Workhorses Only, Edition #5
Everything I've Bought in the First 100 Days of 2025
I want to be a smart shopper. Do you?
What that means to me is that my hard-earned dollars work hard for me. If I’m spending well, I should:
Rarely have the panic of “what do I wear” as I’m standing in a bulging closet trying on item after item (P.S. this was absolutely me in my 20s and early 30s; after having kids I could no longer budget in panic time).
Feel confident in every item that I own regardless of my body type or size. I am buying for the me I am right now.
As a business school professor, I decided to measure the efficiency of my dollars—a Return On Investment if you will. I tracked all of the dollars I spent in the first 100 days of 2025.
In scope: things that go into my closet.
Out of scope: everything else (make-up/souvenirs/meals/crafts).
I spent $854 in 100 days.
To some that might seem like a lot! To some that might seem like a little! My aim here is to be transparent and I’m open to criticism if it comes from a place of curiosity. As a working woman whose job is public facing, I find the amount to be reasonable if not low.
I listed every single thing I bought below, why I bought it and whether I have any regrets. As you’ll see, I made 2 impulse shopping trips. Everything else was preplanned. Perhaps, not surprisingly, the impulse buys were all mistakes and I can honestly say I wasted $172 and that annoys me. Documenting my purchases really helped me make that connection.
The other dollars ($662) worked hard for me. So, in summary:
80% of the dollars I spent are working hard for me. As in, they help me dress quickly and feel confident.
January (1 item)
Like the rest of the world, I had a consumption hangover after the holidays and had no desire to spend. I only bought one thing this entire month.
Burgundy Mock Neck Turtleneck, Veronica Beard ($84.94)
Regrets: None
February (5 items)
Red Crew-Neck & Cream Top, Madewell ($103.44)
I went to my dentist and had time to spare so I wandered into Madewell and impulse purchased 2 tops on sale. I’ve worn the cream one at least a dozen times but sadly the quality is a miss and it’s already showing wear. This ended up being a one season purchase. Eye-roll. The red crew-neck top I bought because it was on crazy sale. It’s useful but easily forgotten and I have similar concerns about the material. Reminder to self: Don’t impulse buy.
Regrets: Tons
Snake-print button down dress, Mango ($43.55)
Button-down belted dresses are my Workhorse item #1. Mango ones usually retail for $99. The material does not wrinkle. I repeat: Wrinkle Free. It’s machine wash. My Mango dresses typically last 4-5 seasons before they show signs of wear. Because I know this to be a timeless item, every time Mango runs a sale, I hunt for this style.
Regrets: None
Shorts and Top set, Lake Pajamas ($81.68)
I couldn’t be a bigger fan of Pima Cotton or Lake Pajamas. I buy a new pair every year. The shorts & top set for sleep, the pants & top set for lounging. I’ve worn this no less than 30 times since purchase. I snagged mine on sale but I don’t mind paying full price.
Regrets: None
Colorful Gem Bracelet, BaubleBar ($56.09)
I am slowly and mindfully adding to my stack. I don’t like real jewelry (read: expensive) because I live tough. I play tennis, do DIY home projects and am an active mother of two so I’ve learned to buy things I don’t mind losing or breaking.
I got this colorful bracelet to add to my stack and every time I look down at my wrist, I smile. This is my best purchase of 2025. I reached out to the company (3 times!) and convinced them to give me a code. My first time doing that! You can use COOLEY15 to get 15% off.
Regrets: None. 11/10 happy.
March (7 items)
Gray cardigan & Black mock neck sweater, Madewell ($68.58)
I’m embarrassed to write this but I had to go back to the dentist, arrived early again, and impulse shopped AGAIN. Moral of the story: stop going early to the dentist!! (but that doesn’t mean arrive to class or meetings late as this is something I’m working on). The black mock neck is something I’ll get use out of next season. The gray cardigan is soft and versatile, but I need both of items like I need a hole in my head.
Regrets: Yep.
Denim Top, Gap ($35.90)
I have an image of what I want to look like this spring/summer, and this denim top is part of it.
Regrets: Zero.
Sneakers, DSW ($81.63)
I’m not into sneaker culture. I like a cream sneaker that can be worn with any color legging or jeans. This is an emotionless purchase; I went into DSW, found a cream Nike sneaker under $100 and moved on with life. I buy a new sneaker once a year. Two years if I can help it.
