With the weather still feeling very much like summer, I see no reason to not embrace it. I picked up this white shirtdress at Gap earlier this year, and since it had sleeves, was saving it for a cooler day. I chose the wrong day. Regardless, it was an absolutely perfect afternoon for a Thimble Island Cruise; a 45 minute boat tour of the 25 inhabited islands off the coast of Branford, CT.
You learn a little bit about their history, a bit about how much wealth you've got to have to live on one (and they aren't modest about it either), but mostly just enjoy being out on the water on a beautiful summer day.
This past weekend I went to New York for a couple of fashion week parties, but you will have to come back later this week to hear about it!
The Rundown White Shirt DressGapsimilar Sandals Franco Sarto via TJMaxx identical Red Willis Bag Vintage Coachvia ebay Pearl Earrings Belonged to my Grandma Long Gold Chain Necklace Thrifted Pearl Bracelet Thrifted
One of my main reasons for starting this blog was to help myself budget. To keep track of what I was buying, how much I was spending, and how much wear I was actually getting out of my investments.
I'm a little fuzzy on exactly when that stopped, but it did. Not that I suddenly started buying $300 handbags every time I turned around, but I have been making a lot more impulse purchases (especially at the thrift store), and not keeping track of exactly how much I've been spending.
For this upcoming Fall and Winter, I've finally decided to join Jessica, Meg, and Rachelle in embracing the French Wardrobe Challenge. Hopefully I can start making smarter purchases and work towards curating my perfect closet. If you aren't familiar with the concept, you can purchase as many basic pieces as you need to fill gaps in your wardrobe, along with five standout pieces for the six month duration.
The Rules:
Quality over quantity.
Basics don’t count.
Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual.
Socks and underwear don’t count.
Shoes do count.
The Basics*:
The perfect striped shirt (I like the one I have, but it's starting to look worn out)
Tank tops in black, grey and white (I'd like them in silk or something equally nice)
Sweaters in black, grey and white (Cotton and acrylic blends need to be replaced with merino wool or cashmere)
Winter coat (I don't have a black coat, or a down coat, so it's something to consider)
Black pumps
Red pumps
Ankle boots
Black ballet flats
Sneakers (I should probably get actual athletic sneakers, since I don't have any, but I'd rather get some white Converse. My sister just got the 'dainty ox' and I love them, they don't make me feel like Bigfoot.)
*This is my own personal list, adapted from the 'official' one to remind me of the things I do need to purchase. Additions to the list are at my discretion as they arise.
I'm also giving myself a budget of $500, and will be posting updates on my purchases and progress each month. Hopefully I can rise to the challenge, and in the meantime, savor what will likely be my last graphic tee purchase for the next six months, because no matter how fun they are, I know I will not be including one in my five!
The Rundown Graphic TeeOld Navy Striped Shorts Old Navy similar Sandals"Keira"Traskvia in.d giveaway Brown Leather Tote Hobo via ebaysimilar Anchor BeltASOS Anchor BraceletKnotical Knovelites Shell Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box similar Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box Thin Gold Rings Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry Sunglasses "Bondi" c/o Hobie Polarized Nail Color"Coral Bikini" Avon
For someone who once gave fruit print a big ol' eye roll, I will admit to spending the better part of my summer obsessing over it, first the with pineapples, and now with the lemons.
Last month I won a giveaway through Lookmazing, and the prize was meant to be a leaf print crop top, but they no longer had it in my size, and I wasn't too keen on some of the other leafy tops, so I chose lemons (and leaves) on this skort.
This is the first item I've ever owned from Topshop, and I must say I'm impressed with the quality. I've heard Topshop being likened to Forever 21 in the past, but this skort is definitely a step up. The material is thick, lays well, and my biggest concern of them being too short was unfounded.
The Rundown Black Tank Gap similar Lemon Print SkortTopshopvia Lookmazing giveaway White Sandals Ferragamo via Coco's Fold Over Clutch Alberta Di Canio via TJMaxxsimilar Gold Hoop Earrings Taken for Granite Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana & Griffin Diamond Necklace Gift Fatima Bracelet c/o Gorjana & Griffin Gold Ring Thrifted similar Sunglasses"Sierra" c/o Under Armour Nail Color"Go Overboard" Essie
