October was my birthday month and while I normally allow myself to buy an "extravagant" piece of clothing I refrained this year. I did get an Equipment cheetah print blouse I've wanted since it was debuted last year. It's quite hard to find but I spotted one on eBay in a size larger than I usually wear and pounced (pardon the pun.) I used advertising money so it was "free."

And, of course, I wrote this post too early and ended up buying something else. The Outnet's Fall sale started before the month was over and while I was looking for pieces for a post I fell in love with a crazy embellished sweater! I still had birthday money hanging around (after buying my Mickey phone and suitcase) so I used that to buy it. Thanks Mom & Dad!

I also got a pair of brand new J Brand jeans for FREE thanks to a store credit to The RealReal. It was a thank you for doing a survey, so I paid with about 20 minutes of my time. Definitely a fair trade (or unfair from their end.)

Technically I spent $0 this month since I used advertising and birthday money.  I do love loopholes!




THE (modified) RULES

1. Be mindful of purchases 
2. Quality over quantity
3. Basics are best

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. Saint Laurent Silk Patchwork Blouse ($350 via eBay, xmas money, $2390+ retail)
2. Free People Jax Patched Skinny Jean ($52, retail $128) 
3. Jason Wu snakeskin pussy bow blouse ($122 via Roundabout, $1395 retail) 
4. Cynthia Steffe 'Naomi' feather print shirt dress ($10 via Lord & Taylor, $248 retail) 
5. Greylin 'Osten' Open Back Romper ($27 via Gilt) 
6. Proenza Schouler Jacquard pants ($247 via Yoox, $1,650+ retail) 
7. Zara striped knit dress ($35 via Poshmark) 
8. Natalie Martin Printed top ($9.75 via Roundabout, retail $133) 
9. Miss Selfridge sweater dress in rust ($15 via Lord & Taylor, $70 retail) 
10. *NEW!* Equipment cat print signature short-sleeve blouse ($80 via eBay; $228 retail, used advertising money) 
11. *NEW!* Banjo & Matilda Trinket embellished sweater ($98 via The Outnet, $375 retail. used birthday money)

Basics:

1. J.Crew Factory colorblock sweater ($24, used gift card)
2. Banana Republic 'patch-pocket' shorts ($11 at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet) 
3. Old Navy black bikini top & bottom ($18, used gift card)
4. Everlane The Ryan Long-Sleeve in black ($20, used advertising money)
5. Highline Collective turtleneck tank in black ($14 via Lord & Taylor, $70 retail) 
6. Abercrombie & Fitch  super skinny corduroy pant in blue ($40, used advertising money)
7. Abercrombie & Fitch v-neck sweater in burgundy ($34, used advertising money) 
8. *NEW!* J Brand Maria High Rise skinny jean in Blueberry ($0 via The RealReal, $198 retail)

Shoes:

1. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athanasia' in Croc ($238 via Moda Operandi, $280 retail)
2. J.Crew Raffia Seaside Sandals (Mom bought at Clinton Crossing) 
3. Lanvin Studded Suede Sandals ($316 via Net-a-Porter End of Season Sale, $790 retail)
4. Cole Haan 'Chelsea' Leopard Calf Hair Pump ($45 via Roundabout, $386 retail)

Accessories:

1.  Gemstone Necklace via Geclassics in Boston ($8.50)

Gifted from Brands:

1. Simple Retro crop top (via Amazon)
2. Pom-Pom Sandals c/o Soma
3. Larimar Bypass ring c/o Larimar Bliss

Total spent in 2016:  $1150.25
(not counting Saint Laurent top, which used Christmas money, or items bought with advertising money)