Winter 2017 Clothing Summary

Starting anew for 2017. My goal is to keep my quarter clothes budget to $200. I've still got some weight loss goals to achieve, but I need to do a bit of fill-in in the meantime.

Target $31.58

A couple of weeks ago, I took advantage of a B1G50% deal on sneakers and flip-flops. My favorite white and black striped slip-ons are too big (stretched out) after pregnancy, so i needed something new. I grabbed this pair of Vans-espue slip-ons and a pair of denim (Keds-esque) sneakers. The denim ones are actually slipons with fake laces!

Old Navy $85.34

After my birthday day in San Francisco, I stopped into Old Navy to take advantage of their 30% sale and find pants! I grabbed this great stretchy black pencil skirt (longer than the one I currently own) and coral tank top. The top is thin but not see through. Love some hot weather options as summer is coming soon.

I grabbed this coral tank top on clearance! Perfect for a layering piece. And I finally found some pants that fit! I bought these gray chino Pixie pants. They are ankle length and fairly lightweight, perfect for spring and summer here in California.

Finally I grabbed a graphic tee. Most of my tees are gross. I need a couple of good semi-fitted tees to throw on with jeans and shorts. Loving this one!

2017 Total: $116.92

December 2016 Clothing Summary

Summer 2015 I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe… I decided to add a running total for 2016 at the bottom. I know some months I won’t buy anything and other months I’ll splurge. I would like to monitor my total spent…

Target — Black booties $18.78 (50% off!!)

Christmas gifts -- My mom usually gets me some clothes for Christmas. This year I got some basic layering tees and camis, an classic MTV logo tee, and some owl slippers. No pics, but I'm glad for the layering camis. My old ones were worn out.

December Total: $18.78

Total for 2016: $335.80

November 2016 Clothing Summary

Summer 2015 I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe… I decided to add a running total for 2016 at the bottom. I know some months I won’t buy anything and other months I’ll splurge. I would like to monitor my total spent…

Target — Burgundy high low tee $11.48.  While shopping for some baby items, I decided to check out the clearance rack. I bought two shirts, but took one back that was huge. I did keep this nice lightweight long tee. Perfect for layering in the cooler months and wearing with leggings around the house.

November Total: $11.48

Total for 2016: $317.02

October 2016 Clothing Summary

So I completely stopped doing these after April. To be fair, I didn't really buy clothes as I was pregnant and wearing my old maternity clothes. I haven't bought any new clothes since giving birth a month ago, but I'm going to try and estimate what I spent during the last months of my pregnancy. Hopefully I can start fitting into real clothes soon and the reevaluate my wardrobe. Summer 2015 I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe…

I decided to add a running total for 2016 at the bottom. I know some months I won’t buy anything and other months I’ll splurge. I would like to monitor my total spent…

Target -- I eventually had to buy some new underwear (yeah for granny panties for postpartum recovery!) and a new nursing bra. I also grabbed a nursing tank that has been great for sleeping in. Estimated cost - $40.00

DSW -- Towards the end of my pregnancy, I realized that I was down to one pair of flip flops. All my other shoes didn't fit with my swollen feet. I broke down and popped into DSW to find something that I could wear for awhile. I found these two pairs of shoes on the clearance rack. Those flip flops are the comfiest I've every owned. They have been amazing for my aching feet. And the sneakers will be a great replacement for my old Dr. Scholl's sneaks that bit the dust last year. Thankfully both pairs were 40% off their original price. I got shoes that fit and didn't break the bank!  $52.00 for both pairs

May-October Total: $92.00

Total for 2016: $305.54

April 2016 Clothing Summary

This past summer I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe… I decided to add a running total for 2016 at the bottom. I know some months I won’t buy anything and other months I’ll splurge. I would like to monitor my total spent…

Target — Maternity Tee Shirt $12.00

Tank Top $6.00

April Total: $19.80

Total for 2016: $213.54

March 2016 Clothing Summary

This past summer I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe… I decided to add a running total for 2016 at the bottom. I know some months I won’t buy anything and other months I’ll splurge. I would like to monitor my total spent…

Dia & Co. Box — My last Dia & Co. Box for awhile (lots of reasons), I managed to snag one cute lightweight top. I can wear it for at least another month before California gets too hot...

Birthday Presents -- I didn't buy anything, but my mom did buy me a few things for my birthday. So no adding to my total spent, but I did get to add a few pieces to my wardrobe. Forgot to take pics of another top similar to the striped one but in mustard yellow. I know I'm going to love that black dress for this summer.

