We all love a good dress no matter the season, they’re just so easy (and comfortable). I pulled together a variety of styles so there’s something for everyone and every occasion.
Dresses are an item that falls into my low tier clothing spending budget, I never like to spend more than $50 on a dress so all dresses are well under $40
This is a good dress wether you want to show your curves off or need a layering piece. It looks great with a longline coat, cardigan or vest. You could also layer it with an oversized sweater.
SIZING: I went up one size to a large and it fits great. I
couldn’t have done my TTS. I’m known to size down to a small in bodycon pieces but there’s no way with this, keep that in mind.
I love having fun and trying trends with sunglasses. At least half of my sunglasses are from Amazon. You can find almost any style $15 or less. These are ski inspired, Mina Monroe wears a lot in this style, they look so good on her so I decided to try them out. I’m into it!
My exact dress is last season H&M but they released an updated version that looks identical. I linked another one that a bit higher quality from H&M as well.
SIZING: TTS
Tip: I only shop brands and styles that fit TTS for me.
One of my favorite Fall accessories are hats. They really pull together and complete a look. I don’t spend too much on hats because I’m not 100% to committed to wearing them day-to-day. Y’all know I wear my bun lol. WTBS, I’ve been able to find some good hats a Target. This one is a Target find and only $15
This is a Chanel inspired Amazon find, it’s 100% worth it quality and style wise for the price. Great errands bag or if you have kids and need to be handsfree. I love this bag!
Another, I bought this last year but there’s an updated version. The new season option is half the price therefore doesn’t have all the detailing you prob can’t see in photos as this one has. $25 for a sweatshirt dress is a great price, def worth a try!
Of the 3 Amazon dresses I’m sharing in this post this is the highest quality, I highly recommend this if it’s your style.
SIZING: soooo, idk.
STORY TIME: I ordered this dress in camel one size up because I wanted it to fit a little looser. I ended up returning the dress because I didn’t see me wearing it this season because I don’t go out like that.
Then I reordered it because I really do love it, I don’t have anything similar in my closet and thought it would be a great addition.
Second time, I ordered this dress (pictured) in grey, one size up and it FITS. It works but it is SHORT, my bum is rather large so it’s shorter in the back, one wrong move and ass out!
Full Transparency: I had to return it because it was too short. I wore it for 5 minutes to get pix for you because I do love, recommend it and wanted you to see it on and styled.
This is a Chanel inspired Amazon find, it’s 100% worth it quality and style wise for the price. Great errands bag or if you have kids and need to be handsfree. I love this bag!
Of the 3 Amazon dresses this is my least favorite because it doesn’t have much structure. I’m curvy so structure is my friend. However, I did order a size up and that maybe why. My TTS would have fit much better.
QUALITY: very soft, good weight. Love the sleeve detailing.
Say hello to Celeste, my vintage thrifted coat. Celeste put me on to thrifting vintage full length coats. We love her! I think I paid $20 for her at Value Village.
A few other bloggers have this hat and say it is just as good if not better quality than their more expensive hats. Personally, I can not confirm nor deny but I trust the sources.
It’s 100% better quality than the Urban Outfitters hat everyone has. I’ve experienced that one irl
I would love to say this round-up is brought to you by 2020 quarantine but that’s only my excuse. I love a set whether it be of the sweat or knit material. In high school and college I had all the Adidas sets then moved over to velour and now I revel in proper sweats and a good knit.
As a self proclaimed sweatsuit connoisseur I thought I’d be a great resource to you to help you find a great set for this Fall/Winter or to get a little inspo.
Here are my Top 5 (actually 6) current favorite sets under $100 …
Because I love a set I ordered a pair of basic sweatpants and DIY bleach tie dyed them to make this “set”. Google or Pinterest search how to do it if you’re interested. I do recommend 30% bleach to 70% water though. I did 50/50.
These were my splurge of the season, I linked a lower priced option for you. For the Alexander McQueen sneakers I bought my TTS, they were very tight and stiff at first but with wear they are softening up and getting comfy!
These were my splurge of the season, I linked a lower priced option for you. For the Alexander McQueen sneakers I bought my TTS, they were very tight and stiff at first but with wear they are softening up and getting comfy!
Another set from Zara. I sized up for a slouchy fit on this one. I wore this out yesterday and I already know I’ll be wearing this weekly this F/W season.
If a set isn’t for you and you love this top, it’s excellent as a statement top. you can zip the neckline to a turtleneck like shown or unzip it as a v-neck.
A little $22 Amazon action. I wanted a sweat short set but didn’t want to spend on it so I went with an inexpensive mens sweatset and cut the pants into shorts.
I bought these because I needed smaller hoops that my mask goes over easier and found these on Amazon. They’re a great by at $15, light weight. After a few months the gold is starting to fade but for $15, that’s fine.
I think this is my favorite set of them all, this or the black Zara set or the chocolate set. IDK IDK. This is 100% top 10 though. It’s available in black as well if you want a more chic look. I went with grey because I have a few black sets already.
I went with my TTS because I wanted the oversized fit, I tried a size down as well and that worked as well. It’s a personal choice on which size you prefer.
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.
The year is 2020 and face masks are required to get into any place with a ceiling and 4 walls. If it’s going to be a part of my outfit then it needs to be a part of my outfit. Here are the masks I’ve purchased and how I’m styling them as a part of my full look.
** each photo in this post is linked with all outfit details. If you want to know where something is from and shop just click the image. Product titles are also linked directly to the item**
These linen masks are my favorite masks of all the ones I’ve tried. They’re very breathable and there’s a mold at the bridge of the nose so you can frame it to your face.
At first this was for looks then I actually used it and realized how functional it really is. It’s great for when your out running errands and are constantly putting your mask on before going into a store or business then taking your mask off when outside and in the car.
This is my second favorite mask. Breathable, super comfortable, chic and casual all in one. This is the first one I purchased and still in heavy rotation.
My personal favorite necklace from this Summer and my shop 😉 is the Chunky Name Necklace. It sold out after only 3 weeks and just restocked in time to be a part of the Fall Collection! She comes in silver too. I wear mine on a 16″ Chain.
IT’S 2020 and it’s tie dye everything so I had to! This is my least favorite mask. It’s breathable but very big, there’s also adjustable straps but I have a small face so the excess just kind of hangs. I still like this mask but it’s not my favorite so it’s been deemed my car console mask in case I forget my purse mask. My car mask is also the one I put on when I walk into the gym or grab my morning starbucks.
My personal favorite necklace from this Summer and my shop 😉 is the Chunky Name Necklace. It sold out after only 3 weeks and just restocked in time to be a part of the Fall Collection! She comes in silver too. I wear mine on a 16″ Chain.
Before the Linen Masks this was my favorite for aesthetic purposes but after the linen masks I never wear this one anymore. It just doesn’t form to my face well. Because it’s so light weight when I breath in deep the fabric practically gets in my mouth.
A new piece to my personal collection and excellent gift is the 14kt Solid Gold Carrie Name Necklace from my shop. It comes on a beautiful twist chain. It’s delicate and shines when the light hits it. Seriously, so beautiful!
A RULE I CREATED TO BE MORE INTENTIONAL WITH MY PURCHASES TO HELP STRETCH MY SHOPPING BUDGET TO IT’S MAXIMUM CAPACITY
WHO ELSE HAS BOUGHT A NEW TOP BECAUSE YOU “LOVED IT SO MUCH” THEN MONTHS LATER IT STILL HASN’T BEEN WORN?
We’ve all been there! There has been a time in our life we’ve walked in our closet looking for something to wear only to be reminded of the items we purchased but still haven’t worn, tags still attached and all.
When we make impulse purchases we end up with a closet of one offs that we only have one other item to wear with it, if even that.
When we make impulse purchases we end up with a closet full of clothes yet still have NOTHING to wear. WHY are we like this?!
In 2013, after losing 20lbs, purging 90% of my closet and only having a clothing budget of $150 a month I was in desperate need of a high functioning wardrobe. That is when, why and how I created my #1 shopping rule, The Rule of 5.
I knew in order to still buy quality pieces I loved I was going to have to get creative (and disciplined) and that’s exactly what I did. Every single purchase I made for the following year was well thought out and 100% intentional. I had no room for impulse purchases, the function of my wardrobe couldn’t afford it.
I bet you don’t like throwing your money away, do you?
We all deserve to hit our financial goals (and best wardrobes) and a great starting point is to become more intentional with what we spend our money on.
I want you to be great in everything you do so I wrote a 24 page book to fully share The Rule of 5 with you. There’s even worksheets for you to brainstorm your goal wardrobe!
Just enter your email below for your FREE Rule of 5 guide to get started on your best wardrobe yet!
