BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

September Wardrobe Update

by

Budget-August--2015
OBSERVATIONS
For the second month in a row, I’ve stuck with a “fewer items, better quality” mantra with attention paid to “missing links” in my wardrobe. As I mentioned last month, I sought to add a black shift dress and a statement coat to my closet. I found a suitable dress at Banana Republic. While it’s not the heavy crepe or wool dress I had hoped for, it is a heavier ponte knit that hangs well and it has the most charming ruffled hem. I had made all of my clothing purchases this year on my Banana Republic Visa card, giving me enough reward coupons to bring the price down to $7. I also picked out a Tory Burch plaid coat after the J.Crew cape I originally yearned for missed the mark. So, what’s coming up next? I placed an order at Zara so I could try out these shoes and a couple of dresses. I’d also like to purchase a black turtleneck sweater. Aside from that, there isn’t anything on my sartorial wish list.

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PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

  • Zara floral tunic dress ($70): This is undoubtedly my favorite item for fall. I purchased it in Georgetown when we visited D.C. over Labor Day weekend and couldn’t wait to wear it the very next day (seen here). It gives off just the right amount of ’70s vibes and the color is perfect for autumn. My size varies wildly at Zara, but I went with a medium in this. Go with the smaller size if you’re between two and ordering online.
  • Banana Republic ponte ruffle dress ($7, after a promotion and a boatload of reward coupons): The dress has a bit of heft to it, allowing it to move nicely and stay relatively wrinkle-free during the day. I’ve only had it for a few weeks, but I’ve already worn it a half dozen times. It’s easy to dress up with layered jewelry and heels, down with a crossbody bag and ballet flats, or for work with a blazer and loafers.
  • Diane von Furstenberg lip mini bag ($99): I have such a thing for tiny impractical bags. I love DVF’s iconic lip print on this mini crossbody. It’s perfect for a hands-free night out when you only need the essentials.

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GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration. I’m selective about the pieces I accept and will only work with companies I feel good about recommending.

  • Tory Burch plaid short coat (c/o Shopbop): I can’t even believe that I own such an expensive (and amazing) coat. As you know, I partnered with Shopbop for several months and received a shopping credit in exchange for talking about the sales and items I would have shared anyway. While I could have used those credits on a couple of new items each month, that seemed like a such a waste. Instead, I selected truly special items I wouldn’t have purchased otherwise, including a pair of black Ferragamo flats and Karen Walker sunglasses. This coat is my latest addition. It’s a classic cut with just the right amount of ’60s mod influence and I know it’s something I’m going to look forward to wearing every year.
  • Naturalizer “Jarrett” ankle boots: Along with using collaborations as an opportunity to add investment pieces to my wardrobe, I also try to expand my horizons and try something outside my sartorial comfort zone. When Naturalizer reached out about a fall collaboration, I’ll admit that ballet flats were tempting, but I’m happy I went with these ankle boots. They’re so comfortable!

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Of course, with every successful shopping month, there are some misses:

  • J.Crew cape jacket: I’m confused by online reviews praising the camel color. It’s not the rich, warm caramel hue that I expected when I ordered it. Instead, it’s more of a cool tan. I hated the color so much that I reluctantly returned it. On the upside, the quality is wonderful. I have narrow shoulders and ordered the XS/S, which was the correct size.

***
linking with Fran

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Comments

  1. Love your Shopbop pick, that coat is going to look great over that BR dress. Great picks! PS, I’m on a hunt for a new coat too. I’m very picky, so no luck just yet

  2. YOUR WARDROBE JUST GOT 2 NEW GREAT PIECES. I particularly love that windowpane coat. The masculine effect is great, also.

  5. That Zara dress is very cool. I used to work in fundraising at a major botanical garden and it would have been perfect for events.

  6. Beautiful wardrobe additions! I’m so jealous you got that dress for $7! Also that Tory coat is so gorgeous! I agree that adding quality pieces to your wardrobe makes the most sense financially in the long run! My Ferragamo flats are going on 8 years old and they still look good as new! You just have to take care of them (and occasionally resole…). Thanks for sharing!

    – Laura

    http://www.lauraaimevous.com

  7. I’m on the hunt for a black cardigan, I’ve been wanting one for quite some time and can’t find the perfect basic one. I was pretty good this month and only bought one thing – a crop top from Zara with advertising money 😀
    That coat is just beautiful and I can’t wait to see how you wear those boots!
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

  8. That black BR dress! I’m in love–the ruffled hem, the higher neck…everything about it is just perfect. I love the coat you got too, what a beauty! I can’t wait to see how you style it this winter.

  14. Too bad the cape didn’t work out, I dislike when the colour isn’t as lovely in person as you think it’ll be when you see it online. Nonetheless, the floral dress from Zara is exquisite and you’ve styled it perfectly. Can’t wait to see you style the ankle boots (I’m addicted to mine)

  19. I love the DVF bag you purchased, and hello beautiful coat! I think it is smart to save your credits for something you love rather than just getting a couple new things every month!

  20. That Tory Burch coat was a great decision! It’s not an in your face pattern, but it’s still very eye catching and on trend. Good call on saving up your credits!

  21. Wow, amazing price on that BR ruffle dress! Also, I agree with you about the J.Crew cape. I didn’t like that specific shade of camel either when I saw it in store.