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.

Spending Tally

Well, here I am at the end of the year and it's time to see how much I spent, and what I spent it on. I estimated that I spent $15,000 on clothes in 2009, and my goal was to spend half that this year, or less. Let's see how I did.

January: $693
February: $753
March: $647.09
April: $940
May: $373
June: $202.11
July: $35
August: $1260
September: $391
October:$825
November: $557
December: $1005

TOTAL FOR THE YEAR: $7681.

That's under the budget I set for myself ($750/month) and just about half of what I spent last year, but it still feels like waaaaay to much! And now let's see WHAT I spent all that money on....

1 pair of shorts
1 hat
1 swimsuit
1 jumpsuit/1 romper
1 pair of jeans
2 coats
2 bags
3 pairs of pants
4 sweaters
4 skirts
13 pairs of shoes
16 tops
and 19 dresses

WOW - that's pretty much an entire wardrobe. Maybe I can not shop at all in 2011 - because who needs more of this?

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!

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?

September Purchases

Pinky Otto Jumpsuit: $84
Two Express tops: $90
2 pair tights, one pair Jeggins: $77
2 tucker blouses, 2 tucker dresses: $60, and $80 respectively.

Total: $391

Breakthrough of the month - taking back the gorgeous Kate Spade heels that I truly could not afford and would really hardly wear. Sad, but that's $408 I can spend elsewhere.

PS - can't find a pic of the black express sweater, and figured the tights and jeggings (in grey) are self explanatory.

More Tucker...

Still loving the Tucker line. this is a simple blouse in a cream color that I got for layering with dresses this winter. $30 is a great price for this. Added accessories for outdoors, but it had a more simple look indoors. Both I think work for me.

Silence and Noise Green Tweed Jacket$ 80
Scarf: NY street vendor $5
Michael Kors Bag: $198
Hudson Jeans: $176
Tucker for Target top: $30
Miz Mooz boots: $78
Hermes Belt: $585

It's been a while....

And I'm STILL loving the Tucker for Target pieces I bought. This little dress was on $40 and it was perfect for a layered look to the movies and dinner. Just screams fall. I may actually splurge and get a silk Tucker dress from the actual line.


Dress: Tucker for Target, $40
Cardigan: Zara, $70
Knee highs: Target, $5
Suede Boots: Nine West, $50 on final sale
Manhattan Bag: Louis Vuitton, $1500

Tucker for Target

Get ready folks - I bought 5 pieces from the Tucker for Target collection. I love that stuff. Anyway - casual day. I like this look, comfy but still cute. What do you think?

Tucker top, $30
Gap Boyfriend Jeans, $60
Hermes Belt,$585
Steve Madden Sandals, $60 on sale

I think it's cute - but that jutting-hip pose is doing me zero favors.

August Purchases - WAY Over Budget.

I actually have to put my purchases for last month into two posts since there are too many photos to support in one post. Eek! Maybe it's because I've been frugal for a month or so, or maybe it was the new fall fashion hitting the shelves, but I went a little nuts. the items in this post are from one trip to Anthropologie that totaled $1040!!!I love everyhting I bought though, except not 100% sure on the green dress yet.

Black Serpintina dress, $278
Hidden Valley Top, $58
Mullany Dress, $258
Habitual Talla Trousers, $198
Twinkle Twinkle Dress, $168

So far I've worn everything except the black cocktail dress (need a special occasion) and the pants (need to be able to wear heels again).

And this is only part of what I purchased. Oh the Shame!!!

New Dress

Today's outfit is one of my Anthropologie splurges. I really love green and I thought this dress would look great in the winter with boots and a chunky cardigan (big for fall), or with tights, shoes and a turtleneck in a variety of fall shades. Maybe with my new green shoes too?

Dress: Anthropologie, $168
Shoes: Steve Madden, $60

When I take my photo at home with a tripod the angle is not as flattering as I might like it to be. I'll have to work on that.

Shoes!!!!

From Kate Spade. $408 after tax (ouch!) but I haven't bought nice shoes in a while. Will totally wear these a lot - they will look fab with jeans because of the colors.

