Fall Fun in the Field Game

I missed out on the ever popular Field Game Cardigan last year and have been searching for the gray colorway on ebay for a while now.  I finally found one for a very reasonable price!  Just goes to show that "the one that got away" will usually come back around (and maybe even for a steal of a price) if you are patient.  Which brings me to one of my new budget resolutions - "Never buy another Anthro item at full price just because I'm scared it will sell out in my size before it hits sale."  In the past I've panicked and snatched up items at full-price when my size was dwindling, only to later see the item for sale price or even cheaper on ebay or through EA's trade market. 

Cardigan: Anthropologie Field Game Cardi (via ebay)

Blouse: New York & Co. (really old)

Jeans: Vanity

Necklace: Anthropologie Golden Pinnate Necklace

Earrings: Anthropologie Petite Filigree Drops 

My first few times wearing this cardi I went the boring route and just wore a gray top underneath.  This time I decided to try out an unexpected color combination.  I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.  I think the bold goldenrod color contrasts nicely with the soft and sweet lace and light gray/beige.  I went and broused the J. Crew outlet while wearing this outfit and one of the SAs repeatedly complimented me on the color combo.  Not only that, but she kept pointing it out to other SAs and even told me that if I needed a job, she'd love to pick my brain for unique color pairings - haha! 

Have you ever found "the one that got away" on ebay or the trade market for a killer deal?

Budget Reflections + a TRUE Wishlist

Hello again!  One thing I reflected a lot about during the past month is my budget.  This was a direct result of the personal shopper scandal after seeing so many other bloggers and blog commenters talking about responsible spending.  A couple of posts really stood out and had a huge impact on me.  One is Roxy's post describing her personal budget strategies.  After reading this (and many of the comments) I've started to try out some of the tips and look forward to coming up with some unique budget strategies of my own to keep my spending in check!    The other is Jess' post - it is so insightful and really inspired me to stop and think about my spending and what consumerism means to me.  In her post, she writes: " For those of us who are mere spectators dealing with the aftershock, why not seize this moment for contemplation and self-critique?"  And so, that's exactly what I did.

I admit, I have gotten a little carried away in consumerism.  Material things have become a bigger obsession to me than they should be.  Plus, I haven't been sticking to a strict enough budget, especially for this time in my life.  My husband and I are saving up for a move, to buy a house, and to start a family in the near future.  I need to start being more responsible and saving away money for that rathing that spending it on material things.  After all, although fashion and pretty things are a legitimate interest of mine, they aren't as important as family and building our future.  So, step one is a stricter budget for myself. 

I thought long and hard about why I started this blog and the simple reason is - I started it as a hobby and to share my love of pretty things with others who also appreciate them.  Throughout that process (and after starting to read other fashion blogs), I did get a little carried away with consumerism and shopping.  Although I'm in no way happy about the misfortunes of those affected by the personal shopping scandal, I am grateful that it caused a series of reactions that forced me to step back and take a look at myself, my consumerism, and how that relates to my blog.  My goal for my blog from here on out is to continue to share my love of pretty things (including Anthropologie!), but also to document my journey toward budgeting more responsibly.  In the near future, I'd like to run posts about stategies I've implemented to keep my budget in check (many inspired by Roxy's post) and also how to make the best out of what I have in my closet already (I plan on participating in the 30 for 30 this Fall!)  In addition, I want to share other aspects of my life besides fashion.  After all, I do have other interests besides clothes and accessories (such as traveling, music, food and wine, & crafting) - all of which I'd also like to share with my readers.  I hope that's okay with you all!  :)

In keeping with the spirit of continuing to share my love of pretty things (and keeping on a budget!), I'd like to present you with my TRUE Wishlist.  It's a TRUE Wishlist because the following are items I'm lusting over, but I'm not breaking my strict budget to buy them!  Instead, I will pass my wishlist along to others and maybe some of my wishes will come true this upcoming birthday and holiday season! 

Surprisingly, there are only a few Anthro items on my wishlist right now:

Spotted Satchel

Love it because it's so sophisticated-chic, but the polka dots add a splash of fun!

Neckerchief Sweater

Looks like something Emma Pillsbury would wear and therefore, I love it.

Gradated Stripes Pullover 

Love the color of the stripes and the button details.  Plus, it looks soft and comfy for casual days.

And these are the non-Anthro items that are on the other part of my current wishlist:

Steve Madden Intyce Boots in black

I have these in cognac and LOVE them, so I think these would fill my black-boot void nicely.



J. Crew Majesty Peacoat

This one just jumped out at me when I broused the J. Crew catalog.  Love the color, plus I'd really like a bright colored winter coat since all I have are neutral (cream, grey, black) winter coats.

Anyway, thanks for reading my "reflections" and I hope you'll stick with me as my blog transitions into a representation of more thoughtful consumerism while continuing to share all things that are pretty, vintage, and chic.

Tupelo Celebration

Hello everyone!  Sorry about my extended absence.  Like many other bloggers, after hearing about the big Anthroholic scandal I felt I needed a little break from blogging to think about why I started this blog in the first place and where I want to take it from here.  I'll explain more of my reflections at a later time, but for now I'd like to share an outfit and some pictures.  Exactly two weeks ago (September 25th), my husband and I celebrated our 1st anniversary.  We went to Mackinac Island for the weekend.  Here's what I wore out for our anniversary dinner:

Dress: Anthropologie Tupelo Dress

Cardigan: Anthropologie Anza Cardi

Necklace: Anthropologie Golden Pinnate Necklace

Tights: Simply Vera via Kohls

Shoes: Modcloth: Student of Chic Heels

Bag: Modcloth September Trip Satchel

There are no cars or any motorized vehicles allowed on Mackinac Island, so everyone rides bikes or rides in horse drawn carriages.  The restaurant we went to was set back in the middle of the island in the woods (appropriately called The Woods), so we took a nice carriage ride to get there.  When I called to make the reservation, I had mentioned it was our anniversary only because I wanted to request a nice romantic table in a quiet area of the restaurant.  When we arrived, we were indeed escorted to a nice little table that was up on a platform overlooking the rest of the restaurant.  It definitely was a very romantic and delicious dinner.  Just when we thought things couldn't possibly get any better, our waiter surprised us with this:

Yes, it was just as delectable as it was beautiful!

Our trip away was just what I needed to snap me out of the "funk" I'd been in for the past few weeks.  The fall weather was gorgeous, the island was so quiet and peaceful, and most importantly it was so nice to spend the day alone with my husband being stress-free and just enjoying each other's company.  Here are some more pics from our trip.

View of the island from the mainland before we took the ferry over:

Bike trail around the island:

View of the Mackinac Bridge:

Some views of downtown Mackinac Island from our hotel room balcony:

Some views from up on the east bluff of the island:

The elevator door inside our hotel (I thought it was so pretty & unique I just couldn't resist sharing!):

Our hotel at night: