I wore this over the weekend to go shopping and out to lunch with my brother. I behaved and didn't buy anything, woo! It was still a little chilly but I wanted to add a bit of brightness to my outfit so I wore my bright green sweater under a cape for some Spring layering. I also wore these brighter blue skinny jeans instead of my darker washes. Not totally Spring, but we're getting there!

Cashmere Cape: b chyll (Roundabout), Sweater: French Connection c/o Marshalls, Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' high rise skinny in Blueberry (The Real Real), Loafer: Burberry Prorsum (Net-a-Porter, another pair), Sunglasses: Gucci, Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)

Another almost complete recreation for this throwback. The tee and heels have left my closet so I substituted my new light pink Everlane tee for the brighter (not really me) pink tee and some brown Prada sandals. Originally I was going to wear my black Dolce & Gabanna mary janes to recreate the look closer but, since I actually have brown heels now, I decided to match the pants.

Tee: Everlane, Sweater: Ami Dans La Rue (Shopbop), Jeans: Jolt (Marshalls), Belt: from Jason Wu for Target dress, Caged Sandals: Prada (The RealReal), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Ozzie Square Baby Aiden' (Shopbop)



The Original:

This is the most luxurious and soft tee I've ever worn. If I am lucky enough to find another one for a similar price ($20 rather than $135) I will DEFINITELY be scooping it up!  I do love The Outnet for all the steals and deals! Speaking of deals, everything I'm wearing in this outfit is designer, and I paid full price for NOTHING. The bag and loafers were still a splurge, but both will last for quite a while so cost per wear will go down. However, the jeans were free after a gift card.

I pride myself on not paying full price for my clothes. How do I do it? I wait for sales and shop at stores like eBay, Roundabout, Marshalls and The Outnet. I even make sure to wait for sales at these types of stores to get even better deals! 90% of the time I'm successful, but there are times when I can't wait for something to go on sale.

Tee: Vince (The Outnet), Jeans: J Brand (The RealReal), Animal Print Loafers: Burberry Prorsum (Net-a-Porter), Necklace: Indulgems (Gilt)

This dress is one of my favorite buys from Roundabout but I think it's only been on the blog once or twice! For shame! The story of how this dress entered my closet is quite long. Here's the readers digest version: June 2011 it is featured in a Closet-Worthy post. In May 2014 I spotted the dress in one of Roundabout's New York locations but left it since it was still $500. In August of 2014 the dress made it's way to my local Roundabout in Wesport and was part of their Summer blowout sale so I spent $136 on a dress that retailed for $1,995. And it was brand new with tags. SCORE!

I wore this for the first of our two Easter celebrations. My family splits the holiday so we aren't rushing to two houses in one day. I wore this to celebrate with my dad's side of the family.

Dress: Jason Wu 'Okal Print Dress' (Roundabout), Sandals: Prada (The Real Real), Necklace: Marrin Costello

Wearing two things that haven't been getting much wear lately; my crazy boots and super soft oversized blazer. I go through phases and I haven't been wearing my blazers all that much lately, but I still love every single one I own and could never get rid of them. I'm such a hoarder! And these boots are so wild that I sometimes find it hard to wear them. Instead I just need to remember they're a statement and I can wear them with anything because they're so crazy!

Blazer: PBM Women's (Coco's $10 sale), Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater: Vince (Marshalls), Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' in blueberry (The Real Real), Booties: Tabitha Simmons 'Elisa' - also in black - for Runway to Green (Roundabout Resale)

Another outfit with my trinket embellished sweater! This time I went with super skinny jeans and over the knee boots. I feel like I can pair it with anything, the only thing that makes it different from a basic sweater is the "trinkets" and they're silver so they match with everything. So happy with this birthday buy! I'll be wearing the heck out of this over the next few months.

Sweater: Banjo + Matilda (The Outnet), Jeans: J Brand Maria High Rise (The RealReal), Over the Knee Boots: Audrey Brooke 'Mirie' (DSW)

I may have gone a little overboard with the blue in this outfit. But I finished it off with a crazy green sweater so an overdoes of blue is the least of my worries. These new jeans are SO comfortable. It's like I'm wearing sweatpants, except they're high waisted so sitting for long periods can get a little uncomfortable. But they're super soft and thin.

Suede Jacket: Ralph Lauren (Marshalls) Sweater: French Connection c/o Marshalls, Jeans: J Brand Maria High Rise (The RealReal), Boots: Candies c/o Kohl's

October was my birthday month and while I normally allow myself to buy an "extravagant" piece of clothing I refrained this year. I did get an Equipment cheetah print blouse I've wanted since it was debuted last year. It's quite hard to find but I spotted one on eBay in a size larger than I usually wear and pounced (pardon the pun.) I used advertising money so it was "free."

And, of course, I wrote this post too early and ended up buying something else. The Outnet's Fall sale started before the month was over and while I was looking for pieces for a post I fell in love with a crazy embellished sweater! I still had birthday money hanging around (after buying my Mickey phone and suitcase) so I used that to buy it. Thanks Mom & Dad!

I also got a pair of brand new J Brand jeans for FREE thanks to a store credit to The RealReal. It was a thank you for doing a survey, so I paid with about 20 minutes of my time. Definitely a fair trade (or unfair from their end.)

Technically I spent $0 this month since I used advertising and birthday money.  I do love loopholes!




THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. Saint Laurent Silk Patchwork Blouse ($350 via eBay, xmas 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. Greylin 'Osten' Open Back Romper ($27 via Gilt) 
6. Proenza Schouler Jacquard pants ($247 via Yoox, $1,650+ retail) 
7. Zara striped knit dress ($35 via Poshmark) 
8. Natalie Martin Printed top ($9.75 via Roundabout, retail $133) 
9. Miss Selfridge sweater dress in rust ($15 via Lord & Taylor, $70 retail) 
10. *NEW!* Equipment cat print signature short-sleeve blouse ($80 via eBay; $228 retail, used advertising money) 
11. *NEW!* Banjo & Matilda Trinket embellished sweater ($98 via The Outnet, $375 retail. used birthday money)

Basics:

1. J.Crew Factory colorblock sweater ($24, used gift card)
2. Banana Republic 'patch-pocket' shorts ($11 at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet) 
3. Old Navy black bikini top & bottom ($18, used gift card)
4. Everlane The Ryan Long-Sleeve in black ($20, used advertising money)
5. Highline Collective turtleneck tank in black ($14 via Lord & Taylor, $70 retail) 
6. Abercrombie & Fitch  super skinny corduroy pant in blue ($40, used advertising money)
7. Abercrombie & Fitch v-neck sweater in burgundy ($34, used advertising money) 
8. *NEW!* J Brand Maria High Rise skinny jean in Blueberry ($0 via The RealReal, $198 retail)

Shoes:

1. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athanasia' in Croc ($238 via Moda Operandi, $280 retail)
2. J.Crew Raffia Seaside Sandals (Mom bought at Clinton Crossing) 
3. Lanvin Studded Suede Sandals ($316 via Net-a-Porter End of Season Sale, $790 retail)
4. Cole Haan 'Chelsea' Leopard Calf Hair Pump ($45 via Roundabout, $386 retail)

Accessories:

1.  Gemstone Necklace via Geclassics in Boston ($8.50)

Gifted from Brands:

1. Simple Retro crop top (via Amazon)
2. Pom-Pom Sandals c/o Soma
3. Larimar Bypass ring c/o Larimar Bliss

Total spent in 2016:  $1150.25
(not counting Saint Laurent top, which used Christmas money, or items bought with advertising money)

Happy Thursday!! I'm currently on my second day of a quick trip to Orlando with a friend so this is definitely not what I'll be wearing today.  And I confess I do have the original heels from this look but I decided I liked it better with the dark brown Prada's instead. I'm also sporting my latest pair of sunglasses from Ditto's Endless Eyewear program! I sent my Miu Miu pair back after just a week but I'm keeping these a little longer before I trade them in.  Use code CLOSETFASHIONENDLESSDITTO for your first month free!

Tee: Everlane, Skirt: Vince Camuto  (Lord & Taylor), Heels: Prada (The Real Real), Necklaces: Vanessa Mooney and Geoclassics, Sunglasses: Jason Wu 'Brigitte' via Ditto Endless Eyewear



The Original: Heels: Guess (Marshalls)

I hope everyone had a great Christmas (or time off if you don't celebrate.) This is what I wore for our first party, with my Mom's side of the family.  I had wanted to wear this dress for Christmas last year but ended up wearing a brand new dress instead since I had worn this a couple months previously (here and here). What I love about this dress is I don't have to worry about accessories! Just throw on shoes and you're good to go.

Dress: Altuzarra for Target (shirt version), Heels: Prada (The Real Real)

We are just over a month away from Christmas (and very close to Hanukkah) so Christmas gift shopping is in full swing. I try not to do anything Christmasy until after Thanksgiving, but when you find the perfect gift for someone you have to buy it, whether it's June 3rd or December 24th.  I'm almost done with all my shopping but I do have a few more gifts to buy.

One gift that never goes out of style is jewelry. And when you can personalize your jewelry gift it's even better! Thanks to Onecklace you can find a ton of great personalized jewelry options for your loved ones! They sent me two great pieces to feature on the blog. First I chose an adorable silver heart midi ring that is going to be a permanent fixture on my hands (always on the hunt for cute silver rings, I can't get enough!) For my second piece I chose a personalized chevron birthstone necklace.

From name necklaces to birthstone jewelry you'll be able to find the perfect piece for everyone on your list. They carry very simple pieces, such as my chevron necklace and also have more intricate pieces like a family tree birthstone necklace (a great gift for mothers or grandmothers!) If you want to do some holiday shopping over at Onecklace, use code closet10 for 10% off!

Sweater: Ann Taylor c/o Tanger, Skirt: Vince Camuto (Lord & Taylor), Heels: Prada (The RealReal)