.: Girlie Utilitarian :.

//Utility Jacket: J.Crew Factory (similar) // Shirt:  Banana Republic // Leopard Belt:  Gap (similar) // Jeans:  7 for all Mankind (similar) // Flats:  J.Crew (similar)//

.: MY PRINT MIXED VALENTINE :.

Welcome to the continuation of Valentine's week for my wardrobe.  I decided to take a look into my closet and mix up some pieces that I've had for a while that have been old favorites.  

//Necklace:  Stella & Dot // Jacket:  J.Crew (Love this one!) // Tee:  Gap (similar) // Jeans:  7 for all mankind (similar)// Shoes:  Sam Edelman (Seriously debating ordering these!)//

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

Abbie

Valentine Wellies

Valentine's day is probably my favorite holiday in terms of decorations.  Everything is super girly and it gives me an excuse to decorate our house with a little more feminine flair.  In addition, subconsciously, my outfits gravitate towards valentine inspiration as well.

// Shirt: J.Crew (similar) // Sweater:  J.Crew Factory // Jeans:  7 for all Mankind (similar) // Shoes:  Hunter // Necklace:  J.Crew (similar) //

Hope you're having a fantastic day!  Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Abbie

.: Bundled Up :.

// Jacket:  J.Crew // Scarf:  Zara (similar) // Tee:  Victoria's Secret // Jeans:  7 for all Mankind (similar) // Shoes:  Converse //

To me, weekends are associated with the ability to wear deconstructed denim (since I can't wear it to work).  Every single weekend, you will find me in it!  It's one of my absolute favorite things in my wardrobe.  Hope your weekend was fantastic and you're off to a great week!

xoxo,

Abbie

.: Bows :.

//Sweater: J.Crew Factory // Necklaces:  J.Crew (similar) // Skirt:  Kate Spade (similar) // Shoes:  Christian Louboutin//

I may be already thinking of Valentine's Day outfits.  This is one option that I am currently considering.    Fancy shoes and a flirty skirt scream date night.  Happy Styling!

xoxo,

Abbie

.: Splurge vs. Save: Cost Per Wear :.

I view every purchase on a cost per wear basis.  I look at the items price tag and divide it by how many times I think I will wear it.  The more you wear an item, the more of an investment it can be, and the cheaper it is with each wear. If I know I will have something for years and will wear it tons, I don't mind investing in it.  On the other hand, if it's a super trendy item, it needs to be cost effective.

I've realized that I only wear my Forever 21 pieces once (before I wash them & most of the time they fall apart).  Sadly, these pieces end up being about $20 each for only one wear.  It feels like such a waste of money unless you are after a trendy piece.  That said, sometimes, if you search hard enough,  there are some real hidden gems at Forever 21.  

On the other hand, I don't really hesitate to buy more expensive basics as I know that I will have them for years to come.  While that J.Crew blazer may seem expensive at first at $150ish, if you wear it just thirty times in the span of a few years (equating to under $5/wear), it is already cheaper than that forever 21 version that fell apart the first few times you wore it (equating to about $20/wear).  That said, that same J.Crew blazer will still be timeless and in your closet ten years from now.  

A good example of how I have used cost per wear in my closet is when purchasing a handbag.  I used to buy quite a few purses every year.  A few years ago, I added up what I had spent in the last year on those said handbags only to realize that I had spent an amount that equated to a Louis Vuitton!  I was astonished and annoyed with myself.  I decided to stop buying all of the handbags that I was impulsively purchasing and save for one special handbag.  That special handbag was the Louis Vuitton Delightful MM.  I have literally used it every single day for almost 2 years.  It already has an amazing cost per wear of a dollar and some change.  My old handbags were a much higher cost per wear.  I've learned it is better to have one great piece rather than a million "just okay" pieces.

Next time you are shopping, be sure to look at the price tag and divide that number by how many times you will wear it!  You may rethink whether or not to purchase!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

Abbie

.: Feathered :.

//Sweater:  J.Crew Factory // Skirt:  Ann Taylor (love this one!) // Pumps:  Truth or Dare (almost identical here) // Pearls:  Stella & Dot (similar) // Crystal Necklace: Mindy Mae's Market//

I'm always up for wearing something slightly different from the norm.  This fun feathered skirt fits the bill perfectly.  Happy Weekend!

xoxo,

Abbie