Dancing Machine

Friday I went shopping with Kim at a little boutique on 9th Street called Pinky Otto. I found this adorable navy and white dot jumper that was 50% off and Kim convinced me to get it. I'm SO glad I did because i think it's adorable and it was perfect for going dancing that evening. No two pieces in the store were alike and they were all the Pinky Otto brand so I feel like I won't see this on anyone else. Plus it's a fashion risk for me, but I really loved it once I got it on.

Jumper: Pinky Otto, $89
Pink Heels: Michelle K, $150 - purchases SIX years ago!
Gold Crossbody Purse: Coach, $150

Unfortunately, those 5 inch pink heels were my downfall - literally. I fell and sprained my ankle and wasn't able to wear anything but pajamas and an ace bandage for the rest of the weekend so no new outfits til Tuesday,

Long weekend starts here.

Happy Four Day Weekend! Today I was going for a casual look with a military vibe. The navy sequin tank is new and I love, love, love it. The brown strap you're seeing is a crossbody bacg that should have been in the shot but wasn't. Oh well.

What makes this military? Basically the color scheme, the avatiors and the fit. Military looks best when it's not loose and flowy. What you want to look like is maybe you just helicoptered into some kind of foreign crisis but with a touch of glam. I think this would have been a LOT better if the pants had been more of that military green. These kinda verge on brown. Still works but not as good. I'm on the hunt for a good pair of army green pants. I think this fall they'll be a key piece.

Aviators: NYC Street vendor, $5
Sequin Tank: Express, $40
Chinos: Banana Republic, $60
Flops, Havanias, $24
Crossbody bag: Hobo Int., $118

Baby's First Fedora

I am generally not a trendy person. I'd describe my look as more classic with some edge (or at least trying to be) and I hate to buy stuff that will go out of style with the season. I'm sure you've seen fedoras EVERYWHERE because lord knows I have, and I've been trying to fight it.

However - while strolling through Nolita this weekend I stumbled upon this unique gem from a street vendor specializing in hats. The top is wool lace, it has a fabric band and a tweed brim. I've never seen another like it. I also thought the material would take it into fall and winter. I didn't want to get a straw one and put it away in 30 days. I really like it, but it definitely tested my confidence walking around with it this morning. I kept worrying that I looked stupid, but that's stupid. This is New York, I can get away with (fashion) murder.

Would love any and all opinions on this trend and this hat.

Right now I'm going to put it on and head to lunch. Eek!

Polka Dots!!!

This dress is one of my new Anthropologie purchases and I have ZERO buyer's remorse. I love it. It's so me, I feel great today. And with the classic/retro shape it'll never be "out". Added pops of color - cardigan is just for my freezing office - but think it would look classy with all black elements too. Winner!!!

Anthropologie Polka Dot Dress, $258
Marc Jacobs Green Suede Kitten Heels, $250 on sale
Ann Taylor Cardigan, $58

Happy Day - Happy Outfit!

July Purchases

Yep - you are looking at the right picture. I only bought ONE THING in July. A striped t-shirt for $35 at French Connection.

I was pretty shocked myself, and was wondering how I went from an average of $1000+ last year to $35 this year. I think part of it is the weight gain (who wants to shop when nothing fits?); part of it was the weather (who wants to shop when it's so hot outside that wearing clothes feels like some bizarre form of torture?); but I also think part of it was the fact that I've learned not to shop just for the sake of shopping.

Nothing really caught my eye in July. It's sort of mid season before the fall clothes come out and I don't need any more summer clothes so I just didn't even find myself looking. I'm really happy about this turn of events, and I'm not rolling over the extra $715 of my budget to August - just putting it into savings.

Castoffs will go up tomorrow - it's getting harder!!

Super Cute Suit

I love me a retro swimsuit. Saw this in the window of Old Hollywood at the Limelight Marketplace. Toooooo cute!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone


PS. Limelight is a new fave of mine. Interesting mini-boutiques, bars and cafes and it's in a gorgeous old church. If you're in New York - it's a must see, and shop!

A Splurge and A Steal

So, if I was loaded I'd totally buy the Thakoon dress for a whopping $2,700.

But I'm not, so what about this sexy/chic LaRok Jumper on sale for $229??

Both at Shopbop.

What do you think?

Speaking of Hats...

Eugenia Kim for Target is fantastic and cheap...but if you have a bigger budget or an event you need to look fabulous for, these hats are nothing short of AMAZING!

Barbara Feinman Millinery

Thanks to my dear Kim, who showed me this site in the first place.