CLOTHES I BOUGHT:
-Four linen t-shirts at Uniqlo, $120: black, navy, cobalt blue, and light grey. (I went for light grey instead of white—it looks almost identical but it won’t yellow as quickly.) The linen has a textured feel that makes them a little more interesting than a cotton t-shirt, and I’m wearing them constantly already. Should I have started with one or two, and told myself I could go back if I wanted more? Yes. Also, should I have refrained from putting them in the dryer? Also yes. Our downstairs neighbors moved out and we have been using their full-size washer and dryer until someone else moves in—I may have gone a bit overboard. (If you’re looking for a good two-bedroom that is wildly overpriced, hit me up lol.)
-This Florida Lottery baseball cap, $16: Yes, my closet is basically a Florida airport souvenir shop by now. I have another baseball cap for the Florida Powerball that I got at a thrift store ages ago and never wear because it is simultaneously too big and too shallow for my head? So every time I think I’d like to add a touch of Florida whimsy to an outfit, I reach for it, knowing that I’ll just shove it in my bag for the rest of the day. This will serve as a replacement (and hopefully I can find someone whose head is the perfect match for the Lotto cap)!
-This belt via Etsy, $28: Another late-in-the-month purchase that has been percolating for a while now. I wanted a black leather belt with a brass or warm-toned buckle, and have noticed the lack of it when trying to create outfits where a belt is necessary for function, not just form. The brown leather braided belt I have is versatile, but it seems like a good idea to have a black one as well. Will report back once it arrives!
Total cost: $164
*This month I also made $100 on Poshmark, and took two trips to Beacon’s Closet, resulting in $150 and $46 payouts—never give up! Some of the clothes in that first batch were ones I had brought in multiple times before and had rejected. That adds up to $296, so I actually don’t feel too bad!
CLOTHES I WANTED TO BUY:
-Everything else at Uniqlo. I ended up taking pictures of some of the display looks that were calling my name and hoping I can style something inspired by those!
-These KEEN shoes, which a very stylish friend posted on Instagram. I am very intrigued by these but feel like I have not yet graduated to the level of styling that a shoe like this requires in order to pull off. Also, I think part of the appeal of this particular shoe is the color, and my skin tone also begs me not to wear white and beige. If I ever see them in person, though, I will absolutely try them on.
-A pair of mary-jane ballet flats. I’m seeing this mary-jane-ballet hybrid everywhere right now. My friend Nicole sent me a photo of hers above. I’m partial to a pleated pair from COS, which I cannot believe are not sold out yet. But—they’re expensive, my feet get sweaty, and it’s about to be open-toe shoe season.
WHAT I BOUGHT INSTEAD OF CLOTHES:
-Tickets to two WNBA games this month: Yes, it is very lame that I had never been to a WNBA game before! Also, if you are not familiar with the mascot of the Liberty, Ellie the elephant, you should read this article. Surreal to hear the crowd go wild for a sexy elephant mascot with my childhood nickname.
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-Tickets to Oh, Mary for August: This was probably more than I should have spent but I believe in *~*supporting the arts*~*. Also, I try to take advantage of living in NYC and while I can absolutely cook a delicious meal at home instead of going to a restaurant, I cannot recreate a Broadway performance in my living room, nor do I want to!
-A hardcover book at my favorite bookstore and more notebooks from their accompanying stationery store (this book and these notebooks). Again, support the arts! And your local businesses! (I also recommend using the library but last week I was in the part of my library cycle where I had requested too many books at once, flew too close to the sun by checking them all out and then failing to return on time, and not being able to request any new ones until I had returned all overdue… it happens.)
Yes, the big clothing purchase was fast fashion, but if I end up wearing those shirts as frequently as most other fast fashion purchases I’ve made (not many) in the last five years, I won’t feel too bad. I’m also noticing myself adding way less to my clothing wishlist in general than in the months prior!
Any purchases (clothing or otherwise) that you are feeling good about this month?
<3 E
I’m in Florida so we need multiple swimsuits each season as you know. When I talk to northerners with short summers, it blows my mind that they hve 1 and maybe 2 swimsuits- for years😳
Just bought 4 swimsuits for this season on j. crew sale + extra 60% off over Labor Day. 3 one pieces and 1 bikini- just to tan all the soft parts!! Cellulite always looks better tan🤓
Uniqlo is well made clothing that lasts. I have promoted the brand from the fast fashion bucket to buy-and-wear-100-times bucket.