Best Buys 2016 and Goal Setting

As we embark on a brand new year, I'd like to thank everyone who has read my blog over the past five years. It's evolved over time, and while I don't put as many posts out as I used to, I'm still enjoying publishing the content that I create.

I'll be spending some time today, and over the next few days, contemplating goals. I'm not so much into the word "resolutions" as I think they tend to be a bit too rigid. I like to look at the upcoming year quarter-by-quarter and then month-by-month and try to set some realistic goals in different areas of my life.

I don't do goal setting every year (I didn't for 2016), and I feel more grounded and purposeful the years that goals are set. I find it all too easy to let the year pass by and lose track of things that are important if you don't have a bit of a plan arranged.

Part of the purpose of goal setting is to guide yourself to make the right decisions. Here are the five fashion decisions I made in 2016 that I consider my soundest choices.

Hat: TNA at Aritzia
This may seem like a really odd choice for a best buy, but I honestly wore this hat so much last year. It has saved me from many a bad hair day and for that, it deserves to be on this list.

Jeans: Zara
You know that pair of jeans that make you feel good when you put them on? The ones you seem to reach for all the time? These jeans are that for me right now. These are the first jeans from Zara I've purchased and likely won't be the last!

Photo by Brett Locke 

Sneakers: Puma
I had my eye on these for so long before buying them! They are great for the cold winter days when there's no snow as they are a high top style.

Cardigan: Wilfred at Aritzia (Diderot)
Technically, I bought this at the very end of 2015. It's been worn so much this year. You can wear it normally so it hangs low in the back, or flip it upside down and it's shorter in the back. I'd definitely consider buying one in a different color. I really like how thick it is. I'm starting to collect a few different styles from Aritzia and getting them in multiple colors. Maybe I'll do a post on brand specific favourites. This store is by far my most shopped in for 2016.

Not a great photo of the cardigan

Coat: Club Monaco
After years of constantly drooling over coats at Club Monaco, I snagged beauty of a black one recently. I know I just got it, but it had to go in my best buys because even though I've only worn it a few times I'm positive I'll get so much use out of it for many years to come. I don't have a photo of me in the coat yet, but here's the link to my November buys post where I talk about it.

Happy New Year!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: September 2016

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. My quarterly budget is $500. This amount can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget. Since I've been keeping a budget, I'm much more careful with what I buy, and I will return stuff at the end of the month if I'm not crazy about it after hanging it in my closet.

Sweatshirt: Zara

Reg $30

My love for athleisure is not going anywhere. R calls this my "90s teenage boy shirt". He tends to name my clothing that he doesn't understand (e.g. Clown pants, witch dress, dog collar necklace, eyeball earrings)

Top: Zara

Reg $16

I've donated a few black tops that we're getting worn, so I need to replenish. I like the sleeves on this one.

I held the sleeve to show the shape.

Scarf: Zara

Reg $16

Neck scarves are cute and I like that this one is a bit more elevated than a basic bandana.

Top: Hollister

Reg $18 on sale for $9

I bought this top in grey in July I think. I really like it, so when I saw it on sale I scooped it up in black.

Sneakers: Puma via Winners

Reg $125 on sale for $52

These shoes! I've been listing for them for ages and I almost bought them from Town Shoes, then someone told me they were at Winners. I love them. They are so comfy and its a life goal to collect as many fashion sneakers as my closet will fit.

Choker: Call it Spring

Reg $12

I shopped hard for a wrap choker and this was the winner. I wanted silver detail but nothing to flashy.

Earrings: American Eagle Outfitters

Reg $10 on sale for $3.50

I wear my Stella & Dot grey earrings all the time so I know I'll wear these too.

Original value of items $228
Price I paid $139
I saved 39%

I'm rolling over $26 to next quarter. My mission is to find a perfect black crew neck sweater. The last quarter of the year is always so challenging as it includes Black Friday and Boxing Day.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Fall-ish

Nova Scotia went from hot to chilly pretty much overnight! What a wonderful summer it was though... As amazing as summer heat is, we have a really beautiful fall. Fashion girls get excited over layers, so I'm okay with the temperature drop.

Details

Sweater: Guess

Scarf: Zara

Jeans: Madewell

Hat: TNA from Aritzia

Sneakers: Puma

Bag: Kate Spade

Bag Pom: TopShop

After pining over these sneakers for a good six months, I finally found them at Winners (at less than half price), thanks to the sweet salesperson at Little Burgundy who told me they were there!

This weekend we hung out with finds at the Stubborn Goat beer garden on the Halifax Waterfront and then stopped by The Dairy Bar for a yummy vanilla bean soft serve.

My prediction for what will be coming soon on the blog... blanket scarves. Tons and tons of blanket scarves. Hello Fall!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl