Another month gone...this year is going by so fast! This month my extra money was mostly spent on Christmas gifts so not really much for my own purchases. We'll see if I can make it through the rest of the year without buying more clothes. I made it through Black Friday and Cyber Monday without buying any clothes but did splurge on a few Le Creuset pieces using blog income, the easy way for me to spend and not feel bad, haha!
I bought a Deep Dutch Oven for $200(!!!!) a Classic Enameled Cast Iron Skillet for $120, Mini Pumpkin Cocotte, and a free Holly Mini Cocotte! (Originally, on Black Friday, I also bought a Mini Round Cocotte to get a free Snowflake Platter because I needed to spend $250 for the free gift. Then Cyber Monday came and I liked that gift better so I called to cancel my order and made a new one, I only needed to spend $200 for the free cocotte but still wanted the pumpkin one so I just nixed the plain round cocotte.) I bought the cast iron skillet from Williams Sonoma because I had 10% cash back and the rest from the Le Creuset because they had the colors I wanted and the free gift. So I bought it all for less than the normal price off the dutch oven - WOO! I still really want their round dutch oven (in purple that they don't make anymore,) but for $200 (reg $380) vs $460 or $420 I'll see how I like the slightly smaller size.
I did order some gifted pieces from Aurate for a post coming in January. Always love being able to add more of their pieces to my jewelry collection. They'll be arriving some time in December as they are made to order.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- Marc by Marc Jacobs cropped sweater ($12.50, retail $298, used ad money)
- J Brand Maria High Rise in Purple Velvet ($7.50, retail $228, used ad money)
- Current/Elliott "The Muscle" leopard print tank ($8, retail $75?, used ad money)
Basics:
- mīere the label "Frankie" knit sweater in Faded Black ($56.92, $32.15 if we omit shipping)
- Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Spiced Plum ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)
- Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Sahara Sand ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)
Shoes:
- Ancient Greek Sandals Kore of Berlin ($365, used Shopbop gift cards + ad money + 15% off)
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- None yet
Activewear/Swimwear:
- Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy via DSW ($26.58, $79.99 retail)
Gifted from Brands:
- Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold c/o Aurate
- Janey Sport Sandal - Pewter c/o Aetrex
- Active Biker Short in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
- Adjustable Bra in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
- Urban Tank in Pitanga c/o Dona Jo
- Destination Aura Beaded Necklace in Marrakech c/o Aurate
- Endless Gemstone Station Necklace in Rose Quartz c/o Aurate
- Libby Comfort Clog - Tobacco c/o Aetrex
- *NEW!* Skinny Gold Hinged Huggie Earrings in yellow gold c/o Aurate
- *NEW!* Endless Pearl Station Necklace in rose gold c/o Aurate
- *NEW!* Lavender Jade Endless Gemstone Station Necklace in yellow gold c/o Aurate
Spent in November: $0
Spent in 2022: $83.50
We're getting closer to Fall, my favorite season. While I'm not ready for sweaters just yet, I can start getting into the spirit with my jewelry. Layering gold necklaces from Aurate New York is a perfect way to do that while not burning up in the end of Summer heat. After all, there's still 2 weeks until Autumn officially starts! (on my 4th wedding anniversary! Yes, we love Autumn so much we got married on the first day - although some years it's a day or two later)
I wore this on a warm early September day (aka this past Friday) and, since we're still experiencing Summer weather, I decided to celebrate the upcoming season with my color choices rather than pieces of clothing. These Proenza Schouler tweed colorblock shorts are quite an odd piece to style. I've worn them in warmer temperatures with tees and tanks but also wore them for Thanksgiving last year with tights underneath and a sweater on top. I could easily wear this on an early-Autumn day in a month with a sweater and no tights. The color palette is perfect for Fall, the colors remind me of falling leaves.
Sandals will remain in my outfits until it becomes too cold for my toes. They're my favorite form of footwear so it always takes a while for me to give them up for the rest of the year. These black leather ones can also be worn into Autumn & Winter with jeans, especially with tights or socks!
On to the main event - Pre-Fall layering! Since we can't layer our clothes, why not our jewelry? It's so easy to do with any necklaces you have. I make sure they're different lengths and also try to have one stand out from the rest. The buttery and bronzed tones of the semi-precious stones in this Destination Aura beaded necklace are perfect to carry me into those cooler months. The colors go perfectly with the colorblock shorts; they were meant to be worn together! I wore the beaded necklace with the clasp up front because I loved the detail of it.
If you're also an Autumn lover, how do you celebrate the coming season with your wardrobe choices? Do you ease in with colors or go all out and wear sweaters in September even if it's hot. (No judgment ;) )
Bodysuit: Who What Wear x Target
Tweed Colorblock Shorts: Proenza Schouler (Roundabout)
Belt: Kenneth Cole Reaction (Marshalls)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader)
Sandals: Lanvin studded leather 'City' sandal (The RealReal)
Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop
Necklaces: AUrate Simple Pearl Necklace, AURATE X KERRY: Lioness Pendant & Destination Aura Beaded Necklace (Marrakech)
*This post was made in partnership with Responsival. Thank you for supporting brands I feature*
I broke my no spending streak! But I used blog profits so technically still didn't spend "real" money. I got a site credit/promotion for $25 off a $50 purchase at TheRealReal so I did a quick (aka all night long) browse and found a couple things to splurge on. Some new with tags jeans and a really cute Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater. After all my years of blogging still one of my favorite brands (even though it was discontinued in 2015, haha.) I also threw in an $8 tank to get me to the $50. Since that was so cheap I'm splitting the $25 between the sweater and jeans for wardrobe price purposes.
Upon writing this post I found out, according to WWD, that J Brand won't be selling jeans on their website and in department stores anymore. Hopefully this doesn't mean they will disappear because they're one of my favorite jean brands! (Especially the Maria high rise)
Beginning with the summer 2021 collection, J Brand will be sold via Fast Retailing’s divisions, Uniqlo and Theory stores. The brand’s Web site will be paused in spring 2021 and will eventually be redeveloped. It is conceivable that J Brand would open freestanding stores in the future.
I also got a $15 credit for Madewell and was trying to resist using it but then yesterday they had extra 40% off sale and free expedited shipping. I ended up buying two v-neck tees for $4. Can't beat that! They should be here tomorrow. Apparently I had a purple theme this month.
I also got a few new things for a sponsored Instagram post this month. Some workout clothes from Dona Jo. And I got new pieces from Aurate for a post next month. Stay tuned!
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- *NEW!* Marc by Marc Jacobs cropped sweater ($12.50, retail $298, used ad money)
- *NEW!* J Brand Maria High Rise in Purple Velvet ($7.50, retail $228, used ad money)
- *NEW!* Current/Elliott "The Muscle" leopard print tank ($8, retail $75?, used ad money)
Basics:
- mīere the label "Frankie" knit sweater in Faded Black ($56.92, $32.15 if we omit shipping)
- *NEW!* Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Spiced Plum ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)
- *NEW!* Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Sahara Sand ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)
Shoes:
- Ancient Greek Sandals Kore of Berlin ($365, used Shopbop gift cards + ad money + 15% off)
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- None yet
Activewear/Swimwear:
- Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy via DSW ($26.58, $79.99 retail)
Gifted from Brands:
- Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold c/o Aurate
- Janey Sport Sandal - Pewter c/o Aetrex
- *NEW!* Active Biker Short in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
- *NEW!* Adjustable Bra in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
- *NEW!* Urban Tank in Pitanga c/o Dona Jo
- *NEW!* Destination Aura Beaded Necklace in Marrakech c/o Aurate
- *NEW!* Endless Gemstone Station Necklace in Rose Quartz c/o Aurate
Spent in August: $0
Spent in 2022: $83.50
Here it is, the blog debut of my newest pair of Ancient Greek Sandals! They are part of the 10th anniversary collection that was released earlier this Summer. Each piece is inspired by a piece of art in a museum. These are the Kore of Berlin sandals inspired by the patterned robes worn by the Kore of Berlin in the Altes Museum in Germany. I still want the Victory of Samothrace feather-embellished metallic sandals (inspired by The Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre in Paris) because they're a callback to my first ever pair of Ancient Greek Sandals - the winged Ikaria.
I now own TWELVE pairs of Ancient Greek Sandals. You can definitely say I'm a super fan. If I didn't limit myself to one pair a year (with a few exceptions) I'm sure I would have many more. I did a favorite things post back in 2020 featuring each pair of sandals and talking about my love of the brand so I won't do a whole repeat here.
When I got these in the mail I spent a good chunk of time making a Reel featuring every single pair of Ancient Greek Sandals I own. Sadly it didn't take off like I hoped it would. Apparently Instagram prefers when my Reels feature food and doesn't show my fashion Reels to people. *eyeroll*
Jeans: Stella McCartney Wild Cat Skinny Ankle Jeans (eBay - linked pair is more of a straight leg)
Bag: Purple Prada Cahier in Viola (Rebag via Vestiaire Collective)
Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Kore of Berlin' Embroidery Sandal - 10th Anniversary Collection (Shopbop)
Sunglasses: Gucci Aviators
Necklaces: AURATE X KERRY Lioness Pendant & Acanthus Jewelry 'Gemma' Amethyst
Somehow these photos from the end of April got lost. We didn't take any photos in May and I totally forgot about these. So yay random new photos, I guess!
I was actually looking at my Timehop just last week (does anyone else still do that?) and saw that it has been NINE years since I bought this Equipment blouse in a sample sale one day on my way to work. That was back when I used to walk 1.5 miles from the train station to my office in New York City, ha ha. Yes, I was crazy, but it was exercise and I HATE the Subway.
Leopard Print Blouse: Equipment "Sophie" (sample sale)
Pants: abercrombie + fitch corduroy pants
Sandals: Lanvin studded suede 'City' sandal (Net-a-Porter Sale)
Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium in Nile Shark Embossed Leather (Bag, Borrow or Steal)
Sunglasses: Chanel
Topaz Necklace: Grandma's
Ring: Vintage Emerald Cut Ring with London Blue Topaz c/o Aurate
Welcome to the first wardrobe update of 2022, wow that snuck up quick! No purchases so far this year but I did get a few gifted items from my longtime featured brand Aurate. I'm hopeful that I will be very thoughtful with my spending this year and only add items that I love. Even last year I fell victim to sales and buying things I will hardly wear.
I will most likely be doing a closet clean out soon to weed out those items and anything else I don't see myself wearing in the future. I'm sure it will be very hard because some items I don't wear have sentimental value. Those pieces may stay for a little longer until I can let go.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- None yet
Basics:
- None yet
Shoes:
- None yet
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- None yet
Activewear/Swimwear:
- None yet
Gifted from Brands:
- NEW! Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- NEW! Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- NEW! Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold c/o Aurate
Spent in January: $0
Spent in 2022: $0
*This post was made in partnership with Responsival. Thank you for supporting brands I feature*
What better way to start off 2022 than buying something pretty? If you're going to buy new jewelry this year, consider classic sustainable jewelry from Aurate! The New York based brand is doing what it can to make the jewelry industry more ethical and sustainable.
All of Aurate's gold is sustainable; it's 100% recycled and is able to be reused without losing quality or harming the environment. In addition to their gold, Aurate only uses sustainably harvested pearls from family-run farms. I found this pretty cool video showing how on farm sustainably grows and harvests their pearls.
If gold and pearls aren't your thing, never fear because their diamonds are also ethically sourced using the Kimberley Process. This ensures that the diamonds are not from conflict regions and there are no human rights violations behind the scenes.
This is what I wore for our Christmas Eve celebrations. I actually ended up changing into burgundy jeans once I got to my parents because I realized the suede coating on these was peeling away from the pants, not a cute look. So, sadly, this is the last outfit post featuring these faux-suede pants.
Sweater: Inis Crafts Fishermans Sweater (Marshalls)
Faux Suede Jeans: Blank NYC 'Persuede' jeans (South Moon Under)
Sandals: Lanvin studded leather 'City' sandal (The RealReal)
Bag: Purple Prada Cahier in Viola (Rebag via Vestiaire Collective)
Some other sustainable and ethical brands to shop:
Everlane - Longtime readers will know of my Everlane tee obsession. Pretty much all of my tshirts are from the brand, but they're getting a bit worse for wear, so I may need a stock up soon! I also love their cashmere sweaters!
Stella McCartney - If you want some high fashion sustainable clothing look no further than Stella! I have a polar bear sweater and crazy pair of jeans I love. If budgets weren't a thing, I would own much more.
Sézane - I haven't bought anything from Sézane yet, but many of my blogger friends swear by the brand. I've been meaning to make a purchase, perhaps 2022 is my year to buy one of their gorgeous sweaters or dresses!
Resale/Pre-Loved - Another great option is shopping resale sites. Buying something pre-loved instead of brand new will keep clothes out of the landfills and give them a second life. Roundabout is one of my favorite local places (they ship too!) but I also frequently check The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective when I feel like browsing my favorite designer brands or looking for a specific item.
*This post was made in partnership with Responsival. Thank you for supporting brands I feature*
Who doesn't love dainty diamond rings? They're the perfect simple accessory for any look no matter how wild. I paired this adorable twist diamond ring from Aurate with their infinity heart ring for a simple touch of sparkle in this slightly bold outfit.
This dress from Edun is one of my favorites. I just love the print and silhouette. I'm actually following a couple pieces on eBay, The RealReal and Poshmark made in this same print. (I'm super sad that the company went out of business, they always made such pretty pieces!) It is also super soft and perfect for these early Fall days where it can get warm in the afternoon. We took these photos in the morning and by the afternoon it had warmed up to the 70s.
One of the things I love about this dress is it is very easy to wear. I don't have to worry about finding a fun necklace to wear with it because the print is all I need. Rings, on the other hand, are always a good idea so I'll usually load them up when I wear a crazier dress. I kept it simple this time with just the two Aurate rings and my wedding set but I would also opt to add in some more statementy rings a la Phoebe in Friends.
Fall leaves were taking a little while to show their colors this year but luckily this particular tree at least had some yellow and orange when we took photos. I always wish that Fall could last longer, it's my favorite season. I want to drive through beautiful red, orange and yellow trees for longer than a couple weeks. Enjoy the crisp air and that scent of Fall. Then we're stuck with months and months of no leaves and cold weather, boo! They're saying that we may have a milder than usual Winter this year which would be nice. But, then again, global warming is not something to be excited about.
In related news, how is it already November?! Only a few more weeks until we're celebrating Thanksgiving in the US and then Christmas month begins! My other favorite season (although technically not a season, but you know what I mean, ha ha...)
Dress: Edun via ThredUp
Boots: vintage via eBay
Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye via eBay
Rings c/o Aurate (mini stackable diamond ring & infinity heart ring)