I have returned! And am returning with an outfit that is anything but boring. When my brother saw me in this outfit he said it looked like I was wearing a lampshade...whatever, I think the skirt is fun! Although it's odd shape does make it a challenge to style. This time I decided to wear it with a loose fitting tank and super tall heels. I think it off-sets the skirt nicely. 

Sweater Tank: Made by Grandma, Skirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim (Net-a-Porter Sale), Wedges: Steve Madden (DSW)

I made my bi-yearly Net-a-Porter Sale purchase this month and was pretty well behaved. I bought a dress and a bathing suit and paid only $16 after advertising money.  I always try to wait until the end of the sale to buy my items hoping they'll be further reduced. When I do this I risk the item selling out before I can get it, but I don't really NEED anything new, so it's a good way to discipline myself. In the past I have bought pieces right away if I felt like it was something that I couldn't live without.  I also ordered a fun tee during French Connection's Extra 70% off sale items promotion.



THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Blank Vegan 5 Pocket Olive Jeans ($23 via South Moon Under, retail $98)
2. Sea printed silk tapered pants ($56 via The Outnet Clearance Sale, used advertising money) 
3. ForeverYoung printed crop top ($65 in Santorini) 
4. DKNY batik print romper ($47, Clinton Crossing) 
5. *NEW!* Tory Burch Issy Bikini ($94 via Net-a-Porter Sale, used advertising money)
6. *NEW!* Splendid Zebra print dress ($120 via Net-a-Porter Sale, used advertising money)
7. *NEW!* French Connection Fast Sparkle Leopard Tee ($18)

Basics:

1. FRAME 'Le Skinny de Jeanne' ($40 after gift card, Shopbop)
2. Club Monaco 'Ryan' cashmere sweater ($20, Clinton Crossing)
3. Madewell Singlet Side-Slit Tank in Black ($22.75, used advertising money)
4. Madewell Rivet &Thread Silk Noil Tee in Navy ($27.99, used advertising money)
5. Madewell denim boyshorts ($41, used advertising money)

Shoes:

1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Emma' pointed toe flats ($18 via Marshalls, retail $250)
2. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Alethea' ($150 in Santorini)
3. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clio' ($185 via Nordstrom)

Accessories:

1. Ray-Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses ($15 via Ditto, with coupon code)
2. LUMO 'Violet' Ring with Australian Opal ($85, used advertising money)
3. LUMO 'Rope' Ring ($40, used advertising money)
4. Chanel Sunglasses ($320 in Athens)
5. Silver ring with jewels ($15 in Santorini)
6. Gold necklace with lava beads ($25 in Santorini)
7. Owl ring ($40 at Jurassic Park in Universal)

Other:

1. J.Crew owl print pajama top ($12.50, J.Crew Factory) 

Gifted:

1. Orox Leather laptop sleeve
2. Orox Leather 'Merces Petite' bag
3. Aeropostale elephant print skirt
4. Aeropostale chevron dress
5. Aeropostale printed long sleeve top
6. Serendipity and Grace Natural Stone Beaded Bracelet
7. Serendipity and Grace Agate Stone Tassel Pendant Necklace

I've been growing bored with my clothing choices these days. To remedy that I decided to experiment with wearing a blazer and shorts together.  Not sure if it totally works, but I liked the change.  I also realized, while my dad was taking these photos, that if I took off my blazer and swapped my sandals for white Keds I would look like Baby in Dirty Dancing! Ha ha.

Tomorrow morning I'm headed to Florida for a week of frolicking with friends. Normally when I'm on vacation I like to schedule posts in advance, but since I've been so unhappy with my clothing choices lately I decided to just take a break for the week. I shall return next Tuesday!

Blazer: Chanel (Roundabout Resale), Tank: Cynthia Rowley (Marshalls), Shorts: Madewell, Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Astrapi' (Net-a-Porter), Belt: Kenneth Cole Reaction (TJ Maxx), Sunglasses: Ray-Ban 'Erika' c/o Ditto

Accidentally channeling Jennifer Gray in Dirty Dancing 🍉

A photo posted by Megan (@closet_fashion) on Jul 22, 2015 at 2:46pm PDT

Denim shorts, a Summer staple. I haven't had a pair of denim shorts in a few years (unless you count my chambray shorts, which I probably should.)  I like that high waisted styles are back in because even though these are short, I don't feel too exposed. I bought these when I realized my chambray shorts were a little too big and they're quickly becoming a favorite item  I'm also back to giving less loved items some wear. These sandals were my favorites a few years ago, but since my discovery of Ancient Greek Sandals, they've taken a back seat. I also rarely wear this top, not sure why because it's nice and thin so I don't overheat.

Top c/o ThredUp, Shorts: Madewell, Sandals: Seychelles (DSW), Bag c/o Orox Leather

Some people can wear any trend and look great. Sadly that is not the case for me and a dress with sneakers. I just can't seem to pull off the look, but I tried anyway.  While I won't wear this again at least I went out of my comfort zone and attempted it! I'm also wearing another piece that has been neglected the past few years. I used to wear this dress EVERY week when I first got it 4 years ago, now it barely gets worn. I suppose that's what happens when you love something too much.

Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs (eBay), Sneakers: PUMA c/o Kicks USA, Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Henry Dinky' (Gilt), Necklace: etsy

When I started this blog I hardly ever wore makeup or used skincare products. But throughout my years of blogging I've been gifted samples of all sorts of beauty products and started to experiment with others. Over time my favorite products have changed. Previously I've raved about L'Oreal's Youth Code line and Simple Skincare, but I've moved on to more expensive products recently. Read on to see what I'm loving at the moment.  Keep in mind that I'm a super lazy person, so if I can do this, you can!

