Purchases in 2015 {#1}

After reading this excellent post by Rachelle, I was completely inspired to take inventory of my buys in 2015 thus far. I know it's only the end of February, but so many of us are guilty of blindly shopping and I can be one of them. It's almost mindless. You follow bloggers with enviable wardrobes, you see perfectly curated outfits on Instagram, and boom! Before you know it, you're filling your virtual shopping cart with similar items and spending more money than you'd like to admit. I received a few packages in the mail last week, and for the first time since getting married, my husband gave me the dreaded look. You know the one (or maybe you don't, which I commend). We both have separate checking accounts, but we do share a savings and we never touch that. Anyway, I knew from his sideways eye that he looked worried about my recent wardrobe additions, and I guess I don't blame him.


So here are my goals for this year as far as my spending habits/style/ are concerned. I also mentioned a couple of them in this post.

1) Pay more attention to the details.

2) Don't protect or save designer goods for the closet shelves. Wear them!

3) Don't just buy something because it looks great on someone else. Most girls I follow are actually quite a bit taller and thinner than I am, so just because a skirt or jacket looks like a million dollars on her doesn't mean that it will translate on my body.

4) Only buy multiples of things I have purchased before and have worn and loved!

5) Factor in cost per wear, and don't buy things just because they are on sale or at a "fast fashion" store. Invest in beautiful, timeless pieces instead of trendy items.

6) Quality over quantity.When in doubt, put it back on the rack. Tailoring can be an option, but only if the adjustment is minimal and only if I love everything about the actual piece.


Since January first, this is what I have purchased.

Clothing:

Express ruched skirt in black

Kensie blazer and Francesca's clutch

Kensie top

Express floral kimono (check stores) and mesh lace kimono

Shoes, Jewelry:

Sole Society flats and pumps

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry (ring, bracelet, long druzy necklace, short druzy necklace) and Anthro bracelets (here I am just wearing one of three)

Just ordered: 

Loft petite ikat print maxi

Loft petite jean legging

What's on my wishlist for Spring and Summer:

1) More maxi dresses, at least two. I want one in white and one very colorful maxi, possibly even another print!

2) White skinny jeans and shorts

3) Simple tees that are soft and of great quality (meaning they won't shrink or look like hell after a few washes).

4) A new bathing suit

5) A denim jacket

I'm sure I'll add to the list at some point, but I really want to stay as true to this one as possible because these are things I actually do need. I'll keep you posted as the year goes on, and will update this just as Rachelle does on her blog.



How are your shopping habits going so far this year? Are you spending less or more?

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Closet Space

Now that we are all moved in, I thought I'd share my closet! Please keep in mind that I'm new to the condo/apartment life! I'm still trying to figure out where I want everything to go, and I'm doing my very best to utilize the closet I have now, and not the closet of my future dreams. Space is limited so organization and neatness are a must. Otherwise, my wardrobe won't be functional, and that's really the most important part of getting dressed every day.

I like to keep my favorite pieces or outfits that I'm planning on wearing within the next few days, front and center! That way, they are easy to find and I can use part of my closet bar to essentially "style" a look. I still have my rolling clothing rack, but I've honestly been using the bar in my closet a bit more. Both are great tools for me.

I have shoe dividers (purchased from Target about two years ago). They are a very durable plastic, and are easy to put together or disassemble. My shoe collection is quite basic, and I truly love to keep it that way. I'm sure you shoe addicts are cringing! I have a couple pairs of fun heels (like my raspberry J.Crew pumps) but I have spent my early adult years trying to build a decent shoe collection that will stand the test of time.

I think every woman should have:
* Classic pumps in black and nude.
* Comfortable ballet flats. Stick to neutrals, but play with embellishments.
* A pair of flat boots, and a more feminine pair (heeled or wedges). Rain boots are always important if you live in cold, wet climates.
* A couple "fun" pairs that can elevate your outfit! Bright colors, bows, sequins, studs, glitter. They can be heels or flats, but make sure they are showstoppers.
* I live in California, so obviously I think everyone needs a pair of flip-flops and strappy sandals.

I have shelving that runs along the top of the closet. At first I wasn't sure how to use it, but I think my bags (also front and center) are perfect to store on a shelf. I must confess that I'm a total bag lady, and if left to my own devices, I would have an obnoxiously large collection. However, I also prefer to go for quality these days instead of quantity, so the bags that I amassed in my teens and early twenties are now completely gone. I have a few clutches, my RM crossbody, a nude shoulder bag by Kate Spade and of course, my dream bag (safely tucked away in her Chanel box in the corner). My next purchase? A structured satchel as well as a tote, not necessarily in that order.

My future mother in-law gave me these scarf hangers for Christmas, and I really find them useful. I like hanging them instead of keeping them folded. It's a great space saver too.

This is the one area of my closet that I really don't like, and if you have any tips I'd be grateful! These are little storage containers that I found at Target a few months ago. I love the compartments and I definitely love the color, but I just don't have the room for them. Currently sitting on shelves, they work because I can easily access everything, but I'm more into the idea of getting a big jewelry box instead.


One thing I've really learned over the years: Get rid of junk! If you haven't worn something in months, give it away. Re-evaluate your wardrobe every single month, and toss anything that you don't love anymore. Keep track of what you are lacking in your closet so that you don't buy more of what you don't need. As a fashion/beauty blogger, this is one of those cases of "do as I say, not as I do"... Think streamlined!

Any tips or tricks for your closet that you'd like to share?

♥ Noelle

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Shabby Chic

I must confess: You would think that a girl that loves cosmetics and fashion would undoubtedly love decorating and home furnishings. They all resemble each other and go hand in hand right? Unfortunately, when it comes to decorating I am sort of clueless. Not that I don't know what colors and fabrics look good together, but I think my problem lies in the fact that I am indifferent about it all. I would rather adorn my own body than adorn my bedroom. My boyfriend and I are saving to buy our own condo, and I am hoping (almost certain) that when the time comes, I will be more willing and more interested in making our little house a home.

There is one thing that I do look for when buying little treasures for my house, and that's price and originality. I like things that look vintage, one of a kind, and that don't cost very much money. Because let's face it, I'd rather buy a lamp that costs less then twenty dollars and put the rest of my money away for a fabulous bag ;)

I bought these vintage looking shoe boxes at TJ-Maxx for two dollars! I was just browsing, looking for a pretty jewelry box but stumbled upon these pretties instead. I already put two pairs of shoes in them and they look so great in my closet. I wouldn't recommend using these for all shoes. I like shoe racks or clear containers to keep them orderly and neat. But a couple of these to house my special pairs = perfect! The other box was also found at TJ-Maxx. I put my favorite scarves in it.

  These little trinkets were on a sale cart at Pier One Imports. I liked the little box that resembles an old book. I am still on the hunt for the perfect looking jewelry box to store my nicer peices in, but this will do for now. I used it for my Chanel earrings and my giant YSL Arty. The baby pink eiffel tower figurine is actually a piggy bank! I am keeping it on my vanity, just as a reminder that I must visit Paris one day ;)

How do you like to store your jewelry, shoes...anything really? I would appreciate any tips! Any jewelry box ideas or places I should look? Remember, I want something vintage inspired and also one that isn't too large! Thank you girls.

♥ Noelle

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