I have had today planned since early March 2019. Christian and I were supposed to be at Disney World. More specifically, at Hollywood Studios celebrating Star Wars Day in Galaxy's Edge.  When the opening date of Galaxy's Edge was announced my friends and I planned a trip for November 2019. Christian couldn't come because of work so I decided I would buy an annual pass and we would go again within a year. We decided on early May to coincide with Star Wars Day (May the 4th) and Mother's Day so we could have his Mom come along for a few days.

At the beginning of this March I knew we wouldn't be able to go due to coronavirus. I still held on to my reservations (dining, fast passes, even our special tours) until Disney cancelled them automatically because I needed that sliver of hope to get by. We were supposed to arrive at Disney early yesterday. Instead, we woke up in our own bed.


Even though we won't be at one of my favorite places, we are still going to make the best of everything. We have our health, as do our other family members & friends, and we know Disney will reopen eventually and we can go when it is safe to do so.

Back in the day I used to watch every Star Wars movie on May 4th. Now there are far too many so I pick & choose and do my best to get through them all! Since we're both still working we decided to start yesterday with the best films - the original trilogy. I also watched Rogue One on my own when Christian tired of the marathon. I will continue watching today while working (Christian works in another room.)

What Order to Watch the Movies In

Everyone has an opinion on the best way to watch the Star Wars movies. You can watch them chronologically, release order, with TV shows included OR Machete Order which cuts out The Phantom Menace, which many deem unworthy.  If I was having a first timer watch - and they have survived without spoilers this long - I would have them do it in almost release order. (Though I do enjoy Machete order, but I put in Phantom Menace)

1. Star Wars: A New Hope
2. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
3. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
4. flashback to Rogue One (the fandom is divided on this film, I love it.)
5. flashback even further to Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
6. Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
7. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
8. flash forward to Star Wars: The Force Awakens
9. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (ugh...)
10. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
11. flashback to Solo: A Star Wars Story

Everything is on Disney+, except Solo is on Netflix for a few more months.

What Else to Watch

• The Mandalorian on Disney+: Even if you aren't a Star Wars fan this series is amazing! The cinematography is breathtaking and the story is fun.
• Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian: A documentary series on the making of The Mandalorian - it's brand new as of today! I have to wait until after work to watch the first episode with Christian. After today a new episode will be released each Friday.
• Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy: A documentary on the original Star Wars trilogy.
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars: An animated TV show. I haven't watched this myself yet, I know...shame on me, but lots of friends recommend it! 

For our celebrations I donned the Star Wars pajamas I bought back in 2015 and we had popcorn in old movie theater soda cups from other Star Wars movies. Wish I had more of them but my siblings and I divided them up, ha ha!

Other Fun Activities

• Play Star Wars video games - there are plenty.
• Do a Star Wars puzzle

Star Wars Baked Goods

If you like to bake, why not whip up a fun Star Wars treat!

• Blue Milk Pudding
• Chewie Chews & Blue Milk
• Ackbar Snackbar
• Yoda Pancakes
• Rey's Portion Bread
• More Official Star Wars Recipes

Forever 21 May the Force Be With You Pajama Top, Forever 21 Trust Me I'm a Jedi Pajama Pants, Sphero BB-8 (he can watch the movies with you and react!)

This might be one of my favorite recent looks. I wasn't sure what to wear so I asked the boy to help pick out my outfit. First he decided on dark jeans and then wanted a lighter top. We were having trouble picking out a top so we moved on to shoes and he said "something bright!" so I grabbed these Sam Edelman espadrilles. Then we went back to looking for a top and decided on my loved but rarely worn (because it's white) French Connection sequin leopard top because the leopard's eye matched the sandals.

The bag was easy, we kept with the teal/blue theme with my Marc Jacobs bag. Finally I asked what jewelry I should wear and he wanted something else animal themed. I remembered this Forever 21 turtle necklace that I haven't worn in quite a while. Partly because it turns my finger green if I have it on too long and because when I first bought it I didn't realize it was a knockoff of this Noir ring. After finding that out I wanted to own one of their animal rings...it's still on the wishlist, sadly.

Sequin Leopard Top: French Connection, Jeans: J Brand 'Mid Rise Photo Ready Super Skinny Jean' (Gilt), Espadrilles: Sam Edelman 'Lars' (Net-a-Porter), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Natural Selection Mini Messenger Bag' (Saks Fifth Avenue), Sunglasses: Gucci, Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon), Turtle Ring: Forever 21

Welcome back, throwback outfits! It's been quite a while since I've done one thanks to vacation and taking a week off the blog to move. Whoops! But here we go with an outfit from 2012 where I still have every single piece I wore in the original look. These sandals are definitely reaching the end of their days, sadly. The straps are beginning to break and the rope on the wedge is peeling off. But I should get a few more wears at least.