Morning Routine: In the morning I use 3 products, 4 if it's the weekend.  I start off with Lancôme Rénergie Eye Multiple Action around my eyes. Next I use Lumene Vitamin C Day Cream with SPF 15. On top of that I'll use Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel for a nice kick of moisture. On the weekends I'll add in Chanel's Le Weekend de Chanel.

Lancôme Rénergie Eye Multiple Action, Lumene Vitamin C Day Cream with SPF 15, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, Le Weekend de Chanel

Evening Routine: My night-time routine is similar to the morning, I have a product for my eyes, a serum and a moisturizer. I begin with Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye followed by Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Next I use La Nuit de Chanel moisturizer. If I have any blemishes I'll apply some boscia Clear Complexion Willow Bark Spot Treatment. Once again, on weekends, I will replace the Chanel moisturizer with Le Weekend de Chanel.

P.S. If you are on the fence about the Chanel Resynchronizing Skincare line I recommend buying the mini sample size. I started off with that and it lasted about 6 months and when I ran out I bought the larger sizes. I haven't gotten the full size of Le Jour de Chanel yet because I'm so happy with Neutrogena's Hydro Boost which is a similar product.

boscia Clear Complexion Willow Bark Spot Treatment, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye, Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, La Nuit de Chanel

Pre- and Post-Shower: Back in February I read a post on Brooklyn Blonde about Dry Brushing and thought I would give it a try. I use the Mio Skincare Natural dry body brush before I shower to help easily remove dead skin cells and get the blood flowing. I shower at night rather than in the morning because I hate drying my hair before I go out so my hair either goes into a bun or I sleep with damp hair (I know, I know, not good!)

After I shower I use body lotion all over to keep my skin silky smooth. I'm currently using lotion I bought in Vermont, but previously I've used Bliss Body Butter and Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion.

Lotion from The Vermont Country Store, Mio Skincare Natural dry body brush

Makeup:  I learned how to apply makeup at my local Lord & Taylor's Chanel counter so I am a loyal Chanel user.  Many people used to ask why I would spend so much on makeup. My answer was simple: I knew if I spent a lot of money on it I would use it. It was a motivation to myself to use makeup. Plus, the packaging is pretty!

My makeup routine is pretty simple. Step 1: Blush. Step 2: Mascara. Step 3: Lipstick.  If I'm going out or doing something special I'll add some eyeshadow into the mix. There was a time when I would put on foundation every day even though I hated it and was never sure I was doing it properly.  So now I leave it out all together and only use it on rare occasions. I do use Lancôme Dreamtone Ultimate Skin Tone Corrector in the Winter.

See my current favorites below. I have my handful of lipstick shades and a rotation of mascaras. There are a few others waiting for when one of these run out, I don't like to have too many open at once!

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush (68 Rose Ecrin), Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine (61 Bonheur, 66 Bel Ami, 67 Deauville, 81 Fiction, 88 Esprit), Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge (Berry Noir)

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow (79 Spices), Physicians Formula Va Va Voom Volume Mascara, Benefit they're real! lengthening mascara, Lancôme GRANDIÔSE - Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara

Looks like we're starting this week off with a lot of black! Here's a Summer evening outfit for those cooler nights where it's still warm. We haven't had many super high temperature days in Connecticut yet, but weathermen (and women) are predicting that will change soon. Personally I'm enjoying these days in the high 70s mid 80s. I'll get my fill of hot temperatures next week in Florida (yes, I'm going again...)

This top is one of my new favorites for Summer. I bought it a few weeks ago during one of Madewell's extra 40% off sale sales! It has "overlapping side vents" which give a nice breeze in the warm weather and show off just enough skin. I'll definitely be wearing this in Florida. I was tempted to order the light blue one last weekend but they sold out of my size.

P.S. Optional soundtrack for today's post: Summer Nights from Grease.

Top: Madewell, Jeans: FRAME 'Le Skinny de Jeanne' (Shopbop), Shoes: Jimmy Choo (Roundabout Resale), Bag: Chanel (Madison Avenue Couture), Sunglasses: Chanel, Necklace: bought in Santorini

This dress was one of my Roundabout Resale scores last Summer and it hasn't gotten as much wear as it deserves. I've been trying to wear the less-loved items in my closet more often so I pulled this out over the weekend. It retailed for $990 and I paid $80, my kind of deal!

Don't forget, you can still enter to win your choice of jewelry from Serendipity and Grace! The giveaway ends tomorrow!

Dress: Jason Wu (Roundabout Resale), Sandals: Isola c/o Marshalls, Bracelet c/o Serendipity and Grace

This dress is one of my Net-a-Porter End of Season Sale buys! I bought this along with a Tory Burch bikini which probably won't be seen on the blog, we'll see. Both of them were featured in my wishlist post and made it all the way to final reductions so I scooped them up with some advertising money!

How adorable is the zebra print? I love that from far away you can't really tell, but when you get closer you see that it's hundreds of little zebras.  There is also a black and white version of the dress but I prefer the olive.  It is a nice loose fit and thin fabric, so it's perfect for those really hot days.

Dress: Splendid (Net-a-Porter sale), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Alethea' (also here, here & here), Sunglasses: Chanel

It's been a while since I did a daily inspiration post, but when I saw these photos of Emma Stone taken for The Wall Street Journal, I had to share! Emma is one of my girl crushes, I love her! She is so quirky and has a great sense of style and I'm obsessed with her hair. I actually brought photos of her for my makeover back in December 2013, but the stylist went another direction. That's what I get for doing a free haircut for a website (that they never even posted!) I haven't had my hair cut since.

I love the way they styled her for this shoot. I especially want burgundy/burnt red sweater by Bottega Veneta, the full purple look, Chloe patchwork poncho (which I could never pull off)