Friday 31 January 2020

What I Bought in December And January, And How I've Worn It

Well 2020 has been off to a strange start! And not just because of all the wild events recently, I'm talking specifically about my shopping. This is a personal style blog after all!

I started the new year with my intention, the same as last year, to spend less than I did the previous year. Yet at the end of January, I've bought a lot more than expected! I actually only have 1 Christmas gift card left! A few impulse buys and a few fear-driven purchases. I covered it all in the video below with a quick summary you can read through too.

What I Bought:






Why I Bought It:

Now my favourite store (Jeanswest) is in administration and closing stores I wanted to spend the last of my Christmas gift cards ASAP. They can change the terms and conditions with the gift cards when a chain is in administration and that has happened with other stores that have closed here in Australia, from requiring you to spend a set amount before you can use a gift card to just refusing to accept them. 

I tried to shop sensibly and buy basics I can wear over and over, and I'm pleased with what I got but also it wasn't anything I really felt I needed. Although to be honest with a wardrobe the size of mine, there's nothing that's really a need! So pleased I got some cute things with the Christmas gifts I was given, and that I got to spend them before the rules around using gift cards possibly changes. Really hoping that Jeanswest doesn't shut down completely though - where else would I do the majority of my clothes shopping!?



How I've Worn It:


waht I've bought and how I've worn it: wardrobe remix with january Jeanswest sale finds


I have a rule that every time I want to buy something I have to think of two different ways I will immediately wear it that month. I didn't do too badly with this goal this month at all....the opshopped jacket doesn't suit the weather at all and so hasn't been worn, but I wasn't going to pass on a jacket for just $1! I bought more than I needed to this month for sure, usually I spread my gifts cards through the year but I was focused on spending all my Jeanswest ones this month. I did enjoy wearing everything and did quite well with the goal, but also didn't get to my twice a wear figure with the jeans and the jacket as they aren't suited for summer temps.


For the upcoming months...I'm either going to spend a fortune at the Jeanswest closing down sales or the closure of one of the stores I frequently shop in will help me meet my spend less target this year!


Linking up with Mutton Style, On Mondays We Link Up, Ageless Style.


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74 comments:

  1. These clothes are lovely - I love your style! I'm all about the cardigans you have chosen. The colours are beautiful. xxx

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  2. Looks like you made some good choices! I like seeing what everyone gets and what their thoughts are. Makes me consider doing the same! Hope you have a super weekend!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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  3. I like the rule about wearing the clothes when you buy them! I bought some short sleeve shirts that I can't wear yet since it's still winter here!

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    Replies
    1. I find it works really well for me - otherwise I buy a lot of pretty things I don't get a lot of use from!

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  4. Such awesome items :) xx

    www.fashionjazz.co.za

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  5. I bought more this January as well, but it's okay because I literally didn't shop much last year at all since we were renovating. I love versatility in pieces like these. Enjoy the weekend.
    Pretty much resting and doing a client shoot this weekend.

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    Replies
    1. I'd love to spend as little as I did last year when we were finishing the house build, but we will see how I go!

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  6. All such great buys! And you can't beat $1 for your thrift finds!
    I always look for a great crop jean too because it means they will hit just at my ankles, haha. Short girls, unite!
    https://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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    Replies
    1. Yes cropped lengths are the best! As are the brands that make midi dresses that are maxi on me, haha!

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  7. Wow! I didn't know stores could do that when they are closing down in regards to the gift cards! That has to be so frustrating! I can see why you wanted to go ahead and spend your gift cards. It makes total sense. I like the things you purchased and can see how versatile they will be for you already!

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    Replies
    1. Yes we don't have a lot of legal protection with gift cards in Australia. i'm glad I got to spend them though! :)

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  8. Your strategy of wearing things twice right when you get them is such a good one and always inspires me. What a bummer that your favorite store is closing down though!

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    Replies
    1. I'm hoping it sticks around, but they are closing a lot of stores and not doing returns any more, I'll be so sad if they vanish!

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  9. Cool outfits,
    long skirts look great on you ♥

    Ann
    https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

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  10. wow that is such a great rule - thinking of two ways to wear something before you buy it!! I'm going to incorporate this in my shopping habits. You look to have followed the rule perfectly! You had several different outfits with the same pieces - and all are so cute!

    xo, allie

    www.champagne-tuesdays.com

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    Replies
    1. Glad I could inspire you! It's really helped me only buy things that make sense to have in my wardrobe! :)

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  11. Beautiful pictures! Come and visit my blog)))

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  12. Hahaha that is kind of funny starting off the new year buying more then you expected. You got some great things yes some good basics and a few out of the box things. And good to use your GC. Here in the states the news keeps reporting on the robust economy and it all BS. Lots of stores closing here too.

    Oh love this, thanks for posting!

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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    Replies
    1. Yes there are so many stores closing here too! :( I don't think I'll ask for giftcards next Christmas.

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  13. I love the criteria you have for why you buy something and how you will wear it!

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  14. Bearing in mind the fact that your favourite store is in administration, I think it was very wise to spend almost all your Christmas gift cards. You might have bought a lot more than originally intended, but there's a reason for it. And you can never have enough kimonos, can you? Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Mica! xxx

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    Replies
    1. haha I definitely think you can never have too many kimonos! :)

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  15. Wow, I'm glad you got to make use of the gift cards before any policy changing. I imagine it was kind of fun to treat yourself to several things, though!

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    Replies
    1. I did have fun picking out new pieces but it was a little sad when I saw the shop I'd spent the last of my cards in is one that's closing down :(

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  16. That anorak is super cute and will be great for autumn for sure. ANd of course, love all the kimonos, but they are all such great scores:)
    Have an awesome weekend:)

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  17. That really sucks that they can do that with gift cards! I have never heard of that happening. I'm glad you've been able to spend them all! I usually don't sit on gift cards for too long either. I really like that you make the effort to wear your items twice as soon as you get them. My first two wears are usually a few months apart, and I often find that the second wearing is when all the minor (and sometimes major) issues reveal themselves.

    Have a great weekend, my dear!

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    Replies
    1. It is (sadly) very common here with so many places closing down.

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  18. I need to hang out with you way more Mica. I've been going crazy with shopping. Although I do try to wear everything. But truly it's impossible...ha ha.
    XOOX
    Jodie

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    Replies
    1. I will try to be good for the rest of the year to make up for this splurging, haha! :)

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  19. I always go wild with my Christmas gift cards too haha! I love your beautiful floral kimono! It looks so pretty on you :) Hope you had a good week!

    Jill
    https://jilliancecilia.com/

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    Replies
    1. I wish I could have kept them to treat myself through the year as I usually do but I guess this worked out okay!

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  20. Great hauls, and very worth it, dear. I love the deep red shade of the pants, the dark red is sexy and elegant. Can't wait for your new OOTDS in them! Have a splendid weekend, beautiful!

    Marie
    https://theflowerduet.blogspot.com/

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  21. For that price of $1 that is something that you can't past up. I really like how you always have multiple ways to wear each item and get use out of each thing. I know recently I got two pants from the discount store and I liked them when I tried them on but sadly when I wore it more than a few hours I didn't like it. So, basically I wear them when when I need to wash clothes lol.

    Love is Zero

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    Replies
    1. Oh it's a shame the pants didn't work for you! I like to wear things right away so I know if they work! :)

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  22. You look so nice in all of your outfits and I love the kimonos.

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  23. I love the patterns as always! You have such nice taste, a lot of these can be worn interchangably I think.

    Amy x Wandering Everywhere

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  24. Great post.

    www.paginasempreto.blospot.com.br

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  25. Lovely choices great use on gift cards

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  26. Hi, Mica-Well, I jumped right over. I love all of your Kimonos.Guess what my next post is about? Oh, and your bags. I'm a collector and I think maybe you are too? Take care, Living in rural Missouri, I wear a lot of jeans-just comes with the territory. Take care-Terri from the Midwest.

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    Replies
    1. Kimonos are the best and yep I guess you could say I collect handbags, haha! :)

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  27. You got some cute stuff, I especially love those kimonos--your signature piece (along with gorgeous purses of course). Have a great weekend Mica!

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  28. Oh wow, what a shame that Jeanswest might be closing! Where WILL you shop?! At least there's still K-Mart...? :) Probably a wise idea to start spending those Jeanswest gift cards!

