Old Closet + Engagement Party

    One of the best ways to keep myself on track during this challenging year will be utilizing what I already have in my closet.  This means learning to appreciate old pieces that I may have deemed “out of style.”  One such article of clothing is a slouchy, black halter I bought in college; it’s simple, but worn with the wrong skirt or pair of jeans, it appears outdated and even cheap looking.  

    I decided to pair it with androgynous-style pants to balance out the skin-baring shirt; I also added a pop of color to the otherwise black-and-white ensemble with bright nail polish and a mint clutch.  I wore this outfit for a surprise engagement party for best friends, it was a perfect evening with the best people I know – congrats again, Rachel & Gregg! 

 old top from The Limited

BCBG Max Azria clutch + OPI’s "What's With The Cattitude?"

at Eleven in the Short North with dear friend Glenna who orchestrated the surprise! {Leifsdottir pants}

Waiting for the newly engaged couple!

Congrats, Rachel & Gregg! Cannot wait for the wedding!

xoxo

Cassidy

Special Occasions

I think one of the most challenging aspects of no shopping for a year will be when special events are fast-approaching: New Year’s Eve, birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, etc.  Normally, I would go out and search for the perfect dress for each of these occasions, however, since I am challenging myself NOT to engage in such frivolous behavior, I will force myself to appreciate what is already in my closet.  


One such event came recently, my brother’s college graduation.  I not only chose a dress I already had, I decided to choose something nostalgic  & wore the dress I wore for MY own college graduation, including the necklace my parents gave me as a graduation gift.  I changed it up by wearing my newer Jimmy Choos and a navy blue clutch to add a pop of color.  Who knew wearing an old dress for a special occasion could feel so new?  

 Corey Lynn Calter dress

Pianegonda necklace + ring 

 Lauren Merkin clutch along side fresh baked crescent rolls with Nutella - YUM

 The graduate & I after a fabulous celebratory meal at Orchids at Palm Court in Cincinnati

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! 

xoxo

Cassidy

Transitional Seasons

I love the transitional seasons, both fall and spring, but sometimes it's difficult to decide what to wear in unpredictable weather.  A few weeks ago in the early stages of spring, it had been unseasonably warm here in Columbus, but not warm enough for cute spring dresses (or shopping for new spring dresses...) 


For a fun night out with friends to see the Michael Jackson tribute band Who's Bad (they were AWESOME!), I decided on high waisted black pants, a lightweight J Crew shirt, & strappy sandals, but also wore a favorite suede vest since it wasn't too warm and I could still get away with it. 

Loeffler Randall sandals

BCBG Max Azria vest

Before the Who's Bad concert with fabulous friend Rachel

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! 

xoxo

Cassidy

Pin-spiration

I have to admit that in addition to a shopping addiction, I also have a Pinterest addiction.  I have spent more time than I care to admit browsing and pinning from all of the categories, especially the women’s fashion.  I’ve seen so many trends on Pinterest that I adore, but one of my favorites would have to be all of those gorgeous pleated skirts and dresses! 

(images sourced from Pinterest)

I decided back in early spring to try this trend out, and was ecstatic to realize that I already owned a pleated skirt that I purchased a few years ago. 

chiffon, pleated skirt (The Limited) & Foley + Corinna Mid-City tote

Tory Burch flats + hydrangeas from Columbus' North Market

My birthday celebration with best friends outside Lindey's in German Village

Have a great week! 

xoxo

Cassidy

EXCEPTIONS + ACCESSORIES

Three whole days of no shopping, going strong!  I should have mentioned in my first post some reasonable exceptions to my no shopping rule: necessities such as underwear, tights (Midwest winters can be brutal!), obligatory bridesmaids apparel, and any gift cards I may acquire as Christmas/birthday presents (since it's not my own money to be spent); 

Now onto my favorite topic: ACCESSORIES.  I’ve always believed that utilizing accessories in a smart, fashion-forward way can make even the oldest outfit brand new.  I initially was going to only limit myself to shopping for new clothes, however, I believe I spend most of my shopping/fashion money on accessories anyways.  A great pair of shoes, eye-catching jewelry, & a classic handbag are ways I plan on making my old wardrobe appear new until May 13^th, 2013 (but who’s counting?)

neutral pair of Jimmy Choos that are a work of art

 Robindira Unsworth rings (shop here) atop delicious macarons from Pistacia Vera in German Village

Jessica Jensen tote & delish oatmeal chocolate chip cookies - recipe

here

Enjoy the rest of your week!

xoxo

Cassidy

First Post: No Rebecca for a Year

Hello! 

My name is Cassidy Short and I am a former

shopaholic.  I say former because I have made a vow to not

shop (anything fashion related) for a year.  I have realized

the amount I spend on shopping for clothes, accessories,

etc, is absurd for a twenty-something graduate student & 

employee of a non-profit.  I also have a few big (in another

word, EXPENSIVE) events coming up in the next year

such as being in the weddings of 3 of my close friends, a

boyfriend moving across the country (thank God for

Southwest Rapid Rewards!), and finishing up grad school;

it seems wise to invest less money in shopping in order to

partake in other more worthwhile experiences.  

And by less money, I mean no money.  So, there you have

it - one year with no new shoes, sparkly dresses, cute

scarves, or even a Rebecca Minkoff handbag, the last item

I purchased before shopping-abstinence began (hence the

name: No Rebecca for a Year).  Wish me luck, I will need

it! 

Xoxo, 

Cassidy