Monday, October 18, 2010

Make New Friends, But Keep The Old

Saturday afternoon found me in a hot mess of places I've temporarily sworn off of (think wallet restriction) - J.Crew, Free People, Zara, Barneys...  Why do I do this to myself?  Is it on purpose?  Perhaps to test my volition?  Quite honestly, I don't have a specific answer.  All I know is I escaped with wallet intact and two pairs of tights in bag. (Okay and a jacket.  But it was on steep sale so I get a pass).  Whatever the case, something wonderful happened as we strolled about - I was stopped at least ten times by women and men asking where I got my boots.  It's a wonderful feeling when you've leapt off your wallet for something you love only to find yourself twelve months later with strangers sharing your sentiments - especially when you're trying to save yourself from falling into boot cavern 2010. 

Making new friends is a treasured experience (present company included of course!), but there is something delicious about having old ones who know your secrets.  These are the relationships that don't require words, where trust has been built upon a firm foundation of shared good and bad times.  And so it goes, at least for me anyway, with my closet.  I love to go on the hunt for a new certain something - a dress, a unique ring or bangle for the jewelry collection, the perfect pair of jeans...or even better - the ultimate boot.  The act of discovering that "thing" is oftentimes just as exciting as the thing itself - but the relationship is truly put to the test once I get it home.  Is it as great as I thought it was?  Does it work with as many things as I'd anticipated?  Do I still want to wear it all the time after a couple of months?  Only the test of time will tell.  And so it has been with my military boots.  They have proven to be a never fail - I jumped at the chance to wear them in the summer when it was cool.  At first sight of fall I busted them out here in what turned out to be one of my favorite outfit posts yet.  And on Saturday they helped me to remember (as did everyone who complimented them) that I don't neeeeeeeeeed a new pair of boots.  Only a new pair of heels.  I kid, I kid!!

Now that I think about it every single item in this outfit
has been with me for at least a year - some closer to two.

James Perse Cotton/Cashmere Thermal, J.Crew Military Jacket,
Aritzia Leggings, Joie Boots, J.Crew Argyle Socks (you can't see haha)

 We haven't quite mastered the gloomy day camera settings, 
but somehow the faded images fit the day perfectly.

 My bad the bag has only been around for 3 or 4 months,
but with how often it's seen here you can probably tell it's a fave.
And it was one of those - see it, have to have it, step away from it Carrie, 
can't get it out of my mind, gotta return and get it! items.
You know those, right? hehe

And while we're on the shopping topic, how is your fall wardrobe coming along?  Have you been able to work in some of your old friends and keep the new ones to a minimum?  Or do you find yourself in a whole new circle of friends? hehe  Would love to hear what some of your faves currently are.  And hopefully the weekend was kind to you as well.  Oh Mondays - they sure to reappear quickly.

80 comments:

k said...

awww, i love the boots too. I think I'm doing ok with fall, I've managed to add one sweater, brown boots (I didn't have any) and a cute brown satchel purse. I'm thinking some more sweaters/cardi's and a long coat and I will be set!!!
HAPPY MONDAY! I hope you had an amazing weekend my lady

Laura said...

Love the BOOTS! :) Ehh.. my fall wardrobe is definitely nothing special or new. I'm proud of your "only two pairs of tights" (we won't count the jacket bc it was obvi a fab sale purchase) I've jsut come to the realization here that it's going to be SO COLD this winter, that if i purchase ANY items.. I might as well get a super awesome WARM jacket and/or warm, waterproof, all terrain boots. haha.

Have a great Monday!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

I love those boots! I might have bought 2 pairs of boots last week. I might be on a serious wallet restriction myself now. Yeah. (Completely worth it though.)

Leia said...

Well your boots ARE rather amazing! There are no shops I like here in Bangladesh so I'm spending a lot of time revisiting favorites and trying to make them seem a bit less boring to me.

Leia

ilovemyhouse said...

Fall wardrobe is filled with old friends, time to get new friends but no time to shop.

xx

Diana Mieczan said...

The boots are beautiful..I am still on a hunt for a few cardis and a nice jacket and then I will be all set and ready.
Happy Monday morning,sweetie pie
Hugs and kisses

T said...

I would have stopped you as well to compliment your boots - they are so cute!

My fall waredrobe shoule be okay. I did OD on boots though, but clothing wise, I only picked up a few new things. Hopefully it will all get me through the season without tears. Hahaha.

Collette Osuna said...

IN LOVE with your boots...you look chic!!


Stop by and say Hello ♥
Statements in Fashion Blog

Anonymous said...

You are rockin those boots, Carrie! xo

Kendall said...

loving that military jacket!

Bren said...

Those boots are amazing Carrie! I know what you mean about the things in your closet that you love time and time again. Some things are a quick love affair, but I'm always looking for those pieces that have longevity. I have several, like my Frye boots, my leather jacket, My LV bags, and my Chloe heels. All were expensive, and I don't regret any of them!

Happy Monday!
xoxo,
Bren

She Wore It Well said...

I SWEAR that as was your blog was loading just then, I was trying to talk B into letting me buy a pair of amazing riding boots that I saw on sale this afternoon from $595 to $95. How can anyone NOT justify such a bargain!?!?!? Why do I always find things that I want to wear in 6 months time.. am I thinking AHEAD or something!?!!?!?

Can't wait to see your new jacket!

xoxo

shopgirl said...

I know. It's hard to resist. But you did well. Sometimes, I feel better when I walk away with nothing and I go home and open my closet and realize how many things I don't wear. I try and make something new by using a different accessory - one that I normally wouldn't wear with that outfit.

p.s. looking good! xo

Unknown said...

love those boots! my fall wardrobe is coming along....but will I even need it in LA this weekend?!

xx aj

Unknown said...

Those boots are amazing...love em!

Chloƫ, Wardrobe Quarry said...

cute jacket and I like your theory.

Barbara von Enger said...

Of course you had to get those boots - they are just too good to leave behind for someone else to snap up. Seriously. The boots are perfect and stylish for Autumn/Winter;-)

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I am missing my fall friends. It's still reaching 80 here during the day so I have yet to break out my boots and sweaters....and I'm sad!!

Chas said...

I love those boots, they are amazing!

Unknown said...

totally feel ya about getting the "omg live or boots" when ur out - it makes u feel like - i did good, i can't feel bad about this purchase and u feel like ur all high on life and stuff - AND i totally get when u buy something with all these big dreams about them and then u go to pair it with this or that which u thought would be a fantastic outfit and u look like a goof and then u feel defeated!

i sworn off Barneys too - and luckily was able to stay away - BUT i went to Nieman and saw a Alice and Olivia dress that i was about to buy - but put back - i can't stop thinking about it - AND it was on sale - i'm SO scared if i go back today they'll be all gone - i can't stop thinking about it!!!

OH (i know this is LONG) .. but i said i'm not buying new stuff for this year - but that went down the tubes! ..

Lilacandgrey said...

I am doing REALLY well this year buying stuff that I NEED and will wear forever, not just stuff I "want" or is "on sale" or impulse things...I am REALLY proud of myself (coming from a "saleaholic"
PS. SWORN OFF Gilt Groupe FOR GOOD! That site is the devil in disguise!

Staley Mc said...

Love this look! Those boots are fabulous!

Nikki said...

I can relate to this post big time.
I really adore the feeling of rediscovering something that I loved so much and realizing I still love it all the same. On the other hand I went on a mad-boot-craze last winter and tracked down a pair of over the knee REPORT boots. I've worn them twice... oops.
Love your look... and LOVE your hair. How do you get that effortless bee-hive look?! love it!

xx
Nikki

Laura said...

You're boots are so gorgeous. I always try to keep old friends from previous years as well as work in new ones. Although it is tempting to just go crazy with a brand new wardrobe!

L x
Half Dressed

Raegun said...

I LOVE this outfit - especially the boots. ;)
I've lost about 40 pounds this year so I know the feeling of discovering 'old friends' in the closet quite well! It's so thrilling. The hard part is not spending on new items. I still have a long way to go, so for now I'll enjoy some old favourites. ;)

Closet Fashionista said...

Sooo true!!!
And those boots are so cool, :D :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Love the jacket!

bananas. said...

gosh you are quite the poet. i never once relate my closet pieces to new and old friends. haha.

love the boots. you rock then well!

fshnonmymind said...

...One is silver and the other's gold. I totally remember that from girl scouts. :)

Love you otk boots!!! I'm not sure if I can get away with it, but they look great on you.
I think my wardrobe is 75% set, but I'm still on the lookout for key pieces (jewelry, prints, dresses).
There are definitely those pieces though that I bought months or years ago that I always look forward to pulling out and rediscovering when the seasons change. I'm itching to break out an old pair of pink velvet shoes!!!

mypixieblog said...

Saturday afternoon found me in a hot mess of places I've temporarily sworn off of (think wallet restriction) - J.Crew, Free People, Zara, Barneys... Why do I do this to myself? Is it on purpose? Perhaps to test my volition? Quite honestly, I don't have a specific answer. All I know is I escaped with wallet intact and two pairs of tights in bag. (Okay and a jacket. But it was on steep sale so I get a pass). Whatever the case, something wonderful happened as we strolled about - I was stopped at least ten times by women and men asking where I got my boots. It's a wonderful feeling when you've leapt off your wallet for something you love only to find yourself twelve months later with strangers sharing your sentiments - especially when you're trying to save yourself from falling into boot cavern 2010.

Making new friends is a treasured experience (present company included of course!), but there is something delicious about having old ones who know your secrets. These are the relationships that don't require words, where trust has been built upon a firm foundation of shared good and bad times. And so it goes, at least for me anyway, with my closet. I love to go on the hunt for a new certain something - a dress, a unique ring or bangle for the jewelry collection, the perfect pair of jeans...or even better - the ultimate boot. The act of discovering that "thing" is oftentimes just as exciting as the thing itself - but the relationship is truly put to the test once I get it home. Is it as great as I thought it was? Does it work with as many things as I'd anticipated? Do I still want to wear it all the time after a couple of months? Only the test of time will tell. And so it has been with my military boots. They have proven to be a never fail - I jumped at the chance to wear them in the summer when it was cool. At first sight of fall I busted them out here in what turned out to be one of my favorite outfit posts yet. And on Saturday they helped me to remember (as did everyone who complimented them) that I don't neeeeeeeeeed a new pair of boots. Only a new pair of heels. I kid, I kid!!
Now that I think about it every single item in this outfit
has been with me for at least a year - some closer to two.
James Perse Cotton/Cashmere Thermal, J.Crew Military Jacket,
Aritzia Leggings, Joie Boots, J.Crew Argyle Socks (you can't see haha)
We haven't quite mastered the gloomy day camera settings,
but somehow the faded images fit the day perfectly.
My bad the bag has only been around for 3 or 4 months,
but with how often it's seen here you can probably tell it's a fave.
And it was one of those - see it, have to have it, step away from it Carrie,
can't get it out of my mind, gotta return and get it! items.
You know those, right? hehe
And while we're on the shopping topic, how is your fall wardrobe coming along? Have you been able to work in some of your old friends and keep the new ones to a minimum? Or do you find yourself in a whole new circle of friends? hehe Would love to hear what some of your faves currently are. And hopefully the weekend was kind to you as well. Oh Mondays - they sure to reappear quickly.
Very, very cute boots! Since I'm on similar spending restriction at the moment (boo!) I try to find a few must-have items each season and then I rotate with what's in the closet from last year (though I tend to hang on to my things for much longer than that, so really, some are quite, uhm, vintage. LOL!). I recently purchased a pair of combat-type mid-calf black boots that are SOOO cute and I have paired them with feminine ensembles (pink tutu, ruffly shirt) to casual-night-on-the-town (button-down shirt and jeans). And accessories are always very important.

You have a great fashion sense! :)

mypixieblog said...

Egads! I'm so sorry about that. I copy/pasted your post with my comment in a Word doc and accidentally pasted the entire comment in here. SOOOOO sorry about that!!! :(

ssmall4 said...

... One is silver and the other's gold. Why yes, I did just sing that. out loud=)
I love your military look. That jacket is Sa-Weeeeet. And those boots have me drooling. Salivating. Ugh, I'm making a mess. lol
xoxo

Discovery Street said...

i looooooooooooove those boots!

i actually dropped off a bunch of clothes yesterday to consign so I could buy a few pieces for the fall/winter. The sun is still shining, but the chill of winter is definitely moving in...a great pair of boots is on my list for sure!

STYLE'N said...

Ok first off love the boots and jacket! about the friends-I feel like i am constantly making new friends in the city and i love it! I think we are all evolve and our interests change so it's nice to meet new people along the way. Also, I have some friends with kids and some without and I like having the variety. As far as my wardrobe-it's coming along but I could definitely use a few more pieces. I feel like I need to schedule my shopping trips so I can fit them into my life!

Val said...

Those boots rock! I love buying fall clothes. I cherish all of my old friendships and love it's like a breath of fresh air making new ones. Happy Monday!

little luxury list said...

Those boots are super cool - no wonder everyone kept asking you!

No fall wardrobe because there's no fall here!

Tiffany Kadani said...

My Fall wardrobe is definitely in the works. I still need some new sweaters and tops. And boots. And tights. And a few new hats...

Courtney Erin said...

Wonderful boots - no wonder they've been with you for so long!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Freelance Shop-A-Holic said...

