I successfully went the whole month without spending money on clothes!!! I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep it up in December as Net-a-Porter's sale will be undergoing some more price reductions during the month. I'm going to attempt to limit myself to only buying something from that sale. Although... rag & bone has a special Star Wars collection coming out tomorrow that I might be tempted by if the price is right.

Just because I didn't spend money doesn't mean I didn't buy anything. I was well behaved until Cyber Monday when I remembered I had a J.Crew gift card from last year. I decided to check out their sale to see if anything tickled my fancy. (The sale was 40% off plus an extra 10% off AND free shipping.) I ended up with just one piece and still have $60 left on my gift card for another month where I need a pick-me-up.

The sweater I bought is a modified version of a sweater from the J.Crew Fall 2017 Ready to Wear collection. I do prefer the larger scale of the embroidery that was in the collection but this sweater is still really cute and the sun, moon and stars hold special meaning for me.  Now let's just hope it fits once it arrives!

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. Vintage Havana Floral Embroidered Sweater via Pearls & Plaid ($50, used gift card) 
9. Context Three-Quarter Bell Sleeve sweater via Lord & Taylor ($20, retail $68, used renters insurance refund)
10. *NEW!* J.Crew Cardigan sweater with cosmic embroidery ($39, retail $110, 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,  advertising $$) 
5. Alice + Olivia blue striped cashmere sweater via Roundabout ($25, $368? retail)
6. Everlane "Square Tee" in Burgundy ($18) 
7. Everlane "The High-Rise Skinny Jean" in Mid-Blue ($68)
8. Everlane "The Cotton Tee" in Rose ($15, used renters insurance credit)
9. Everlane "The Cashmere Crop V-Neck" in Black ($100, $62 after insurance credit)

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. Zigi Soho Velvet Floral Embroidered Open Toe Mules via T.J. Maxx ($20, retail $60?, used gift card) 
9. BCBGeneragion Yerra slip on sneaker (birthday gift, $79 retail)
10. Kelly & Katie Amour mule (birthday gift, $50 retail)

Bags:

1. Disney x Coach 'Patricia' with Mickey ears ($179 at Coach Outlet, $395 retail)
2. Chloe 'Faye' in Dark Purple via eBay ($1500, $1950 retail) 
3. Louis Vuitton 'Epi Sac D'Epaule' via HauteTrader ($0, retail $1600?)

 
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. Birthstone Star and Mickey Mouse ring ($15 with discount, used advertising $$) 
5. Birthstone Mickey Mouse earrings ($15 with discount, used advertising $$)

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. Diane von Furstenberg Fanny dress (also here) c/o HauteTrader 
8. Missoni Purple Wool Chevron Metallic Knit Sweater Dress  c/o HauteTrader 

Total spent in November: $0

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: $3136 - $2836 not counting sunglasses

*the money for the sunglasses came out of my vacations savings account rather than "regular" money

For my second monochromatic Thanksgiving outfit I went for the classic black and white. But this look is anything but basic thanks to my crazy Proenza Schouler printed pants!

Sweater: Everlane "The Cashmere Crop V-Neck", Printed Pants: Proenza Shouler (Yoox), Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood suede Prism pumps (NET-A-PORTER), Bag: Chanel Classic 2.55 Double Flap (Madison Avenue Couture, Necklace: Pearls & Plaid (gift from Lydia), Earrings: Mejuri 'Loop' by Jamie-Lee

For Thanksgiving this year I decided to wear two monochromatic outfits. The past few years I had worn my fun burgundy leather pants (2014 b, 2014 a, 2015, and 2016) Unfortunately, they ripped last year after getting caught on something, so they had to be retired.

For my first monochromatic look I went with my favorite color - purple! The look is completed with gold accents from my belt, ring (that belonged to my Grandmother,) earrings, necklace, Chloé Faye and a fun gold stripe on my pumps!

Cashmere Double V-Neck Sweater: Calypso St. Barth (Gilt Groupe), Pants c/o Banana Republic 'Sloan' (in purple), Heels: Coach 'Nacie' (Marshalls), Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay), Earrings: Mejuri 'Loop' by Jamie-Lee, Necklace: Acanthus Jewelry 'Gemma'

My favorite sale of the season, the NET-A-PORTER End of Season Sale started on Monday! Today I'm sharing what's on my wish list. My main strategy for the sale is to try and wait for final reductions which happen a month or so after the sale starts. The danger here is that something you want may sell out. So if an item you REALLY love is on sale and looks like it may sell out, GRAB IT.  It's a bit like playing chicken, see how long you can hold out before pulling the trigger. Make sure you keep checking back because they are always adding new items!