Sweater: LAUREN by Ralph Lauren (Lord & Taylor), Tank: Forever 21, Snake Jeans: Jolt (Marshalls), Wedges: Madden Girl (TJ Maxx), Necklace: Vanessa Mooney (giveaway win),  Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Ozzie Square Baby Aiden' (Shopbop), Sunglasses: Gucci, Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)



The Original:

I wore this over the weekend to do some shopping with my mom. She had a DSW coupon so I went along "just to look." But of course I found something to buy. I got these Franco Sarto mules for $20 thanks to 50% off clearance and a $5 coupon! Speaking of clearance deals and DSW, I got these boots there for $12 last Spring.

Double V-Neck Cashmere Sweater: Calypso St. Barth 'Gylden' (Gilt), Cardigan: Forever 21, Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' High Rise in Supreme (Gilt Groupe),  Boots: Impo 'Omega' or 'Onnie' (DSW), Necklace: Acanthus 'Gemma', Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay)

After my cousins wedding I decided to keep my hair in for another day. It was a little messy and the curls had mostly come out so I braided the ends. I spent my day relaxing with my family and then doing some shopping in the afternoon with my Mom. Luckily I didn't find anything to buy.

Tank Sweater: Willi Smith (TJ Maxx), Sweater: Forever 21, Jeans: Free People (Gilt), Sandals: Seychelles (DSW), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop)



The Original: (Rag & Bone jeans from Shopbop that I still own, mis-remembered and thought they were the Free People ones above! OOPS!)

One of the great things about this sweater is it's so thin you can wear it even when it's really warm out. Unfortunately that wasn't the case the day I wore it. It was rainy and on the chillier side. All items are the same, except for the jeans.

Tank: Forever 21, Sweater: Tahari (Marshalls), Jeans: Free People, Flats: Chaps (Kohl's)


The Original:

Wore this on a nice warm day where I didn't need my sweater until the evening. Woohoo for it finally getting warm out! Also decided to wear the new slides that my mom picked up for me when we went to Clinton Crossing last month. She also bought a pair for herself and one for my sister. They're a little stiff so I'll have to break them in a bit before using them on my beach vacations (Rhode Island and Aruba) this Summer!

Cardigan: Forever 21, Top c/o ThredUp, Jeans: Free People, Slides: J.Crew Factory, Sunglasses: Chanel, Necklace: Mom's

No throwback outfit this week since it's New Years Eve and I doubt anyone will be visiting the blog today! Also, it's the last day of the month so that means Wardrobe Update time!  I got a few new things for Christmas, but sadly I think only 1 is definitely staying so I only listed that piece for now. I already returned the two things I picked myself because they didn't look great. I made a replacement order so hopefully the new items are a better fit (literally and figuratively!) They should be delivered this afternoon!

[Update: The Madewell order came in, everything was great! They've been added below]

I'll be heading to Lord & Taylor with my Mom today to return a dress she got me. It's really fun and fits me great but I know it won't get a lot of wear. I decided to keep a pretty tan and white cardigan she picked out. At first I wasn't sure about it since it isn't my usual dark colors, but it's so soft and cozy!

I blame my aunt for my regular spending this month. When I went for my monthly massage we decided to go to some consignment stores in the area. I ended up buying two coats and a pair of loafers. BUT I only spent $50, so not as horrible as it could have been.

Overall I think I did pretty good with spending this year. There were a few months where I fell off the less is more train, but these last few months - excluding December - I really only bought one or two things that enhanced my wardrobe. My best purchases of the year, by far, were the DKNY colorblock cardigan and DKNY romper. Both of them got a ton of wear (on vacations and while at home.)


