This outfit is nothing special, until you look at the shoes. Sometimes all you need for a great outfit is a killer pair of heels. They instantly make this outfit cooler and it is still, in my opinion, stylish almost 3 years after it's original debut.

Tee: Everlane, Sweater: Ralph Lauren (Good Will), Jeans: Free People (Gilt Groupe), Heels: Miu Miu (eBay), Necklace:  SparkleFarm (etsy)



The Original

I'm wearing two of my Christmas gifts in this outfit, a cardigan and new top. How cute is this Bambi top with the sequin flowers? I actually had my eye on this when the Lauren Conrad collection first came out but never got around to buying it, my mom read my mind. I was a little on the fence about the cardigan because it's not my usual dark colors. In the end I decided it was too soft to give up and my wardrobe can use a little more brightness!

Cardigan: Calvin Klein (Lord & Taylor), Bambi Top: LC Lauren Conrad (Kohl's), Jeans: Free People, Boots: vintage (eBay)

Who says you can't wear black and brown together? I think this outfit looks just fine and I'm wearing two different shades of brown with my black vest. Although, I guess it could be considered dark gray. Either way, the colors work well together, don't you think? The mild weather we had in December made it possible for me to get more use out of my vests, always a plus! This may be my favorite of my vests because the (faux) fur is so soft!

Top: Altuzarra x Target, Vest: Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-Fur Collar Shawl c/o Kohl's, Jeans:  J Brand Mid Rise Photo Ready Super Skinny Jean in Bluebird (Gilt), Boots: White Mountain c/o Marshalls

How is this the first post of 2016?! I think 2015 went by way too fast, but it was full of fun and magic!  Starting the year off with a dreary-backgrounded outfit post. But at least my outfit includes some brightness, even if it is monochromatic.  This really fun necklace was my Christmas gift from Lydia. And, oddly enough, I almost bought her the same thing! That happened last year too...

Sweater: BCBG, Jeans: Free People (Marshalls), Boots: Candie's c/o Kohl's, Necklace: House of Harlow Sunburst Pendant (gift)

No throwback outfit this week since it's New Years Eve and I doubt anyone will be visiting the blog today! Also, it's the last day of the month so that means Wardrobe Update time!  I got a few new things for Christmas, but sadly I think only 1 is definitely staying so I only listed that piece for now. I already returned the two things I picked myself because they didn't look great. I made a replacement order so hopefully the new items are a better fit (literally and figuratively!) They should be delivered this afternoon!

[Update: The Madewell order came in, everything was great! They've been added below]

I'll be heading to Lord & Taylor with my Mom today to return a dress she got me. It's really fun and fits me great but I know it won't get a lot of wear. I decided to keep a pretty tan and white cardigan she picked out. At first I wasn't sure about it since it isn't my usual dark colors, but it's so soft and cozy!

I blame my aunt for my regular spending this month. When I went for my monthly massage we decided to go to some consignment stores in the area. I ended up buying two coats and a pair of loafers. BUT I only spent $50, so not as horrible as it could have been.

Overall I think I did pretty good with spending this year. There were a few months where I fell off the less is more train, but these last few months - excluding December - I really only bought one or two things that enhanced my wardrobe. My best purchases of the year, by far, were the DKNY colorblock cardigan and DKNY romper. Both of them got a ton of wear (on vacations and while at home.)


THE RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

Clothes:

1. Zara cropped sweater ($49.90, used advertising money)
2. *NEW!* Love Life & Freedom faux shearling jacket ($18 via Consignment Originals)  
3. *NEW!* Za&Za navy and burgundy colorblock coat ($25 via Karma's Closet)
4. *NEW!*  Disney's Bambi by LC Lauren Conrad Graphic Sweatshirt (Christmas gift, Kohl's)
5. *NEW!* Calvin Klein cardigan (Christmas gift, Lord & Taylor)

Basics:

1. Max Studio cardigan (gift from Lydia)
2. Vince Overlay Hem Cashmere Turtleneck ($59.99 via Marshalls, used birthday gift card) 
3. Everlane 'The Cotton V' in navy ($15) 
4. J Brand Mid Rise Photo Ready Super Skinny Jean in Bluebird ($62 via Gilt)
5. *NEW!* Madewell Hexcomb Texture Sweater in hthr spruce (Christmas gift, Madewell)

Shoes:

1. Audrey Brooke over the knee boots ($75 via DSW, birthday gift)
2. *NEW!*Etienne Aigner Loafers in burgundy ($4.50 via Consignment Originals)

Accessories:

1. Emm Kuo 'Westbourne Satchel' in snakeskin & stingray ($295 via Roundabout Resale, regularly $1300)
2. *NEW!* House of Harlow 1960 Sunburst Pendant Necklace (Christmas gift from Lydia) 
3. *NEW!* Madewell Houndstooth Patchwork Scarf (Christmas gift, Madewell)
4. *NEW!* Madewell Ribbed Texting Gloves(Christmas gift, Madewell)
5. *NEW!* Madewell Stonework Drop Necklace (Christmas gift, Madewell)

Gifted from Brands:

1. Mighty Fine Star Wars R2D2 Sweatshirt c/o Kohl's
2. Mighty Fine Star Wars ''The Empire Strikes Back'' Thermal Tee c/o Kohl's
3. Rock & Republic Star Wars Studded Leggings c/o Kohl's
4. Star Wars R2-D2 Pendant c/o Kohl's
5. Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-Fur Collar Shawl Vest c/o Kohl's
6. LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection Pleated Velvet Skirt c/o Kohl's
7. Simply Vera Vera Wang Mary Jane Heels c/o Kohl's
8. Candie's Ankle Boots c/o Kohl's
9. Nike Air Max 90 Premium iD sneaker
10. Ann Taylor wrap sweater c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets
11. Charlotte Russe ombre cardigan c/o Foxwoods & Tanger Outlets 
12. UncommonGoods necklace 
13. Onecklace chevron birthstone necklace
14. Onecklace heart midi ring
15. Isabel Marant 'On Plane Collection Necklace' c/o Luisaviaroma
16. *NEW!* Banana Republic Italian Cashmere-Blend Boyfriend Cardigan c/o Westfield Trumbull Mall
17. *NEW!* Forever 21 'May the Force Be With You' top c/o Westfield Trumbull Mall
18. *NEW!* Forever 21 Trust Me I'm a Jedi' bottoms c/o Westfield Trumbull Mall