P.S. Their sister site The Outnet's Clearance sale ALSO started!!

My process: On the first day of the sale I go through every item and add anything I like to my sale wish list, not paying attention to price. Yes, I am insane. But I have a system... After everything I like is in my wish list I let it sit there. Slowly items sell out and I go through and get rid of things I definitely won't wear. I also wait until the final reductions, which come in a few weeks. This is risky, but also good for my wallet.  If an item I have been lusting over for a long time shows up in the sale I may purchase it in the first round, but that is rare.  If I do that, I don't wear the item until the sale is over. Why do you ask? Because it could go more on sale and I can buy it again and return one (they don't do price adjustments during the sale) or I may find something better when final reductions start and I can return the more expensive piece in favor of something that is kinder to my wallet.

Shop the items: Gabriela Hearst Bridget chiffon-trimmed velvet midi dress, See by Chloé Wool turtleneck mini dress, M.i.h Jeans Welbeck Velvet Wide-leg Pants, By Malene Birger Glittha Leopard-jacquard Coat, Bottega Veneta Nodini Small Embroidered Intrecciato Leather Shoulder Bag, Anya Hindmarch Fox Leather Shoulder Bag, Aquazzura Nairobi Embellished Faille Point-toe Flats, Jimmy Choo Lucy 85 Suede-trimmed Devoré-mesh Pumps, Marc Jacobs Intarsia cashmere sweater, ELEVEN SIX Lorena fringed cable-knit alpaca-blend sweater, Alexander Wang Abby Leather-trimmed Velvet Sandals

Shop my full wish list (this will update as I add more)

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American followers! I hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends! Don't go into to big of a turkey coma! I'll be in a sugar one, myself. I leave room for ALLLLL the desserts!

Image source

I wore this on Saturday to go on a shopping and ramen trip with a friend. If I told someone I was going to wear stripes with leopard print they would think I was insane. But after seeing this look they would (hopefully) be converted! The trick to not looking totally crazy while mixing prints is to wear the same color family.

Imagine this look with a regular leopard print. I would look like a total weirdo, right? But since I paired burgundy leopard print with a stripe that also has burgundy, it doesn't look nearly as strange. I bet I still got some stares while walking through Marshalls, but I don't care!

Cardigan: DNKY (Net-a-Porter), Cashmere Turtleneck: Vince (Marshalls), Leopard Print Jeans: Current/Elliott (Rue La La), Two Tone Flats: Chanel (eBay), Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay)

For the past year or so I've been lucky enough to have Aveda send me some of their amazing hair, skincare and beauty products. Over that time there have been a few knockouts that I have run out of because I love them so much! Today I 'm sharing my current skincare routine as well as some of my favorite Aveda products!

Night

Aveda Tulasāra™ Wedding Masque Overnight and Eye Overnight

Every night right before bed I use Aveda tulasāra™ wedding masque overnight and Aveda tulasāra™ wedding masque eye overnight. I started using them in February 2017 and am totally hooked. I'm almost out of both products so I'll have to order some more.  The scent is amazing and the cream goes on super smooth with no greasy feel. I wake up with my skin feeling hydrated and smooth. There's actually a more in-depth process to using this masque that I've since been too lazy to keep up with, but in case you want to try it out:

1. Sweep wedding masque for face onto décolleté, neck and face. Breathe in the relaxing aroma with jasmine, camomile and grapefruit.
2. Massage your shanka pressure points counterclockwise 7 times, then clockwise 7 times, then in slow, pulsing motions 7 times.
3. Place index and middle fingers on the sthapani point and repeat massage motions. Sleep, and wake up to wedding-day skin.

After (or before) the wedding masque, gently apply the accompanying eye wedding masque with ring fingertips around the whole eyelid and under-eye.

Morning & Night:

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

I’ve been plagued by dark spots on my face for quite a while. They’re old acne scars, and I’m sure no one else notices them, but I'm self conscious. I decided to get rid of them and did some research. I chose Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution and it didn’t disappoint!

