favorite rituals

Yeah, I'm done with February, in more ways than one. Lol. It was a mentally tough month at work with my "social worker " role at it's max . Only one social occasion this past month and I wore some old favourites, which are not likely to make it through to next winter. Fit, changing preferences , etc. It was cold, cold, cold here, so it was just a head down, heavy puffer and boots month. I am SO looking forward to nice weather and no snow.

Retired/passed on:

1 pr Levi's slim fit jeans from a few years ago - stretch denim and button front; an impulse Marshalls buy that was a mistake from the beginning. Wore them around the house for 2 years until I couldn't stand looking at them anymore

1 new Gap teddy coat with olive green nylon lining that was great in theory but far too wide across the shoulders even for an oversize cut . I gave it a few tries but never felt good in it. Luckily it was a sale piece and I didn't spend much on it.

bunch of pyjamas and undergarments past their prime

1 pr Browns Wishbone combat boots $$$ - past their prime in both condition and my style preferences. Loved them, wore them a lot, and was happy in them until this year.

total : 3 (not counting undies and pjs)

New :

ON tech fabric black cargo pants = really great work pants; already worn 2x

Spanx minimizer bra - LOVE THIS ! $$ in Cdn though.

Anthro Maeve mock neck jacquard cut-and-sew sweater - not sure about this one ; I fear a bit of a flower-pot effect with my head/neck -lol; Also not a fan of cut-and-sew jacquard knits as there are often odd coloured threads showing through from the back of the knit at the seams . But the pattern is so pretty and the colours are just what I want for spring. If i keep it I'll wear it with light wash denim (still to buy) or green cargos/twill pants.

H&M crinkle "chiffon" (which is a misnomer as it's NOT chiffon but more a cool hand/feel lyocell type fabric ) oversize shirt in a dark navy/ivory print; not finalized as a closet add-to yet but I see it with blue and cream denim jeans, and dark denim shorts, or worn open over slim fit jeans

H&M cotton poplin (again a misnomer as it's a blended lyocell cool hand/feel poplin ) grass green shirt dress with exaggerated cuffs and sleeves . Not finalized yet as a closet add-to (haven't even tried it on yet , ack) but inspired by an Anthro stylist I saw wearing a blue poplin shirt dress open from the bottom up to mid-thigh over leather pants and white sneakers. I feel I can get some decent wear out of this and don't have to be precious with it.

quilted nylon H&M jacket with a slight swing cut and high dramatic collar; love this ; colour is diff for me (a putty /pale colour) , but will work with my darker hair now.

on order: Frank & Oak quilted nylon tote : I carry a big tote to work everyday, and like to change it up at least once or twice a year . This nylon style is fresh and modern, and should be light weight and easy to wear. A nice style upgrade from my more rigid coated canvas ones. a bunch of new panties - boy it doesn't take much to spend $$ on under wear, does it? Needed them , but still resentful of them

ON olive twill wide leg pants with back pockets - quite cute and I think I will be happy with these (if they don't stretch out with wear)

Under consideration for this week (they'll be sold out if I don't jump now) :

total : 8

Baggu lime/white gingham checked nylon bag and Baggu lime canvas tote bag; I used to rep this line and the quality is fabulous. These bags will be good for everyday use in the summer and will work with everything in my spring/summer closet. I don't "need " them though and they weren't a planned purchase. Still thinking about this.

None of these pieces save the Anthro sweater were planned for - but I'm not unhappy with any of them and like the quality on the H&M items just fine This is far more than I usually buy in a month . I plan to buy less in March and will instead be concentrating on reordering some hair and skin care products .