What I Wore to Girls Night

The title of this post says it all, as I don't really have many other photos of the evening which was put on by The Shops at Yale. I have always loved downtown New Haven. People can say what they want about the city, it was the butt of many a Gilmore Girls joke, but I rather like it. Good shopping, great restaurants, and hundreds of great places for outfit photos.

The Girls Night consisted of wine and cheese tasting at J.Crew, Moonrocks cookies at Gant, Cupcakes at Lou Lou, and shopping discounts all around.

I arrived a little before the event so I would have time to take outfit photos before it got dark, and since I was tripoding it, I went for a place where I could find the least amount of foot traffic, but also close to my car, so this little spot right next to the parking lot fit the bill.

I always find it hard to be at an event and participate in it, but also be a blogger dutifully documenting it. How does one sip wine, stuff their face with sample cheese, shop, and take photos of it all? I feel like I can only wear one hat - either I'm the guest enjoying myself, or I'm the photographer documenting the evening and saving the memories for everyone else. This particular evening I chose to simply be a guest, and I practiced so much self restraint at J.Crew. But if you are wondering, I wanted this leopard print blouse, this floral dress, and this bucket bag.

      

The Rundown
Lace Cami H&M similar
Tan Cardigan Max Studio via TJMaxx similar
Black Jeans Old Navy similar
Scalloped Mules Marc Fisher via Poshmark similar
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Tortoise Earrings Loft
Alphabet Necklace c/o Gorjana similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Caviar Bar" Essie

Linking up with Shopping My Closet Style Me Wednesday
and
Style on the Daily

Ivoryton

If the background of the photo didn't clue you in, this is what I wore a couple weekends ago to see "Once" at the Ivoryton Playhouse. I love seeing live performances, and there is something very special about how small and intimate the Ivoryton is. There is not a bad seat in the house, no squinting from the cheap seats, just getting to feel swept up in the performance.

I know that NYC and Broadway are a quick train ride from me, but Connecticut has quite a bit to offer, as long as you've got the mindset of the small town scene. Dinner after the show was across the street at the Ivoryton Tavern and Cafe, where the floor boards are creaky, the menu is anything but adventurous, but the food is tasty, and if you grab a seat at the bar, chances are you'll be sitting next to one of the actors.

        

The Rundown
Scattered Dot Dress Loft
Loafer Pumps Ferragamo via Roundabout similar
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Princess Charming" Essie

 

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall
and
By Lauren M's Mix it Monday

Missteps

I'm going to be honest, my resolve to not shop this month hasn't been going too well. I know, not even two weeks in and I feel like I've already made half a dozen excuses to buy things. It started off innocently enough, I'd been trying to get these sandals from Target since August but every size I tried wound up too big. I finally settled on a 6.5 wide, and for reference I usually wear an 8.

Then I got invited to the opening of a new Boscov's Department store, and since I had gift card money to shop with, I did... but ended up spending more than I had.

Next I tricked myself into ordering another Goody Box from ThredUP; it hasn't arrived yet, but it would take a great deal of willpower to not keep anything.

Finally I placed an order with Zara for a rust colored bodysuit. I happened to see it on another blogger and it was EXACTLY what I had been looking for, and once again, willpower crumbled.

I suppose if I've learned anything from all the self-help books I've read, it's that I shouldn't let today's failure dictate tomorrow's failure. Everyday is a new chance to start fresh, and try to stay on the path I want to be on. Ultimately I want to be a person who buys new clothes and doesn't feel rife with guilt, but rather enjoys those things, and doesn't let them hang unworn forever. (Which I kinda do.)

        

The Rundown
Dress Marc by Marc Jacobs thrifted similar
Black Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Tear Earrings Etsy custom design via Bonanza Studio
 Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo

Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Linking up with

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