Last December I posted about my closet crisis – yes I know my life is full of first world problems. Since there’s only one quarter left in the year I think I owe a little update as far as how that is going.
When I first started this project I put together this list of investment pieces, right now I have 5-ish.
1. One great little black dress $250
2. A white wrap shirt $200
3. A camel colored cashmere sweater $100
4. Tan pencil skirt $100
5. Denim skirt $100
6. Sequin skirt $50
7. Solid colored blouses (ideally four but I’d be happy with 3 if needed for my budget) $300
8. Gold wedges $100
9. Black pumps $100
10. Nude Pumps $100
11. Cowboy boots $300
12. Fur stole $300
1. LBD
One great little black dress is harder than it sounds. First off, everyone has their version of a black dress. Also, even in the south a dress that’s great for fall / winter isn’t so great for spring / summer so I amended that a little bit to find a fall / winter and spring / summer dress. Honestly, I’m still hunting. I got a nice dress for winter / fall that’s a nice structured knit material but someone (not to name names but his name starts with an S and ends with haun) put it in the dryer instead of hanging it up so now it’s too short for my taste. To make it through this summer I wound up buying a simple black dress from target. One day I will find the perfect black dress but the ones this year have not been it yet.
2. White Wrap Shirt
I really would like to get a custom tailored white wrap shirt. I actually have one and loved it- until it no longer fit. But instead of buying new I decided to see if I could get back into the one I already own. Meanwhile, this blouse from Lane Bryant gives a very similar look. Honestly – it’s one of my favorite tops.
I really would like to get a custom tailored white wrap shirt. I actually have one and loved it- until it no longer fit. But instead of buying new I decided to see if I could get back into the one I already own. Meanwhile, this blouse from Lane Bryant gives a very similar look. Honestly – it’s one of my favorite tops.
3. A camel colored cashmere sweater
I fully confess I’m being cheap on this one. Neiman Marcus has a perfectly nice one on sale for $132 but I keep wanting to see it under $100, and then anytime they have an extra discount I’ve gone and spent my money on something else, opps! But seriously, I need to suck it up and make this one happen.
4. Tan pencil skirt
This one has been way harder than I thought it would be to find. Plus right now pencil skirts look terrible on me so I’m going to push this back to 2018.
This one has been way harder than I thought it would be to find. Plus right now pencil skirts look terrible on me so I’m going to push this back to 2018.
5. Denim skirt
Finding a denim skirt has been my closet kryptonite. I want one that’s not too short, not ripped (I hate the ripped denim look) and not too form fitting – this seems to be impossible to find. I will never give up my hunt so if you see a good one help a girl out and let me know ; )
Finding a denim skirt has been my closet kryptonite. I want one that’s not too short, not ripped (I hate the ripped denim look) and not too form fitting – this seems to be impossible to find. I will never give up my hunt so if you see a good one help a girl out and let me know ; )
6. Sequin skirt
Got it and love it. This skirt is from Society+ and when they had a sale in March I was able to get it for my $50 budget. Initially I had wanted it in rose gold but that was sold out – I think this worked out pretty well though because I think it’s great in silver.
7. Solid colored blouses
Oh man, when I set this goal I couldn’t even imagine the statement blouse trend that was to hit. Sorry but not sorry – I’ve been adding fashionable blouses to my closet instead. I mean yes, would I buy a nice quality blouse if it presented itself sure but honestly anything I’ve tried at the $100ish price point hasn’t been any nicer than what I can get at target or lower priced stores.
Who What Wear Lace Blouse $32.99
Who What Wear Floral Blouse $27.99
Forever 21 Off the Shoulder Top $19.99
8. Gold wedges
Of everything on my list this one is where I regret setting my budget the most. I found the perfect pair – they were $130 and I didn’t want to spend that much so I waited, hoping for a sale but instead they sold out.
9. Black pumps
I bought a nice pair for my grandmother’s funeral, and then we moved and I’m not sure what box they got put in but they’re in my house somewhere. I hope to find them before the year ends.
I bought a nice pair for my grandmother’s funeral, and then we moved and I’m not sure what box they got put in but they’re in my house somewhere. I hope to find them before the year ends.
10. Nude Pumps
When I made this list I also had no idea how big the mule trend would be so while I still think I could use some nice nude pumps I got some nude mules instead. They’re in about half of my instagram pics because they’re cute and they’re versatile. Yes, I own other shoes but you wouldn’t know it based on my social media.
When I made this list I also had no idea how big the mule trend would be so while I still think I could use some nice nude pumps I got some nude mules instead. They’re in about half of my instagram pics because they’re cute and they’re versatile. Yes, I own other shoes but you wouldn’t know it based on my social media.
11. Cowboy boots
I decided to table this one. Right now my calves are thicker than I would like and this is a big part of a cowboy boot fit – if I’m going to spend $300+ on a pair of shoes I want to make sure to get the right one, this will most likely make my 2018 list.
I decided to table this one. Right now my calves are thicker than I would like and this is a big part of a cowboy boot fit – if I’m going to spend $300+ on a pair of shoes I want to make sure to get the right one, this will most likely make my 2018 list.
12. Fur stole
This one was easier and more affordable than I thought – I got this vintage mink stole for $75 at a consignment sale. Now, if only it would ever get cold enough to wear it.
This one was easier and more affordable than I thought – I got this vintage mink stole for $75 at a consignment sale. Now, if only it would ever get cold enough to wear it.
So far I think I’m doing a decent job of sticking to my intentions. The few pieces I won’t be buying this year have been replaced with other closet staples – ballet flats and shirt dress (like the one in my pic above showing off the nude mules). I do find myself a little bored having less clothes and wearing each piece more frequently but for some of the things I really love I don’t mind at all so this process has really reminded me how important it is to buy what you love not just stuff you’re meh on.
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