Outfit Roundup #2
And a Chat on my Changing Spending Habits
As summer's coming to en end I'm enjoying the sleeveless breezy pieces in my wardrobe as much as possible. Last year's September was HOT, so if this year follows suit I can hang on to these pieces just a little longer.
Top: H&M | Trousers: Zara | Belt: Gucci | Shoes: Winners
Never met a black tank top I didn't love. This one from H&M works for me year-round. I wear it under dark blouses and knitwear in the winter time and it works by itself tucked into high waisted bottoms in the summer time. They're around $5.00, are form fitting but flattering, and come in multiple colors. I have it in white and gray as well!
A crisp white shirt and distressed denim is a combination I've been loving for years... there's just something about the juxtaposition of something so proper against destroyed denim. My top is by The Row and I got lucky to score it from a consignment store at a deep discount - consignment and thrift shopping is something I've gotten more involved in this year and I love it. It certainly takes more patience sifting through a lot of messy shelves, but there are treasures to be found at great prices.
Like I needed another excuse to wear black this summer…
This dress is from H&M and I have been wearing it TONS this summer. It's just so easy to wear. I've worn it on weekends, running errands, to work with a blazer on top and some black flats, on a date night... basically any occasion save for something more formal.
I am excited to think of ways to style it in the fall with turtlenecks underneath, blazers, boots and changing up the belts. There are a ton of layering opportunities with a dress like this. It's calf length on me and I'm 5'5" tall, for reference. It also washes well in the washing machine (gentle cycle, cold water, hang to dry) and didn't need to be ironed. Win!
For the final outfit, it’s a “day to night” spin on some of my favorite items to wear to work, actually.
The bare bones of this outfit are easy to wear to work - just add a blazer or a long cardigan and some lower heels or a pair of loafers and we're good to go! I fell in love over this pair of pants from Winners last month and they had to come home with me. They're by the brand Tahari and they had a matching blazer but unfortunately none of them were in my size. I love the fabric and the pattern and I've seen them at two of my local Winners stores so definitely pop in at your local store if you're interested as they might have some in stock! Aside from second-hand shopping, I also love discount department stores. Winners, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx often carry some of my favorite brands at more purse-friendly prices.
My tank top is 8 years old and still going strong - I bought it from COS, which is like H&M's slightly more luxe and pared back older sister. They make great basics that truly stand the test of time, so I’m always happy to stock up on their simple camisoles and T-shirts.
I found that as I get older, I make less impulse purchases. I used to go to the mall on my lunch break once a week and always leave with something. I now maybe shop once a month, or less. I browse more than I actually buy. Shopping for clothing is not that deep but as I think about the waste created by the industry I can't help but want to change my behavior and be more considerate of what I buy. I try to make sustainable choices whenever I can, and while I still shop at fast fashion stores from time to time, no matter the purchase I always try to ask myself "can I think of at least 5 different occasions/ways to wear this item?" and only if the answer is yes, I add it to my cart.
