Retail therapy

I had a crappy week and have a bad case of self loathing, so I went shopping. Retail therapy is real. Yes, not a good habit, but i’m human and I’m helping our economy, right? I do feel a bit better. It helps me escape for a while, and I can concentrate on being creative. The only issue is that I went to Zara, so I can’t link the items via the Liketoknow it app.

I have a strategy that I use when I shop at Zara. I find and save all the items I’m interested in before I go to the store. The reason I do this is because most of time I can’t find the items I want and I’ll need to show them to an associate who can use the information I saved to tell me where it is. It saves time.

I saw this balloon sleeve jacket with tie and knew I had to have it because I could see it paired with so many outfits — casual with jeans and paired with skirts for work, and I can wear it in the fall because it’s a heavy cotton. I think this runs on the smaller side. It’s a bit expensive for Zara but so worth it because of the versatility.

Dresses make me happy. I love floral prints and anything with a puffy sleeve, so this floral dress with tie was the first item on my lists that I wanted to try on. I also thought it looked expensive. It didn’t disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my expectations because it has pockets. This runs on the large side. I took an xs.

I love anything with a blockprint. In my opinion, blockprint items mean summer is here. I took a xs-s in this long printed skirt that has pockets. I was wearing flats and it didn’t drag on the floor, but it was close, so I just rolled the waistband once, which did the trick. If I wear high wedges, the length should be fine. It’s a bit sheer so you need to wear nude underwear. It’s just an easy skirt to wear on those days you just want to throw on an outfit. Just add a tee and sandals. The print is also available in this flowy printed dress.

Yes, another balloon sleeve. I thought this striped balloon printed shirt would look great with white jeans and sneakers or my denim skirt. It has covered buttons, which was one of the reasons I bought it. I’m a sucker for the little details that make an item extra special.

I actually bought this before going to the store. There were none left in any sizes except a medium and it looked like Zara wasn’t reordering it. I wear a small but took a chance. It’s a little long, but doesn’t look overly big or messy if I tuck it in. It looks like they are reordering in a size medium only, so hop on it if you like it.

Are you seeing a trend? Yes, I’m totally obsessed with a balloon sleeve. I thought this striped balloon printed shirt would look really cute with white jeans on the weekends or with my jean skirt for work. It runs big. I bought an xs. It has covered buttons, which I believe elevates the top. What can I say, I love little details.

This pearl headband wasn’t in the store but if it was, it would have come home with me.

This denim ruffle shirt wasn’t available in store either. It’s currently in my cart. Thinking it over. Thoughts?

I don’t shop in Club Monaco very often, but I recently checked them out again and found some cute options. Unlike Zara, you can click on on the images to be taken directly to Club Monaco’s site. They are having a 20 percent off pants promotion.

Thanks for visiting.

I’d really enjoy hearing what you’re loving lately.

- Lacey