out. Admittedly, I always wait too long to share things, and many sizes of this blazer have already sold out. However, if your size is available and you can take advantage of the sale price, you likely wont regret the purchase.

       

The Rundown
Velvet Blazer Banana Republic
Satin Bodysuit Abercrombie similar
Wide Leg Jeans Gap
Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Croc Embossed Leather Bag Loeffler Randall
 Gold Twist Hoops Thrifted similar
Layered Charm Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Just the way you Arctic" Essie

Elevated Basics

This week has been a blissful reprise of autumn weather, warm sun and cool air, the scent of the fallen leaves. I was grateful to be able to spend each of those gorgeous days outside walking with my favorite dog clients; the only thing I really miss about my office job is the chance to get dressed in clothing I would not welcome muddy paws on.

Lately my work day attire has been about the quick change - comfortable jeans that can effortlessly transition from sneakers and a tee shirt into a look that lets me feel polished and confident for any part of my day which doesn't involve my furry friends.

As much as denim silhouettes have been pushing for change, I am not ready to give up my skinny jeans, and styles that hold their shape, wear after wear, are the only ones I want in my closet. I'm happy to share the Ann jeans from Mott & Bow, a power stretch denim, designed to flatter every curve and provide the quality of designer jeans at half the price.

I love my silk button downs - it's likely I have far more than I could reasonably need, but they are a weakness. A classic, a staple, and Mott & Bow wants you to know that you can wear silk and skip the dry cleaner. Isn't that little tag frequently what stands in the way of pieces that get worn regularly and those which get saved for special occasions? It makes so sense not to wear what I love, even if that means simply switching tops and shoes for running errands between walks, with the right basics I can.

       

The Rundown 
Silk Shirt "Harper" c/o Mott &Bow
High Rise Skinny Jeans "Ann" c/o Mott &Bow
Black Velvet Blazer Urban Outfitters similar
Mules Charles David via TJMaxx
Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Loop Earrings Mejuri
Diamond Necklace Belonged to my Grandma
Fresh Water Pearl Necklace S.V. Decker
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses Ray-Ban via TJMaxx

Thanks to Mott & Bow for providing my jeans and blouse. As always, my views and opinions are my own.

A Bit Holiday

I wanted to be a bit festive over the weekend so I pulled out some very old pieces, this beaded antler tee from J.Crew, and this velvet blazer from Urban Outfitters. I often feel like the best way to wear a very old piece is to pair it with a very new piece, so I'm wearing a new pair of girlfriend jeans from Gap.

I swear I've been trying so hard to not shop for myself this month, but I'll admit a couple pieces may have slipped into my cart. Mostly from Gap and their family of brands, partly because I have a credit card which gives such good rewards, and partly because time and again, Gap proves to have some of the best customer service I've ever received. I ended up needing to call them three times this month and each time they not only helped me with what I needed, but were so kind and friendly, I ended each call with a smile on my face. I can't say that is something I've experienced from too many other realtors, particularly during the busiest shopping season of the year, so if a pair of gap jeans ends up in my cart and they are under $30, I'm just going to let it slide.

      

The Rundown

Velvet Blazer Urban Outfitters similar

Beaded Antler Tee J.Crew eBay

Distressed Girlfriend Jeans Gap

Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer

Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Leather Pom Matine
Watch "Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington
Diamond Chip Ring c/o Crown Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's

Navy velvet

It's funny how velvet has been making such a big comeback this season, and while I might not jump head first into the revived trend with a body-con or fit and flare dress, I will happily pull out my blazers. Velvet pants have crossed my mind, something structured of course. Though I might not refuse a pair of leggings, especially to have as loungewear.

Are you on board with the velvet trend?

The Rundown
White Silk Shirt J.Crew similar

Jeans J Brand thrifted similar
Navy Velvet Blazer Zara via Coco's similar

Studded Booties Guess via TJMaxx similar

Navy Foldover Clutch Clare V.
Bar Earrings Vince Camuto gift from Meg similar
Necklace House of Harlow via Rocksbox
Watch "Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington
Snake Ring Brilliant Imports
Chevron Rings Gorjana via Rocksbox
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry

Bright

These leopard pants needed a red shoe, and I pulled these so, so ancient, nearly forgotten Mary Janes out of retirement for the job.
Do you think they should make a comeback?
 

The Rundown

Cowl Neck Sweater Gap similar

Navy Velvet Blazer Zara via Coco's on the Green similar

Leopard Pants Joseph via The Cedar Chest similar, similar

Red Mary Janes Nine West similar

Bag Shop in Italy similar

Hammered Ring Thrifted similar

Signature Spade Ring Kate Spade similar

Sunglasses Ray-Ban Meteor c/o TJMaxx