My mom calves hate purdy boots :(
sigh

these are so awesome! Makes me want spanx for my lower extremities!
Ah well...
Just got a new camera and we are so intimidated by all the bells and whistles!
I like the not so perfect shots myself... Adds to the mood ;)
www.freelanceshopaholic.com.blogspot.com

Valerie said...

Your boots are fabulous! I love that they've been with you for a year and everyone (including you) is still CRAZY about them. I'm impressed that you were able to leave all those stores with only a few pair of tights (oh, and the jacket, but with the sale it doesn't even really count, right?). How is it Monday already? When did this happen? My fall wardrobe is at a standstill due to my wallet restriction (which is going well, btw).

xo
Valerie

Josie said...

Carrie, you are too freaking chic for your own good, honestly. I love everything about this post. First of all, I found myself in J.Crew somehow yesterday, which is just not okay. I shouldn't even be allowed in there. And of course you look as stunning as always. Your jacket is to DIE for and I would totally have stopped you to ask about those boots -- they're gorgeous!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

LyddieGal said...

I love your boots too!
I don't know why it feels so good to have the things you love validated by others... but it does!
Yay for awesome boots!

Chic on the Cheap

Kristen said...

your outfit goes perfectly with that setting and backdrop. I love how you reincorporate old friends from the wardrobe!

Jude said...

I sometimes have a hard time discerning want versus need in my shopping, so I hear you on the shopping resistence!

But how lovely (an incomparable feeling) to know your shopping adventure paid off so beautifully! I agree with the old friends bit completely :)

Hope you've many more shopping adventures like this!

Marcie said...

This is such a creative post, Carrie! I love your writing and could read it all day long. I am laughing at the reference to the jacket on sale. I too consider those "passes." Those boots are amazing, and I am loving the jacket.

As for me, I've stocked up on Ugg knit boots (on super sale and are very comfortable), flannels and army cargo skinnys from Target. I really want riding boots, but haven't found the right pair. At some point, I need to start saving for a house, but there are to many great articles of clothes out there.

xo M

A Crimson Kiss said...

I have to admit, living in SF makes the "change of seasons" easy, since it's always just about the same temperature! I've freshened up my fall wardrobe with a few new cardigans and a Betty Draper-inspired dress, and replaced a few worn out things, but my closet is mostly old favorites!

Venus Loves Virgo said...

Great post. I agree with what you said about making new friends but keeping the old. Real friends are soooo hard to find. Those boots are to dies for,can I borrow them? LOL!
Your stronger than me for leaving Barneys behind in the dust. Even if I don't make a purchase I have to go into that store It's alike an addictive drug. It doesn't help that there are two different ones, the uptown store and the cooler downtown store. XOXO

Alina said...

i like this pictures :)
love your boots

xo, http://mythinkingabouteverything.blogspot.com/

Lisa Griffin said...

i love these boots! i've been pretty good so far this fall, chilling with the old friends hehe my fall boots are what i'm always itching to break out, and i added a great leather jacket last yr. a few sweaters may be added when it gets colder bc my current "friends" are heading to retirement...like 3-5 yrs old ahh!
www.indramaticfashion.com

Amber said...

your boots are great so its no wonder you got stopped! My fall wardrobe is coming along swimmingly, thanks for asking :)

Claire Kiefer said...

I'm all about old friends when it comes to wardrobe. :) I haven't done a lot of shopping lately (I mean, unless you count shoes) cause I seem to have developed a wine belly of sorts (how on EARTH did that happen, ha!) and I am determined to get rid of it before I buy new things. But who am I kidding, I did buy that Tucker for Target shirt last week (would you believe I still haven't worn it?) and am not opposed to the idea of new winter boots. :)

Sarah said...

I LOVE the military jacket with the boots. You look great.

Wearing It On My Sleeves

Marissa said...

I'm sticking with my old boots this fall as well. Though they're not quite as on-trend as yours, I still love them. I do need new pumps, though - no joke!

Johanna said...

I need a military coat so bad but I am on strict savings. Lame.

Annie said...

really liking the industrial background with that outfit, Carrie! Also, I would like to say again you're so good at doing your hair!!
Just got back from a long weekend in Lake Placid for my sister in law's wedding so catching up on your posts now.. xo

Alicia Lund said...

Yes, I have decided that I can make do with the few pairs of boots that I already have... and instead am incorporating more chunky knits and fur into my fall attire. Gotta love cozy layers!

PhotoPuddle said...

