October is my birthday month and I usually allow myself to splurge a little more than usual. But this month I attempted to curb that spending in favor of saving more for future travels. As usual things never go as planned! I got a $20 off of $40 for Lord & Taylor so I bought a super fun burnt orange sweater. I'm treating it as a wash because I cancelled my Renters Insurance (since I'm back home) and got a credit back for that. So it became "fun money," haha.

THEN Everlane had to come out with some $100 cashmere sweaters so naturally I took advantage of that and got a tee as well to get free shipping. I'm calling this cost $62 because I used the leftover credit mentioned above.  I also took advantage of my HautePoints and a free trade code (FALLFASHIONS17) on HauteTrader to get a BEAUTIFUL Louis Vuitton bag. Check out my review of the site, you'll also find another code for a free trade.

It was also my birthday this month and my parents bought me 2 fun pairs of shoes! AKA I picked them out a few months before and "forgot" my mom bought them.



THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. She Made Me Essential crocheted swimsuit via Net-a-Porter ($45, $150 retail,  Xmas $$)
2. G.H. Bass burgundy cardigan at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $7.5 w/coupon, $99 retail) 
3. G.H. Bass cargo pants at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $21 w/coupon, $69 retail)  
4. Disney Mickey tee ($10 at Target)
5. Who What Wear x Target Sleeveless Floral Dress ($30) 
6. Uniqlo Mickey Mouse sweatshirt ($30) 
7. Proenza Schouler tweed colorblock shorts via Roundabout ($57, $1680 retail)
8. Vintage Havana Floral Embroidered Sweater via Pearls & Plaid ($50, used gift card) 
9. *NEW!* Context Three-Quarter Bell Sleeve sweater via Lord & Taylor ($20, retail $68, used refund on renters insurance)

Basics:

1. Calypso St. Barth Gylden Cashmere Sweater via Gilt ($71, $295 retail, Xmas $$)
2. M.i.h Jeans Tomboy cropped jeans via Net-a-Porter ($98, $245 retail, Xmas $$)
3. Who What Wear x Target bodysuit ($14, $20 retail) 
4. FRAME Ribbed wool & cashmere-blend sweater via Net-a-Porter ($104, $325 retail, used advertising money) 
5. Alice + Olivia blue striped cashmere sweater via Roundabout ($25, $368? retail)
6. Everlane "Square Tee" in Burgundy ($18) 
7. Everlane "The High-Rise Skinny Jean" in Mid-Blue ($68)
8. *NEW!* Everlane "The Cotton Tee" in Rose ($15, $0 after renters insurance credit)
9. *NEW!* Everlane "The Cashmere Crop V-Neck" in Black ($100, $62 after using renters insurance credit)

Shoes:

1. Miu Miu ankle boots via Roundabout Resale - also here/here ($146,  $850 retail)
2. New Look Metallic Block Heel sandal via ASOS ($35, advertising $$) 
3. BCBGeneration 'Beverly' mule via Saks Off 5th at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $110 retail)  
4. Impo 'Omega' boot (or Onnie, can't tell) via DSW ($12, $112 retail - in black) 
5. Vince 'Mason' in pony fig via DSW ($23, $275+ retail) 
6. Nicholas Kirkwood suede prism pumps via Net-a-Porter sale ($250, $625 retail) 
7. Sam Edelman Lars slub satin espadrille slide via Net-a-Porter sale ($36, $90 retail)
8. Zigi Soho Velvet Floral Embroidered Open Toe Mules via T.J. Maxx ($20, retail $60?, used gift card) 
9. *NEW!* BCBGeneragion Yerra slip on sneaker (birthday gift, $79 retail)
10. *NEW!* Kelly & Katie Amour mule (birthday gift, $50 retail)

Bags:

1. Disney x Coach 'Patricia' with Mickey ears ($179 at Coach Outlet, $395 retail)
2. Chloe 'Faye' in Dark Purple via eBay ($1500, $1950 retail) 
3. *NEW!* Louis Vuitton 'Epi Sac D'Epaule' via HauteTrader ($0, retail $1600?)

 
Accessories:

1. Tommy Hilfiger (similar) via Clinton Crossing ($0,  retail $?)  
2. Mejuri Loop Earrings by Jamie! ($55)
3. Gucci aviator sunglasses ($300, bought in Rome)
4. Birthstone Star and Mickey Mouse ring ($15 with discount, used advertising money) 
5. Birthstone Mickey Mouse earrings ($15 with discount, used advertising money)

Gifted from Brands:

1. IRO Faxy Cropped Jean via Gilt c/o Wikibuy (retail $285)
2. Banana Republic Peplum Sweater c/o Banana Republic Factory at Clinton Crossing
3. Banana Republic Cherry Blossom 'Ryan' Pant c/o Banana Republic Factory
4. Banana Republic 'Sloan' in purple c/o Banana Republic Factory
5. Banana Republic ruffle sleeve top in teal c/o Banana Republic Factory
6. Banana Republic linen shorts c/o Banana Republic Factory 
7. Diane von Furstenberg Fanny dress (also here) c/o HauteTrader 
8. Missoni Purple Wool Chevron Metallic Knit Sweater Dress  c/o HauteTrader 

Total spent in October: $62

Total spent in 2017:  $1253 - $953 not counting the sunglasses
Total spent including Chloe Faye: $2,753 - $2,453 not counting sunglasses
Total spent with Christmas/advertising money included: $1636 - $1336 not counting sunglasses

*the money for the sunglasses came out of my vacations savings account rather than "regular" money

I knew when I bought these shorts that they would be great for year-round wear. In Summer I can pair them with tank tops, in Autumn I'll top with a sweater like this and then I can even add tights to wear them in Winter! Spring is a little trickier since people don't usually wear rusty oranges and yellow, but we'll see.

I had actually wanted to wear them to the pumpkin patch but they looked strange with my black t-shirt and pumpkin patch ready boots. But then last week I got in my Everlane cropped cashmere sweater and knew it would be the perfect fit! The shorts are tight so I like to balance them out with a looser fit top. Finish it off with some cute slide sneakers my mom gave me for my birthday and I'm ready to go anywhere!

Sweater: Everlane "The Cashmere Crop V-Neck", Tweed Colorblock Shorts: Proenza Schouler (Roundabout),  Sneaker Slides: BCBGeneragion "Yerra" (DSW), Sunglasses: Chanel (bought in Greece), Bag: Louis Vuitton 'Epi Sac D'Epaule' (HauteTrader)

I had much nicer weather on my second trip to the pumpkin patch this year. I went on a Friday so there weren't as many people as there are on the weekends but there were 2 school buses full of little kids picking out their pumpkins. I got a HUUUUGE pumpkin this year, normally I go for a smaller size but this year I was in the mood for a giant $20 pumpkin. Know what I mean?

Cardigan: Cocogio (Marshalls), Sweater: Vertical Design c/o Marshalls, Jeans: J Brand (Marshalls),  Boots: Eighteen 68 'Megan' (Gilt) Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader), Sunglasses: Gucci (bought in Italy), Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)

I recently went to the pumpkin patch with my brother and his girlfriend. Sadly it was misting the whole time and raining when we left so the photos of my outfit aren't the best. But I'm going to share them anyway because we took the trouble to take them. Luckily I knew I would be taking another tip to Jones Family Farm's in a few days so I wasn't too upset that we just ran in and out.

This bag is the third piece I've gotten on HauteTrader. I used 400 of my HautePoints to add this beautiful bag to my closet for free thanks to a Free Trade code for Fall! You can still use TradeWMegan for a free trade of your own! Don't worry, I'll be wearing the Missoni dress I got soon!

I've never been that into Louis Vuitton accessories, probably because I'm not a huge fan of their logo all over the bags. They just seem overly "look at my logo!" I would have made an exception for a bag like Mal from ReadyTwoWear had, for some reason this one didn't bug me. So when I saw that this plain, albeit beautiful, bag was a LV I was shocked. The color is gorgeous and it's a vintage bag from March 1994 if I read the date code correctly. The logo is still there, but I like how it is embossed so it doesn't stand out too much. It also comes with a cute little pouch that's perfect for your credit cards.

This particular bag, the Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule, is only available through secondhand markets now, but there are still plenty of bags in the Epi Leather Collection. After some research I found the following information on the line:

Epi Leather was introduced in 1985 as the brand's first permanent leather line, and it's been beloved for its durability and vivid color selection ever since. The leather is dyed, printed with Epi's famous three-dimensional wave pattern and then painted with a color-matching top coating, which ensures the colors are especially bright and makes the leather very resistant to water and wear. There's a reason Epi bags are so popular on the resale market: they require very little care to look virtually new for years.

