Budget Shmudget

So January...was a month. Hard to even know where to begin, but this was a bit of an updside-down, inside out month from hell. I got a promotion and work sort of exploded. There were many days that I worked from the time I got up all the way until I went to bed (one of the downsides of working from home), there were several business trips, there were endless conference calls. On average, I ate lunch about once a week. On top of that, I've had a different set of friends or family in town each week (group #4 arrives on Saturday!) and so I've been trying to squeeze in dinners, late night Shake Shack runs, fireworks viewings. It has been at times fun, at times frustrating, always exhausting. There hasn't been much of a break. I can't remember when I did laundry last. Most of my toiletries are in various 1 quart ziplock bags. My dog is feeling pretty neglected. I have consumed way too much Chipotle.

But, you did not come here for a laundry list of first world problems. Let's talk about pretty clothes and feel better!

So somehow in the midst of all of this busy-ness, I found a little release in the form of stress shopping (January sales + raise = oops). So the theme for this month is budget shmudget. Also, clearly, black and white.

Starting budget: $224 -- $200 monthly + $24 credit for one of my purchases last month (J. Crew sent the wrong color #sadface #andalsoafirstworldproblem)

clockwise from l to r:

Limited Striped Trench Coat ($64, on sale) -- I've been eyeing this all month as it is just one of those pieces that feels very "me". I love a good trench (and I don't currently have one), and the stripes are classic but interesting. I haven't received it yet, but I know I'll love it -- The Limited has consistently good quality, and I was happy to snag a 60% off/free shipping deal.

Kate Spade Lace Tee ($51, on sale) -- mine is from the outlet but it is virtually identical to this one. This is one of a few things that I'd fallen in love with at the KS outlet last month and I swung by early on New Year's Eve to find a very happy little 60% off sale. With dark jeans, this is my new weekend go-to outfit.

Banana Republic Geo Lace Ruffle Top ($30 on sale, used gift card) -- my weakness is super pretty, super feminine tops and this one fits the bill. Used a gift card I've had forever when this finally went on a nice sale.

Nordstrom Cashmere Poncho ($100, on sale) -- a super cozy working from home staple (that I can even wear on the few times I interact with other humans).

J. Crew Contrast Lace Floral Skirt ($50, on sale) -- I don't wear a ton of skirts but this one is so pretty, and perfect for work and play.

Gap 1969 Authentic Flare Jeans ($30, on sale) -- an impulse buy, I love a flare jean and these have just a little extra drama.

Kate Spade Striped Bow Shirt ($30, on sale) -- I mean...

Chelsea28 Sequin Pants ($54, on sale) -- this is my second pair of sequin pants in as many months. I guess my New Year's resolution was to have a very sparkly bottom half.

Not pictured:

Anthropologie First Snow Infinity Scarf (multi and dark red, $17 each) -- I really loved this scarf, I couldn't resist picking up two for a song.

Kate Spade Eryn Wool Coat, Navy ($200) -- I can't find a photo of this coat online and that is a damn shame. It. is. gorgeous. A classic navy single-breasted peacoat with an oversized feminine lapel, slightly puffed sleeves, a little sparkle in the form of gold hardware. Similar to this tomato red version. Oh, it is pretty. This is also from the KS outlet -- I'm rarely impressed by the bags, but the clothes can be quite good. I can't wait to wear it with a big blanket scarf and red mittens.

Total: $613 ($389 over budget)

I decided to start tracking my spending as a way to understand my shopping habits and hold myself accountable, but I knew I would have months that were...less than perfect. Next month I'm planning a shopping fast (last year I did it in January), and thus the Libra in me is OK with this kind of balance.

So two quick notes...

One, I'm linking up with Fran and the budget bloggers as usual, because they are bad influences and help me find more things to buy :)

Two, I'm going to be closing up shop here with this post. This blog has been so much fun, but I'm finding that spending so much time looking at and thinking about clothes has brought out a bit of a greedy grabby consumer side of myself. I don't have the income to support my inner shopping demon's habit. But! When one door closes, a window opens and that window will be...a new blog :) It will be a bit more broad in nature -- more food, decor, travel, and cultural stuff (and a little bit of fashion, of course). More details soon...

