Velvet Bodysuit

All my thoughts for the coming new year are positive and inspiring.

A curve hugging head to toe silhouette is not one that I typically gravitate towards - the mantra of balancing something tight with something voluminous and the abundance of fit and flare dresses in my closet clearly speak to that. Yet something about this black velvet bodysuit gave me the confidence to ditch the wide leg pants I'd intended on pairing it with and don the skinny jeans.

And the tuck. How amazing is it to have a perfect tuck? And it won't come untucked! I don't know if everyone has these problems, but trying to get a shirt tucked and not look bulky or bunchy or blousey is pretty much impossible for me, and then when I do somehow manage it, the second I raise my arms for any reason, it's completely ruined.

This velvet bodysuit is going to be my new favorite piece for the winter.

       

The Rundown

Draped Velvet Bodysuit H&M similar
Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway
Studded Pumps c/o OASAP similar
Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Leather Pom Matine
Earrings Kohl's
Triangle Necklace Moon & Lola similar
Mini Punk Princess Bracelet CC Skye similar
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "Nothing Else Metals" Essie

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's What I Wore to Work

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

Not Shopping

There are infinite possibilities in my closet, I do not need to add anything new to enjoy the clothes I have.

Yesterday I mentioned that I'm starting a shopping ban. I can't say I've ever done a shopping ban in the past with the level of success that I'd hoped, so the only thing I can say that will make this time different is determination.

The problem with my shopping is that it isn't a passive habit. There was a purse in Banana Republic and it was on sale, but not a great sale. Then there was a better sale but it sold out online in my local store, so naturally rather than just accepting that I'd missed out on it, I was calling stores until I tracked it down. Or I see an item on another blogger but it's from two years ago, so I create eBay saved searches and obsessively check Poshmark until I can buy it.

I devote so much time and energy to shopping that I know could be better spent on other ventures.

Not to mention how overstuffed my closet currently is, and spending more time focusing on what I have than what I want will be a good opportunity to really make note of what is working for me and what I should get rid of.

      

The Rundown
Black Sweater Banana Republic
Yoga Jeans Second Denim via Coco & Vera's Giveaway
Fur Collar Coat Zara thrifted similar
Boots "Jabine" Adrienne Vittadini
Tilly Tote Matine
Stacked Rings Gorjana via TJMaxx similar
Sunglasses Vogue via Sunglass Hut
Nail Color "Nothing Else Metals" Essie

Linking up with I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday

and

Sandy a la Mode's On Trend Tuesday

Turn the page

2017 is the year that I accept that all things are possible with intention and belief.

It is a new year, and I need to start it with optimism. I feel like I went through all of 2016 with the emergency brake on. I got through the days, but I was unable to make any improvements in my life. Since moving in with Sean I spent every weekend one of three ways: back at my parents house, out shopping, or alone crying in my apartment. I've been miserable at work, and feeling so empty inside. Naturally I tried to fill that emptiness with clothes.

I can't spend another year like that. I need to find my happiness again. I'm starting off with a shopping ban, which I'll take three months at a time. Lorena is joining me. While shopping has always been an activity I've enjoyed, I think eliminating it for a bit will be refreshing, and force me to focus my energy on things that will better my life.

I need to take responsibility for my own happiness, I need to ask for what I want, I need to make positive changes. Everything I've read about changing your attitude mentions using affirmations, so I'm going to start sharing them daily, even if only for my own benefit.

Happy New Year Everyone!

       

The Rundown
Shirred Silk Dress Banana Republic via eBay
Navy Faux Fur Coat Vintage similar
Silver Pumps Kate Spade via Coco's similar
Metallic Scalloped Clutch Matine
Starburst Necklace Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl's similar
Beaded Bracelet Alex & Ani
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Pave Rings c/o Kohl's
Nail Color "Nothing Else Metals" Essie

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Monday Mingle
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday