Easing back into the blog after getting back from our honeymoon with my September wardrobe update. I was gone half the month on our honeymoon so it was pretty easy to not shop - apart from the couple things on my list to buy in Europe. Luckily I had a surge in blog revenue before we left so that covered what I bought on the trip!
I only intended to buy one pair of Ancient Greek Sandals on my trip but ended up with 2. I bought the first pair in Santorini for 30% off (WOO!) and still had to visit the new Ancient Greek Sandals flagship store in Athens and ended up with a pair there too. But this is the only actual AGS dedicated store so how could I not? The first pair is part of their yearly limited edition collaboration. This year it was with GAS Bijoux so the sandals have cute little charms on them! The second pair is totally different from what I usually buy because they're slides instead of ones with clasps (I prefer those for walking)
I almost broke down and bought my Gucci Marmont purse in Florence because they had the color I want still in stock (no other stores did.) But I don't have enough saved up yet so I'll keep saving and buy it used once I can. To heal the pain I bought a cute little leather purse at one of those leather shops. Probably not the best quality but it's adorable!
THE (modified) RULES
Clothes:
Total spent in 2019: $195.49
I only intended to buy one pair of Ancient Greek Sandals on my trip but ended up with 2. I bought the first pair in Santorini for 30% off (WOO!) and still had to visit the new Ancient Greek Sandals flagship store in Athens and ended up with a pair there too. But this is the only actual AGS dedicated store so how could I not? The first pair is part of their yearly limited edition collaboration. This year it was with GAS Bijoux so the sandals have cute little charms on them! The second pair is totally different from what I usually buy because they're slides instead of ones with clasps (I prefer those for walking)
I almost broke down and bought my Gucci Marmont purse in Florence because they had the color I want still in stock (no other stores did.) But I don't have enough saved up yet so I'll keep saving and buy it used once I can. To heal the pain I bought a cute little leather purse at one of those leather shops. Probably not the best quality but it's adorable!
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
Clothes:
- Autumn Cashmere Landscape Intarsia Cashmere Crew ($240, retail $440, used Christmas + ad money)
- Sandro burgundy double breasted blazer ($36 via Roundabout Resale, retail ~$500)
- Massimo Dutti white wool blazer ($19 via Roundabout Resale, retail $130-$250)
- Rag & Bone 'Jackie' purple leather trimmed wool jacket ($32 via Roundabout Resale, retail $495)
- eight sixty floral camisole dress ($7 via eBay, used ad money)
- Joie 'Johnesha' black polka dot tiered dress ($39.99 via Marshalls, $398 retail)
- J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck ($5, retail $30, used gift card)
- J.Crew Ribbed flare-sleeve turtleneck ($8, retail $45, used gift card)
- J.Crew Midrise skinny jean in velvet ($10, retail $80, used gift card)
- AG Jeans 'The Evan' pleated linen pant in Sulfur Harvest Olive - also here ($39 via Marshalls, $178 retail)
- Splendid Arabesque Cargo Short in Antique Military Olive ($29.99 via Marshalls, $108 retail)
- Lanvin Studded Suede 'City' Sandals ($60 via The RealReal, $790 retail, used ad money)
- Lanvin Studded Leather 'City' Sandals ($60 via The RealReal, $790 retail, used ad money)
- *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals 'Apteros' in Crosta Wine ($158 in Athens, used ad money)
- *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals X Gas Bijoux 'Stephanie Charms' in Natural/Red Charms ($254 in Santorini, used ad money)
- *NEW!* Mini Leather Bag (25€ in Italy, used ad money)
- *NEW!* Olive Leaf + Branch + Pearl Necklace ($50 in Santorini, used ad money)
- Simple Pearl Necklace c/o AUrate
Total spent in 2019: $195.49
Designer collaborations are all the rage these days, everyone from H&M to Kohl's do collections with famous designers. We can thank Target for making it popular, they started the trend 20 years ago. I believe I used to have a pair of sandals from a collection they did with Isaac Mizrahi but they are long since destroyed from wear.
Last month Target announced they would be re-releasing some of their most popular brand collaboration pieces to celebrate 20 years of designer partnerships! I have bought quite a few pieces from the collections over the years and some remain favorites to this day! One of my absolute favorites is my floral Jason Wu dress that has been on the blog countless times. I also love my 3.1 Phillip Lim sweater and sweatshirt - they are re-releasing both of those! You can preview everything that will be available here and shop tomorrow!
Unfortunately since the collection is being released tomorrow, I will be flying to and enjoying my first night in Rome. Such a shame! But I guess it's stopping me from shopping! Speaking of - this will be my last post until October since I didn't want to have blog posts go up while I'm away. Follow me on Instagram to keep up with our travels through Italy and Greece and when we get back I'll share outfits and travel guides! YAY!
Top: Thakoon for Design Nation (Kohl's), Jean Shorts: Madewell Boyshort in Frances, Slip-On Sneakers: BCBGeneration 'Yerra' Slip-on Sneaker (DSW), Bag c/o Orox Leather
Last month Target announced they would be re-releasing some of their most popular brand collaboration pieces to celebrate 20 years of designer partnerships! I have bought quite a few pieces from the collections over the years and some remain favorites to this day! One of my absolute favorites is my floral Jason Wu dress that has been on the blog countless times. I also love my 3.1 Phillip Lim sweater and sweatshirt - they are re-releasing both of those! You can preview everything that will be available here and shop tomorrow!
Unfortunately since the collection is being released tomorrow, I will be flying to and enjoying my first night in Rome. Such a shame! But I guess it's stopping me from shopping! Speaking of - this will be my last post until October since I didn't want to have blog posts go up while I'm away. Follow me on Instagram to keep up with our travels through Italy and Greece and when we get back I'll share outfits and travel guides! YAY!
Top: Thakoon for Design Nation (Kohl's), Jean Shorts: Madewell Boyshort in Frances, Slip-On Sneakers: BCBGeneration 'Yerra' Slip-on Sneaker (DSW), Bag c/o Orox Leather
I wore this to go to a blogger dinner at Bhog in Rocky Hill. It's a really fun Indian restaurant that mixes in other Asian cuisines. We tried a HUGE tasting menu and left with very full tummies. I definitely recommend it if you're in the area!
Unfortunately this evening there were TORRENTIAL downpours causing traffic and accidents all over the place. It rained for an hour before Lydia and I planned to take our outfit pictures. Luckily, there was about a 15 minute break in the rain when we took our photos. Talk about Mother Nature lending a hand!
(Ignore the red spots on my knee, did some cupping again with my aunt, ha ha!)
Dress: Rebecca Taylor Leopard Print Dress (Roundabout), Pointed Toe Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood suede Prism pumps (Net-a-Porter sale), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Perfect Purse ostrich-effect PVC' (Net-a-Porter), Necklace c/o AUrate Simple Pearl Necklace
Unfortunately this evening there were TORRENTIAL downpours causing traffic and accidents all over the place. It rained for an hour before Lydia and I planned to take our outfit pictures. Luckily, there was about a 15 minute break in the rain when we took our photos. Talk about Mother Nature lending a hand!
(Ignore the red spots on my knee, did some cupping again with my aunt, ha ha!)
Dress: Rebecca Taylor Leopard Print Dress (Roundabout), Pointed Toe Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood suede Prism pumps (Net-a-Porter sale), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Perfect Purse ostrich-effect PVC' (Net-a-Porter), Necklace c/o AUrate Simple Pearl Necklace
I've had this tank for 4 years but I don't wear it much because I've found it hard to style. The slits make it fit weird with certain items so I can't really wear it with shorts. I attempted to in this look but I'm not sure what I think. I need to stick with wearing skinny jeans to offset the looseness.
I also realize I've been wearing this purse way too often, but I go through phases. I'm going to try to swap it for another purse for a bit but I'm sure you'll see it again in Fall because small purses are "in," not that I really pay too much attention to trends.
Top: Madewell Singlet Side-Slit Tank, Shorts: Banana Republic (Clinton Crossing), Sandals: Lanvin studded leather 'City' sandal (The RealReal), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Perfect Purse ostrich-effect PVC' (Net-a-Porter), Necklace: bought in Santorini, Sunglasses: Chanel
I also realize I've been wearing this purse way too often, but I go through phases. I'm going to try to swap it for another purse for a bit but I'm sure you'll see it again in Fall because small purses are "in," not that I really pay too much attention to trends.
Top: Madewell Singlet Side-Slit Tank, Shorts: Banana Republic (Clinton Crossing), Sandals: Lanvin studded leather 'City' sandal (The RealReal), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Perfect Purse ostrich-effect PVC' (Net-a-Porter), Necklace: bought in Santorini, Sunglasses: Chanel
*This post was made in partnership with Nakturnal. Thank you for supporting brands that I feature on the blog*
When it comes to jewelry in Summer I find that less is more is the way to go. Pairing simple outfits with dainty fine jewelry is the perfect solution for accessorizing in hot temperatures. I'm delighted to be featuring sustainable jewelry brand AUrate again. I previously featured their Sensu Ear Jackets in rose gold during the holidays.
Pearls can sometimes feel a bit too "proper" for me. I have a full pearl necklace that my Grandmother gave me that is sitting unworn in it's box. It's beautiful but too much for everyday wear. When I saw this simple pearl necklace at AUrate I thought it was perfect! It's made with a sustainably grown Akoya pearl on a thin 14K rose gold chain and goes with any outfit.
A classic pearl necklace can go with everything from fancy dresses to a tee and jeans. For it's first outing I decided to wear it with a thin lacy dress and coordinating heeled sandals. Christian and I ventured to a local historical society with an apple orchard to take these gorgeous shots at sunset!
AUrate only uses ethical solid gold from conflict-free suppliers in vermeil, 14K or 18K gold as well as white gold and rose gold. AUrate only uses real, solid 18-karat and 14-karat gold. 14-karat gold is 14/24th parts, or about 58%, pure gold. The remaining percentage is an alloy, added to enhance the durability and hardness of naturally soft gold.
