Scalloping into Spring.

I think I'm coming out of a little bit of an outfit funk, but that might just be because I finally treated myself to a few new items. I am trying to be better about things like that and to rediscover items in my wardrobe that I haven't worn in ages, a 'shop my closet' kind of thing, but sometimes I can't help but feel rejuvenated by something new (or new-to-me). I feel really myself in this outfit, which is a nice change after the last few weeks of wearing the same chambray dress over and over (and over and over) again.

Dress: J. Crew, Blouse: Vintage, Pin: Vintage (thrifted), Shoes: BC Footwear, Bag: J. Crew Fall 2012

I've been struggling (that makes it sound really dramatic, but I'm not certain what other word to use, and really, there isn't much I don't love more than a little bit of hyperbole on the internet, in a harmless sort of way) for a few months with outfits. Probably because I'm thinking too much about them, which isn't good for several reasons, but mostly I find that I've been preoccupied by the balance of mixing.
Even if it looks alright, or good, or great even, I always feel a little bit wrong when an outfit is made up of too many of one kind of thing. I don't really want my entire outfit to be vintage, although I'm not opposed and sometimes it happens, and I don't want the entire thing to be all new either. I know all sorts of blogs and magazines and stupid makeover shows are always touting the virtues of mixing in vintage with new, and of course it's true, but mostly I just feel unbalanced if I'm in all one thing or the other. But it's funny, because a lot of the time it depends on the actual size of the pieces--I like them to be equal parts. I'm sure that sounds a little but nutso, but there it is. This outfit is perfect, because somehow a jumper-type dress and a blouse balance each other out, since they sort of take up almost the same amount of space on an outfit/body.
I should probably stop now before I did myself into a weird ditch of ruminations on outfits. Basically, this one feels right, it feels very me, and I feel at home in it. I don't feel overly girly or frilly, but I think it's also just the right amount of precious.

The bag I've been meaning to use for ages. I waited and waited for it to go on sale, and when it finally did I pounced, and the poor thing sat in my closet for months without being used. It has a strap, and maybe if it were longer I would use it more often, but I like it best as a clutch (even if I worry that I'll leave it somewhere). Plus it helps me get polka-dots into my outfit.

I'm pretty content with this one, which of course means I'll come up with 4 or 5 different versions of it, and wear it until I hate it and can't stand to put the thing on again (or until I spill on it, until it starts to pill or has holes).
Pictures taken by my friend Eden.