My brother got married last month in a small backyard ceremony. He had originally planned a larger event at a venue but he and his wife decided to postpone that until next year and do an intimate event at our parent's house this year. It was our immediate family, the wedding party, a couple of his friends and my Grandparents (which I was a little weary of.)

I've felt weird about posting this outfit because of current circumstances, but it has been over a month and no one in attendance got sick so I think we were successful in keeping to current protocols. My Mom made masks out of fancy fabric to match the decor on the tables and we tried to keep to our small bubbles of safety.

I bought this dress in June when I was still in wishful thinking mode that we'd be able to have the real wedding. But I guess the silver lining is I get to wear it again next year! This time I wore it with the Nicholas Kirkwood heels I wore for my own wedding, a necklace handed down to me from my Grandma (which I also wore to my wedding) and my cute pink ostrich Marc Jacobs bag. The bag was pretty much just a prop for these photos since I didn't actually need it.

Ba&sh "Perla" dress in Green Light c/o Shopbop, Nicholas Kirkwood Lola pearl sandals (Net-a-Porter), Necklace: Topaz and diamond necklace, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Perfect Purse ostrich-effect PVC' (Net-a-Porter), Gold Twist Huggie Earrings in Rose Gold c/o Aurate, Bracelet: Ten Thousand Villages

I didn't intend on taking outfit photos this day. Christian and I went for a walk in the park for a Pokemon Go event (yes, we still play, haha!) and it was a chilly September day. We stumbled upon this pretty area of the park (sometimes these are all cut down so it doesn't look as nice) and I decided to have Christian snap some photos with his phone. 

Upon viewing the photos I realized these jeans, although SUPER comfortable, are not the most photogenic. They're a little loose in the wrong places. This sweater and leather jacket combo on the other hand is perfection. I will definitely be re-wearing the top half of this at some point. It's been quite a while since I wore this jacket which is a shame. I used to wear it ALLLLL the time when I first got it in 2012.

Giveaway

While Christian and I are still staying extra cautious, many people are starting to get back into old routines, but we should all still take as many precautions as possible. That includes wearing masks and using hand sanitizer after touching public surfaces. Obviously I took my mask off for these photos but whenever we are near people it is always in use.

Today I'm partnering with Nakturnal to give one US-based reader a College Care Pack PPE kit from Get Go Care! It includes 60 packets of moisturizing & hydrating hand sanitizer, 15 high-quality, disposable masks and 5 durable, latex-free, disposable gloves.

Get Go Care, based in Illinois, was founded this year because of the need for PPE among not only essential workers but also students. The products are made in China at an FDA-approved factory.

To enter: Leave a comment stating who you would gift a Get Go PPE Kit to and why!

Leather Jacket: Theyskens' Theory 'Juno' (Nordstrom Rack, similar), Cashmere Leopard Print Sweater: Nili Lotan 'Abbey' sweater in Shiraz c/o Shopbop, Jeans: J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral (Gilt Groupe), Sneakers: Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker (DSW), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop

Worn on a slightly chilly day last month. These jeans are definitely a transitional pair for me since they're looser fit. When I wear them with anything other than sandals they make me look a little dumpy. I don't wear this cashmere sweater often since it's pink, but I keep it around because it's so soft! It's also a nice darker shade of pink so it doesn't feel as frilly.

I didn't really get a chance to wear any of my Summer sweaters this year since we've really only been going to the grocery store. We have had a few backyard visits with my parents as well, but those didn't really call for sweaters, ha ha.

Cashmere Sweater: Paolo Rodesco (Roundabout Resale), Jeans: IRO "Faxy Cropped Jean" (Gilt c/o Wikibuy), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Apteros' in Crosta Wine (bought in Athens), Sunglasses: Chanel, Amethyst Necklace: BubuRuby

After quite a busy shopping August I tried to behave in September. Even though I didn't spend "actual money" in August (only blog advertising money and Shopbop gift cards) I wanted to slow down a bit.

I was doing well until the end of the month and a Bag, Borrow or Steal Instagram ad about their 30% off sale ending. I figured I would check on the off chance they had one of the bags I was looking for. They didn't. But I decided to do a quick look to see what else there was and I found it...the perfect 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli bag. It was shark textured and in a beautiful teal. I debated buying it all day and finally broke down at 9pm. The bag retailed for $895 when it was new, they were selling it for $350 but it was on sale for $315 AND the 30% off coupon brought it down to $220. How could I resist?!

Remember when Pashli bags were all the rage? I definitely lusted over them back in the old blogging days. I also posted one in a closet-worthy post in March 2020. Funny how it took me 7+ years to get my hands on one. But just goes to show, if you like something you won't care if it's an "It Bag" or not so you can wait years to add it to your closet at a fraction of the original price. It's arriving some time today so hopefully it's just as beautiful in person and the condition is "gently used" with not many signs of wear like the site claimed!

P.S. Shout-out to Louise from the Sex and the City movie. I always think of her when I browse BBS, haha!

THE (modified) RULES

1. Be mindful of purchases 
2. Quality over quantity
3. Basics are best

1. FARM Rio Amazonian Ombre Mini Wrap Dress c/o Shopbop ($127.50, retail $170)
2. Burberry beaded owl sweater via eBay ($75, retail $2950 in 2012)
3. Stella McCartney Wild Cat Skinny Ankle Jeans via eBay ($15 after ad money, retail $735)
4. Ba&sh "Perla" dress in Green Light c/o Shopbop ($236.25, retail $630)
5. Nili Lotan Cashmere Abbey Sweater c/o Shopbop ($133.88, retail $525) 
6. Mickey Mouse Football Jersey in purple ($28, used gift card)
7. Disney State Fair Connecticut Tee ($17.47, used gift card)
   

1. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral ($0 after $25 credit & ad money, retail $228)
2. Madewell Camp Shorts in Faded Rosebud c/o Shopbop ($35, retail $50)

1. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clara' Sandal c/o Shopbop ($221.25, retail $295)
2. Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker ($14.83 via DSW, retail $64.99) 
3. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Faye' embellished leather sandals via Net-a-Porter Sale ($112, retail $289, used side hustle money)
   
4. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clio' leopard-print leather slingback sandals via Net-a-Porter Sale ($74, retail $185, used side hustle money)
   

Handbags:

1. Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag c/o Shopbop ($118.50, retail $158) 
2. *NEW!* 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium shoulder bag in Nile Shark Embossed Leather via Bag, Borrow or Steal ($220, retail $895)
   

 Accessories:

1. Ray Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses in Havana c/o Shopbop (retail $163)
2. Shashi Princess Leia Necklace c/o Shopbop ($55)

1. SPANX Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings in Indigo Leopard c/o Shopbop ($68)

1. AUrate Pearl Studs in Rose Gold (retail $150)
2. AUrate Medium Chain Bracelet in Rose Gold (retail $50)
3. AUrate Gold Twist Huggie Earrings (retail $80)
4. AUrate Stackable Twist Ring (retail $80)
5. AUrate Mini Infinity Ring (retail $70)

This dress is one of my favorite eBay finds in recent years. I got it last October for only $25 and luckily was able to wear it on a trip to Disney that November. I finally had the chance to wear it again on a warm day. Just to the grocery store and a backyard visit with my parents. But at least I was able to squeeze in a wear before Summer ended. 

It's always fun to find pieces you've been wanting for a long time. I originally posted the dress on the blog in 2012 and said I was "obsessed" with it. Definitely an overused word but as you can see I loved it enough to find it 7 years later. I've always been drawn to Edun and their prints so it's very sad that they are out of business. I guess I can keep searching for secondhand pieces!

Dress: Edun Fuchsia printed silk dress (eBay - another version), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Faye' embellished sandal (Net-a-Porter Sale), Sunglasses: Chanel

Temperatures are on the decline but I still have some hot weather day outfits to share before we get to my favorite - jeans and sweaters! I will be sad to "put away" all my sandals though! I say that in quotes because in reality they stay out on display all year thanks to my closet room.

 This is one of my favorite thrifting buys/alterations. I bought it back in 2012 for $6 and it was super long. I wore it that way a couple times and then decided to have my Mom shorten it so I would wear it more. I probably should have left it a little longer but I think we had to go all the way to the top of the slits so it wouldn't be noticeable. 

I wore this to go for a walk in the park and then Christian and I headed to Brick + Wood to pick up a pizza! We then drove to a parking lot and ate it in the car because we didn't want it to get cold on the way home, haha. It was soooo good! Definitely recommend if you're near Fairfield.

Animal Print Dress: no brand (thrifted), Leopard Print Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clio' leopard-print (Net-a-Porter Sale), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop, Necklace: Geoclassics (a since closed gem store in Newport, RI)

The original dress:

This year has certainly been a test on everyone's ability to stay positive. With the pandemic starting at the beginning of the year, racial tensions increasing and a crazy election season it's sometimes hard to find the good. People are discovering all new ways for self care because of the current stay safe at home and social distancing rules. Many bloggers I follow are exploring their local areas and discovering hidden gems. I am sticking to mostly home activities for the time being.

