An outfit I wore when it was still pretty chilly. I was tired of boots so I decided to have my feet get cold in these flats. They don't get much wear because I feel like they make my toes look a bit odd, but they're DVF so I can never make myself get rid of them! Plus I only paid $18 for them in 2015. I found a bunch of listings for the sweater and chambray jacket on eBay, so check the widget below the photos to shop!

Chambray Bomber: Cloth & Stone (Marshalls), Sweater: Anthropologie Angel of the North Embellished Sweater,Velvet Jeans: J.Crew, Pointed Toe Flats: Diane von Furstenberg 'Emma' (Marshalls), Sunglasses: Chanel

How is September already done?! I was aiming to not buy anything this month but I did end up getting a pair of high waisted jeans from Everlane as well as a new tee (free shipping when you buy 2 items, how can you not?!) Everlane is known for their amazing basics so when they came out with jeans for $68 I had to test them out before they sold out like all their other cult favorites. Then I bought some AMAZING velvet mules at TJ Maxx with a gift card. I also got a sweater from Pearls & Plaid with a gift card I won at the CT blogger brunch.  Finally I got two new dresses thanks to HauteTrader, see my post here!

Also a quick life update - This Monday I moved back in with my parents.  For the last 4 1/2 years (WOW!) I've lived with two of my cousins in a house that one of them bought. He sold the house and is moving to a city I don't particularly want to live in. Luckily my parents were kind enough to let me move back in to my old room until I decide my next move. I haven't lived at home since August 2011 but I frequently went home for dinner during that time. It's definitely going to be strange being back, but I enjoy my parents company. Once I get settled back in I may do a post on how I've fit my clothes and possessions in my room.

Unfortunately, this means no more Instagrams with Layla since she's actually my cousin's dog. I'm quite depressed, but hopefully they'll still bring her around when we go to my Grandmother's on Sundays.


THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. She Made Me Essential crocheted swimsuit via Net-a-Porter ($45, $150 retail,  Xmas $$)
2. G.H. Bass burgundy cardigan at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $7.5 w/coupon, $99 retail) 
3. G.H. Bass cargo pants at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $21 w/coupon, $69 retail)  
4. Disney Mickey tee ($10 at Target)
5. Who What Wear x Target Sleeveless Floral Dress ($30) 
6. Uniqlo Mickey Mouse sweatshirt ($30) 
7. Proenza Schouler tweed colorblock shorts via Roundabout ($57, $1680 retail)
8. *NEW!* Floral Embroidered Sweater via Pearls & Plaid ($50, used gift card)

Basics:

1. Calypso St. Barth Gylden Cashmere Sweater via Gilt ($71, $295 retail, Xmas $$)
2. M.i.h Jeans Tomboy cropped jeans via Net-a-Porter ($98, $245 retail, Xmas $$)
3. Who What Wear x Target bodysuit ($14, $20 retail) 
4. FRAME Ribbed wool & cashmere-blend sweater via Net-a-Porter ($104, $325 retail, used advertising money) 
5. Alice + Olivia blue striped cashmere sweater via Roundabout ($25, $368? retail) 
6. Chloe 'Faye' in Dark Purple via eBay ($1500, $1950 retail) 
7. *NEW!* Everlane "Square Tee" in Burgundy ($18) 
8. *NEW!* Everlane "The High-Rise Skinny Jean" in Mid-Blue ($68)

Shoes:

1. Miu Miu ankle boots via Roundabout Resale - also here/here ($146,  $850 retail)
2. New Look Metallic Block Heel sandal via ASOS ($35, advertising $$) 
3. BCBGeneration 'Beverly' mule via Saks Off 5th at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $110 retail)  
4. Impo 'Omega' boot (or Onnie, can't tell) via DSW ($12, $112 retail - in black) 
5. Vince 'Mason' in pony fig via DSW ($23, $275+ retail) 
6. Nicholas Kirkwood suede prism pumps via Net-a-Porter sale ($250, $625 retail) 
7. Sam Edelman Lars slub satin espadrille slide via Net-a-Porter sale ($36, $90 retail)
8. *NEW!* Zigi Soho Velvet Floral Embroidered Open Toe Mules via T.J. Maxx ($20, retail $60?, used gift card)

