My favourite wardrobe additions in 2015

I think out of all the additions that came into my closet in 2015, my favourites were my: 

• pre-loved Cole Haan Johanna ankle boots;
• Townshoe Loafers;
• Nine West taupe wedges;
• Marc by Marc Jacobs backpack;
• Coach leopard print double-zip wallet my husband gave me;
• Banana Republic ivory and leopard skinny belts;
• all my items from LOFT;
• Franco Sarto peep-to flats;
• Banana Republic cobalt drape pants;
• Banana Republic black and white color-block dress;
• Banana Republic light colored, striped, color-block sweater; and
• Banana Republic black sleeveless top (so simple, but so perfect)

2014 - a catalyst to stopping my frequent bag buying habit

For many, many years I tried to get my bag and wallet purchases under control - I made yearly resolutions and tried to limit the number of bags I purchase per year, but nothing worked.

In 2014, I was thisclose to having a no-purchase year of bags and wallets but caved mid-year and purchased 11 bags!

I was really disappointed with myself but turns out, these 11 bags filled important gaps in my bag collection. 

When I used to purchase bags, I went on simply what I liked and bought it. I didn't think about the function they played in my life, or their practicality. I love all my bags, but the 11 I bought last year, without knowing it, were useful to my daily life. 

Just a reminder, my bag purchases are not included in my budget for my wardrobe.

Why were these bags so important/special? 

Banana Republic clutch and crossbody, used 5 and 2 times respetively

Cole Haan large tote in pebbled leather, used 34 times

Cole Haan satchel in pebbled leather, used 44 times

Cole Haan tote, used 26 times 

Dooney & Bourke satchel and crossbody (another crossbody in 
violet not shown), used 15, 5, 7 times respectively

Dooney & Bourke satchel (nylon version not shown), 
used 25 times, and 43 times respectively

Dooney & Bourke satchel, used 16 times

When I tracked my bag usage, despite only owning them for 1.5 years, these bags were the ones I used the most since I got them. I use them on a regular basis because they are easy to use and their quality is fantastic. I don't have to worry about ruining them, or getting any scratches on them as they are super durable. The calf-hair bags have been my go-to for special events since they go with everything and with the price I paid for them, even if I were to use them recklessly wouldn't be too sad. 

The reason why I didn't use my other bags so much is because they were too expensive and I just cared too much about them. I care about these bags too but the price I paid, wouldn't cause me to cry. In total, I spent approximately $1,059, averaging less than $100 per bag! Since these 11 purchases, I have been able to spend 2015 purchase-free of bags! 

Time to replace: my trend wardrobe staple, leopard flats with loafers

My leopard print flats were originally purchased in 2012 as an item of trend. I wasn't keen on animal prints at the time but somehow these shoes captured my eye and I decided to give them a try. The first time I wore them, I fell in love and reserved them only for indoor wear at my office. After a year, I began to wear them every where and they soon became an integral part of my wardrobe. 

Cole Haan leopard flats

Now, in 2015, they are looking sad; the heels are worn down and the sole is beginning to part from the shoe and I'm sure it is only a matter of time before there will be an actual hole in it. The calf-hair has rubbed off on a few areas, but over all, it still looks great from far away. Yes, I have still been wearing them - I can't help myself, I just love them too much not to, and I need them in my life. I've been looking for the next perfect pair to replace them and so far, have had no luck. 

On Saturday,  while on the search for a new pair, I magically found some pretty amazing shoes at the Shoe Company - Town Shoes Tapered Loafers, made in Italy, for $80, originally selling for $160 (online they are on sale for $111.98). 

Town Shoes Tapered Loafer, made in Italy

I tried them on and they felt like butter; I loved them immediately but felt bad because I just purchased some black flats, 5 days ago. Considering I found them for $80 and they are very different from other shoes I own, I decided to take them home to see how they would fit in my wardrobe, and return them if it didn't work. I replaced all my outfits that had my leopard flats with these shoes, and they looked amazing; some looked even better than with the leopard! 

Conclusion - They stay. But, they stay on the condition that they are now my new trend wardrobe staple - one-in one-out rule! 

And I am banned from buying any shoes this year, and next year!

My dear leopard flats - you have been absolutely amazing and have opened my eyes and wardrobe to a whole new world. I will never forget you. You showed me how animal prints can give an outfit some oomph without being overwhelming, and can help complete an outfit - I am ever so grateful. You'e also shown me that it's worth the wait to find the perfect pair, so for the time being, I am substituting you with something entirely different until I can find the perfect pair that has brought me so much joy, as you have.

For my next pair, I'd ideally like more of a pointed toe, and it would be great if it could also have gold hardware.

Time to replace: my every day flats

Every year or so I purchase a pair of flats that are my go-to shoes - I wear them every day to commute to and from work, turn to them when I cannot think of any other shoes to wear, and wear them through all 4 seasons. They get worn about 85% of the year. Depending on the quality of them, they usually last me a good 1-2 years before they start to wear down to the point where the heel and sole split apart; because I like them to last as long as they can, I don't mind spending a little more on them, and I normally buy them in black, or a subtle metallic finish. 

The last pair I purchased was in April 2014 and they were Cole Haan silver wedges with Nike cushion technology. These are great as they are a darker silver and gave me a little height with the wedge, but still giving me a lot of comfort. They began to show wear in the sole a couple of months ago, and I've been getting away with them even though there are scuff marks because of the color, so I have been on the look out for a new pair of flats. 

Cole Haan silver wedges

I didn't expect to find something so soon, but on Monday, I happened to stumble across a pair of black Marc by Marc Jacobs Balle logodisc flats - not only are they super comfy (my first pair of MbMj shoes), but they are a neutral color, have an almond toe, and I bought them for less than $62. YES, THAT'S RIGHT. 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Balle logodisc flats

They originally retail for $220. I came across these by complete chance - I finished a meeting early and decided to check out the local Hudson's Bay since they are having one of their sales; sale items were an additional 25% off. These shoe were not placed in the sale/clearance section but they were on sale for $110. I had 2 questions for the sales associate - (1) did they have these in a 6.5 since these are 6 (they fit, but I wanted to compare the two because I'm normally a 6.5, smallest) and (2) is there an additional 25% off. The SA I asked thought there was an additional 50% off while the SA standing next to her told her to double check the additional discount as they are MbMj shoes; the first SA went to the back to check for sizes and came out and told me that these are the only pair they had since it was a return from another store, and that she would still honour the additional 50% off. I wasn't sure how she decided that it was an extra 50% off, but I think it was the fastest I ever paid for anything!

Now, since I've found replacements for my every day flats, I can exercise the one-in one-out rule and let the Cole Haan wedges go. 

"When one door closes, another door opens... "

"... but we so often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." - Alexander Graham Bell

He's right. 

It took me a long time to let go of my Cole Haans (and to be honest, ever since they have been sitting in the donations bag, I have had to hold myself back from putting them back into my collection) but this weekend, I was able to justify bringing a new pair of shoes into my collection (one-in, one-out rule!) and have found new love and a new summer wardrobe staple.

Behold - my new Franco Sarto Venezia flats!!! 

 

I bought these on Saturday on a way to a party because the sandals I was wearing at the time were really cutting into me (the fate of that one will have to be decided at a later time) and I happen to be at the mall picking up some last minute things and thought I would just check to see if they have something more comfortable for a low price. I found these beauties for a great price - $39.99 and couldn't past them up. They are so comfortable and a great shade of gray (maybe taupe?) to be a definite wardrobe staple for me. I couldn't ask for more. 

This is my first venture into Franco Sarto shoes (I've heard great things before) and definitely would want to look into this as a go-to brand (I'm very brand loyal, if you haven't noticed already).

I'm sorry we couldn't make it work

One of the most difficult things I find about perfecting my wardrobe is letting go of an item from one of my favourite brands, that I love and had high hopes for, but is just not working out. 

One such item is my mirror-finish Cole Haan peep-toe wedge sandals. 

I purchased these several years ago to wear as my summer go-to shoes - I envisioned wonderful outfits ranging from office appropriate, to 'fun in the sun', casual cool.  I tried the shoes on in the store, and they looked fantastic and felt comfortable - being an avid fan of Cole Haan shoes, I expected no less. I brought them home with me, giddy with excitement to wear them the next day. 

Within 10 minutes of its debut, I stepped on a part of the sidewalk that was slightly unfinished and gouged a chunk of the sole's finish out. I cried. I consoled myself by telling myself that it was on the inside and that it was going to be OK. 

As I continued on my not-so merry way, I noticed that there were very obvious crease marks where my toes bent - the mirror-finish is stiffer than most finishes so the creases look very deep and just horrible. I was further crushed and very disappointed. 

At the end of the day, I put them back in their box and held on to them. Over the next several years, I took them out on a few occasions (those that required very little walking) - each time, they suffered greater and greater damage. More gouges, scratches, and creases - it got to a point where I was tip-toeing in them in hopes they wouldn't touch the ground.

This year, I said to myself: "to hell with it, I'm going to wear these babies to the ground!" Sadly, it seems they beat me to it - with each step, they got squeakier and squeakier, and the soles keep getting louder and louder against the pavement. They've made me loathe them. 

I'm sorry, but we have to part ways, and it pains me - I tried to love you but you're not making it easy for me. I would have loved to share many memories with you. I hope you find a new owner that can make it work. Good bye =(

Don't buy mirror-finish shoes, they will break your heart.

