It’s not entirely my fault that I’ve added these “new for Spring” items to my closet. After all, resistance is often futile and a gal simply cannot welcome a new season without looking the part, can she?

I’m willing to own up to blame when it’s warranted but that’s not the case in this situation. And would you believe that it happened three times? You need to hear me out before you cast your aspersions on my claims of innocence. I have no doubt that I can provide the evidence proving that I’m not to blame. You surely will agree when you hear more about how the three “new for Spring” items in today’s look came to be part of my wardrobe.

First, I’ll share the story about my IMPO sandals. They were bought because The Husband had to go to the bathroom and then me as well. Let me set the scene. It was a lovely day, especially after recent storms had passed. Clear blue skies, visible snow on nearby mountains. We had gone for massages and then had breakfast, which is something we do every 2-3 weeks. These travels put us in proximity to the DSW store which is closest to our home (it’s about a 30-minute drive away otherwise). We’ll often make a quick stop at this DSW location so that I drop off a pair of shoes for their Soles4Souls Program.

After my Footwear Review: What’s Out, What’s In was done last Fall, I had designated several pairs of shoes for donation to the S4S program. These donations earn you points towards rewards but there’s a daily limit on points no matter how many pairs of shoes are dropped off at one time. Knowing that we’ll be passing by this DSW store every now and again, I’ve taken to carrying around a few pairs of “donation shoes” in the trunk of my car. I still had shoes for donation to drop at DSW so it was only going to be a quick stop there for that plus I had an online purchase to return.

The Husband usually just waits in the car for me. However, he came into the store as I was finishing at the register and I could tell by the look in his eyes that he needed to use the restroom. Realizing that I would have a few minutes to browse (honestly, I was only going to browse), I used that opportunity to quickly scan through the rows of sandals. That’s when I spotted these beauties. Oh my, they really caught my eye, and the next thing I knew, I was at the register. As I said, not my fault at all.

As for the handbag, it was a magazine article highlighting it as a dupe of a style from a higher-end line that caught my attention. I don’t recall which magazine or which higher-end line although I did a reverse Google search on the image and found a few similar styles that are pricier. Brands and logos are not a thing for me but I did like the style of this handbag. Besides the price and the pretty, neutral Spring color, it also meets my basic handbag requirements. It’s lightweight, big enough for my iPhone, wallet, and keys, and it has a cross-body strap. Again, how can I be blamed?

The last of the three “new for Spring” items is my cardigan and this one I’m blaming the retailer. You see, I’d spotted a really cute beige and white striped shirt that was also sprinkled with embroidered ladybugs 🐞 while out shopping several weeks ago. I didn’t buy it at the time and later kind of regretted that I hadn’t. When I checked online to order it, there was an offer of 40% off when ordering three items. Buying two items got you only a 30% discount. Since I wasn’t exactly sure which of two sizes would fit me best, I added one of each to the online shopping cart and then went looking for another item to “maximize my savings”. It would seem that I am a victim of a marketing strategy in this situation. How am I to resist such tactics?

Let’s Wrap This Up

Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Today’s featured post from the last link-up, Dressy Shorts Outfit Over 40, was submitted by Jill over at Doused In Pink. Her styling of this dressy shorts ensemble shows what a great option they can be from a skirt look and how much more comfortable shorts can be than tailored pants.

So, am I to blame or not for my “new for Spring” purchases? Obvs, that’s a rhetorical question, right? Yes, I jest. And then there’s the matter of today’s outfit, for which I’m to blame as well. Admittedly, wearing the striped shirt from the Keep Calm And April On wasn’t the best choice. I thought that I could make it work. Oh well, live and learn. Anyway, enough about me. What’s “new for Spring” for you?

Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.

Photo credit: MMPerez

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27 Comments

  1. Oh yes, I fall for those marketing strategies every single time! LOL. Free shipping if I spend $10 more… but the shipping is only $5 (I still somehow add the item!), 1/2 off the second pair of shoes (even though we went shopping for shoes for my son?) yes please!

