Skort not withstanding, this is the first time I've worn shorts on the blog this year. It's probably only the fifth time I've worn shorts all summer. For many years I've had a love/hate relationship with shorts. There was a long span of time when I refused to wear them outright, but as with most things I previously swore off, my persistence in being part of the blogging community persuaded me otherwise. I found light, swingy shorts that looked and felt more like skirts, I discovered their eases and advantages, but I still haven't gotten over my number one issue, the attention they draw to my thighs.
Shorts now exist in my wardrobe of course, I even bought a new pair last month, though I've yet to wear them. Every time I try them on I convince myself they are just a little too curve hugging for comfort, and retreat to the safety of this baggy boyfriend cut, no matter how bad my derriere looks in them.
The Rundown Lace Cold Shoulder Top H&M similar Boyfriend Shorts Old Navy similar
I know what the rule is for cleaning out my closet. If I haven't worn it in six months, or a year if it's seasonal, then it should go. I have never subscribed to that rule. I hold on to things. I get sentimental, I convince myself that I might just want to wear it again.
I was in TJMaxx the other day, I came home with a new dress and a kimono. My hands hovered over a set of black velvet hangers, my mind flashing to the unwieldy pile of hangerless clothes taking residence on my desk chair. I forced myself to leave without the hangers and instead confront my closet.
I started with things I've never worn. Most of these things were from thrift or consignment stores. Deals that seemed to good to pass up, or that were serving a fantasy I was having at that moment. A long black linen duster with pockets, a pair of blue and green silk printed joggers, a navy sweater with an anchor.
Then I focused on things I know I haven't worn in at least four years. That might seem like a long time, but it's a number which works for me. I wasn't able to purge everything in that category, there are still some dresses and button downs and pencil skirts that I haven't worn since working in an office with a stricter dress code. I kept the pieces that I tried on and still liked, should my work situation change.
Finally, the aspirational pieces. I did not let these go. I am still hoping that I will wear a pink sequined dress on New Year's Eve, that an occasion for a one shoulder maxi dress will arrive, and that I will want to wear a white lace dress, just because it feels good to wear a white lace dress.
That brings me to this dress; gifted from Hobbs last summer, worn once to photograph it for the post, and finally a second time to a family event last month. Now the challenge is to wear it again.
The Rundown Striped Dress c/o Hobbs similar Woven Mule SandalsAnn Taylor Micro Perry SatchelRebecca Minkoffc/o Shopbop Joanna Hat Brixton via Nordstrom Gold Knot Bracelet Banana Republic similar Gold Ball EarringsKohl's Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Nail Color"Fishnet Stockings"Essie
Last Friday I met up with Diana in West Hartford to take some outfit photos. We shot three looks in the sweltering heat under a grey sky threatening rain. For the last outfit Diana suggested we go to Artisan, the restaurant we'd had dinner at during the last West Hartford blogger shoot, as it has a beautiful outdoor seating area with a garden. We spoke with the hostess who said we could get drinks at the bar, then just head out to the garden.
The space was a bit tight for my 50mm lens, but we took the liberty of moving around some chairs to make it work. We were far from the only patrons snapping away in the garden, but it wasn't long before someone from the restaurant came out and told us that we couldn't take 'professional' photos. I said I wasn't a professional, but he said the issue was with my DSLR, and that we were free to take iPhone photos. A bit of a strange rule, if you ask me, but thankfully we had managed to get some photos taken, finished our drinks, and headed elsewhere for dinner.
White Wide Leg Jeans Gap similar Mules Madewell similar Round Rattan BagEtsy Palma Wide FedoraLack of Color Gold Ball EarringsKohl's Evil Eye Necklace c/o Belcho Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Nail Color"Fishnet Stockings"Essie
