If a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, then a closet orphan must be worth two in the stores, yes? The orphan in question is this skirt, which I bought 2-3 years ago off etsy. It's in wonderful vintage condition, exactly the measurements I was looking for, and I bought it when I was 'wardrobe building' and decided a light neutral skirt was a hole for me. However, at the time I didn't realise that I prefer cooler to warmer tones, which I think is why it doesn't get as much wear as it deserves. I decided that if I couldn't manage to style it in an outfit I wore all day by the end of the month, it would have to go. Luckily, I think I've rehabilitated it!

Yesterday the temp was in the mid 70s most of the day, so I could manage light knitwear. Trying to keep things simple, I opted for a fine navy blue pullover that I just love, because I think it adds a bit of class and sophistication to my generally rustic wardrobe! Plus, it has two little tortoiseshell (working) buttons on the shoulder. Who can resist? At this point, I liked the outfit, but it felt a little too simple and classic for me. So I decided instead of a belt to wear a sash for a bit of extra texture and quirkiness (I didn't realise before doing WIWs here how important a touch of the quirky is to my style). This is actually a lightweight scarf I bought in Guanajuato, Mexico; not only is it one of my favourite greyed blue-green colours but it brings back good memories of a fabulous trip. I didn't tie the sash in a bow, just a square knot and left the ends to dangle (does anyone have any sash tying resources? I tried to do it obi style but it was too thick), which felt perfectly comfortable and natural to me. And then I added my new brooch, this beautiful bird's nest sent to me by SarahtheWhite. It felt like the perfect finishing touch, and I then echoed the orange of the brooch in my amber ring. For my walk, I opted for rustic shoes to give the whole outfit a good grounding. I felt marvelous in this, and I'm thrilled to have worked the skirt back into my wardrobe. Comments, suggestions, and critiques always welcome!

But back to the brooch! A little bit ago Sarah messaged me to say she had some things in her closet she wasn't wearing anymore that she thought I might like, and could she send them to me? I happily agreed, never suspecting what a treat was in store for me until the box arrived at my house, wrapped in brown paper, addressed with brown fountain pen, and with an actual wax seal on it. I suspect it might have actually been delivered by owl. Opening it revealed yet more beauty inside: everything was individually wrapped in brown paper & tied up with string (!), there was a beautiful note, and even an E to finish things off. Unwrapping revealed two hand crocheted little hats in lovely soft colours, a lace vest/duster, and this brooch. What a lovely and generous surprise it all was! I had to share the photos here (apologies for the awkward cropping & blurring to cut out my address on the first one), because I know a lot of us are visual, and this was such a feast for the eyes. YLF is truly a special place.