Here's my only outfit post from Aruba. Most of the other days I wasn't thinking about taking photos by myself so they're all group photos. These were taken when we did a Jeep tour to see some of the sights and snorkel in the Natural Pool. More photos from that tomorrow!

Dress: Elle (Kohl's), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athena' (Gilt), Sunglasses: Ray-Ban 'Erika' (Ditto)

Another hot Summer day, another pair of shorts. And who doesn't love a nice black and white leopard print? Added a bit of gold to the outfit with accessories to jazz it up a little bit more. Look out for Aruba posts next week! :)

Top c/o Simple Retro, Shorts: Zara, Sandals: Isola c/o Marshalls, Necklace: bought in Greece

I'm am (or should be) home from Aruba! My flight got in at 12am and I'll be spending the day working at my Aunt's house since she's only 20 minutes from the airport and I didn't want to drive an hour home after landing so early (or late). This is a pre-scheduled post from a couple weeks before I left.  I'll probably share some vacation photos next week - I may or may not have taken outfit photos. Haven't decided as of the writing of this post. I'm also off to Rhode Island for a week on Saturday, but I'll be working from there.

Top: Tinley Road (Piperlime), Shorts: Zara, Sandals: Mula c/o Marshalls, Necklace: House of Harlow 'Sunburst' (gift from Lydia)

This month's wardrobe update is coming a few days early because I'm off to Aruba today and taking a break from blogging while I'm gone! My goal for July was to not spend any money on clothes since I went a little overboard on entertainment purchases last month. Sadly I failed.

I bought a bathing suit from Old Navy with a gift card, so I didn't break my no spending rule there. What got me was Net-a-Porter's End of Season sale. I almost made it through because the one thing I really wanted (Lanvin sandals I posted here in February) had sold out. But then in the last week of the sale one pair came back in stock in my size and it was an extra 20% off so I pounced. Bye bye $316 and my well-behaved month.



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)

Basics:

1. J.Crew Factory colorblock sweater ($24, used gift card)
2. Banana Republic 'patch-pocket' shorts ($11 at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet) 
3. *NEW!* Old Navy black bikini top & bottom ($18, used gift card)

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. *NEW!* Lanvin Studded Suede Sandals ($316 via Net-a-Porter End of Season Sale, $790 retail)

Accessories:

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

Gifted from Brands:

1. Simple Retro crop top (via Amazon)

Total spent in 2016:  $1066.50
(not counting Saint Laurent top which used Christmas money)

1. The Perfect Bathing Suit: You can't go to the beach without a bathing suit. Whether it's a bikini, tankini or one-piece make sure you feel confident! That's all that matters.

2. Silky Sunscreen: Who wants their skin to feel gross and oily in sunscreen? That's right, nobody! Make sure to pick up a sunscreen that will leave your skin feeling silky.

3. A Cute Coverup and Stylish Flip Flops: You'll want to go from the beach out to eat or shop so pack a cute sundress that will easily transition you from beach to bar. And some stylish sandals...not the $2.50 ones from Old Navy! (although I love those too)

4. Fancy Shades: I don't know about you but me + sun = squinting. That's not cute so I always have a sleek pair of sunglasses to protect my eyes. (But be careful of getting a sunglasses tan!)

5. A Big Bold Beach Blanket: Last but not least you'll need a fun blanket or towel to get your tan on or dry off after a dip in the water!

Are you taking any beach trips this year? First up for me is Aruba, and then the week after I'll be at my favorite beach in Rhode Island. But the latter is a working vacation, so beach in the morning work in the afternoon!