Sweater: Context (Lord & Taylor), Jeans: J Brand 'Mid Rise Photo Ready Super Skinny Jean' (Gilt), Boots: Eighteen 68 'Megan' (Gilt) Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader)

How is September already done?! I was aiming to not buy anything this month but I did end up getting a pair of high waisted jeans from Everlane as well as a new tee (free shipping when you buy 2 items, how can you not?!) Everlane is known for their amazing basics so when they came out with jeans for $68 I had to test them out before they sold out like all their other cult favorites. Then I bought some AMAZING velvet mules at TJ Maxx with a gift card. I also got a sweater from Pearls & Plaid with a gift card I won at the CT blogger brunch.  Finally I got two new dresses thanks to HauteTrader, see my post here!

Also a quick life update - This Monday I moved back in with my parents.  For the last 4 1/2 years (WOW!) I've lived with two of my cousins in a house that one of them bought. He sold the house and is moving to a city I don't particularly want to live in. Luckily my parents were kind enough to let me move back in to my old room until I decide my next move. I haven't lived at home since August 2011 but I frequently went home for dinner during that time. It's definitely going to be strange being back, but I enjoy my parents company. Once I get settled back in I may do a post on how I've fit my clothes and possessions in my room.

Unfortunately, this means no more Instagrams with Layla since she's actually my cousin's dog. I'm quite depressed, but hopefully they'll still bring her around when we go to my Grandmother's on Sundays.


THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. She Made Me Essential crocheted swimsuit via Net-a-Porter ($45, $150 retail,  Xmas $$)
2. G.H. Bass burgundy cardigan at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $7.5 w/coupon, $99 retail) 
3. G.H. Bass cargo pants at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $21 w/coupon, $69 retail)  
4. Disney Mickey tee ($10 at Target)
5. Who What Wear x Target Sleeveless Floral Dress ($30) 
6. Uniqlo Mickey Mouse sweatshirt ($30) 
7. Proenza Schouler tweed colorblock shorts via Roundabout ($57, $1680 retail)
8. *NEW!* Floral Embroidered Sweater via Pearls & Plaid ($50, used gift card)

Basics:

1. Calypso St. Barth Gylden Cashmere Sweater via Gilt ($71, $295 retail, Xmas $$)
2. M.i.h Jeans Tomboy cropped jeans via Net-a-Porter ($98, $245 retail, Xmas $$)
3. Who What Wear x Target bodysuit ($14, $20 retail) 
4. FRAME Ribbed wool & cashmere-blend sweater via Net-a-Porter ($104, $325 retail, used advertising money) 
5. Alice + Olivia blue striped cashmere sweater via Roundabout ($25, $368? retail) 
6. Chloe 'Faye' in Dark Purple via eBay ($1500, $1950 retail) 
7. *NEW!* Everlane "Square Tee" in Burgundy ($18) 
8. *NEW!* Everlane "The High-Rise Skinny Jean" in Mid-Blue ($68)

Shoes:

1. Miu Miu ankle boots via Roundabout Resale - also here/here ($146,  $850 retail)
2. New Look Metallic Block Heel sandal via ASOS ($35, advertising $$) 
3. BCBGeneration 'Beverly' mule via Saks Off 5th at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $110 retail)  
4. Impo 'Omega' boot (or Onnie, can't tell) via DSW ($12, $112 retail - in black) 
5. Vince 'Mason' in pony fig via DSW ($23, $275+ retail) 
6. Nicholas Kirkwood suede prism pumps via Net-a-Porter sale ($250, $625 retail) 
7. Sam Edelman Lars slub satin espadrille slide via Net-a-Porter sale ($36, $90 retail)
8. *NEW!* Zigi Soho Velvet Floral Embroidered Open Toe Mules via T.J. Maxx ($20, retail $60?, used gift card)

Accessories:

1. Tommy Hilfiger (similar) via Clinton Crossing ($0,  retail $?)  
2. Mejuri Loop Earrings by Jamie! ($55)
3. Gucci aviator sunglasses ($300, bought in Rome) 
4. Disney x Coach 'Patricia' with Mickey ears ($179 at Coach Outlet, $395 retail)
5. Birthstone Star and Mickey Mouse ring ($15 with discount, used advertising money) 
6. Birthstone Mickey Mouse earrings ($15 with discount, used advertising money)