March Total: $52.00

Total for 2016: $193.74

Dia & Co. Box (March)

I used to do Stitch Fix, but since having my son, I’m too big for most of their items. Their 14+ sizes are very limited. I’ve heard they are working on it, but until then, Stitch Fix is not a good fit for me. Someone in my online mom group pointed me towards Dia & Co. They specialize in size 14+. Yeah! I signed up immediately and received my first box this week.

Details of how it works:  For $20 a shipment, you get a personalized style pack of five items.  Then, you try everything on and decided to keep 1, 2, 3, 4, or all 5 items.  The $20 stylist fee is credited to your purchase.  And if you buy all five items, you get an extra 20% off.

My fifth Dia and Co. box. I think this will be my last box for awhile. I'm just not impressed with the pieces and the fact that they didn't listen to my stylist notes... I specifically said no long sleeve tops and asked for flowy tops. Let's see what I got.

Item #1: ASOS Curve Dark Wash Chambray Shirt $37.64

Pros: um... I got nothing

Cons: Super boxy and shapeless on me. Material was very heavy weight, Couldn't really roll up the sleeves.

Item #2: Katherine Necklace $42.00

Pros: Pretty

Cons: I just don't really wear chunky jewelry. Plus, this was way too fancy for my everyday wear.

Item #3: BB Dakota Crochet Yoke Dress $96.00

Pros: Lightweight. Decent length.

Cons: Price point! Holy moly! This is a thin slip of a dress that costs almost $100. I just don't think I can justify that.

Item #4: Modamix Corrine Skirt $79.00

Pros: Fits perfectly. Very cute.

Cons: Very heavy material. Don't think it would work for summer in California.

Item #5: Prospero Hooded Knit Top $52.00

Pros: Thinner material. Fits nicely. Comfy.

Cons: Do I need another pull over sweater?

So, what did I keep?

..

..

..

..

..

#5 Prospero Hooded Knit Top - This was the only piece that I will actually wear on a regular basis. As I said in my intro, I'm canceling my Dia & Co. boxes for awhile. I'm just not that impressed with them right now...

February 2016 Clothing Summary

This past summer I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe… I decided to add a running total for 2016 at the bottom. I know some months I won't buy anything and other months I'll splurge. I would like to monitor my total spent...

LuLaRoe

A friend and I hosted an online pop-up party. I ended up buying four things the night of the party, but two of those items were free because of our rewards. Woohoo! The next week, I shopped at another online pop-up for another pair of leggings.

Randy Top -- Very stylish and fits well

Irma Tunic and Black Leggings -- Their leggings are incredibly soft and comfy and I love that the Irma covers my bum.

Printed leggings -- I wanted something that would coordinate with my turquoise Irma top. (Kept forgetting to take a real world pic, so this one is from the pop-up.) I bought #6

Perfect Tee -- Paired with previously purchased Cassie Skirt.

Dia & Co. Box -- I had one scheduled for the end of February, but they pushed it back due to increased demand. I got it yesterday, so I will put that box in March's clothing summary.

February Total: $84.75

Total for 2016: $141.74

January 2016 Clothes Summary

This past summer I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe… I decided to add a running total for 2016 at the bottom. I know some months I won't buy anything and other months I'll splurge. I would like to monitor my total spent...

Old Navy

I popped in on New Year's Day and grabbed some great clearance items. I actually went to Michael's next door to Old Navy, but had to pop in when I saw all the clearance. Along with the two tops for me, I grabbed two for my mom that she wanted. I bought a short sleeve knit shirt ($2.97), a 3/4 sleeve knit shirt ($3.99), and a pair of shorts for bedtime ($2.47).

Dia & Co. Box

I ended up buying the flared jeans ($46.90) in my box. And I've worn them a ton already. I think a good buy!

January Total: $56.99 Decent price tag for a pair of nice jeans and a few tops.

Total for 2016: $56.99 

Dia and Co. Box (January)

I used to do Stitch Fix, but since having my son, I’m too big for most of their items. Their 14+ sizes are very limited. I’ve heard they are working on it, but until then, Stitch Fix is not a good fit for me. Someone in my online mom group pointed me towards Dia & Co. They specialize in size 14+. Yeah! I signed up immediately and received my first box this week.