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    Replies
    1. If Kmart goes down too I'll have no choice but to stop shopping, hahaha! thankfully Kmart continues to go strong ;)

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  29. Kimonos are my obsession! Great haul Mica!!!
    Happy February!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

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  30. Oh it's so annoying when a favourite store closes, or goes into administration. In the UK when a store goes into administration, all gift cards are void so you're lucky you were able to spend them in time! xo

    MakeupMuddle.com

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    Replies
    1. Yes, the same happens here, but as it's under voluntary administration I think the rules are different - don't know when they will stop honouring gift cards!

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  31. What a lovely haul here, Mica! It is never good news when your favorite place shuts down though - I totally get the feeling xx

    Naya
    www.nayatilly.com

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  32. Glad you were able to get your purchases in before the brand closed down. Love all the looks you put together from your new buys!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.comm

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  33. Loove Hauls! I always find beautiful and interesting pieces I want to buy.
    Floral print is one of my fav but also this red skirt is amazing.
    Love all these looks.
    Kisses,
    E.
    https://www.withcapitale.com/2020/01/swan-lake-ballet-with-floral-dress.html
    https://www.instagram.com/withcapitaleofficial/

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  34. Some great new purchases! I love buying some new pieces for my wardrobe in January xx

    Violethollow.com

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  35. I follow a similar rule before I make any clothing purchases as well. It makes so much sense not to buy something if you can't come of with at least two ways to wear it immediately.

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    Replies
    1. Yes it's better to buy things that work now than things you imagine may work in the future - that way I don't find things new with tags unworn in my wardrobe like I used to!

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  36. I love that concept of thinking of 2 ways you can wear something immediately that same month ~ it makes you more conscious of the clothes you buy. :) And wow great saving on that jacket for just $1! ��

    - Hazel
    https://hazywanders.com/

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    1. That opshop often has $1 clothes, it is the best! :)

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  37. I have a similar shopping rule! I like to be able to imagine at least 3 outfits, ideally 5, that I can make with other items I already own before I purchase something (because my wardrobe really doesn't need anything adding to it either). I'm glad you got to use your gift cards, it's a shame your favourite store is in administration though! x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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  38. You got some great things there. Buying more isn't bad if you end up wearing what you bought, that's the way I see it. I didn't buy many things this January, I'm not sure have I bought anything at all, but I might buy more some other month if I feel the need or find something that I really want. It is a shame that a store you love is closing, I can understand the drive to get what you can from it. I bought a few things from one of my fav stores when it was closing and I still wear all of these things. Have a nice week ahead!

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  39. What a great idea to think immediately of 2 ways to wear any new piece you are wanting to buy. Before the holidays I went a little bit crazy and still haven't worn all the things I bought in November and December. Love all the looks but my fave is the soft yellow tee with the red maxi skirt. I would love to give that outfit a whirl!!

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    1. Yeas I used to find so many new with tags on unworn pieces when I did wardrobe clear outs, I'm really trying to stop that, this rule works well for me!

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  40. January shopping is a challenge, because you do not want to spend badly, for all Christmas expenses, but still we made our purchases with the excuse that we had been generous this year lol. But even so we always try to buy what is necessary, the basics are always the best. Good choice.

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  41. These are all so cute on you dear, especially the red maxi skirt!
    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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    Replies
    1. thanks - the skirt was a $3 opshop buy a few months ago! :)

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  42. Such a shame the stores are closing down but a great way to get investment pieces. Thanks for linking to Muttonstyle Monday

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  43. Ooh yeah, better to use your gift card now before you aren't able to! I think you got some really cute items and they seem really easy to mix and match, which is a plus. LOVING that kimono!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  44. I can't believe you got those two items for a dollar.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

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    Replies
    1. That opshop is the best, I always buy things when I'm there, haha! :)

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  45. I really like that rule you have for yourself. It's a great way to prevent an impulsive buy, which I'm definitely guilty of and not just for me, with my girls too. I'll have to do that in the future; thanks for sharing this!

    XO,
    Jalisa
    THE STYLE CONTOUR

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    Replies
    1. Oh I don't stick to that rule when buying things for the boys - haha! I already have Christmas presents for later in the year and I have a few different pieces in sizes that are too big for them that I know they will grow into, haha!

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  46. Thank you all for your lovely comments! :)

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  47. I can imagine the black and flower print kimono worn with one of your striped maxi dresses!

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