I think I did well this past month. Only 3 adds. #secondhandseptember

SEPTEMBER: $93

New Balance for J. Crew 520 (Used/Poshmark) $40  |  J. Crew

September was WARM in Pennsylvania this year. The shorts photo would have been appropriate all month but it was actually taken at the beginning, right after school started and I got these new sneaks. I love them. I’ve had my eye on them forever. So glad I found them, in perfect used condition, for only 40 bucks!

Banana Republic Boat Neck T-Shirt $9  |  Other colors

I have to be honest, I bought this shirt on a trip to BR that was strictly entertainment. I did not need another striped shirt. But it’s very flattering. The pink stripe looks really cheery on me.

J. Crew Black Wool Jacket/Blazer (Used/Poshmark) $44  |  Poshmark

I’ve been going around and around looking for this wardrobe staple: the black blazer. I finally realized why I was stuck and why I’ve never worn blazers I’ve had in the past. The classic, masculine style doesn’t really look good me. I wanted more of a feminine, Chanel little black jacket style. This one (top photo) is really cute.

It’s time to put away the flip-flops. But it’s time to pull out BOOTS. Well, not quite. But, boots! I went through all my autumn to winter shoes to see where I stand when it gets chilly. How fun!

Tahari boots in black leather. These are very old. I almost got rid of these last year, but decided they’d be better if I removed the straps and now I like them. They’re high but still comfy. (similar | similar)

Franco Sarto boots in black patent. Also very old. I’m getting my money’s worth! They have a square toe and a sort of sixties vibe. They’re high but therefore flattering. Also, they’re good for rainy days. (similar | similar)

Clarks ankle boots in black leather. I love these. They have seen a lot of wear. Because of their rubber soles, they’re fairly weather-proof. More casual than the previous two. (similar | similar)

Madewell pauline boots in brown suede. I can’t wait to wear these babies! I got them last year and they are so good. (exact pair on Poshmark | similar)

Lucky Brand in brown leather. These were such a great choice. I’ve worn them for years. They go with everything. I love how they have aged and broken in. They’re so comfortable—with or without socks—and I don’t worry about them getting a little wet. (similar)

Troetorp clogs in navy leather. I’ve worn these all year ’round. They are the perfect shoe IMHO. (exact pair)

Dr. Scholls calf hair ballet flats in leopard. Perfect, perfect, perfect. Now, if I could find some in brown leather and black leather. (exact pair | similar | similar)

Steve Madden open toe booties in black leather. I love the way these look but they still give me blisters (across the top of the toe) Also, do they qualify since they’re open toed and heel? I think they work for early-summer-into-fall outfits. (similar | similar)

J. Crew calf hair maryjanes in leopard. These were an amazing find. I got them super discounted last year. #nataliebortonmademedoit (exact pair on Amazon | similar)

Analysis: 

I feel really good about my boots. I think I’ve got everything covered. Not shown were my J. Crew short black rubber rain boots (which my daughter has stolen for the purposes of horseback riding), a pair of black Hunter rain boots and some Sorel snow boots.

The above also doesn’t include all my closed toe heels/pumps of which I have a good number (don’t need more).

I would like to add a few pairs of mules, loafers and/or ballet flats (especially of the d’orsay variety.) So, I’ve been looking.

And, of course, I’m considering adding another pair of clogs. Probably in brown.

Check out my Pinterest boards:

I never realized how popular my #cloglife blog post would be. It is really due to the recent resurgence of the love of clogs. And Lauren Mechling. So, here’s some more clogophile content.

I love my Troentorp Clogs. (I have the Da Vinci in Dark Blue.) And, for $99 plus free shipping you too can experience true love.

I didn’t realize just how much I would wear these, but they are such a favorite and seem to go with everything. (Sometimes I feel bad for my other shoes.) Why do I pick them over and over? Maybe it’s that they make me taller (without being heels) or that they slip on? I just can’t get enough of them.

How do you style clogs?

I actually wondered this. I soon realized that you just put on any clothes and then slip on clogs. I rounded up all the selfies I had wearing clogs. I love the way they look when your ankles show and I’ve gone sock-less even when it’s somewhat cool out. But they also look terribly cute with socks.

I think they are the perfect shoes to take you from too-cool-for-sandals all the way into the Fall and Winter months.

#cloglife #livingmybestlife #livingmybestcloglife #troentorp #sweden

Hi. My name is Leigh and I’m super picky. And thank god, or I’d be broke. I like to carefully research things and then save the things I want on a Pinterest wish list. After a while, I’ll realize I don’t really want them or else I will buy them, and then sometimes after all that, I’ll realize I don’t want them. I guess it’s a normal part of online shopping.

Madewell Ruthie Sandal
I ordered 4 pairs of very similar sandals and this J Crew pair was the clear winner. If I hadn’t picked them, I would have chosen the “Ruthies.”

Madewell Boardwalk Sandal
No go.

Steve Madden Alexandra Sandal
Not very comfortable.

Madewell Tribune Blazer
I’ve been looking for a black blazer forever. This one was weird, tho. Very stiff (not drapey) and an unusual lapel.

Madewell Harper Mules
I obsessed over these! Finally ordered them even though they were pretty pricey. And you know what? I didn’t really like how they look on my feet.

Madewell Ryder Cardigan
Also, obsessed about this cardigan. It didn’t wow me.

J Crew Chino Shorts in Olive
I haven’t been able to find a replacement for a pair of olive shorts I had years ago. These were too long and too big. J Crew, stop messing with your sizes!

J Crew Leopard Sweater
Strangely unflattering.

J Crew Tippi Sweater in Rose
Not fantastic so I couldn’t justify it.

Rainbow Flip Flops
I heard these we the be all end all of sandals and that they are very comfortable (once broken in) but they just weren’t great in person.

Athleta Swim Top
I love that Athleta has a good return policy — like you can wear something and really try it out and then return it if it doesn’t work. This top was pretty but the fabric of the lining would shift and because it was a different color, it showed.

J.Crew Shorts
I loved these but decided the color wasn’t flattering. Too close to my skin color? Should have gotten the blue color. Also, they run very big. I sized down one size but should have sized down two.

L.L.Bean Cardigan
I bought this in store! But, I ultimately decided this wasn’t right for me. Usually if I don’t wear something right away, and often, it’s not as perfect as I thought. That’s two sweaters I bought and returned. The white cardigan quest continues.