November Budget

Another month, another budget update. This was a surprisingly quiet month on the shopping front. I had saved most of my budget for Thanksgiving weekend sales and while I did shop, I didn't do much damage in the clothing department (let's not talk about my Sephora purchases, k?).

Here's are the details...

Starting budget: $200

Purchases:

Gap Linen Stripe Tee ($20, on sale) -- I haven't shopped at the Gap in a long time. They're in the midst of a long identity crisis and I just haven't been inspired by any of their collections in ages . On Black Friday I found myself in the mall for an hour and poked my head into my local store in search of GapFit top I'd had my eye on. I realized that the checkout line was already snaking around the store and I was in no mood to wait, so I did an about face but spotted this pretty tee on my way out. It had a great look and feel -- very light, nice thin stripes, great quality. Good on its own, perfect for layering. I placed an order from the comfort of my couch and I'm crossing my fingers that the fit is right!

Zara Quilted Messenger Bucket Bag ($33, on sale) -- I've been eyeing this for a while and decided to pull the trigger thanks to a 30% off Black Friday code. It's chic and classic and practical, I think I'll be using it all winter.

Banana Republic Crackle Mini Crossbody ($44 on sale, used giftcard) -- another one that I've been thinking about for months. I was glad to finally catch it on a sale. It's a very cute bag that's perfect for casual nights out (it's so nice to be hands-free when you're in a crowded bar or if you are planning multiple venue changes), but it was absolutely not worth the $110 BR was asking for it originally.

Target Blanket Scarf ($14, on sale) -- a Black Friday impulse purchase. My cart was loaded with lots of gifts for friends and family, so I couldn't help but treat myself when I saw this super pretty blanket scarf. The print really doesn't translate in this image -- the plaid is navy blue with accents of pinky-red and orange. Not a classic plaid color combo, but one that will work with so many things in my closet.

Target Merona Embellished Sweater ($18, on sale) -- I broke my own rule about buying Target sweaters (they don't hold up well at all), but this one is so me. Soft ivory, fair isle print, sparkly gems -- sold! It looks pretty washed out in this image, but in person it's vibrant and sweet. I feel like it will be great for casual holiday events (I'm going to a cookie swap and I'm having a little tree-trimming party later in the month).

Total: $85 ($115 under budget)

I'm fine with this. I'll tuck some extra money away for a few December splurges (gird your loins, the sales will be going crazy all month) or put it towards my Christmas gift giving budget. I like to be generous!

I'm linking up with Fran and the budget bloggers -- can't wait to see what everyone bought!

PS -- new here? Take a look at some of my most popular November posts. This month was all about my Gift Guide -- lots of good stuff, with plenty of installments still to come!

PART I: For my best friend

PART II: For my mom

PART III: For my college roommate

PART IV: For the newlyweds

PART V: For my yoga partner

The three coats you need this winter (and one that you should think about...)

I've never liked winter, but I LOVE coats. Moving to Florida has never made a winter coat less important, but it doesn't stop me from drooling over them and building an incredible fantasy coat wardrobe in my head (note: can fantasy wardrobes be a thing? They'd be at least a million times more fun than fantasy football). If you live in a state with a real winter, now is the time to make sure your coat situation is handled. This season there are three silhouettes that you'll want in your closet: a classic duffle coat, a moto cocoon coat, and a great puffer coat.

Here are my favorites in store right now -- wear them fabulously and let me live vicariously through you.

Classic Duffle

This is the coat of my high school years, and whether it's nostalgia or a desperate attempt to cling to my youth, this style seems super fresh to me right now. Uniqlo makes amazing coats, and their classic take on a duffel is pretty perfect -- the cherry red has a bit of a Red Riding Hood vibe and would look amazing with rosy winter cheeks. You can't go wrong with a camel colored wool coat, and this one from ASOS is lovely. I probably wouldn't wear it with shorts, but that's your call. And leave it to J. Crew to make a dreamy pink version -- it's sold out online, but keep your eye out for it in stores or online popbacks. There are other colors too, but, that pink...

