BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

I’ve been a little too fast and loose with the debit card lately, so I’m placing one more order to try a navy trench and a couple of white dresses to try (here and here), then I’m kicking off “No Shop April” (I tried to come up with a catchier name, but that’s the best I’ve got).* Thirty days of resisting clothing and ignoring gemstones sounds like an ideal way to get my savings back on track and continue evaluating the missing links in my wardrobe.

*I’m totally breaking this promise if I earn enough money on the blog and eBay to buy this Tory Burch scarf.

THE RULES

1. Just five standout pieces per season. (There are two “seasons” for this purpose: spring/summer and fall/winter.)
2. Quality over quantity.
3. Basics don’t count.
4. Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual.
5. Socks and underwear don’t count.
6. Shoes do count. (I’m not counting shoes, though.)

MY PROGRESS

Part of my Five:

• J.Crew Factory botanical-print shorts

Basics:

• J.Crew 5” chino shorts in navy
• J.Crew merino Tippi sweater in heather grey
• NEW J.Crew fit and flare dress in haven blue: Even though there’s another color option actually labeled navy, haven blue is pretty close to the navy I have in my closet. I was worried that the fabric would be too shiny for day, but it’s very subtle. It looks darling with the Sam Edelman flats I bought a couple of months ago and it has pockets. (I don’t think it’s worth the full price of $200. I paid $150, which still might be high for it. If you can snag it at $100, go for it.) It also attracts pet hair like no other.
• NEW J.Crew lightweight merino v-neck sweater in grey: I wanted another v-neck sweater and fell for this one. It’s incredibly soft and the slightly oversized fit (I sized up to a medium) is so appealing.
• NEW Banana Republic “Sloan” pants in turquoise: Okay, so this isn’t an obvious basic (and actually sticks out like a sore thumb on my Pinterest board), but I wear my navy and black pairs to work all of the time. I wanted a bright color to liven up humdrum work days this spring. I also only paid $10 after a discount code and two reward coupons.

Bags:

• Coach small saffiano leather satchel in black

Accessories:

• Eddie Borgo iridescent cone earrings (pre-ordered from Modi Operandi)
• Randolph Engineering rose gold aviators (c/o)
• Lele Sadoughi lotus bib necklace
• Vintage ring from Frippery Vintage
• Coach saffiano leather card case in peach rose
• NEW Double pearl earrings via eBay
• NEW Gerard Yosca statement necklace (c/o)
• NEW Emma McKinstry long pendant necklace (c/o)
• NEW Meghna Designs druzy ring (c/o)
• NEW Bauble Bar pearl collar necklace

Shoes:

• Gap striped flats
• Anthropologie palm-print flats
• NEW Tory Burch “Desi” printed pumps: These were a complete impulse purchase and I love everything about the mod, ’60s-style shoe. A low, block heel is practical and navy stripes are versatile in my closet.

Ordered and Returned:

• J.Crew 5” chino shorts in white: sheer enough to see the pocket lining
• Gap striped fit and flare dress in navy and white stripe: I wanted to replace a striped dress I got rid of during The Great Closet Cleanout that had seen better days. This dress runs at least a full size too big and the quality of the thin, unlined cotton dress isn’t even worth the $36 I paid. It’s a bummer because the cut of the dress has a lot of potential.
• J.Crew scallop crepe dress: I tried this on in store and really wanted to love it, but it didn’t flatter my body type. If you have a full bust and slim hips, I urge you to try it on. It really is adorable.

If you’re curious about The French Wardrobe Challenge, I encourage you to peruse the archived posts. 

Are you taking part in The French Wardrobe Challenge this season? Let me know by the 15th of the month and I’ll link to your post below.