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
- 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?)
- *NEW!* Knox Rose Crewneck Pullover Sweater in Green Striped via Target ($23 after coupon, used gift card)
- *NEW!* 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:
- *NEW! 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 October: $0
Spent in 2023: $30
Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $30
On day two of our Vermont trip we headed up to Woodstock, but not before a stop at the King Arthur Baking flagship store! I behaved and only bought a few different types of flour (bread, all purpose and Italian-style) and a new cambro dough rising bucket for when I want to see how much my dough has risen or brining something. I wanted more fun ingredients, but refrained for now. I still had a lot of things back home to use up first.
We walked around the Woodstock Green and took some photos and a Reel in front of the Woodstoock Inn, a very popular tourist spot. Then we took a little stroll around the town to Faulkner Park before heading to the Apples & Crafts Fair & Food Truck Festival where I spent too much money on things I didn't need, hah! Bought a super cute sheep ornament made from sheep wool from a local Woodstock farm and a ceramic tree with a black bear climbing up it. So adorable.
Blazer: Paul Smith Velvet Book Print Blazer (Roundabout)
Jeans: J Brand Maria High Rise in Purple Velvet (The RealReal)
Boots: Miu Miu Chelsea Boot - in dark brown suede (Roundabout)
Bag: Emm Kuo 'Calle Bahia' (Roundabout)
A couple weekends ago Christian and I headed up to Vermont for the weekend to camp and see the Autumn foliage. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas so we ended up sleeping in the car and not being able to have a fire or make s'mores. At least we still were able to enjoy the changing leaves in between breaks in the rain on Saturday (and no rain on Sunday!)
Saturday we spent the morning/early afternoon in Manchester where we had lunch at Thai Basil. We intended to go to the North Meadow Farms Fall Festival but it was pushed back by a day because of the rain so we headed back to our campground in Jamaica after a pit-stop at the Newfane Heritage Festival. We had hoped for another break in the rain to grill up some hamburgers and hot dogs but ended up having to go out again for dinner. We chose the Workhorse Cafe and got some of their Saturday night barbecue special. It was okay, but we wished we chose another location for what we spent.
I had just gotten new rain boots in the mail the day we left for the trip, which was ideal! My dav rain boots I have had for years have been showing their age by peeling up at the top so it was time for a replacement. I searched multiple higher end stores for the style I wanted but nothing really matched my needs. Then I saw Target had a Circle offer for 30% off shoes and decided to look and found these A New Day rain boots. They also had a coupon for sweaters so I took the opportunity to grab this fun striped sweater. The colors matched all the leaves and green grass perfectly, ha ha.
Sweater: Knox Rose Green Striped Pullover via Target
Jeans: rag & bone 'Nina' high rise ankle skinny jean in burgundy
Rain Boots: A New Day via Target
Bag: Emm Kuo 'Calle Bahia' (Roundabout)
I'm hoping to start taking more outfit photos again. Getting tired of this dry spell I've been going through. I might have to go back to shooting with a tripod because I always feel bad having Christian take them for me (even though he's great at it!)
Here's a simple outfit I wore this weekend. I ended up needing a sweater on top because it was very windy and chilly. It did not feel like June! I haven't worn these floral jeans in a long time, so I figured they deserved a day out. They're actually reversible but I never wear them on the plain denim side. It's also been a while since I've worn this pair of Ancient Greek Sandals. A few years ago a friend borrowed them while we were on vacation and really stretched out the straps. We had them fixed at a cobbler but now they're too tight. Such a shame. Maybe if I get rid of the ankle strap all together they'll be fine.
Tee: Everlane 'Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee'
Floral Jeans: Target Flipside Denim
Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals Clio in Marine Blue
Bag: Tommy Hilfiger bucket bag (won at Clinton Crossing event)
Christian and I are at Disney World this weekend for our anniversary and I thought I would share outfits from our last two trips because somehow I never did blog posts after we got back... whoops! It's also because I was lazy and didn't have Christian take individual outfit photos of what I wore (although we did do videos for a Reel in May!) Shame on me! I guess that means you guys get Disney couples outfits in addition to Disney outfits for women. YAY!
We're getting closer to Fall, my favorite season. While I'm not ready for sweaters just yet, I can start getting into the spirit with my jewelry. Layering gold necklaces from Aurate New York is a perfect way to do that while not burning up in the end of Summer heat. After all, there's still 2 weeks until Autumn officially starts! (on my 4th wedding anniversary! Yes, we love Autumn so much we got married on the first day - although some years it's a day or two later)
I wore this on a warm early September day (aka this past Friday) and, since we're still experiencing Summer weather, I decided to celebrate the upcoming season with my color choices rather than pieces of clothing. These Proenza Schouler tweed colorblock shorts are quite an odd piece to style. I've worn them in warmer temperatures with tees and tanks but also wore them for Thanksgiving last year with tights underneath and a sweater on top. I could easily wear this on an early-Autumn day in a month with a sweater and no tights. The color palette is perfect for Fall, the colors remind me of falling leaves.
Sandals will remain in my outfits until it becomes too cold for my toes. They're my favorite form of footwear so it always takes a while for me to give them up for the rest of the year. These black leather ones can also be worn into Autumn & Winter with jeans, especially with tights or socks!
On to the main event - Pre-Fall layering! Since we can't layer our clothes, why not our jewelry? It's so easy to do with any necklaces you have. I make sure they're different lengths and also try to have one stand out from the rest. The buttery and bronzed tones of the semi-precious stones in this Destination Aura beaded necklace are perfect to carry me into those cooler months. The colors go perfectly with the colorblock shorts; they were meant to be worn together! I wore the beaded necklace with the clasp up front because I loved the detail of it.
If you're also an Autumn lover, how do you celebrate the coming season with your wardrobe choices? Do you ease in with colors or go all out and wear sweaters in September even if it's hot. (No judgment ;) )
Bodysuit: Who What Wear x Target
Tweed Colorblock Shorts: Proenza Schouler (Roundabout)
Belt: Kenneth Cole Reaction (Marshalls)
Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader)
Sandals: Lanvin studded leather 'City' sandal (The RealReal)
Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop
Necklaces: AUrate Simple Pearl Necklace, AURATE X KERRY: Lioness Pendant & Destination Aura Beaded Necklace (Marrakech)
*This post was made in partnership with Responsival. Thank you for supporting brands I feature*
I wore this back in July when Christian had to do an afternoon video shoot in Newtown. I was having a slow work day and decided to tag along because it was an informal "get shots around town" kind of situation. We drove around town getting videos and drone shots of various parks and buildings. This was a fun Victory Garden at Fairfield Hills. It is kind of hidden in the back of the park, we almost didn't find it, ha ha. There were so many cool vegetables and trees growing - even peaches! It was basically Christian's dream garden. Hopefully one day he's able to have a nice, big garden to grow everything his heart desires!
Dress: Who What Wear Floral Shirt Dress via Target
Bag: Purple Prada Cahier in Viola (Rebag via Vestiaire Collective)
Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Apteros' in Crosta Wine (bought in Athens)
Sunglasses: Gucci Aviators (bought in Rome)
They also had some really cool paintings on old doors. There are 2 of my favorites but there were a ton more!
Earlier this month we went our our annual camping trip that I've been going on since I was about 7. There were a bunch of years during High School that I didn't go and during College but after that I went with my friends a few years and then Christian and I started going together with my Aunt & Uncle. The past couple years my parents and siblings joined back in too. So it's nice to keep the tradition going!
I shared some of these outfits on Instagram yesterday as part of a partnership with Aetrex, but figured I should share all the outfits photos I have. Camping is obviously not a fashionable vacation so these are super comfortable casual looks.
Also turning this into a mini travel guide of sorts since I'll chat about the activities we took part in on our long weekend.
P.S. Use code MEGAN20 at Aetrex for 20% off a full price pair of shoes through 7/23!
Shopping Outfit: Wore this for our morning trek over to The Vermont Country Store in Weston, VT. A must-do on every trip. We arrived and had lunch at Mildred's Grill, shopped at the Vermont Country Store and then walked across the street to browse the Weston Village Christmas Shop and Weston Village Country Store. Then it was back to the campground!
Romper: Greylin 'Osten' Romper (Gilt), Bag: Etienne Aigner (thrifted), Sandals: Aetrex 'Janey Sport Slide' (gifted) |
An Evening Walk: One evening we took a little stroll outside the campground to Jamaica Village and did a quick walk around the block. We didn't want to get bit up by mosquitos so we changed to jeans, ha ha. The village has a small grocery store, yoga studio and a couple galleries.