Moto Cocoon

This is really my favorite coat silhouette right now -- take a traditional moto jacket and blow up the scale to create a shape that is modern and interesting. This version from Banana Republic has a great neutral color and could be dressed up or down. H&M has a nice affordable take on this style in a few colors, including this pretty cranberry tweed. Madewell offers this shape in a few solid colors, but I like this lumberjack red plaid pattern (similar to a Band of Outsiders coat that would definitely make the cut in my fantasy closet). Note: all reviews indicate the fit can be a little tricky, so you may want to try on several sizes to get just the right slouchy chic fit.

Chic Puffer

I hate puffer coats, but when those single digit winds are blowing in your face, sometimes you just have to suck it up. But you don't have to throw on any old sleeping bag with sleeves -- a sleek, streamlined version will make proper winter dressing much more bearable. The small-scale quilting of this Via Spiga hooded coat really cuts down on dreaded the Stay-Puft Marshmallow effect. Once again, Uniqlo has a fantastic option. Their featherlight down is incredibly thin -- like, "how do they do that??" thin -- but will keep you toasty warm, and they offer a number of shapes and colors. Navy is kind of sporty (and a bit slimming), but there are some great jewel tones available as well. And leave it to Kate Spade to find a way to make a big puffy coat a bit more twee -- they put a bow on it! If you're looking for a better price, check their outlet stores -- I saw a similar version this weekend for about half the price.

So now that you have the essential shapes covered, you might want something a bit more fun. Like a cape. No, really.

This probably isn't going to be your everyday outwear...but at the right time, a cape is pretty amazing. It acts like a fabulous frame for your look and adds the right amount of drama. Capes are definitely having a moment, and here are my favorites in store right now...

This military-inspired classic black cape is really just one step away from a traditional peacoat, so it's an easy way to give this shape a try. The mod styling of this Boden cape will definitely turn heads. And this rich tobacco colored option with a faux fur collar is the perfect topper for holiday party looks or your favorite jeans and striped tee.

Wednesday Wishlist: Leather Weather

Fall always makes me dream of leather, though I've never actually had much in my wardrobe. I love a classic moto jacket, but I've never tried anything more adventurous. I definitely admire ladies who can rock a leather top or skinny leather pants, but I can't see working either into my wardrobe right now.

I do like the idea of a little leather -- just enough to hint at a bit of toughness without the commitment of fully encasing my limbs in thick, suffocating animal hide (because that doesn't seem like a particularly good idea in swampy Florida). Pieces that feature a subtle leather (or faux leather) accent seem like a great compromise, and they are everywhere right now. Let's take a look...

clockwise from l to r:

Calvin Klein Trench with Faux Leather Sleeves ($300) -- a classic trench with a bit of edge.

Rebecca Taylor Faux Leather Trimmed Cotton Jacket ($178) -- a cozy little black and white striped sweater with cool detailing. 

Blue Vanilla Cream Leather-Look Trim Knitted Cardigan ($53) -- just so dreamy, I'd wear this cocoon-y belted wrap sweater with full-leg black trousers or skinny jeans.

Banana Republic Factory Mixed Media Ponte Dress ($66) -- I love an easy-but-pulled-together work dress, and this shift dress is perfect.

Rag and Bone Lira Leather-Trimmed Sweatshirt ($148) -- you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort -- the delivery guy will notice if you make an effort and throw this on when he shows up with your hangover omelet.

Bagatelle Tweed and Leather Jacket ($160) -- a great little topper for those cool days when you don't quite need a heavy coat.

Forever 21 Striped Makeup Pouch ($6) -- the black on black stripe makes this inexpensive bag look quite luxe.

Forever 21 Metallic Tweed Platform Slipons ($30) -- just enough leather to toughen up a sweet shoe.

Zara Top with Faux Leather Pockets ($50) -- I'd size up and wear this with leggings for an easy Saturday look.

