5.19.2011

An Outfit (Deconstructed)...






Something interesting has happened over the past couple of months in terms of how I approach shopping:

I have become way, way more selective.

Admittedly, this is a good thing, and honestly it's something I've been working on...hard, so I'm psyched to see it actually happening. It's sort of empowering to realize I'm not really excited by impulse purchases. It feels prudent and healthy that I've pondered seriously (and in some cases obsessed over wildly) most everything I've acquired of late.

Three of the items in this outfit post fall into that "prudent" category... First and foremost, there's the bag -- the Clare Vivier "La Trop". I've thought about this bag ad naseum for the past year and finally took the plunge. I love it. LOVE. Every time I sling that bag over my shoulder, it makes me happy. A sign of a good purchase for sure. Then there's the J. Crew Beatrice blouse that I couldn't seem to stop thinking about after blogging about it here and then pinning it here. Even that Laura Lombardi necklace sat on my wish list where I peeked at it non-stop before finally pulling the trigger. I wear it almost every day. It's my go-to necklace.

I'm making progress friends. It's good stuff.


So, I'd love to know... what's the best purchase you've made of late. What have you bought recently that you completely and utterly love???


And on another note, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the kind words on yesterday's post. You made Bob's (and my) day. I really do have the loveliest readers. You guys rock!


The Details:

20 comments:

Elsie Lau said...

I have the same bag and love, love, love it more now than ever! Like fine wine, it gets better as it ages. I'm so with you on being more selective about purchasing. My goal is to honestly LOVE everything I own. Slowly but surely...

christina said...

you always look so amazing! even in my 40's i struggle to find what looks good on me. but it has helped to be more selective in my choices.

love love that necklace.
xo

TX Girl said...

That is a hard one. Actually a couple of things you recommended have been my favs lately. I got the dress and cardigan from j crew. I was looking for a cute dress and I immediately fell in love. I also bought the La Trop bag a couple of weeks ago and don't know how I lived without it. And of course anything by my favorite jewelry designer- Sarah Briggs. She is actually a local Dallas girl and not only is her stuff fabulous, but so is she.

Elsie Lau said...

oh -- current obsession is the dream collective by kathryn bentley necklace i just got. i've worn in about every day since i got it. my coworkers must think i'm crazy.

Nomadic D. said...

That bag is GORGEOUS! (it says unlined though, don't you miss having pockets?) And the necklace is so beautiful too. Just a lovely understated and simple elegant outfit. I've been trying to be more thoughtful about my purchases lately too, and it really makes the things I do end up buying that much more special. My latest indulgence was this sweater:

http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/2011/05/r13.html

And a few other trinkets I'm going to try and post about this weekend. But I've really managed to stay away from the quick buys and disposable fashion lately. Feels so good.

http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/

molly said...

your hair looks blonde joslyn. is it lighter or is it just the picture?

kait said...

This bag is absolutely great - definitely a prudent purchase. The color will match basically everything, it looks super sturdy, and the shape is timeless. I would say definitely a great purchase!
-Kait

-Maria- said...

love this- the bag totally makes the outfit and looks like it will age very nicely!

Heidi said...

I'd say your new system is working. You look amazing!!!

mb said...

I love Clare Vivier bags. I have the one you have and the wonderful over the shoulder hand bag/messenger? The shoulder hand bag sheds leather fluff. Ugh. The other one, not so much.
Spartan in Austin has Clare Vivier. Buy local. :)

mb from Dallas

nicole lelacheur said...

That necklace is absolutely great, definitely something I'd wear everyday too.

I haven't purchased them yet, but I am absolutely in love with this pair of grey jeans at the Gap. Everytime I go to the mall I look at them and think of all the outfits I could wear them with. I think I'll get them. And the great thing about waiting until you REALLY want something is that it will most likely be on sale!

Keep up the good work:)

Anonymous said...

I love that bag! My favorite recent purchase has been some pewter cutout ballet flats from the Gap.

Janet Noe Rhoads said...

Joslyn, this is my favorite outfit yet. I covet that bag and top. I just started following you on pinterest. This is my new favorite thing, just purchased to wear for a fundraiser for St. Louis' circus, Circus Flora, next week.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eci-print-charmeuse-blouson-dress/3159772?origin=category&resultback=3890

Love your blogs!!

Estelle Hayes said...

Ugh, I've been eying the necklace and bag on Michelle's shop for months. Now I need to add those JCrew shoes to my wish list. Love them all.

Vasu said...

beautiful look! :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Rosabellebyvasu

Sarah Engel said...

beautiful, simple, chic, i love the necklace and bag!!!

sk said...

I recently bought myself the gorgeous Petal earrings in gold from Odette NY. I ADORE them. So glad I took the plunge!

Sewanonymous and So Much More said...

I love the entire outfit. Well done!

sarah said...

Great necklace and bag!!

Lana {lanalou style} said...

Great outfit, LOVE the necklace! I bought a pair of mint ballet flats recently and have been loving them!