A new year, a clean slate for my wardrobe updates! This year I'm going to try to shop even less than last year, but I was pretty good in 2019 so not sure that's possible. It's so hard for me to not shop because it's what I love to do, but knowing I have a mortgage (and trips to save for) makes it a bit easier. It also helps that I've had a couple slow work months so disposable income has been slightly lower than I'm used to. YUCK!
Luckily I still have gift cards from my Shopbop partnership to help when I just can't stop the urge to shop. I'm trying to hold out for pieces I know will last for years to come. So far I've only purchased this Splendid top in their big sale last year.
That being said, I did add something to my closet this month. I've been looking for a pair of medium wash jeans to replace one of my favorite pairs by FRAME (I feel a hole coming on, NOOO!) I was hoping to get another FRAME pair but when Gilt gave me a $25 "we miss you" credit and free shipping there was a pair by J Brand for about $25 less than the pair by FRAME. I also had enough in PayPal from ad revenue that covered the rest. (Meaning if I bought the FRAME pair I would've paid $27 out of pocket instead of them being free. And free is best)
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
Clothes:
- none yet
Basics:
- *NEW!* J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral ($0 after $25 credit & ad money, retail $228)
- none yet
Accessories:
- none yet
Gifted from Brands:
- none yet
Total spent in January: $0
Total spent in 2020: $0
I posted this kielbasa and chutney dish on my Instagram a couple weeks ago and quite a few people commented/messaged saying they wanted to try making it so I thought I would post it here too! My aunt makes this dish as an appetizer for a lot of our holiday gatherings and it's always a hit. Christian has taken a particular liking to it so I decided to surprise him with it for dinner.
On holidays we eat the kielbasa with toothpicks but for dinner I served it over rice pilaf. Easy, tasty and cheap! I made it again so Christian could take some more professional photos instead of what I shared on Instagram stories. The second time we made it for Christian's work meal preps. I made roasted broccoli and white rice with cilantro and green onions. YUM!
I wouldn't exactly call this a recipe as you only need 3 things but here's how to make it. I used a 7" Le Creuset Rectangular Baking Dish since this is a small portion but if you're making it for more than 2 people you'll want to use more kielbasa and obviously a larger baking dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25-50 minutes
Servings: 2 or 3 depending on your appetite
Ingredients:
Supplies:
Instructions:
1. Cut up kielbasa into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add kielbasa and half a jar of chutney to baking dish and toss to coat (you can use as much or little chutney as you'd like)
3. Bake at 375° for at least 25 minutes, longer if possible to let everything caramelize more
4. Serve with side(s) of your choice
On holidays we eat the kielbasa with toothpicks but for dinner I served it over rice pilaf. Easy, tasty and cheap! I made it again so Christian could take some more professional photos instead of what I shared on Instagram stories. The second time we made it for Christian's work meal preps. I made roasted broccoli and white rice with cilantro and green onions. YUM!
I wouldn't exactly call this a recipe as you only need 3 things but here's how to make it. I used a 7" Le Creuset Rectangular Baking Dish since this is a small portion but if you're making it for more than 2 people you'll want to use more kielbasa and obviously a larger baking dish.
Super Easy Kielbasa with Chutney
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25-50 minutes
Servings: 2 or 3 depending on your appetite
Ingredients:
- 1 package kielbasa (I bought Smithfield Kielbasa on sale for $2.49, can't beat that!)
- 9oz. jar of chutney, any variety ($3.99 for Crosse & Blackwell Genuine Major Grey's Chutney)
Supplies:
Instructions:
1. Cut up kielbasa into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add kielbasa and half a jar of chutney to baking dish and toss to coat (you can use as much or little chutney as you'd like)
3. Bake at 375° for at least 25 minutes, longer if possible to let everything caramelize more
4. Serve with side(s) of your choice
A couple weekends ago Christian and I went out to run some errands and just as we were ready to take photos it started to snow. We snapped our pictures as quick as possible so we wouldn't freeze and then headed home to watch the rest of the "storm." It was only a few inches but I always enjoy a little bit of snow as long as it doesn't get all gross and dirty. Love how these photos turned out. The light flurries are so pretty.
It was a good thing I wore these boots since they have a rubber sole that is perfect for traction in wet conditions. I have been so bad at wearing my blazers lately so I made a point to wear one for our outing. It was between this Etro patchwork blazer and my black velvet polka dot Marc Jacobs blazer. Guess I'll be wearing the Marc Jacobs blazer next!
Blazer: Etro Patchwork Blazer (Roundabout, shop more blazers), Cashmere Sweater: Ellen Tracy (shop cashmere sweaters), High Waisted Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' High Rise in Supreme (shop more J Brand), Boots: Cordani (Roundabout, shop winter boots), Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay)
It was a good thing I wore these boots since they have a rubber sole that is perfect for traction in wet conditions. I have been so bad at wearing my blazers lately so I made a point to wear one for our outing. It was between this Etro patchwork blazer and my black velvet polka dot Marc Jacobs blazer. Guess I'll be wearing the Marc Jacobs blazer next!
Blazer: Etro Patchwork Blazer (Roundabout, shop more blazers), Cashmere Sweater: Ellen Tracy (shop cashmere sweaters), High Waisted Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' High Rise in Supreme (shop more J Brand), Boots: Cordani (Roundabout, shop winter boots), Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay)
A comfortable weekend look worn to hang out at my Grandma's on Sunday. Sadly the baby was sick so my main source of entertainment - kids - was gone. Luckily, Layla came with my cousin so I was able to bug her for a few hours. It's almost her 11th birthday...CRAZY! (My cousin rescued her when she was 4 and I lived with them for 5 years, time flies!) I haven't been going to his new house to steal her as often as I would like because I'm lazy, but I'll have to grab her soon!
For some reason whenever I wear this grey faux fur vest I find myself wanting to pair it with my Marc Jacobs mouse flats. If it's not broke, don't fix it, I guess.
Vest: Ella Moss 'Nico Faux Fur Vest' (Marshalls - in black), Sweater: FRAME Ribbed wool & cashmere-blend (Net-a-Porter), Jeans: Genetic Denim 'Shya' in Aztec (mine are blue on blue), Mouse Flats: Marc by Marc Jacobs Metallic Mouse Flats (Shopbop)
For some reason whenever I wear this grey faux fur vest I find myself wanting to pair it with my Marc Jacobs mouse flats. If it's not broke, don't fix it, I guess.
Vest: Ella Moss 'Nico Faux Fur Vest' (Marshalls - in black), Sweater: FRAME Ribbed wool & cashmere-blend (Net-a-Porter), Jeans: Genetic Denim 'Shya' in Aztec (mine are blue on blue), Mouse Flats: Marc by Marc Jacobs Metallic Mouse Flats (Shopbop)
The day after the wedding there was a gathering at a local winery for some chatting (and sampling for those that wanted to.) I decided to wear my Autumn Cashmere landscape sweater...AGAIN...because I thought it would be perfect for the location! I matched the burgundy in the print with my new rag & bone jeans from Santa. It was a lot colder this day and windy so we took these photos very quickly! My eyes were watering under my sunglasses and poor Christian was tearing up too.
This was the perfect, laid-back end to the weekend. We got to chat with the bride and groom a bit more and relax. Sadly we had an 7.5 hour drive home after this, haha. Why can't we teleport?! Would make having a best friend so far away much easier! For now I guess we'll settle for meeting up a Disney or going on International trips together. ;)
Sweater: Autumn Cashmere Landscape Sweater, Jeans: rag & bone high rise ankle skinny jean in burgundy (shop more rag & bone), Boots: Vintage Snowland Moccasin Ankle Boots (from Grandma, shop more Winter boots), Sunglasses: Gucci, Italian Leather Bag: shop mini bags
This was the perfect, laid-back end to the weekend. We got to chat with the bride and groom a bit more and relax. Sadly we had an 7.5 hour drive home after this, haha. Why can't we teleport?! Would make having a best friend so far away much easier! For now I guess we'll settle for meeting up a Disney or going on International trips together. ;)
Sweater: Autumn Cashmere Landscape Sweater, Jeans: rag & bone high rise ankle skinny jean in burgundy (shop more rag & bone), Boots: Vintage Snowland Moccasin Ankle Boots (from Grandma, shop more Winter boots), Sunglasses: Gucci, Italian Leather Bag: shop mini bags
Sale season is far from over and many stores continue offering deep discounts on their inventory! Today Shopbop is having a one day sale where you can save up to 75% on sale items with code WINWIN. I've got a gift card burning a hole in my pocket (thanks to Shopbop) and am trying to decide if I'll spring for one of the following items or wait and purchase something big.
I'm personally on the hunt for a pair of mid-wash skinny jeans as my favorite pair are on their way out. I also wouldn't say no to another bag, cute sweater or pair of shoes! If you're on a budget (like I usually am,) shop pieces under $100!
Shop the sale before it ends at 11:59 tonight. Use code WINWIN to take an extra 25% off select sale styles for up to 75% off!
I'm personally on the hunt for a pair of mid-wash skinny jeans as my favorite pair are on their way out. I also wouldn't say no to another bag, cute sweater or pair of shoes! If you're on a budget (like I usually am,) shop pieces under $100!
Shop the sale before it ends at 11:59 tonight. Use code WINWIN to take an extra 25% off select sale styles for up to 75% off!
* Closet-Fashionista.com occasionally receives Shopbop sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.*
My best friend got married a couple weekends ago so Christian and I drove the 8 hours down to Virginia to celebrate! The wedding was held at a cidery in Charlottesville. The building looked like a Winter wonderland with string lights on the ceiling and snow covered trees around the hall. There was even a hot chocolate booth so you could make your own drink and one of the favors was ingredients for s'mores (fire pits were lit in the evening!)
Luckily for her, the weather was BEAUTIFUL! It had been rainy/foggy the evening before but on the day it was unseasonably warm and partly cloudy (perfect for outdoor photos.) It only rained a teeny bit during the reception, but everyone was safely inside.
I bought this black Joie dress back in August for a steal ($40) at Marshalls and was waiting for the perfect occasion to wear it. My mom talked me out of wearing it to my cousin's wedding in October because no one wears black to weddings (but they do, haha.) A couple weeks before the wedding I sent my friend a couple dress options and she liked them all so I decided to finally wear this! In anticipation of it being cold I topped it with a teal velvet blazer to add some color and make it dressier.
Dress: Joie 'Johnesha' black polka dot tiered dress (Marshalls, shop more Joie dresses), Velvet Blazer: Darjoni (Good Will, shop more blazers), Heels: Dolce & Gabbana suede Mary Jane Pump (Uptown Consignment, similar pair), Simple Pearl Necklace c/o AURate (shop delicate necklaces), Earrings: Mejuri 'Loop' (designed by my friend Jamie-Lee!),
Luckily for her, the weather was BEAUTIFUL! It had been rainy/foggy the evening before but on the day it was unseasonably warm and partly cloudy (perfect for outdoor photos.) It only rained a teeny bit during the reception, but everyone was safely inside.
I bought this black Joie dress back in August for a steal ($40) at Marshalls and was waiting for the perfect occasion to wear it. My mom talked me out of wearing it to my cousin's wedding in October because no one wears black to weddings (but they do, haha.) A couple weeks before the wedding I sent my friend a couple dress options and she liked them all so I decided to finally wear this! In anticipation of it being cold I topped it with a teal velvet blazer to add some color and make it dressier.
Dress: Joie 'Johnesha' black polka dot tiered dress (Marshalls, shop more Joie dresses), Velvet Blazer: Darjoni (Good Will, shop more blazers), Heels: Dolce & Gabbana suede Mary Jane Pump (Uptown Consignment, similar pair), Simple Pearl Necklace c/o AURate (shop delicate necklaces), Earrings: Mejuri 'Loop' (designed by my friend Jamie-Lee!),
