Last month I thought it would be fun to round up my purchases and returns for the month so we can see what worked and what didn’t. It also gives us an idea as to what I deem worthy of a purchase. You guys loved it last month so we’re doing it again for September.
Let’s get right into it …
WHAT I PURCHASED …
EVERY IMAGE IN THIS POST IS SHOPPABLE … CLICK THE PHOTO AND IT WILL TAKE YOU TO A PAGE THAT HAS EVERYTHING I’M WEARING DIRECTLY LINKED.
This was a MUST HAVE for me. Chocolate is the color of the season and I love myself a sweat suit so a chocolate brown sweatsuit was on my radar. When I saw this set on Zara it was an immediate purchase and I regret nothing. I say it runs TTS.
This was my F/W splurge. I love a white sneaker and buy at least one new pair a year and these were it for me. I saw them irl on someone in line at Zara and thought about them everyday for 2 months until I purchased.
These run TTS for me, they are stiff as they are a thick leather and have to be broken in.
I wanted to jump on the sweat short set train before it got too cold and I did not want to spend on it so I went to Amazon to see what’s happening. I found this men’s Hanes set for a grand total of $22.
These were pants that I cut into shorts. I just lined up a pair of shorts I like the length of and cut at that length with good cutting sheers.
While this was gifted, I bought my tees and the other YSL sweatshirt I have. This one is excellent quality and worth the price. I wore this twice the first week I got this. It’s perfect for wearing around the house or out on errands. You can always wear it dressed up with jeans, boots a nice coat and hat to top things off. No pun intended.
A great way to complete a look is a hat, especially in colder months. I bought a few new styles, all linked here, that you’ll be seeing in coming months. I haven’t worn them irl yet so I don’t have tons of feedback except they’re great for the price!
These are my #1 most favorite workout leggings, they’re thick enough for a tough workout and high waisted enough to wear with a longline bra or crop top. Hands down my favorite, highly recommend!
P.S. I actually found these at TJ Maxx but when everything shut down in March I had to find them online. They were less expensive in store but the extra money spent is well worth the time spent driving to the store and sifting through racks in hopes to find them. As often as I’ve looked I’ve only found this exact pair in store twice so the extra cost is worth it, to me.
I don’t have much feedback on this, I bought it a couple of weeks ago and am still waiting for it’s delivery. H&M has been REALLY slow during covid and this was not in store.
I have this hoodie in white that I bought last year. I love an oversized black hoodie to wear with Spanx Leather Leggings and a long overcoat in the Winter. The black hoodie I bought last year from the GoodFellow line at Target faded right away so it’s a gym hoodie now and needed an upgrade so I bought this one.
Let me start by saying I love this dress and do recommend it. It’s the best quality Amazon item I’ve tried thus far. I returned it because I just haven’t worn dresses this year and it’s unlikely I’ll wear it. Wtbs, I may reorder it in a different color. We’ll see.
This is cool for the price. I didn’t love the quality of the ribbing in the neckline and waistline. I have way too many sweatshirts to keep an okay one so I returned it. I also think I’ve taken shoulder pads too far this year.
I wanted to love this so bad. These are a return because of the patent, I want plain leather and the patent makes these super stiff at the ankle. It’s a weird shaft height for my short legs.
Besides my personal preference I do recommend these.
Now is a better time than ever to emphasize the impact accessories have on your look. In 2020, it’s all zoom calls and face time whether for business or to talk to loved ones. We’re also spending more time than ever on social media. We’re taking up creating tik-toks and IG reels to pass the time and entertain ourselves.
For myself, talking to the camera on Instagram stories is a part of my job and imho I’ve mastered looking put together and glam from the chest up.
The Key: ACCESSORIZE! I’ve found a cute oversized tee or sweatshirt with layered necklaces, rings and bracelets will sass your look all the way up!
All of my custom name and initial jewelry pieces are from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com and for most of my other pieces Amazon has been my best friend.