If you need more help building your wardrobe my e-book,Build Your Dream Wardrobe on a Budget is a great tool. The 12 steps I take when planning and shopping for my wardrobes each season is covered in detail with examples for you.These are the steps I take to ensure each purchase is intentional, it’s also the strategy I used to budget to purchase my first Louis Vuitton handbag. In fact, The Rule of 5 is one of the 12 steps in the e-book.
One of the best items I purchased this year is the denim slouchy jeans, I wore them a few days a week so I knew purchasing this black pair would be a good idea and I was right. I thought the black would flow into my Fall Winter wardrobe.
The reason I love the slouchy jeans so much is because they’re low key sweatpants that look a little more polished. They’re also perfect to pair with bodysuits and crop tops, the high waist and fullness of the pants give the illusion of a slimmer waist.
In addition to be comfortable and flattering they’re also pretty affordable. Denim is an investment item for me but when trying a trend I’ll usually try out a more affordable option. These are in the $60 range and proper denim quality, for the price point the quality is really good.
The sizing on these are kind of tough as they are only made in every other size. I tried one size up in the regular length and one size up in the petite as my size (29) isn’t made. The regular length was HUGE while the petite fit perfect. I have to guess going a size down will be a safe bet if your size isn’t available.
I’m all about the bodysuits these days, seamless are my favorites and this Everlane style is perfect. The elbow length sleeves make it perfect for Fall transitional weather. Runs TTS.
The sizing on these are kind of tough as they are only made in every other size. I tried one size up in the regular length and one size up in the petite as my size (29) isn’t made. The regular length was HUGE while the petite fit perfect. I have to guess going a size down will be a safe bet if your size isn’t available.
You’ve probably seen the 1995, 1996 year range necklaces trending. I think they’re super cool with a little edge so I added a version to my shop. I was decided to be bold and YOLO it with my birth year. You can get 1-4 digits, it doesn’t have to be a year or 4 digit number.
This was a complete impulse purchase and I regret nothing! Nothing at all! On trend, classic, chic and comfortable at the same time. I sized up for an oversized fit, def could have gone two sizes up but this works too.
The sizing on these are kind of tough as they are only made in every other size. I tried one size up in the regular length and one size up in the petite as my size (29) isn’t made. The regular length was HUGE while the petite fit perfect. I have to guess going a size down will be a safe bet if your size isn’t available.
A good classic sneaker. I bought these last season as my staple shoe and they’re still in rotation this year. Runs TTS. Puma is a shoe you have to break in with a wear or two.
All the 90’s vibes with this cuban link name necklace. This is hands down my favorite necklace of the moment. It’s available in 18kt gold or sterling silver.
One of my favorite affordable purchases of this Summer is the crop halter neck tank. I have it in both white and black. My exact style is sold out so I linked a very similar option. Runs TTS.
The sizing on these are kind of tough as they are only made in every other size. I tried one size up in the regular length and one size up in the petite as my size (29) isn’t made. The regular length was HUGE while the petite fit perfect. I have to guess going a size down will be a safe bet if your size isn’t available.
It took me a Summer or two to finally get these Zara slides as I don’t normally wear slides. Now that I have them I know I should have gotten them sooner. These are my most worn sandals this Summer, hands down!
Some people say to size up but my TTS fits perfect. They are leather so they will stretch out a bit.
A long time favorite and best seller from my shop is the Carrie Name Necklace. It’s such a staple item, I’ve had mine 6+ years in the 18kt Gold Dipped shown here on a 14″ chain. I just purchased the 14kt Solid Gold on a 16″ chain.
Carrie is available in sterling silver, rose gold dipped and solid white gold as well.
The shouder pad trend is everywhere this year and when I saw this crop cinched version for $12 I jumped on it. Comes in 3 colors, runs TTS. Go up a size if you want some length.
The sizing on these are kind of tough as they are only made in every other size. I tried one size up in the regular length and one size up in the petite as my size (29) isn’t made. The regular length was HUGE while the petite fit perfect. I have to guess going a size down will be a safe bet if your size isn’t available.
This are hands down my favorite sandals, they are an investment item but 100% worth it if you love a good sandal. Go up a half size from your normal size.
Have you hopped on the bum bag trend? At the beginning of Spring I bought a cute inexpensive one from Target, I wore it so much I gave myself permission to invest in this MCM version.
This is the small. It fits about the same amount of items as my LV Alma bb.
The sizing on these are kind of tough as they are only made in every other size. I tried one size up in the regular length and one size up in the petite as my size (29) isn’t made. The regular length was HUGE while the petite fit perfect. I have to guess going a size down will be a safe bet if your size isn’t available.
