Wear through summer

Since I started blogging, I've noticed my willingness to spend more money on clothes has increased. Clearly I'm not going out and buying $700 sandals or anything, but I did buy these $70 sandals. At the start of this blog, I don't think I would have. Heck, I thought $70 for two pairs of sandals was a lot.

But blogging has taught me things like cost per wear, and cost vs worth.
So, in the last month and a half, I've worn these sandals 11 times, making the current cost per wear about $6.
These sandals are really comfortable. They are a neutral color. They give me lots of height. All of these factors make their worth increase.
Those things allow me to wear them more often than a cheap, uncomfortable sandal in a color that goes with nothing, but-who-cares-because-they-were-$10-on-the-clearance-rack.
I think that in two summers I can get these down to a dollar per wear.

Not everything can get to a dollar per wear. But I can try. Clearly I'm trying with this starfish cuff. Forty wears by the end of the summer? I think I can do it!
Pink chevron Pink chevron 
collage
If you've been lusting after a Stormy Sea Necklace to call your own, it is your lucky day; Kie & Kate just got more of the necklace in seafoam, white and pink in stock. Just leave them a message on Facebook if you want one!
pink chevron sunnies Pink chevron
The Rundown
Chevron Top Old Navy - Skirt Iisli New York - Sandals MRKT Holly via DSW - Necklace "Stormy Sea" Kie & Kate - Starfish Cuff St. Thomas via TJMaxx - Sunnies Old Navy
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74 comments

  1. Evil NellyJune 30, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Lol.. i totally agree with you.. i was at DSW last week and I got b.o.c by Born wedges and they cost me $60 and they are worth every penny, they go with every thing and are SUPER comfortable and they have excellent arch support..I would by them again if I could find them in a cute style..


    hugs,
    Nelly
    www.massacredmascara.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. La Fille D'orJune 30, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Yeah, I tend to spend more for well constructed pieces I know I'll wear - that being said my wardrobe is pretty small so I really wear them a lot.

    I think it's smart to pay more for good shoes in the sense that of all your wearables their the most prone to getting worn out ...

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  3. AmyJune 30, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    SOOO true about cost v. wear as opposed to cost v. worth. It's a lesson I'm just beginning learn myself! I'm dying over your shades, btw! And the combo of teal and coral. You're screaming Summer! And I LOVE it! <3

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  4. Frannie PantzJune 30, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    I love your cuff (I know, I've said that before) and necklace (again, I know I've said that before). I also love your striped shirt and the skirt! Great outfit! I have learned more about quality vs. cost as well by blogging and I just started!

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  5. The Fancy TeacupJune 30, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Blogging has gotten me into buying more, but also paying greater attention to the things I buy as well. Those sandals are perfect on you and for the summer.

    http://thefancyteacup.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Courtney ErinJune 30, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    The cost/wear equation is so important when you're thinking of purchases - I always fall back on that...like when I bought $80 flats but they are so comfy and I wear them at least once a week so totally worth it.


    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Closet FashionistaJune 30, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Hehe yayy for cost/wear! Love it!! And you can even wear those in the winter with tights ;)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  8. eekJune 30, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    I imagine the starfish cuff will pay for itself when all is said and done. And comfy shoes are always worth the $$, IMO. Comfy and fabulous are an added bonus!

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  9. AnonymousJune 30, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    I totally agree!!! It's all about the cost per wear.

    Love the colors in this outfit, so great for summer!

    Lidi @ Eclectic Flair

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  10. BonBon Rose Girls KristinJune 30, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    Thanks for the heads up on that gorgeous necklace!

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  11. AnonymousJune 30, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    I am in love with this outfit. I love how you mixed a patterned shirt with a bold necklace. Is it from Stella and Dot? I also love your sandals - they could go with anything and everything so I would say the 70 dollars was a reasonable price!

    ReplyDelete
  12. NnennaJune 30, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    I was thinking exactly the same thing today Lyddie! I bought a pair of sandals for $30, which is more than I have ever paid for a pair of sandals in my life. But...they are a neutral color (black), they are comfortable (good padding), and they don't make my arches hurt. Basically, I think I'm going to get a lot of wear out of them, so I think they're a good buy :) Also, I LOVE your mix of coral/mint in this outfit-- I want to steal those sunnies from you!

    star-crossed smile

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sarah DeeJune 30, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    I completely agree with cost per wear! (its secretly how I justify all my big purchases ;)

    Sarah
    theantiquepearl.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJune 30, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    Absolutely gorgeously put together outfit :) I love the neutrals with the bright pop of colour & your sandals are totally worth the $70, I love them! And, I'm not normally a sea creature accessory type girl, but your star fish cuff is unbelievable, it's beautiful :)

    Oh & regarding your comment - I totalyl agree, sometimes I do look back through my Chictopia Blog & rewear outfits from there, but it all comes down to time in the end & I still can't avoid the odd tanty! Ha Ha :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownJune 30, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    I like how you think- I completely agree that sometimes quality over quantity is the way to go (although hard to do when you're a bargain hunter like me!) Those sandals are perfection and could really go with any outfit, making them a great choice plus I love the stripes and beautiful necklace.

    ReplyDelete
  16. EmilyJune 30, 2011 at 11:58 PM

    I almost bought those same exact sandals! I'm so clumsy, though, I figured I'd scuff or stain them within a week. Love how you've been styling them on here. I guess I'll just have to live vicariously through you!

    ReplyDelete
  17. dahhlayneJuly 1, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    I cannot agree with you more about blogging increasing the urge to shop more! But at the same time, I now am more careful with what I purchase, and am continuously inspired by other fashion bloggers.

    My weakness is definitely buying such extreme unique items that I'm not sure I would wear them so often. Still something I need to constantly tell myself when going through racks at Goodwill. haha

    forte-espressivo.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. jesse.anne.oJuly 1, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    The hurdle for me is always knowing what's comfortable or what I'll wear often.

    I love this last picture with the sunglasses that match your necklace. So cool.

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  19. Style EyesJuly 1, 2011 at 1:39 AM

    The starfish cuff is beautiful, I really want one.

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  20. UnknownJuly 1, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    Those shoes are adorable! And I'm really liking the colors in your outfit.

    Shopping and Spreadsheets

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  21. JosieJuly 1, 2011 at 2:03 AM

    I love your little striped blouse! And that turquoise necklace is to die for. I too have started thinking about cost per wear more since starting blogging.
    xo Josie
    www.winksmilestyle.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. this free birdJuly 1, 2011 at 2:41 AM

    I am all about cost per wear and just want to note that you neeeeded those sandals. They are divine!!

    xo,
    C

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  23. kJuly 1, 2011 at 4:31 AM

    i love that star cuff, lots :) :) and most shoes here cost over 70 francs to begin with so i have to spend that much, haha :) it's lame!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jadore-FashionJuly 1, 2011 at 5:35 AM

    Lovely accessories!

    xoxo
    Stella

    www.jadore-fashion.com

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  25. ChocolateFashionCoffeeJuly 1, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    love your accessories!

    http://chocolatefashioncoffee.blogspot.com

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  26. mispapelicosJuly 1, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    I like your sandals very much, they have it all,but what has really caught my eye is your t-shirt top. I am not very keen on tees, but that shape, the sleeves and the way it hangs makes the whole outfit stand out.
    Loving the accessories, of course...
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  27. Ammie Eliza DaviesJuly 1, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    i loveeeeeee that bracelet, its so cool!
    and i love your cost per wear attitude, i may have to take that on ;)


    eliza
    http://dearelizaaaa.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. SheyJuly 1, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Did you figure out how to keep that top from sliding? I agree with you on paying a little bit more if you're going to wear them a lot then it's worth it. There's been times when I paid only a couple of bucks and never wore the things, so I'm learning to buy new and things I love and maybe spending less on things I don't care about. A fair balance. I think you can definitely wear that cuff everyday till the summer ends, since wearing too much bracelets is in, then you could even add more bangles or cuffs and it would still be safe. =D

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  29. AnneJuly 1, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    It took me a while to learn the importance of worth over cost. I'd definitely rather spend a little bit more - especially on things like shoes - if I know they'll last me for a long time.

    I like the color pairing you have here, between the coral stripes and the aqua accessories.

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  30. paisleaJuly 1, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    cute cute outfit!! i LOVE the necklace! it's gorgeous!!

    ♥ allister bee blog

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  31. LorenaJuly 1, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    Well, cost per wear is an interesting topic.
    I think the jeans I am wearing today are probably down to a nickel per wear, considering I bought them about 11-12 years AGO, at Marshalls in VA for about 25 bucks.....

