Currently...

Planning out a few small apartment updates. Now that I'm pushing back buying an apartment I feel a little bit more comfortable splurging on a couple of apartment updates. I'm thinking another Ikea bookcase to hold my books, a new lampshade for my bedroom, and the table skirt for my console table. I'm thinking these little details would help make my apartment look a bit more finished. While the apartment feels like a home right now, I know it could be a bit more finished. Now I just need to build these expenses into the budget.

Heading home to celebrate my sister's birthday! I'm so spoiled because my family has been driving me to and from Long Island on weekends. I know it's a huge sacrifice my family makes for me, so it's really amazing that they do this.

Thinking I should go to the grocery store or maybe even a farmer's market on Long Island. The grocery stores in the city still make me a bit anxious and who doesn't love extra fresh fruit and veggies from a farmers market? Still wishing I did the farm share...

Starting my Christmas list early. Christmas in July is a thing and my Mom still demands lists every year for gift ideas so I decided to get a head start on things. Sadly this list is more practical than exciting (unlike years past) but I'm ok with that.

Upping my work from home game. Now that I'm working from home part time for the foreseeable future I'm thinking I should make a few adjustments to my current station....like maybe get a laptop stand and a cushion that will support my back a bit more? The little upgrade I already made was a huge difference for Zoom meetings and facetime sessions, so stay tuned for future updates. 

TGIF!

ARS xx
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A Mid Week Reminder!

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault

Sharing this quote that I love! I'm taking a break from posting today and will be reflecting on things I can be thankful for - no matter how big or small. 

Enjoy the little things today,

ARS xx

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Thrift Store Shopping Tips: Clothing Edition

I know I'm in the minority of my friend group when I say I buy clothes at thrift stores. Not that anyone is snobby, but I don't think any of them have the patience I do. I can't even begin to tell you how many outfits I've worn that featured thrift store buys. This year I'll likely be buying most of my clothes used, as my clothing budget is practically zero. I'm looking forward to fall and have new goals, like building my emergency fund., that are more important than new clothes. As I start figuring out what I need for fall/winter I'm reminded of a few tips I wish I knew about the first few times I went to a thrift store. Below are a few key tips I think you'll find helpful if you're new to thrifting clothes!

Stay focused and know what you are looking for. Usually when I peruse my favorite thrift store I'm dazzled by all of the colors, prints, and non-clothing related things to look at. After about 5 minutes I'm overwhelmed and my focus is gone. I learned to go in with something in mind or hyper specific. For example, I was on the hunt for white pants the last time I was there and that was what I stuck to when searching. It didn't stop me from browsing after I found what I wanted, but I ultimately walked out with exactly what I needed.

Don't let the chic accessories slip through your fingers. I can't tell you how many times I've passed over scarves, shoes, and jewelry and have regrets later. I'm particularly picky when it comes to shoes and clean them probably more than is normal before putting them on, but have scored a few great pairs. Scarves and jewelry are some of my favorites to buy. They can instantly elevate any look and make even the most simple outfits pop. You'll be really surprised by the accessories you'll find - once I scored an Hermes scarf!

Stick to the classics and wardrobe basics. My own style errs towards classic anyway, but it's been my experience that you can pick up some really great, quality basics that will stand the test of time. Think LBDs, button downs, blazers, and black or white pants. Not that I'll turn away from any vintage Lilly Pulitzer patterns (in fact that is cause for celebration in my book), but you get the idea. Some of my favorite things to pick up at thrift stores are pants, black dresses, occasion dresses, and blazers. Every once in awhile I stumble upon a sweater or top I love, but I definitely have the most success with the above.

Don't be afraid to buy a risky piece - it just might become your favorite. I still think it's important to stick to the classics (see above), but if you see a stellar, one-of-a-kind look or piece you love and the price is right don't turn it down. You will treasure it, I promise. I have no regrets about my bright orange silk dress or my over the top fur coats. While not the most practical, they have a special wow factor that every wardrobe needs.

