I survived the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and didn't buy any new clothes. This has been a very sparse year for additions to my closet. It's probably a good thing since my closet is pretty full as it is. I still have some pieces I need to either consign or sell myself. I just hate the idea of consigning because as a consigner you really don't make much money versus selling yourself on eBay or poshmark. But it makes it so much easier. Struggles.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- VERMONT Sweatshirt in light gray via the Weston Village Store ($20, retail $50)
- Nicole Miller abstract floral print shorts ($4 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
- Knox Rose Crewneck Pullover Sweater in Green Striped via Target ($23 after coupon, used gift card)
- Knox Rose Relaxed Fit Tapered Jogger Pants in Blue via Target ($21 after coupon, used gift card)
Basics:
- C&C California Grey Shorts ($6 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
Shoes:
- A New Day Vicki Mid Calf Rubber Rain Boots in Matte Black via Target ($21.60 after coupon, used gift card)
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
- Aurate Pearl Lariat Necklace (won a gift card on Instagram)
Activewear/Swimwear:
- None yet
Gifted from Brands:
- Aetrex Maui Orthotic Flip Flops in Matte Black
- Aurate Crossover Ring in Yellow Gold
- Aurate Toi et Moi Gemstone Mini Vintage Ring in Yellow Gold with Amethyst and Citrine
- Aurate Birthstone Baguette Studs in London Blue Topaz
- Day Owl "The Backpack" in Jam Red
- Day Owl "The Cord Pouch" in Nocturnal Black
Spent in November: $0
Spent in 2023: $30
Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $30
Another month, another roundup. (I feel like I always start these recaps in the same way, ha ha) We've mix of purchases and gifted items this month. I won a giveaway and got a new Aurate necklace and received a bag from a brand I am now an affiliate for. I also fell victim to the Marshalls clearance section when my mom wanted to quickly stop in. Grabbed a couple pairs of shorts for $10. I wore one pair this past weekend and the other pair is coming with me to Disney!
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- VERMONT Sweatshirt in light gray via the Weston Village Store ($20, retail $50)
- *NEW!* Nicole Miller abstract floral print shorts ($4 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
Basics:
- *NEW!* C&C California Grey Shorts ($6 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
Shoes:
- None yet
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
- *NEW!* Aurate Pearl Lariat Necklace (won a gift card on Instagram)
Activewear/Swimwear:
- None yet
Gifted from Brands:
- Aetrex Maui Orthotic Flip Flops in Matte Black
- Aurate Crossover Ring in Yellow Gold
- Aurate Toi et Moi Gemstone Mini Vintage Ring in Yellow Gold with Amethyst and Citrine
- Aurate Birthstone Baguette Studs in London Blue Topaz
- *NEW!* Day Owl "The Backpack" in Jam Red
- *NEW!* Day Owl "The Cord Pouch" in Nocturnal Black
Spent in August: $10
Spent in 2023: $30
Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $30
The last update to my "closet room" was back in 2020 when I added a couch and reorganized the shelving to be all white, vs a mismatch of black and white. You can also the original layout in this wardrobe update post. It's come a long way since we moved in in May 2018, right?
This latest update was a necessity but I used it to my advantage to get something I've wanted for a while. Before we left on our trip to Missouri earlier this year, one of my inexpensive clothing racks fully collapsed while I was packing. The other one had also been broken for some time but was still usable. I decided to replace them both with a single unit white metal clothing rack with three sections, two for long items and the middle section has a double rack for shirts and bottoms. It also has two shelves on the top for more storage.
Now the only non-white piece is my dresser/old baby changing table. It feels wrong to paint it white, but I may do it someday.
Products:
Angelica 70.08" Metal Clothes Rack
KALLAX Shelf unit, white 30 3/8x57 7/8"
KALLAX
Insert for bottles, white 13x13 " (used for shoes)
BILLY Bookcase, white 31 1/2x11x79 1/2"
Target 31" Stackable Shoe Shelf, white
Shoe Slotz Storage Units in Ivory
Peryman Velvet 71.6" Square Arm Sofa in Eggplant (similar)
I think this is the longest I've gone without adding to my closet, crazy! I guess that's what happens when you get older, have more self control and less need of clothes (especially if you work from home, ha ha.)
I did receive a pair of sandals in exchange for a post on Instagram and they're already a workhorse. Any time I have to run outside quickly I'll throw them on, I even wear them while cooking dinner for extra support because they're orthotics.
