Bonus post

Since it's a holiday week, I changed up my posting schedule.  So, this is just a bonus post of some extra photos from this beautiful fall day.

 

Life's A Box of Chocolates

Life is like a box of chocolates.  Sometimes there's a guide to tell you just what to expect and sometimes even though you follow all the rules, you still wind up with disgusting coconut sludge. All that aside, I wanted to make a pretty little fall gingham dress and found the perfect fabric by Mountains Calling.  I did manage to finish this beauty before the end of the season.  I don't expect to get much wear from it this year, but it will definitely be in the rotation for next year.  With all the browns in this gingham, it reminded me of a box of chocolates, so maybe I can manage to wear it at Christmas and Valentine's day as well.  We'll see.

Outfit Info:  Sewing pattern B5748, Shoes by Qupid, Cardigan by YeMak, Mountains Calling Mountain Plaid fabric, Petticoat by Vivien of Holloway, Bag is from Ecosusi

A Rose for November

Last summer I did a major declutter and clothing purge.  I watched a lot of videos on decluttering/minimalism for inspiration and instruction and as I did so, I noticed that so many minimalist wardrobes revolve around the concept of a capsule wardrobe.  The basic idea in a capsule wardrobe goes back to the late 1930s when clothing companies released small collections that contained pieces of clothing that all worked harmoniously together.  While I definitely was not interested in the common minimalist version of a capsule wardrobe (everything beige, black, or white.  See my YouTube video on that here) the idea of a seasonal capsule wardrobe seemed like the perfect way to get the most wear out of my clothes.  This is my second season wearing a capsule wardrobe, and I am loving how much I get to wear everything.  To that end, I have been repeating outfits on the blog a bit, but why not wear these beautiful pieces again and again during this most colorful time of year.  I have a very strong feeling that this Jane Eyre dress will stick around through the winter as well.

Coat of Charms

    I know I have a massive wardrobe, but there are certain items for which I am a one (or two) and done kind of gal and coats are on that list.  The last time I bought a coat it was probably 2010 and we were living in the Pacific Northwest.  Before we moved there, I thought I had a coat.  Much to my chagrin one single winter in the PNW let me know in a hurry that what I had was in fact just a wool jacket with no insulation layer and if I didn't upgrade I wouldn't survive.  Since I'd never lived that far north before (in America anyway) I kept thinking what we were experiencing was just a "cold snap," something brief and atypical that I could just grin and bear in my little jacket for a few days.  It wasn't.  It was a real winter and it lasted for three solid years on that icy little island near Canada.  I had to adapt.  

    I went on a long search during what passes for summer up there when coat prices for the rest of the country are rock bottom.  I found a darling aubergine wool peplum pea coat by Victoria's Secret on Ebay which I purchased for a song in the off-season.  It really was the perfect coat and has seen me through 14 winters, but it's also been washed a lot, lost a few buttons, and served as a bed to the spiteful ginger tabby cat that snuck into the shed where it was in storage more than once and left her fur all over it.  I thought it was time I invested in another coat.  

    I've had my eye on the Pearl Coat by Collectif for the past few years, but it was about $350 and as much as I hoped it would go on sale, it really never did.  Then Collectif closed up shop and I was left to search for one second-hand.  I found a great color combo and in my size for an amazing price on Poshmark, but the seller never shipped or responded to my messages, so I had to cancel and start the search over.  Finally I found this Pearl in foxy colors that I love, at a not quite as good but still reasonable price, but one size bigger than I wear.  Yes, it's a little loose, but this coat is still heavenly.  It's well made, quite warm and do I ever love this style.  In all honesty, I may have to keep my eye out and get one in black as well if I can find it at the right price.

Outfit Info:  Pearl Coat by Collectif, wool beret is old, shoes by Qupid, gloves are vintage

A Garland Day

I am a fan of the Selkie Community.  After belonging to so many fashion based groups over the years and seeing the nasty way people in the groups tear each other down over every little thing, I can honestly say that, for the most part, Selkie fans aren't like that.  They're seriously some of the nicest people and worth being a part of the community.  As far as shopping goes, I have backed off from the brand, but, no, I haven't been able to fully walk away.  I should note here that after looking at my finances throughout the year, I can honestly say that without my Selkie purchases, my bank account would be in much better shape.  

I no longer participate in spending frenzy of the drops, no longer spend so much time pining and saving and searching.  Every now and then I have a dress that I love enough to purchase, but for the most part, I have enjoyed not obsessing so much.  I regretted not getting this Garland print day dress when it originally dropped and signed up to be notified of a restock.  Fortunately, one (and only one) restocked during the last sale and in my size and for 60% off!  So, I felt like I couldn't say no, and I'm not sorry because it is truly a lovely print in one of my most favorite styles.

There are some things I love about Selkie; there are some things I don't, but the very best thing of all, truly is my fellow selks.

Outfit Info:  Selkie Garland Day dress, Qupid Heels