Tag Archives: clothing

Three Months. No Shopping. Bring it on.

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How often to do you go clothes shopping? If I’m totally honest, I probably buy 2-3 pieces of clothing, shoes, or accessories every month. This might not be so tough on my wallet if I stuck to shops like Forever 21 and H&M, but I truly believe in building a quality wardrobe (think: style over fashion), so I end shopping at places like Lands’ End Canvas, Pickwick & Wleller, or Threadless. And that can do a number on anyone’s budget!

http://hangerhiatus.tumblr.com/

Photo courtesy of hangerhiatus.tumblr.com. Read this blog. Seriously.

On September 1st, a good friend of mine dared to embark on a courageous (she works in the fashion industry, after all) journey: she is not going to buy a single piece of clothing (shoes and accessories included) for a whole year. Her blog is well-written and super entertaining, so be sure to check it out here!
I wish I could join her, but to be totally honest, I don’t think I’ve totally built up a solid enough wardrobe to take on the task (I work in the fashion industry too, remember!), especially since I’ve only really been spending good money on my wardrobe since graduating college a year and a half ago. However, my fall and winter wardrobe is the most robust season represented in my closet…
So for three months, I’m giving up clothes shopping all together. Here are my rules:
-No clothes shopping (shoes and accessories included). Excluding…
  1. If a staple item breaks or becomes unwearable (think: black leather ballet flats or sports bra).
  2. A (needed) lingerie or sleepwear purchase.
  3. Gifts for family or friends.
  4. Materials to make or tailor my own clothes.
3Months#noclothesshopping
Tank- Pickwick & Weller, Tank- Mango, Sandals- American Eagle Outfitters, Pants- American Eagle Outfitters, Watch- Fossil, Cameo Bracelet- vintage find, Necklace- RocksNSoul, Earrings- Swarovski
For three months, what I usually budget for clothing every month will be added to savings. If this (it’s my first!) triathlon goes well on Sunday, I’m going to put the savings towards a triathlon bike next season.
So wish me luck! Maybe I’ll even dare to go to six months…
Ciao,
Sarah

Mineral Point Art Tour, Flea Markets, & Crocheted Scarves

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Last weekend a couple friends and I took a trip to the Mineral Point Art Tour. On our way into Mineral Point we found a huge flea market, which of course, none of us could resist. As usual, I found a piece of vintage jewelry that I fell in love with. It looks like a 60s costume jewelry necklace, but I can’t be so sure! The necklace reminded me of some of j.crew’s new jeweled statement jewelry pieces and is perfectly in line with this fall’s blingy vintage-inspired style.

I’ve been falling more and more in love with menswear this season (it’s not long before I try pulling off a skinny tie!), so I was delighted to come across a vintage men’s jewelry box. The tie bar holder is even labeled. It will make a unique addition to my vanity.

My friend Jaqui who joined me on the trip actually finished crocheting a beautiful cowl scarf on the car ride there and wore it through the flea market and the art tour.

I had never been on a art tour quite like this. I knew that artists opening up their homes and studios was the norm, but I was stunned by some of the amazing studio spaces and architecture that I saw. My favorite was a sculpture garden at Peter Flanary and Sandra Peterson’s gorgeous rural home. We also enjoyed the small town’s speciality, ceramics, at a downtown gallery after lunch at the local deli. All of this makes me think I ought to set up a studio in my basement and get back into creating!

My Autumn Work Wardrobe

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My Work Wardrobe- Autumn
Only a few months ago, I created a vision for my work wardrobe that included great essentials like well-fitting tees, chinos, and quality sandals. As the weather starts to cool down, I’ve obviously had to re-think my basic work wardrobe. This season, I’ve focused on adding interest to basics with beautiful, dramatic accessories like silk scarves, cuffs, and cameo jewelry. Some basics for fall (and pieces that are well worth the initial investment!) are leather boots, jeans, and a blazer. When it comes to the accessories, I usually shop vintage and thrift to find unique pieces that have better quality than trendy accessories I could find at H&M or Zara.
What is your work wardrobe vision this fall?
Ciao!
Sarah