This cardigan may be one of my favorite thifted finds; at least top 5. I got it for $8 (I think) at a Goodwill and it is SO perfect for Fall and Winter. It's heavy, yet light, if that makes sense. I can throw it on over a tee or tank on cooler days and on COLD days layer it with other sweaters and wear it like a coat. I'm wearing all the same pieces in this look as I did 5 1/2 years ago, these pieces have definitely stood the test of time and will continue to!

Cardigan: Ralph Lauren (Goodwill), Turtleneck Tank: Willi Smith (TJ Maxx), Jeans: Free People (Marshalls), Wedges: Burberry Metallic Mutlistrap Espadrille - similar (The Outnet), Watch: Michael Kors, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Ozzie Square Baby Aiden' (Shopbop)


The Original:

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

This was an outfit I threw on to go visit my aunt for my monthly massage. I slept over and met up with Lydia at Clinton Crossing the next day for our Fall Fashion Preview. Luckily she decided she wanted to do two sets of outfit pictures otherwise this never would have made it on the blog and I actually REALLY like it.

Camisole: eight sixty, Jeans: IRO c/o Wikibuy, Velvet Floral Embroidered Mules: Zigi Soho (T.J. Maxx), Amethyst Necklace: BubuRuby (etsy), Aviator Sunglasses: Gucci, Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon), Bag: Chloé Faye (eBay)

After my cousins wedding I decided to keep my hair in for another day. It was a little messy and the curls had mostly come out so I braided the ends. I spent my day relaxing with my family and then doing some shopping in the afternoon with my Mom. Luckily I didn't find anything to buy.

Tank Sweater: Willi Smith (TJ Maxx), Sweater: Forever 21, Jeans: Free People (Gilt), Sandals: Seychelles (DSW), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop)



The Original: (Rag & Bone jeans from Shopbop that I still own, mis-remembered and thought they were the Free People ones above! OOPS!)

This particular throwback needed a MAJOR update. The original, while a good concept, did not work. The jeans were too baggy and the boots did nothing to help that fact. And since this sweater is an extra large I needed everything else to be form-fitting to offset the oversized look up top. I also don't have the original jeans or boots anymore. (I might have the jeans saved in a box because they were one of my first designer buys after seeing that Emma Watson loved the brand, haha) I wore this a couple weekends ago to see Beauty and the Beast with two friends.

Sweater: Tahari (TJ Maxx), Tee: Simple Retro, Jeans: J Brand c/o Marshalls, Boots: Audrey Brooke 'Mirie' (DSW), Sunglasses: Chanel (bought in Greece)



The Original: Sweater: Tahari (TJ Maxx), Jeans: Sass & Bide (eBay), Boots: Vintage (eBay

 Who doesn't love a fun statement coat. This vintage suede jacket is just that! The fun western detailing makes it such a unique piece. I'm always a little bit sad when we have a huge snowstorm because it means I can't wear any of my regular shoes and need to resort to rain and snow boots. But then I remembered these boots have soles that I won't slip in while walking on ice and slush!

Vintage Suede Jacket: vintanthromodern, Turtleneck: Willi Smith (TJ Maxx), Jeans: Free People, Boots: Cordani (Roundabout Resale), Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop)

Stop the presses! I broke my jean streak and wore a skirt! I paired it with a super comfy sweater and over the knee boots to minimize chilliness.  The only problem with this skirt is it is SUPER high waisted, we're talking inches above my belly button. But I can take a bit of discomfort in exchange for a pretty skirt.

Coat: TJ Maxx, Sweater: Madewell, Skirt: Chanel (Roundabout Resale), Boots: Audrey Brooke (DSW), Necklace: House of Harlow (gift from Lydia)

This is what I wore over the weekend weekend when I was snowed in after winter storm Jonas.  I spent the weekend at my parents because I had no food left in my house.  The reason for having no groceries? I'm heading to Florida on Wednesday for Universal's third annual Celebration of Harry Potter. So be on the lookout for geeky Instagrams!

Sweater: from Lydia, Jeans: Current/Elliott (The Outnet), Boots: Grandma's, Coat: Sisters (TJ Maxx), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' (Ditto)

Happy Christmas Eve! For this week's throwback look I decided to rewear what I wore on Christmas Even in 2012! That year I went a little more casual than usual with jeans so it was easy to wear the look for my regular day-to-day activities. And this is all the same pieces I wore, except the jeans. I do still have the jeans in this outfit but I wore a new pair instead. Lydia was kind enough to help me with these outfit photos so of course I look way better than normal. ;)

Turtleneck Tank: Willi Smith (TJ Maxx), Blazer: Darjoni (Good Will), Jeans: J Brand 811 Photo Ready Mid-Rise Skinny (Gilt), Heels: Lanvin (Roundabout Resale)
The original:

A few years ago (well, more than a few...) I would never be caught dead in a turtleneck. Not because I don't like how they look, but because I used to feel like they were choking me. But over the past couple years I've been adding more and more to my closet, this one being from a couple Christmases ago. They're cozy and keep me nice and covered up top. Since this was, yet another, basic outfit I decided to go with some "crazier" accessories!

Sweater: French Connection (TJ Maxx), Jeans: Current/Elliott, Pumps: Jimmy Choo 'Blend' (Roundabout Resale), Necklace: Grandma's, Clutch c/o Mulungi Collection