There's a mix of reasons why I haven't bought anything this month:
- last month I had a big splurge on a bag I'd been wanting for a while.
- house hunting is still ongoing and some of the tiny wardrobes we are seeing are reinforcing that I need to own less, not more.
- I completed a technology detox (#strugglesFast) with my church that had me rethinking a lot of my habits, especially the constant online window shopping.
- #noBuyJuly15 and the lessons I learned are still quite fresh in my mind.
- I'm doing the Frocktober challenge in October to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Research, and I really want to wear 31 of my existing dresses for that. Not a lot of time to wear anything new.
- there hasn't been a lot of 'must buy' sales going on.
The lack of incredible sales is probably the biggest driver for me not buying anything this month to be honest, ha! If you're really missing a purchase update from me, you can always browse my old monthly purchase recaps on youtube.
Now, what I've been wearing. Sticking again with another simple outfit formula for the office, fit and flare dresses. I even ended up wearing the same scarf with each dress! I've worn these two dresses one after the other before too.
What I wore:
Jacket: Jeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket
Scarf: Jeanswest Lux paisley print scarf (C/O)Dress: Jeanswest tucked ponte black dress
Shoes: Walnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown
Why I wore it:
Feels like it's been a while since I last wore this jacket to work! I've been wearing my trench coats to the office often as it's been colder even though it's spring and they are the warmest coats I have for commuting. As it was really quite warm on this day, I took the chance to wear something else over my outfit for a change!I liked the simplicity of this outfit, even if I don't like the picture as the scarf is sitting a little oddly.
Last worn: jacquard jacket, blue printed scarf, black ponte knit dress, black ballet flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.
Other ways to wear: jacquard jacket and jeans, paisley scarf and a striped cardigan, LBD with gold accessories, black ballet flats a maxi skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag with burgundy pants.
Shop more fit and flare dresses, under $50:
What I wore:
Jacket: Barkins beige trench coat
Scarf: Jeanswest Lux paisley print scarf (C/O)Cardigan: Jeanswest Peggie kimono cardigan in purple mulberry marle
Dress: Jeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
Shoes: Asos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bag: Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown
Why I wore it:
The trench coat is back out! After a nice sunny and warm spring day (above) a storm rolled in and brought a lot of rain and cooled it back down again.I had been planning to try recreate an outfit I'd seen on Shea. She posted a really cute outfit with a similar dress, blue tasselled printed scarf, ankle boots and a pink cardigan. I was planning to wear my pink blazer instead, as I don't have a pink cardigan, but with it being so cold I ended up grabbing my purple cardigan and a trench. Although it didn't work out like I'd planned, I really liked this outfit. The ankle boots came in handy with the rain too, kept my feet nice and dry!
Last worn: trench coat, purple cardigan, paisley print scarf (above), striped fit and flare dress, Asos Chelsea ankle boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag (above).
Other ways to wear: trench coat and a plaid shirt, purple cardigan and a maxi skirt, paisley print scarf and a chambray dress, striped fit and flare dress belted, ankle boots with a shirt dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag and printed jeans.
Linking up with Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Let It Shine, Style Nudge, Budgeting Bloggers, Mix It Monday, On Trend Tuesday, Turning Heads, Style Sessions, Wardrobe Wednesday.
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This is why I love blogging - you get inspiration from everyone and everywhere! Shea definitely had a great concept that you nailed in the second look. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe Dragonfruit Diaries
Check out my YouTube channel too!
Very true! I get all kinds of outfit ideas I never would have thought of on my own!
DeleteLove, love, loveee that bag! I'm a massive fan of a plain striped dress too :)
ReplyDeletewe are dannah | australian lifestyle blog
xo
nice scarf! I realy love the pattern :)
ReplyDeleteCheck out my latest home decor related post: "Minimalist Workspace" http://evaredson.blogspot.it/2015/09/diy-desk-makeover.html
I'm so impressed that you've been able to do two no-shop months this year. I sometimes feel overwhelmed by how much stuff I have in my closet. A shopping detox would do me good!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving all of your layers in that second outfit!
http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/
It is easy to get overwhelmed! My main goal is to reduce my wardrobe and get rid of things I don't wear often, but that's really difficult for me to do as I always want to keep things, ha! So stopping adding to it by buying is a good step for me to take!