Gifted from Brands:

1. IRO Faxy Cropped Jean via Gilt c/o Wikibuy (retail $285)
2. Banana Republic Peplum Sweater c/o Banana Republic Factory at Clinton Crossing
3. Banana Republic Cherry Blossom 'Ryan' Pant c/o Banana Republic Factory
4. Banana Republic 'Sloan' in purple c/o Banana Republic Factory
5. Banana Republic ruffle sleeve top in teal c/o Banana Republic Factory
6. Banana Republic linen shorts c/o Banana Republic Factory 
7. *NEW!* Diane von Furstenberg Fanny dress (also here) c/o HauteTrader 
8. *NEW!* Missoni Purple Wool Chevron Metallic Knit Sweater Dress  c/o HauteTrader 

Total spent in September: $86

Total spent in 2017:  $1253 - $953 not counting the sunglasses
Total spent including Chloe Faye: $2,753 - $2,453 not counting sunglasses
Total spent with Christmas/advertising money included: $1636 - $1336 not counting sunglasses

*the money for the sunglasses came out of my vacations savings account rather than "regular" money

A few weeks ago I was invited to check out a super cool and unique shopping site, HauteTrader. To put it simply, HauteTrader is a way to trade your gently worn designer clothes with other women and also earn points that you can use to purchase pieces. Currently, if you add three items within 24 hours, you'll receive 100 Haute-Points to start you off!

I've found myself checking the site a few times a day to see if there are any new pieces I want to trade for. If you don't want to go through the hassle of selling pieces and making sure you get what they're worth, why not trade for an item(s) of equal value!? The site is so easy and painless to use - read on below my outfit for a breakdown of the process.

Here's an outfit featuring the first piece I acquired through the site, a Diane von Furstenberg dress! It's such a unique piece and I remember liking it when I saw it in passing online when it was readily available. The mix of prints is super fun, I always love a bit of zebra. About a week later someone sent me a trade offer for my ruched Burberry dress and I accepted! You'll see that piece on the blog soon, it's a Missoni dress!

What do you think? Is HauteTrader a site you would use as an alternative to consignment stores and/or eBay? I will definitely be using it in the future when I have designer pieces I no longer love.  Also, just for reading this post, use code TradeWMegan for a free trade!

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg 'Fanny' (HauteTrader), Suede Prism Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood (NET-A-PORTER)


Let's walk through the process, shall we?! First, you'll need to add to your closet. It's super easy to do. Just take photos of your piece, name it, write a description, and fill in other necessary information (size, condition, etc.) Your items will then go through the approval process. Once they are accepted you can begin making trade offers.

Every accepted label has a Tier value of (1-4). The Tier number shows you the trade value and Haute-Point value of your listing. Tier 1 is 100 Haute-Points while Tier 4 is 400. When you trade a Tier 2 item, you'll receive 200 Haute-Points in addition to the item(s) you traded for!

(I cut out the photos section of this screenshot to save space)

Completed Listing

I chose to add a few pieces that I rarely wear but was holding on to for no other reason than the fact that I spent a good amount of money on them and didn't want to sell them for less than what I paid. What's great about HauteTrader is that you are able to accept or decline any offers for your piece. It made me feel a lot better about parting with pieces when I knew I would get an equally great item, that I would wear more often, in exchange for my unloved pieces.

My Closet as of September 8th

Making offers is very simple! All you have to do is find an item you like, click "Make a Trade-Offer" and then choose up to three options for a trade. You can offer multiple items as part of your trade. The tradee can then choose which option she prefers or deny your trade. Fortunately for me, my first trade request went through without a hitch and was accepted within the 24 hour time limit!

The only thing I think is missing from this site is the ability to private message users. You'll have to write a comment on their profile or the specific item if you need to chat about something.

Once your offer is accepted you'll receive an email letting you know and asking you to pay the trade fee. HauteTrader charges $25 for Standard items and $50 for Premium items which includes signature confirmation shipping and handling. Just for reading this post, use code TradeWMegan for a free trade!

After both you and the person you've traded with have made your payments HauteTrader will send you a pre-paid shipping label so you can send your item to your new friend!