The Rundown
I recently learned about a an amazing organization, 4-CT, which was created in March of 2020 when a group of philanthropists and volunteers sought to fill unmet needs of Connecticut residents being disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
With the goal of rapidly and effectively delivering relief, 4-CT aligned with the state government to fill in gaps where federal and government aid was lacking. This lead to the creation of the 4-CT Card program, a way to provide direct cash assistance via prepaid cards to individuals and families facing financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
By partnering with select community based organizations and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the State, 4-CT was able to utilize their knowledge and expertise to get the cash assistance to those in the most need.
Even now that we are over a year into the pandemic and for many of us, life is starting to feel normal again, there are still many people in Connecticut facing hardships as a direct result of the pandemic. Help CT Bounce Back this summer by participating in their #4CTBounceBack campaign with a $25 donation to 4-CT.org!
Little white dresses and basket bags are the sum of my summer essentials. Though I thought I might try out some statement earrings and embrace having my hair pulled back more, which, in the summer, is where I want it.
Happy Memorial Day! It was such a rainy and cold weekend, I didn't leave the house, and barely got dressed. It felt very much like being back in lockdown, and how readily I accepted putting on my loungewear and doing nothing should probably be considered a bad sign.
I've been trying to be good and not shop too much this weekend, but it seems possible I'll cave in the 11th hour. You know how that goes. Thus far I've just ordered a white belt bag from Coach. I actually liked the factory version better, but it's sold out and everyone on Poshmark is asking crazy prices.
Aside from that, I have been on a Poshmark kick again, ordering a Lucky Brand dress that I tried on in TJMaxx in 2019 and didn't buy then, but suddenly decided I needed now? Hopefully it still looks as cute as it did then! As well as a light floaty Theory dress, a white Coach backpack, and a cream Theory leather jacket.
Sometimes I actually think I'm being good with my shopping until I take a moment to stop and think about it!
It's officially cherry blossom season and I can think of no better way to commemorate it than with this gorgeous bold cherry blossom pendant from Rellery. This new-to-me jewelry brand feels like a match made in heaven, with their focus on unique and customizable pieces made in the USA, and direct to consumer pricing.
The cherry blossom is just one of nineteen floral designs, one for each month of the year and then some, so it's not hard to find a design with special meaning for yourself or to give as a gift. Custom engraved charms can also be added to any necklace to make it even more personalized. I decided on a layered chain look and paired my blossom pendant with the Laurel leaf chain necklace, which felt like the perfect complement to the floral necklace, while still being a subtle enough design to mix with any other chain, or be stunning on its own. Without detracting from the statement necklaces, I added these adorable pave huggie earrings for just a bit of shine!
While Rellery offers many of their pieces in both sterling silver and gold vermeil, I'm of course a gold girl, through and through. Because 18k gold is often out of my price range, I frequently buy plated sterling, only to have my heart broken when the metal tarnishes - which is why I love Rellery's lifetime tarnish guarantee! If any piece gets tarnished beyond what a simple polish can fix, just send it back and they will make it good as new!
The idea of having this cherry blossom pendant to wear while my favorite trees are in bloom just delights me so; however, even after their petals have faded and fallen, green leaves taking their place, I'll still have this necklace to keep them close to my heart.
Since 1984 Owner Lyn Sabatasso has run Odeon Boutique in the artistic Westville Neighborhood of New Haven. When she first opened she only carried pieces imported directly from Europe, and while that has changed, she still makes sure her customers have a unique selection of brands to shop. Odeon is the only boutique in the area which carries Liverpool denim (which I'm styling here, and they are fabulous), Sergio Tomani footwear, and Joy Susan vegan leather bags.
Odeon is a perfectly curated shop, if you are shopping for an entire look, the experience is effortless - as I found, putting together outfit after outfit. From a great fitting pair of jeans to the accessories to pull everything together, Lyn's talent and years of experience buying for Odeon shine through in the cohesion of the boutique.
After trying on half a dozen pairs of Liverpool jeans, they might be my new favorite brand. I loved the fit, which for someone with curves, can often be a challenge, plus I was delighted to find this flared, patchwork pair was just the right length for my 5'-1" frame! (I'm sure they were meant to be cropped, but I'll take it!)
Odeon also happens to be neighbors with Soho Hair Group and Day Spa, which is run by Lyn's husband, so you can plan your next day of mani/pedis and shopping accordingly!
Lydia is a fashion lover, photographer and collector of shiny things. Loves a great sale, and occasionally remembers to stay on budget.