As the title says, I was on a long shopping break, mostly because my work travels don't take me to the USA as often. Being on YLF I took this as an opportunity to wear what I have and see what my true wardrobe holes, likes and dislikes are. When you're shopping all the time, at least at the rate I was, you really don't realize these things.

I've added a few sparse items in the last year, but nothing like the rate I was used to before. It's been good for me. I keep telling myself that, at least

Being an hourglass leaning toward a slight pear shape, I find tops easier to shop for than bottoms (plus I can be in denial of my true bottom size, haha). However, not shopping for any bottoms for over a year really left me in a pickle.

I recently broke down and found some jeans - light wash skinny and medium wash bootcut (finds 1 and 2) and at the same store happened across THE MOST PERFECT NAVY BLAZER (for me, at least). At 40% off, too! (find 3) I am in love with this blazer and make excuses to wear it now. Navy is quickly becoming a staple in my closet and I seek it out now as an alternative to black.

I've been searching for a cross body bag and happened across this one (find 4 - but mine is candy apple red) also 40% off, faux leather but looks pretty nice. Ended up being about 20USD. Getting lots of wear already.

I must say this little unplanned shop spurred me to shop more! LOL I think it ignited the old flame in my shopaholic brain. So next stop was a department store with Gap and BR within its confines. Here are those finds, starting with Gap first:
find 5 - Boyfriend shorts, dark blue - more blue! YAY!

find 6 - Slim crop pants - trying out the crop idea, not so sure, but giving it a whirl. Dark blue also! Hooray for blue.

find 7 - 1969 resolution true skinnies - sized up one size for a less sausagey look but with the amount of stretch in them they're still quite fitted but I wear my skinnies with tops that cover my bum so I think they're ok. Super comfy and don't stretch out too badly. Excellent dark wash.

find 8 - my new true love besides the blazer - 1969 destructed slim straight jeans - OMG LURRRVE, I am behind the fashion curve, I know, as this is my first destructed anything ever, but I like the slight wear these show and they still fit with my modern classic vibe

find 9 - fluid hi lo tee - only found this in black but would buy more, it serves as a direct replacement of my beloved EF black silk tee - as a MOTG I don't want to ruin the EF with the kids so this is a great, cheap alternative that can be styled exactly the same

Now on to BR, are you still with me?
find 10 - bermuda shorts - staple, I purged all shorts earlier due to being in ragged condition so this is just building back up some shorts for summer days

finds 11 and 12 - OK, I admit, I sometimes duplicate. At 50% off I rationalized it as buy one get one free girl math, right? This is the first item I put on and thought wow, this reminds me of Aussie Deborah! I had to give them a chance, we'll see how they work for me. I don't like baring my arms but if we go somewhere hot I might be convinced as these shirts are so floaty they feel like wearing nothing. I am also going to go through Deborah's posts to get some inspiration on how to style them. I got a nice minty green and bright white. There is a back crossover detail and they are hi-low hem.

Find 13 - BR moto jacket - I fell in love with this locally but the local price held me back (more than double USA price) and the one piece in my size had a small stain on it, so I bit the bullet and ordered it in the US and shipped to my sis, she will send it to me next time I am back. PSA - this jacket is incredibly well made and really feels like more than it costs. It's white and will mix well with existing and new pieces. Can't wait to wear it.

And finally, Zara:
Find 14 - Zara floral tee - super cheap, and mixes well with the new navy blazer

So as you can tell, I have quite the haul recently. Blame it on NAS jealousy! But seriously, I think I am doing a way better job at shopping now that I did SYC for quite a while. I am more focused and know what I need and want, but still allowing for an occasional surprise (BR moto).

I've loved seeing all of the NAS posts, so this is my local version (a la Shannon). I really needed the bottoms and the tops and toppers serve as good refreshers in my closet.

Anyone else have learnings from SYC to share? Or a recent haul to brag about? haha

Next up for refresh - SHOES! Stalking my options now (said with a grin)

Thanks for reading, any and all comments and suggestions are welcome!