Small things

I find enjoyment in the simplest things in life.

Here in the doldrums of winter, where there is more grey than sun, it's easy to feel defeat. Getting outfit photos ready for each week is a challenge; trying to cram them all in over the weekend, waking early enough to snap them at lightening speed before work (yeah right), or racing against the setting sun at the end of the day.

I feel like I am forever playing catch-up, never quite being able to get ahead, or stay there for more than a moment. But I suppose that is the nature of life, and I need to get out of the mindset that I am behind - perhaps I am exactly where I need to be. If that means some nights I need to go to bed early and don't get a blog post up, that is okay. If I never manage to schedule Instagram posts for the week, that is okay too.

Appreciating the little moments in my day, like my morning coffee, or how good I feel after going to my exercise class knowing that this week I could do something I could not do last week, or stopping to buy myself a grocery store bouquet, just because, gives me joy.

       

The Rundown
White Sweater 89th & Madison via Marshalls similar
Coated Jeans Joe's via TJMaxx similar
Leopard Fur Coat JCP similar
Red Pumps Nine West thrifted similar
Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Leather Pom Matine
Tanner Toggle Lariat Necklace Gorjana similar
Hammered Gold Ring Thrifted similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

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

January Closet Additions

Yes! One whole month of not shopping is behind me, just two more to go. Admittedly this month was not without it's challenges, and I was honestly thinking it would be the easiest coming off the holidays and my previous month of indulgences.

Not going into stores was the biggest change I made to curb my shopping, along with unsubscribing from every eBay saved search, every store email and constantly having to mentally berate myself every time I started browsing my favorite virtual shops.

Naturally you might be wondering what I have to post for closet additions... well I had a Christmas gift to exchange and I got some pretty new flats from Banana Republic - I did not spend any of my other gift cards, as I decided that still counts as shopping, but since this was an exchange I made an exception.

There were also some belated holiday celebrations, so I thought I'd include those presents, along with gifted items, as I've done in the past.

Ottoto Gasglow Sunglasses c/o GlassesUSA.com
Marc Fisher Escape Over the Knee Boots
Banana Republic Dillon-Fit Floral Classic Blouse
Banana Republic Green Suede Adana Flats

Linking Up with Franish

White Culottes in the Winter

Happiness does not start when ‘this, that or the other’ thing is resolved.  Happiness is what happens now, when I make the best of what I have.

I've been working so hard on developing better habits lately, and while I know it won't be an overnight change, even doing small things each day can make a difference. I can remember a time in my life when I said "Where is the joy in Sunday, when I know it will be followed by Monday?" But now I relish my Sundays. I've been enjoying finding myself back in the habit of attending church, and of course having Sean home has made a big difference. I hope these Sundays continue to stretch on. Having a reason to get up and out of bed is a great motivator to have a productive day, plus I love being able to get dressed up for church.

I'd been thinking about these white culottes lately, having only worn them once during the fall, I felt like rather than putting them on hold until the spring, I'd try and layer them up for a reasonably warm January day. I know the look was a success, because a fellow Starbucks patron complimented me, and for whatever reason, a compliment from a stranger always completely makes my day.

       

The Rundown
Black Merino Wool Sweater Gap similar
White Culottes Thrifted similar
Camel Coat J.Crew thrifted similar
Leopard Pumps Sam Edelman
Tilly Scalloped Clutch Matine
Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Oh To Be A Muse's Lookbook Linkup
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday