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In Style, What I bought

2015 Year in Review: What I bought, watched and read

Posted on January 4, 2016

Previous Years:

Vector 2015 Happy New Year background. The file is saved in the version AI10 EPS. This image contains transparency.

2015 WHAT I BOUGHT, WATCHED AND READ POSTS

 

 I READ 28 BOOKS IN 2015

I was aiming for 100 but work and life got away from me.

Actually, I read a lot more in 2015, about 40 books in total (near to the end in December) but never got around to reviewing them, so I’ll cheat and count them towards 2016 instead..

28, still isn’t bad!

I am aiming for 100 in 2016. That should be easy enough to do.

FAVOURITE NON-FICTION BOOKS

OF 2015

2015_Roundup_What-I-Read_Non-Fiction-Books

  1. The Opposite of Spoiled (Review here) On how to raise great children who understand money.
  2. Primates of Park Avenue (Review here) Anthropologists’ view on Park Avenue Uber Mommies.
  3. Getting to 50/50 (Review here) Excellent book on how to pair family workload with your partner.

FAVOURITE SHOPPING / FASHION BOOKS

OF 2015

2015_Roundup_What-I-Read_Shopping-Fashion-Non-Fiction-Books

  1. The End of Fashion (Review here) Talking about fashion retail marketing by various companies & its history
  2. Wardrobe Wakeup (Review here) I loved this book because it’s all about how to refresh your wardrobe in a practical manner
  3. Grace: A Memoir (Review here) GRACE CODDINGTON. Fabulous woman. Shy as heck. Great fashion icon biography.
  4. Hijacking the Runway (Review here) How celebs are stealing the spotlight from designers.
  5. Champagne Supernovas (Review here) The rise of Kate Moss, McQueen & Marc Jacobs.
  6. Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible (Review here) I <3 Tim Gunn. A great fashion icon.

FAVOURITE BUSINESS / MONEY BOOKS

OF 2015

2015_Roundup_What-I-Read_Non-Fiction-Books-Business-Money

  1. The End of Fashion (Review here) Talking about fashion retail marketing by various companies & its history
  2. #GirlBoss (Review here)
  3. Hijacking the Runway (Review here) How celebs are stealing the spotlight from designers.
  4. When she makes more (Review here) An excellent writer and a great perspective of being a breadwinner woman

FAVOURITE FICTION BOOKS

OF 2015

2015_Roundup_What-I-Read_Fiction-Books

  1. The Bonesetter’s Daughter (Review here) Tan’s books always tug at my heartstrings.
  2. China Rich Girlfriend (Review here) I love these fluffy chick-lit books.
  3. The Knockoff (Review here) Chick-lit that is excellent and fun to read.
  4. Count of Monte Cristo (Review here) Long but so satisfyingly excellent to read. Real classic.

FAVOURITE SONGS

OF 2015

Some are old songs (not released in 2015)  but I REALLY listened to them in 2015.

  1. Adele – Make you feel my love (Listen) I first heard it here during an Adele prank and fell in love.
  2. Cage the Elephant – Mess Around (Listen) – I love the kind of retro feel.
  3. Alessia Cara – Here – (Listen) Absolutely how I felt at parties when I was in college.
  4. The Beatles – I Will (Listen) – This song makes me think of Baby Bun.
  5. Pharell Williams – Happy (Listen) – Just brightens my entire day.
  6. Sam Smith – I’m Not the Only One (Listen) – I always sing along when I hear this.
  7. Claude Begin – Avant de disparaitre (Listen) – French song that is ridiculously catchy.
  8. Andra Day – Forever Mine (Listen) – Love Adele? You need to listen to Andra then.
  9. Praeludium & Allegro with Joshua Bell (Listen) – This song makes my heart sing.
  10. Andy Grammer – Honey I’m Good (Listen) – Such a sweet song. I also sing along loudly to this one.

FAVOURITE FILMS / MOVIES 

OF 2015

2015_Roundup_What-I-Watched

  1. Pressure Cooker (Review here) Great documentary on kids trying to get a scholarship and make a better life for themselves
  2. The September Issue (Review here) I loved the inside look into the workings of Vogue. Highly edited but interesting.
  3. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (Review here) All the seasons and it inspired me to buy this.

FAVOURITE RETAIL WARDROBE FINDS

OF 2015

 

The most worn item out of the 10 has to be my AG Stilt Jeans.

 

  1. Banana Republic Striped Sloan Skirt – $44 (Worn here, here, and here.)
  2. Club Monaco Pleated White Bernadine Skirt – $175 (Worn here, here, and here | Exact skirt can be purchased here | Similar can be purchased here)
  3. All Saints Stam Tanks – $42 each (Worn here, here, and here.)
  4. Noa Noa Shell Tops – $115 each (Worn here, here, and here | Similar can be purchased here.)
  5. Grammar Police T-Shirt – $34 (Worn here, and here.)
  6. Banana Republic Cobalt Square Jacquard Skirt – $30 (Worn here, and here.)
  7. AG Stilt Jeans – $230 (Worn here, here and here.)
  8. Cuyana Alpaca Wool Camel Cape – $200 (Worn here, and here | Similar here)
  9. Simons Contemporaine Floral Skirt – $79 (Worn here, here, here, and here | Similar here)
  10. Banana Republic Metallic Jacquard Skirt – $130 (Worn here, here, and here.)

FAVOURITE THRIFTED WARDROBE FINDS

OF 2015

 

The best steal I’ve found in consignment shops HAD to be my Hermes short boots.

A steal for $500, the leather is buttery soft and I love the wrap leather buckle detail around my ankle.

 

  1. Oscar de la Renta Silk Scarf – $65 (Worn here, here, here, and here | Similar here)
  2. Alexander Wang Cashmere Tank – $0 (Worn here and here.)
  3. Helmut Lang Wool Cowl Neck Sweater – $32 (Worn here)
  4. Gucci Vintage Clutch / Handbag – $375 (Worn here, here, here, and here.)
  5. Hermes Short Wrap Boots – $500 (Worn here, here, and here.)

 

MOST PRACTICAL WARDROBE BUYS

OF 2015

 

The prettiest purchase is my Ted Baker Lorili Wrap Coat. The colour is stunning.

 

  1. Gap Soft Crew-neck Long-sleeved Shirts to lounge around – $5 each (Worn here.)
  2. m0851 Wallet in Grey – $200 (Shown here.)
  3. Cuyana Navy Blue Wrap Coat – $525 (Worn here, here, and here.)
  4. m0851 Passport & Travel Document Holder – $100 (Shown here and here.)
  5. Ted Baker Lorili Wrap Coat in Pale Purple – $600 (Worn here, here, and here | Exact coat purchased here or here)
  6. Zara Colourblocked Wool Poncho – $70 (Worn here | Similar here)

FAVOURITE SHOE PURCHASES

OF 2015

 

More #ootd shots of my @mgemi Tutas!! #shoelove #shoppinghaul #shopping #shopaholic

A photo posted by Sherry @ Save. Spend. Splurge. (@saverspender) on

These are so chic and neutral. The suede is super comfortable & it elevates all my outfits.

 

  1. Brooklyn Suede Bootie – $279 (Worn here, here, and here.)
  2. Loeffler Randall Allegra Graphic Sandal Wedges – $301 (Worn here, here, and here.)
  3. Tory Burch Derby Riding Boots – $250 (Shown here, here, and here.)
  4. Hermes Short Wrap Boots – $500 (Worn here, here, and here.)
  5. M. Gemi Neutral Tuta Pointed Shoes – $200 (Worn here, and here.)

FAVOURITE ACCESSORY PURCHASES

OF 2015

If I had to pick one I think the travel rings are my absolute favourite because they remind me of my traveling and vacations.

 

I am wearing all my favourite cities today: Hong Kong, Paris, London and NYC. Today’s #ootd includes gorgeous #jewelry from @shekhtwoman on @etsy and a lovely plaid blanket scarf from @maisonsimons

A photo posted by Sherry @ Save. Spend. Splurge. (@saverspender) on

 

  1. Emerson Fry Studded Belt in Jet – $138 (Worn here, here, here, here, and here.)
  2. Plaid blanket scarf – $40 (Worn here and here.)
  3. Squeak Midnight Ink Tote – $125 (Shown here, the inside is here, here, and the matching pouch is here.)
  4. Sheena Jewellery Lace Ring – $130 (Worn here, here, here, and here.)
  5. Alphabet Necklace – $60 (Worn here and here.)
  6. London Skyline Necklace and I also picked up Paris and NYC – $100 (Worn here and here.)
  7. Sheena Jewellery Lace Fan Necklace – (Worn here, here, and here.)
  8. Metal Beaded Cuff – $88 (Worn here, and here.)
  9. ShekhtWoman Travel Rings – $100 each (Worn here, and here.)
  10. Matt & Nat Kintla Purse in Cardamom – $76 (Shown here, here, and here.)

 

FAVOURITE BEAUTY PURCHASES

OF 2015

2015_What-I-Bought-Beauty-Items

Surprisingly, I did not buy much in way of beauty products this year. What I did buy however, are fabulous items that are Holy Grails.

  1. Paula’s Choice (Review here and you can read about my skincare regimen here)
  2. O.R.G. Skincare Exfoliant (You read about my skincare regimen here and how I use it)
  3. Jurlique Hand Cream (Shown here.)

 

BEST HOUSEHOLD & WORK PURCHASES

OF 2015

 

This is what that #matcha #whisk looks like. It is very soft bamboo and it whipped up everything into a creamy foam like texture #tea #food

A photo posted by Sherry @ Save. Spend. Splurge. (@saverspender) on

 

  1. Chasen bamboo whisk for my matcha green tea
  2. Macbook Pro 15″ – $5500
  3. Hankette Organic Eco-Friendly Handkerchiefs made in Canada – $126
  4. Anthropologie Portsmouth Apron – $50
  5. Neat Freak Wardrobe Organizers – $80 for 3
  6. This is Ground Laptop Organizer Plus Bookish Insert – $700
  7. This is Ground Dopp Kit – $300

 

MOST EXPENSIVE WARDROBE ITEM

AND

ALSO THE BIGGEST WARDROBE DEAL OF 2015

HERMES WRAP BUCKLE SHORT LEATHER BOOTS

$575

 

 

 

MOST IMPRACTICAL ITEM

EBERJEY INDIAN LACE BRALETTE AND PANTY SET

$135

 

My newest acquisition for my lingerie cabinet: #eberjay retro bralette set.. So pretty!!! #shopping #shopaholic #shoppinghaul

A photo posted by Sherry @ Save. Spend. Splurge. (@saverspender) on

Eberjey India Lace Bralette and Panty set (Shown here.)

These are impractical because it’s beautiful but too delicate to wear all the time especially to WORK!

 

LEAST EXPENSIVE WARDROBE ITEM

BANANA REPUBLIC SOFT LONG-SLEEVED SHIRTS

 $5 EACH

 

 

The outfit above, cost in total $35.

Can you believe it?

$5 for the shirt and $30 for the skirt.

$35 TOTAL. Incredible and it looks and feels great.

BIGGEST NON-CLOTHING DEAL OF 2015

CHASEN MATCHA GREEN TEA WHISK

$35

 

My #matcha #tea whisk from #Japan came in today. Can’t wait to try this out on the weekend making my own #hacked #Starbucks #greentea #lattes #homemade #drinks #tryingtosavemoney

A photo posted by Sherry @ Save. Spend. Splurge. (@saverspender) on

 

This chasen whisk is incredible.

It has saved me a ton of money and I don’t need to go to Starbucks any more to get my fix.

It is MUCH better, tastier and CHEAPER to buy the matcha green tea and whisk it myself at home to make green tea lattes.

 

Gotta have my #morning #matcha green tea latte!!! Made with Ceremonial Matcha from @davidstea of course.

A photo posted by Sherry @ Save. Spend. Splurge. (@saverspender) on

 

MOST COVETED ITEM OF 2015

CUYANA CAMEL ALPACA CAPE

$195

 

#style @cuyana ‘s alpaca cape was something I’d been #lusting after for a long time #ootd #shopping #shopaholic #shoppinghaul

A photo posted by Sherry @ Save. Spend. Splurge. (@saverspender) on

I have wanted this cape for such a long time and it is everything I hoped it would be. I love the curved hem, the weight, and the whole casual, easy elegant look about it.
 