Accessories:

1. Tommy Hilfiger (similar) via Clinton Crossing ($0,  retail $?)  
2. Mejuri Loop Earrings by Jamie! ($55)
3. Gucci aviator sunglasses ($300, bought in Rome) 
4. Disney x Coach 'Patricia' with Mickey ears ($179 at Coach Outlet, $395 retail)
5. Birthstone Star and Mickey Mouse ring ($15 with discount, used advertising money) 
6. Birthstone Mickey Mouse earrings ($15 with discount, used advertising money)

Gifted from Brands:

1. IRO Faxy Cropped Jean via Gilt c/o Wikibuy (retail $285)
2. Banana Republic Peplum Sweater c/o Banana Republic Factory at Clinton Crossing
3. Banana Republic Cherry Blossom 'Ryan' Pant c/o Banana Republic Factory
4. Banana Republic 'Sloan' in purple c/o Banana Republic Factory
5. Banana Republic ruffle sleeve top in teal c/o Banana Republic Factory
6. Banana Republic linen shorts c/o Banana Republic Factory 
7. *NEW!* Diane von Furstenberg Fanny dress (also here) c/o HauteTrader 
8. *NEW!* Missoni Purple Wool Chevron Metallic Knit Sweater Dress  c/o HauteTrader 

Total spent in September: $86

Total spent in 2017:  $1253 - $953 not counting the sunglasses
Total spent including Chloe Faye: $2,753 - $2,453 not counting sunglasses
Total spent with Christmas/advertising money included: $1636 - $1336 not counting sunglasses

*the money for the sunglasses came out of my vacations savings account rather than "regular" money

A few weeks ago I was invited to check out a super cool and unique shopping site, HauteTrader. To put it simply, HauteTrader is a way to trade your gently worn designer clothes with other women and also earn points that you can use to purchase pieces. Currently, if you add three items within 24 hours, you'll receive 100 Haute-Points to start you off!

I've found myself checking the site a few times a day to see if there are any new pieces I want to trade for. If you don't want to go through the hassle of selling pieces and making sure you get what they're worth, why not trade for an item(s) of equal value!? The site is so easy and painless to use - read on below my outfit for a breakdown of the process.

Here's an outfit featuring the first piece I acquired through the site, a Diane von Furstenberg dress! It's such a unique piece and I remember liking it when I saw it in passing online when it was readily available. The mix of prints is super fun, I always love a bit of zebra. About a week later someone sent me a trade offer for my ruched Burberry dress and I accepted! You'll see that piece on the blog soon, it's a Missoni dress!

What do you think? Is HauteTrader a site you would use as an alternative to consignment stores and/or eBay? I will definitely be using it in the future when I have designer pieces I no longer love.  Also, just for reading this post, use code TradeWMegan for a free trade!

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg 'Fanny' (HauteTrader), Suede Prism Pumps: Nicholas Kirkwood (NET-A-PORTER)


Let's walk through the process, shall we?! First, you'll need to add to your closet. It's super easy to do. Just take photos of your piece, name it, write a description, and fill in other necessary information (size, condition, etc.) Your items will then go through the approval process. Once they are accepted you can begin making trade offers.

Every accepted label has a Tier value of (1-4). The Tier number shows you the trade value and Haute-Point value of your listing. Tier 1 is 100 Haute-Points while Tier 4 is 400. When you trade a Tier 2 item, you'll receive 200 Haute-Points in addition to the item(s) you traded for!

(I cut out the photos section of this screenshot to save space)

Completed Listing

I chose to add a few pieces that I rarely wear but was holding on to for no other reason than the fact that I spent a good amount of money on them and didn't want to sell them for less than what I paid. What's great about HauteTrader is that you are able to accept or decline any offers for your piece. It made me feel a lot better about parting with pieces when I knew I would get an equally great item, that I would wear more often, in exchange for my unloved pieces.

My Closet as of September 8th

Making offers is very simple! All you have to do is find an item you like, click "Make a Trade-Offer" and then choose up to three options for a trade. You can offer multiple items as part of your trade. The tradee can then choose which option she prefers or deny your trade. Fortunately for me, my first trade request went through without a hitch and was accepted within the 24 hour time limit!