Details of how it works:  For $20 a shipment, you get a personalized style pack of five items.  Then, you try everything on and decided to keep 1, 2, 3, 4, or all 5 items.  The $20 stylist fee is credited to your purchase.  And if you buy all five items, you get an extra 20% off.

My fourth Dia and Co. box. I'm still liking this service, but I think this has been my least favorite of all the boxes. The pieces just didn't quite click with me...

Item #1: Fashion to Figure Flared Jeans $46.90

Pros: Great fit. Don't have any flare jeans in my wardrobe. My butt looks fantastic in these!

Cons: Price. I don't usually pay this much for jeans, but I may need to rethink that policy.

Item #2: Cone Necklace $22.00

Pros: Pretty

Cons: Just don't see myself wearing this one.

Item #3: Fashion to Figure Plaid Sweater $36.90

Pros: None that I can think of.

Cons: Super boxy fit made me look way bigger than I am. It was too short and tight in the shoulders.

Item #4: Junarose Tie-Waist Dress $78.99

Pros: Love the color

Cons: Everything else. The long sleeves were awkward. But worst, the drawstring hit me at my biggest area. The dress made me look like a sack of lumpy potatoes. Just no.

Item #5: Junarose Slouchy Oversized Sweater $48.99

Pros: Love the color. Fit was great. Very comfy!

Cons: I just got about 7 sweaters for Christmas and I rarely wear them as it is. My town is too warm year-round and I tend to run hot.

So, what did I keep?

..

..

..

..

..

#1 Flared jeans -- Another pair of jeans is a nice addition to my wardrobe. My bootcut jeans were getting a little tired. Plus, they make my butt look great!

Fashion Friday #2: January Chic

This will be my last Fashion Friday, at least for awhile. This feature is just not bringing me joy lately.

Loving this play of brown, black, and blue. Usually the navy would be a neutral, but in this outfit, it acts as an accent color. Plus that jacket is just so luxurious!

Elie Saab brown jacket

$2,600 - yoox.com

Rayon pants

$145 - vanmildert.com

Ankle boots

zulily.com

Mulberry leather tote bag

$1,725 - mulberry.com

WithChic golden jewelry

$16 - withchic.com

Topshop hat

topshop.com

December 2015 Clothes Summary

December was a weird month as I was traveling for most of it and Christmas happened. My clothing summary is going to look a bit different... This summer I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe…

Goodwill 

One of my hometown's Goodwill locations always has great finds! Of course I had to stop while in town. I snapped up this Old Navy sheer blouse ($4.50), Loft open cardigan ($4.50), and Apt. 9 sparkly top ($4.50).

Meijer 

It hit almost 70 degrees while I was in Indiana. And silly me, I had only packed heavy sweaters. So, I snapped up this cute thin sweater while buying booze for Christmas Eve. It was perfect for those warm days in Indiana and I can wear it in California. Bonus: It was 40% off! ($12.00)

Gifts

My mom is almost always on point with clothing gifts for me! I received this awesome 3/4 length thin cream sweater, thin burgundy sweater, knit brown sweater, leopard print flats, black moccasin flats, and a few tanks. Love it all! Bonus points for all of it being light enough to wear in California!

December Total: $27.29

Fashion Friday #1: Updated Mod

I love the look of leather and plaid together. And this outfit is perfect for the middle of winter. I seriously love those booties!

Topshop red checkered dress

nordstrom.com

IRO leather zip jacket

intermixonline.com

Nly Shoes high heel ankle booties

$54 - nelly.com

Michael michael kors purse

bloomingdales.com

Jennifer Zeuner engraved pendant necklace

$255 - neimanmarcus.com

FF #43: Sparkly New Year's Eve

As my Christmas outfit last week featured red and gold, I went the opposite direction for the New Year's look: blue and silver! This dress is so detailed and striking! I let it shine on its own with the addition of minimal accessories. But I couldn't resist some sparkle on the shoes and the some shine on the clutch.

Peter Pilotto mini dress

$1,100 - brownsfashion.com

Silver pumps

unique-vintage.com

J Mendel leather handbag

barneyswarehouse.com

Fine jewelry

runway2street.com

FF #42 Christmas Dinner

We don't get this fancy for Christmas dinner, but if we did, I would love to wear this outfit. I love the silhouette for this dress. I have a thing for 1950s throw-backs. I kept he accessories simple as this dress has a lot of detail, but I want a bit of shiny bling. And that gold clutch is just the perfect addition to the look!

