This past Sunday Lydia and I attended a Fall Fashion Preview at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets. This event was a bit different from the past, we did a scavenger hunt for the latest trends, which Clinton Crossing has laid out in their Fall Trend Cheat Sheet which will be available at the outlet for free! Read on after my outfit to see what trends we found!

When you shop at Simon Premium Outlets, be sure to sign up for the Simon Savings Passport. You'll get access to coupons through the web, your phone OR their app! I didn't buy anything since we were mostly browsing for the trends BUT I will definitely be back to spend the $50 gift card Simon Premium Outlets graciously gifted us! (And I have $10 left on another gift card.)

Here's what I wore while we shopped til we dropped! (Confession: I changed into sandals after a while) I decided to bring my Proenza Schouler shorts into Fall by wearing them with a sweater. Next time I'll try them with black tights so I can wear them when it's even cooler!

Cashmere Double V-Neck Sweater: Calypso St. Barth (Gilt Groupe), Tweed Colorblock Shorts: Proenza Schouler (Roundabout), Suede Mules: BCBGeneration 'Beverly' (Saks Off Fifth at Clinton Crossing), Bag: Chloé Faye (eBay)

And on to the scavenger hunt! We were looking for trends for men and women as we shopped through the outlets and were pretty successful with everything on our list! The stores are only beginning to get in Fall items so I'm sure in the coming weeks there will be TONS of options for your Fall wardrobe update.

(Photo by Clinton Crossing)

Timberland was having a try on event for their new Tiltson boot. I tried the burgundy and Lydia went for the black suede! Left photo by Clinton Crossing right by Lydia

Each of the boots also had a matching hobo bag!

A major Fall trend is velvet booties, this pair from American Eagle was super cute (Photo by Clinton Crossing)

Another shot of the American Eagle velvet booties

Banana Republic has working girls covered with cute printed pencil skirts and fitted blazers.

We can't forget the guys. I'm pondering these sporty suits (Photo by Clinton Crossing)

Leave it to me to find the one non-printed piece at Vera Bradley. Fell in love with this bright pink backpack!

Vera Bradley also had some really cute animal print/textured bags

If I had a Fall wedding to attend I would go full on sequin with this mini dress by Parker, found at Saks Off 5th! I wanted this Sandro dress, but it was a little too expensive to justify since I don't go to many evening events.

We ended our day with brunch at Chow Food & Beverage Co.  Lydia and I shared their AMAZINGGGG BBQ Meatballs. They’re smoked pork and beef meatballs wrapped in bacon with a pineapple chipotle glaze topped with picked red onions. I had the Chicken & Waffles and Lydia chose pulled pork tacos.

Another outfit from a cooler day. This sweater is perfect for those weird weather days. The deep v's on both sides let in a nice breeze and the cashmere is thin enough that it's okay to wear when its warm. I decided to wear my necklace backward since there is such a deep v in the back. I feel like the movie stars who wore diamonds on their backs at the Oscars. Except not glamorous at all.

Cashmere Sweater: Calypso St. Barth (Gilt Groupe), Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' High Rise (Gilt Groupe), Leopard Pumps: Cole Haan (Roundabout), Necklace c/o Marrin Costello, Purse: Wink & Winn (giveaway, no longer in business)

This was the "wear all your new clothes!" trip. I brought my new jeans, new sweater aaaaaand new boots! This outfit features the boots and sweater. I really love this sweater because the deep v in the back is so unexpected. I was very brave with these photos. They were taken in the middle of Diagon Alley in what is quite possibly one of the busiest weekends in that park. But the backdrop was too cool to miss, especially with no one in the way!

Sweater: Calypso St. Barth 'Gylden' (Gilt), Jeans:  J Brand 'Maria' (Gilt), Miu Miu ankle boots (Roundabout Resale), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika'

The first month of the year is up! I was determined to behave myself this month because I had a slower than usual end of year for freelance. I was tempted by so many sales but was able to resist most of them. I did use some Christmas money from my Grandma to buy a cashmere sweater, bathing suit and jeans. But the rest went into my travel fund! And I also bought some boots at Roundabout because they were such a good deal! So I almost behaved...I promise I'll do better in February!



THE (modified) RULES

1. Be mindful of purchases 
2. Quality over quantity
3. Basics are best

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. *NEW!* She Made Me Essential crocheted cotton swimsuit via Net-a-Porter sale ($45, retail $150, used Christmas money)

Basics:

1. *NEW!* Calypso St. Barth Gylden Cashmere Sweater via Gilt ($71, $295 retail, used Christmas money)
2. *NEW!* M.i.h Jeans Tomboy cropped mid-rise skinny jeans via Net-a-Porter sale ($98, retail $245, used Christmas money)

Shoes:

1. *NEW!* Miu Miu ankle boots via Roundabout Resale - also here, here, here and here ($146, retail $850)

Accessories:

Gifted from Brands:

Total spent in 2017:  $146
Total spent with Christmas money included: $360

This is the first "real" outfit I wore after getting home from London. All the others apart from this were rain boots + comfiest jeans + big sweaters. Haha! Here's one of the things I bought with Christmas money from my Grandma. A double v-neck cashmere sweater! It's actually a little big so I have to find a way to keep the shoulders from falling down. Tried to show the v in the back but my bag strap kind of messed it up, oh well! Work with what we've got! 

Jacket: thrifted, Cashmere Sweater: Calypso St. Barth 'Gylden' (Gilt), High Waisted Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' (Gilt), Bag: Chanel 2.55 Double Flap (Madison Avenue Couture), Boots: Gianvito Rossi 'Finlay' (Marshalls), Necklace: Marrin Costello