The only thing I think is missing from this site is the ability to private message users. You'll have to write a comment on their profile or the specific item if you need to chat about something.

Once your offer is accepted you'll receive an email letting you know and asking you to pay the trade fee. HauteTrader charges $25 for Standard items and $50 for Premium items which includes signature confirmation shipping and handling. Just for reading this post, use code TradeWMegan for a free trade!

After both you and the person you've traded with have made your payments HauteTrader will send you a pre-paid shipping label so you can send your item to your new friend!

Weekends are all about comfort. Okay...maybe every day is about comfort, but especially weekends. I wore this a couple weekends ago for an afternoon at my Grandmothers. This leather jacket is still one of my all time favorite steals. A Theyskens' Theory leather jacket I found at Nordstrom Rack for $172, it retailed for $1150. INSANITY!

Leather Jacket: Theyskens' Theory (Nordstrom Rack), Sweatshirt: Phillip Lim x Target, Jeans: Mother (Marshalls), Flats: Diane von Furstenberg (Marshalls)

It's been a few weeks since my last throwback outfit, but other things have taken over, oops! I quite like this outfit because it's dressy but still cozy thanks to the super long sweater from J Crew.

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg (Coco's on the Green), Sweater: J.Crew (Roundabout Resale), Boots: eBay, Watch: Skagen (Rue La La)



The Original:

Here's the first of my two Thanksgiving outfits! I love that my family separates into two days so we get two turkeys and I can wear two outfits! Day one was at Grandma's with Mom's side of the family. Day two, Saturday, was at my Aunt's with Dad's side. So much better than trying to go to two places in one day.

Dress: Diane von Furstenberg 'Zaina' (Coco's on the Green), Vest: Ella Moss (Marshalls),  Boots: Cordani (Roundabout Resale), Necklace: BubuRuby (etsy)

My first instinct with this look was to finish it off with my super tall black Phillip Lim boots. But then I decided to keep it a little more casual with a pair of pointy toe flats that don't get as much wear as they should. To be fair, that's mostly because they slip off my feet, so I can't wear them when I need to walk a lot. They were only $15 though, so can't complain too much!

I think my favorite part of this Jason Wu snakeskin print blouse is the extra long cuff, it adds a bit more structure to the otherwise loose shape. I still haven't figured out the best way to tie the pussy-bow so this time I just did a quick fold-over. One day I'll get it to look really good.

Top: Jason Wu (Roundabout Resale), Leather Skirt: siena style (Coco's $10 sale), Pointy Flats: Diane von Furstenberg 'Emma' (Marshalls), Sunglasses: Prada via Ditto Endless Eyewear

In addition to a style rut, I have also been in a hair rut. So I decided to experiment a bit and did two french braids into a half-ponytail type thing. I was going to pull them into a full ponytail or bun, but thought this looked cute. It also added a bit more interest to this somewhat basic outfit. It's all in the details, right?

Tee: Cullen (Rue La La), Jeans: Free People 'Jax' Patchwork, Flats: Diane von Furstenberg (Marshalls) Necklace: bought in Greece

Slightly warmer weather is the perfect opportunity to wear thin layers, like this pretty Tahari sweater. It is super thin and super soft but once we hit the super cold temperatures I find myself wearing it less and less in favor of my chunkier knits. I wore this to hang out at my Grandmother's house over the weekend.

Cardigan: Tahari (TJ Maxx) , Tee: Cullen (Rue La La), Jeans: Michael Kors (Marshalls), Flats: Diane von Furstenberg (Marshalls)

Autumn is the time for light layers. What better to layer with than a fun vest over a long sleeve top? This is my newest vest, bringing my total up to three! And they are all different which is great. This shirt is also one of my favorite buys from the past couple years. It is soft, comfortable AND makes me look super thin. I know, I know, I'm already skinny, but there's just something about it that makes me feel extra good. I think it's the black sleeves and horizontal stripes with varying colors.

Top: Philosophy (Marshalls), Vest: Simply Vera Vera Wang c/o Kohl's, Jeans: FRAME 'Le Skinny de Jeanne Jeans' (Shopbop), Flats: Diane von Furstenberg (Marshalls)