I started this post before I went on my annual camping trip in Vermont and technically I did buy a sweatshirt. Even though it's a "souvenir," I'm going to add it because I'll probably wear it around the house and occasionally on cool Summer evenings.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- *NEW!* VERMONT Sweatshirt in light gray via the Weston Village Store ($20, retail $50)
Basics:
- None yet
Shoes:
- None yet
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
Activewear/Swimwear:
- None yet
Gifted from Brands:
- *NEW!* Aetrex Maui Orthotic Flip Flops in Matte Black
Spent in June: $20
Spent in 2023: $20
Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $20
Another no-spend month. Going strong in 2023, ha ha. I'm sure at some point I'll find something fun to splurge a little on, but for now I'm not really feeling the need for anything. I still have my eye on this colorblock Chloé Alphabet bag, but I don't really need a new bag and it's very pricey. Maybe if it goes on super super sale.
I did recently have to buy a new clothes rack for my closet, though. Right before we left for our Missouri trip in April my dress rack finally broke (it's been on the edge for a while) and my other double rack was also slightly broken so it was finally time to buy something more sturdy. I went with this white clothing rack that has two sections for longer clothes and a middle section with two rods for tops and skirts/shorts. Now almost everything in my closet room is white. I still have an old wooden baby changing table that my Mom used for me & my siblings that I use as a dresser, I may paint it some day but that's a lot of work, ha ha. (see it in this post)
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- None yet
Basics:
- None yet
Shoes:
- None yet
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
Activewear/Swimwear:
- None yet
Gifted from Brands:
- None yet
Spent in May: $0
Spent in 2023: $0
Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $0
Realized I forgot to do my April wardrobe update! I guess that's what happens when you leave for a month-long trip in the middle of the month, ha ha! No purchases in April apart from a couple Disney shirts & a hoodie that I don't actually count in these because I don't wear them outside of Disney and they're souvenirs, ha ha.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- None yet
Basics:
- None yet
Shoes:
- None yet
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
Activewear/Swimwear:
- None yet
Gifted from Brands:
- None yet
Spent in April: $0
Spent in 2023: $0
Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $0
Happy Halloween! It was my birthday month but I behaved and didn't make any purchases. Nothing was really calling out to me in all of my window shopping. Sure I added things to my cart, but in the end they just weren't worth the cost to me. Maybe if they go more on sale, ha ha.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- Marc by Marc Jacobs cropped sweater ($12.50, retail $298, used ad money)
- J Brand Maria High Rise in Purple Velvet ($7.50, retail $228, used ad money)
- Current/Elliott "The Muscle" leopard print tank ($8, retail $75?, used ad money)
Basics:
- mīere the label "Frankie" knit sweater in Faded Black ($56.92, $32.15 if we omit shipping)
- Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Spiced Plum ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)
- Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Sahara Sand ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)
Shoes:
- Ancient Greek Sandals Kore of Berlin ($365, used Shopbop gift cards + ad money + 15% off)
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- None yet
Activewear/Swimwear:
- Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy via DSW ($26.58, $79.99 retail)
Gifted from Brands:
- Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold c/o Aurate
- Janey Sport Sandal - Pewter c/o Aetrex
- Active Biker Short in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
- Adjustable Bra in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
- Urban Tank in Pitanga c/o Dona Jo
- Destination Aura Beaded Necklace in Marrakech c/o Aurate
- Endless Gemstone Station Necklace in Rose Quartz c/o Aurate
- Libby Comfort Clog - Tobacco c/o Aetrex
Spent in October: $0
Spent in 2022: $83.50
Another successful month of no shopping! All I added to my closet was a pair of Aetrex clogs gifted from the brand in exchange for an Instagram post. My birthday is next month, so maybe I'll splurge on something fun. There are only a few things on my list at the moment so we'll see if I take the plunge on anything.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- Marc by Marc Jacobs cropped sweater ($12.50, retail $298, used ad money)
- J Brand Maria High Rise in Purple Velvet ($7.50, retail $228, used ad money)
- Current/Elliott "The Muscle" leopard print tank ($8, retail $75?, used ad money)
Basics:
- mīere the label "Frankie" knit sweater in Faded Black ($56.92, $32.15 if we omit shipping)
- Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Spiced Plum ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)
- Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Sahara Sand ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)
Shoes:
- Ancient Greek Sandals Kore of Berlin ($365, used Shopbop gift cards + ad money + 15% off)
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- None yet
Activewear/Swimwear:
- Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy via DSW ($26.58, $79.99 retail)
Gifted from Brands:
- Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Rose Gold c/o Aurate
- Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold c/o Aurate
- Janey Sport Sandal - Pewter c/o Aetrex
- Active Biker Short in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
- Adjustable Bra in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
- Urban Tank in Pitanga c/o Dona Jo
- Destination Aura Beaded Necklace in Marrakech c/o Aurate
- Endless Gemstone Station Necklace in Rose Quartz c/o Aurate
- *NEW!* Libby Comfort Clog - Tobacco c/o Aetrex
Spent in September: $0
Spent in 2022: $83.50
I had my first experience with a closet room when I lived in a small beach cottage with my friend. She knew I didn't particularly want to move out of my parents house so she offered me the small extra room in the house as a closet - SOLD! You can see that messy room here. Next I moved in with 2 of my cousins and had the smallest room in the house. It turned into a closet with a bed in it. That room was featured in this post.
When Christian and I were house hunting we wanted a house with at 2 bedrooms so one could be an office. We were fortunate enough to find one that had 3 bedrooms, a sun-room AND a finished basement. This meant that one of the bedrooms could be turned into a closet for me, my dream! I painted the walls purple after we moved in because it's my favorite color and I wanted the room to be extra fun.
The closet room has undergone many transformations since we moved in May 2018. This latest has brought it a little closer to being how I envisioned it. A post in July 2018 showed how it looked early on. I started off with pieces of furniture and storage I already had from previous closets.
This is what the closet looked like before this newest update:
Now to what you've all been waiting for - the new and improved closet room! We finished in early October but it took forever for me to stop being lazy and take photos. Plus the lighting never wanted to cooperate. I apologize for the photo quality but I didn't want to bug Christian to take better ones, ha ha.
In October 2018 we bought 2 white shelving units from IKEA to use for some of my Harry Potter books that didn't fit in our living room display. I ended up only needing 1 so the second was moved into my closet to house my shoes. In November 2019 we bought a second cube storage shelf for my closet. We went with white (even though the other cube unit in the room was brown) because eventually I want everything in the closet to be white.
In retrospect, I should have used both the tall white shelving units in my closet from the start and used my brown cube storage for Harry Potter books. Sometimes the brain just doesn't work that way. I had to figure it out on my own almost 2 years later, ha ha.
I still have one non-white piece in the closet because it is too perfect to replace. It's actually a changing table dresser from when my siblings and I were babies. I love that the top folds over to make shelves which is perfect for storing my makeup and jewelry. Eventually I should just paint it white to match. Probably would have been a good project for quarantine, but I can't think about that now.
I did paint a bookshelf that used to house purses and miscellaneous items, but that has moved to a new spot in the house. I was able to relocate all the things on it to save room. Some of which have cluttered up the dresser making it a little crowded right now, but I haven't felt up to purging more items yet.
Here comes the interesting part of the story. The couch. If you remember this Instagram post, we got a new couch at the beginning of September. To make a long story short - we ordered the couch from Walmart on August 15th with a delivery date of August 26th. That date came and no couch or update on the tracking info. I messaged Walmart and they said it must have gotten lost in the mail so they sent another to be delivered on September 17th. UGH! The original couch randomly arrived on September 8th with the second one being delivered on September 21st. We waited a few weeks and when they didn't contact us we considered the second one ours too.
The white faux fur rug was Christian's idea. I had wanted a rug in here
but couldn't really decide if I needed one or what to do and he randomly
said one day "Why don't you get a white fur rug for in here? It would
make it so cozy." He didn't have to tell me twice. The search began for
the proper shaped faux fur rug, it's a lot harder than you think. When I
originally put this rug in the room it seemed too small, but then we
added the couch and it was a perfect match. (This also got lost in the mail so I had to order it again. No second rug though, used all my luck on the couch!)
In order for it to fit in the room without too much rearranging - or removal of crucial storage pieces - we removed the back and arms so it could fit snugly between one of the shelving units and the closet (which we removed the door from.) It almost looks like a fancy department store try-on room now!
Speaking of the closet in the closet - I decided to re-paint it white during this whole process because ever since we moved in it was dirty and yellow looking (I was too lazy to paint it in 2018.) One coat of white paint later and it looked brand new! I rearranged everything inside it and was even able to add my blazers - which have been in the guest room closet since we moved in. Now every item of clothing I own (except Winter coats) lives in this room. Not sure you can tell the difference in the paint, but I swear it looks better!
I would love to one day have an actual custom closet with fancy shelves/rods for jewelry and clothes but this will definitely do. I much prefer the price of these products than the thousands it would cost for a real custom closet.
Products:
KALLAX Shelf unit, white 30 3/8x57 7/8"
KALLAX
Insert for bottles, white 13x13 " (used for shoes)
BILLY Bookcase, white 31 1/2x11x79 1/2"
Target 31" Stackable Shoe Shelf, white
Shoe Slotz Storage Units in Ivory
Peryman Velvet 71.6" Square Arm Sofa in EggplantTarget Room Essentials - Metal Base Adjustable Double Rod Garment Rack
Single Rod Garment Rack (I think this was also from Target, but it's 10 years old)
And here are some more before/during photos I took while rearranging the closet.