I hardly ever wear my blazers anymore so I decided to pull one out this past weekend for no reason at all. This is one of my favorites because of the print mixing, color and the added touches of velvet. Such an amazing piece and I scored it for $188 4 years ago! And, as luck would have it, I found one for $200 on eBay if you like it!


Blazer: Etro (Roundabout Resale), Cashmere Sweater: Everlane, Jeans:  Free People, Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader), Boots: Zigi Soho (DSW), Sunglasses: Gucci, Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)

I am still immensely proud of this shirt that I DIYed. It was inspired by Burberry Prorsum's Pre-Fall and Fall 2012 collection. I still want the adorable fox sweater from the same collection (it remains on my eBay search list.) Also, remember the first time I wore these Everlane jeans and said they would look better with no socks? I was right! Soooo much better this time.  Next time I might roll up the hem a bit too, we'll see!

Vest: Simply Vera Wang c/o Kohl's, Top: made by me (inspired by Burberry), Jeans: Everlane mid-rise skinny jean, Flats c/o Joie 'Dylan' leopard loafer, Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader)

Last Thursday I was invited to a blogger/media dinner at Jack's Steakhouse in New Haven.  Jack's opened in October 2017 in the heart of New Haven. It's close to theaters and Yale so you will have a lot to do before and after your meal. There is even a special Bistro Room where you can seat up to 56 guests for an event. Monday through Saturday they have a 2-course prix fixe lunch for $21. We were there on Thursday night so we got to enjoy live music from a local musician.

It was a little warmer that day so I was able to go sans coat (sans sweater too, but I wanted an extra element to my look.) I've been wanting to wear this snakeskin blouse for a while since it doesn't get as much love as it should and this seemed like the perfect occasion! It was dark by the time Lydia and I were ready for photos so please excuse the use of flash.

Cardigan: J.Crew (Roundabout), Top: Jason Wu snakeskin pussy-bow blouse (Roundabout), Jeans: Free People flares (Marshalls), Boots: 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Peggy' in patent leather and pony-hair (Barney's Warehouse), Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader)


On to the food at Jack's Steakhouse. We enjoyed a 4 course meal and got to sample a bunch of different dishes family style. As one would expect from bloggers, once the plates arrived we all spent a few minutes lighting the table with our phones so we could get photos of the food.


My personal favorites were the Beet Salad, Bourbon Glazed Pork Belly Chunks, Curry Cauliflower and Porterhouse steak. The Beet Salad came with roasted red and golden beets, baby kale, pumpkin seeds and maple syrup vinaigrette. It also comes with a goat cheese croquette, which I did not sample (I'm a weirdo who hates cheese on most foods.) The pork belly chunks were roasted for 3 hours and were made with bourbon, brown sugar, salt and teriyaki sauce. The cauliflower was in a delicious curry sauce that added so much flavor. Finally, the Porterhouse steak was 44oz of wet aged beef and was soooooo tasty! I definitely had more than a few slices of that.

Jack's Steakhouse

Clockwise: Man's Salad, Steak Tartare, Beet Salad and bread

Beet Salad

Gotta get a shot of the signature cocktails!

Bourbon glazed pork belly chunks and grilled octopus

Porterhouse Steak and Jack's Tomahawk Chop

44oz. Porterhouse Steak

Dessert Fondue

Tiramisu

It's slowly starting to get warmer out there (except for yesterday's huge snowstorm!,) but we keep having cold days where I want to wear a nice big sweater. For this throwback my toes get a little sun because it wasn't THAT cold out. And I added my Louis Vuitton bag because I thought the orange went nicely with the deep purple. Definitely a more fall color palette than Spring, but most of my clothes are fall-colored anyway. That's what happens when you love purple and burgundy, haha.

Sweater: Marc by Marc Jacobs men's chunky sweater (Marshalls), Jeans: Genetic Denim, Heels: Miu Miu calf-hair  leopard platform sandals (eBay), Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader)



The Original:

I bought this sweater with a gift card in November and it is so soft and comfy! It is a modified version of a sweater from the J.Crew Fall 2017 Ready to Wear collection. I do prefer the larger scale of the embroidery that was in the collection but this sweater is still really cute and the sun, moon and stars hold special meaning for me. I actually bought another cardigan from J.Crew a couple weekends ago (with that same gift card) and it also has stars.

Cosmic Embroidery Cardiagan: J.Crew, Sweater: Everlane, Jeans: Michael Kors, Boots: Audrey Brooke 'Mirie' (DSW), Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader), Sunglasses: Gucci, Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)

Who doesn't love purple with a bit of leopard print? I've always enjoyed this outfit so I'm glad I was able to re-wear it recently. I also added in my Louis Vuitton Epi bag because the burnt orange was too perfect with the purple and white.

Sweater: Inis Crafts (Marshalls), Skirt: Chanel (Roundabout Resale), Heels: Miu Miu (eBay), Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader)



The Original:

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)