what I bought in July

rent-to-own jeans and a RealReal find

As a longtime member of the “I hate summer” club, July is one of my least favorite months. It’s also a very difficult month to dress for. (Even people who enjoy the heat struggle with getting dressed in the summer!) I think I buy more clothes during the warmer months because I’m chasing that ideal outfit, something that will crack the code, solve the puzzle, still let me feel like myself when the heat and humidity are racing each other to 100. Here’s what I ended up with in July:

Melissa sandals in beige/gold ($44, originally $109): These were in the “things I wanted this month but didn’t go for” section of my June purchases post. This month I went for them! I already own these sandals in black and wear them often. I fell in love with the orange pair (pictured below) but they’ve been sold out for ages in all sizes except 5 and I couldn’t find them secondhand, so I went for my second-favorite sale color. I do wish I’d been able to find the orange ones, but I still like this color—it works in outfits where the black would have felt too clunky. I think this particular style is great for both people who live in NYC and dog owners (i.e. people who walk around in proximity to grossness, be it subway platform puddles, street puddles, muddy dirt, overgrown grass, etc.) They elevate you above the filth and you can hose them off if needed. Stylebook says I’ve worn them 12 times since purchasing. Not bad.

look at the orange, though!

Agolde jeans from Nuuly ($149, originally $268): The only money I spent during my three months of Nuuly. I know many people disagree with me re: appropriateness of jeans in the summer, but as a person who generally doesn’t like wearing shorts, this is what I have! They’re light and they only truly touch the body at the waist. I also think the shape is subtle enough that they won’t feel out of style when we all eventually move on from the barrel leg (I know, it’s hard to imagine, and I love that silhouette just as much as everyone else). Stylebook says I’ve worn them 27 times so far. (To be fair, that includes June as well, because they were from my June rental.)

Lee Mathews from TRR ($100 with shipping): This is more than I would normally spend on an item from the RealReal, but I think it was worth it. I didn’t realize how much I wanted this shirt until it sold, and thankfully whoever bought it ended up returning it so I jumped on it as soon as it was back. If there’s anything I truly “need” more of re: clothing, it’s tops—more specifically, structural tops that don’t need to be tucked in, are appropriately dressy enough for work, but also don’t look weird if I’m out running errands or walking the dog. This fits the bill perfectly. I only got it on the 28th and I’ve worn it four times already. That shipping cost on the RealReal is steep! You think you’re getting a 20% discount with the code, but it just ends up getting added back on in the form of shipping.

Poshmark Farm Rio dress, NWT ($127): Wore this to a wedding—somewhat of a panic buy, and it worked, but I wish I’d been able to rent it instead!

Vintage GAP leather purse ($20): An in-person purchase from a vintage store in Portland. I haven’t worn it yet because I want to get it dry-cleaned. I should do that instead of letting it languish on a hook inside my closet! I’ve rented a Mansur Gavriel bag a couple times recently in a similar size and color, and I’m hoping this can be a permanent stand-in. (Plus, the zipper on that Mansur Gavriel bag was way too sticky for a bag that expensive!)

the rented Mansur Gavriel bag

I’d feel fine about this month were it not for the dress—the only item I don’t anticipate wearing that often. I love weddings but truly thank goodness I don’t have *any* coming up in the near future. I might end up re-selling it. I dropped off a few items at the RealReal the other day because I’m a glutton for punishment, so no $$ made from consignment this month, but crossing my fingers for at least a measly payout from them soon!

Any purchases—clothing or otherwise—that you’re feeling good (or bad) about this month?