At first, I balked at the price ($49.50) but in the end I decided that if it worked it would be worth it. I’ve used other Kiehl’s products in the past (and present) and was confident it would work. I’m now on day 101 of using it morning and night with my usual routine and the dark spots are  gone! I have some new ones on my chin to get rid of now, it's a never-ending curse.

I repurchased the dark spot solution in the larger size during a Kiehl's promo deal (to get deluxe samples of their Midnight Recovery line, another favorite!) and started using that on November 1st. The first bottle lasted 80 days when used morning and night.

I read in reviews that the top doesn’t stay on tightly so when I traveled I made sure to put it in a plastic bag to avoid it getting all over my other products. I’ve definitely lost some product due to the loose top, but that is the ONLY issue I’ve had.

In the Shower:

bliss triple oxygen instant energizing foaming mask

A few times a week while I'm in the shower I like to use bliss' triple oxygen foaming mask. Previously I used Exuviance Bionic Oxygen Facial, which I got from the "free table" at my old job in New York City. Once that ran out I started using the bliss, which I had gotten free from Kohl's. Both work great but I love the smell of the bliss facial.

Aveda Shampure Collection

This is my newest acquisition from Aveda. Earlier this month they sent over the Shampure shampoo, conditioner, body mist and composition oil. When I wash my hair I apply conditioner to the ends of my hair first and then shampoo to the roots and rinse them off together. I'm not sure how prolonged use will affect my hair but after the first couple weeks it's soft and smooth, so an A+ rating so far! I also use the composition oil while in the shower but you can use it on dry skin as well. The scent of these products is very subtle but extremely calming. It's made up of 25 pure flower and plant essences including certified organic lavender, petitgrain and ylang ylang.

Aveda Candrimā Collection

This is another favorite Aveda product, the Aveda Candrimā cream cleansing oil. The fragrance, made with ginger and ginger lily, is so comforting. I ran out a few weeks ago so I'll need to buy some more. I use it at the end of my shower and then rinse it off for the perfect relaxing scent to finish my shower. It also comes as a body moisturizer which I frequently use and am also running out of. The horror!!! This product is limited edition for the holiday season so it's time to order it again if you like the scent! It will make a perfect gift for friends and family too.

Previously: Aveda invati

I wash my hair every other day and used the exfoliating shampoo and thickening conditioner each time. Unfortunately using them started making my hair a little too greasy so I had to switch to a different shampoo and conditioner. But the scent is amazing and I loved how smooth my hair felt afterward. So if you want thicker, fuller hair, give it a go!

Face Masks

I also use some face masks throughout the month when I'm feeling extra fancy. Below are the ones I'm currently using as well as a few I've tried in the past. I still have two Sephora sheet masks I have yet to use. Perhaps this weekend!

ORIGINS Clear Improvement® Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores

This is my current favorite. I bought it after getting a sample from Sephora. It does a great job of cleaning my pores and making me feel fresh. I've always been too afraid of the peel off masks so this is a great alternative. Do you have a peel off charcoal mask that you like?

Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask

"A mask that helps to purify skin and visibly minimize pores." I still have a TON of this left since it's in a big tub so I'll be enjoying it for quite a long time. My skin always feels tight and fresh after using it. Such an odd but satisfying feeling, right?

Tata Harper Clarifying Mask

"A complexion clearing treatment with an AHA superfruit blend and quartz sand micro crystals to create the look of a clearer, more refined complexion. " I only had a small sample of this so I used it twice, but I really liked how it made my skin feel. Once I run out of my current full-size masks I may buy this in a larger size.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Instant Hydrogel Eye Mask Depuffing & Moisturizing

"A mega-refreshing hydrogel mask that eliminates signs of fatigue." This mask has a really nice cooling effect for my constantly tired eyes. I used it 3 times before it became too dry to reuse. At only $4, I will definitely re-buy this in my next Sephora order.

Nails:

Chanel Nail Polish

Since I was already taking photos I figured I should show off my Chanel nail polish collection! I allow myself to splurge and buy a new one every once in a while. I prefer to paint my own nails rather than going to the salon so instead of a manicure I just buy a Chanel polish for the same price that I can use more than once. (I also use Essie and a few other random brands)