WORST PURCHASE OF 2015

GAP 1965 BLEACHED DENIM SKINNY JEANS

$65

Super casual #ootd with my new light wash skinny jeans from the #gap paired with a simple tank top and an #aritzia jacket for the chilly office

A photo posted by Sherry @ Save. Spend. Splurge. (@saverspender) on

Lesson to the wise that I should have learned. DO NOT fall for deals that you think are amazing.

Jeans, should be purchased at the highest price point you can pay and buy extremely comfortable, soft and well shaped jeans.

AG Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, Acne Jeans, Second Yoga.. take your pick of brands.

FAVOURITE SERVICE OF 2015

MEALS AT KINKA IZAKAYA

$20 PER MEAL

 

#lunchbox at @kinkaizakayamontreal mmmmm fried chicken Japanese style .. Got the combo add on to get the sides!! #yummy #yuleats #restomtl

A photo posted by Sherry @ Save. Spend. Splurge. (@saverspender) on

 

FAVOURITE GIFT I GAVE IN 2015

COLD HARD CASH

$2100

I paid for a hotel visit and a vacation for my family and just gave another $1000 in spending cash for when they visit us in the summer.

MOST CONTROVERSIAL PURCHASES OF 2015

ANY OF THE MANOLO BLAHNIKS

$3000

I spent about $7000 on “wardrobe” in December, but then I returned 2 of the Manolos, and am pending on the third pair to arrive to judge.

 

I returned 2 of 3 of the pairs of Manolo Blahniks. I have yet to receive the third pair, but if they’re incredible I won’t return them.

 

I had a killer 2015, and I hope you did too.

HERE IS TO 2016!!!!

2016-Year-Numbers

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Sherry of Save. Spend. Splurge.

Am my own Sugar Daddy. Am a millionaire at 36 after getting out of $60K of student debt in 18 months, a little over a decade earlier, using TheBudgetingTool.com. I have worked 50% of my career (taking 1-2 year breaks), and quadrupled my income within 2 years of graduating, going from $65K to $260K with an average lifetime savings rate of 50%. I have 11 side incomes that are on track in 2020 to make me $50K - $75K. I could retire today if I wanted, but love my work-life balance as a freelancing consultant in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). I am all about balance - between time and money, and also enjoying my money. I also post daily on Instagram @saverspender.

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7 Comments

  1. The Asian Pear

    I love when you do these. I so want that whisk, I drink a lot of matcha too, Also I need to do my round-up soon too.

    Reply
    1. save. spend. splurge.

      How do you whisk it then?

      Reply
  2. Anne

    Those are some good buys – what an amazing thrift find on the boots, and I love colored outerwear. I read Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend at the end of the year and thought they were such fun – and now I want to check out The Knockoff and Getting to 50/50 as well.

    Reply
  3. Ramona

    Happy New Year 🙂

    You’ve been clearly busy reading and shopping, which is great. My list is a lot shorter, I read some PF books and bought maybe 5-6 items for myself. But let’s not talk about what we purchased for our daughter, that’s another story 🙂

    Reply
    1. save. spend. splurge.

      HAHA! We are the opposite. We didn’t purchase much for Baby Bun because he’ll grow out of it and doesn’t appreciate it now. As he gets older, we plan on increasing the budget (bike, activities, etc).

      Reply
  4. Revanche

    Happy new year!!

    I LOVE your purple coat, why is this the first time I’m seeing it?? (please don’t make me get on instagram. Scary people that I know are on there.)

    And that’s awesome both our first times hearing Adele’s song was from that prank video! It was so good.

    I’m still sad for your Manolos. So sad.

    But I resign myself to admiring the pretties you get since my child is messy enough for both of our offspring and there’s no way I can afford to wear really nice things around hir 😉

    Reply
    1. save. spend. splurge.

      Umm because I post all my outfits on instagram? 🙂 You can just stalk my page if you want: On Instagram @saverspender

      The thing about my Manolos is that THEY WERE FIXED! But I still need a backup pair, so I have another one coming in the mail.. then I’m good. 3 pairs of shoes, one brown, black and this metallic suede…

      Reply

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