Well, I did it. I misbehaved this month and spent way over my monthly budget (I lowered it to $100 this year) to buy a pair of Ancient Greek Sandals I've wanted ever since they were posted on their Instagram.  I was able to get them for 15% off thanks to signing up for Moda Operandi's newsletter, but they were still pricey.  But as it is my favorite brand I think it's okay to splurge once a year on a new pair, right? I'm up to 6 pairs now.

I was also bad and ordered a really cute romper from Gilt. In my defense, it had been in my cart for weeks and I only ordered it after getting a 30% off coupon! So that's kind of good...right?

Last night I went to a Spring shopping event at Clinton Crossing and picked up a couple pieces because I can't resist a good deal! Luckily my mom bought one of them for me because she's awesome! So technically I only bought one thing.



THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. Saint Laurent Multicolor Silk Patchwork Blouse ($350 via eBay, christmas money, $2390+ retail)
2. Free People Jax Patched Skinny Jean ($52, retail $128) 
3. Jason Wu snakeskin pussy bow blouse ($122 via Roundabout, $1395 retail) 
4. Cynthia Steffe 'Naomi' feather print shirt dress ($10 via Lord & Taylor, $248 retail) 
5. *NEW!* Greylin 'Osten' Open Back Romper ($27 via Gilt)

Basics:

1. J.Crew Factory colorblock sweater ($24, used gift card)
2. *NEW!* Banana Republic 'patch-pocket' shorts ($11 at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet)

Shoes:

1. *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athanasia' in Croc ($238 via Moda Operandi, $280 retail)
2. *NEW!* J.Crew Raffia Seaside Sandals (Mom bought at Clinton Crossing)

Accessories:

1.  None

Gifted from Brands:

1.  None

I wasn't planning on buying anything this month, but one weekend my mom and I went to Lord and Taylor to kill some time. Always a bad idea! I tried on 5 things and fell in love with a pretty blue shirt dress, luckily it was on sale for $60 and I had a $50 gift card!



THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. Saint Laurent Multicolor Silk Patchwork Blouse ($350 via eBay, christmas money, $2390+ retail)
2. Free People Jax Patched Skinny Jean ($52, retail $128) 
3. Jason Wu snakeskin pussy bow blouse ($122 via Roundabout, $1395 retail) 
4. *NEW!* Cynthia Steffe 'Naomi' feather print shirt dress ($10 via Lord & Taylor, $248 retail)

Basics:

1. J.Crew Factory colorblock sweater ($24, used gift card)

Shoes:

1.  None

Accessories:

1.  None

Gifted from Brands:

1.  None

Funny story. I bought a pair of jeans from Free People this month that looked BLUE but when they came they were DARK GRAY. Just goes to show you that product photos can be misleading. After they came and were a different color I decided to google them and found the same jeans on Bloomingdale's where, surprise surprise, they were shown as gray. Luckily I still like the gray and it's probably better for me to have a color other than blue because I have so many blue jeans. [see comparison photo below for giggles]

Also, apparently I didn't miss Roundabout's final clearance in their sale! It happened a couple weekends ago so Lydia and I took the trip to Westport. I was pretty well behaved and only bought one thing. A beautiful Jason Wu snakeskin blouse! It was brand new with tags and the retail price was $1395. Roundabout's price was $389 but take off 65% and the additional 10% off and it came down to $122. Still expensive, but much easier to handle.  March is going to have to be a no shopping month though since I'm trying to be really good this year!



THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. Saint Laurent Multicolor Silk Patchwork Blouse ($350 via eBay, used Christmas money, $2390+ retail)
2. Free People Jax Patched Skinny Jean ($52) 
3. Jason Wu snakeskin pussy bow blouse ($122 via Roundabout, $1395 retail)

Basics:

1. J.Crew Factory colorblock sweater ($24, used gift card)

Shoes:

1.  None

Accessories:

1.  None

Gifted from Brands:

1.  None

Normally my wardrobe updates get wiped clean between Winter and Spring but I think for this year I'll keep it full until 2017. That way I can really keep an eye on what I'm adding to my closet all year. It's easy to get carried away when you only show 6 months of purchases at a time. So we're starting with a clean slate for January's update rather than keeping September - December as well.