When it comes to their pearls, AUrate uses the highest quality AAA-grade pearls, plucked from the South Sea and reaching up to 12mm in size. This necklace features smaller Akoya pearls from Japan, ranging from 6.0 to 8.5mm.
Since they sell directly to consumers - many pieces are made to order so they don't have unneeded stock - you end up saving money. A $200 necklace from AUrate could cost upwards of $520 at traditional retail prices. On each product page they share this information with their customers so you can see the difference, just like another favorite store of mine - Everlane!
I'm going on my honeymoon (FINALLY!) in a couple of weeks and will definitely bring this along. I don't take much jewelry when I travel, but this necklace will be the perfect finishing touch for all my looks in Italy and Greece. Be prepared to see it a lot in my photos! (unless I get too scared that I'll lose it.)
Dress: Robert Rodriguez tonal paisley chiffon dress (Roundabout), Heels: Cole Haan 'Minetta' (Amazon, originally found at Marshalls)
Posting my wardrobe update a little early this month because I have a special post to share later in the week (a little hint in this post!) Fingers crossed I don't make any new purchases between now and then!
I went to Marshalls earlier in the month not looking to buy anything but randomly stumbled upon a really cute black tiered polka dot dress by Joie. I tried it on "just for fun" and had to buy it because it was 90% off the retail price of $398! My mom thinks it's too dark to wear to my cousin's wedding in October, but I think I might to bring it on my honeymoon next month and dress it down with some flat sandals. I also didn't realize until after I got home that it's like a little black dress version of my wedding dress, so funny! What do we think, should I keep it?
I was able to resist buying things in Roundabout's flash sale where clothes and shoes were 80% off. It wasn't for lack of trying, though. They had this pair of Mary Katrantzou pants NWT for $46 but they were slightly too tight on me, UGH! And they had the Dior J'adore slingback flats but they were only 10% off, one of the few items not on major sale...OF COURSE. I got all the way to checkout with them only to find out they weren't $120 like I thought but $535.
THE (modified) RULES
Clothes:
Total spent in 2019: $195.49
I went to Marshalls earlier in the month not looking to buy anything but randomly stumbled upon a really cute black tiered polka dot dress by Joie. I tried it on "just for fun" and had to buy it because it was 90% off the retail price of $398! My mom thinks it's too dark to wear to my cousin's wedding in October, but I think I might to bring it on my honeymoon next month and dress it down with some flat sandals. I also didn't realize until after I got home that it's like a little black dress version of my wedding dress, so funny! What do we think, should I keep it?
I was able to resist buying things in Roundabout's flash sale where clothes and shoes were 80% off. It wasn't for lack of trying, though. They had this pair of Mary Katrantzou pants NWT for $46 but they were slightly too tight on me, UGH! And they had the Dior J'adore slingback flats but they were only 10% off, one of the few items not on major sale...OF COURSE. I got all the way to checkout with them only to find out they weren't $120 like I thought but $535.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
Clothes:
- Autumn Cashmere Landscape Intarsia Cashmere Crew ($240, retail $440, used Christmas + ad money)
- Sandro burgundy double breasted blazer ($36 via Roundabout Resale, retail ~$500)
- Massimo Dutti white wool blazer ($19 via Roundabout Resale, retail $130-$250)
- Rag & Bone 'Jackie' purple leather trimmed wool jacket ($32 via Roundabout Resale, retail $495)
- eight sixty floral camisole dress ($7 via eBay, used ad money)
- *NEW* Joie 'Johnesha' black polka dot tiered dress ($39.99 via Marshalls, $398 retail)
- J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck ($5, retail $30, used gift card)
- J.Crew Ribbed flare-sleeve turtleneck ($8, retail $45, used gift card)
- J.Crew Midrise skinny jean in velvet ($10, retail $80, used gift card)
- AG Jeans 'The Evan' pleated linen pant in Sulfur Harvest Olive - also here ($39 via Marshalls, $178 retail)
- Splendid Arabesque Cargo Short in Antique Military Olive ($29.99 via Marshalls, $108 retail)
- Lanvin Studded Suede 'City' Sandals ($60 via The RealReal, $790 retail, used ad money)
- Lanvin Studded Leather 'City' Sandals ($60 via The RealReal, $790 retail, used ad money)
- None Yet
- *NEW!* Simple Pearl Necklace c/o AUrate
Total spent in 2019: $195.49
While I know we all have having to wear sleeves in Summer, sometimes it does get a little chilly at night at the beginning or end of the Summer months. I've gotten together with a group of bloggers and we're all styling denim jackets for Summer! I went with the obvious - a cute, breezy dress and flat sandals. Perfect for any occasion from a barbecue, walk on the beach or keeping warm in the freezer section of the grocery store!
Check out my Instagram tomorrow to see everyone's looks!
Denim Jacket: Mudd (Kohl's), Dress: ELLE Poppy Zip Up Dress (Kohl's), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athanasia' in Croc (Moda Operandi)
Check out my Instagram tomorrow to see everyone's looks!
Denim Jacket: Mudd (Kohl's), Dress: ELLE Poppy Zip Up Dress (Kohl's), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athanasia' in Croc (Moda Operandi)
