66 Comments
Sep 23Liked by Kelly Williams

I love this approach so much! It’s so real! There are so many newsletters I read where I just think surely to god people are not shopping this much, and if they are, how?! Always having to remind myself that gifting and industry discounts very much exist… THIS is how real people shop/live and it’s all the more interesting for it. I love to hear what people buy and why, whereas I just do not care anymore what they’ve been sent.

Also dying to hear how teenage boys dress. I don’t know how they dress in the US so I’d love to hear the difference!

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I'm glad you liked this!! So many times I have wondered how people are (seemingly) dropping thousands on a vacation because I constantly forget that influencers aren't actually BUYING everything they have.

What fascinated me about CPH boys vs American boys is that CPH boys actually put together outfits (usually baggy denim, sneakers and button down shirts) whereas boys around me are all wearing athletic wear. I was so surprised to see them putting together FITS.

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Sep 23Liked by Kelly Williams

I know I’ve said this in comments on here (and on other stacks) so I probably sound like a broken record, but the pressure through all forms of social media, including here, to keep up with a “kindly gifted” lifestyle is insane. For me, I’m at the point where I’ve just lost all interest in seeing gifted stuff, and following people who seem to get piles of it constantly. It bears no relation to my life. Most of us shop like you did in this post – a mix of price points, sales, basics, saving for something special, the odd splurge, being willing to spend more for something amazing but knowing we can’t do that every month and there are still spending limits. And that requires consideration and really thinking about what you buy so it’s instantly more interesting. It also requires style, and isn’t that what we’re all interested in and inspired by? Being sent free expensive clothes requires no style or feeling for clothes.

That’s funny about the teenage boys – nice to hear they’re making an effort!

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Yes!! You and I are SUPER aligned on this. While I appreciate the disclosure, I see influencers posting outfits that are entirely gifted. And while I’m so happy for them it is such a turn off for me! I had to get off social media for that exact reason, I couldn’t follow one more influencer who blurred the line between what they bought with their money vs gifted/bought with commissions/etc.

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I need to go to Copenhagen now to shop?! I think spending budget abroad is so exciting and a great way to shop. You get unique pieces that look new and interesting in your hometown, and they have fun memories associated with them which will make you reach for them more and more. So much joy in one post, not surprising from you !!!

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Yes! I love having wardrobe pieces that are attached to a memory so it was fun to set aside money to find those special pieces.

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I had the most fun reading this

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Elle, thank you for your encouragement!! You're the best!

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Part 1 of my comment) thank you for sharing this and for the transparency!! LOVE your jeans and red coat!!! Hot damn!

Part 2 of my comment) My budget is similar, $300 a month. I didn’t adjust it for this weird year of limited shopping, so I’ve had leftover funds most months, which has been nice. I have spent $1365 on clothing and accessories this year. Last year I spent $6086 so clearly I totally ignored my budget haha. In 2022 I spent $2762 so I was better behaved! I use the CoPilot budget app like a super freak so it’s really easy to see year spend by category year over year!

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I so love that you are in touch with your budget (way more than me which makes me want to see what my Y-O-Y spending is 😬). How exciting that you'll have the leftover funds. I'm dying to know; do you think you'll be able to buy something far nicer with it or what will you do? I admit that I would be tempted to really treat myself!

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I’m saving it all for a Cartier watch 😇 eeeeeeeeeeek

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Sep 23Liked by Kelly Williams

My discretionary spending line item (which almost always goes to clothes lol) is also $200! I am trying to get better about going a month without shopping so I have more in my coffers, but I havent had much luck so far!

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I'm so glad to know that we have the same budget for clothes, I'm deadly curious what everyone's budget is 😂 I, also, have a hard time saving my money month-to-month.

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My budget is $0 every month which also means I blow it ever single month. Need a real shopping budget to plan better (or just at all)!

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😂 budgeting made my life so much better because it allowed me to stop feeling guilty every time I bought something. AND it kept me from just burying my head in the sand.

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Yeah you're so right - changing this ASAP

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Love your honesty and housewives refs and the APC shoes!

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SOOOOO happy someone caught the SLC reference 😂 Those APC derby shoes are lust-worthy.

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Ahh this is making me want to go back to Copenhagen, the shopping (and the food, the design, the people...) is too good! Interesting point about Flore Flore. I like the pieces but I'm not sure I could justify those prices for basics. I like that you went for the top with the contrasting trim though, it definitely gives it a little something extra!

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Yes, I think I could only have actually purchased this one. A plain black top for $100 always made me feel a little sweaty. Now I know that it's a great top but not much different than my GAP ones😉

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Ok that red suede coat….WHAT A FIND!!!! So glad you enjoyed your trip Kelly!

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Also because I knew you'd tell me to buy it.

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First of all you should have but second of all I would’ve made you try to find me one 🤣

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The way I KNEW you would like it. Truly, I was in the shop thinking "I wish I could text Sogole this picture."

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Sep 23Liked by Kelly Williams

What a fun trip!!! You were so good with your budget!

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I’m not going to lie, I thought FOR SURE I would blow my budget. I was prepared to face the music and say if I did but I got lucky!

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Sep 23Liked by Kelly Williams

So fun to read. Love all the goodies you snagged on this trip! Can't wait to see what outfits you make with them in the chat!

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You know it 👯‍♀️

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This is so good!! I love the colorful socks and that you found a way to get them without the shipping fee. I also appreciate the pricing transparency. You're a very savvy shopper!

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Thanks friend! I like to think I'm savvy but then I'll make a random impulse purchase that isn't that savvy😂

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Sep 23Liked by Kelly Williams

I’m ALWAYS here for your fashion texts my friend 🤣 you nailed CPH shopping 🇩🇰 that red coat was made for you and I’m thrilled that you loved Another nué as much as I knew you would! ♥️

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You really nailed it with Another Nue. I could have spent all day there. You have the best taste😘

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The red suede coat!!!!

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7 hrs agoLiked by Kelly Williams

Can you tell me where your leopard print sneakers are from?

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Of course! They are Wales Bonner x Adidas and, sadly, priced EXTRAVAGANTLY everywhere😭

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Loved this shopping diary. SO MUCH FUN! CPH looks good on you! X

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I think I need CPH on me more often 😂😉

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I wish I could have gone shopping with you in my favourite city - but this post makes it feel a little like I did🥲 You should be so happy with your finds, especially that! red! coat! I hope you all had the best time and I'm SO down to discuss cph fashion in the dm's

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How much fun would a Substack shopping trip be?! I would have had even more fun shopping there with a buddy. Also, definitely want to DM about fashion because I have a feeling your perspective (as a fellow Scandinavian) would be interesting!

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Wait that would be absolutely golden! But how to decide which city?🙈

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