Fall Uniform

I've always loved the idea of a uniform. If I'd had my way, I would have been a NYC private school kid -- Brooklyn, not Upper East Side -- wearing a preppy jacket and a plaid skirt (hiked up just a little too high) every day. It didn't happen, but I today I definitely rely on a few favorite wardrobe formulas to make dressing easier.

My summer uniform was pretty easy and unfussy, as summer dressing should be. Fall is a little more complicated. I like an outfit that has dimension and looks a bit more intentional. Since I work from home, my weekday look is not at all blog worthy. But occasionally I do get dressed! This is my go-to look for evening and weekend plans: a mix of masculine and feminine details, easy layers and a flattering silhouette.

Jackets are a major wardrobe staple for me, particularly perfect in the fall, so I usually start with a structured jacket. Something with nice clean lines that creates a great shape -- a tough moto jacket, a relaxed boyfriend jacket, or a nipped in blazer are perfect.

Next, a soft, flowy top -- something with a little ruffle, a little lace, a pretty detail. I love this ruffled collar blouse (especially with the tough leather jacket). This blousy tunic with lace trim can be tucked in or left loose. And I can't decide what I love best about this jade green top, the delicate ruffled sleeves or the deep rich color. So pretty (and on sale!).

Skinny jeans are definitely not my favorite denim shape but here, they're perfect. You just want to create a nice sleek silhouette and draw attention to the more interesting parts of your look. Pick a pair that's flattering and comfortable -- maybe distressed grays, a relaxed boyfriend cut, or a sleek straight leg option.

I love an opportunity to show off my shoes and a great heel is definitely called for -- these round-toe black patent leather pumps are super versatile, these classic Jimmy Choo pointy-toe heels are on a wish list that I've buried deep, deep in my heart, and these tortoise shell beauties are fun.

Since this is a pretty relaxed look, I like to have an easy hands-free bag with me. Maybe the bar will be crowded, maybe we'll change locations a couple of times, maybe I'll need both hands for snacks (let's be real, that's the most likely scenario)...regardless, it's nice to not be the girl always fussing with her purse. I've been dying for this adorable little metallic crossbody bag to go on sale -- perfectly tiny and fancy. My python obsession lives to see another season, and this flat clutch is so easy to tuck under your arm. And this little envelope bag is versatile, great for day or night.

Finally, a few accessories to pull everything together. These little studs and pretty stack of rings are perfect for a black and white look. I will never get sick of this watch (super bargain version here) -- so perfect here, right? This cuff bracelet is simple but interesting.

There you have it, an easy formula for weekend dressing...just add shenanigans!

September Budget

This month was fun. September is really a full throttle fashion month and I spent a lot of time browsing, dreaming, and actually buying.

Last month was a really light month -- my original total was $78 but I ended up returning the linen blazer, reducing my total to a whopping $33. Luckily I found more than a few things that caught my eye this month, so I was glad to have a little extra to dip into if I needed it.

Here's how this month looked:

Starting budget: $200 (plus $170ish from last month, if needed)

Purchases:

clockwise from l to r:

H&M Lace Top ($25) -- feminine, flirty, in the prettiest shade of green. I'm excited to wear this now but I know I'll love it for casual holiday parties come December.

Kate Spade Francoise Top (birthday gift) -- this pretty top is now sold out, but I snagged it for about $150 as a birthday gift for myself. Every year I treat myself to a special something, so this won't count against my monthly budget.

Mossimo Gold/Black Bracelet Watch ($10, on sale) -- *cue the choir of angels* You know I love me a chunky gold watch with a black dial, and I've been drooling over some pricey versions for months. I was considering splurging on as my birthday gift this year, and the Target came through with a great low-cost option. I've been wearing it non-stop and I LOVE the way it looks -- it doesn't have the heft of an expensive watch, but it's so easy to wear.  I'll admit I'm going to need to exchange this particular one because the clasp doesn't stay closed. I'm not mad (it was ten bucks), but I'm hoping I just got a bad one.

