My late-October routine is as follows: a sudden realization that spring/summer favorites will soon be packed away for five months; this awareness is followed by a frantic scramble to wear everything from my warm-weather wardrobe once before I bid them adieu.
Most people I know fall into one of two camps: those who cling to summer and the last traces of warm weather with willful blindness and those who have been sipping pumpkin spice lattes since August 1. I find myself toggling between two modes, at once happy and sad about having the need to wear layers.
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| Alice + Olivia Wendy Lace Blouse (buy here) | J. Crew Bouclé Jacket in Indigo Colorblock | J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Navy-White Stripe | Ann Taylor Bowtie Clutch | Zara Studded Court Shoe with Ankle Strap |
I picked up a few extra bowtie clutches during the extra 60% off sale for gifting purposes (and kept two for myself).
It’s not a particularly functional bag but it’s cute and has two compartments that serve an organizational need. It can be useful for times when you don’t want to lug your big bag around.
See the clutch on Jean.
Polyurethane construction (which I find to be decently durable) and polka-dotted lining, which is a nice (if entirely useless) touch.
The tassels are somewhat extraneous in my eyes but they do assist in unzipping the clutch so I consider them a wash.
And a short-and-to-the-point review of two other items from the same order: Boutique Crossbody Bag and Uptown Necklace. They are both of decent quality but I decided against keeping them in an effort to rein in unplanned spending. I have been a little more careless in my approach since making a large clothing donation in late summer which created the illusion that I have closet space (I don’t).
The Boutique Crossbody Bag is crafted from polyurethane, the same material from which many current-season Ann Taylor bags are made. They are man-made, if material origin is a factor that you take into consideration when making a purchase.
The bag measures 10 inches in width and 6 inches in length and has two compartments. In terms of functionality, I consider it a grade above the bowtie clutches.
The price point is reasonable for a light crossbody bag in an “on-trend” color and otherwise conservative design.
The Uptown Necklace (had taken pictures with the necklace on me but lost the pictures) is of decent quality and could be versatile but I am reserving my lone spot of “dark green/near-black” necklace for something slightly more special.
While we are on the subject of Ann Taylor, take 50% off full-price pants and sweaters with code ANNFALL. Or take an extra 50% off sale styles, no code needed.
