FEATURE TANK
This tank is hands down one of my favorite purchases of the Summer, I wear it with everything. Jeans, Sweats, Skirts and proper trousers. Well worth the $10. Sizes and in and out of stock but because it is slim with good stretch so you can easily go up or down a size and it will still fit. I have two in two different sizes and I don’t notice a difference in fit. One is my TTS the other is a size down.
BRA: THE INCREDIBLE FROM VICTORIA’S SECRET
Far too many people ask about my bra, I don’t want to have to answer the same question 100 times so here is the answer before we get into the post.
MY #1 SHOPPING RULE: THE RULE OF 5
A RULE I CREATED TO BE MORE INTENTIONAL WITH MY PURCHASES TO HELP STRETCH MY SHOPPING BUDGET TO IT’S MAXIMUM CAPACITY
WHO ELSE HAS BOUGHT A NEW TOP BECAUSE YOU “LOVED IT SO MUCH” THEN MONTHS LATER IT STILL HASN’T BEEN WORN?
We’ve all been there! There has been a time in our life we’ve walked in our closet looking for something to wear only to be reminded of the items we purchased but still haven’t worn, tags still attached and all.
When we make impulse purchases we end up with a closet of one offs that we only have one other item to wear with it, if even that.
When we make impulse purchases we end up with a closet full of clothes yet still have NOTHING to wear. WHY are we like this?!
In 2013, after losing 20lbs, purging 90% of my closet and only having a clothing budget of $150 a month I was in desperate need of a high functioning wardrobe. That is when, why and how I created my #1 shopping rule, The Rule of 5.
I knew in order to still buy quality pieces I loved I was going to have to get creative (and disciplined) and that’s exactly what I did. Every single purchase I made for the following year was well thought out and 100% intentional. I had no room for impulse purchases, the function of my wardrobe couldn’t afford it.
I bet you don’t like throwing your money away, do you?
We all deserve to hit our financial goals (and best wardrobes) and a great starting point is to become more intentional with what we spend our money on.
I want you to be great in everything you do so I wrote a 24 page book to fully share The Rule of 5 with you. There’s even worksheets for you to brainstorm your goal wardrobe!
Just enter your email below for your FREE Rule of 5 guide to get started on your best wardrobe yet!
If you need more help building your wardrobe my e-book, Build Your Dream Wardrobe on a Budget is a great tool. The 12 steps I take when planning and shopping for my wardrobes each season is covered in detail with examples for you.These are the steps I take to ensure each purchase is intentional, it’s also the strategy I used to budget to purchase my first Louis Vuitton handbag. In fact, The Rule of 5 is one of the 12 steps in the e-book.
ONE: MIDI SKIRT
SIDEWAYS INITIAL NECKLACE
The SIDEWAYS INITIAL NECKLACE is a classic staple from my shop, it’s one of the first pieces we carried and we’ve brought back for a limited time. It’s simple and dainty, giving the perfect touch of personalization.
This is the 18kt gold dipped, it’s also available in rose and silver.
I’m wearing my “B” version on a 16′ chain, I recommend an 18″ chain if you want it to hang a bit longer.
TANK: This tank is hands down one of my favorite purchases of the Summer, I wear it with everything. Jeans, Sweats, Skirts and proper trousers. Well worth the $10. Sizes and in and out of stock but because it is slim with good stretch so you can easily go up or down a size and it will still fit. I have two in two different sizes and I don’t notice a difference in fit. One is my TTS the other is a size down.
SKIRT: I scored this knit midi (maxi on me) skirt for $20 during the Zara Summer Sale so it’s no longer available. It’s light weight enough to wear during the Summer but also weighty enough to pair with a sweater and sneakers during the Fall/Winter (in the South).
BAG: I’ve wanted a bag from the Rebecca Minkoff Love Collection for a while. I mean it’s a great way to get the Classic Chanel Flap bag look until I make that investment purchase. My first Chanel will be classic black but I love metallics too. I don’t want to make that large of a purchase in a trendy hue such as gold as it won’t hold it’s value as well so the Love bag it was.