DeleteI love your corporate style. These are two very versatile dresses and that blue+white tassel scarf is gorgeous with them. Good for you for not shopping for two whole months. WOW!
ReplyDeleteI really love that scarf! And great job not shopping this month! I need to be better about that as well!
ReplyDeleteFizz and Frosting
I'm impressed that you did a no shopping month without really trying! That's awesome. I've been thinking about doing one as well, but I don't think it will be too much of an issue because I have to push myself to go out and shop as it is.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the house hunting *fingers crossed for big wardrobes*
Good luck with your no shopping challenge! I think a few things aligned to make it happen accidentally this month. It was harder in July when all the sales were on, haha! I've seen some awesome wardrobes, but haven't been impressed with the res of the house, or kinda liked a house and it had tiny wardrobes...waiting for the perfect one!
DeleteWoohoo for no shopping! I ALMOST made it through September without buying anything, but I ended up getting a crop top for my high waisted jeans with some advertising money I had in PayPal, haha
ReplyDeletehttp://www.closet-fashionista.com/
haha well you did well, only bought one thing! :)
DeleteGreat looks, both are very eye appealing. I love the cardi in the first and the coat in the other :)
ReplyDeleteRedLip&Love
Love both fall perfect outfits. My favorite is #1 it's so classy and chic. Beautiful bag, btw. My shopping habits have changed this past year, and right now there isn't much time anyway with the ongoing home project and spending so much money on new furniture and such things.
ReplyDeletexox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
Your renovations have been going so well! I agree that houses take up a lot of time and budget!
DeleteThat's awesome you did a great job of not shopping! I only bought three things this month during labor day and that was it!
ReplyDeletewww.amemoryofus.com
You did well only buying 3 things! :)
Deleteboth outfits are gorgeous...I really like that striped blazer...and the second outfit is also very stylish, that striped dress is well matched with that trench. You always look lovely!...I think it is great that you're so conscious about shopping, making the most out of our closets is a great way to help the enviroment.
ReplyDeleteI've been on a budget for years, first because I was a student and now because I only have a part time job...I honestly don't plan buying any clothes this year. If I get some free clothes from sponsores great, if not I'm pretty sure I can make do with what I have. Besides, I have fun trying to think of many different ways to wear one dress.
http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.hr/
That's very true! You can have a lot of fun remixing and re-wearing what you own! And we own a lot, most of us! :)
Deletelove the second outfit a lot, the dress is really beautiful!
ReplyDeletex,Abril
The Color Palette
That's a great plan to have no shopping months sometimes, I am on a bit of one myself, so that I can save more for Christmas holiday away. I love the plum handbag and that jacket is gorgeous. Thanks so much for your sweet and thoughtful comments last week. I'm back now!
ReplyDeleteBack in the Kitchen
haha oh I haven't even thought about Christmas yet! I need to get onto it!
DeleteThe jeans west scarf is really cute. It has just the right vibe of boho flare and goes really well with the dress (and the weather haha). So are you unintentionally doing #nobuySeptember ? Well done. After my almost five months of ban, I actually broke it last week and got something I have been eyeing on for MONTHS! I haven't received it but I will reveal it once I decided I like it <3 There are a few other things I also want to get for the new season. Oh the ban monster is coming out to play!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you got! The ban breaking purchases is always a good one! :)
DeleteHey, thanks so much for the shout-out and I'm so glad I could inspire you!! I love the outfit you came up with, and I think the purple cardigan is so cute peeking out from under your trench. I love purple, it's one of my favorite colors! Way to go for not shopping all month! I was not as disciplined :)
ReplyDeletehaha, more perfect alignment of a few factors than any discipline on my part ;)
DeleteThank you for the inspiration and giving me a way to re-wear an old favourite :)
While I do shop every month, I also purge every month, so there's a little bit of reconciliation there. I do love the idea of a no shop month and admire bloggers that get it done! Every month I start over with the ambition to accomplish it. Hopefully this month will be it.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you do achieve it this month! :)
DeleteI'm terrible with getting rid of things, so I need to stop adding more new things until I've gotten rid of a lot of old things I think!
Another pretty look with a pretty scarf! :)
ReplyDeletewww.elabellaworld.com
Love how you'e lightened the heaviness of the black dress with your scarf and lighter jacket. The combination of the jacket and the scarf is really stunning.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with your no-spend, and I wish my church would do a series like that! I'd find it very practical. I'm gearing myself up for a tech fast - I've been putting it off for so long and I just need to get on with it. I like both dresses but the stripy one is my favourite :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you do manage to achieve a tech fast - it's quite interesting! :)
DeleteIf you want, you can view the message my church did on it - it's called #struggles, you can view it in the archives http://www.lifechurch.tv/watch (http://www.lifechurch.tv/watch/struggles/ is the direct link). All the sermons are online, it's pretty cool :)
Your first outfit is absolutely my fave, Mica! I have a very similar jacket by H&M. Love your styling with this beautiful scarf.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous trench coat, the combination of brown shades and stripes is always a great idea.
xoxo Ira
JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN
Your jacket does look so similar! What a nice piece :)
DeleteI absolutely love that first jacket! The colours and pattern are beautiful!
ReplyDeletehttps://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
great layers!! :D love the jackets!! :D
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Animated Confessions
Great Scarf, i love how you style it with both dresses.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.racheldinh.com
You look so chic, as usual! I love that Marc Jacobs bag - you're right it is the definition of corporate style. Really proud of you for doing no spender september, you could write a post just on that! Are you going to go for octobi as well? :)
ReplyDeleteXOXO
http://www.kellmenow.com/blog/
https://www.facebook.com/kellmenow?fref=ts
https://instagram.com/kell_menow/
Yep, I'm going to be doing #buyNothingNewMonth in October, or I'll try to anyway, haha!
DeleteLove both of your looks!
ReplyDeletexoxo Lynda
http://fashion-petite.com/
I really like the scarf. It's finally cooling down a bit here, and I'm really excited about wearing my scarves again very soon!
ReplyDeleteI did buy three items in September, but I've been buying very little this year. I also cleaned out my closet some more, and I find the fewer items I own, the better I actually dress as everything I own fits, is organized and fits into my tiny closet, and I think about what to wear together more.
Yes I really struggle with cleaning out and organising - I think it can make such a difference to your wardrobe when you can do that too! I certainly felt better about mine after the wardrobe detox I did, but I'm starting to feel it's getting overwhelming again. Might need to get the stylist back!
DeleteLove your Marc Jacobs bag. Such a pretty wine color!
ReplyDeleteanother great batch of outfits and extraordinary bag!
ReplyDeletegood job for not buying anything this month! i wish that was me haha
ReplyDeletegorgeous outfit
x
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au
I'm impressed by your lack of purchases. I tend to stick to my budget and not overspend but I usually don't never go without making a purchase. I love that jacket in your first look. I also really like your tan and black combo. It's always one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
it is tricky not going without purchasing, it's too tempting when you see a sale to just buy, haha. I've been lucky there haven't been any 'must buy' sales yet.
DeleteSplurging on things every now and than is totally acceptable! That bag is absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteN- Naomi in Wonderland
It was a great splurge! :)
DeleteI'm so envious of your lack of purchases this month! I'm sure your hard work with previous no-buy months and your tech detox helped. (I need to do a tech detox myself!) i especially love your striped dress with ankle boots, such a cute look! And that Marc Jacobs bag is to die for! *heart-eyes emoji*
ReplyDeleteGood luck with a tech detox, I'd recommend it, I thought it was really valuable! :)
DeleteLoving that scarf, doll- great print!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
This jacket looks so pretty on you. Great outfits. xx
ReplyDeleteNina
http://www.ninasstyleblog.com
Why are closets made sooo small? Don't they know a girl has to have options? (; I'm extremely proud of your spending. Can't say the same about myself however.... haha. It's just been hard lately since I've lost weight and NONE of my fall/ winter clothing from last year fits. Little by little right? I love that blue and white scarf! Blue and white is my favorite color combo!
ReplyDeleteHappy house hunting!
An excuse to go shopping is pretty cool though, to celebrate your weight loss! :)
DeleteWe went to one place hubby assured me had a walk in wardrobe, we both laughed our heads off when we saw it. You could stick your head in the cupboard and that was it. Don't know who could possible walk into it, although maybe if it didn't have any clothes and you kinda squashed up against the wall...I wonder how people can have such tiny closets!!!
OMG that bag is just TDF! The color is just so perfect for fall. Beautiful outfit btw hun,sharp. Now go on and conquer the world! 😉
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
Nice outfit! I like the scarf and you look cute♥♥
ReplyDeletechocolateandsunset.com
Both outfits look so good on you Mica! I love the tassels on that scarf and its print. Fabulous bag :D
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
Super impressed with your lack of purchases! I need to try and go at least one month without buying anything. That tassel scarf is adorable with whatever you pair it with!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing to do, even if I did achieve it accidentally this month! :)
DeleteI do that too sometimes, wear the same scarf of bag or top repeatedly like I need to get every drop out of it !PLUS the scarf is really pretty.
ReplyDeleteOh and on the house hunting, one day something you like will just "click". It will be all you wanted and more, just be a little patient.
Yep, we just have to wait for that! We had that feeling with our current place, we just haven't both had that feeling for a new place yet. I fell in love with one place, but hubby wasn't 100% sure, so we are waiting for the place we both think is perfect!
DeleteI love your little black dress in the first outfit! I really need to find a similar one that hits the right balance between dressy and casual. Love it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on the house hunt!
xo Deborah
Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes
Great outfits! I pretty much did a No Spender September as well! I bought a few books here and there but nothing unnecessary!
ReplyDeleteWell done! :)
DeleteGood on you for doing a no buy month. I've failed this month but I'm not too upset as I did get some things that have filled a couple of holes so worth it. This is what I love about blogging, we can inspired by each other. The second outfit is so cute!
ReplyDeleteYes the inspiration is great! One of the best things about blogging :)
Deletenice outfit! I can understand why you haven't bought anything this month. I have times where I don't buy anything and then other times where I buy a ton o.o hope the house hunting is going well!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Winn | ♥
winscribbles.blogspot.com | Instagram
hi lovely,love your casual and pretty style, I haven't bought anything this month either, my husband is happy! hahaha.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy week.
Glamoury Armory Blog
Loved this post, you always brighten up my evenings! Xx
ReplyDeletePandora Dupe- CHEAP!
I love your Asos chelsea boots in the second outfit! They really go well with the striped dress and are perfect for a transition season. I feel like September was the opposite for me, dresses for in between times are hard, and I don't really know what to wear, so I ended up making a bunch of small purchases. Time to start saving more!
ReplyDeleteAngelina Is | Bloglovin'
Beautiful bag, and I love that pretty blue scarf!
ReplyDeleteWow, congrats on your month of no spending Mica!!!! I splurged a bit this month--I found some great deals on items I've wanted for a loooooong time. That grey jacket is so pretty! Love your outfits today!
ReplyDeleteYou did get some awesome purchases! :)
DeleteI think it's wonderful that you did a no-spender unintentionally! A technology detox sounds amazing, and lack of sales -- defo a demotivator. Loving your striped dress!
ReplyDeleteMay | THE MAYDEN
Yep, everything kinda aligned to make it a purchase free month, worked out nicely! :)
DeleteNo shop is a challenge I always struggle with and I know exactly how lack of sales times feel :) I love your Jeanswest jacket and your collection of handbags x
ReplyDeletekalyani
Well done on #NoSpenderSeptember! Definitely my goal for next year. No good sales to distract us :) I too am going to join in on Frocktober - not sure if I'll make the 31 days but I'll give it a shake!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely on board for next year, was much easier than July, no "final reductions" sale signs to tempt me, haha!
DeleteI look forward to following along with your Frocktober - whatever you achieve! :)
I am starting my 31 days to intentional living tomorrow and as part of that I'm trying not to spend so much and use what I've got. This could be tricky as I'm also running my first style dare over on instagram #mystyleoctober. As well a play along with a bit of #frocktober. While experimenting with a capsule wardrobe. Gah. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely good to slow down on purchasing and enjoy what we already own more :)
DeleteGood luck with all of your challenges!
oh i love how this look is fall!
ReplyDeletexo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Thank you to everyone who left a thoughtful comment :)
ReplyDeleteBoth looks are great, I just love the mustard color with the booties, and yes another girl with an umnbella!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up with Turning heads tuesday
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Best Bag Lady ever! x
ReplyDeleteChic dresses, especially the first one! Love the look and hope your knee has been ok yet!
ReplyDelete