Only the bottom half of this outfit is original. I had to improvise with the top and came up with a pretty similar alternative! I also added the necklace since it matched part of the print of my skirt.I think I prefer this new version more, a bit more polished.

Chambray Bomber: Cloth & Stone c/o Marshalls, Cashmere Sweater: Paolo Rodesco (Roundabout Resale), Skirt: made by mom, Belt: Kenneth Cole Reaction (Marshalls), Wedges: Madden Girl (Marshalls), Necklace: House of Harlow 'Station' in stingray (won from South Moon Under)


The Original: Tank: Ellen Tracey, Sweater: Urban Outfitters

I behaved this month and only bought one thing, which I have a good excuse for! 1: It's from my favorite store that used to have a location in Newport but is still open in Boston. 2: It was on "super sale" from $25 to $8.50 and 3: It's my color! Burgundy!

...

I wrote that first paragraph a couple weeks before the end of the month because I was SO SURE I would make it through without buying another thing. How wrong I was. I misbehaved a few days ago and bought some amazing Proenza Schouler pants. BUT, to be fair, I have wanted them since September 2014 and they were an extra 15% off at Yoox (a version of them is still $578 at The Outnet). They should arrive tomorrow and I really hope they fit! But it's probably better that they don't so I have to return them and get the money back ;)

As I say every month: I'll do better in June!!BUT The Net-a-Porter End of Season sale started today, so that could be dangerous!

UPDATE: The pants arrived today and they fit like a glove! Super excited to wear them. Just gotta make sure I wear them A LOT.



THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. Saint Laurent Multicolor Silk Patchwork Blouse ($350 via eBay, christmas money, $2390+ retail)
2. Free People Jax Patched Skinny Jean ($52, retail $128) 
3. Jason Wu snakeskin pussy bow blouse ($122 via Roundabout, $1395 retail) 
4. Cynthia Steffe 'Naomi' feather print shirt dress ($10 via Lord & Taylor, $248 retail) 
5. Greylin 'Osten' Open Back Romper ($27 via Gilt) 
6. *NEW!* Proenza Schouler Jacquard pants ($247 via Yoox, $1,650+ retail)

Basics:

1. J.Crew Factory colorblock sweater ($24, used gift card)
2. Banana Republic 'patch-pocket' shorts ($11 at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlet) 

Shoes:

1. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athanasia' in Croc ($238 via Moda Operandi, $280 retail)
2. J.Crew Raffia Seaside Sandals (Mom bought at Clinton Crossing) 

Accessories:

1.  *NEW!* Gemstone Necklace via Geclassics in Boston ($8.50)

Gifted from Brands:

1.  None

Total spent in 2016:  $468.50
(not counting Saint Laurent top which used Christmas money)

I wore this to go to my oldest friend's bridal shower last weekend. It's crazy to think that I've known her basically my whole life and she's getting married! We don't see each other as much as we used to, but when we do it's like no time has passed.

Dress: Carven Paris Map Print (Yoox), Cardigan: Max Studio, Sandals: Manolo Blahnik (Roundabout Resale), Bag: Etienne Aigner (thrifted), Sunglasses: Chanel (bought in Greece), Necklace: BubuRuby

I love going through my work outfit archives to rewear looks. This is a particular favorite. I love the cardigan and top together. This look has definitely been repeated before but I don't think the repeat has ever made the blog.

Top: Mexx (Coco's $10 sale), Sweater: Kohl's, Jeans: Current/Elliott (Sample Sale), Heels: Manolo Blahnik (Roundabout Resale), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La)


The Original: 

In addition to a style rut, I have also been in a hair rut. So I decided to experiment a bit and did two french braids into a half-ponytail type thing. I was going to pull them into a full ponytail or bun, but thought this looked cute. It also added a bit more interest to this somewhat basic outfit. It's all in the details, right?

Tee: Cullen (Rue La La), Jeans: Free People 'Jax' Patchwork, Flats: Diane von Furstenberg (Marshalls) Necklace: bought in Greece