I actually SHOPPED yesterday. It was not planned. It was a gorgeous day that felt like spring, so I went out and ate lunch at a great little place that has good socially-distanced outdoor seating in the sun. I then wandered down the street to a boutique I hadn't visited in over a year, and was happy to see they are still open for business (so many storefronts here are now empty and it makes me sad). I popped in for a look, and ended up trying on a few things and chatting with the wonderful SA there for a while. Doors were open with ventilation and it was only me and her there -- fully masked -- while I was present, so I felt pretty safe. 

Why am I a liar? Well, besides thinking I wasn't doing ANY spring shopping except for maybe a pair of light blue shoes, I had also sworn off of cropped jeans. However, the SA put these COH Emerson jeans in my hands after we talked about looser fits and mid rises, so I relented and tried them on. I don't think I'd ever tried the Emerson cut before, but the fit is really nice. Not overly loose, and blessedly mid rise -- the waistband comes just shy of my belly button, which is a favorite for me that is VERY hard to come by anymore. When I sit down, I don't feel like the waistband is at my bra strap, LOL. The fit reminds me of the old AG Nikki jeans that I wore to death (the knees became completely split open and they are now at the ranch for their final days). So they came home with me. 

I also got this lovely cobalt blue, whisper-light cotton shirt from Frank & Eileen, for less than half the original price (left over from last year's stock). You know I love cobalt, but I really don't have a good solid-cobalt spring/summer top except for a tee. It looks good semi-tucked or tied at the waist. 

What I didn't buy but have my eye on: 

- The Sundry olive chinos -- the color is more green in person, and the side stripe is a subtle animal print in a mix of neutrals. They fit me loosely but in summer I like that and embrace a more boyfriend-y fit. I may have to have the waist taken in a little so they don't slide down my backside. Super comfortable and nice quality. I think I only have one pair of chinos left -- a pair of blue ones from Anthro several years ago that now have some kind of stain on them and may need to be cut off into shorts. 

- The wild card that I tried on and kinda fell in love with even though there is not an immediate need: the Veronica Beard black ruched midi dress is SO GOOD. I'd never tried on a VB dress before as I just assumed that all their stuff was cut too straight for me. Well, it's not. It's insanely flattering and basic enough to dress up or down -- not casual enough for everyday, but for a meeting or event all it needs is some good accessorizing to suit a variety of needs. I have a hard time finding good sleeved dresses that fit me in the hip and bust and in the body length, so I'm seriously considering this. It's pricey though. I could justify it because it's a classic cut that I could conceivably wear for years, and it seems accommodating of some weight fluctuation -- I'm currently at my largest size and counting on losing some weight but it's the kind of dress that will look fine even if it fits me looser. It would fit me more like it does the model. Currently it's a bit more fitted on me. 

- I also tried on a pair of chinos from VB that looked really great on me, but I just cannot justify $200+ on a pair of chinos! But the cut was seriously good and they are now on my radar, so I may scour the secondhand and discount market for them. 

It actually felt good to support this local shop too. Nice owners and they have such great (if expensive) taste.

ETA I snapped a quick fitting room photo of the dress.