It's always so hard for me to take outfit photos in Winter, yet they are usually some of my favorite outfits. I always feel bad making Christian stand out in the cold taking photos so sometimes wee don't take pictures. As was the case last weekend when we went to visit my sister. I wore two cute outfits, but no photos. Maybe I'll rewear them so we can get some pictures.

I wore this a couple weekends ago to visit my Grandparents for a bit. We hadn't been over in a while, for obvious reasons, but Grandma does get sad when she doesn't see us so we still try to go every few weeks. I don't think Grandpa minds seeing us either, ha ha.

Leopard Print Cashmere Sweater: Nili Lotan 'Abbey' sweater in Shiraz c/o Shopbop

Jeans: Mother Denim c/o Marshalls

Faux Fur Vest: Simply Vera Vera Wang faux fur shawl vest c/o Kohl's

Boots: Vince Camuto 'Davilla' (Marshalls/eBay - I have 2 pairs, this is my replacement pair, ha ha) 

Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay) 

I didn't intend on taking outfit photos this day. Christian and I went for a walk in the park for a Pokemon Go event (yes, we still play, haha!) and it was a chilly September day. We stumbled upon this pretty area of the park (sometimes these are all cut down so it doesn't look as nice) and I decided to have Christian snap some photos with his phone. 

Upon viewing the photos I realized these jeans, although SUPER comfortable, are not the most photogenic. They're a little loose in the wrong places. This sweater and leather jacket combo on the other hand is perfection. I will definitely be re-wearing the top half of this at some point. It's been quite a while since I wore this jacket which is a shame. I used to wear it ALLLLL the time when I first got it in 2012.

Giveaway

While Christian and I are still staying extra cautious, many people are starting to get back into old routines, but we should all still take as many precautions as possible. That includes wearing masks and using hand sanitizer after touching public surfaces. Obviously I took my mask off for these photos but whenever we are near people it is always in use.

Today I'm partnering with Nakturnal to give one US-based reader a College Care Pack PPE kit from Get Go Care! It includes 60 packets of moisturizing & hydrating hand sanitizer, 15 high-quality, disposable masks and 5 durable, latex-free, disposable gloves.

Get Go Care, based in Illinois, was founded this year because of the need for PPE among not only essential workers but also students. The products are made in China at an FDA-approved factory.

To enter: Leave a comment stating who you would gift a Get Go PPE Kit to and why!

Leather Jacket: Theyskens' Theory 'Juno' (Nordstrom Rack, similar), Cashmere Leopard Print Sweater: Nili Lotan 'Abbey' sweater in Shiraz c/o Shopbop, Jeans: J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral (Gilt Groupe), Sneakers: Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker (DSW), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop

As you may recall, earlier this month I did a post featuring AUrate jewelry. Those were my first closet additions this month.  I also finally bought sandals from the Net-a-Porter sale. I was waiting for the end of the sale because they usually have a 15 or 20% off coupon at the end. I waited until the last day and sadly they did not do a coupon this time. So I bought them at their sale prices of 60% off using some side hustle money. 

Originally I was just going to get the embellished sandal, since they were super fun and my middle name (and my late Grandmother's) is Faye. But then I saw the leopard print ones for $74 and couldn't resist. So I broke my rule of 1 pair of Ancient Greek Sandals per year and have bought three this year, OOPS! But I didn't use "real" money for any of them, so it's fine, haha!

At the end of the month I was perusing my Shopbop wish list & sale section and noticed a sweater I have had on my wishlist for over a year was up to 70% off and they only had 1 left in stock (it's still for sale on the brand's website.) There was a bit of a snafu with a free reward I was supposed to get so they offered me 15% more off! Plus I used my partnership money so it was free.  

I also bought a couple Disney things with a gift card before my Annual Pass expired. One was a super cute light sweatshirt that I thought would be perfect for evenings in the parks or hanging out at home. The other was a couple state themed shirts, one for me (Connecticut) and one for Christian (Missouri.) Figured I would force him into wearing matching shirts on our next trip - whenever that may be. For those that don't know we had to cancel our May trip due to the virus. Back then I had re-booked a trip for November and December hoping we'd be okay. It's not looking good. I also have a THIRD trip booked for next May, REALLY hoping things are better by then. Thank goodness for free hotel cancellation, haha.

Patience pays off more often than you think. All the (non-Disney) items I bought this month could have been purchased over a year ago, but I waited for sales and extra discounts which saved me quite a bit of money. ($679.12 to be exact! Not that I ever would have bought the sweater full price)


THE (modified) RULES

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

1. FARM Rio Amazonian Ombre Mini Wrap Dress c/o Shopbop ($127.50, retail $170)
2. Burberry beaded owl sweater via eBay ($75, retail $2950 in 2012)
3. Stella McCartney Wild Cat Skinny Ankle Jeans via eBay ($15 after ad money, retail $735)
4. Ba&sh "Perla" dress in Green Light c/o Shopbop ($236.25, retail $630)
5. *NEW!* Nili Lotan Cashmere Abbey Sweater c/o Shopbop ($133.88, retail $525) 
6. *NEW!* Mickey Mouse Football Jersey in purple ($28, used gift card)
7. *NEW!* Disney State Fair Connecticut Tee ($17.47, used gift card)
   

1. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral ($0 after $25 credit & ad money, retail $228)
2. Madewell Camp Shorts in Faded Rosebud c/o Shopbop ($35, retail $50)

1. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clara' Sandal c/o Shopbop ($221.25, retail $295)
2. Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker ($14.83 via DSW, retail $64.99) 
3. *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals 'Faye' embellished leather sandals via Net-a-Porter Sale ($112, retail $289, used side hustle money)
   
4. *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clio' leopard-print leather slingback sandals via Net-a-Porter Sale ($74, retail $185, used side hustle money)
   

1. Ray Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses in Havana c/o Shopbop (retail $163)
2. Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag c/o Shopbop ($118.50, retail $158)
3. Shashi Princess Leia Necklace c/o Shopbop ($55)

1. SPANX Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings in Indigo Leopard c/o Shopbop ($68)

1. AUrate Pearl Studs in Rose Gold (retail $150)
2. AUrate Medium Chain Bracelet in Rose Gold (retail $50)
3. *NEW!* AUrate Gold Twist Huggie Earrings (retail $80)
4. *NEW!* AUrate Stackable Twist Ring (retail $80)
5. *NEW!* AUrate Mini Infinity Ring (retail $70)