This bag is TINYYYY though and because it’s not a soft leather there’s not much give. TBH, between my card wallet, keys and phone only two can fit and still close. Not kidding. I still love it though but because it’s hard to get in and out of I don’t wear it as much especially considering the only place I’m going right now is the grocery store.
SANDALS: It took me a couple of years to finally purchase these YSL inspired slides from Zara. I had no idea if I’d actually even wear them, I can say now with complete certainty these were worth the purchase. I wear them a few days a week in the warmer months. They’re genuine leather so they just get more comfortable with wear.
Small disclaimer: flip flops and sandals with out backs are not shoes imho. I’ve tried to wear slides before because I they are more like real shoes but anytime I’d try a pair I felt like I was wearing house shoes outside … I do NOT feel that way about these slides. In fact, this pair of sandals got me to buy another pair of slides. I guess I’ve finally converted.
SUNGLASSES: These are a $14 find at Nordstrom, they’ve since sold out but I found an identical pair on Amazon, same price with more color options. I wear this when I want to be fancy and feminine.
SUNGLASS CHAIN: This is me having fun with a trend lol It’s such a small and inexpensive way to make a statement. Around $10 and available in a few colors.
SIDEWAYS INITIAL NECKLACE: is a classic staple from my shop, it’s one of the first pieces we carried and we’ve brought back for a limited time. It’s simple and dainty, giving the perfect touch of personalization.
This is the 18kt gold dipped, it’s also available in rose and silver.
I’m wearing my “B” version on a 16′ chain, I recommend an 18″ chain if you want it to hang a bit longer.
TWO: HIGH WAIST STRAIGHT LEG JEANS
SCRIPT NAME NECKLACE
The SCRIPT NAME NECKLACE has been the best selling piece from my shop this year. You guys have been LOVING it! She’s feminine and airy and oh so pretty!
I wear mine in 18kt gold on a 16″ chain. Rose Gold is also available.
All jewelry in my shop is real 18kt gold over sterling silver so it doesn’t change colors or tarnish. I’ve had some of my pieces 5+ years and am still wearing them regular. This specific necklace is 1-2 years old.
TANK: This tank is hands down one of my favorite purchases of the Summer, I wear it with everything. Jeans, Sweats, Skirts and proper trousers. Well worth the $10. Sizes and in and out of stock but because it is slim with good stretch so you can easily go up or down a size and it will still fit. I have two in two different sizes and I don’t notice a difference in fit. One is my TTS the other is a size down.
JEANS: I bought these jeans in January from Levi’s End of Season sale. I bought them with the intention of being Summer jeans, oversized-ish and distressed. Let me tell you, I couldn’t even button these up when I got them but I’ve trimmed down a bit and they’ve loosened up and broken in with wear. I’d like them just a tad more looser but in due time.
These are the Ribcage style, they came with a raw hem but about 6 inches longer than I needed so I cut a new raw hem. With wear the distressing has naturally frayed at the hem. LOVE them now! Also, I went a size up!
LOAFERS: These are similar to the Gucci Princetown Loafer and after only having these a few weeks (& trying on the actual Gucci’s) it’s probable I’ll invest in the Gucci style in the future.
I’ve never worn a loafer slide and I’ve never worn a flat in all white so these were a complete gamble. Now that I have them I must say they pull looks together and give them a polished look. They’re super comfortable even in the Southern July heat. They’re a recommend from me. I went a half size up.
HANDBAG: This bag is def small but holds just the right amount. I’m able to keep my med “bag” with lipgloss, tampons, and advil, card wallet, keys, phone along with a few other small items. Yes, a face mask and hand sanitizer!
I wear this bag primarily crossbody while out and about but love the top handle when it’s a quick door to door run. EX: picking up my mobile order at Starbucks.
SUNGLASSES: These are a $14 find at Nordstrom, they’ve since sold out but I found an identical pair on Amazon, same price with more color options. I wear this when I want to be fancy and feminine.
NAME NECKLACE: The SCRIPT NAME NECKLACE has been the best selling piece from my shop this year. You guys have been LOVING it! She’s feminine and airy and oh so pretty!
I wear mine in 18kt gold on a 16″ chain. Rose Gold is also available.
All jewelry in my shop is real 18kt gold over sterling silver so it doesn’t change colors or tarnish. I’ve had some of my pieces 5+ years and am still wearing them regular. This specific necklace is 1-2 years old.
THREE: CAMO CARGOS
90’S INITIAL NECKLACE
The 90’S INITIAL NECKLACE is a fun piece I added to my shop in 2020, it’s a great layering piece or can be worn alone. She’s being discontinued 7.31.20 so if you like her, get her while you can!
TANK: This tank is hands down one of my favorite purchases of the Summer, I wear it with everything. Jeans, Sweats, Skirts and proper trousers. Well worth the $10. Sizes and in and out of stock but because it is slim with good stretch so you can easily go up or down a size and it will still fit. I have two in two different sizes and I don’t notice a difference in fit. One is my TTS the other is a size down.
PANTS: I thrifted this pair but they’re also available at Urban Outfitters. They’re actually military camo pants so sizing can be challenging as they’re all different lengths, some have been altered in the waist. Regardless, I went up a size for an oversized look. I wear these a lot in the Fall/Winter as well.
SNEAKERS: I bought these last Summer to wear as my Fall/Winter sneaker. I still love these. I love the strong structure and how they pull any look together.
Usually my white sneakers get dirty beyond cleaning however, after cleaning them with Folex carpet cleaner they’re back to looking brand new. I highly recommend using it for any stains in clothes or shoes. It’s a game changer.
BUM BAG: I jumped on the designer bum bag train and I regret nothing! This is my second MCM bag and I LOVE the quality. Not to ruffle any feathers but I prefer the quality of MCM over my Louis Vuitton bag, granted the LV shows little to no wear due to the coating. I guess for that it’s a toss up.
This bum bag holds just as much as my LV Alma bb.
The 90’S INITIAL NECKLACE is a fun piece I added to my shop in 2020, it’s a great layering piece or can be worn alone. She’s being discontinued 7.31.20 so if you like her, get her while you can!
FOUR: TROUSERS
CARRIE NAME NECKLACE
The Carrie Name Necklace is the Best Selling piece from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com. I’ve had this for 2 years and wear it on a 14″ Chain. I have 3 overall in different sizes and chain lengths and just ordered the solid gold.
All of the pieces from my shop are real 18kt gold over sterling silver so you don’t have to worry about it turning colors or leaving green marks on your skin .
Carrie is available in gold, rose or silver. We also have solid gold options.
TANK: This tank is hands down one of my favorite purchases of the Summer, I wear it with everything. Jeans, Sweats, Skirts and proper trousers. Well worth the $10. Sizes and in and out of stock but because it is slim with good stretch so you can easily go up or down a size and it will still fit. I have two in two different sizes and I don’t notice a difference in fit. One is my TTS the other is a size down.
TROUSERS: I don’t wear shorts and haven’t been into dresses this year. When I found these light weight trousers I thought they’d be perfect to wear with tanks and crop tops. My exact pair is sold out from H&M but I linked a similar option for you.
SANDALS: It took me a couple of years to finally purchase these YSL inspired slides from Zara. I had no idea if I’d actually even wear them, I can say now with complete certainty these were worth the purchase. I wear them a few days a week in the warmer months. They’re genuine leather so they just get more comfortable with wear.
Small disclaimer: flip flops and sandals with out backs are not shoes imho. I’ve tried to wear slides before because I they are more like real shoes but anytime I’d try a pair I felt like I was wearing house shoes outside … I do NOT feel that way about these slides. In fact, this pair of sandals got me to buy another pair of slides. I guess I’ve finally converted.
