The Holiday Season

Tomorrow is November 1st. While some would consider Thanksgiving the beginning of the holiday season, I start a little earlier. Now, I'm not putting out my Christmas tree or any other decorations...yet. But I have started by:

(1) Starting Christmas Shopping

(2) Planning my holiday cookie swap party (invitations received, sending out this week!)

(3) Picking a holiday home tour (Pretty sure, it will be the tour in Amelia Island)

All of the above require funds. In order to ensure I have enough to fund these fun activities, I decided to put myself on a shopping diet for the rest of the year. Anyone who reads this blogs knows I love to shop--while it is bargain shopping, it is still shopping!

I've put the following plan in place to help curtail my urge to swipe (my debit card!).

(1) Unsubscribe from blogs that focus on shopping. I'm still reading all the OOTD blogs, as they help me rethink how to remix items in my wardrobe. However, ones that focus on current sales and what they are buying--I'm taking a temporary break.

(2) Unsubscribe from blogs by those who have a way bigger budget than me. Truth: these blogs sometimes make me feel less than..know what I mean? Rather than make myself feel bad that I can't buy (insert lovely but pricey item here), I will focus on other items. Plus eliminating this influence makes it easier to not shop!

(3) Unsubscribe from shopping related emails. This includes: Ruelala, Gilt, Haute, One Kings Lane, 6pm, Old Navy, Gap, Lands End, LL Bean, Vineyard Vines, Shop Style, Ballard Designs Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, AND all my eBay saved searches (Lilly Pulitizer, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic). The less I know about a sale, the better off I will be!

(4) Start a running program (figures it will make me too tired to shop)

(5) No shopping during my lunch break (this is where I did the most damage)

(6) Limit dinners out -- keep it to meeting friends for a drink or other lower costs activities.

I love the holidays! But I don't want to go into debt over it. I plan to buy all presents in cash, which is why I have already started (hurts less when I spread it out).

Are you already thinking about the holidays?

Tuesday 10.26 and Wednesday 10.27

Tuesday's outfit

I can't believe the weather is back to summer temps! So, this dress was a light and breezy choice!



Dress: Ruby Road, Dillard's
Shoes: Bandolino
Earrings: Forever XXI

Close up of my earrings



Wednesday's outfit

This skirt was hiding in my closet. I've had it for like 5 years, something like that? It's very comfortable and I love the swing of it.
Also, cracking up that Andie and I both wore purple and aqua today!!



Shirt: Ross
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Bandolino (3 days in a row!)
Necklace: Forever XXI
Earrings: Charming Charlie

Close up of my accessories

Monday 10.25

On Friday, I stopped by the new Forever XXI at the Town Center. I only buy accessories at XXI--they have a great variety and of course, they are super cheap! I picked up a peacock headband for $4.80, quite the deal!



Skirt: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance Center
Shirt: Mossimo, Target
Cardi: Bealls
Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Bracelet: Premier

Close up of headband

Friday 10.22

This whole outfit was planned around my new feather headband, purchased yesterday in San Marco during Affair in the Square--a neighborhood wine tasting/party. The event was fun and I even won a $50 gift certificate to a great restaurant! (www.bistrox.com)



Dress: Ross
Cardi: Bealls
Necklace: Premier
Tights: Nine West Anne Klein, Ross
Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Headband: Olive


Here is a closeup of my headband!



Off to meet one of my best friends for a little drink. Happy Friday!

Tuesday 10.19

Debuting my new skirt from Talbots!

Skirt: Talbots, on clearance for $38
Shirt and Cardi: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: Naturalizer
Necklaces: I'm actually wearing 2 necklaces. One from Forever XXI and the other Liz Clairborne

Teal Monday and the beginning of the shopping moratorium

The Jaguars vs. Titans is tonight's Monday Night Football game! There was lots of Teal at work today--honestly there was a lot of teal everywhere today! Here is my work appropriate Jaguar fan outfit:



Cardi: Bealls
Top: H&M
Skirt, Merona (Target) via eBay
Shoes: Black wedges by Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Earrings: Charming Charlie

Also, J and I have started our shopping moratorium. Christmas is only a few months away. We usually stop buying for ourselves around this time of year, so we can Christmas shop for each other. Being the planner than I am, I've already started my shopping. In fact, I bought something for J today. Obviously, I won't be sharing it on here :)

Happy Monday and Go Jags!

What I Would Have Bought

I had to buy a new battery for my car today. I would have rather bought the below:

Things I would have bought by natylite78 featuring black shoes

Naturalizer Black Leather Lennox Shoe
$79 - naturalizer.com
Black shoes »

Speedy 25
$645 - louisvuitton.com
Canvas handbags »

Jalda Embossed Croc Leather Eden Clutch
$187 - endless.com
Leather handbag »

Kate Spade New York - Pave the Way Scatter Necklace (Black...
$129 - zappos.com
Black necklace »

Hodgepodge

It's been a busy week. We've been at my in-laws, watching their doggie and house. I forgot my camera at home so no OOTD's.

However, I do have some fun stuff to share. I met Tricia of Tricia Loves Makeup on Friday! I hired her to take me make-up shopping and let me tell you, it was awesome! I always struggle with picking out the right products, whether it be right for my skin or the right color. While store associates are typically helpful, I wanted an "independent" opinion. Tricia is just the person for the job! She evaluated what I currently had, which wasn't much. We hit up 3 different shops. While I love all that we got, my favorite was definitely this:



Fluidliner in Macroviolet

I definitely needed help finding a neutral lipstick. I would always end up buying something entirely too light for my skintone. I'm very happy with what Tricia found for me:



Sephora Lip Attitude - Glamour: Color- Natural Rose

Tricia is a lot of fun and very talented. I look forward to hanging out with her again soon!

Aside from my makeup haul, I picked up a new to me shirt from a local consignment store. I also checked out the Talbot's sale. I'm very excited to wear my find:



The color of the denim is lighter than I'm used to. Suggestions on what to wear this with would be appreciated :)

Thursday 10.7

I bought this jacket in the spring from JC Penney's. Inspired by the great deals that Andie finds at JC Penney's, I've started shopping there a lot more. This jacket was on the clearance rack. After all the discounts, it only cost around $10. It is a mid weight fabri, fully lined, 3/4 sleeves, perfect for Florida fall. I wasn't sure what type of necklace to wear, so please let me know your suggestions!

Jacket: East 5th, JC Penneys
Shirt: Mossimo, Target
Pants: NY&Co
Bracelet: Premier
Shoes: Bandolino

In other clothing news, J got one of those Red Cards from J Crew. He was able to buy:

- 5 Button Down shirts
- 1 Henley
- 1 sweater
- 1 polo
- 1 t shirt

All already on sale plus the extra 25% off came to around $160. Amazing deals. Combined with his few items from Lands End Canvas and LL Bean signature, he is done for fall and winter!

The week so far...

>


Sorry I haven't been posting! I've been taking my OOTD pictures, but haven't had a chance to throw them up on here!

Here we go!

Monday, 10/4

The first cool morning we've had in forever! I really wanted to wear tights with this but I couldn't find my favorite pair (cry!), so bare legged I went. This dress was picked because---well, I indulged a bit too much this weekend (see wedding post) and felt I needed something very loose!



Dress: Ross
Shoes: Antonio Melanie
Earrings: Premier

Tuesday, 10/5

J and I went to a Moet & Chandon champagne and sparking wine tasting at TPC Sawgrass. It was amazing! We tried 3 delicious champagnes and sparklings. Our table was quite lively, an yes, we were the youngest ones in the room. However we learned a lot and tasted great beverages!



Dress: Merona, Target
Cardi: Lands End Canvas
Shoes: Jessica Simpson, TJ Maxx
Necklace: Premier

Wednesday, 10/6

This is my way of trying out the gray and camel color combo I've been seeing in the fashion blogesphere. Baby toe in the water, testing it out!



Sweater: St. Johns Bay?, JC Penney's
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Naturalizer

Have a great Wednesday!!

Wedding Weekend

We attended an amazing wedding yesterday at the Clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass. Some of the highlights...

- 3 different musical entertainment (harpist on first floor, guitarist on 2nd floor lobby playing Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, etc, and 6 piece band in the main reception room)
- Incredible food, including passed sushi and mini beef wellington during cocktail hour; antipasta bar, beef tenderloin, fish and pasta stations for dinner; Italian cookie buffet for dessert; passed sirloin sliders and fries after a few hours of dancing.
-Premium beverages to include top shelf liquors, champagnes and wines; top shelf cordial bar for dessert (Frangelia, Grand Marnier, Cognac, Kaluha, etc etc)
-Photobooth!



-Hand-rolled cigar station (J and I shared one, hey, carpe diem!)
-Incredible floral displays



We were also invited to the rehearsal dinner, which was held at a private beach club. We could not have asked for a more perfect night weather wise. Cool breeze, band (yes a band at a rehearsal dinner!) playing, great food , and wonderful time with family and friends!

Needless to say, today was dedicated to relaxing! I woke up much too early for a Sunday (6:30am) and cleaned. Then I went to brunch with 2 friends to celebrate a birthday. Now, just watching football and enjoying this lovely Sunday!

Friday 10.1

J and I went to a rehearsal dinner at a lovely private beach club here in NE Florida. The weather could not have been better for a party by the sea! Here's what we wore:



Blazer: J Crew
Shirt: Brooks Brothers
Tie: The Tie Bar
Chinos: J Crew
Shoes: Desert Boots, Clark's



Dress: Ruby Road, Dillard's
Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Poofed Hair: Inspired by too much Jersey Shore lol

We're off to the wedding in an hour so I'll update with more pictures tomorrow!