I treated myself to a Disney Christmas sweater this month during Target's Black Friday sale. It was 25% off and I had gift cards from various Target Circle promos! Technically it's the men's sweater, but I never buy the women's versions because they are Minnie Mouse and I prefer Mickey. Side note: it really annoys me that everyone has "Black Friday" sales all month long now. Black Friday is ONE DAY. Just call it a holiday sale or something, but since everyone googles Black Friday they have to use those words. *sigh* 

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. C&C California Tropical Print Linen Dress via Marshalls ($13)
2. Cynthia Rowley leaf print dress via Marshalls ($13) 
3. AllSaints Jayda dress in black splash print (polka dot) via Roundabout Resale ($16.80, retail $260)
4. C&C California tropical print tee (similar) via Marshalls ($10 on clearance)
5. *NEW!* Disney Mickey Mouse Holiday Pullover Sweater via Target ($52.49, retail $69.99, used gift cards)
   

Basics:

1. Joie long grey vest via Marshalls ($14, retail $68?, used gift card)
2. LC Lauren Conrad High Rise 5" Rolled Cuff Shorts in Doria ($24.99, retail $36.99)
3. Sonoma Goods For Life Premium Roll Cuff Jean Shorts in medium wash ($14.99, retail $24.99)
4. Nicole Miller orange linen cargo pants via Marshalls ($16 on clearance)

Shoes:

1. None

Handbags:

1. None

Accessories:

1. None
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets in Deep Teal ($20, retail $30, used CC rewards)
   

Gifted from Brands:

• None
  

Spent in November: $0

Spent in 2024: $108.69

Spent in 2024 - counting ad money: $0

This month I engaged a bit of retail therapy. My mom and I spent a morning at Home Goods and Marshalls. I resisted buying anything at Home Goods even though I wanted a new comfy blanket. I wasn't so lucky at Masrhalls. I tried on a couple "fun" things I knew I wouldn't buy as well as a couple clearance finds which I ended up purchasing.  Then later that week I went out with Christian and got a new blanket at Home Goods, ha ha! Of course, right after that I got approved for a sponsored post at Ocean State Job Lot and ended up with another blanket from there, so now we've got two new blankets!

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. C&C California Tropical Print Linen Dress via Marshalls ($13)
2. Cynthia Rowley leaf print dress via Marshalls ($13) 
3. AllSaints Jayda dress in black splash print (polka dot) via Roundabout Resale ($16.80, retail $260)
4. *NEW!* C&C California tropical print tee (similar) via Marshalls ($10 on clearance)

Basics:

1. Joie long grey vest via Marshalls ($14, retail $68?, used gift card)
2. LC Lauren Conrad High Rise 5" Rolled Cuff Shorts in Doria ($24.99, retail $36.99)
3. Sonoma Goods For Life Premium Roll Cuff Jean Shorts in medium wash ($14.99, retail $24.99)
4. *NEW!* Nicole Miller orange linen cargo pants via Marshalls ($16 on clearance)

Shoes:

1. None

Handbags:

1. None

Accessories:

1. None
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets in Deep Teal ($20, retail $30, used CC rewards)
   

Gifted from Brands:

• None
  

Spent in October: $26

Spent in 2024: $108.69

Spent in 2024 - counting ad money: $0

Nothing new this month. It was a very odd month because I was on a trip right before the month started, then we were gearing up for Christian's birthday followed by a business trip the next weekend. I also had a few Layla-sitting days mixed in. I definitely don't need to be shopping for clothes, but I do miss it. Sometimes I just want to go on a shopping spree and blow all my money, ha ha!   

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. C&C California Tropical Print Linen Dress via Marshalls ($13)
2. Cynthia Rowley leaf print dress via Marshalls ($13) 
3. AllSaints Jayda dress in black splash print (polka dot) via Roundabout Resale ($16.80, retail $260)

Basics:

1. Joie long grey vest via Marshalls ($14, retail $68?, used gift card)
2. LC Lauren Conrad High Rise 5" Rolled Cuff Shorts in Doria ($24.99, retail $36.99)
3. Sonoma Goods For Life Premium Roll Cuff Jean Shorts in medium wash ($14.99, retail $24.99)

Shoes:

1. None

Handbags:

1. None

Accessories:

1. None
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets in Deep Teal ($20, retail $30, used CC rewards)
   

Gifted from Brands:

• None
  

Spent in September: $0

Spent in 2024: $82.69

Spent in 2024 - counting ad money: $0

Well, I finally got new jean shorts like I've been talking about since last year, ha ha! I got a 40% off coupon for Kohl's so I decided to take a look. I ordered two pairs figuring I would return one but they ended up being such different colors that I kept both for different occasions.