I'm loving skinny jeans and boot at the moment. Do you have "skinny jeans" there? Basically tight fitting ones. I never thought I'd have the confidence or the legs to wear them but I bit the bullet when I bought some fantastic boots that just had to be shown off properly. And you know what I actually look pretty good in them!

kylee said...

i'm a sucker for cute tights with boots & cardigans. oh how i love cardigans. i seem to think i constantly need a new one, but i have to remind myself i really don't.

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Nothing better than getting complements! They ar pretty awesome boots :)

I need to buy myself a pair of riding boots; been wanting a pair for two years now!

Nikki said...

Well they are kick ass boots. But I can tell they're lonely. They need a pair of heels to keep them company ;)

stylenuggets said...

I did add a couple of boots this winter but I'm trying to use some self-control this spring. (Let's see if that works!)

kelli g. { bug miscellany } said...

wow, those boots are fab-u-lous! i wore my new ones (blowfish military inspired knee highs) this weekend, and got lots of "where'd ya get THOSE?"s too. :P

i seem to be in a shoe place this season. but to be fair, it's been a LONG TIME since i updated the footwear.

Jessica said...

My closet needs more of these old friends, which is why I'm being much pickier about what I bring home. Reading this post reminded me of my little spectator Guess peep toe heels with the ankle strap. I wear them more than I probably should and I'm stopped by strangers whenever I wear them. I have to admit that there's something satisfying about confessing that the item is no longer available in stores. Is that twisted? Perhaps.

Anyway. I can see how these boots have become your dear friends. Your very attractive dear friends.

erica said...

I love the bump you get with your ponytail!!! So cute!!!

xo

Marie a la Mode said...

No wonder people stopped you about your boots, they are AWESOME with a capital "A"! I love this whole outfit. Yes, indeed i do : )

Sarah said...

I'm a new friend kind of girl. But if it's an expensive piece, they do tend to stick around longer, which helps when I'm justifying my purchases to myself. My lace up Frye boots have been around for years, and those were a complete splurge.

Danielle Moss said...

I did the same thing this weekend!

Stacey said...

Your boots are gorgeous and i haven't made any new friends yet. I've just been hanging with the old ones(my effort to be green). However, i know that won't last long because my wish list keeps getting longer and longer:-). XX

OneCraftyFox said...

Those boots are awesome. When I was addicted to Rock Band all of my characters had super tall lace up booties, LOL.

It is so true what you said about friends. With my oldest friends... we just... *know*... ya know?

Hope you are having a great week :)

jemina said...

Carrie, those boots are awesome, and I admire how you survived the enticement of shopping.
Fortunately (for me & my wallet :)) I live in 2 countries (Indonesia & Singapore) where there's only rain or shine. LOVE your post, you are one amazing lady, keep on shining :))

XOXO
J

Lady Grey said...

gotta love old favourites! You look great!

Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

But Carrie... I swear, I DO need boots!! (please agree! lol I need some justifications!)

I love yours, no wonder people kept stopping you. I definitely would have been included if I'd seen you! xx

Unknown said...

first of all this outfit is great, second of all i love the lace-up boots! I've been looking for a pair.

Anonymous said...

Love your boots and love your style! You wear things so well and seems without effort! You are a natural!
I enjoyed reading your post!

xo

Monique said...

Love these boots! Definitely look like tried and true old friend material. As for me, I'm trying very very hard to be the bested of friends with my old boots from last winter...the wallet really needs a break!

o said...

I can see why you got stopped at least ten times with those boots!! They're awesome! They definitely add that extra something to an outfit;) I'm trying to work "old friends" into my fall wardrobe, but some new friends could be irresistible sometimes hehe Have a great week, Carrie!

TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com

Kara said...

Boots = SWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON. I have a couple $30 pairs from Target, that's about all boot weather is worth in Phoenix, Arizona :(

Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

Oh man, those boots look swell. I love the length on you. I need to take the plunge and buy some tall boots but all the ones i've been seeing have been pretty meh or cost $298498487 so yeah. One of these days though!

xx
MILK TEETHS

Poppies and Sunshine said...

I love the comparison with friends and clothes! My fall wardrobe still needs help. I am slowly infiltrating new items. It is great when old items still work so well!

Anonymous said...

Yes yes yes. I almost called the powers that be at Joie and sent them cookies for putting out THE SAME SHOE TWO YEARS IN A ROW. Like, that never happens, unless this is Reebok. Definitely did justify the purchase when it was made (sale, ahem) and I get stopped for them, too.

However I still have yet to wear them as well as you do. The best part of this 'fit? It lets the boots be the star, as well as perfectly plays off their feel. This deconstructed military look makes the whole thing flow. So perfect.

Here I'll say it again---No THIS is my favorite look you've ever posted.

xo

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