Greetings, all!
Welp, it's the end of the year, as we know it. And I feel...fine?
It's been a fun year, and I've truly enjoyed discovering and being a part of the bloggie-world. I feel like I've "met" so many fun and interesting and stylish people over the past year. I love my closet 1,000 times more than I did at the beginning of the calendar year, even if my wallet - and possibly my husband - hate me 1,000 times more than they did at the beginning of the year.
And I have all of you to thank for it. *smileyface*
Anyway, while catching up a little on my blog-reading, I've been noticing a lot of lists floating around the blogosphere, and it's got me all nostalgic and stuff. So I thought I'd catalog a few of my "best of" lists, from the past year.
Kind of like...high school yearbook-style, if you will.
I hope you all don't mind.
So...here we go! End of 2010 lists, "Pretty Things" style!
Kathryn's Five Favorite Purchases of 2010:1. Two-Wheeler Shirtdress
I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say I've worn this dress to death in the six or so months that I've had it. I don't regret this purchase one bit, and as many times as it's been washed and worn it's held up remarkably well.
2. Field Game Cardigan
Ah, how I love this cardigan. I'd largely ignored the previous blue and red colorways of this cardigan, but when the oatmeal/grey version came along, I was smitten. I also wear this beauty to death and wash it on delicate. Win, all-around.
3. The Mullany Dress
I can't emphasize my love for this dress enough. I've managed to make it work beyond just an "event" dress, too. And every time I wear it I get tons of compliments. Victoria - if you're out there reading this - thank you SO much again for making this dress part of my life.
4. Blooming Lattice Cardigan
Was there ever a more versatile and wearable cardigan in my arsenal than this one?
The answer is no.
5. In a Twinkling Dress
I actually wasn't going to get this one at first, due to the itchy factor. However, I lucked out and found one on sale that didn't itch too much and the rest is history. It was my go-to white summer dress, and it dresses up or down
perfectly. So glad I decided to get it after all.
The Five That Got Away:1. Dried Leaves Dress
This one went on sale and flew off the racks and off the website before I could snag it. I'd tried it on back in August and liked it, but wasn't ready to pay full price for it. Now that it's December and cold I wish I had it in my closet to pair with tights and the Arid Season Button-up (which I did manage to grab). Sigh. Maybe I'll find something else like it again, someday.
2. The Two Paths Trench
It still boggles my mind that I actually found this puppy on sale and in my size, and I still put it back. Ugh. File this boneheaded mistake under, "WTF was I thinking?!" Maybe it had something to do with it being summertime (note the sandals on my feet), but gosh darn it I wish I could go back in time and tell myself to buy this one when I had the chance. Silly Kathryn.
3. Babergh Dress
I think this one went on sale at a time when I'd already splurged on so many other things that I needed to give my wallet a break. It was hard to let this one go.
4. Traced Twirls Dress
This one took
forever to go on sale, didn't it? And by the time it finally
did go on sale, I didn't think I wanted it anymore. Only the more I look at it now, the more I think I might've wanted it after all.
As a woman, I reserve the right to be fickle.
5. Drifting By Dress
Ah, the dress that I adored in the catalog, hated on myself, but abso-freaking-lutely
loved on other people. This is a dress that makes me wish I could change my entire complexion in order to get it to work on me. Unfortunately, as you can see from the photo, it just completely washes me out. I loved it on
Tien,
Tara B,
Kristina J and of course on
Kim. Everytime I see it pop up on someone else on the internet, I get a little sad. I'd really wanted this dress to work on me. I won't lie - I still watch for this beauty on eBay, "just in case."
Dress, why couldn't you look good on me?
Hi everyone! Okay, so following Kathryn's queue, here I go with an attempt at my "Top Five" Lists.
Carol's Five Favorite Purchases of 2010
1. The Reed Shirtdress
This dress is one of my best Anthro purchases ever. I've worn it so much to so many things and received so many compliments, it's amazing. I always feel pretty and lady-like and perfectly comfortable yet well-pulled together when I'm in it, which is great. Not to mention, it's low maintenance too. It's the Mary Poppins of dresses - practically perfect in every way.
2. Harvested Honey Coat
See that look of glee on my face in the photo above? Yep. A picture is sometimes worth a thousand words...
3. Blooming Lattice Cardi
Believe it or not, I was actually waffling on whether or not I should buy this cardigan, until Kathryn convinced me, with her "Blooming Lattice Four Ways" post. I bought it at full price and never looked back. It's just terrific - one of the true workhorses of my closet.
4. Konnichiwa Sweater
Another great sweater and what's become a major workhorse in my closet. I used it in my truncated 30 for 30 Remix challenge, and it seriously went with everything I put on. It's a total go-to piece and yes, I've purchased it in the red color too (on sale and an extra 25% off! C'mon, you can't beat that!).
5. AG Stevies
Quite possibly the most comfortable and cute pants I own. I've literally slept in them (if only for naps). They go with so much and provide warmth and added bonus - I haven't even had to have them altered (the extra length bunches in a not-too-bunchy way at my ankle). I own them in the wine and the gray. I'd keep the brown pair I'm returning, if I could afford to.
Carol's Five That Got Away
1. Tyndall Coat
I wanted this coat terribly, but it was too pricey. Then it went it on sale at the same time as the Harvested Honey, and I chose the Harvested Honey, hoping I could find this later. It's now gone, gone, gone in the size 0. It makes me dreadfully sad to think about it. Why didn't I buy it when I saw it?
2. Choreographed Dress
I actually had this dress in my hands, in my home, and I convinced myself it wasn't a practical choice and I'd be better off letting it go back to the store. What was I thinking??? I feel a twinge of regret every time I think about it, which makes me realize that there was real love for this dress. Real and abiding love.
3. Sugar and Cream Dress
I still wish I had got this dress while it was available. I'm not sure what held me back, but when I see other bloggers wearing it, I always let out a wistful sigh. 'Tis pity, 'tis pity...
4. Safekeeping Necklace
This necklace has been on my wishlist since it appeared on the website, last summer. It's now sold out online and I saw it in the store as late as last week, but couldn't buy it, because of budget constraints. And now, with all my holiday bills coming home to roost, it's pretty much totally out of reach.
5. Kate Spade "All Typed Up," ClydeI waited on this bag, because there were quite a few in inventory at Nordstrom at the beginning of December, and I thought it was such a unique piece that there'd still be some around by the end of the month. WRONG. It's sold out there, completely!!! I'm devastated, because I'd hoped to use some Nordstrom notes and giftcards I received to purchase this. It went on sale at Kate Spade a few days ago, but it's still pretty pricey and my aforementioned budget restrictions are prohibiting me from pulling the trigger on it (I'm trying really hard to be good. Really, really hard.) and inventory is very low. It seems highly likely that I won't be able to buy this, no matter how much I want it. So sad.
m
