BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

October Wardrobe Update

by

Budget-Oct--2015
OBSERVATIONS
So, I spent a lot of money this month…

::awkward silence::

Each time I stopped at Anthropologie, I left victorious with a $138 dress in my hands. And this, my friends, is why I don’t shop in person. Do I regret it, though? Not in the slightest. That said, I have my eye on a few big-ticket items that will require a more strategic savings plan: Nicholas Kirkwood flats (possibly in patent pink), a David Yurman crossover ring to wear everyday, a wide Hermes cuff in either gold or silver with white enamel, and a hot pink fur scarf (although, I love this amazing rainbow version). All very expensive and all items I’ll keep forever. (Yes, even the colorful fur.) But, in order to afford any of them, I need to stop shopping for the fast-fashion pieces that catch my eye. Thus, I’m embarking on “No Shop November.” That doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll be able to add any of these wish listed pieces to my wardrobe in December, but the retail detox will give me a chance to appreciate the items I already have and pad my savings account before the holidays.

Wardrobe-Update-October-2015
PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

  • Zara strappy flats ($50): I know what I said about not buying cheap shoes, but these are the exception. They’re ridiculously comfortable and way too cute to pass up. Zara doesn’t sell shoes in a size 7, but the 7.5 fit fine.
  • Moth paned sweater tunic ($138): This tunic is so soft! I’ve worn it as a dress (here) and plan to wear it throughout fall with black tights.
  • DKNY “Blythe” hooded cape ($158): Yes, I bought this because Blair looked so cute in it last year. No, I don’t think I look as good as she does. Now that we cleared the air on that, I’m excited to have another cold-weather option for days that don’t warrant a real winter coat. I have narrow shoulders and went with the XS/S option.
  • Noir star ear climbers ($22.50): Admittedly, I purchased these because they were part of the Shopbop x Jem and the Holograms collection, but they’re really cute for the upcoming holiday season.
  • Maeve “Devery” shirtdress in blue plaid ($138): It’s evident I need to stay far away from Anthropologie. This is the second $138 dress I bought this month when I popped in for “just a quick look.” I don’t have photos of it on the blog yet, but you can see it in this Instagram. I first tried on a medium, but the shoulder seams were inching their way down my arms and there was a lot of extra room in the torso, so I opted for the small. It fits much better. In the stock images, you can actually see how much fabric is gathered at the back on the model.
  • H&M shirt (not pictured, $20): In addition to dresses, I prefer to wear loose tops with skirts or pants to the office. This one is a vintage-inspired blue floral print that’s fun to pair with a navy skirt.

Wardrobe-Update-October-2015-Gifted
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.  

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

  • Zara striped dress: So cute, but so short!
  • Zara printed dress: There’s quilting on the back that makes a really obnoxious swishing sound. It was also tiny. I ordered a medium, which is the same size as the Zara dress I bought in September, and I couldn’t even get it over my head! The fabric kind of reminded me of someone’s old dorm room tapestry.
  • ASOS a-line skirt: Unlined and ran small.
  • ASOS moonstone loafers: I’m disappointed these didn’t work out. They were absolutely adorable and the insole was nice and soft. However, they pinched my toes at the top and I knew I wouldn’t wear them because of it. I’m pretty sure polyurethane wouldn’t have stretched out and the larger size would have been too big.
  • J.Crew classic wool turtleneck: I ordered the small, which is my usual size in  J.Crew sweaters. This one fit was a little too small. The knit was thin and I didn’t like it enough to order a size larger.
  • Calvin Klein “Karlia” ankle boot: These felt and looked cheap in person.

***
linking with Fran

You might also enjoy:

The Coveted

Uniform Style

What I Bought in September

Striped

Comments

  4. Anthropologie is the death of me, its actually headquartered in Philly and we have this GORGEOUS 4-story store located in an old brownstone in Rittenhouse Square, I always want to just “stop in” when I’m running errands, and that my friend is how I bought a $250 faux-fur cropped jacket which still has tags on it and is from three years ago. Oh well, those $138 dresses are gorgeous! I’m thinking of doing a no-spend November as well! That crossover ring has been on my list for awhile as well!

    Laura
    http://www.lauraaimevous.com

  5. Ah dang – I try to just stay away from Anthropologie – I always end up leaving with something, even it is a small candle, I just CANNOT help it! I love the Zara flats and the Stella & Dot pendant!

  9. I do love the dress and DKNY coat! I was pretty well behaved this month, I’m proud of myself! Ha ha. Although I spent a bit more money than usual on non-clothing items…oopsie! But it was books and Aladdin on bluray, can’t resist that!
    I’m currently trying to save up for a bunch of vacations since there are no clothing items I really need, haha. But I always find something to want. I’m going to try not to shop next month either, unless I find something amazing at the beginning of Net-a-Porter’s sale, which I assume will start on Black Friday like the past couple years.
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

  10. Both dresses and the cape are beautiful. I appreciate that you don’t beat yourself up when you go over budget. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m not upset as long as I love everything I brought home. If you love what you bought then there’s no reason to be hard on yourself for going over. The situation would be different if I wasn’t paying my light bill to buy a sweater, but that’s not the case. I’m interested to see how you style the Julie Vos jewelry. It’s different than anything I’ve ever seen.

  11. I love those strappy Zara flats! And I am way more impulsive when I go IN stores too, rather than just ordering online. Shopping in person never ends well for my bank account (only for my closet!) 🙂

  12. Doesn’t it kind of suck having to admit how much you spent in months where you spend more? I’ve been nervous about it all week (because, ya know…the internet).

    That aside, I LOVE your Zara flats and wish I could pull them off. They are so cute!

  13. Those Anthro dresses are gorg. I actually fell in love with a cardigan while I was there a few weeks ago, and I often wish I would have picked it up. I’m proud of myself for not getting it because it would have eaten a third of my budget, but still. Heart eyes.

  14. This month you bought and got some awesome pieces. I’m obsessed with those NK flats, I just know I would get so much wear out of them. The holidays are around the corner + vacation so no shopping for me. Getting my Chloe bag really inspired to focus on the big ticket items instead of buying a bunch of other things.

    xo
    PinkSole

  16. Oh my goodness you got some amazing things this month! I am drooling over that DKNY coat! In regards to the SheIn palm print top you asked about…the quality is decent, but size up a lot. I wish I had ordered a large, it’s a tad snug in the chest for me.

  17. You always make the best purchases, love both dresses and the cape is incredible, Nothing is worse than the sizing at Zara, every piece fits differently, and the quality varies drastically. The Julie Vos pieces are very chic and will look great with the HM floral blouse.