  2. Good for you…you look great. And may I say I just love your hair!

  3. Of course it’s not your fault! LOL! These items are all so pretty! I recently ended up ordering 3 pairs of sandals recently because I couldn’t choose just one, and if I ordered 3, I’d get 20% off. Well, okay! 😄

    Michelle
    https://funkyfashionstyle.com

  4. Nothing new for spring yet as spring seems to be taking absolutely forever to arrive on the Canadian prairie this year, but I’m so tired of my winter wardrobe that visits to the local thrift stores resulted in three new tops being added to my closet!

  5. I’m a sucker for those marketing tactics. I didn’t realize that DSW had a shoe recycling program. I’m going to have to check that out. Your new sandals and bag are fabulous! Love your double striped look! Thank you so much for the feature!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

  6. I don’t blame you at all! All the items are too beautiful to leave behind. Especially the cute bag.

  7. Gail Is This Mutton

    I can see that these purchases were entirely unavoidable! Love the sandals and pattern mixing!

  8. Mica Away From The Blue

    These are nice new pieces for spring, and as an impulse shopper myself I certainly can’t blame you for making a couple impulse buys! It happens sometimes! 🙂

    Thank you for the link up!

  9. you can’t stop a girl of having new pair of shoes or a new cardigan, right? and your look so pretty, Rena. Love the cardigan, it looks great and seems to go with everything. I never take a blame for new purchases and therefore never feel guilty 🙂 Anna
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com/

  10. LOL what a fun post, Rena! I often get pulled in to these marketing strategies, but just before I click the buy button, I usually stop myself lol! But I probably wouldn’t have for all three of your purchases because they’re all gorgeous! As for my spring spends recently, well…I bought two pairs of the most perfect jeans, a few cheap tees, a jumpsuit oh and a cardigan! And that’s me trying to behave lol
    Big hugs
    Suzy xx

  11. You are completely innocent of any wrong doing! Lol. I think you made 3 great purchases – those shoes are drool worthy! The bag and cardigan will get lots of use too. Sometimes the universe has touse these ploys to put the right things in our path!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  12. I so enjoyed reading your post today! And those sandals sure are cute! I actually am quite surprised at myself for not having shopped 1 month+ 2 days so far. I think part of it has been busyness and the second factor is that I had thrifted so much that I have felt like I have a new wardrobe and am loving wearing it all. Hoping to make it till May 23 but we shall see.
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  13. Rena, thanks for the inspiration. I’ve been adjusting my menus for spring (link #44), and I need to get a few springy pieces for my mostly-dark wardrobe. Thank you for hosting.

  14. Such a fun post Rena, your clever writing put a smile on my face! I can see why these purchases were irresistible. The sandals and matching bag are so cute for the season and and I love the rainbow striped cardigan. All three pieces are going to be really versatile in your wardrobe. Thanks for sharing and the link up party!

  15. Hahaha!!! My husband used to think it was a cheap date to go to the mall! I’m not sure how long it took him to catch on it would have cost less to take me to dinner and a movie! He still enjoys going to the mall so it must not bother him that much! I love the stripes with the stripes! I think it works well, but if you’re not feeling it, you’re not feeling it! Thanks for the link party! I hope you’ll join me on Friday!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

  16. Love you DSW sandals. I was on their website this week looking for sandals too, but still haven’t made up my mind what to do. I did buy a pair on Amazon, so you are not alone!

  17. EsmeSalon

    I visited you via #WOWONWEDNESDAY – IS THIS MUTTON?
    If you are not already part of SSPS, this is a personal invite to hop over and come and share your posts with us at Senior Salon Pit Stop, every Monday to Saturday.
    See one of my entries: Horseshoe Butter Biscuits and then navigate to the bottom of my page for the Senior Salon Pit Stop linkup, we hope to virtually meet you there.
    Thank you for hosting here, I will add some links here as well.

  18. sorry I missed the linkup Rena, the sandals are super cute I love the detail of the heel. Thanks for sharing on Chicandstylish last week. Jacqui x