Alterations will be your best friend so find a great, reasonably priced seamstress or learn to sew yourself. Oftentimes I'll see exactly what I want, but the fit is just a bit off to annoy me. I always err on the larger side, as it's easier to take things in than out. Usually I don't have to do any extreme alterations, but almost always I'm having pants shortened. I just have to make sure that it still is within reason, budget-wise so I am not spending more than I want to.

Any other thrift store seekers out there?

ARS xx
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Pretty Pins for Staying Strong

As I begin to get regular paychecks again and the city keeps opening up, I'm finding it harder to stick to my budget. While I'm feeling a bit better about spending on things I need, I'm struggling with differentiating what I need vs. want because I can mentally justify almost anything as a need. So far I've been pretty good about sticking to my budget, but I'm realizing I really need to figure out how to lower my takeout spending (which is funny because I thought shopping would be my weakness). The biggest thing I keep reminding myself is that I never want to go back to where I was earlier in the year. I was terrified about paying rent and what I would do in the future, should I lose my job. That's the biggest motivator and I've been pretty intense about prioritizing building a 6 month emergency fund above almost anything else. I need to keep strong and remind myself that once I hit a few more financial goals I'll be able to splurge on clothes again. Below are a few images reminding me to stay the course.

Starting Monday off on a strong note,

ARS xx
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Currently...

Ordering frozen dumplings from Mon Wah Dim Sum in Chinatown! I recently discovered how much I love soup dumplings and why not get frozen ones from a local restaurant instead of a massive chain? I'm trying to build up my freezer in case of another lockdown (and it's very handy to have meals for late nights).

Realizing that I unintentionally have been collecting American women artists' work. I never really thought about finding a common theme for my artwork, that wasn't just "bought at thrift store", until I was asked to do an apartment tour. Now that I'm looking closely at the works I've been drawn to recently, American women artists are very well represented!

Wishing I didn't throw out all of my old magazine clippings a few weeks ago. I'm wanting to create a vision board and those would have definitely come in handy. I guess I'll see what we have lying around the house and maybe crowd source or pick up a few old magazines to see what I can come up with. The big problem I have is that I looooove all of my magazines and would hate to cut them all up.

Celebrating The Highline being open again! I didn't realize how much I missed walking the Highline until summer came along. I used to love walking downtown and taking in the alien feeling buildings, tourists, and treats along the way. While I think the new experience will be slightly different than normal,  I'm still dying to go for a walk on the Highline with a friend or two. Now I just need to find a friend and book the reservation.

Stocking up on Aloe Vera for a kitchen burn. I was making a black bean soup and learned the hard way that I actually did need the immersion blender the recipe called for. Unfortunately I have the burn marks to prove it and am out of a blender. Oops! Already adding a blender into next months budget...

TGIF,

ARS xx
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Thursday Night Party Planning: Dog Days of Summer Soiree

As we approach August I keep thinking about how strange this summer was. I saw a handful of people, stayed completely local, and did hardly any shopping. It's funny because I made a promise to myself that I would do everything I could to hit my early 30s stride and make conscious steps to reach personal goals, but I'm actually more in limbo than I was in my 20s. I don't want this summer to be a total wash and want to plan at least a fun summer soiree to make the most of what this summer could have been. Luckily I have a few friends in the city and have the flexibility to make this summer soiree happen at an earlier time, to suit everyone's commuting needs. Below are a few things inspiring my picnic in the park (or maybe just my apartment).

Easy and simple floral arrangements and candles are perfect ambiance for the summer. I love the above color palate, so would likely do something similar. 

We would likely have to be outside, so I would put together a picnic basket with pretty linens, glasses and the like to set the cheery mood. 

In my mind, picnics always call for a romantic dress. I can't explain it, but it just feels right to me. Maybe something like this dress from &Other Stories would be my first choice.

Food is always on my mind and for a picnic I'd love order a pre-made basket or prepare a few easy to clean up bites to make things easy.

A really great summer playlist is also really key. I want to create a playlist that is happy, fun and great background music. Stay tuned! 

Are you hosting any parties?