THE RULES

1. Be mindful of purchases
2. Quality over quantity
3. Basics are best

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Zara cropped sweater ($49.90, used advertising money)
2. *NEW!* Love Life & Freedom faux shearling jacket ($18 via Consignment Originals)  
3. *NEW!* Za&Za navy and burgundy colorblock coat ($25 via Karma's Closet)
4. *NEW!*  Disney's Bambi by LC Lauren Conrad Graphic Sweatshirt (Christmas gift, Kohl's)
5. *NEW!* Calvin Klein cardigan (Christmas gift, Lord & Taylor)

Basics:

1. Max Studio cardigan (gift from Lydia)
2. Vince Overlay Hem Cashmere Turtleneck ($59.99 via Marshalls, used birthday gift card) 
3. Everlane 'The Cotton V' in navy ($15) 
4. J Brand Mid Rise Photo Ready Super Skinny Jean in Bluebird ($62 via Gilt)
5. *NEW!* Madewell Hexcomb Texture Sweater in hthr spruce (Christmas gift, Madewell)

Shoes:

1. Audrey Brooke over the knee boots ($75 via DSW, birthday gift)
2. *NEW!*Etienne Aigner Loafers in burgundy ($4.50 via Consignment Originals)

Accessories:

1. Emm Kuo 'Westbourne Satchel' in snakeskin & stingray ($295 via Roundabout Resale, regularly $1300)
2. *NEW!* House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Pendant Necklace (Christmas gift from Lydia) 
3. *NEW!* Madewell Houndstooth Patchwork Scarf (Christmas gift, Madewell)
4. *NEW!* Madewell Ribbed Texting Gloves(Christmas gift, Madewell)
5. *NEW!* Madewell Stonework Drop Necklace (Christmas gift, Madewell)

Gifted from Brands:

1. Mighty Fine Star Wars R2D2 Sweatshirt c/o Kohl's
2. Mighty Fine Star Wars ''The Empire Strikes Back'' Thermal Tee c/o Kohl's
3. Rock & Republic Star Wars Studded Leggings c/o Kohl's
4. Star Wars R2-D2 Pendant c/o Kohl's
5. Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-Fur Collar Shawl Vest c/o Kohl's
6. LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection Pleated Velvet Skirt c/o Kohl's
7. Simply Vera Vera Wang Mary Jane Heels c/o Kohl's
8. Candie's Ankle Boots c/o Kohl's
9. Nike Air Max 90 Premium iD sneaker
10. Ann Taylor wrap sweater c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets
11. Charlotte Russe ombre cardigan c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets 
12. UncommonGoods necklace 
13. Onecklace chevron birthstone necklace
14. Onecklace heart midi ring
15. Isabel Marant 'On Plane Collection Necklace' c/o Luisaviaroma
16. *NEW!* Banana Republic Italian Cashmere-Blend Boyfriend Cardigan c/o Westfield Trumbull Mall
17. *NEW!* Forever 21 'May the Force Be With You' top c/o Westfield Trumbull Mall
18. *NEW!* Forever 21 Trust Me I'm a Jedi' bottoms c/o Westfield Trumbull Mall

This past Friday I headed to the Westfield Trumbull Mall for a blogger event they hosted. This is my local mall so I've been going there since I was young. They've been going through a lot of changes the past couple of years so it was great to visit some of their new (and old) offerings. We were greeted by the Merry Makers who are spreading holiday cheer during the holiday shopping season.
We started off at one of my favorites, Lord & Taylor, to see their new Design Lab which is full of great pieces for all your holiday get togethers. Lots of velvet, lace, dresses and vests! I tried on a really fun suede fringe dress and striped top with suede detailing.
Stop number 2 was a really fun store - Denali which just opened this Fall. While I'm not a huge winter sports/outdoor type person (I prefer camping and hiking in the Summer) I really enjoyed the way this store was laid out. It felt like you were walking into an enchanted forest.  We all know how much I like animals on clothes, and they had a bunch of animal sweaters that were rather tempting.
Next up was The Time Store and an amazing selection of watches! I was really taken with a pretty rose gold Guess watch. I may have to put it on my Christmas list! Unfortunately it isn't on their website, but you can find it here or here. They are currently having a promotion where if you spend $50 off $200, $100 off $400 or $200 off for spending $600.
Our third stop was LUSH Cosmetics, another new store for the Trumbull mall and one of 4 Connecticut locations.  I had never been to a LUSH before despite hearing a lot about it and having a friend work there (on the other side of the country.) It was great to get to see all the fun natural and handmade products they carry. The store is perfect for finding a gift for someone who likes to pamper themselves.
Finally we headed to Banana Republic for their 40% off sale! Very dangerous! I was very well behaved and walked out with a black cashmere and merino wool blend cardigan which I've been wanting for a while. But as always, I was tempted by their more whimsical sweaters and great jackets.

Lydia and I also stopped in Forever 21, Old Navy and Target after having dinner at Asian Ten Bistro. I bought some cute Star Wars pajamas at Forever 21! A 'May the Force Be With You' top and 'Trust Me I'm a Jedi' bottoms.