Photography by Mary Hafner
Happy Thursday Friends! Hope y’all are having a wonderful week. Last weekend, we did a whole lot of hanging out, which is one of my favorite things to do with my two men. For Valentine’s Day, Mr. S grilled steaks, and we enjoyed a lovely dinner al fresco. Honestly, I’d choose to stay in with my men versus going out to a fancy dinner any day! I’m reading for the weekend already!
THIS was my ACTUAL outfit of the day when the gals and I met up for lunch earlier this month. (We wore the Spring outfits for the shoot, and then I changed into something a little more comfy for Tanya’s rebrand luncheon.)
The jacket is one that I coveted for a long time… a CHANEL. When I found it with a matching skirt at Last Call Neiman Marcus years ago, I couldn’t hand my Neiman’s card to the sales associate fast enough. THAT was a real problem. The suit set was a crazy amount of cash, and I almost didn’t think twice about spending that amount of money that I DIDN’T have in the bank. (I thought about it for a nanosecond.)
I justified the purchase because I work and would pay it off… eventually (with about 20% interest accruing). It was MY problem because I made the purchase and I would be paying it off. But I am part of a WE team, and the fact that I was hiding debt from Mr. S was a very dishonest thing. Notice all of the “me” in that. It was a selfish and irresponsible way to think.
My father had stressed the importance of responsibly using a credit card… to build up credit and only if you ACTUALLY had the money to purchase whatever item. That lesson evaded me for years, or basically, I chose to ignore it. That problem followed me throughout college and marriage. I’m embarrassed and ashamed because this problem has caused heartache between me and Mr. S. He is the last person that I would ever want to hurt, but my irresponsibility and “dishonesty” was a big slap in the face. I won’t get into the nitty gritty, but Mr. S and I came to an understanding and agreement. I obviously had a problem with shopping. Earlier this month, I closed my Neiman Marcus account after YEARS of being a loyal customer and accruing points and then cut the credit card into pieces. #gasp
After going through items in my closet via the KonMari method, I found the jacket again. It’s been sitting there unworn for years after I went through all of that nonsense to purchase it. This jacket is so beautiful, but there’s an ugly truth behind it. It’s a good reminder for me to keep it real, and that not everything is as glamorous as it seems.
I told y’all that there was going to be a lot of honesty going on here this year! I’m sharing this to show y’all how everyone is human, and no one is perfect (except for God).
THE STYLE Rx: It’s NOT stylish to build a wardrobe based on debt and deceit. Honesty is always the best policy. Take a cue from me. (Okay, here is some real style advice. You can wear a fancy tweed jacket with boyfriend jeans and heels to go for a dressy casual aka “cool girl casual” look.)
Sorry for the serious subject today. I always want rainbows, glitter, and unicorns, but sometimes, life is serious. Thanks for letting me share my story. By the way, I will ALWAYS be a devoted Neiman Marcus customer, especially now that they take all forms of payment! I just use my debit card now! ;)
GET THE LOOK
jacket CHANEL* {similar Chanel or for less} || top 3.1 PHILLIP LIM* {similar} || boyfriend jeans TARGET || gold d’Orsay heels JCREW {on major sale, runs big} || ring VITA FEDE* || bracelets JULIE VOS gigi & baroque || boy bag CHANEL || sunglasses QUAY || lips CHANEL saga lipstick + desire gloss
A Chanel jacket would be my dream one day, and I’d wear it with denim just like you have here Sam! :)
I’ve definitely been guilty of omitting the exact price of things sometimes, especially when dating hubby, haha! He has a pretty good idea of how much everything costs now though. His first question when I point out something I want/like/have to have is ‘how much is it?’. Usually followed by a sigh. If I get a sigh I know I can commence justifying the purchase to him. If I get a crazy look or a shocked response, I know it will just be a dream item!
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LOL Mica! I like how you can judge the outcome based on hubby’s response. That’s a good scale to use!
And thanks for always being such a great support! <3
Hugs & hand claps. I to was having that same issue. My dad said its for building credit, me its for buying shoes at Neimans. I have focused on paying off debt and being free of it. No shopping nothing’s that will hurt my budget financially. I got an Escada skirt from NMLC in 2008 that was $25 after all deals. I wish I could find Chanel for that.
Hugs & hand claps. I to was having that same issue. My dad said its for building credit, me its for buying shoes at Neimans. I have focused on paying off debt and being free of it. No shopping nothing’s that will hurt my budget financially. I got an Escada skirt from NMLC in 2008 that was $25 after all deals. I wish I could find Chanel for that. I too cut my nm card
Thanks so much for sharing Tasha. That’s actually what started it… an amazing deal that I found at NMLC with a Balenciaga skirt. It was a like a drug to find these amazing designer items at such prices, especially when I never owned anything that was a brand name/designer growing up unless it was a hand-me-down. (I always wanted a pair of Guess jeans growing up.)
I remember when you mentioned being on a clothing diet (and you told me on Instagram that you are right now for Lent). I wanted to do another one this year, like the 5 Piece French Wardrobe, but possibly with items only from consignment or resale (to be “more green”).
I really like your idea for Lent. I gave up “sleeping in” and have been reading the Daily Mass Readings for Lent. Thanks for being so supportive, and I really do wish we lived closer. If you are ever back in the DFW area, please let me know! We should grab coffee (instead of go shopping like we planned or maybe we can but keep each accountable)! <3
Oh myyyyyy, that jacket is GORGEOUS!
But I know what you mean about being irresponsible. I’ve done that with a few pieces in the past, one of them being my own Chanel blazer (but I still got a crazy steal on it – $425) I’ve learned to avoid the store where I bought it until there is a super sale, but even then I go overboard.
My mother did instill in me the need to get a bargain and make sure you have the money to pay for things, but even though I have the money it still hurts when I have to pay the credit card bill every month. So far this year, apart from my new Saint Laurent top, I’ve been VERY good about spending in all areas. I think having a goal of a few vacations to save up for is helping to curb my spending.
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Thanks Meg and thanks for sharing about yourself. I remember when you got that Chanel jacket from that amazing consignment boutique that you frequent! (And crazy steals are ALWAYS what get me in trouble bc my mom taught me the same thing!) In fact, there are few designer things in my closet that I’ve paid “full price” (JBRAND love story jeans) for bc I almost can’t do it out of habit.
That’s really awesome about the vacation to help curb your spending! It’s great to focus on the experience of life rather than things… Hubby is always stressing that and I am trying to remember it! :)
That jacket is almost too beautiful! I really love it.
I was born and raised in the bargain bins and thrift stores so seeing anything so high priced freaks me out. But goodness it’s gorgeous.
Katie | katielikeme.com
Thank you Katie!
I was raised the same way but including garage sales. I think the temptation of owning something so beautiful was too much. I remember physically getting sweaty because of the price, but I had always wanted to own one. Anyhow, I’m almost done editing my closet and see so much of the fun and fab vintage pieces that it’s like I’ve rediscovered a whole new wardrobe! :)
Great look Sam and adoring the jacket. Also feeling inspired by this look.
Berty Morales
Mad For Fashion For Less!
https://madforfashionforless.wordpress.com
Thanks so much Berty! Hope you are doing well.
Glad to hear you’re still a Neiman Marcus shopper! I work there ???? I love this jacket!! Amazing piece! And I totally relate with this story because I’ve been through it with my husband!
Thanks so much Monica! YES, NM is a little too dangerous because you also become friends with the SAs.
They carry such beautiful pieces! I’m a lifer! LOL!
And glad to hear I’m not the only one in this boat!