Excitement! - new favourite outfit and accessory!

I thought Mimmy made a really good point in her post comment about the 'odd man out' - "I think I was actually trying to pair it with things that worked against it." This really spoke to me and she had mentioned she decided to pair her piece with neutrals and let the piece speak for itself. 

Here is that same sweater again - 

(Rosie Neira)

And taking into account Mimmy's words, yesterday, I decided to wear it as the showcase piece and made this outfit with it - 

(Banana Republic, GAP, Rosie Neira, Cole Haan, Coach, Pearson & Brown)

I wish I had taken a photo with the outfit on because the colors look way better together, but this is a new favourite outfit I discovered; it uses my color capsule and a 'odd man out' piece to form a decent outfit, but then is taken to a non-boring level by my shoes and scarf. 

(The more I look at it, this cardigan seems to be a shade of gray with some green undertone ... ya, I still have no idea about its color, sigh...)

Now, let me talk about this scarf - I received it from my mom's latest trip to Asia and it's actually landscape. I don't know if you can tell from the photo but it's mountains and a body of water. I don't know too much about it other than it's silk and by Pearson & Brown - if any one has more info on this brand, I'd love to hear about it! It's beautiful and oh sooooooo soft. It's fast becoming one of my favourite items. 

(Pearson & Brown silk scarf; sorry for the poor photo quality, I used my phone camera to do the pano)

The yellow played off of my shoes and the green picked up the undertones of my cardigan. And since I left everything else neutral, both the scarf and cardigan got to stand out. So, thanks Mimmy, for giving me the idea to let the 'odd man out' shine, and also to the girls on TpF for all the talk about scarves lately that gave me the idea to pull this out. 

Sold! Cole Haan business card holder

I'm pleased to share that I have let go of my Cole Haan business card holder. I love this item but it's thicker than I would like and I'm working on carrying less stuff, and bulk. 

I miss her as I really love the color, but I think it's for the better. Her new owner seems to really love her so I'm happy =)

Review of January's bags

In January I took to testing out a bag that I didn't use in 2014. It was my black Kate Spade Wellesley Elena tote - After a month of using her for work I have decided to keep her (at least for now). She was originally purchased for work and she has lived up to her standards. After using her for so long on a regular basis, she is much easier to carry than I remembered and the only thing that keeps me from loving her 100% is that she is very structured and I'm used to having some saggy-ness in my bags. All in all though, I love looking at her and since I find her much easier to carry now, I will be keeping her.

Weekends are when I switched out my bags for smaller bags and the first weekend, I switched into my white gold Cole Haan "Village II" zip satchel - I love this bag. It's size, versatile color and convertible wear (hand-held, or shoulder/crossbody) makes this one of my favourite bags in my closet. Not to mention, I got it at a steal last year and its cost per wear is well into the single digits.  

For my second weekend, I was spending it at my parents and didn't need much so I decided to go for my Coach small hobo (I think from the Soho collection) in brown leather - this was a bag that I was trying to sell in 2014, but with no success, I tried to use her again and found her to be quite comfortable. I mostly use larger bags (the usual size of my bags are at least the size of the Cole Haan mentioned above) so this is quite a stretch for me. I have learned how to use it and it now works great - in fact, I ended up using her for most of the remaining weekends in January. While I won't be buying any more bags in this size or style, I am glad I did not part with this beauty because her leather is phenomenal and I love watching her leather change. 

Perfect example of having too much stuff

The other morning I was getting my gym bag ready for the day and pulled out a pair of shoes that I had switched out of 2 weeks ago. I was shocked - I had actually forgotten about them and they are my every day shoes! I had been wearing them for the majority of the year until recently since temperatures have dropped, (which is why I hadn't removed them from my bag), but the fact that I had forgotten I even owned them, completely shocked me. It really showed me that I had too much. Shoes alone, I have 42 pairs that I have counted and logged (I'm sure I'm forgetting a few) and my goal is to take it down to 20.

As I mentioned before, we supposedly only wear 20% of our wardrobe and with that in mind, I should be down to about 8 pairs of shoes, but ... let's not get crazy now ;)

For those interested, these are Cole Haan silver cap toe "Bria" wedges with the Nike Air soles - picture not my own. 

Never say never - animal print

When I was a little girl, I thought anything in an animal print was horrible and old lady-like but as I got older, I became more curious but wasn’t sure how to pull it all together. After browsing Pinterest for outfit ideas, I decided to take the plunge and purchased these cute flats. These instantly gave my outfits a spark! And I’ve never looked back - animal prints give my basic outfits a bit of edge and I don’t even have to try.

For those interested, these are by Cole Haan, purchased 2 years ago.