    ReplyDelete
  32. ClaireJuly 1, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    love this necklace. it's gorgeous. it goes so perfectly with that red and white striped top! and i like how you broke down those shoes into cost like that. i used to buy more expensive shoes and realize now that some of those have lasted way longer and stay in style too!

    spinning-threads.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownJuly 1, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    i am exactly at the same place as you. those sandals are very good buy! for me, it's pants...i am now willing to spend more on pants as nothing low priced can accommodate my giant bottom...

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  34. lefashionparadiseJuly 1, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    you look stunning! great post...


    xx
    www.lefashionparadise.com

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  35. TrophyBoutiqueJuly 1, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    I am IN LOVE with this color combo you're rocking today. Beautiful!
    Also, I too have been weighing cost vs quality lately, and I feel much better about my purchases. It's nice to not have a million only okay choices and a few really nice ones.

    ReplyDelete
  36. MelinaJuly 1, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I definitely agree that blogging has opened me up to the possibility of spending more on something I'll truly wear a lot. I think you do a great job with all your purchases! Everything in this outfit is just gorgeous and timeless!

    xx Melina

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  37. Heather, 29 SkirtsJuly 1, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    Your minty (or seafoam) accessories are so cool! The necklace stands out so beautifully against that top. I feel the same way about "cost per wear." Of course some things will always be too expensive, but good shoes, lingerie and jeans, for example, are totally worth it in my opinion. As soon as I get a full-time job, I want to buy an amazing pair of wide-leg jeans somewhere, even if they're pricey.

    ReplyDelete
  38. AmberJuly 1, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    yep I feel the same way. Sometimes you have to spend a little more to get a better quality and a piece thats actually going to last you. Love your sunnies!

    ReplyDelete
  39. rlutzJuly 1, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Those sandals were definitely worth it! Love the color combo you have going on here...also love the shape and drapeyness of that top.
    hope you have a great holiday weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Bad JoanJuly 1, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    LOVE this look. The colors are fabulous together. And love the idea of cost per wear. Always a good idea to monitor what you are spending vs what you are getting out of an item. Great post!

    http://www.badjoan.blogspot.com

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  41. AnonymousJuly 1, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    I've worried slightly about my increased spending too, even though I shop at thrifts...I've been tracking it for several months now.

    Uh, if you get tired of the starfish...I'll make you an offer.

    ReplyDelete
  42. AnonymousJuly 1, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    Shoes are definitely a investment and I love that you do cost per wear. I really like this outfit, I'm going to try and put a similar combo together.

    That starfish cuff is on my list..lol

    ReplyDelete
  43. AlysonJuly 1, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    So so pretty!! Love how the colors come together. And, so true.... Just got a similar pair from Gap and they're in every outfit, no joke!
    Great to discover your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  44. StyleIDnetJuly 1, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    You look great, I am in love with the colors of this outfit.
    That 'cost per wear' perspective is a complete new one for me also an intelligent one.
    your sandals are not only beautiful but they also look very comfortable.

    http://styleidnet.blogspot.com/
    http://www.filomenascloset.com/

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownJuly 1, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    I tried to get those sandals in black but they're all sold out except for size 11... poo. I love that chevron top so much. The seafoam and the pink/coral and the starfish are just screaming for you to go on a beach vacation. Then you can take more fabulous fashionable beach-goer photos!

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  46. Layered BlackJuly 2, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    fabulous look!!! the accessories are perfectly done! and the name of your blog makes me so happy:)

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  47. Michelle LeeJuly 2, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    pretty colored outfit
    love your matching sunnies to necklace :)

    pinklemonincrystal.blogspot.com

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  48. MaddalenaJuly 2, 2011 at 4:12 AM

    lovely!

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  49. Arini Desianti ParawiJuly 2, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    yay!! the red stripes dress is totally cute..the neclace is totally a major accessories here :)

    THE SECRET LIFE OF "D"

    in Love&Light
    Queen D

    ReplyDelete
  50. KileenJuly 2, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    i love this outfit! the bold color of the top works perfectly with the rest of the neutral palette. these shoes are awesome and i have no doubt that you'll get your money's worth wearing them time and again!

    cute & little
    $100 Fresh Faces Giveaway

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  51. erika soroccoJuly 2, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Oh, those sandals are perfection on you - love love!

    Blogging has had the same effect on me. I used to think spending more than $25.00 on a handbag or pair of shoes was a waste of money. Now I see the error of my thinking! :P

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  52. MosaMuseJuly 2, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    LOVE the pop of turquoise! you look great!!
    xo
    MosaMuse

    MosaMuse.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Shea LennonJuly 2, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    I constantly have the internal battle of quality (and cost per wear) vs. quantity. I really admire the way you find something you want, and then you do what it takes to find it--it's very focused. That's always my intention; I make lists and set out to buy certain things, but then I get distracted by sales, etc. But I'm going to work harder to think more about the cost per wear rather than how much money I saved on my purchase. Sorry, very long-winded today. Just loved this post!

    ReplyDelete
  54. MOUSEVOX VINTAGEJuly 2, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    looking as beautiful as ever! i sometimes have a hard time rationalizing expensive clothing purchases, but also appreciate sound construction and quality. i think this is why i'm so into wearing vintage / second hand.

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  55. BonnieJuly 2, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    I love the color of those sunglasses. They really pop off your face. In a good way. That sounded weird.
    I spend a lot more than $70 on shoes, but I think it is all in the cost vs. worth analysis, like you said.
    Or maybe that is how I justify it.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

    ReplyDelete
  56. Jamie-Lee BurnsJuly 2, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    It's funny how your mindset can change on spend limits - mine has gone up substantially since I was a student which is a bit scary, although I do cringe sometimes when paying a lot for things but you know, it's so right - cost per wear and good quality are the most important things. Even if it costs a lot, if you wear it half the year then it's more of a bargain than something that cost $20 that you only wear once

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  57. Gabrielle - I LIKE IT FASTJuly 2, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    Stunning colour combination and print!
    xx
    I LIKE IT FAST

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  58. Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSIONJuly 2, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    It's so funny how we realize personal trends through blogging! But those sandals look like they were TOTALLY worth it. They're gorgeous, timeless, and go with everything! AWESOME.

    Love the pops of turquoise! They're so poppy!

    QUIRKYEXPLOSION.blogspot.com

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  59. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I LOVE that necklace!!!

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  60. Style, She WroteJuly 2, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    I completely understand! I spend and am willing to spend more money on clothes since I started blogging. Love those neutral sandals -- at least they'll go with everything! xo style, she wrote

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  61. LaynahJuly 2, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    I've been searching and searching for a top like that, I love it! I also love the necklace :)

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  62. GraceJuly 3, 2011 at 2:52 AM

    Lovely outfit! I love the top and bracelet :)

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  63. :: Lavender's Green ::July 3, 2011 at 3:00 AM

    Super cute outfit! I love the colours!

    x Jasmine

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  64. Ms. FalconJuly 3, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    amazing colours. beige and coral is so great together...

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

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  65. Mikko TyllinenJuly 3, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Very beautiful!

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  66. Nikki | The Ginger DiariesJuly 3, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Your starfish cuff is really cool! I would not ever take it off again! ^^ x

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  67. AshleyJuly 3, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Ahhh I've always bought overly expensive stuff. :| Since I've been blogging, I've stopped a little bit and only purchase things on sale. But still, I try to think about cost per wear, too. Probably not as much as I should. But I try.

    I'd love to raid your wardrobe. Love your sandals. Love your top (Old Navy? Really?!), and of course, I'd steal that starfish cuff in a heartbeat.

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  68. the desert foxxJuly 3, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    yes yes such a thought provoking post!
    thanks

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  69. the desert foxxJuly 3, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    and thanks for featuring my blazer on the left!

    x

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  70. stylenuggetsJuly 3, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Quality over quantity wins. Unless a piece is too drool-worthy to leave behind, like your starfish cuff!! How many offers have you had for it till now? Just want to know how far down the list I am!

    ReplyDelete
  71. SheDelJuly 3, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    LOVE THIS!!! This outfit is sooooo great. the colors look LOVELY on you. Now following and looking forward to seeing more :)

    http://mythriftedcloset.blogspot.com/

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  72. UnknownJuly 5, 2011 at 4:07 AM

    It's funny, I didn't even thing of $ per wear when it came to those sandals I bought but, I do subscribe to the theory... Just another thing to add to the list of reasons why it was ok!

    I love that top, the color is great :)

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  73. EmilyJuly 5, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    Oh, those sandals are absolutely darling! I imagine it won't be too hard to get your money's worth out of those. I'd wear them constantly. They're perfect for summer! And your blouse is absolutely gorgeous. The color is so pretty, and I adore the chevron stripes.

    xoxo
    Em

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  74. AnonymousJuly 15, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Cute outfit! I wish that cost per wear idea worked for me but I shop way too much and hardly ever get to wear stuff multiple times. But good for you! www.1sstatestyle.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete

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