Closet Tally

So, you may want to flash back to the very beginning to see how I started - I did. I was hoping for some big change....let's see.

The first number is what I had Jan 1010, the second number is what I have Jan 2011.

Dresses: 63 down to -> 61
Skirts: 26 down to ->23
Pullover Sweaters: 20 down to -> 13
Belts: 18 down to -> 11
Leggings: 5 down to -> 4
Coats: 12 down to -> 10
Jackets: 12 down to -> 6
Hoodies: 4 down to -> 3
Tops/Tees: 112 down to -> 85
Cardigans: 20 down to -> 15
Pants: 18 down to -> 11
Cords: 5 down to -> 3
Jeans: 11 up to -> 17
Shorts: 5 down to -> 3
Purses: 26 down to -> 25
Boots/Booties: 12 down to -> 9
Heels: 24 up to -> 25
Flats: 9 down to -> 6
Tennis Shoes: 3 down to -> 2

Looks like I've slimmed down a little in most categories - although the jeans number is confusing because I remember buying one pair of jeans - not six. But that's what's in my closet.

In a few categories - like purses and shoes - I kinda evened out. I got rid of a lot, but it looks like I purchased right back up.

I need to start applying Peter Walsh's clothing principles to my closet asap.

December Purchases

Ok...so I was good in November, but I was bad in December. I think being out Christmas shopping for others tempted me to get stuff for myself. I'm actually a little scared to do this tally.

Gold dress: $59, Urban Outfitters
Blue lace dress: $335, Tracy Reese
Purple dress: $59, Urban Outfitters
Olive Tunic: $35, (on sale) Urban Outfitters
Blue Silk shirtdress: $78, Urban Outfitters
Bird Blouse: $259, Kate Spade
French Tee: $28, Urban Outfitters
Black heels: $82, Nine West
Nude Patent Pumps: $70, Nine West

Gahhhhhhhhh!!!!

Total for the Month: $1005

I could kick myself! $250 over budget.

November Purchases

I was really good in November. I only bought things I needed and loved so it was a good month for me. I've gotten a lot of wear out of everything thus far and I know it will still be around at least 2-3 years, if not more.

Hype silk skirt: $140 at Anthropologie
Navy Sweater: $42 at Zara (a great place for tailored basics)
Plaid Coat: $140, also at Zara
Hunter Boots: $135 from Piperlime

I also spent $100 on body basics at Gap Body. I've always loved their intimates, and they have launched a great sport/fitness line that's very Stella McCartney.


Total Spent: $557 - nearly $200 under budget!

Today's look

It's still cold out, but, with the help of a sleeping bag coat I was able to wear a skirt today without worrying about freezing to death. Long puffy coats are not flattering but boy do they work!


Boyfriend sweater: The Limited, $55
Dot Skirt: Club Monaco, $125
Tights: Hue, $16
Boots: Naturalizer, $150

Love Me some Blanket Sweater

this sweater was on the expensive side, but I sure do get a lot of wear out of it. It's just so darn cozy. Plus it has good coverage so I can get away with jeggings at work without showing too much booty.


Sweater: Laurie B, $195
Printed Tunic: Urban Outfitters,$58
Jeggings, Juicy Coture, $125
Boots: Charles David, $250

Rocking the Bird Shirt!

So this is my first wear of the Kate Spade bird shirt. Since it's 80 below zero out I layered it with a brown turtleneck, but maybe that looks a little frumpy? I'm going to try it next tucked into a patterned skirt with navy as the main color to do that whole "mixed prints" look. Wish me luck!


Kate Spade Blouse: $265
J Crew Tissue Turtleneck: $40
Banana Republic Skinny Jeans: $80
Nine West Boots: $100ish

Barney Dress is back.

Maybe I look like Barney the Dinosaur, maybe I don't, but I can tell you that this dress is cozy and effortless for winters in New York. Not sure I'll ever get tired of this one!

BCBG sweater dress: $250
Hue tights: $16
Steve Madden boots: $120

New Dress!

This is my new Tracy Reese dress and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Her stuff is just fabulous. This was $365, but I've already worn it twice and plan to wear it for New Year's Eve. I also think that if I switch up the belt, this will be a nice summer dress to wear to a wedding or something. The style is a little bit 50s, and when anything has a vintage look it's likely to not go out of style. THIS is a great example of how I should be shopping - a high quality spurge that pays for itself!

Kate Spade I love you!

Just had to stop by and spend my 10% off coupon today and picked up the lovely bird blouse. I've had my eye on the jacket as well, but it's quite pricey. Part of me feels I should go for it - thanks to Chanel tweed jackets never go out of style! - but the other part of me still can't get over the price.
What's a girl to do?

Where have I been??

Would you believe "in a coma"? I wouldn't either. Truth be told it's just been work and the business of life getting in the way of my blogging lately. And I was actually home sick all last week so it would have been pictures of me in mismatched pajamas with greasy hair and a bright red nose.

This outfit was from one of the days when I wasn't deathly ill, and though simple, I like it. Plus I think it makes me look skinny. I've eaten so badly these last few weeks that next year's blog should be about doubling my wardrobe by dropping some pounds! Then all of my pants will fit!

