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.
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In a shocking turn of events this is my very first blazer I’ve actually worn. I’ve bought them before but never really worn them so when I purchased this early in the Spring I challenged myself to actually wear it.
I’m not sure if it’s because this one is so comfortable due to the oversized fit and lightweight fabric. Either way, I’m loving this blazer and I’m pretty sure they’re my new thing!
This exact style sold out within a week or two so I linked a few other styles for you above.
Whether you’re adding a blazer to your wardrobe or you’re looking for ways to style a blazer already in your closet I have you covered!
& none include the traditional route!
*** each photo in this post is shoppable. Just click the photo and it will take you to shoppable page with each item I’m wearing linked ***
This dress is great for a night out or day time when layered. However, this dress is too short for my taste, I’m just not a legs out girl … personal preference.
With that being said, I’d recommend sizing up for a little extra length. If you love a leg moment I do recommend this dress. The cut and quality are both great. There are about 5 color options.
I’ve been looking for a light colored solid hat that’s good quality. I found this cream linen blend hat at Madewell. I love the cognac leather strap in the back, really elevates this casual piece.
These are the Alexander McQueen sneakers. I always get asked my review … they run TTS and are VERY stiff because the leather is so thick. If you wear yours, wear yours you should be able to break them in so they’ll be comfortable. I don’t wear mine enough to have them fully broken in but they have softened up with wear.
This entire collection “Ribbed Seamless” is ah-mazing! It smooths you out, holds you in a bit (just a little) and oh so comfortable. This is a great year around basic.
I have this in both black and white and wear it very frequently.
A summer must have, for sure! This is exact one was purchased 2 months ago but sold out. since then a different version of it was released I linked that one. Same brand, same price, same cut!
A Summer MUST HAVE!! I got this one last Summer but have one from the Ribbed Seamless Collection (that I also have) linked. I love the one linked even more because it’s a higher quality version. I have it in grey, white and black!
So the bodysuit it this photo is the OG Zara style. I just purchased the Skims version and have that one linked for you. It has great reviews and a few friends gave their personal feedback too.
I love love love this style however, I didn’t love the quality/cut of the Zara version, it just never fit right.
Another piece from the Ribbed Seamless Collection. So yes, I have to long sleeve tee, halter neck tank and this 90’s square neck tank … and I have them all in multiple colors. I have this one in tan and white.
I get so many compliments when I wear these out IRL. Highly Recommend! These come kind of long, made to wear with heels so I cut mine with a raw hem to the length I wanted.
I bought my TTS but they are tight! I normally recommend sizing up but my size up must have been sold out so I got what I could lol. They’ve stretched out well though.
A mid thigh short is HARD to find, HARD! So when I saw these I had to give them a try … and I’ve already worn them a few times. There’s two washes; the medium wash I’m wearing and a darker version.
I love a loose oversized distressed jean for Summer so I did not hesitate to order these.
I ordered a size up, there was a huge gap in the back of the waist so I had them taken in to fit me. They were a little longer so I cut a raw hem on them to the length I needed to wear them with flats because these are loosey goosey errand, I have to run over here real quick jeans.
Hands down, my all time favorites! I bought these last Spring and they have been my most worn pants since. Because of the oversized slouchy fit they fit when my weight is up and when it’s down (Thanks to Covid for the extra lbs lol). I wear them year around too!
The Heirloom Chain Bracelet is a matte gold so you won’t get that shiny look with it. However, it looks great stacked with Chunky Heirloom Bracelet. Both are gold plated so they’ll hold up in water.
I DO NOT recommend wearing any of your jewelry in water as it does dull the jewelries luster, this is ALL jewelry even solid gold and fine jewelry pieces. But if you wear the Victoria Emerson pieces to a pool or beach party or forget to take it off in the shower it will not change colors.
The necklace I’m wearing is also Victoria Emerson but is currently sold out. Def check back for restocks. It’s a really good weight, feels and looks expensive.
Sandal Season is my favorite season! Someone asked where do I live to always be in sandals.
Well, I’m from Charleston, SC it’s a beach area where most people wear sandals year around. That’s definitely where my sandal addiction comes from. Now I live in Atlanta, there’s no beach but it’s hot af here.
I’m not ashamed to admit these isn’t half of my sandals just my favorite current pairs!
ALL shoes are my TTS except 6
Each photo in this post is shoppable just click the photo or title and you’ll be taken to the product page.
