Ah, jackets. Time to think about them again. Time to shop for more? Or not. I first wanted to see what I have. I think my favorite, or the one I’m most looking forward to being able to throw on is this buffalo plaid popover from J. Crew.
Next is an army green utility jacket from H&M. It’s lightweight (not warm) but cute and goes good with jeans.
I’ve got my new oversized jean jacket from Madewell. Love it. Get it here.
Another lightweight utility jacket from H&M. This doesn’t get a lot of wear but it just feels like me, so it’s good. I think I’m attached to it because it feels very Swedish and reminds me of my friend Madeline Lundberg.
A grey on white leopard print fleece from Old Navy. Every time I go through a closet clean out I think I should get rid of this, then I put it on and I love it. It’s especially perfect as a coverup to go to the gym. I don’t know why I don’t reach for it more.
Trench coat from Target. Why don’t I look like all the street style photos I see on Pinterest? I might have to accept that I don’t look good in a trench coat. I’m also starting to realize that masculine jackets maybe look better over feminine outfits (dresses).
Utility parka from the GAP. I’m letting go of this finally. It’s nice but I never wear it. Buy it from my Poshmark closet here.
And this black leather jacket from Lucky Brand. I don’t know if it’s the leather jacket look or this particular one. I used to have a vinyl one from H&M that I wore all the time. Buy it from my Poshmark closet here.
Lastly is this bomber from the GAP. It’s terribly warm and has a bright orange lining. It’s a keeper.
So that’s all my jackets. I think I probably have enough.
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)
I only bought one thing in August: a jean jacket. I’ve been wanting it for a while but didn’t want to pay full price. In the end I got talked into it. And I don’t regret it. I think a denim jacket is such a versatile piece and a good investment. I already had a denim jacket (an old one from H&M) but it is fitted and doesn’t have pockets. This oversized one really feels cozy and soft. I’m looking forward to layering sweaters under it when it gets colder. (Almost identical one from Nordstrom)
Madewell
Nordstrom
So, although I spent a lot, I only added one thing which makes me feel good. I strive for a minimal closet where I love everything I have and I wear everything I have. I have experimented with capsule wardrobes and participated in 10×10 challenges but mostly I just keep all my clothes in one place. Most things are hanging in a medium size closet, with underwear, socks, jeans, pjs and workout wear in a dresser. I don’t pack away off-season clothes. It works for me to see everything I have. I like the way it looks. It makes me happy and it makes it easy to get dressed. I rotate things out as needed. I did a huge Marie Kondo clean out of my clothes back in 2016 and I haven’t had to do it since.
I feel good about sticking to a budget and being very organized and minimal. I don’t feel good, however about the fact that I do contribute to an industry with a very dark secret. I recently worked up the courage to watch The True Cost and now I can’t un-know it. I have to make some changes. A cheap tee shirt from a fast fashion store is not truly cheap. Some of the imagery in the movie will haunt me forever. We just can’t keep causing so much harm, to other human beings and to the planet. It’s just not worth it. But with all social change the goal is not to wallow in guilt, but to make the small changes we can. You choose. It will make a difference. I think twice whether or not I need a new item. I look for it from a responsible company. I try to find it second hand. And I take good care of it! Then I find someone else who can use it after me. I am so grateful for the life and lifestyle I’ve been given.
What about you? How has your outlook on fashion consumption changed over the years?
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.
New Madewell tank top, purchased on my trip to DC with Madewell jean skirt and JCrew slides.
JULY $186
Athleta Swim Shorts $19
Suddenly decided I wanted more modest/covered-up options for the beach. These are perfect. They run big and I sized down to a small.
Madewell Tank $19
A trip to Madewell with my kids when we went to my home town, DC, and they talked me into this top. Not my usual style but I’m loving it! I can never figure out the knot thing but this comes with a weird front tail that forms a perfect knot without making the shirt too short.
Lucky Jean Shorts $45
I became obsessed with the AGOLDE shorts but couldn’t bring myself to spend $128. I ended up finding these and they’re the perfect replacement for my old Lucky cut offs that I’ve had since 2015!
Everlane Romper (Poshmark) $13
I wanted this when it first came out. When I came across it on Poshmark, I grabbed it. Looks and feels like PJs but I’m okay with that.
Athleta One-Piece Swim Suit $50
I bought this with every intention of returning it but it looked so darn good. God, I love it. Again, feeling like more coverage looks better on me.
J.Crew Rash Guard $40
Also within the theme of modesty, age-appropriateness and responsible skin care, I finally got a rash guard.
All of these pieces were great additions to my summer wardrobe!
My name is Leigh. I am a graphic designer and a photographer. I love minimalism, danish modern decor, clogs, books, and art of all kinds. I strive to live a healthy life and promote sustainability.
I feel good about sticking to a budget and being very organized and minimal. I don’t feel good, however about the fact that I do contribute to an industry with a very dark secret. I recently worked up the courage to watch 