Gap True Straight Pants, $50
Club Monaco Cardigan, $150
French Connection Tee, $35
Alfanai Striped Wedges, $120

October Puchases....Off the Wagon

This is what happens when I stop using my iphone budgeting app...I lose track and go overboard. Here's what I got last month from left to right:






Grey Blanket Sweater: $195, Laurie B
Purple Cotton Romper: $10, Bali Street Vendor
White lace dress: $110 in Bali at Uluwatu
Striped sweater: $42, at Urban Outfitters
Thin white tunic: $54, at Urban Outfitters
Tweed Bow Skirt: $160, Anthropologie
Green Silk Shirt: $70, at Express
Sequin clutch: $25, at Express
Black Wedges: $79, Nine West
Black Beret: $24, at Urban Outfitters
Brown wrap sweater: $56, at Express

Total for the Month: $825 Over Budget by: $75.00

While I hate to be over budget, I'm really just more disappointed that I ended up with only basics. Maybe next year I'll only buy one designer item a month and leave it at that. I certainly have the basics covered.

Last Week's Wardrobe!

I was taking the pictures...just had zero time to post due to work. All of these outfits seem a little blah in retrospect. And it's certainly nothing new. Am I failing at my challenge? Or are these just comfy work clothes.

Also - the horse dress is not that unflattering. Just the angle - never shoot up!

New Skirt!

This morning started out a little funky in the outfit department. I was determined to wear this outfit...but with navy tights. You can't see it in the photo that well, but these are my olive green tights. My closet is actually clean and organized right now, and I look in all of the places I thought hey could possibly be in, but to no avail. My only thought is that Paddy, my evil little poodle, has eaten and completely digested them.

Skirt: Hype, $140
Sweater: Zara, $40
Tights: Hue, $16
Boots, Nine West, $50 on sale.

I forgot how much I loved Hype clothing until I went to their site...must collect more pieces!

New Coat!

Fall is in full swing and I realized I didn't really have a mid-weight coat. Just a trench coat, and then straight to puffers. I found this cute little plaid number at Zara for only $140. It has a full cut, which I like since I can wear heavier sweaters under it. It's also very wooly and warm. I think it was a good buy.

October Donations

Here are my October donations - I actually gave a pair of boots and a dress that I never wear to a friend of mine, but since I didn't take a picture I'm holding myself to five items.

First - a black skirt that I last wore in 2001. Yes, 2001. Nearly 10 years in the closet without a wear. It's Banana Republic - one of my early forays before my total clothing dependancy set in.

Next is a grey suit that I bought 3 years ago for a halloween costume. I never wear suits to work and unless I'm an extra on Law and Order someday, I don't see needing it.

Then an olive tank from Banana Republic that has a satin detailing on the front that scrunched up in the wash. now it looks childish.

The striped cardigan is ok, but I don't love it. Really probably too young for me, and not a key piece in my wardrobe.

Finally, had to toss the "somebody in California loves me" tee. Goes against my policy of not wearing ironic t-shirts.

Saturday Night Cozy.

I went out to my favorite place Saturday (Esperanto!) and was wanting a cozy casual look. After all it's a little cold out and I walked there. This fit the bill for me, but the photo is not flattering at all. The angle is a little high, so I look a LOT wider than I did in person - at least I hope so.

This outfit contains three of my October purchases which I realized I hadn't worn yet.

Sweater: Laurie B, $195
Blouse: Staring at Stars, $54
Jeans: Hudson, $160
Hat: Urban Outfitters, $28
Flats: Cole Haan, $138
Purse: Chanel, $2600

Thoughts? Comment's? Photoshop stretching tool?

Rainy Monday

Today is going to be a rainy blah Monday so I wanted to have a little fun. I looked for some color and tried to mix and match items a little. I think I turned out a cute outfit, though maybe the skirt is a tiny bit short. Oh well, I'm rocking it!

Sweater: Old Navy, $24
Denim Mini: Mossimo for Target, $25
Tights: Hue, $15
Socks: Target, $5
Boots: Charles David, $250

Rain. Blergh.

Last Friday - Polka Dot Day

Friday I was feeling pretty ho-hum, so I thought I'd dress cheerfully and see if that worked. It didn't but at least I didn't look as blah as I felt! Still pleased with the purchase of this dress. I will wear it for years. the shoes are one of my October purchases - just some simple black wedges for work that are sure to get a ton of wear.

Dress: Anthropologie, $258
Cardigan: Ann Taylor, $58
Tights: Hue, $15
Wedges: Nine West, $80

Last Wednesday - Favorite dress

This dress is probably 4 years old and I still wear the hell out of it every winter. It's an I.N.C. dress from Macy's that I bought for about $60. Normally I'm not a fan of I.N.C. as their materials are poor and tend to make even the cutest items look cheap and hang poorly, but this dress seems to be the exception to the rule. It's also super easy to wear - just add tights and boots and you're out the door!

Sweater Dress: INC at Macy's, $60
Tights: Hue, $15
Boots: Steve Madden, $120
Necklace: One of a kind, a gift.

I'm Baaaaaaaaack!

After a super long (and much needed) vacation in Bali, I'm back to NYC and my blog. It was odd getting dressed today. For the last 10 days I've worn a cotton dress or romper, flip flops, no make up and a ponytail. Now I'm in 45 degree weather instead of 85 and I had to get dressed...in layers. As I posted this photo today I realized the outfit is almost identical to the last one I posted. We are creatures of habit aren't we?

Blanket Sweater: Express, $70
Silk Military Shirt: Express, $70
Jeggings, Juicy Coture, $125
Boots: Nine West, $100 ish


Two more months to go and my experiment will be finished!