BF Designed by Beatriz Furest studded leather purse

$240 - yoox.com

Wrapped In Love round diamond ring

macys.com

H m jewelry

$9.30 - hm.com

November 2015 Clothes Summary

I didn't do an October Clothes Summary as I didn't purchase any clothes in October. And my Dia & Co. box didn't come until November. (Scheduling changes)

This summer I participated in a capsule wardrobe challenge. I learned a lot from three months of wearing ~40 pieces. One of the biggest things that I learned was that I hate most of my wardrobe. I have so many ill-fitting and/or not my style pieces cluttering my closet. After completing the summer capsule wardrobe, I decided to take the fall off from that particular challenge and work on building a wardrobe I love. To that end, I started buying clothes agin. But not just any old clothes. No more purchases from the clearance rack “just because it’s cheap.” No more keeping things that don’t quite fit. No more buying things that i love on the mannequin but look silly on me. No more buying clothes that I realistically won’t wear. Instead, I’m trying to be very selective in my buying. So, dear readers, I am going to share with you what I bought during the past month. I will post links if the item is still available and prices i paid. I don’t have a specific budget, but definitely don’t want to spend more than $100 a month. (Realistically I’m aiming for around $40 a month). You will also get to see pieces I bought that I ended up returning. By December, I want to be able to say that I bought some great pieces that I wear often. I also want to plan for a possible winter capsule wardrobe…

Dia & Co. Box

I started this subscription service in August. You can read about my first box here and my second box here. My third box came the first week in November. I bought the red plaid shirt ($29.90) and black leggings ($40).

LuLaRoe

I met a wonderful LuLaRoe rep at our craft fair. I was thinking abotu buying something from her and then she posted a pop-up on FB one week night. I snapped up two pieces: a turquoise Irma Tunic ($28) and a navy and white polka dot Cassie Skirt ($29). I've worn both and they are oh so comfortable. I'm hosting a pop-up with friend in February. Can't wait!

November Total: $138.57 Over my max of $100, but oh well. Every once in awhile, I might go over a bit. I'm sure I'll pick up a few new things in December.

FF #41: Christmas Shopping

I've loving this comfy looking outfit. This would be perfect for running around complete errands and Christmas shopping. I've been on the hunt for good non-denim pants. Something like this would be perfect. And the trench is to die for!

J Crew pink shirt

tradesy.com

Chicwish trench coat

chicwish.com

J Brand jeans

$325 - harrods.com

H&M high heel boots

$39 - hm.com

H M drawstring backpack

$39 - hm.com

TOMS infinity scarf

toms.com

FF #40: A Wild Dinner

The perfect winter date night outfit. Apparently, I am loving shift dresses right now even though they all look like crap on me. I paired this simple dress with an amazing coat and shoes. Check out the detailing on those items! Simple accessories complete the look.

Loose dress

$1,170 - montaignemarket.com

Coat with belt

wsdear.com

Salvatore Ferragamo leopard pumps

ferragamo.com

Yves Saint Laurent black tote bag

$2,145 - ssense.com

Alexander McQueen gold tone jewelry

net-a-porter.com

Pamela Love necklace

$185 - shopbop.com

FF #39: Leafy Thanksgiving

For this year's Thanksgiving outfit, I went with some major shine and a leaf inspired motif. While this dress is way short for me to ever wear, I love the pattern and shine to it. I paired it with some simple tights and boots to help let the dress stand out. For the accessories, I went with two bracelets keeping the leaf theme.

Rochas shift dress

therealreal.com

Mason by Michelle Mason pink jacket

intermixonline.com

Fevrie red socks

fevrie.com

Short boots

ralphlauren.com

Yves Saint Laurent leather handbag

$955 - ssense.com

Brooks Brothers cuff bracelet

brooksbrothers.com

Gold plated bracelet

naturesjewelry.com

FF #38: Reimagined Menswear

I'm a huge fan of menswear inspired pieces for women. Today's outfit features a nice mix of pieces. I am really digging those shoes. If only I could find a comfortable, not-too-expensive pair for myself.

BCBGMAXAZRIA top

bcbg.com

Wide-leg pants

shein.com

Restricted shoes

nordstromrack.com

Vince leather bag

nordstrom.com

Rebecca Minkoff gold bracelet

6pm.com

Dorothy Perkins ring

dorothyperkins.com