Sometimes experiments fail. Such was the case with these photos. We tried out some new techniques that were supposed to be better for sunny photos and sadly they didn't come out that great. The detail shots are perfect but the full body leave a bit to be desired.

Other times, experiments work! My photographer picked out this whole outfit for me and I think it looks pretty darn good. I may have suggested the boots as an option, but they had the final decision. Maybe I'll start a new series - Photographer's Choice. ;)

This jacket is one that my siblings and I gave to our mom for her birthday a few years ago. She decided a couple weeks ago that, even though she likes it, the jacket is just not her style since she feels too constricted in stiffer fabrics. So now it's mine!

Jacket: LAUREN Ralph Lauren (similar), Sweater: Everlane cashmere crew, Jeans: Everlane "The High-Rise Skinny Jean" in Mid-Blue, Boots: IMPO (DSW), Sunglasses: Gucci, Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon), Bag: LAUREN Ralph Lauren, Rings: Lumo 'Violet', Mejuri 'Stellar', Moon Magic 'Eclipse', Moon Magic 'Petite Double'

Tee: Zara, Sweater: Ralph Lauren (Lord & Taylor), Skirt: T by Alexander Wang (NET-A-PORTER), Rain Boots: däv, Watch: Michael Kors, Merino Tights c/o Wolford (also here),




The Original:

I wore this over the weekend to go to my cousin's son's birthday party. You may have seen the back of his head on Instagram over the last 2 years (I don't post his face since he's not my child and I think that's inappropriate for me to do.) It was on the warmer side that day so I decided to wear a three quarter statement sleeve. This is only the second time I've worn this top but it's so much fun! I love how bit the sleeves are at the bottom.

Sweater: Context (Lord & Taylor), Jeans: J Brand 'Mid Rise Photo Ready Super Skinny Jean' (Gilt), Boots: vintage (eBay), Necklace: Indulgems (Gilt), Watch: Platform 9 3/4, Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay)

How was this 8 years ago!!? Insane how time flies by, right? My life has changed quite a bit since I wore this, yet I still own everything in this outfit. Back then I was living in another town with my best friend and commuting to New York City for work 4 days a week. Now (after living with my cousins for 4 years) I'm back with my parents, working from home, with exciting things on the horizon. Stay tuned. *wink wink*

Sweater: Inis Crafts (TJ Maxx), Jeans: Free People (Gilt Groupe) gift card, Booties: No.704b. (DSW), Bag: LAUREN Ralph Lauren (Lord & Taylor)



The original:

It was a little cold for these shoes I'm wearing in the photos, but you have to make some sacrifices for the sake of fashion, right? (Obviously I wore different shoes when I was really outside, but for 5 minutes of photos I dealt with it) The original pants in this look were from ASOS. I liked them but the quality was poor so eventually I got rid of them. Now I have these purple Banana Republic pants to fill the gap!

Sweater: LAUREN Ralph Lauren (Lord & Taylor), Tee: Cullen (Rue La La), Pants c/o Banana Republic 'Sloan' in purple, Heels: Miu Miu leopard platform sandals (eBay), Necklace: Vanessa Mooney (giveaway), Watch: Michael Kors, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Ozzie Square Baby Aiden' (Shopbop)


The Original:

This outfit is a little out there, but I still like it! Without the blazer it's slightly more normal but it was a very chilly day so I  decided to go monochromatic-ish with my layers. I can pretty much wear this dress with anything underneath. Previously I wore it with my Zara crop top and a black shirt.

I wore this for a little mid-week excursion with my parents to Kringle Candle in Bernadston, Massachusetts. While I technically played hooky for the day, I really didn't. I had my computer on hand so I could work in the car on the 2 hour drive if need be and I worked from about 3-8 once we got home. That's the good thing about freelance, I don't have to work 9-5, although I usually do. It's just nice to have some flexibility if I need/want to do something during the day.

Blazer: PBM Women's (Coco's $10 Sale),  Top: Altuzarra for Target, Sweater Dress: Miss Selfridge (Lord & Taylor), Necklace: Madewell, Boots: Miu Miu (Roundabout Resale), Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay), Sunglasses: Gucci (bought in Italy), Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)


The store is FULL of candles (and Christmas decor) but it doesn't smell like you've walked into a perfume shop full of smells. They also have a house-wear/Christmas/toy/food shop as well as a chocolate shop to enjoy!



We also stopped at The Farm Table, Kringle Candle's farm to table restaurant, for lunch. I had "The Lulu" a DELICIOUS flatbread with pickled onions, cured Italian meats, mozzarella and some oregano. My dad had the Thai Shrimp wrap and my mom went for a special - the squash & brussell sprout risotto.

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

For some reason this outfit looks a bit too loose for the re-wear. But it is comfortable and a fun Fall combo so I'll let it slide! I still could have worn this without tights but I wanted the full throwback look since I still had all the pieces.

Cashmere Sweater: Everlane, Skirt: Vince Camuto  (Lord & Taylor), Boots: Eighteen68 'Megan' (Gilt), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Initial Necklace c/o Gorjana, Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika'



The Original: