This cardigan has been on my mind for a long time now. I spotted it in a Free People store in 2017(!!) and knew I had to have it. Specifically in the pink since it looks really good with a lighter palette and black and grey. Versatility is always a big factor for me. Plus it is SO stinkin’ soft and one of my fav shades of pink. But it was also $150…um nope!
I kept it on my Shoptagr wish list for a long time and the lowest I saw it go was $64 so I skipped it. Paying about $70 for a cardigan just seemed kind of ridiculous. But when I found I could not get it off my mind for 3 years 😆 I decided to do a little web search and see if it was still available. Lucky gal that I am, I found it at Nordstromrack.com for about half price. So after a few weeks of thinking about it I bit the bullet and I’m so glad I did!
That’s one of the things I love about FP, you rarely miss out on items if you delay buying something because they often bring back popular pieces for at few years (the famous trapeze slip has been around since 2014!). So thankfully I almost always have a lot of time to consider how badly I want something. I have been known to be a tad very impulsive so this is very helpful to me.
I did not realize at the time that it would go so well with my uber flattering 90’s inspired slip dress. That was a nice surprise and I do not care one bit that it’s matchy matchy. I could wear this outfit over and over and over! This dress goes on sale periodically (I snagged it for $25!) and if you happen to wear a size large (like me) then you are in luck as it’s only $28 at Macy’s right now! There are also 2 other colors to choose from on the FP site. The red is also adorable.
This is truly a GREAT dress. It disguises a belly quite nicely and the print is really fun. The skirt flares out just a bit, it has a criss cross tie at the bust that allows for some adjustment based on bust size, and it’s slightly longer in the back than the front so it was pretty much made to flatter! Truth be told, it was 90 degrees and far too hot to wear a fuzzy cardigan when we took these shots, but it was my completer piece and I am just so ready for summer to fade into autumn. We are almost there!
This hat (old, similar option here) was my very fist hat purchase and I still find myself wearing it quite a lot. Sometimes an outfit just lacks that extra something and adding a hat is really the easiest way to give it some oomf. Plus it shades you from the sun so it’s functional – a big bonus in my book.
These shoes are a buy from this year that I feel really good about because Frye shoes are an investment and I took my time finding just the right heeled, black ankle strap sandals. I have some Frye boots dating back as far as 2009 and they still look as good as the day I bought them! At $65 and $200 off the original price they are as cheap as it gets fro this brand. Just be warned, this brand tends to run narrow. I have very wide feet, but was able to stretch them to fit my feet with my shoe stretcher – without any damage at all to the shoes. That’s a hallmark of a quality shoe right there!
I have wanted a Marc Jacobs bag for a very long time, but they can be so darn pricy! Plus I already have a lot of good quality bags. However, the one missing type of bag I’ve been wanting for a long time is a smaller black purse that I can wear in the daytime and when going out. *I stopped buying cheap bags a while ago and have no regrets. Quality lasts and classic styles never disappoint!*
Luckily I found this crossbody bag for a steal and it was also a reward to myself for winning the Star Award at work (it came with a little monetary reward) so it was 100% guilt-free and it reminds me of my awesomeness every time time I wear it 😉 This one is also a fantastic option that will last pretty much forever. If you’ve ever wanted to buy a MJ purse now might be the time. Take a gander at these discounted options.
Kind of random side note here, but I wanted to mention this in case it’s helpful to anyone. We do live in the time of Instagram so l I know I’m not the only one trying to take flattering photos! I’ve learned quite a bit about photography and lighting and the two best times to take flattering pictures are just before dusk – there’s a reason they call it the golden hour – and when it’s bright, but overcast out (like in these shots). And ALWAYS face the sun or other light source. Without fail, the best pics we take are always under those conditions.
For comparison’s sake, check out the pic above (taken with my back to the sun). Certainly not bad, but when you compare it to the photo below there’s no doubt which is the more appealing image. I’m still no pro at posing, even after 4 years of having a blog, but I have learned some things (mainly from other bloggers) so if you’d like any tips on that kind of thing just let me know; I might do an upcoming post about it. Share and share alike, right?
sweater I dress I shoes I bag I hat (similar)
Are you like me and 100% ready for layering weather or are you more the type to lament the end of the hot days of summer?
XO, Kate
Photo credit: Leo Amar