The time has finally come for my favorite boots to come out of their Summer slumber! It is almost their 4th birthday and I love them just as much as when I first got them.  It's rather fitting that I'm posting this look today since it's my birthday on Sunday and I got them as a gift.*

They are a perfect match with this sweater dress which could be a little boring with other shoes.  The boots bump up the volume, so to speak. That is also why I opted to add a vest on top as well, for a bit more interest.  It's nice to still be able to have bare legs during this time of year, the outfit will feel a little heavier come Winter when I have to wear tights with it.

* Well, I said I wanted them and my mom gave me the money to buy them for my birthday, but same thing.

Dress: Balenciaga Knits (Roundabout Resale), Necklace: Indulgems (Gilt Groupe) Booties: Alexander Wang 'Freja' (The Outnet), Vest: Ella Moss (Marshalls)

I've tried a few long sleeve sweater dresses in the past, but most have been too chunky, shapeless and added bulk to me. Then I encountered this gorgeous sixties style swing dress at Roundabout for 75% off their price (which is already a consignment store price.) I saw the burgundy fabric peeking out of the rack on my second go around through the store. As most of you know burgundy (and purple) is one of my favorite colors to wear. It was also brand new with tags, how does it get any better than that?

It is from a diffusion line for Balenciaga, Balenciaga.Knits. According to the tag, Balenciaga selected several emblematic designs from Nicolas Ghesquiere's collections. Their development is focused on researching materials and new cuts.

I wore it on a slightly warmer day, which felt like a heatwave even though it was still in the upper 30s (°F.) It is made of wool so there is a teeeeeny bit of an itch to it, but after wearing it a few more times I'm sure it will soften up.

Dress: Balenciaga Knits (Roundabout Resale), Necklace: Geoclassics, Boots: Eighteen 68 'Megan' (Gilt),

Can you believe February is already over?! I made it through the Fall/Winter portion of the challenge! From now on though, I think I'm just going to keep track of my purchases and try to stick to basics rather than doing the whole 6 month season by season thing. Because sometimes you need to buy Spring items in December...where does that go in the challenge? Who knows! But I'm glad I successfully completed the challenge for 1 year in the original form. Starting next month, my posts will have "French" removed from the title, ha ha.

I went to Roundabout's Winter Blowout sale (Westport location) on Valentine's Day and walked out with 3 great pieces! I spent $220 and the retail price of the items was at least $2200.  I also wanted a gorgeous Burberry Prorsum dress and 3.1 Phillip Lim dress but resisted them because I haven't really been wearing dresses lately. Kind of regretting the Burberry one... And my only other purchase this month was a $6 sweater from Target, quite the difference from the other purchases but I love it just the same! (Was in the wash when I was taking these photos, oops!)

But WAIT! There's more! (I hope you all read that like they say it in the infomericals) This past Saturday I got an email from Roundabout saying they were having an even bigger blowout on their Winter pieces for a limited time! So I texted Lydia and we met up to shop! They still had the Burberry dress, so I HAD to buy it, it was fate! I also bought a different Phillip Lim dress and a Balenciaga sweater dress that was brand new with tags! The Phillip Lim dress is missing from photos because my mom is repairing a small hole in it.



THE RULES

1. Just five seven standout pieces per season.
2. Quality over quantity.
3. Basics don’t count.
4. Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual.
5. Socks and underwear don’t count.
6. Shoes do count.

MY PROGRESS

Part of my Seven:

1. Altuzarra for Target Embroidered Pleated Georgette Dress ($54.99)
2. J.Crew Embellished Intarsia Llama Sweater ($44, J.Crew Factory)
3. J.Crew Intarsia Reindeer Sweater ($44, J.Crew Factory)
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Pyo' Sweater ($66, Saks Off 5th)
5. DKNY Oversized striped knitted cardigan ($94, Net-a-Porter End of Season Sale)
6. *NEW!* Paul Smith velvet book print blazer via  Roundabout Resale ($91, retail $600+)
7. *NEW!* Burberry ruched dress via Roundabout Resale ($90, retail $795)

Basics: 

1. Ella Moss Vest in gray via Marshalls ($79.99, paid with gift card)
2. Altuzarra for Target Python long sleeve shirt ($19.99)
3. August Silk Sweater via Marshalls (birthday gift)
4. Midnight by Carole Hochman pajamas (also available here) via Marshalls (birthday gift)
5. Banana Republic ($19.50 at the Factory Store) 
6. Elie Tahari for Design Nation jacket c/o Kohl's 
7. Everlane Box Cut Tee - Aquamarine ($5 after coupon)
8. Everlane V - Muted Black ($5 after coupon) 
9. Everlane The Cotton Heather U-neck (Christmas Gift)
10. Everlane The Cotton U-neck - Slate (Christmas Gift)
11. Everlane The Fall Seed Stitch Raglan - Cool Gray (Christmas Gift)
12.  Cocogio Cardigan (Christmas Gift)
13. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Blue Suede Jacket via TJ Maxx ($80 after gift card)
14. Tinley Road Indigo Tank via Piperlime ($5.99)
15. Daniel Rainn Velvet Burnout Top via Piperlime ($15.99)
16. *NEW!* Merona Sweater via Target ($6) 
17. *NEW!* Brooks Brothers Burgundy Cotton and Silk Blazer via Roundabout Resale ($40, retail $750) 
18. *NEW!* 3.1 Phillip Lim Black Open Back Knitted Dress via Roundabout Resale ($32, retail $375)
19. *NEW!* Balenciaga Knit sweater dress via Roundabout Resale ($72, retail $300+)

Shoes:

1. Coach 'Nacie' pump via Marshalls ($69, paid with gift card)
2. Cole Haan 'Minetta' Sandal via Amazon ($74, paid with gift card)
3. Vince Camuto Ankle Boot via Marshalls (birthday gift) 
4. Naot 'Yama' Shoe (c/o) 
5. *NEW!* Jimmy Choo 'Blend' Pump via Roundabout Resale ($75, retail $795) 
6. *NEW!* Duo 'Ani' Boot (c/o)

Accessories:

1. Movado Bold Watch c/o Lucky & Movado
2. Kendra Scott Naomi Double Ring (c/o)
3. Marrin Costello Pearl Crescent Necklace [$66 after coupon, not available online yet] 
4. Lo & Sons "O.G. Bag" ($236 after coupon code) 
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs silver ring ($24, TJ Maxx)

Exempt items:  [gifted items from brands or family members that would normally fall under my standout pieces]

• Philosophy Top c/o Marshalls ($19.99)
• For Cynthia Sweater c/o Marshalls ($16.99)  
• Tory Burch Cardigan via TJ Maxx (birthday gift)
• Eight Sixty Florence Double Vee Tank via Piperlime ($11.99, not counting because it's more Summery...I know, cheating!)

Ahh Friday, my second favorite day of the week. Saturday is obviously my favorite because you don't have to worry about anything: no work the next day, you can do anything you want during the day and stay up late. Sunday is okay, but like Meg Ryan says in Kate & Leopold, it gets spoiled because you know you have to go to work Monday.  I've got quite a large amount planned for this long weekend. Probably starting with a trip to Marhsalls on Saturday, then going to a fun gemstone place with my sister, and on Sunday getting my nails done with my best friends and we will probably go out to eat and see Frozen after.

Right when I get back into the groove of going back to the office 4 days a week I have a crazy week ahead of me. Next Monday the office is closed, I'm going in on Tuesday, then Wednesday I'm working at home and then I'm off Thursday - Monday for my trip to Florida. I'm headed to the Harry Potter Celebration weekend they're having at Universal. My sister and I planned to go months ago and bought our tickets and then earlier this week Universal emailed me asking if I would like to cover the event for my site, magical-menagerie.com, score!

Monday: Tee: Gap (from Lydia), Skirt: siena style (Coco's $10 sale), Boots: Eighteen68 'Megan' (Gilt), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports snake ring & Mom's

Tuesday: Dress: Jason Wu for Target, Sweater: Phillip Lim for Target, Heels: Jessica Simpson (from Lydia), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports snake ring & Mom's

Wednesday: Sweater: Everlane, Pants: Balenciaga (Roundabout Resale), Heels: Dolce & Gabanna (Uptown Consignment), Necklace: Geoclassics, Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports snake ring & Mom's

Thursday: Blazer: The Extreme Collection (thrifted), Dress: Lauren by Ralph Lauren (Lord & Taylor), Booties: No.704b. (DSW), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports snake ring & Mom's

My favorite things posts are usually reserved for clothing or accessories. But today I thought it was fitting to share one of my favorite stores, Roundabout Resale.  Roundabout opened in Westport, CT in 1989 and expanded to New York City in 2008 and currently have two stores there. They recently announced they will be opening a third store in New York City this March. Information on the store is as follows:

Roundabout, New York's leading purveyor of luxury resale and discount couture, is pleased to announce the Spring 2014 opening of a second Upper East Side location at 1100 Madison Avenue (between 82nd and 83rd Streets) having acquired the lease of the space currently occupied by Lumas gallery.

I have gotten some of my favorite pieces from Roundabout at amazing prices.  I mainly wait for their sales but sometimes I go in and just can't resist splurging on a one of a kind item.  Below are some of my favorite buys:



And a gorgeous Tracy Reese dress that is waiting for the right occasion. Maybe my cousins wedding this Summer, but there is the slight problem of it being white-ish. But I think it's far enough from a pure white dress that it will work.


