Spring Staples Wishlist

Each season I'll pick out 10 staples that I would like to add to my wardrobe before the season is done.  The point of doing this is so that when I'm shopping I'll always have these pieces in the back of my mind and if I'm contemplating something trendy, or an impulse buy I can ask myself -- is it on the list?  And if not then I probably shouldn't buy it.

 Spring is officially two weeks away and these are my top ten staples for spring!! These are things I've had on my wishlist for months or even years and it's finally time to pull the trigger on them!  Check them out ...

Top 10 Staples for Spring

Spring Staples (left to right) ::

1 // J.Crew Merino Tippi Sweater

2 // J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket

3 // Saint James striped shirt

4 // J.Crew Pixie Pants

5 // New Balance sneakers

6 // Rayban clubmaster sunnies

7 // Madewell crop skinny skinny jeans

8 // Everlane boyfriend sweatshirt

9 // Madewell transport tote

10 // Everlane white shirt

What's on your spring wishlist? I'd love to hear!!

 

 

February Shopping Breakdown

I'm going to start trying something new on the blog-- a monthly report of what I've bought in relation to clothes, shoes, or makeup and the budget breakdown.  Might seem like too much info for some people, but I personally am fine with it and think it's a good way to hold myself accountable.  I got this great idea from Jill {Jill's always have the best ideas!} from Good Life For Less Blog...

One of the goals of writing this blog is to document my pursuit for a more tailored, professional, and versatile wardrobe and to stay away from the trendy or cheap pieces that filled my closet in my early 20's.  By sharing what I buy every month I'm hoping I hold myself accountable to the pieces I buy and how much I spend.

A few days late, but below is what I bought in the month of February 2014.

J.Crew Dean Boots {$269, 40% off $162}

Gap Legging Jeans {$70, 30% off $49}

Gap Luxlight Sweater {$40, 30% off $28}

Marais Sailor Wedges {$175, clearance for $30}

Stila Liquid Lipstick in Beso {$22}

J.Crew Tortoise Clutch {$149, gift for v-day FREE}

Total Spent: $291

Total Saved: $434

Whoa- $291 is kind of a lot of money to spend (at least for me it is) on my wardrobe in one month!  A big chunk of the budget went to those leather riding boots and I realize they're an investment, but I really needed a pair of riding boots that will last me for years to come-- and they were on such a good sale!

I've never actually written down what I spend on clothes and I didn't realize I spent this much money last month until I wrote it all down, but kudos for me for saving more than I spent last month! ;)  I'm happy with all the pieces I bought and think they're all staples in my wardrobe.  I've worn these Gap jeans almost every single day since I bought them and I've been without riding boots for a couple years and can't believe how much I've worn them since getting them.  The tortoise clutch was on my wish list since Christmas and my boyfriend gave it to me as a Valentine's gift -- it's such timeless piece!

For March I'm thinking about waiting for another sale at Gap and getting another pair of legging jeans in another rinse and the sweater in black or grey -- since I wear them both all the time it's good to have multiples of something you love and wear all the time.  

So .. what do you guys think? Do you keep track of how much you spend on your wardrobe each month?  I'd love to hear!!

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3 Shoe Collaborations That Should Be On Your Radar!!

Three totally different in terms of style, but equally amazing shoe collections are out right now.  I've rounded up some of my favorites from each collection! 

Carrie Bradshaw finally has a shoe collection of her own (Squeee!)! ;)

Which one is your fave??

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Splurge. Spend. Save.

Wrap Front Blouse

Happy Monday everyone!  Yet another addition to Splurge/Spend/Save series today-- I just keep finding great pieces that look very similar, but have veeery different price points.  I've had my eye on this Helmut Lang top for quite some time and by happenstance I stumbled upon both alternatives in the same day so I just had to share!  I mean -- that H&M version is almost too good to pass up -- I would pair it with this leather skirt (also from H&M) and a pair of black pumps for a simple night out look!!

1 // Splurge :: Helmut Lang Helix Draped Top {$220}

2 // Spend :: Vince Camuto Wrap Front Blouse {$90}

3// Save :: H&M Draped Blouse {$30}

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Splurge. Spend. Save.

Alexander Wang

Tibi

Ann Taylor

I'm loving the something extra that these crochet overlays add to the black pencil skirts.  Paired with a crisp white button down- they'd be appropriate for work and these skirts could easily be worn for a night out too!

Splurge // Alexander Wang Crochet Pencil Skirt {$550}

Spend // Tibi Lace Pencil Skirt {$298}

Save // Ann Taylor Illusion Pencil Skirt {$98}

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New Designer Crush {Vivian Chan}

Have you guys heard of Vivian Chan?  She's a fairly new designer based out of LA and I just recently discovered her and officially fallen in love with every piece of her Spring Collection.  The looks are so feminine and chic and I love the neutral colors (especially that nude color!) which let you focus on the cut and fit of the garment-- which are impeccable, of course.  

 This skirt is my absolute favorite of the collection -- blush color, midi length, and sheerness of the fabric are all completely on trend for spring & summer!

Shop all pieces here!

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