Forever 21 Frayed Striped Scarf ($15) -- this scarf looks so chic in person.

Dr. Scholl's Exercise Sandals ($20) -- super classic sandal with a fun stripe-y twist.

Banana Republic Factory Textured Raglan Top ($17, on sale) -- a sporty, cozy top that's equally perfect for lazy weekends (with leggings) and work (with tailored trousers). Bonus: I'm pretty sure the star of the Lifetime movie I was watching today (a murderous psychopath, no less) was wearing this top.

Target Reagan Platform Loafers ($32) -- these classic penny loafers on steroids have a jolie laide quality that I love.

Banana Republic Factory Cuff-Sleeved Top ($6, on sale) -- snagged this super soft top on a great outlet trip over Labor Day weekend. The photo doesn't really do it justice, this tee is long and perfectly drapey, exactly what I love to wear with leggings while I'm working from home.

Not pictured:

H&M Button-Front Dress ($35) -- a simple little black dress in a flattering style (instantly reminded me of this great Boden dress, minus the awesome retro print).

H&M Knit Sweater ($25) -- I love shoulder buttons, and I was drooling over a rack of these sweaters on Instagram a few weeks ago. I really wanted all of them, but decided on the gray as it fills a little hole in my wardrobe.

Total: $185 ($15 under budget)

Turns out I was still able to stay within budget without dipping into funds from last month. Awesome.

Last month I shared a bit of a wish list for September shopping, and I only ended up with one item (the KS blouse); the Zara top wasn't right in person, and I waited too long on the Old Navy bag as its now sold out. Still thinking about the sexy mermaid swimsuit, but I feel like I'll need to have a fun vacation booked before I pull the trigger.

For October, I don't really have any purchases in mind. I've certainly seen plenty of things that I love, but I need to admit that I have a reaaalllyy stocked closet right now. I'll be on the lookout for a first round of fall price cuts, but tiny sales aren't likely to turn my head. I'm stalking a few items on eBay as well, and might use this opportunity to spend some of my monthly budget on resale deals.

What did you add to your closet this month? Sharing is caring, so let me know what you're loving right now.

As usual, linking up with Fran and the Budget Bloggers -- check out what the ladies bought this month!

Fall Wishlist Part III

5. Retro Denim

If there's one trend that seems like a no-brainer, it's the cool, retro 70's vibe that seems to be infusing the racks this season. The disco era gave us plenty of hideous fashion, but if you extract just a few of the best shapes, the right color palette, and the boho spirit of the 70's, you end up with some great pieces that work with a modern closet.

Case in point, a great button front denim skirt -- if you just add one piece to your wardrobe this fall, consider this one. It seems like everyone made a version of it; it's versatile, flattering, fun. It will seem very on-trend right now, but it has a timelessness that means you'll be able to pull it out of your closet for many seasons to come.

Alexa Chung x AG Cool Denim Skirt -- I mean, the name says it all. It's cool. If you're a fan of Alexa Chung's modern manic pixie dream girl vibe, this is the one for you. A little on the long side, but still slim and chic.

A.P.C. Button Front Denim Skirt -- something about the way the buttons extend all the way to the hem makes this seem like the quintessentially French version of this skirt. A perfect little weekend staple.

River Island 70's A-line Button Skirt -- this mini version gives you plenty of room to play with fun tights (and you'll love it all over again once summer rolls around).

ASOS Denim True Midi Skirt with Pockets -- a longer, slinkier version in great pale wash.

I already looked at some options for styling this skirt, but since it's so versatile, let's try a few more...

I miss those New York lazy weekend days when you'd head out for coffee and then maybe do some window shopping, walk through the park, check out the new exhibit at The Met, and find a spot for a long, leisurely dinner. Throw on this skirt with a cute sweater and comfy sandals and you're ready for all of it. With a print blouse, little jacket, and chunky shoes you'll have a perfect work look -- just add tights for those super cold days.