 *This post includes sponsored links through Nakturnal.*

Read a Good Book with a Warm Mug

I've been slacking on this because I've been more focused on movies - see below - but I did just buy Austenland for $3 (yay used books!) and will hopefully finish another book I started months ago.  I think my problem is the book I am trying to finish is a bit on the darker side and I want to be reading something more light and happy. Why not pick up a classic like Little Women, The Princess Bride or Pride and Prejudice? Or perhaps a fun, quick young adult series like Percy Jackson? I've been meaning to do a reread of that and Harry Potter, I better start a list!

Park yourself on the couch or a comfy chair, pour a mug of your favorite hot beverage and get lost in a different world. If you're a coffee or tea fanatic, or need gifts for tea lovers, check out Adda Coffee & Tea House! They're based in Pittsburgh but also ship their products. I'm not a huge tea drinker - unless I'm in London - but I've got my eye on some of their other offerings like mugs and a pretty woven tote bag. I ordered a chocolate box with a gift code they sent me! 

Go Through Old Vacation Photos

Just because we may not be able to travel the way we used to doesn't mean we can't travel in our minds!  I keep finding myself going through old photo albums (digital and physical) to relive the happy memories. It's almost like being on the trips again! If you don't want to go through your own photos there are plenty of travel blogs you can check out to plan future trips. Some museums are even offering virtual tours so you can experience them from home! Check out this article for museums you can visit from your couch!

Escape with Movies

I did a post early on in the pandemic about what movies I've been watching to lift my spirits. In between watching old favorites I've been working my way through my TCM watchlist which never seems to get any smaller. Every day I check the new movies added to their On Demand offerings so my list is constantly around 50 movies. It's a race to watch them before they expire, which can happen pretty quickly depending on the movie.

Now that Fall is almost here I'm looking forward to curling up on the couch with a blanket, hot chocolate and my favorite Halloween movies! Check out this old post for my must-watch Halloween movies.

Music Therapy

On busy work days where I can't even partly pay attention to a movie I'll turn my iTunes on shuffle and listen to music. I'm more of an oldies fan myself so you won't find any new artists on my list.  Unless you count John Mayer as new. It's mostly The Eagles, James Taylor, Billy Joel, The Beatles, etc. It's so fun to sing along while I work and forget all my problems.

Music can be helpful in more than just lifting your spirits. Incadence, a new company founded in 2019, provides music therapy through video calls, perfect for sessions during quarantine. Music therapy provides individualized treatments to help treat individuals with disabilities, injuries, illnesses, anxieties or to improve general well being.

GIVEAWAY: Incadence have offered one of my readers in the USA a free music therapy session. To enter, follow Incadence on Facebook and comment on this post with how music therapy could help you or a loved one! In my case I'd love it to help me fall asleep at night, I have such trouble turning my mind off! Confirm you've completed both parts of your entry in the form at the bottom of this post.
 

*I have not tried the company myself but have been offered a free session and gift card in exchange for hosting this giveaway for you all!*

Find New Recipes to Bake or Cook

If you follow me on Instagram you'll know that I have been spending my weekends trying new recipes and perfecting old favorites. You can check out Part 1 and Part 2 of my baking adventures. (More to come once I get a few more recipes under my belt.) If I'm feeling really fancy and want to splurge I'll use some of our grocery budget to buy a week of Blue Apron meals. Have you found a hidden talent for cooking or baking?

Gardening

To go along with cooking, many people have started their own gardens as a way to keep entertained and avoid the grocery store. We are on our second year of having a garden. And when I say we, I mean Christian. He's the brains behind the operation, I just cook the few things we're able to grow. He really enjoys getting off his computer and tending to our peppers, lettuce, herbs and more. Although he wishes we could get rid of the squirrels!

Go For A Walk, Hike or Bike Ride

We haven't been doing this as much as I'd like (aka not at all unless I make Christian take my photos at the local park) but getting some fresh air and Vitamin C is super important. You could even do a socially distanced walk or hike with friends to keep in touch safely.

Play Games

My husband is a HUGE gamer so he always wants me to join in on the fun. I have a few games I played before I met him that he bought for me to play on the Nintendo Switch. He also introduced me to Animal Crossing, which he has been obsessed with since he was younger. They released it on the Switch right at the beginning of quarantine so we've been playing it quite a bit. It's a fun way to escape reality by entering a world we created. We've even played with my sister and his Mom with online play!