ARS xx

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Artist Love: Chelsea Fly

Last year, when I was dropping Henry off at college with our parents, I made sure we stopped by SB. Sarah Bartholomew's store in Nashville. While I pretty much wanted to buy everything (or move right on in) I could only bring one thing home and I chose a small painting by Chelsea Fly. Chelsea Fly is an artist based in Memphis and has moody landscapes that just draw viewers in. I love how she uses unconventional ways to paint her landscapes, which help create that ethereal feel. I would love to own one of her bigger paintings in the future, but currently have more art than my walls can handle. Below are a few works that caught my eye.

Any new to you artists that inspire you?

ARS xx 

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Etsy Shopping List

While my friend Dana is a star when it comes to shopping on Amazon, I like to think I excel when it comes to Etsy finds. I love supporting small businesses whenever I can and always find something great whenever I search on Etsy. Sometimes it involves a deep dive, but more often than not I almost immediately find what I want (or can find someone who can recreate what I want). Below is a roundup of things that are on my favorites list and hopefully can treat myself to at some point.

Suite Quick Escape Coat

Julie King Stationary

Linen Scallop Dress

Watercolor Flower Painting

Mule Espadrilles

Happy shopping,

ARS xx

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Pretty Pins for Stress

As the days inch along I feel stress building up in my body. My chest is tight, I have to remind myself to take normal breaths, my shoulders would be past my ears if it was possible, and I'm suffering from long, dull migraines. Not helping is that my patience is running very low. I usually don't feel stress physically - I just get very anxious, so I'm not quite sure what triggered this response or how to manage both forms of stress paired together. I typically would go get a massage to help, but massages are a) not in the budget and b) probably not the best idea in this current climate. I'm going to do my best to manage this new form of stress and in the meantime focus on the positives. Below are a few images I'm thinking about as I try to shift my mindset and be a bit more calm.

Taking deep breaths,

ARS xx
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Currently...

Starting The Politician and Selling Sunset on netflix! I forgot about both shows until my friend recently asked me if I'd seen The Politician. I quickly revisited my "to watch" list and realized I also meant to watch the new season of Selling Sunset.

Going back to a remote working schedule on an alternate basis. I'm not looking forward to working remotely, but I'm happy to do whatever I need to do so me and my coworkers stay fully employed. I'll miss seeing everyone every day, but am ready to take on this new challenge and already know what to expect and already have a great setup. Now I can justify a few of my quarantine shopping list!

Lusting after the Molly Moorkamp swimsuit collection. I love a good new bathing suit...probably because I typically wear mine out with years of use so a new bathing suit always feels special. I was eager to order one of these because all of the styles look so chic and the pattern is so fun, but luckily for my budget the entire swimwear line is already sold out. PS: She is having a 40% off summer sale starting today - run, don't walk!

Dreaming of making a few changes around my apartment. I won't be buying an apartment like I planned earlier this year. With everything that is happening in the world there have been a few major changes that have me holding off on purchasing an apartment. That being said, if I end up staying in my apartment I definitely want to make a few updates (ie: switch out my new desk and order the table cover STAT and maybe even get a bookcase so I don't have piles of books lying around).

Reconfiguring my budget....again. Now that I am gearing up for my first month with a steady paycheck I need to revisit my budget. I want to spend less on food and put more money into the donation/giving section. I also want to build a small amount in for small treats, like the phone stand I ordered. There is currently next to no personal spending, which is fine, but I do want to get to a place where I can treat myself here and there as I build my emergency fund.

TGIF!

ARS xx
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Designer Love: Coco Shop

Summer is the best time of year for my wardrobe. While I love the luxurious and cozy fabrics the winter season calls for, nothing beats the happy, airy fabrics of summer. I've been trying to update my my apartment and wardrobe to reflect a more adult "me" and saw Coco Shop featured on Amanda Lindroth's website. They are an Antigua based brand with a chic summer aesthetic that I would love to have in my closet. It's a major struggle to hold myself from treating myself to this floral tiered dress or this amazing skirt, but I'm staying strong (for now). Below are a few pieces from the collection that caught my eye that maybe I'll splurge on in the future.

This week has completely flown by - am I right?

ARS xx 

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