6. Cool Moto

As a Libra, I usually have an aversion to asymmetrical looks. You won't find any handkerchief hems or one shoulder dresses in my closet. But I LOVE a moto style jacket, which usually features uneven draping and a very prominent off-center zipper. Go figure. And apparently everyone loves pretending to be a bit of a biker, because moto jackets are everywhere right now. Here are a few of my favorites:

H&M Biker Jacket -- it is kind of amazing how good faux leathers can be. Totally classic style, teeny price.

H&M Wool Blend Coat -- I just saw this coat in my local store was tempted to snap it up right away. The traditional moto is fitted and hits right at the waist, but this long, oversized version is so cool.

Banana Republic Leather Buckle Moto Jacket -- I was eyeing two different blush leather jackets last year and I totally regret not pulling the trigger. While not a classic fall color, this pale pink color is fun and flattering.

Theory Kinde Leather Sleeve Moto Jacket -- I love the mix of materials and sleek shape.

A great leather jacket goes with everything, you don't really need to style it. But let's do it anyway...

Throw on a leather jacket over your favorite floaty dress and flats to toughen up a sweet look. A cute little date look, no? And I love doing the all black thing sometimes -- skinny jeans, good boots, a few simple accessories. An easy look when you have zero time to think but still want to look chic and pulled together.

July "Budget"

Well, there was a major Zara sale and this month isn't going to be pretty, so let's just get to it...

Stating Budget: $275 (monthly $200 + $41 for returning a May purchase and $34 for selling some clothes)

clockwise l to r:

J. Crew Perforated Drapey Crepe Dress ($65, on sale) -- does this look familiar? You may remember last month I bought this dress in a gorgeous orange-red color. I adore it and knew I needed to snag the black color as well. Simple, sophisticated, just a little sexy. I stalked it for weeks and finally caught my size on a super sale.

Zara Jacket with Patterned Lining ($80) -- the pictures don't do it justice, this is a truly beautiful piece. It has the construction and feel of a jacket 10 times the price.

Forever 21 Cat-Eye Sunglass ($5.90) -- just the right price for a fun but super trendy pair.

Merona 3/4 Sleeve Striped Tee ($5, thrifted) -- great fit, perfectly stripe-y. Very different than all of the other striped tees in my closet. I promise.

J. Crew Roxie Pumps ($300) -- yup, I bought them. My size came back in stock and before I could even think, I clicked. Boom goes the budget.

Top with Cross-Over Front ($20, on sale) Zara sale strikes again. This top is so, so pretty -- the layered front is interesting without being fussy, and the floral pattern is really vibrant (much brighter than the photo). It's so flattering -- I wore it once and several people mentioned that I looked bright and glowy. I don't get those kinds of comments when I wear my pricey highlighting creams and powders.

Ann Taylor Tipped Collarless Jacket ($65, on sale) -- a blogger favorite this month, and for good reason. This is a fantastic spring/summer blazer with simple, chic styling. I noticed on Facebook that a friend of mine wore it when she spoke before the United Nations, so now I refer to it as my "Speaking at the UN Jacket". I'm sure I'll be receiving a speaking invitation any moment.

Zara Embroidered T-Shirt ($23, on sale) -- I can't believe I'm proclaiming my love for a mesh t-shirt, but I am. I spotted this in store months ago and was thrilled to catch it in the end of season sale.

Banana Republic Factory Shorts ($16, on sale) -- just love this color so much.

Zara Rayon Sweater with Buttons ($20, on sale) -- slim fit, finely knit sweater with a pretty button detail. Great basic, perfect for layering.

J. Crew Marcie Suede Wedges ($63) -- a cute and comfy walking shoe. It is hard to find a shoe that works with equally well with shorts, ankle pants, and wide-leg jeans -- these fit the bill.


Total: $663 ($389 over budget)

So, this is bad. You could look at it and say that I was more than 100% over my monthly budget. You could say that it was really a simple shoe splurge that was to blame (because otherwise I was...pretty close?). Either way, I am left with the question of...what to do?

The whole budget exercise was really meant to serve a couple of purposes. First and foremost was to add a measure of accountability and responsibility to my spending. Sadly, I am not an heiress and therefore I have a finite amount of money to spend on clothing. I have life goals that extend beyond just looking cute, so I want to make sure I can fund all of those things.

Also important is putting some limits on my desires to spend and accumulate new things. My goal is never to have the biggest closet or the most expensive wardrobe. It is really to just have a closet full of things that serve my life -- beautiful, practical, and functional. My clothes are a way to express myself, and a way to prevent being naked in public. That's it.

I've thought it over and I'm just going to chalk this up to a bad month. I really love everything I bought and I managed to score some great deals, and forcing myself to return purchases will feel like an unnecessary punishment. I am going to need to remember that July is a great month for sales, and I should budget accordingly.

The other thing I've realized is that I am still very much programmed to follow the normal fashion cycle and gear up for a big fall shopping blitz. I'd really love to be shopping for sweaters, moto jackets, tights, and boots, but that doesn't fit my lifestyle right now. Fall in Florida looks remarkably like summer, and I don't really need a new wardrobe. So I'm going to try to make August and September light shopping months and just live vicariously through you. Just Instagram the hell out of all of your new things, OK?

Linking up with Fran and the budget bloggers -- check them out if you'd like to hear from bloggers who, you know, are good at budgeting.

PS -- if you're new here, hello! Feel free to stick around and check out some of my most popular posts this month:

Three Ways: Statement Shoes

Wednesday Wishlist: Pop of Python

Pack This: 3-Day Trip

Summer Uniform

Last year I made an impulse purchase during one of Loft's fabulous flash sales: a silky black long-sleeved romper. I'd never worn one before, but it seemed like the kind of thing that would come in handy in a year-round summer climate. It was dirt cheap, so even if I only wore it a few times it would be a reasonable investment. Spoiler alert: I fucking loved it and wore the hell out of it.

This romper is so flattering and so versatile, I'm planning to buy a second one because it is just the easiest summer uniform. It is the perfect blank canvas for all of your favorite accessories -- do yourself a favor and buy one (check out some of the best options in store right now).

Here's how I mix and match shoes, jewelry, and bags so that no one even notices that I'm wearing the same thing three days in a row*:

*this may be wishful thinking, but no one has called me out on it...yet

Start With Shoes

I like to start with shoes here because I think they'll kind of dictate the overall vibe of your look -- is it dressy, casual, or something in between? Also, when you're wearing all black and showing a lot of leg, your shoes are just going to pop. They'll probably be the first thing people notice, so make sure they are fabulous!

The question I always need to answer is: how much walking am I going to be doing? I can't stand uncomfortable shoes, and I don't want to be that girl hobbling down the street for the sake of a cute pair of sandals. Play with color, heel height, and style -- almost anything works here (steer clear of pumps -- they have a way of making shorts look kind of trashy). Here are some of my favorite options in stores right now. They couldn't be more different (ranging in price from $11-$800), and yet they would all be amazing.

simple: one/two/three/four  walkable: one/two/three/four  
sport: one/two/three/four  sky high: one/two/three/four

Add Plenty of Jewelry

The beauty of a simple outfit is that you can truly never have enough jewelry. Pile it on! More is more.

The neckline of this particular Loft romper doesn't lend itself particularly well to necklaces, so I tend to stick to rings, bracelets, and earrings. But just think of the possibilities: an armful of bangles in a rainbow of colors, or Wonder Woman-style thick gold cuff on each wrist.

Try breaking out one -- or a few -- of your big cocktail rings (even during the day), or stack a bunch of delicate ones. At night, I love piling my hair on top of my head to show off a great pair of earrings.

funky: one/two/three  bold: one/two/three  stacked: one/two/three  delicate: one/two/three

Show Off a Great Bag

Once you have your shoes and jewelry sorted out, it should be easy to figure out the right bag. You can get away with anything from a sleek clutch to a big bold tote -- summer bags are just the most fun, aren't they?

classic: one/two/three  graphic: one/two/three   airy: one/two/three  

Here are a few ways I'm going to wear my romper this week summer: