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!
LOOK 1
TURTLENECK: One of my favorite affordable purchased this season is this Turtleneck Sweatshirt. It’s a slight crop but also oversized. I purchased a size down for a sleeker look.
SWEATPANTS: Last year I wanted a pair of 90’s oversized sweatpants so this past Spring I finally purchased a pair. These are made to be oversized, I ordered TTS.
LOOK 2
SWEATER: I purchased this sweater last month (still available!) and it’s hands down my best Winter purchase. It’s wool so this is definitely a Winter sweater. I ordered a size up for an oversized look and to wear with leggings.
DENIM: Madewell makes excellent denim and these are no exception. I purchased this pair 2 years ago, this style has been consistent in their F/W selection and are available again this year as well. They fit TTS.
LOOK 3
SWEATSHIRT DRESS: New purchase this season, it sold out in 48 hours but sizes have been bouncing in and out of stock. Fits TTS
LOOK 4
HOODIE: Pro Tip: get your oversized sweatshirts and hoodies from the men’s department. This one was purchased last year but it’s a style that’s around year around. I go up 1 or 2 sizes for a good oversized fit that covers the bum.
SIMILAR DENIM: Another pair of Madewell jeans, they really are amazing! These are the slim boy fit, purchased two years ago. Madewell usually has this cut available but in different washes, if you get REAL lucky you may be able to find them on Poshmark.
LOOK 5
TOP: A must have item(s) for me is Champion sweatsuits, they are soooo good both in quality and fit. They are perfect for running errands or lounging around the house. In the cold Winter months I wear mine under full length coats, nice shoes and cold weather accessories. It dresses up the sweats and keeps you warm. As far as this top I bought it a few months ago in my TTS.
BOTTOM: These slim fit joggers were purchased with the top also in my TTS.
H&M has been soooooo good to my F/W wardrobe this year. Every piece I’ve purchased has sold out within a week of purchasing it, I purchased each piece the day it was released. I was stalking their website what can I say. Some items were restocked with more color options, some are going in and out of stock and others I’m not sure if we’ll see again. If you don’t want to miss out make sure to follow me on Insta: @julia.marie.b I share all of my purchased the day I order them on stories.
Warning: If I say to order something because it will sell out and you want it, ORDER IT! I have 15 years retail merchandising experience both in-store + corporate, I know when a style is hard to find/rare, those are the pieces I tend to purchase and that sell out the quickest.
You guys have loved my H&M picks so much I put together a Try-On Haul and added styled photos of each piece all in one place so you know where to find it. This Black Friday H&M is having a 30% off SALE ( 11/29 ), I will say if you see the Fur Coat or Sweatshirt dress in your size before than do yourself a favor and BUY IT, it’s highly likely it won’t be available later on!! If it’s still available on Friday re-purchase it and return the full price items.
I’ve added everything in this haul and more new pieces I really like and/or think you’d like to a photo linked in my LikeToKnow.it to make it all easy to reference/shop. Click below …
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!
One of the most purchased items from my Instagram Queens has been the Gucci dupes both from Amazon and Target so it was only right I bring you guys a Rule of 5 post featuring our Fur Loafers. I love this shoe so much, they’re stylish + on trend, the fur makes them look extra and that same fur keeps your feet warm in the colder months.
It is recommended with fur loafers to go up a half size. I wear an 8.5 so I sized up to a 9 and they fit perfect.
While we are styling these loafers for a Rule of 5 there is hundreds of ways you can wear these slides but this is the Rule of 5 so 5 ways it is. Keep your eyes peeled to my Instagram (both feed and stories) and my website, I’m very confident you’ll get more style ideas this season.
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!
LOOK 1
This is what I wore today, if you watch the video you’ll see the coat I wore with it as well. Very chic if I do say so myself.
Sweater: This is a wool sweater and much needed for this cold Winter we are about to receive. I purchased a size up, it fit perfect at first but with wear it does stretch out so now I kind of wish I would have bought my TTS.
Leggings: These are warmer, cozier and more season appropriate than the leather leggings. I mean velvet just screams holiday time! I ordered my TTS, they were a little snug so I did my stretch trick and now they fit perfect. I recommend sizing up.
LOOK 2
This knit set from Zara was one of my first Fall purchased this year and I still love it so much. I’ve seen the joggers in store recently but not the top.
Top: I purchased TTS, I am 5’4″ and a little midriff does show, if you are any taller and do not want to show stomach this is a no-go for you.
Joggers: I’m wearing my TTS, these are insanely high waisted, I highly recommend them. If you like the joggers but the top isn’t for you I’d still recommend the joggers, just pair them with a different top. Duh!
LOOK 3
I feel like I’ve said this is my favorite outfit for each look this season but it’s true! I was able to achieve my dream wardrobe this Fall/Winter
Turtleneck: This was a gifted item from Yummie, prior I purchased a similar Turtleneck bodysuit from the juniors department at Target and the quality wasn’t good so I was happy to upgrade that piece. This turtleneck is a shaping pieces so it holds you in and smooths you out. After struggling to get it over my shoulder and snapped in the crotch I determined that I love it because it does exactly what it’s suppose to!
Similar Denim: This are my tried and true denim I wear THE MOST, they’re two years old from Madewell. They are the slim boy jeans silhouette, they usually have a pair or two each season in this cut.
LOOK 4
Turtleneck: This was a gifted item from Yummie, prior I purchased a similar Turtleneck bodysuit from the juniors department at Target and the quality wasn’t good so I was happy to upgrade that piece. This turtleneck is a shaping pieces so it holds you in and smooths you out. After struggling to get it over my shoulder and snapped in the crotch I determined that I love it because it does exactly what it’s suppose to!
Joggers: These are an inexpensive pair of 90’s joggers, they do exactly what they’re suppose to. They are an oversized fit, I recommend ordering TTS.
Bomber: This Velvet Bomber Jacket was gifted to me two years ago. I love it still, it’s cozy, comfortable and on trend.
Tote: This style is a classic canvas bag from Madewell, however, the camo print was from Spring 2018 and is no longer available. This tote is affordable and a piece you’ll have for years
LOOK 5
Jacket: This set is from last year so this color is no longer available. I bought a size up for an oversized look on top.
Pants: I’m wearing my TTS, I really wanted these to hit about a half to full inch higher on the ankle but when your legs are 2 feet long this is what you get. I am 5’4″ for reference on the length.
We can shop end of season sales! – In July, all stores are getting rid of their Summer inventory so they all have huge sales much bigger than Black Friday. Why does this benefit our Fall wardrobe? Because Fall/Winter pieces that didn’t sell, got returned or never made the floor are brought onto the floor and mixed in with the Summer clearance because stores need to get rid of it too!
We plan our wardrobes for upcoming seasons early because we know what we’re shopping for which helps us stay on track. By staying focused on what items you want you’re less likely to make impulse purchases. Back to reason 1, having your wardrobe planned out early allows you to shop end of year sales or the Nordstrom Anniversary Sales without impulse purchasing a bunch of stuff you won’t use.
HOW WE PLAN WHAT WE’RE SHOPPING FOR
BRAINSTORM: think about the styles that have been catching your eye, is there something you wanted last year? What we’re your go-to pieces last year? Are you still into them? Do you need to update them? Are you going for a new vibes this season?
RESEARCH: Go to Pinterest and search the styles you’re brainstorming. Scroll down your favorite Instagrammers feed. Get styling ideas and inspiration there. Are there pieces you already have that works will the vibe of your upcoming wardrobe? What are the key pieces you have to have?
LIST: Now that you’ve brainstormed and done some research you should have a strong idea as to what you’ll be wearing for the new season. Write a list of your must have pieces and include items you already have, this will keep you from buying items you already have but forgot about…. You know we’re getting old ha! I put my list in my Notes on my phone so I can always reference it while shopping unexpectedly.
CATEGORIES: Put your list of new purchase wants into price tiers. My tiers are over $200, $100-$200 and $50 and under. This helps to give a quick visual of how much money you’re looking to spend. If your budget is tight, you know to keep your top tiers down to an item or two. You can also get a very loose idea as to how much you’ll be spending. You know if you have 10 items in your 2nd tier and only 3 in you bottom tier you may want to reevaluate your life and brainstorm more affordable options for some of those items. Do you really need a $75 hat because that’s what all the girls on Instagram are wearing or will the $20 options at Target and Amazon work?
MUST HAVES: Lastly, determine which items are your must haves. Which pieces are going to make the biggest impact on the versatility of your wardrobe? THOSE are your must haves NOT a loud ass Adidas track suit! (even though I prioritized one last year haha do as I say not as I do) … My must haves are always the items I’ll wear the most. This year my must haves were Spanx leather leggings and Mini UGG Boots. Both items I kept reaching for last year but didn’t have them to actually put on. Because I planned my wardrobe early and shopped sales I got both items for $75 total. Shout Out Nordstrom Notes!
At the end of the video above I did a quick Fall Haul for you guys, I left quite a few pieces out like my Champion sweatsuit, a thrifted blazer and an MCM clutch but I talk too much and had to cut a few pieces out.