North vs. South

I hope everyone enjoyed their extra hour of sleep last night.  I used it as an opportunity to squeeze in some blogging!

Since I'm on a self imposed shopping fast for the remainder of 2013, I have the sudden urge to shop.  Go figure.  The one exception will be Black Friday, where I'll be picking out some of my own Christmas gifts from the hubs.  (I hope I'm not the only one that does this.)  I spend my fair share of nights filling my online shopping cart with pretty things, and then not buying any of it (again, I really hope I'm not the only one that does this).

To scratch that shopping itch, I'm starting a new post series (Yay!!). I'll pick an item from either my Wardrobe Staples or my Wardrobe Wish List and style it two different ways.  Since I'm from the South (Arkansas) and moving up North (New York), I think it's only fitting that this series be called North vs. South.  This will also help me in determining if the item is versatile enough to be worth the buy.  In this post, the North outfit will focus on a cooler climate, while the South much warmer!  Here it goes y'all:

J Crew Blazer

Since this beauty is on both my Wardrobe Staples (more on that here) and my Wardrobe Wish List (more on that here), I decided it was the perfect piece to start with.  

North:

 {Garnet Jeans $24.50}        {Blush Top $37}        {Cognac Flats $98}        {Layering Necklace $8.80}

South:

                                        

{Cream Lace Shorts}             {Maroon LS Tee $23}             {Sparkly Sandals $17}

{Faux Pearl Necklace $10.80}           {Gold Pearl Studs $95}

I could see myself wearing either of these looks in a heartbeat.  Which one would you be more likely to rock?

xoxo,

Sarah Jane

Wardrobe Staples

While it's a great feeling to have purged over half my wardrobe, i'm a little overwhelmed (err underwhelmed?) with such few clothes hanging in the closet.  As excited as I am to add new pieces, I'm not going to rush out and buy new clothes for the sake of buying new clothes.  This got me thinking about what pieces are needed in each wardrobe.  I've been working on my list the past few days and I think I've finally pared it down to thirty five staple pieces.  I know we all have more than 35 items in our wardrobe, but these are essentials I feel every wardrobe shouldn't go without.  

1. Classic Shades

2. Long Sleeve Layering Lee

3. Oversized Winter Coat

4. Fancy Blouse

5. Shirt Dress

6. Bold Gold Necklace
7. Favorite Tee
8. Leather Satchel Purse
9. Infinity Scarf
10. Date Night Undies
11. Black Clutch
12. Nude Pumps
13. Layering Tank
14. Fun Dress
15. Leather Boots
16. Long Black Leggings
17. Animal Print Belt
18. Chambray Shirt
19. Basic Black Bikini
20. Cozy Vest
21. Maxi Dress
22. Black Pumps
23. Nice Wool Pants
24. Little Black Dress
25. Neutral Wedges
26. Leopard Flats
27. Skinny Jeans
28. Cozy Cardi
29. Summer Sandal
30. Classic Blazer
31. Dressy Shorts
32. Fun Tank
33. Pencil Skirt
34. Pretty Pajamas
35. Tennis Shoes

These pieces will be staples in your wardrobe for years while other fads will come and go.  With that in mind, these items are worth spending a little more on for quality items.  My original goal was 30 items on the list, but I couldn't cut anything else out.  In an effort to curtail the urge to restock my closet on impulse buys, I've going to try to refrain from shopping for myself for the remainder of 2013.  This may seem a little extreme since Black Friday falls between now & the end of the year, but I fully intend on making a Christmas list for the hubs, to be fulfilled on BF.  I don't have all the items on my wardrobe staples list in my wardrobe yet, but am going to spend 2014 making sure I do!

Is there a gap in your wardrobe that needs to be filled?  Have you ever gone on a self-imposed shopping fast?

xoxo
Sarah Jane

Wardrobe Wish List

I'm much more apt to splurge on a classic piece that would last for years as opposed to a trendier item that won't be in style next season.  I've been telling myself for years that a $100 well made piece will go further than 5 $20 poorly made pieces ever will.  I'm getting really close to listening to that advice, quality over quantity!        

Each month I'll post additions to my Wardrobe Wish List.  I'm not one to just up & splurge on something.  I'm more of the 'sleep on it' type girl, so these posts will help me do just that!  These items might stay on the list while I'm saving up to get them, while I'm looking for an affordable alternative, or until I decide I don't need them anymore!  If you have any personal reviews or a good alternative to an item, feel free to share! 

Wardrobe Wish List:

I love the look of Tieks, but my frugal nature simply wouldn't allow me to pay $175 for a pair of flats.

Brian James Footwear

In the search for an alternative with equally as great quality, I found these beautiful Brian James flats for a cool $98.   I haven't narrowed down my dream color, but I'm leaning heavily towards the cognac.  I love that they offer free shipping both ways (if a return is necessary), and also have a great 'Try Before You Buy' program, which allows you to try five pairs before you decide.  With all the great online reviews for comfort, you can't go wrong with a pair of these!

J Crew Blazer

I swoon.  This boyfriend blazer has been on my Christmas List for months.  Dress up your denim, or dress down your LBD, this classic beauty speaks for itself.  It's currently on sale at the Factory Store for $108.  And yes I've been in the store twice already to try it on.  


What's on your Wardrobe Wish List?

xoxo,
Sarah Jane

October Spending Recap

As part of this new style adventure, I've decided to start tracking my expenditures to make sure things don't get out of hand.  We are currently moving from TX to NY, so our whole budget has been turned upside down for the time being.  As I find a job in NY and we get settled, I'll be able to set a more definite clothing budget sometime after Thanksgiving.  For now, I'll just track what I do spend as a reference!

October has been a light shopping month, since I've been busy packing up/painting stuff at our house in TX, plus not having too much on the social calender (bachelorette party & wedding).  Also, I'm in a purging state of mind with the move, so I haven't done much shopping lately!

I spent $54(ish) on clothing in October.  Here's what I came away with:

H&M LBD $24.95 {Now on Sale $12.95}

I am a sucker for tights in the fall/winter, and at $8 a pair at Target, they can slowly add up if you ruin them as often as I do.  Whether it's my pup Lola, my boots rubbing on the calf, or just me clumsily running into things, I go through tights pretty quickly.  I was excited to find a great deal at Ross Dress for Less on Kensie tights.  They were packaged in sets of two for only $4.99.  I picked up a black set, a brown set, and also found a fleece lined pair for $5.99.  I thought they might come in handy up north!  Ross doesn't offer online shopping, so be sure to check in your local Ross.

Dallas Sam Moon's $12.99 {Similar}

I purchased a blazer similar to this one at TJ Maxx.  I decided it had a little bit too much pink in it, so back it went!  I loved it, but building the wardrobe back up I wanted to hold out for a closet staple more like this.  There's no shame in buyer's remorse, as long as you kept your receipt!  

xoxo, 

Sarah Jane