HAT: My favorite Summer hat, that’s all!
HANDBAG: This bag is def small but holds just the right amount. I’m able to keep my med “bag” with lipgloss, tampons, and advil, card wallet, keys, phone along with a few other small items. Yes, a face mask and hand sanitizer!
I wear this bag primarily crossbody while out and about but love the top handle when it’s a quick door to door run. EX: picking up my mobile order at Starbucks.
SUNGLASSES: These are a $14 find at Nordstrom, they’ve since sold out but I found an identical pair on Amazon, same price with more color options. I wear this when I want to be fancy and feminine.
NAME NECKLACE: The Carrie Name Necklace is the Best Selling piece from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com. I’ve had this for 2 years and wear it on a 14″ Chain. I have 3 overall in different sizes and chain lengths and just ordered the solid gold.
All of the pieces from my shop are real 18kt gold over sterling silver so you don’t have to worry about it turning colors or leaving green marks on your skin .
Carrie is available in gold, rose or silver. We also have solid gold options.
FIVE: SLOUCHY JEANS
CARRIE NAME NECKLACE
The Carrie Name Necklace is the Best Selling piece from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com. I’ve had this for 2 years and wear it on a 14″ Chain. I have 3 overall in different sizes and chain lengths and just ordered the solid gold.
All of the pieces from my shop are real 18kt gold over sterling silver so you don’t have to worry about it turning colors or leaving green marks on your skin .
Carrie is available in gold, rose or silver. We also have solid gold options.
TANK: This tank is hands down one of my favorite purchases of the Summer, I wear it with everything. Jeans, Sweats, Skirts and proper trousers. Well worth the $10. Sizes and in and out of stock but because it is slim with good stretch so you can easily go up or down a size and it will still fit. I have two in two different sizes and I don’t notice a difference in fit. One is my TTS the other is a size down.
JEANS: These jeans are in my Top 5 purchases of the year. Originally, I bought them in blue denim and loved them so much I picked up the black for Fall. There is a bit of trickiness to the fit as they are only made in every other size.
For instance, I typically wear a 29 but the jeans were only made in a 28 and 30. I thought no way would I be able to wear the 28 so I bought the 30 and they were HUGGEEE, they completely swallowed me.
WTBS, I also purchased the Petite fit in a 30 and they fit perfectly. That’s what I’m wearing here.
This makes it hard for me to give solid fit feedback because I didn’t try on the 28 in regular length but I’d guess that if your size isn’t available to size down as a size up will probably swallow you as well.
HANDBAG: This bag is def small but holds just the right amount. I’m able to keep my med “bag” with lipgloss, tampons, and advil, card wallet, keys, phone along with a few other small items. Yes, a face mask and hand sanitizer!
I wear this bag primarily crossbody while out and about but love the top handle when it’s a quick door to door run. EX: picking up my mobile order at Starbucks.
SANDALS: It took me a couple of years to finally purchase these YSL inspired slides from Zara. I had no idea if I’d actually even wear them, I can say now with complete certainty these were worth the purchase. I wear them a few days a week in the warmer months. They’re genuine leather so they just get more comfortable with wear.
Small disclaimer: flip flops and sandals with out backs are not shoes imho. I’ve tried to wear slides before because I they are more like real shoes but anytime I’d try a pair I felt like I was wearing house shoes outside … I do NOT feel that way about these slides. In fact, this pair of sandals got me to buy another pair of slides. I guess I’ve finally converted.
NAME NECKLACE: The Carrie Name Necklace is the Best Selling piece from my shop, shopjuliamarie.com. I’ve had this for 2 years and wear it on a 14″ Chain. I have 3 overall in different sizes and chain lengths and just ordered the solid gold.
All of the pieces from my shop are real 18kt gold over sterling silver so you don’t have to worry about it turning colors or leaving green marks on your skin .
Carrie is available in gold, rose or silver. We also have solid gold options.
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