In addition to jewelry I’m never without sunglasses. I’m so big on sunglasses because I have very sensitive eyes so I’m never without a pair. Even during overcast the sun bothers my eyes, I squint and get headaches easily. I have sunglasses in my purse, car console, the entry table in my home, on the shelves of my sunglass wall in my closet. I mean I don’t have that many pairs, maybe 10-20. Regardless, they’re my top must have accessory items.
I’ve rounded up some of my current favorite accessory looks you’ve 100% seen on my Instagram stories below.
This is one of the newest (and most popular) pieces in my shop. It gives full 90’s vibes, it’s edgy and cool. This necklace sold out in 3 weeks when it was first debuted so def jump on it if you want to add it to your collection.
I bought this rope chain (Hello, 90’s style, again!) specifically to frame my chunky name necklace. This is an 18″ chain, I absolutely could have gotten a 20″ chain but do like how close it is to the Chunky Name Necklace. It makes it a little more statement-y.
These are the newest addition to my collection and tbh this is the 3rd pair of this style from Quay I bought and by far my most favorite. I bought the solid black and this color to compare and I took the solid back right back to the store when my package arrived. In addition to the colorway I’m wearing here I also have the gold frames and lenses … as much as I love gold this black pair is IT for me right now!
This fun girly, low key childish, heart ring is the latest addition to my shop, shopjuliamarie.com It’s available in sizes 4.5-11 but I thought it would be cute as a pinky ring so that’s what I did.
This is a great piece to wear layered and stacked for a fun, trendy look. It’s also a great gift idea for younger ladies in your life, elementary to high school aged.
The Heart Ring is available in 18kt Gold dipped or Sterling Silver so you don’t have to worry about fading or it changing colors.
With masks being the unexpected trend and necessity of 2020 I had to trade in my large hoops for a smaller style that is more mask friendly. I found this pair on Amazon in the $15 range. They’re light weight and do the job. Chic and trendy with the right amount of gold umph.
I would be lying if this wasn’t a 100% impulse quarantine purchase. Emily Ann Gemma posted a IG and a few stories wearing this and I said, “you need that” and purchased it right away. Normally I would never spend $70 on a trendy sweatshirt but it’s Quarantine and I was emo shopping and sweatshirts are all I’ll be wearing the next 6 months.
Imho, it really elevates your chest up game aka stories, Tik-Toks, facetimes etc. It’s also comfortable and easy. BTW, I did size up.
I regret nothing and if you got it ($70), I’d buy it! (again)
This necklace has been on my wishlist for a while. I’m talking a year or so. It’s another piece from my shop.
What I love most about this piece is the quality, it is absolutely stunning! The twist chain gives it a subtle glisten.
I bought mine on a 16″ chain, 14kt solid gold. White Gold is also available.
It took me so long to buy it because it is a little more pricey, as expected, and I have 3 of the plated Carrie Name Necklaces in different sizes and chain lengths. In addition, I have at least one of every style I’ve ever carried in my shop, that’s A LOT of name necklaces. Another Carrie Name Necklace was never a priority however, I finally splurged as I’ve had and worn this style 6+ years so I know it’s worth investing in.
YSL dupes, Amazon! I thought this were a “No, thanks!” when they first came out. Then they began to wear on me so I figured $10 was an okay amount spend to see if I like them. Long story short, they became my car sunglasses for about a year and every time I went through Starbucks drive through employees would meet me at the window to compliment them.
HEART EARRINGS
BIG sorry! This are from last years Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They sold out this first day and it took my 4 days to track them down. They eventually restocked a few months later but they’ve been discontinued as far as I know. They are Baublebar if you want to try to find them.
Quarantine shopping made me finally pull the plug and place my first Abercrombie order. They have a really strong Influencer program and all the girls I see talking about them always recommend the basics so I took it too far and order a few.
Y’all! It’s not just hype, they’re bodysuits really are amazing! I ended up buying 4 different styles and got black and white in all 4 styles for a total of 8. Do I need 8? Sure, why not! I wear them all.
I bought my TTS in all of them. I do prefer the seamless styles. They’re a little more but the quality is worth it.
SHORTS
Another, sorry! I bought this the first week of quarantine back in March, a ton of you bought them but a lot of you slept on them. Unfortunately, they are sold out now. They’re Madewell but I’m not sure of the style name or length.
Another Amazon find! I actually bought this style in a brown ombre color from Nordstrom but when I went to share with you guys they had sold out so I went to Amazon to see if Jeff had a similar pair and found these.
It took me a while to purchase the black myself but I’m so glad I did, I love this pair. Definitely recommend!
This necklace has been on my wishlist for a while. I’m talking a year or so. It’s another piece from my shop.
What I love most about this piece is the quality, it is absolutely stunning! The twist chain gives it a subtle glisten.
I bought mine on a 16″ chain, 14kt solid gold. White Gold is also available.
It took me so long to buy it because it is a little more pricey, as expected, and I have 3 of the plated Carrie Name Necklaces in different sizes and chain lengths. In addition, I have at least one of every style I’ve ever carried in my shop, that’s A LOT of name necklaces. Another Carrie Name Necklace was never a priority however, I finally splurged as I’ve had and worn this style 6+ years so I know it’s worth investing in.
DRESS
Zara. Found it in store. Haven’t seen it online. It is new though. I bought my TTS!
That’s all I know, please don’t stalk me on Instagram with comments and DM’s I swear that is all the information I have and repeatedly asking isn’t going to make me magically have more info.
This fun girly, low key childish, heart ring is the latest addition to my shop, shopjuliamarie.com It’s available in sizes 4.5-11 but I thought it would be cute as a pinky ring so that’s what I did.
This is a great piece to wear layered and stacked for a fun, trendy look. It’s also a great gift idea for younger ladies in your life, elementary to high school aged.
The Heart Ring is available in 18kt Gold dipped or Sterling Silver so you don’t have to worry about fading or it changing colors.
Hands down to most popular item and #1 seller from my shop this year is the Script Name Necklace. It’s available in 18kt gold or 18kt rose gold dipped over sterling silver.
As a hoop girl no collection is complete without a large pair of thin hoop earrings. I found this pair in store at Nordstrom Rack but linked a similar pair from Amazon
My locket necklace is a DIY I made with my Locket from my Alma bb and a $10 handbag chain I bought from Amazon. Amazon has been my best friend in quarantine what can I say?
I linked a product listing from ETSY, a few bloggers I know have the version from the listing so it’s legit from my understanding.
This fun girly, low key childish, heart ring is the latest addition to my shop, shopjuliamarie.com It’s available in sizes 4.5-11 but I thought it would be cute as a pinky ring so that’s what I did.
This is a great piece to wear layered and stacked for a fun, trendy look. It’s also a great gift idea for younger ladies in your life, elementary to high school aged.
The Heart Ring is available in 18kt Gold dipped or Sterling Silver so you don’t have to worry about fading or it changing colors.
NAME RING
The newest addition to my shop is this Name Ring. It’s fun and casual, I love it paired with the heart ring and thin basic bands. It just says 1992 in 2020 and I’m here for it!
I will not lie I bought this with the intention of it to fit my middle finger but I underestimated just how chunky my fingers are so … here we are … on the ring finger.
My love bracelets and nail bangles are also from Amazon, they typically sell out within a day or two and don’t return for months.
I check at least twice a week for new listings and share on both my IG stories and LTKit as soon as I find them. Follow me on both of those channels if you want restock alerts.
As an 80’s baby who wore her fair share of acid wash and tapered jeans I am very excited to enjoy Acid Wash this Spring/Summer. It’s popping up everywhere! Last year I bought this dress in a basic medium denim wash, since then I’ve seen it on Instagram in black and decided to go back to get the black too when I saw the Black Acid Wash. This is when I made the executive decision to go with Acid Wash instead of basic black, it’s just more fun! As an affordable dress it’s a great way to play with a trend for less.
In addition to this Black Acid Wash Denim Shirt Dress I also bought another 80’s/90’s style pencil dress from Zara, it’s a very light wash denim. I tried buying an Acid Wash Denim top and bottom set too but it didn’t work out so I returned it but the idea and intention was there! Long story short, this dress isn’t the only acid wash item I’ll be indulging in this season.
I bought this dress for Spring Summer as I wore my other dress like this almost once a week last year. It’s so easy to just throw on and go and the light blue version is light weight too so even though there’s long sleeves it was a good go-to. This black version has a little more weight to it but I still have the same plans for it.
Since it’s still chilly outside I decided to use that opportunity to style this dress for cooler weather with OTK boots. A cute bootie is a great option for cooler weather too!
For Spring / Summer styling, true to form I’ll be wearing nude and gold sandals because that’s who I am! Lots of gold jewelry, rolled up sleeves and a light colored bag to brighten the look up. White sneakers are a good option that will also brighten the look up, potentially with a PVC handbag. If you’re going out and love a heel a clear PVC option or Black heel would look great! Neons are trending too so a bright POP of color would work great for a night out too.
DRESS: I bought my TTS, it fits perfect. I did think it would be oversized (because my other one is) but this has more of a slimmer fit. The denim is a medium weight.
BOOTS: I linked an updated version of my boots. I’m very particular about my boots, most current boots are made of that microfiber and I can NOT, will NOT participate in that. It’s literally the cheapest fabric ever. When it comes to OTK boots I like a thicker quality suede which can be a challenge to find, out of 40+ boots this was one of two in this fabric. They’re a really great quality, weight of fabric is great and they will work on thick calves. The pair I linked are the same brand and style of my boots, I found them in store before I shared them to make sure they passed my quality test.They fit TTS!
BOOKBAG: The only designer bags I lust after is Chanel so when I found this dupe it was a purchase I was certain of. It’s not a knock-off as there are no logos etc but it is a veryyyyy similar Chanel dupe, without the quality obviously. I’ve literally tossed my new (authenic lol) Louis Vuitton bag to the side for this Amazon find, clearly I need to start investing in Chanel. I highly recommend this bag, I wear it over one shoulder and like a bookbag especially when I’m out running errands.
You’re looking at it 😉 Even if you’re styling a sweatshirt dress with a hood a great way to elevate your sweatshirt dress in Fall/Winter is to add OTK Boots and a long overcoat. A street chic heeled bootie would look just as nice! During transitional weather I’ve layered a sweatshirt dress with a blazer, paired with crisp white sneakers.
For Spring/Summer I don’t have a ton of ideas for you, sorry!! In warmer temps I reach for sneakers, occasionally a flat sandal. If you’re having a night out I would support a basic strappy heel especially with the dress I’m sharing here.
Anytime you want to elevate a casual look ask yourself, “What would J.Lo do?” …. that’s my key! …. not a joke
Everything I’m wearing is sold out, old or thrifted. SORRY!!
DRESS: This dress was an immediate purchase I did not think twice about, the second I saw it I entered my cc info fast. Good thing I did because it sold out two days later and never returned. It’s designer inspired from H&M, F/W 2019.
COAT: If you have not been introduced to Celeste yet, this is her, she says hello!! By far hands down the BEST item I have ever thrifted in all my life. I scored this wool overcoat from the 80’s/90’s last year at my local thrift store for $20. I love her, she’s my fave, she elevates every single look including sweatsuits.
BOOTS: While I bought my boots 1-2 seasons ago I did link the updated version of them. They are equal to the pair I’m wearing, I do recommend them too!
CLUTCH: This is a fun expensive way to sass up your F/W looks. I scored it for $30 at Zara and absolutely love it!