Anywhooooo....on to this month's new buy(s)! I ended up not buying anything in Net-a-Porter's End of Season Sale. But not for a lack of trying. I ordered a gorgeous pair of thigh high boots and unfortunately they didn't fit (aka I'm too short for super tall boots) so I had to return them.

After I returned the boots I got a notification from eBay that an item I've been wanting for quite some time was relisted! The Saint Laurent patchwork blouse! It was listed for $599.99 but I got the seller to go down to $350! I had $25 in my PayPal account, $80 from a dress I returned at Christmas AND some Christmas money from my Grandma for the rest. So, technically, it's a Christmas gift, but it's still hard to see the money leave my bank account. (I'll share the full story in a feature post, unless it doesn't fit! It was supposed to arrive on Monday but the snowstorm ruined that so it will be waiting for me when I get home from my vacation.)

I also got a sweater from J.Crew at the outlets, but I used a gift card so it doesn't really count. *wink*




THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. *NEW!* Saint Laurent Multicolor Silk Patchwork Blouse ($350 via eBay, used Christmas money)

Basics:

1. *NEW!* J.Crew Factory colorblock sweater ($24, used gift card)

Shoes:

1.  None

Accessories:

1.  None

Gifted from Brands:

1.  None

No throwback outfit this week since it's New Years Eve and I doubt anyone will be visiting the blog today! Also, it's the last day of the month so that means Wardrobe Update time!  I got a few new things for Christmas, but sadly I think only 1 is definitely staying so I only listed that piece for now. I already returned the two things I picked myself because they didn't look great. I made a replacement order so hopefully the new items are a better fit (literally and figuratively!) They should be delivered this afternoon!

[Update: The Madewell order came in, everything was great! They've been added below]

I'll be heading to Lord & Taylor with my Mom today to return a dress she got me. It's really fun and fits me great but I know it won't get a lot of wear. I decided to keep a pretty tan and white cardigan she picked out. At first I wasn't sure about it since it isn't my usual dark colors, but it's so soft and cozy!

I blame my aunt for my regular spending this month. When I went for my monthly massage we decided to go to some consignment stores in the area. I ended up buying two coats and a pair of loafers. BUT I only spent $50, so not as horrible as it could have been.

Overall I think I did pretty good with spending this year. There were a few months where I fell off the less is more train, but these last few months - excluding December - I really only bought one or two things that enhanced my wardrobe. My best purchases of the year, by far, were the DKNY colorblock cardigan and DKNY romper. Both of them got a ton of wear (on vacations and while at home.)


THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Zara cropped sweater ($49.90, used advertising money)
2. *NEW!* Love Life & Freedom faux shearling jacket ($18 via Consignment Originals)  
3. *NEW!* Za&Za navy and burgundy colorblock coat ($25 via Karma's Closet)
4. *NEW!*  Disney's Bambi by LC Lauren Conrad Graphic Sweatshirt (Christmas gift, Kohl's)
5. *NEW!* Calvin Klein cardigan (Christmas gift, Lord & Taylor)

Basics:

1. Max Studio cardigan (gift from Lydia)
2. Vince Overlay Hem Cashmere Turtleneck ($59.99 via Marshalls, used birthday gift card) 
3. Everlane 'The Cotton V' in navy ($15) 
4. J Brand Mid Rise Photo Ready Super Skinny Jean in Bluebird ($62 via Gilt)
5. *NEW!* Madewell Hexcomb Texture Sweater in hthr spruce (Christmas gift, Madewell)

Shoes:

1. Audrey Brooke over the knee boots ($75 via DSW, birthday gift)
2. *NEW!*Etienne Aigner Loafers in burgundy ($4.50 via Consignment Originals)

Accessories:

1. Emm Kuo 'Westbourne Satchel' in snakeskin & stingray ($295 via Roundabout Resale, regularly $1300)
2. *NEW!* House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Pendant Necklace (Christmas gift from Lydia) 
3. *NEW!* Madewell Houndstooth Patchwork Scarf (Christmas gift, Madewell)
4. *NEW!* Madewell Ribbed Texting Gloves(Christmas gift, Madewell)
5. *NEW!* Madewell Stonework Drop Necklace (Christmas gift, Madewell)

Gifted from Brands:

1. Mighty Fine Star Wars R2D2 Sweatshirt c/o Kohl's
2. Mighty Fine Star Wars ''The Empire Strikes Back'' Thermal Tee c/o Kohl's
3. Rock & Republic Star Wars Studded Leggings c/o Kohl's
4. Star Wars R2-D2 Pendant c/o Kohl's
5. Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-Fur Collar Shawl Vest c/o Kohl's
6. LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection Pleated Velvet Skirt c/o Kohl's
7. Simply Vera Vera Wang Mary Jane Heels c/o Kohl's
8. Candie's Ankle Boots c/o Kohl's
9. Nike Air Max 90 Premium iD sneaker
10. Ann Taylor wrap sweater c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets
11. Charlotte Russe ombre cardigan c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets 
12. UncommonGoods necklace 
13. Onecklace chevron birthstone necklace
14. Onecklace heart midi ring
15. Isabel Marant 'On Plane Collection Necklace' c/o Luisaviaroma
16. *NEW!* Banana Republic Italian Cashmere-Blend Boyfriend Cardigan c/o Westfield Trumbull Mall
17. *NEW!* Forever 21 'May the Force Be With You' top c/o Westfield Trumbull Mall
18. *NEW!* Forever 21 Trust Me I'm a Jedi' bottoms c/o Westfield Trumbull Mall

I was doing such a good job this month...until Roundabout sent an email saying they were having a Chanel sale in their Greenwich location. I usually go to Westport since it's a half hour closer but for Chanel I drove the 45 minutes to check out the other location. Sadly I went on the second day of the sale so there wasn't much Chanel left (just a big oversized sweater for $300, but it wasn't unique enough to warrant spending that much money) Rather than just leaving the store I walked around since I drove all the way. I almost walked out with a pair of Stuart Weitzman calf hair leopard print pumps but then I saw a GORGEOUS green-ish purse and before I knew it I was swiping my credit card. It was double the price of the shoes, but I think it was a better purchase because I don't own many purses and have a TON of animal print shoes.

I was also bad and bought a new pair of J Brand jeans on Gilt because they had a code for 40% off AND free shipping for Black Friday, can't pass that up! I wanted another pair of high rise jeans but they were all sold out in my size so I opted for mid-rise instead.


THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Zara cropped sweater ($49.90, used advertising money)

Basics:

1. Max Studio cardigan (gift from Lydia)
2. *NEW!* Vince Overlay Hem Cashmere Turtleneck ($59.99 via Marshalls, used birthday gift card) 
3. *NEW!* Everlane 'The Cotton V' in navy ($15) 
4. *NEW!* J Brand Mid Rise Photo Ready Super Skinny Jean in Bluebird ($62 via Gilt)

Shoes:

1. Audrey Brooke over the knee boots ($75 via DSW, birthday gift)

Accessories:

1. *NEW!* Emm Kuo 'Westbourne Satchel' in snakeskin & stingray ($295 via Roundabout Resale, regularly $1300)

Other:

Gifted from Brands:

1. Mighty Fine Star Wars R2D2 Sweatshirt c/o Kohl's
2. Mighty Fine Star Wars ''The Empire Strikes Back'' Thermal Tee c/o Kohl's
3. Rock & Republic Star Wars Studded Leggings c/o Kohl's
4. Star Wars R2-D2 Pendant c/o Kohl's
5. Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-Fur Collar Shawl Vest c/o Kohl's
6. LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection Pleated Velvet Skirt c/o Kohl's
7. Simply Vera Vera Wang Mary Jane Heels c/o Kohl's
8. Candie's Ankle Boots c/o Kohl's
9. Nike Air Max 90 Premium iD sneaker
10. Ann Taylor wrap sweater c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets
11. Charlotte Russe ombre cardigan c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets 
12. UncommonGoods necklace 
13. *NEW!* Onecklace chevron birthstone necklace
14. *NEW!* Onecklace heart midi ring
15. *NEW!* Isabel Marant 'On Plane Collection Necklace' c/o Luisaviaroma

Another pretty good month, especially seeing as I usually go a little crazy buying birthday gifts for myself. I only bought one thing this month, and I used birthday money from my parents, so yay! I also got a lovely sweater as a gift from Lydia and two other (free) sweaters from an event I went to at Foxwoods. The custom NikeID's I was able to make at RewardStyle's NYFW party also arrived this month!



THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Zara cropped sweater ($49.90, used advertising money)

Basics:

1. *NEW!* Max Studio cardigan (gift from Lydia)

Shoes:

1. *NEW!* Audrey Brooke over the knee boots ($75 via DSW, birthday gift)

Accessories:

Other:

Gifted from Brands:

1. Mighty Fine Star Wars R2D2 Sweatshirt c/o Kohl's
2. Mighty Fine Star Wars ''The Empire Strikes Back'' Thermal Tee c/o Kohl's
3. Rock & Republic Star Wars Studded Leggings c/o Kohl's
4. Star Wars R2-D2 Pendant c/o Kohl's
5. Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-Fur Collar Shawl Vest c/o Kohl's
6. LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection Pleated Velvet Skirt c/o Kohl's
7. Simply Vera Vera Wang Mary Jane Heels c/o Kohl's
8. Candie's Ankle Boots c/o Kohl's
9. *NEW!*  Nike Air Max 90 Premium iD sneaker
10. *NEW!* Ann Taylor wrap sweater c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets
11. *NEW!* Charlotte Russe ombre cardigan c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets 
12. *NEW!* UncommonGoods necklace

My wardrobe update list has been reset for the Fall months. Starting with a clean slate is always nice. Let's see how small I can keep my lists for the next six months! While I behaved on the clothing front this month I was a little bad with other purchases. It was also quarterly tax month so I feel very poor, ha ha. The joys of freelancing!

This month I was fortunate enough to get a bunch of fun new items from my Kohl's photoshoot including something that was on my "need for Fall" list: navy heels! I got ankle boots AND pumps, score! I also bought a cropped sweater from Zara to wear with my high waisted jeans. I'd been searching for one for months and this one was really fun, although a bit pricey. I had some advertising money to use though!


THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. *NEW!* Zara cropped sweater ($49.90, used advertising money)

Basics:

Shoes:

Accessories:

Other:

Gifted:

1. *NEW!* Mighty Fine Star Wars R2D2 Sweatshirt c/o Kohl's
2. *NEW!* Mighty Fine Star Wars ''The Empire Strikes Back'' Thermal Tee c/o Kohl's
3. *NEW!* Rock & Republic Star Wars Studded Leggings c/o Kohl's
4. *NEW!* Star Wars R2-D2 Pendant c/o Kohl's
5. *NEW!* Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-Fur Collar Shawl Vest c/o Kohl's
6. *NEW!* LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection Pleated Velvet Skirt c/o Kohl's
7. *NEW!* Simply Vera Vera Wang Mary Jane Heels c/o Kohl's
8. *NEW!* Candie's Ankle Boots c/o Kohl's

I started off this month with two big purchases during Roundabout Resale's Summer sale.  I picked up two dresses that couldn't be more different. I wanted to get just one but couldn't decide.  I've worn one already and hope to wear the second soon!

At the end of the month I bought two pairs of brown heels from The Real Real (been searching for months.) Funnily enough, both pairs were never worn, even though they were consigned! How lucky did I get?! Thankfully the cheaper pair, by Prada, fit perfectly so it was a no brainer to keep those. The Chloe heels were a teeny bit too big, but that made it easier to return them. Keep an eye out as they'll probably be back in stock on the site soon!

Next month we start with a clean slate as we're entering Fall buying!



THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Blank Vegan 5 Pocket Olive Jeans ($23 via South Moon Under, retail $98)
2. Sea printed silk tapered pants ($56 via The Outnet Clearance Sale, used advertising money) 
3. ForeverYoung printed crop top ($65 in Santorini) 
4. DKNY batik print romper ($47, Clinton Crossing) 
5. Tory Burch Issy Bikini ($94 via Net-a-Porter Sale, used advertising money)
6. Splendid Zebra print dress ($120 via Net-a-Porter Sale, used advertising money)
7. French Connection Fast Sparkle Leopard Tee ($18) 
8. *NEW!* Carolina Herrera dress ($94, Roundabout Resale)

Basics:

1. FRAME 'Le Skinny de Jeanne' ($40 after gift card, Shopbop)
2. Club Monaco 'Ryan' cashmere sweater ($20, Clinton Crossing)
3. Madewell Singlet Side-Slit Tank in Black ($22.75, used advertising money)
4. Madewell Rivet &Thread Silk Noil Tee in Navy ($27.99, used advertising money)
5. Madewell denim boyshorts ($41, used advertising money) 
6. *NEW!* Jason Wu dress ($87, Roundabout Resale) 
7. *NEW!* Prada heels ($140, The Real Real)

Shoes:

1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Emma' pointed toe flats ($18 via Marshalls, retail $250)
2. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Alethea' ($150 in Santorini)
3. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clio' ($185 via Nordstrom)

Accessories:

1. Ray-Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses ($15 via Ditto, with coupon code)
2. LUMO 'Violet' Ring with Australian Opal ($85, used advertising money)
3. LUMO 'Rope' Ring ($40, used advertising money)
4. Chanel Sunglasses ($320 in Athens)
5. Silver ring with jewels ($15 in Santorini)
6. Gold necklace with lava beads ($25 in Santorini)
7. Owl ring ($40 at Jurassic Park in Universal)

Other:

1. J.Crew owl print pajama top ($12.50, J.Crew Factory) 

Gifted:

1. Orox Leather laptop sleeve
2. Orox Leather 'Merces Petite' bag
3. Aeropostale elephant print skirt
4. Aeropostale chevron dress
5. Aeropostale printed long sleeve top
6. Serendipity and Grace Natural Stone Beaded Bracelet
7. Serendipity and Grace Agate Stone Tassel Pendant Necklace

I made my bi-yearly Net-a-Porter Sale purchase this month and was pretty well behaved. I bought a dress and a bathing suit and paid only $16 after advertising money.  I always try to wait until the end of the sale to buy my items hoping they'll be further reduced. When I do this I risk the item selling out before I can get it, but I don't really NEED anything new, so it's a good way to discipline myself. In the past I have bought pieces right away if I felt like it was something that I couldn't live without.  I also ordered a fun tee during French Connection's Extra 70% off sale items promotion.



THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Blank Vegan 5 Pocket Olive Jeans ($23 via South Moon Under, retail $98)
2. Sea printed silk tapered pants ($56 via The Outnet Clearance Sale, used advertising money) 
3. ForeverYoung printed crop top ($65 in Santorini) 
4. DKNY batik print romper ($47, Clinton Crossing) 
5. *NEW!* Tory Burch Issy Bikini ($94 via Net-a-Porter Sale, used advertising money)
6. *NEW!* Splendid Zebra print dress ($120 via Net-a-Porter Sale, used advertising money)
7. *NEW!* French Connection Fast Sparkle Leopard Tee ($18)

Basics:

1. FRAME 'Le Skinny de Jeanne' ($40 after gift card, Shopbop)
2. Club Monaco 'Ryan' cashmere sweater ($20, Clinton Crossing)
3. Madewell Singlet Side-Slit Tank in Black ($22.75, used advertising money)
4. Madewell Rivet &Thread Silk Noil Tee in Navy ($27.99, used advertising money)
5. Madewell denim boyshorts ($41, used advertising money)

Shoes:

1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Emma' pointed toe flats ($18 via Marshalls, retail $250)
2. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Alethea' ($150 in Santorini)
3. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clio' ($185 via Nordstrom)

Accessories:

1. Ray-Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses ($15 via Ditto, with coupon code)
2. LUMO 'Violet' Ring with Australian Opal ($85, used advertising money)
3. LUMO 'Rope' Ring ($40, used advertising money)
4. Chanel Sunglasses ($320 in Athens)
5. Silver ring with jewels ($15 in Santorini)
6. Gold necklace with lava beads ($25 in Santorini)
7. Owl ring ($40 at Jurassic Park in Universal)

Other:

1. J.Crew owl print pajama top ($12.50, J.Crew Factory) 

Gifted:

1. Orox Leather laptop sleeve
2. Orox Leather 'Merces Petite' bag
3. Aeropostale elephant print skirt
4. Aeropostale chevron dress
5. Aeropostale printed long sleeve top
6. Serendipity and Grace Natural Stone Beaded Bracelet
7. Serendipity and Grace Agate Stone Tassel Pendant Necklace

I only bought three things this month, one was some navy sandals I've been needing for my Summer wardrobe, the second some new denim shorts and the third a ring while on vacation. Not too bad! The sandals were a bit of a splurge but I was having trouble finding a perfect pair of navy sandals.


THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Blank Vegan 5 Pocket Olive Jeans ($23 via South Moon Under, retail $98)
2. Sea printed silk tapered pants ($56 via The Outnet Clearance Sale, used advertising money) 
3. ForeverYoung printed crop top ($65 in Santorini) 
4. DKNY batik print romper ($47, Clinton Crossing)

Basics:

1. FRAME 'Le Skinny de Jeanne' ($40 after gift card, Shopbop)
2. Club Monaco 'Ryan' cashmere sweater ($20, Clinton Crossing)
3. Madewell Singlet Side-Slit Tank in Black ($22.75, used advertising money)
4. Madewell Rivet &Thread Silk Noil Tee in Navy ($27.99, used advertising money)
5. *NEW!* Madewell denim boyshorts ($41, used advertising money)

Shoes:

1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Emma' pointed toe flats ($18 via Marshalls, retail $250)
2. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Alethea' ($150 in Santorini)
3. *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clio' ($185 via Nordstrom)

Accessories:

1. Ray-Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses ($15 via Ditto, with coupon code)
2. LUMO 'Violet' Ring with Australian Opal ($85, used advertising money)
3. LUMO 'Rope' Ring ($40, used advertising money)
4. Chanel Sunglasses ($320 in Athens)
5. Silver ring with jewels ($15 in Santorini)
6. Gold necklace with lava beads ($25 in Santorini)
7. *NEW!*  Owl ring ($40 at Jurassic Park in Universal)

Other:

1. J.Crew owl print pajama top ($12.50, J.Crew Factory) 

Gifted:

1. Orox Leather laptop sleeve
2. Orox Leather 'Merces Petite' bag
3. Aeropostale elephant print skirt
4. Aeropostale chevron dress
5. Aeropostale printed long sleeve top

Two days left in the month, hopefully I don't buy anything new this weekend! But if I do, I'll update the post. After my vacation I tried really hard to not buy any clothes (or other unnecessary items) to help recoup my bank account.

I ended up having to buy a few bits and bobs, like a new battery for one of my computers, (ugh) and I couldn't resist a Madewell sale, where I bought 2 basics with advertising money! They haven't arrived yet so I have no photos. But I behaved for the rest of the month!

THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Blank Vegan 5 Pocket Olive Jeans ($23 via South Moon Under, retail $98)
2. Sea printed silk tapered pants ($56 via The Outnet Clearance Sale, used advertising money) 
3. ForeverYoung printed crop top ($65 in Santorini) 
4. DKNY batik print romper ($47, Clinton Crossing)

Basics:

1. FRAME 'Le Skinny de Jeanne' ($40 after gift card, Shopbop)
2. Club Monaco 'Ryan' cashmere sweater ($20, Clinton Crossing)
3. *NEW!* Madewell Singlet Side-Slit Tank in Black ($22.75, used advertising money)
4. *NEW!* Madewell Rivet &Thread Silk Noil Tee in Navy ($27.99, used advertising money)

Shoes:

1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Emma' pointed toe flats ($18 via Marshalls, retail $250)
2. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Alethea' ($150 in Santorini)

Accessories:

1. Ray-Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses ($15 via Ditto, with coupon code)
2. LUMO 'Violet' Ring with Australian Opal ($85, used advertising money)
3. LUMO 'Rope' Ring ($40, used advertising money)
4. Chanel Sunglasses ($320 in Athens)
5. Silver ring with jewels ($15 in Santorini)
6. Gold necklace with lava beads ($25 in Santorini)

Other:

1. J.Crew owl print pajama top ($12.50, J.Crew Factory) 

Gifted:

1. Orox Leather laptop sleeve
2. Orox Leather 'Merces Petite' bag
3. Aeropostale elephant print skirt
4. Aeropostale chevron dress
5. Aeropostale printed long sleeve top

I'm back from my European Adventure! And just in time for my wardrobe recap! I went on my trip with a list of items I wanted to buy. A "big" item in each place (Paris, London, Greece) and gifts. I ended up not really buying clothes/accessories in London and Paris but made up for it in Greece with some Chanel sunglasses (wanted these, but went for a cheaper pair) and a new pair of Ancient Greek Sandals (the only specific thing on my list)

UPDATE: Added what I bought at Clinton Crossing's Spring Preview event and jeans I forgot to add earlier!


THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Blank Vegan 5 Pocket Olive Jeans ($23 via South Moon Under, retail $98)
2. Sea printed silk tapered pants ($56 via The Outnet Clearance Sale, used advertising money) 
3. *NEW!* ForeverYoung printed crop top ($65 in Santorini) 
4. *NEW!* DKNY batik print romper ($47, Clinton Crossing)

Basics:

1. *NEW!* FRAME 'Le Skinny de Jeanne' ($40 after gift card, Shopbop)
2. *NEW!* Club Monaco 'Ryan' cashmere sweater ($20, Clinton Crossing)

Shoes:

1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Emma' pointed toe flats ($18 via Marshalls, retail $250)
2. *NEW!*Ancient Greek Sandals 'Alethea' ($150 in Santorini)

Accessories:

1. Ray-Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses ($15 via Ditto, with coupon code)
2. LUMO 'Violet' Ring with Australian Opal ($85, used advertising money)
3. LUMO 'Rope' Ring ($40, used advertising money)
4. *NEW!* Chanel Sunglasses ($320 in Athens)
5. *NEW!* Silver ring with jewels ($15 in Santorini)
6. *NEW!* Gold necklace with lava beads ($25 in Santorini)

Other:

1. *NEW!* J.Crew owl print pajama top ($12.50, J.Crew Factory) 

Gifted:

1. Orox Leather laptop sleeve
2. Orox Leather 'Merces Petite' bag
3. *NEW!* Aeropostale elephant print skirt
4. *NEW!* Aeropostale chevron dress
5.  *NEW!* Aeropostale printed long sleeve top

Starting this month I'm no longer doing the traditional French Wardrobe Challenge. I made it through one year, which is pretty darn good! So now I think I have learned quality over quantity and basics over crazy pieces. From now on I'll just be mindful of my purchases and try to stick to buying mostly basics.

I did a pretty good job this month with a few exceptions.  I splurged on two rings from Lumo that I've had my eye on, but I used advertising money I had in PayPal so they were 'free.' I also scored a few deals that I couldn't pass up. One was a pair of silk pants from The Outnet that will be perfect for my trip to Greece (I also had to buy a navy tee to go with them.) The second was another pair of pants - faux suede and super soft!

From now until my vacation starts on April 11th I'm going to try not to buy ANYTHING (no clothes, no movies, nada!) And then during my trip I have a list of a few things I want to buy. When I get home I'm going to attempt a few months of no-shopping to get myself back on track after a rough tax season. In that way, freelancing sucks! Three huge chunks of money will be leaving my bank account within 3 months, thanks to 2014 taxes and 2015 quarterly taxes.



THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. *NEW!* Blank Vegan 5 Pocket Olive Jeans ($23 via South Moon Under, retail $98)
2. *NEW!* Sea printed silk tapered pants ($56 via The Outnet Clearance Sale, used advertising money)

Basics:

1. *NEW!* Zenana Outfitters navy tee ($5.99 via Marshalls)

Shoes:

1. *NEW!* Diane von Furstenberg 'Emma' pointed toe flats ($18 via Marshalls, retail $250)

Accessories:

1. *NEW!* Ray-Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses ($15 via Ditto, with coupon code)
2. *NEW!* LUMO 'Violet' Ring with Australian Opal ($85, used advertising money)
3. *NEW!* LUMO 'Rope' Ring ($40, used advertising money)

Gifted:

1. *NEW!* Orox Leather laptop sleeve
2. *NEW!* Orox Leather 'Merces Petite' bag