What to Wear When You're On a Budget

Is anyone else feeling *spent* these days?

Welcome to 2024! I think it’s safe to say the majority of us are feeling depleted re: funds post-holiday hoopla…whether you overdid it on gift giving or chose to drown out the family chaos with expensive cocktails, January is not usually the month of choice to go on a spending spree. And yet, somehow NYE always comes with a side of ‘new year, new me’ mentality that feeds into my need to over-consume (think: vacation shopping, but for a whole wardrobe).

Luckily, I’ve sussed out the best picks from more affordable brands that I don’t think are cheaply made but don’t sacrifice chic, either.

Happy new year, go forth and shop!

xoxo

Does anyone else feel like we are leaving all the good outfits to the men these days? I’m reclaiming dad jeans and construction worker-chic and wrapping it up in one epic look (if I do say so myself). 1. A striped *jumper* from Jumper1234, a brand I firmly believe we have all been sleeping on. Andddd it’s cashmere. 2. It’s surprisingly hard to find a great black belt and this one is really doing it for me. 3. My dirty little secret is that the Anthropology denim department is truly unmatched and these jeans have been sitting in my cart for a week. 4. These boots!!!!!! Not exactly cheap but I couldn’t help myself. 5. Bury me in these sunglasses from Cherry L.A. because I never take them off.

Had I been organized enough to get my shit together for NYE this is definitely what I would have worn — never knew I needed sheer polka dot knee-highs until now. 1. Continuing to wax poetic about Guest in Residence…this sweater vest is great on its own or layered over a long sleeve. 2. Who needs Bottega Veneta when you have Mejeuri? 3. Again with the Bottega vibes but honestly these heels might be even better than anything Daniel Lee (or Matthieu Blazy??) could’ve dreamed up on his own. 4. If you’re a paid subscriber (hey, hi, love you!) you may have seen this skirt on my guide for holiday looks but I’m still not over how good it is so alas, here it is again.

1. Maybe I have been watching too much of The Crown but something about these waxed jackets with corduroy collars is giving chic chic chic. Again, why leave all the good outfits to the men? 2. My obsession with horseshoe jeans continues, but this time with a pair from Everlane. 3. I have this choker from Chan Luu in red and it is oh so fun to wear. 4. Square toe ballet flats are underrated and Mansur Gavriel’s are the most comfortable (can personally attest). 5. Everyone always needs another great striped tee.

1. I immediately purchased this jacket form COS as soon as I saw it — I have the navy (annnnd black) versions and wear them all the time. Pro tip: add a little brooch and she’s a whole new gal. 2. I’m not sure why I haven’t seen more of these boots around, I love the silver detailing and the price is GOOD for a high quality leather boot. 3. As usual, Doen can do no wrong and I love the puff sleeve on this knit. 4. I’m clearly in my mini skirt era and this one would be fun paired with a belt. 5. Throw on this scarf to mix it up and you’re good to go.

Are you tired of my bandanas yet???? I’ve always loved a canadian tuxedo but struggle sometimes to match the denims…this whole situation just made its way straight to the top of my list. 1. I love that you can wear this denim shirt with jeans or with a simple black pant. 2. These may look like plain hoops to you, but they’re hammered and look expensive and that’s really the whole goal here isn’t it? 3. THE JEANS. I don’t want to tell you how many versions of these I own because you’ll think I’m insane (spoiler alert I am). 4. You need another bandana!! Trust me, you do. This one is wool. Chic! 5. The buckle on these silver flats is cute cute cute.

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