Mongrams with Marleylilly

Thank you to Marelylilly for sponsoring this post.

When I was in middle school I identified that a monogrammed backpack was the epitome of a status symbol. I wanted one so badly, and when a new school year came around and I'd managed to wear down my mother enough to order one for me, I naturally made the most impractical color choice there was, purple tie dye. Nevertheless, I carried that bag with pride far longer than I should have, while my peers moved on to carrying their logo emblemized designer bags and carrying their books in their arms, I had my monogrammed backpack.

Even though the backpack has (thankfully) been retired for many years now, there is something about a monogrammed bag that still elicits those feelings of status and clout in me, so I was delighted when Marleylilly wanted to collaborate with me. The online store has a truly expansive product offering of pieces that can be monogrammed or personalized with a name. While I was drawn to this gorgeous leather bucket bag, options run the gamut from monogrammed dishtowels to duck boots.

As for the bag, I love that the leather is soft, but also structured, the drop handles are long enough to be worn over the shoulder, but also short enough that the bag wont touch the ground if I carry it in my hand - occasionally and issue when you are as short as I am! And of course, the gold foil monogram stands out beautifully. It's a classic piece I know I will carry for years.

I will always believe that a monogrammed item makes for an especially thoughtful gift, and even though we've but the holidays behind us, there is always a birthday, a baby, or a wedding around the corner - not to mention simply shopping for yourself!

        

The Rundown
White Sweater Loft similar
Jeans Banana Republic
Grey Peacoat J.Crew Factory similar
Red Bow Shoes Ferragamo via eBay
Monogrammed Bucket Bag c/o Marleylilly
White Beret Amazon
Plaid Scarf c/o Front Row Shop similar
Pearl Anchor Bracelet Made by Me similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap. As always my views and opinions are my own.

This Year I Will...

Setting some intentions for the new year, mostly because I've been seeing them on instagram and wanting to join in, and partly because it never hurts to put thoughts into words and remind myself that I want these things, and should be actively trying everyday to create a life I love.

Start

a new job

Quit

 putting myself down

Visit

the west coast

Learn

a new language

Try

to declutter

Be

more adventurous 

Eat

breakfast more often

Improve

my blog

Make

an independent life for myself

Give

more love, to myself and others

       

The Rundown
White Turtleneck Sweater Lou & Grey similar
Black Jeans Old Navy similar
Leopard Loafers Franco Sarto via TJMaxx similar
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Crystal Chevron Earrings Express
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Nail Color "Penny Talk" Essie

Linking up with Thursday Fashion Files

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda

2019

Happy New Year!
I'm not very good at resolutions. If you asked me what I wrote about on January first last year I don't think I could tell you. This year, if I were to resolve to do anything, it would be to find more confidence in myself and to stop allowing my life to be ruled by fear. While it's one thing to acknowledge the problem, it's another to actually do something about it. Additionally, I need to find a new job, and also shop less (obliviously). What are you looking forward to in 2019?

The Rundown
Cashmere Turtleneck Cynthia Rowley via TJMaxx similar
Black Jeans Gap
Leopard Fur Coat JCP similar
Booties "Calixta" Cole Haan similar

Bag "Lewis Drive Michela" Kate Spade similar
Leather Pom Matine

Loop Earrings Mejuri
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Linking up with
I Do deClaire's Confident Twosday