The second part of my haul is much smaller as it's wardrobe-related rather than beauty, but it's the more carefully curated part. I don't buy clothing that often, but when I do, I always opt for quality and timelessness over quantity and trend. Which is why I shop for most of my clothes at Aritzia; yes, their prices are generally on the higher end, but if the clothes I still have from high school are any indication, they wear a lot longer than clothes I get from anywhere else. I always see each piece of clothing that I buy from Aritzia as having a low cost per use over time than a high cost up front. Plus, they have a myriad of styles that can suit my tastes and my body shape well, from casual to professional. So, every season, I like to buy a few new pieces and slowly incorporate them into my current wardrobe.
Talula Trooper Jacket
Babaton Beau Blouse
Babaton Marcus Jacket
Wilfred Diderot Sweater
You'll notice a recurring theme: black. About 99% of my wardrobe is black because I can wear it for work and wear it out and it'll match everything else in my wardrobe. Plus, it makes make-up stand out more because black clothing doesn't compete with what's on my face, which is more important to me, anyway, given my line of work. So on three different trips to the store, I found a perfect casual army-style Spring jacket, a lightweight textured crepe kimono-style blazer that's great for layering as the weather gets warmer, a breezy silk blouse that can be dressed up or down, and a super-cozy cocoon sweater made of ultra-soft cotton that I can wear all year round.
Muk Luks Jess Short Cuff Boot
Muk Luks Moccasin Slippers
I find that if you're shopping outside of the US on Hautelook, it's only worth the sale pricing if the total amount of your goods is significantly higher than the international shipping/duties fee ($30) because it's the same no matter how much you buy. I hadn't really been planning on buying shoes, but when I was buying my NuMe hair curler on Hautelook, I saw that they were having a Muk Luks event as well, so I took a look. I don't usually go for their style of footwear, but one style in particular caught my eye: the Jess Short Cuff Boot (in black, of course). Simple and streamlined, just two buttons on the side so the boots can be worn both cuffed and un-cuffed, and a buckle serving as the only adornment. No pom-poms or fringe or other extraneous details that Muk Luks are known for (which is why they're generally not my style). Suede on the outside with soft cushiony lining on the inside and thick, ridged rubber soles for snowy days (as far as I'm concerned, it's winter here until May, 'cause spring lasts about a week before it becomes summer). And the best part? They were on sale for $44 from $94. I couldn't say no. And while I was at it, I also got a pair of the Moccasin Slippers. I used to loathe this style of shoe, but it's like... they're so ugly that they're cute. Anyway, I thought they'd be good for wearing out to smoke or just to run errands. They were on sale for $24 from $38 so I figured, why not. I've spent way more than that on house slippers.
So, what have you added to your wardrobe lately?
You'll notice a recurring theme: black. About 99% of my wardrobe is black because I can wear it for work and wear it out and it'll match everything else in my wardrobe. Plus, it makes make-up stand out more because black clothing doesn't compete with what's on my face, which is more important to me, anyway, given my line of work. So on three different trips to the store, I found a perfect casual army-style Spring jacket, a lightweight textured crepe kimono-style blazer that's great for layering as the weather gets warmer, a breezy silk blouse that can be dressed up or down, and a super-cozy cocoon sweater made of ultra-soft cotton that I can wear all year round.
Love the drapey blouse and jackets! I'm slowly going back to basic black staples after a bout with colours, but in spring I always want a colourful jacket that pops. Never get it though because it's a temporary thing and I hate those colours the rest of the year, lol.
ReplyDeleteI remember saying in my 20s that I'd have to be dead to wear moccasins, but I finally put my feet into a pair two years ago and they are COZY. I won't buy any because my feet get sweaty quickly so they don't make a good combination, but goddamn, yours look SOOOO COMFY.
I loooove drapey blouses. They are chic and look professional but also cover unwanted tummy rolls. :D
DeleteIt's so weird, it's almost like I'm the opposite of everyone else -- I'll wear almost any colour in make-up, but when it comes to clothes? I CAN'T DO IT. I've been wearing black everyday for so long that it feels weird to wear coloured clothing. Even other neutrals.
LOL! I thought the EXACT same thing about moccasins just last year. :P But they ARE so damn comfy!
Haha, I always have to remember that you wear mostly black ;) Stylin'! :P I have lately tried to get into these staples kinds of pieces, as well - higher price points, but if they last, they're worth it.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I've been wearing black for as long as I can remember because it's generally slimming and suits everything. Hard to break the habit. :P
DeleteI had my phase where I'd buy lots of clothes from H&M and Forever 21, and then they'd tear or buttons would fall off or zippers would be broken within a matter of weeks. Sometimes days. It got too ridiculous, and the cost per use ended up being SO HIGH. It's not even about the price, it's just about clothes being well-made. Actually, American Eagle and Old Navy are pretty decent when it comes to quality and price, but their stuff is usually much more casual and I like to have clothes that look more professional. Where do you go for your staple pieces?
Nordstrom's sales are pretty good (although...I don't think it's made it across the border yet, no?) and sometimes Express, although Express is faster fashion, as well, but I find more of the things (especially tailor-cut dress pants) that I have from there last a little longer, so it's all right.
DeleteNordstrom isn't open yet -- there's a couple locations set to open next year, I think!
DeleteI've never actually bought anything from Express, though they've opened a lot of locations here now. What brands would you say their quality is similar to?