One At A Time

It always amazes me that the addition of one new clothing item can expand the potential of my existing wardrobe ten times over.  I've long been pretty discerning about any purchase of clothing, thinking it through, looking at comparable items, etc.  This is in part due to tight purse strings, and part to my overly specific taste.  Either way, I've found that purchasing only one item at a time can have it's merits!

One new color or texture at a time opens my eyes to closet combinations I would have otherwise not seen, and challenges me to wear the new item lots of different ways. That's totally the case with this dark mossy hued skirt that I purchased in December.  I have easily worn it at least 5 different ways so far, and it's addition has brought some of my older clothing pieces back to life!  Seriously, this lavender blouse is from High School and I've only worn it in adulthood one way before this. Not only has this skirt revealed new color pairings, but also has allowed me to play with texture and print too!  I would have at first thought the lace, sugar skull detail to be too busy to pair with anything but simple staples-- boy was I wrong!

Here's to the beauty of one thing at a time.

details

{blouse} - ? High School remnant

{striped tank} - T.J. Maxx

{cardigan} - vintage 50's, thrifted

{skirt} - Rock Steady, ModCloth

{tights} - ModCloth

{boots} - Steve Madden, Nordstrom

{necklace} - gift, My Selvaged Life

Cranberry Tart(an)

This skirt makes me feel my heritage (but puppy fur loves it).  

Mom is moved and settled, I officially have a new sister-in-law, I'm going to be the proud Aunt of a little boy (just found out the gender yesterday!) and I am now actually an apprentice shoemaker!

These are the current joys in my life though the seas have otherwise become stormy of late.  God is still good (always, He is) and has been teaching, molding and building me to be who He designed me to be.  Lately, my main comfort and prompt has been from Proverbs 4:25-27 which is an encouragement to keep my eyes straight ahead, to not be distracted from what is right in front of me.  Personally, that's a huge reminder to get out of my head, and to allow my concerns and cares to rest in the hands of my Creator.  We fret and try to control our existence, but all God ever calls us to deal with is the present.

Easier said than done, certainly.  Good thing I serve a God who has lavished grace on me!

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Details

{skirt} - vintage 70's, inherited

{thermal} - Free People

{hoodie} - ModCloth

{necklace} - gift from Dad

{tights} - ModCloth

{oxfords} - Julianne Hough

Lace, Batik + Henna

I've realized lately, that this bracelet literally goes w/ everything I own.

I love mixing print and texture like this.  I wore this outfit to work on Friday, the dress came in the mail on Thursday and I just couldn't wait to take it for a spin (literally)!  I love the colors and the fact that it's handmade, cotton, full-skirted and also a great deal!  The fit was a bit off for me (I'll need to take in the waist and bust), but wearing a belt and a top underneath helped for the time being.

Another thing I received in the mail on Thursday is the henna I ordered to complete the tattoo I wanted (it's on my list of summer goals)! At first I thought I would do a sleeve of sorts, but because I work in an office I decided to go for the slightly more conspicuous ankle/calf piece.  Besides, it will be much easier for me to see and complete myself than my arm would've been.  This is something I've wanted to do for awhile, so I'm pretty stoked!  I may get a legit tattoo one day, but in the mean time I find henna to be a great alternative, and way to explore what I may eventually want in ink.  I'm not sure exactly what it will look like yet, I'm working on some rough doodles for now.  I do want to have it finished (on my skin) by the end of the month though, so I better get to work brainstorming!

{Batik Dress} - handmade, Alfie Ruth

{Lace Top} - ModCloth

{Belt} - vintage, thrifted

{Shoes} - Seychelles

{Bracelet} - gift