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. C&C California Tropical Print Linen Dress via Marshalls ($13)
2. Cynthia Rowley leaf print dress via Marshalls ($13)
   

Basics:

1. Joie long grey vest via Marshalls ($14, retail $68?, used gift card)
   
2. *NEW!* LC Lauren Conrad High Rise 5" Rolled Cuff Shorts in Doria ($24.99, retail $36.99)
3. *NEW!* Sonoma Goods For Life Premium Roll Cuff Jean Shorts in medium wash ($14.99, retail $24.99)

Shoes:

1. None

Handbags:

1. None

Accessories:

1. None
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets in Deep Teal ($20, retail $30, used CC rewards)
   

Gifted from Brands:

• None
  

Spent in July: $39.98

Spent in 2024: $65.98

Spent in 2024 - counting ad money: $0

I did buy a couple dresses this month, but they aren't fashionable in the least, haha! I bought them to be easily packable in my Day Owl backpack/don't care if they get wrinkly for my trip to Florida this week. They'll be comfy in the heat, have pockets and I'll fit right in at the specific location we're going, ha ha. I had a leftover gift card from Christmas that covered one of the dresses so it was $26 for both. Almost bought a pair of jean shorts like I've been saying I'll do for months, but the wash was slightly off.

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. C&C California Tropical Print Linen Dress via Marshalls ($13)
2. Cynthia Rowley leaf print dress via Marshalls ($13)
   

Basics:

1. Joie long grey vest via Marshalls ($14, retail $68?, used gift card)
   

Shoes:

1. None

Handbags:

1. None

Accessories:

1. None
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets in Deep Teal ($20, retail $30, used CC rewards)
   

Gifted from Brands:

• None
  

Spent in June: $26

Spent in 2024: $26

Spent in 2024 - counting ad money: $0

How is it already the end of May?! No new purchases this month. Pretty boring, sadly, haha! Maybe I'll finally break my streak in June (if you don't count my vacation purchase in April.) I'm still on the hunt for a perfect pair of denim shorts. I want a pair that's not too short or long and not really looking for distressed this time...we shall see!

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. None

Basics:

1. Joie long grey vest via Marshalls ($14, retail $68?, used gift card)
   

Shoes:

1. None

Handbags:

1. None

Accessories:

1. None
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets in Deep Teal ($20, retail $30, used CC rewards)
   

Gifted from Brands:

• None
  

Spent in May: $0

Spent in 2024: $0

Spent in 2024 - counting ad money: $0

Still going strong with hardly any clothing purchases this year. Although I did get to do some clothing shopping with Christian. He needed a new suit so we went through the process of trying a bunch on, picking one, getting it altered and getting new shoes. So I was able to scratch my shopping itch! 

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. None

1. None

Shoes:

1. None

Handbags:

1. None

1. None
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets in Deep Teal ($20, retail $30, used CC rewards)
   

Gifted from Brands:

• None
  

Spent in March: $0

Spent in 2024: $0

Spent in 2024 - counting ad money: $0

Another month with no clothing purchases. These posts are getting a little boring, no? But I'm going to keep up with them because I think it's good to show that you don't always need to buy new clothes and can shop your own closet. We need to break the fast fashion cycle where people are buying new wardrobes every few months. For most of my later blogging years I have tried to go with the less is more approach and only add items that I know will last. Occasionally I will still buy a crazy piece I'm not sure of just to try it out, but I try to avoid that.

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. None

1. None

Shoes:

1. None

Handbags:

1. None

1. None
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets in Deep Teal ($20, retail $30, used CC rewards)
   

Gifted from Brands:

• None
  

Spent in February: $0

Spent in 2024: $0

Spent in 2024 - counting ad money: $0

The first month of 2024 is already done, wow! This year I'm not planning on making too many clothing purchases, but I will continue to do my roundups because I can't stop now, ha ha! This will be my TENTH year tracking my clothing spending and it's funny looking back at my older posts where I would spend a couple hundred a month. My first recap post was March 2014 and it was the month I bought my beloved Carven map print dress! I've definitely gotten my $300 worth out of that dress, with lots more more life left in it.

Paragraph added before the end of the month since I prepared this early, haha! Amazon was having a sale on some leggings I like so I used credit card rewards to buy another pair. The first pair I bought was for my runDisney Cheshire Cat outfit.

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. None

1. None

Shoes:

1. None

Handbags:

1. None

1. None
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. *NEW!* Colorfulkoala High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets in Deep Teal ($20, retail $30, used CC rewards)
   

Gifted from Brands:

• None
  

Spent in January: $0

Spent in 2024: $0

Spent in 2024 - counting ad money: $0

I bought a few pieces this month thanks to a gift card from a friend. One was a necessity because my current pair of rain boots is flaking off at the top. I tried to buy a replacement last year but they're doing the same thing so I opted for a full rubber pair from Target that are similar in style to what I had. I also bought a new chunky sweater and some pants. The pants are a little longer on me than the model (short girl problems,) so I'm not sure how much I'll wear them, but they are comfortable and will be good when we're back in warm weather.

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. VERMONT Sweatshirt in light gray via the Weston Village Store ($20, retail $50) 
2. Nicole Miller abstract floral print shorts ($4 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
3. *NEW!*  Knox Rose Crewneck Pullover Sweater in Green Striped via Target ($23 after coupon, used gift card)
   
4. *NEW!* Knox Rose Relaxed Fit Tapered Jogger Pants in Blue via Target ($21 after coupon, used gift card)
   

1. C&C California Grey Shorts ($6 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
   

Shoes:

1. *NEW!   A New Day Vicki Mid Calf Rubber Rain Boots in Matte Black via Target ($21.60 after coupon, used gift card)
   

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
2. Aurate Pearl Lariat Necklace (won a gift card on Instagram)
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. 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 October: $0

Spent in 2023: $30

Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $30

Wow, September went by super fast!! I had a couple trips this month so I wasn't home enough to do any clothes shopping damage, haha! Next month is my birthday month, so maybe I'll allow myself a splurge - we'll see!

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. VERMONT Sweatshirt in light gray via the Weston Village Store ($20, retail $50) 
2. Nicole Miller abstract floral print shorts ($4 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
   

1. C&C California Grey Shorts ($6 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
   

Shoes:

1. None yet

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
2. Aurate Pearl Lariat Necklace (won a gift card on Instagram)
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. 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 September: $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

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. VERMONT Sweatshirt in light gray via the Weston Village Store ($20, retail $50) 
2. *NEW!* Nicole Miller abstract floral print shorts ($4 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
   

1. *NEW!* C&C California Grey Shorts ($6 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
   

Shoes:

1. None yet

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
2. *NEW!* Aurate Pearl Lariat Necklace (won a gift card on Instagram)
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. 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

How is it already the end of July?? This month flew by. Before we know it, it will be September. Crazy! But I could definitely do with some slightly cooler temperatures. I haven't even been in the mood to shop because it's so hot. Good for my wallet, I suppose. I could use some more Summer dresses or tanks, but I always revert to my favorite few anyway.

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. VERMONT Sweatshirt in light gray via the Weston Village Store ($20, retail $50)
   

1. None yet

Shoes:

1. None yet

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. None yet

Gifted from Brands:

• Aetrex Maui Orthotic Flip Flops in Matte Black
• *NEW!* Aurate Crossover Ring in Yellow Gold 
• *NEW!* Aurate Toi et Moi Gemstone Mini Vintage Ring in Yellow Gold with Amethyst and Citrine
• *NEW!* Aurate Birthstone Baguette Studs in London Blue Topaz
  

Spent in July: $0

Spent in 2023: $20

Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $20

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

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. *NEW!* VERMONT Sweatshirt in light gray via the Weston Village Store ($20, retail $50)
   

1. None yet

Shoes:

1. None yet

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. 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

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. None yet

1. None yet

Shoes:

1. None yet

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. 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

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. None yet

1. None yet

Shoes:

1. None yet

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. None yet

Gifted from Brands:

• None yet

Spent in April: $0

Spent in 2023: $0

Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $0

Still going strong with no clothing purchases in 2023! It also helps that we're saving up for a bunch of trips so whenever I think about buying something I imagine us being finished saving for those trips sooner. I've been thinking about getting myself some new pajamas as well, but that's not very exciting, ha ha.

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. None yet

1. None yet

Shoes:

1. None yet

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. None yet

Gifted from Brands:

• None yet

Spent in March: $0

Spent in 2023: $0

Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $0

The shortest month of the year is over!  I was good once again and didn't add anything to my closet. I did, however, gain a new accessory. Christian has been wanting me to get an Apple Watch for a while so he decided to get me one! Technically that is a new item in the closet, but it was a gift and it's more for tracking exercise versus fashion. HOWEVER, I am thinking about splurging on one of the fancy Hermès bands...but I probably won't because they're almost the same price as the watch, sheesh!

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. None yet

1. None yet

Shoes:

1. None yet

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. *NEW!* Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
   

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. None yet

Gifted from Brands:

• None yet

Spent in February: $0

Spent in 2023: $0

Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $0

My first wardrobe update of 2023, wild! This year I'm not planning on buying much, but I do have some cash in my clothing savings account and some ad money leftover from last year so I'm sure there will be a few things added to the closet at some point. Nothing new this month!

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. None yet

1. None yet

Shoes:

1. None yet

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. None yet

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. None yet

Gifted from Brands:

• None yet

Spent in January: $0

Spent in 2023: $0

Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $0