Happy 19th Chloe!

Sometimes it's hard to believe Chloe has been with us for 18 years. We weren't her first family, but her forever family. I don't believe I've ever shared the story of how we got Chloe. It was not planned, no one, including my mother knew she was coming, as she was a surprise from my grandma!

My grandma had a friend who was looking to re-home Chloe, so she decided she would give my mom the one Christmas wish she'd always wanted and never received as a child - a puppy.

We don't know too much about Chloe's past, the only papers we have came from the shelter she'd been surrendered to dated December 1st, 2000, stating that she was a one year old Bichon named Munchkin (yes, I completely spearheaded the name change).

We had no idea what we were getting into the afternoon Chloe showed up and became a part of our lives; but I can honestly say that it is hard to imagine what our home would be like without her. And as for the tree farm photos - we'd just gotten home with our tree that Saturday in 2000, and so the following year we chose to celebrate Chloe on the same day we got our tree, and have done so ever since, our little Christmas Tree Dog.

       

The Rundown
Plaid Shirt J.Crew similar
Plush Fleece Excursion Vest J.Crew similar 
Jeans Joe's via saks off fifth similar
Brown Boots "Mullin Spice" Clarks via eBay
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
 Antler Ring House of Harlow similar
Nail Color "Twill Seeker" Essie
Dog Chloe similar

 

Pop of Red

On Saturday it was in the mid 40°s and sunny, so I decided I could get away with not wearing a coat. I also decided I could get away with ballet flats. I can't say it was 100% the correct choice, but lately we've been having two types of weather - either overcast, wet, and warm, or bright and sunny but below freezing. So I saw a chance to wear my Ferragamo flats without the threat of rain and I took it.

I sort of feel like the red bow Ferragamo flats are my 'holiday' shoes. No guarantees I'll end up wearing them on Christmas itself, but they do feel terribly festive. I don't have a great deal of red in my closet as of late. Most of my bright red pieces were donated in recent years and with the small exception of searching for something festive to throw on this time of year, I haven't missed them. Though it turns out, a great red accessory offering just a pop of color is enough.

As you know I love shopping second-hand, it’s my favorite way to get designer names into my closet for less. I could have never paid retail price for these shoes, but thanks to online shops like Micolet, thousands of beautiful previously loved pieces from my favorite brands are only a click away from my closet and the low prices let me shop guilt free.

        

The Rundown

Striped Turtleneck Ralph Lauren via TJMaxx similar
Plush Fleece Excursion Vest J.Crew similar
White Jeans Gap
Red Bow Pumps Ferragamo via eBay
Red Willis Bag Vintage Coach via eBay similar
Gold Ball Earrings Kohl's
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
  Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Linking up with  Style on the Daily

Herringbone Vest

I always have the power to choose the most optimistic outlook.

I was just lamenting that it is only Thursday and not Friday. After an abbreviated week last week, this one is feeling long. But at least I'm not missing anymore work due to my unpleasant cold and the day before Friday is still pretty good. Plus today is my Mom's birthday, so there will be cake.

I know it will take an exceedingly large amount of effort, but I need to work on changing my mindset to focus more on positive things and dwell less on the negative.

        

The Rundown

Cowl Neck Sweater Gap similar

Herringbone Vest c/o Mint Julep Boutique similar
Black Jeans Old Navy similar
Boots Migliorini via TJMaxx buy on eBay similar
Scalloped Tilly Tote Matine
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Hammered Gold Ring Thrifted
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Stylin' in St. Louis's Spotlight Linkup

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

Hold the phone

Friday, at long last, with a pretty good weekend outlook. While my living room currently looks like the entire holiday section of Target exploded all over it (anyone else smitten with their Sugar Paper line?) hopefully the mess will resolve itself into a pile of neatly wrapped gifts before Sunday sneaks up on me again.

I can't seem to wrap my mind around the idea that after this weekend there will only be ONE weekend left before Christmas!

        

The Rundown

White Sweater Ralph Lauren thrifted similar

Coated Jeans Joe's via TJMaxx similar

Herringbone Vest c/o Mint Julep Boutique similar

White Sneakers "Dainty" Converse

Bag "Alexa" Danielle Nicole
Bling Earrings JoJo Loves You

Watch "Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington

Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar

Sunglasses "Caravan" Ray-Ban via Ditto
Leopard iPhone Case Kate Spade

Linking up with Jeans and a Teacup Flashback Friday (one year ago today)

Ahead of schedule

This weekend Sean and I got our tree, which historically is probably the earliest I've ever gotten a tree up! Feeling put out by the huge tree farms, I called around until I found Totoket Tree Farm in North Branford, CT. It's a small farm and the cut your own trees were only $40. As with so many other things, it's always better to support local businesses instead of going to lots where the trees are trucked in from Canada.

For our little trip to the tree farm I decided to wear my new fleece vest and my gorgeous new monogram necklace from Get Personalized Jewelry. The statement making 2" monogram is a beautiful shiny 18k gold plated sterling silver. It came in a cute gift box and included a polishing cloth. I love the idea of giving personalized gifts and Get Personalized Jewelry has so many options! Since the turn around time is about 15 days, orders should be placed soon to get pieces by Christmas.

The Christmas season is underway and I'm looking forward to getting my tree decorated, wreath up, gifts wrapped (when I finish shopping of course) and taking in as much of the holiday as I can.

        

The Rundown

Burgundy Long Sleeve Tee Target
Plush Fleece Excursion Vest J.Crew
Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway

Brown Booties "Upton" c/o Vionic
Suede Accordion Bag Banana Republic similar
Pearl Earrings Gift similar
XXL Statement Curly Monogram Necklace c/o Get Personalized Jewelry
Pearl Anchor Bracelet Made by Me
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Antler Ring House of Harlow
Nail Color "Twill Seeker" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Monday Mingle
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday

Get Personalized Jewelry Provided me with this necklace for the purpose of this post. My views and opinions are my own.

Seasonal investments

I've been a bit reluctant to delve into my coat closet this fall, even though I know it's the last day of October and I'm just in denial. Much like my yearly challenge to delay the first wearing of tights, I'm keeping the coats in the closet for as long as I can and giving myself a little extra layer with vest.

I'm particularly loving the long blazer style of this vest from Rosegal, it adds polish, and that extra bit of warmth I need. When it gets colder I can opt for a fur vest, layer over sweaters, and even layer over lighter jackets. Coats are inevitably coming, but for the moment, I'm holding out.

        

The Rundown
Striped Shirt L.L. Bean thrifted
Long Black Vest c/o Rosegal
Black Pants Gap similar
White Mules "Camila" Rebecca Minkoff
Bag "Astor" Linea Pelle
Watch "Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington
Faux Pearl Earrings c/o Lydell NYC
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Pearl and Pave Ring Forever 21

Sunglasses c/o Sicky

Nail Color "Marshmallow" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Monday Mingle
and
Fizz and Frosting's Mix it Monday

Thanks to Rosegal for sponsoring this post.