And here is some more basic information on Roundabout for those of you who are interested:

Owners Laurie and Richard Perren created Roundabout 25 years ago with the goal of having the best consignment / resale store in the country. With their unique business model they not only offer an amazing selection of pre-owned designer items from America's best closets, but through direct relationships with boutiques, showrooms and designers they are also able to sell current and past season "new" items at a discount of up to 70% off original retail. From cutting edge Alaia to classic Chanel, Roundabout is able to stock the finest labels in fashion at incredible prices.

By providing customers with a similar luxury shopping experience as neighboring high-end retailers, along with the assurance of impeccable condition and quality, Roundabout is able to obtain a higher selling price and therefore a higher return to the consignor than the current fad of online resale sites. Roundabout pays 66% of the selling price to consignors of Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton handbags and 50% for all other merchandise.

* This is NOT a sponsored post

This weekend I braved the cold/high winds to take some more shots of my favorite outfit from last week.  As I said on Friday,  I got these amazing Balenciaga pants for $30 at my favorite consignment store, Roundabout Resale.  They are pretty wild but I couldn't resist their velvety goodness.  Maybe one day I'll be a bit more adventurous with the styling, but for a while I'll probably stick to blacks.  What would you pair it with?

Song of the Day: Black Magic Woman by Santana

Sweater: Burberry Brit (Net-a-Porter sale), Tee: Cullen (Rue La La), Pants: Balenciaga (Roundabout Resale) Heels: Dolce & Gabanna (Uptown Consignment), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage & Mom's

Less than a week until Thanksgiving! But there are 2 other things to be excited about for next week. Number 1 - a short work week! YAY! Number 2, my favorite, getting our Christmas Tree on Friday!  But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  First: the weekend! This weekend I'll be having date night with Christine and Lydia thanks to Marshalls Project Fab! Then Sunday I will relax and hang out with the family at Grandma's.

This week I FINALLY got to debut my crazy velvet Balenciaga pants I got for $30 (I know!) at Roundabout Resale in Westport.  I always find the best pieces there.  Case in point: my Lanvin heels from Thursday. Always get so many compliments on them and I paid a measly $80. Okay...that is technically a lot, but not compared to the $900 price tag. My outfits this week are also full of Marshalls and TJ Maxx finds.  As you can see I never pay full price for fabulous!

Monday: Dress: London Times (from Lydia), Sweater: Forever 21, Boots: Eighteen68 'Megan' (Gilt),  Belt: Kenneth Cole Reaction (Marshalls), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage & Mom's

Tuesday: Sweater: Burberry Brit (Net-a-Porter sale), Tee: Cullen (Rue La La), Pants: Balenciaga (Roundabout Resale) Heels: Dolce & Gabanna (Uptown Consignment), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage & Mom's

Wednesday: Dress: McQ by Alexander McQueen, Sweater: Tahari (TJ Maxx), Booties: Alexander Wang (The Outnet), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage & Mom's

Thursday: Top: Equipment (Sample Sale), Vest: French Connection (Marshalls), Jeans:  Free People, Heels: Lanvin (Roundabout Resale), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage & Mom's

This past Saturday I met up with Lydia to check out Roundabout's sale (50% off! & a sidewalk sale where items were $10-$25.) Since I liked my Thursday outfit so much, I decided to wear it again so Lydia could photograph it. At Roundabout I tried on a bunch of pieces & walked out with 2 things (photo) I won't wear that often but had to purchase. It's like an episode of Resale Royalty I saw a couple weeks ago, sometimes I buy pieces to fulfill a fantasy life I wish I had. But that's okay as long as it doesn't get out of hand.

I bought a pair of velvet Balenciaga pants that retailed for almost $1000. I paid $35 because they were 75% off plus an extra 50% off! I also picked up a gorgeous Tracy Reese dress with a fun scale-like print for $59 (regularly $475 if eBay is to be believed.) At this point I have nowhere to wear it, but hopefully I'll be invited to a wedding or something soon!

After shopping we had a quick bite to eat and stopped at The Historical Christmas Barn to check out their sale. My sister used to work there and they always have really cute stuff. Before we went our separate ways, we took our outfit photos on a cute stone path behind the store. Prepare for a deluge of photos! (I said deluge like Dori in The Hobbit, he says it funny)

Song of the Day: Further On Up The Road - Eric Clapton

Sweater: Made by Grandma, Skirt: J.McLaughlin (Coco's $10 sale), Sandals: Manolo Blahnik (Roundabout Resale), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Shopbop), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage & Mom's

Here we are with anther installment of my Fall 2013 favorites!!  View all my favorites here on my Style.com Lookbook!

Chanel		Chanel
Hermes		Balenciaga
Carven		Celine
Chloe		Christian Dior
Elie Saab		Dolce & Gabbana
Etro		Bottega Veneta