It’s 2016. Two thousand sixteen.
In some ways, this makes logical sense to me.
I lived through 1991, 1995, 2009, 2013, 2015. I’ve sang Auld Lang Syne with the best of them on many a New Years Eve. I’ve bought calendars and day planners, each with a higher numerical value than the last.
Yet something about this time of year—March, gray skies, transition, basketball season—makes me ponder the passing of time.
As I get older, time seems to move more quickly than it did when I was younger. I’m on year four of my day-by-day five year memory book, and find it hard to believe that a blogger dinner at Crios or a weekend spent with friends, both of which feel like they happened last week, are now more than a year in the past.
Don’t even get me started on how long ago fourth year of college seems, even though it was a “mere” three years ago. And doesn’t it seem like just yesterday Danny Green and Tyler Hansbrough were leading UNC in the Big Dance, not just watching from the sidelines? (Or is that just me and my mom that feel that way? ;])
Am I where I thought I would be one or two years ago?
I don’t know. I’m not sure if 2014 me ever really thought about where 2016 me would be. In some ways, 2014 Katie seems to have more of her sh*t together than 2016 Katie. At the very least, she certainly had less hangovers to deal with.
And I definitely don’t think about 2018 me in anything but the very, very abstract. As in, maybe I won’t be living paycheck to paycheck then! Maybe my microwave won’t be from 1993, but instead from this century!
I’m not particularly emotionally connected to Nancy Reagan. Her husband lead our country before I was born. I never met her, nor even read a biography about her.
Yet her death at 94 early this month made me think about the passing of time even more so than this time of year usually does. Will I live to be 94? (Probably not if my Diet Coke addiction remains the same, but that’s another problem for another day.)
What does 94 years of memories feel like? At what point do the years start blending together? How much would the world change in the 69 years it’d take for me to reach that age? Will the people who matter in my life now still be around then? Will Diet Coke be organic and gluten free?
Many of these questions will only be answered with the benefit of hindsight, offered by—you guessed it—the passing of time. But isn’t it weird to think about?
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Recently, I’ve been cleaning out my closet like a mad person, and really have been leaning towards classic staples I can keep around for years to come. I
‘m so happy I picked up this J Crew Factory Striped Knit Dress, and know it’ll become such a staple in both my spring and fall wardrobes. I haven’t managed to find a good jean jacket yet, but think that would be a winning combo, too! Be sure to order a size down if you’re considering it as it definitely runs a little large.
*** SHOP THIS POST ***
J Crew Factory Striped Knit Dress
J Crew Red Toggle Coat—similar here
J Crew Envelope Clutch—similar here
Society D’Orsay Flats
Super Lustrous Lipstick in Spicy Cinnamon
Forever 21 Ring Set
Forever 21 Flower Ring Set
J Crew Factory Statement Necklace
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Photos by Monica
I can’t believe its been a year since margs at Crios! We have to do it again soon 🙂
I love my jean jacket from J.Crew factory. I have a 30% off coupon from Gilt City that expires today that I don’t plan to use if you want it. Let me know!
XO, Nicole
A Dash of Gold
Aw we definitely will! Thanks so much for the coupon code offer. You are the SWEETEST! xx
Red is my favorite color. Love this jacket.
Thank you! One of mine, too :]
I know you are discussing time etc, but I am riveted to your images. I love that look and how you styled it. So smooth!
Thanks Carol! xx
I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on passing time. You look amazing in red!! Love the stripes and that clutch is beautiful!
Thanks so much, Ruthie! xx
I am with you! Time seems to be flying and it makes me think forward and back. IT really does move quickly! PS. LOVE this entire outfit! you look great!
Thank you so much, Kristen! Glad I am not the only one who feels that way :]
Really cute outfit and love that pop of red!
Thanks, Linda!
Ah! I love that dress! I’m a bit tall so it was too short on me but it looked perfect on you! I love how you paired with with the classic red trench for a truly timeless style!
Katy
http://coveredstyle.com
Thank you! Usually I have the opposite problem where things are too long on me! I am sure you can find a similar one better for your height!
My daughter just turned 14 so I totally hear you on the whole passing of time feeling. I feel like she was in pre-school yesterday 🙁 And when you said you were born after Reagan was president…well, I just realized I’m pretty old lol!
LOVE this classic striped dress for spring/summer. You can style this classic piece a million ways! J.Crew had the best broken in denim jacket but it’s currently sold out. I’d check out Old Navy. They always carry the basics and you won’t break the bank.
Taffeta & Tulips
Isn’t it crazy! And you’re not old – at least I know who Reagan is! ;] Thanks so much for the kind words – I will definitely check out the Old Navy jean jacket! I just purchased a ton of clothes from there, and am loving them.
Love that red coat! And I’m with you on the passing of time. Why did it go so slow when we were young and now you blink and 5 years pass?!
Thanks R! Completely agree.
Beautiful outfit! Black and white stripes and red make such a pretty combo!
Thank you!
I LOVE that dress!
J.Crew is totally one of my favorite stores.
xoxo, Jenny
Thanks Jenny, could not agree more! xx
What a cute outfit! Love, love the red jacket! That pop of color really makes it happen. Love it!! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks lady! xx