Spring Refresh

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit | Shades of Sarah3

It’s been a long time since I have devoted any time to my little space on the Internet.

By all accounts, 2018 was a ~year~ and 2019 has been flying by so far. This is what I shared on my personal Facebook after the New Year:

Last winter was rough, with a broken heart and broken bones (unrelated) and a life-changing medical diagnosis. (At one point, I was seeing a physical therapist, therapist and psychiatrist all at the same time.) By December, I was settled into my first house (my first mortgage payment was due January 1st, which is some subtle symbolism). In between, I reconnected with old friends and made new ones, started a new job, went to four concerts and who-even-knows-how-many sporting events, went on two great trips to Florida, got my first tattoo, snuggled with a lot of precious dogs and turned 28. For the first time in a really long time, I feel like my life is moving in a positive direction. Who knows what 2019 has in store, but hopefully it includes some more sleep and less emotional whiplash.

I can now report that my sleeping habits are no better this year than last. To review what may have been buried in those ramblings (and is relevant to my blogging career):

  • I started a new job last summer (and bought a great dress to celebrate). I’m a staff writer at Luxury Daily, which means that yes, I get paid to write for a living. We’re a small staff, so we all write a lot. I also work remotely in Philadelphia most of the week, which means I’m spending a lot more time in hoodies and leggings.
  • I bought a house! Many thanks to my parents for helping me out with the down payment and their support over the years. I closed in November and moved in later that month. I’m pretty much done unpacking, but still have a ways to go when it comes organizing and painting.

I think those are the main reasons why this blog has been super quiet for awhile. I’ve missed blogging though, and I’m brainstorming new things to write about! Any suggestions? Do you want to hear more about WFH, or house hunting or having dogs as a twenty-something?

Watch this space! But in the meantime, here is one of my favorite early spring outfits (and yes, we’re still having chilly 50-degree days):

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit

Striped Cardigan Spring Outfit

I shot this look with Audrey in Old City last month. Thank you, Audrey! Tell me about your spring go-tos! You can never trust spring weather in Philly!

Thank you to anyone and everyone who reads here!

~ Sarah

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Cardigan: LOFT | Sweater: LOFT | Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: Kohls | Beanie: Five Below | Bag: Century 21

A Spring Sweater & Some Skulls

LOFT Cardigan and Victoria Emerson bracelet

I know it can be dull to start every outfit post with a weather update, but I’ll defend it — after all, if you’re practical, the weather can play a big part in how you dress. So with this bizarre warm winter we’ve been having, I’ve been wanting to dress for spring. That’s where this cardigan, which was actually part of LOFT’s fall collection, comes in.

LOFT Cardigan and Victoria Emerson bracelet

I mean… are the colors not perfect? The cardigan is super warm and cozy, so it’s perfect for those warm winter days when I don’t want to rely on a peacoat yet again. Now if only I could keep my chambray from wrinkling. No judgment zone, right?

LOFT Cardigan and Victoria Emerson bracelet

My mornings get so hectic with the dogs and trying to make breakfast and/or lunch that I’m starting to accessorize with just one or two pieces. I love my wrap bracelet from Victoria Emerson — once I figured out how to put it on (it’s adjustable), it makes a big impact. When they asked me to collaborate, I had the hardest time choosing just one bracelet — I considered this one and this one, but I ended up choosing this cool skull bracelet! (I was obviously in a ~serenity~ type of mood.)

LOFT Cardigan and Victoria Emerson bracelet

I used to be obsessed with Pirates of the Caribbean, so I just tell myself this is a more grownup way of showing off my fandom. (And maybe adding some edge? Just kidding… I am so not edgy!) I expected the bracelet to be distracting when I’m on the computer at work, so I was pleasantly surprised when this was not the case. It’s definitely less annoying than typing with bangles! Want to try your own wrap bracelet? Victoria Emerson is generously offering 20% off your first order (through Friday, March 4) with the code shades20. #treatyoself

~ Sarah

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Cardigan: LOFT (similar on sale)
Chambray: Old Navy (this year’s — mine is pretty old!)
Pants: Amazon (they’re lined with fleece!)
Boots: Kohl’s (similar)
Bracelet: c/o Victoria Emerson