I finally bought a long black puffer coat. I have been contemplating this forever. I never seemed to notice that literally everyone owns the standard Northface puffer in black until I did. I think it was my cousin Rachel who made me want one. She has such good taste — perfectly simple elegance. Uniqlo is not Northface, but was a much less expensive way to try it out. And if the number of times you wear an item is an indication of it’s worth, this coat is priceless!

Another try-it-without-spending-a-fortune pick was these H&M “vintage” jeans that I cut off. They fit a lot like Levi’s but are stretchy and comfy. Me like.

Then there’s the 3 things I picked up at Old Navy, 2 of which really surprised me. The wide leg jeans also fall into the inexpensive version test run category. I still think they make me look wide but I love the color and how they feel and I’ve worn them a bunch. The pink sweatshirt isn’t the kind of thing I’d normally pick but I love it. The olive tank top is super good too.

FEBRUARY $180

UNIQLO Women Ultra Light Down Hooded Coat in Black $90

H&M Vintage Fit High Waist Jeans (Similar) $30

Old Navy Wide Leg Chinos in Ochre $35

Old Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt in Pink $15

Old Navy Fitted Tank in Olive $10