What I Bought This Month: December Haul

This is my twelfth and final haul post of 2014! I will admit, there were a few times when I didn't want to do these posts anymore because I was embarrassed about how much I bought, but I'm glad I finished out the year. Keeping track of all the items I bought and how much I spent has taught me more about my shopping habits than I would have realized before.

As far as the actual budget goes...I definitely went over for the year. There were two months I went a little crazy, May and November (right before it got hot and right before it got somewhat cold). I think what that shows me is that I have a tendency to shop more when the weather starts to change, and I probably need to compensate for that next year.

Even though I went over my budget this year, I am not going to increase my budget for next year. My plan is to be more mindful of my spending. I want to go back and look at all the pieces I bought and see how much I actually wore them. That will help me figure out what types of items I need to pass on next time I'm tempted. I want to streamline my wardrobe a bit and try to rid myself of the tendency to want to replicate every cute outfit I see. I have faith that I will learn from my past shopping habits and do better at staying on track in 2015!

Here are the details:

1. Black Sweater (Old Navy) - I know I bought a black sweater a few months back, but I decided I don't like the fit of that one. I want to list that one on Poshmark, so I picked this one up from Old Navy since a black sweater is pretty much a staple!

2. Plaid Lace Top (Shopbop, sold out) - It took me a while to track down this top for a reasonable price, and after a mishap where Lord & Taylor shipped me a different item, I found it on Shopbop. Very cute for the holidays! Worn here.

3. Grid Wrap Skirt (Zara) - This was my one of two Black Friday purchases, and I LOVE it! I'm convinced its the cutest skirt I've ever owned. The only problem is that it is made of a fleece material and I'm terrified of spilling on it since I have no idea how a stain would come out of it.

4. Turtleneck Sweater (Forever 21) - This is such a cozy sweater, long enough for leggings and very warm! Its the perfect lazy weekend sweater.

5. Red Sweater (Forever 21) - I thought this would go perfectly with my green and red flannel, as pictured here.

6. Plaid Blazer (Target) - I had a navy plaid blazer from Target from last year, but something about this one drew me in! I sold my other one on Poshmark and got this one. Worn here.

7. Druzy Necklace (Forever 21) - A fun little piece.

8. Mint Necklace (J.Crew Factory) - For $13, I couldn't pass this one up.

9. Plaid Skirt (Forever 21, sold out) - Another great skirt! I love the zipper details. Worn here.

10. Black Bow Flats (Charming Charlie) - My black flats were in desperate need of replacement, and these are perfect. They almost feel a little menswear to me. I normally always wear heels, but I've been wearing these a lot this month. Worn here.

11. Gray Crossbody (Forever 21) - Very Chanel-esque at a great price. Seen here.

12. Cream Sweater (Old Navy) - I realized the cream sweater I bought last year turned a bit gray after washing it, so that needed to be replaced too.

13. Grid Print Skirt (Forever 21, not pictured) - My other Black Friday purchase! I found this gem in store but couldn't find it online. I was bummed because its definitely a piece I would highly recommend! Worn here.

See the rest of my 2014 haul posts here: January | February | March | April | May
June | July | August | September | October | November

Holiday Festive

Coat- Forever 21, Sweater- Forever 21, Shirt- J.Crew Factory, Jeans- Old Navy, Flats- Charming Charlie (on sale for $14.99!), Necklace- Lulu's

Photos by Laura Ross

Around the holidays, sometimes you just have to go all out, whether that means sequins, glitter, or the obvious red and green pairing. I love this flannel from J.Crew Factory because its literally perfect for Christmas, but since it's mainly white it's still cute enough to wear all winter long. For a Christmas get together with my boyfriend's family, I threw a red sweater on top and called it a day. And I won't lie, I may very well wear this again for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day! How could I not?

Happy holidays! I hope you all enjoy lots of good food and family!

Holiday Date Night

Coat- Forever 21 (30% off!), Sweater- Forever 21 (similar), Skirt- Forever 21, Heels- Express

Photos by Laura Ross

I've been pretty obsessed with plaid this fall and winter, so this Forever 21 skirt (at under $20!) made its way into my closet as a part of my last online order. Last Saturday, my boyfriend and I had a Christmas themed date night where we tried out a new restaurant I'd been dying to go to, and then drove around looking at Christmas lights in a nearby neighborhood. I wanted to wear something festive, but something that wasn't as obvious as red and green. I always love the look of a chunky sweater with a slim skirt, so my favorite gray sweater was the perfect choice. I actually ended up switching my shoe choice last minute to my black over the knee boots for a bit more warmth, but I love these black mules as an option for an understated holiday shoe to pair with dresses, skirt or pant looks.

Pink and Fuzzy

Sweater- c/o Aeropostale, Shirt- Forever 21 (similar), Jeans- Forever 21 (similar), Heels- Asos (similar)

Photos by Laura Ross

Every time I wear my boyfriend jeans I think to myself that I need to wear them a lot more. I just always gravitate to my skinnies! I do love dressed up looks with boyfriend jeans though, so I decided to give it another try. I've heard a lot of people talk about getting your proportions right when wearing baggier jeans on bottom, but I kind of like the look of them with a looser top rather than something more fitted. 

I ordered this sweater in a medium from Aeropostale since I was afraid it would be a bit cropped, and I like the slighly oversized fit. (P.S. It's on sale for $15 and comes in four really nice pastel colors! I kinda want them all!) This sweater is incredibly soft. It pairs well with a semi-dressed up look, but its also something you can lay around the house in while wearing your pj pants. A touch of embellishment on my collar and silver heels finished off the look.

Winter Print Mix

Jacket- Forever 21, Shirt- c/o Aeropostale, Jeans- Gap, Boots- Sole Society (similar), Scarf- c/o Aeropostale (love this option), Earrings- Forever 21, Sunglasses- Target, Bag- Michael Kors

I love a good print mix, and this combination of plaid and fair isle feels perfect for winter. I love wearing olive as a neutral, so this coat went perfectly on top. I am so glad the leaves finally turned different colors here in Dallas! If the average high temperature is still sitting around 60-65, at least the scenery outside looks seasonally appropriate. I actually wore this outfit/took these pics on Thanksgiving day in between the bf's Thanksgiving lunch and hanging with my family afterwards. I'm so glad we stumbled upon this part of the street near where he lives. I have a feeling I'm going to be shooting a lot more outfits here! It looked so pretty with the trees and all the different older buildings.

Hope your December is going well and you aren't too stressed with the upcoming holidays! This is the best time of the year and I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can while it lasts!