Tee: A New Day (Target), Jeans: Michael by Michael Kors, Sneakers: Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy (DSW) |
Swimming at Salmon Hole: The swimming at West River was a little crowded the weekend we went, it was the 4th of July, so we didn't actually do any swimming but I did take a morning walk along the river and stuck my toes in. Can't go camping here without at least touching the water! Back in the day there used to be a spot a little up river where the rocks were placed in such a way that if you sat in the right spot you'd have little waterfalls giving you a nice back massage.
Bathing Suit: All in Motion Zip-Front Racerback Laser Cut Back One-Piece in Black Floral (Target), Jean Shorts: Madewell, Sandals: Aetrex 'Janey Sport Slide' (gifted), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop |
Hiking up to The Overlook: No trip is complete without a hike on the Overlook Trail. There are two ways to get up here, we usually take the shorter route that has a bit more rock climbing involved and usually takes a half hour. There is a longer trail that has a more gradual uphill walk as well. The campground has other trails but I'm usually too lazy to do the longer ones these days. My new sneakers were very comfy and perfect for the hike.
Fun Fact: This is where Christian proposed to me in 2018, after I was attacked by mosquitos the whole way up, ha ha.
Tank: American Eagle, Leggings: Fabletics (old), Sports Bra: Fabletics (old), Sneakers: Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy (DSW) |
Hanging at the Campsite: Our main activity over the weekend was just hanging out at our campsites, chatting, enjoying a fire and eating too much food. I hate getting bug bites on my feet so I sport the super fashionable "socks with sandals" that I would be embarrassed to be seen in outside of camping, ha ha. I also wore this to the Newfane Flea Market where Christian and I splurged on some delicious sausages from A Crooked Barn Charcuterie. Going to have to buy more next time we're in VT, unless the owner adds online shopping before then!
Top: Fabletics 'Savannah Top' (old) Shorts: Old Navy 'High-Waisted Textured Twill Shorts' in Copper Moon, Sandals: Aetrex 'Janey Sport Slide' (gifted), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop, Socks: Target |
Drive Home & Stop at Retreat Farm: On our drive home we decided to finally stop at Retreat Farm after saying "we should stop here" every other year. Christian bought a bunch of cheese at Grafton Village Cheese before we walked the grounds of the farm and said "hi!" to various animals including a HUGE bull named Carlos. We were there on the Fourth of July so it was not crowded at all, just how I like my activities! Before leaving we grabbed some strawberry and lemon gelato made with local ingredients.
Tank: American Eagle, Shorts: Old Navy 'High-Waisted Textured Twill Shorts' in Copper Moon, Sandals: Aetrex 'Janey Sport Slide' (gifted), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop |
Here it is, the blog debut of my newest pair of Ancient Greek Sandals! They are part of the 10th anniversary collection that was released earlier this Summer. Each piece is inspired by a piece of art in a museum. These are the Kore of Berlin sandals inspired by the patterned robes worn by the Kore of Berlin in the Altes Museum in Germany. I still want the Victory of Samothrace feather-embellished metallic sandals (inspired by The Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre in Paris) because they're a callback to my first ever pair of Ancient Greek Sandals - the winged Ikaria.
I now own TWELVE pairs of Ancient Greek Sandals. You can definitely say I'm a super fan. If I didn't limit myself to one pair a year (with a few exceptions) I'm sure I would have many more. I did a favorite things post back in 2020 featuring each pair of sandals and talking about my love of the brand so I won't do a whole repeat here.
When I got these in the mail I spent a good chunk of time making a Reel featuring every single pair of Ancient Greek Sandals I own. Sadly it didn't take off like I hoped it would. Apparently Instagram prefers when my Reels feature food and doesn't show my fashion Reels to people. *eyeroll*
Jeans: Stella McCartney Wild Cat Skinny Ankle Jeans (eBay - linked pair is more of a straight leg)
Bag: Purple Prada Cahier in Viola (Rebag via Vestiaire Collective)
Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Kore of Berlin' Embroidery Sandal - 10th Anniversary Collection (Shopbop)
Sunglasses: Gucci Aviators
Necklaces: AURATE X KERRY Lioness Pendant & Acanthus Jewelry 'Gemma' Amethyst