These are VERY comfortable. The style isn’t for everyone, they’re a bit chunky but they’re beautiful and comfy! The nude shade is hands down my favorite, such a beautiful colors.
These have mixed reviews regarding comfort. IDK what people expected, Clarks comfort for their grandma?
These are a fun, hot girl summer sandal in flats form.
Regarding comfort, do you see that cut on my big toe in these photos? That’s from these sandals (lmao). They are very flat, like most sandals, so they’re not good for a full days wear if you’re walking around.
Point is, these sandals are NOT for walking around town or a full days errands but leisurely relaxed shenangians.
These are a thicker leather so they need to be broken in. I’d say they do run a bit narrow. This style also comes in a croc textured cognac, they are beautiful!
Perfect for pool or beach days. 5+ color options, I’m wearing the Blush. I wore these running errands the other day and they were comfortable the first few hours then started hurting a bit. But they’re jellies so don’t expect the comfort of your favorite sneakers.
The newest pair to my collection. Obviously, these are a splurge. I’ve wanted these for a solid 4 years but I was too broke or trying to make my dreams my reality and designer sandals weren’t a priority. Now that my dreams that I’ve worked so hard for have become reality I splurged on myself. I’ve earned it!
It’s week five of the 30 Day Spring Styling Series!
We are kicking off the Spring Season with a 30 Day Styling Series (30 days on Instagram and Tik Tok, 5 weeks on my blog).
Each day for 30 Days I’ll share a Spring Outfit Styling Video on both TikTok and Instagram reels and each Sunday I will post a round up of the looks from that week here on juliamarieb.com
The styling videos on my social channels show a closer look of each outfit, movement of fabrics, etc while they’ll be more detailed information like fabric, fit and inventory levels will be here.
In the Fall I did this series just on Instagram and TikTok and you all loved it so much so we’re bringing it to my site as well so the content lives forever and is easier to find.
This week I’m sharing looks 27 – 30 of the 30 Spring Outfits!
This has been a fan favorite on social media. It comes (came) in 3 different washes, I have two and have shared both in the Spring Styling Series.
The availability online has been released, sold out, restocked and sold out again. I’m not sure if the medium and light wash will restock again or not. Currently, the dark wash is still available. I found the Medium Wash in store when it was sold out online so check your local stores if it’s not online.
I LOVE a button down denim dress in the Summer. It’s my favorite run to the store dress. It’s perfect for bloated days. I highly highly recommend it!
My only CON is I wish it was an inch shorter, just slightly above my knees. I am 5’4″ so if you’re any taller the length should be perfect on you.
Last year I looked high and low for a minimalist chic black sandal under $100 and it was impossible. This season I found this pair for $60, considering the scarcity of a good black sandal the price is great lol!
I saw this bag in store a couple of weeks ago, not only did I stop I also spent time with it, tried it on and everything.
I left without it because I always need to let a handbag purchase sit. IDK why but I’m very indecisive about handbags, it may be because I rarely switch out my handbag so I have to decide if I want to potentially waste money on something I won’t use or get my full monies worth. So I went home, kept thinking about it and after a few days made the purchase.
It is a beautiful bag, I love the monochromatic detail the most.
CON: it is a mini bag so it doesn’t fit much. Card holder, phone, keys and maybe a lip balm … but she is cute!
A personal favorite and Hot Girl Summer must have, imo. I have wanted a chunky name ring like this since I was in High School so when I was able to add it to my shop I jumped on it!
The metal is 18kt gold over sterling silver so you don’t have to worry about it changing colors. It’s a piece you’ll have for years!
This is a Summer must have imho, it’s a flowy proper vibe but feels like a light weight sweatsuit. It comes in 6 – 7 colors so if you want beach vibes there’s a mint or go for the cream.
CON: this fabric snags on EVERYTHING! Do not wear jewelry, handbags or shoes that may snag. Even with the snagging con I still love it and don’t care, I’m just mindful.
Also Free People, these give a cool retro vibe. For $25 they’re fun to try out! I linked them online but I believe they sold out … I bought mine in store. They’re the black.
This long sleeve ribbed top is a must have (there’s a tank version too). It gives you a hug while smoothing you out. The ribbing helps to camouflage anything you may want to add a little camo too. I’ve worn this irl more times than I can count and have styled it for you on my blog and socials at least 5 times. It just goes with everything.
Summer MUST HAVE!!! I have melasma and last Summer (due to quarantine walks) it was aggressive. Since then I’ve been adding to my hat collection, a strong hat collection in the warmer months when we’re outside more is grown woman shit lol. Hats help to block aging spots, freckles (aka sun spots), hyperpigmentation and just overall aging overall.
I know it’s Spring but I’m thinking about Summer and these earrings scream Summer Fun! That’s it, That’s all! I recommend!
These are very light weight.
So light weight my earring back fell off (my error, I didn’t actually put it on) and even with no earring back the earring stayed perfectly in my ear long enough for me to film a styling video.
I love love love these, they’re so much fun especially for the warmer months. Originally I had just the J then decided to add the B for a stacked look.
A personal favorite and Hot Girl Summer must have, imo. I have wanted a chunky name ring like this since I was in High School so when I was able to add it to my shop I jumped on it!
The metal is 18kt gold over sterling silver so you don’t have to worry about it changing colors. It’s a piece you’ll have for years!
Amazon came through with this one! There’s at least 10 variations; sleeve length, skirt length and colors. Beware, the thigh slit is HIGH!!! I’m 5’4″ and it has ridden up to almost thigh gap level.
Because of the slit I recommend sizing up.
Fabric is stretchy and soft, does NOT show every nook and cranny but it’s $30 ish so it’s not a miracle worker.
Last year I looked high and low for a minimalist chic black sandal under $100 and it was impossible. This season I found this pair for $60, considering the scarcity of a good black sandal the price is great lol!
A canvas tote bag is a Spring / Summer must have this season. This specific bag has both a top handle and shoulder strap. Unfortunately, this colorway is sold out right now (I did link it in case of a restock) but there’s a solid 10 more colors (linked)
It’s week four of the 30 Day Spring Styling Series!
We are kicking off the Spring Season with a 30 Day Styling Series (30 days on Instagram and Tik Tok, 5 weeks on my blog).
Each day for 30 Days I’ll share a Spring Outfit Styling Video on both TikTok and Instagram reels and each Sunday I will post a round up of the looks from that week here on juliamarieb.com
The styling videos on my social channels show a closer look of each outfit, movement of fabrics, etc while they’ll be more detailed information like fabric, fit and inventory levels will be here.
In the Fall I did this series just on Instagram and TikTok and you all loved it so much so we’re bringing it to my site as well so the content lives forever and is easier to find.
This week I’m sharing looks 20 – 26 of the 30 Spring Outfits!
My absolute favorite sandals. These are a bit of a splurge but worth it (to me) I bought this pair 3 Summers ago and they’re still my most worn sandals.
My absolute favorite, most worn jeans especially in the Spring and Summer Because of the loose fit they fit well wether my weight is up or down or even if I’m just bloated.
A canvas tote is a S/S must have. This bag has a shoulder strap as well that can be worn on the shoulder or crossbodied. This exact colorway is sold out but I linked a few other colors for you.
I really love this dress because it’s more polished than my oversized denim dresses (that I also love). It gives a chicer vibe, something that could be worn to work or on date night with a heel. I do believe this exact style is sold out so I linked it and a few similar styles.
Yes, yes and yes! I love how subtle the shoulder detail is and how chic and on trend the color is. I plan to pair this with jeans for a more casual look.
I wanted this style last year but never found them, this season retailers are finally hip and added this style. Not too many because it’s not a super mainstream style so you have to jump on this style when you can find it. My specific pair sold out within 1-2 weeks. I linked them anyways just in case along with every single similar pair I could find on the internet. I’m passionate about this style is all I’m saying. I
These sandals have mixed reviews because apparently some people thought they were going to get orthopedic comfort with them. No ma’am! These are for the ladies who like to shine! Highly Highly recommend! These are not made for walking though.
My favorite piece from my shop! I got mine last Summer and it was my most worn piece. It’s 18kt gold dipped so you don’t have to worry about it changing colors.
My absolute favorite, most worn jeans especially in the Spring and Summer Because of the loose fit they fit well wether my weight is up or down or even if I’m just bloated.
A best seller from my shop, I’m wearing mine on a 14″ chain. All jewelry is 18kt gold over sterling silver so you don’t have to worry about it changing colors.
I scored this last Summer … I love a metallic gold especially in the Summer. It doesn’t fit much inside; keys, card holder, phone and maybe a lip balm but it’s cute! This color is sold out so I linked what I could.
