BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

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.

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.

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.  

• Julie Vos Botticelli open bangle in sapphire blue
• Julie Vos Botticelli ring in mother of pearl
• Julie Vos Pegasus revolving pendant
• Julie Vos Pegasus revolving ring in labradorite
• Julie Vos Pegasus revolving cuff in labradorite
• Maps by A.Jaffe sterling silver pendant
• Uniqlo cashmere hat in grey
• Uniqlo boucle scarf in navy plaid
• ASOS pleated swing dress in polka dot print
• ASOS bonded a-line skirt with contrast pockets
• Lulu Guinness “Ellie” evening bag (c/o ASOS)
• New Look “Geo” pendant (c/o ASOS)
• Stella & Dot “Aida” tassel necklace

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.

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