Regrets: Zero.
2 Tops & 1 Short for Spring/Summer, H&M ($101.24)
My talent for finding gems at H&M deserves notice. I look carefully at the materials and have a history of finding things that last many years. I look for cotton, linen or blends of fabrics I am familiar with (I’ll certainly share how I shop a store in a future post). This particular bundle was a wild success. The striped vest shirt can be styled for work or play. The olive shorts look like much more expensive ones. The black top will be great for warm nights. 20% spring sale going on now.
Regrets: Zero.
10 Days of April (2 items)
Green and White Smocked Dress, LOFT ($64.85)
It’s an amazing dupe for the Hillhouse nap dress. I found the quality of this to be stellar. I loved it so much I wore it the same night I purchased it. I plan on wearing for Easter brunch, graduation events and summer nights.
Regrets: Zero.
Paisley Print Shorts, Sezane ($132.50)
I was in DC for Spring Break and Sezane had a pop-up. I love everything the brand does. It is the quintessential French girl chic but with materials that this American girl can take care of without a dry cleaner. I tried on everything I’ve eyed online so this was the opposite of impulse. It was a well researched shopping trip and I knew I would get one special item. I fell in love with these shorts as I imagined them with a fitted knit tank top or a blouse like the one pictured below. Sandals or heels on hot summer nights. Such an elevated look while staying comfortable.
Regrets: Zero.
How did I do in first 100 days of 2025?
I’m satisfied with my spending. I don’t do LOW buy years because I like the consumer that I am. Anytime I’m adding something to my closet I’m thinking about it’s usefulness.
Are there 3 different functions it gives me?
Does it make me feel confident?
Will it make getting ready more efficient?
If the answers are yes it qualifies as a Workhorse. To see all the items I linked in this post, you can go here. (I make a small affiliate revenue if you use these links and that helps support the work I do, so thank you).
My singular rule: I buy Workhorses Only.
My spending plan for the next 100 days
I’d like to curb my impulse spending to $0 and only have planned purchases. To keep myself on track, I made a list of the things I’m interested in adding to my closet:
Sezane blue blouse - I tried this on at the pop-up and couldn’t get over the color.
Hillhouse Chocolate 4 season dress - I tried to buy the dupe of this and I still want the real deal. My navy nap dress is going on 5 years. I find that no matter the occasion, it always seems right. I could have the modern brown version beyond summer and I like that.
White linen button down - I need a replacement linen shirt so this is an unavoidable purchase.
Tuckernuck shirt dress - I have this in sea green. I also *had* it in chambray and got a massive oil spot on it. I love it so much that I’m replacing it. I’m annoyed but at least I have the code YOUROCK for 20% off.
Raffia Ballet Flats - these are breathable, neutral and don’t look too trendy. I like Dolce Vita because they are one of the few brands that make all of their styles in a wide. I have wide feet (so does my son…like a hobbit).
Farm Rio Short Dress - The prints this brand does always make me smile and I love the idea of having a short dress for summer. This would be a splurge but maybe I’ll hit a summer sale.
Necklace to add to my stack - I want to add a classic tennis necklace to my necklaces (not a real one, see above about my rough lifestyle). In summer, with a tan and open tops I think this would look so great. I’ll wear year round but this image is my motivation.
Bracelet to add to my stack - I’m so pleased with my colorful gem bracelet that I want to add another fun one. Why not?
I wanted to have a list of 10
But the truth is I can’t think of a 9th or 10th thing I need.
I’ll be on the lookout for any of these items to either go on sale or I’ll have the budget since I’m aiming to skip impulse purchases. The reality is I won’t have money (nor do I need) all of these things, but by knowing what I really want it will keep me in check.
Take Home Assignment For You
Know what qualifies as a Workhorse Only for you (it must make getting dressed easier & make you feel confident & have multiple uses).
If it’s not a Workhorse Only get it out of your closet; it’s only creating visual noise and making getting dressed harder.
Take a look at your budget from 2025: what was a good purchase (no regrets) and what didn’t serve you? See what mistakes you are making when it comes to buying stuff. For me, it’s an impulse buy when something is on crazy sale. For you, it might be you are buying too many “special” things instead of useful things. I observe this frequently.
Make a wish list of things you’d like for 2025 and stop getting distracted by shiny things that aren’t Workhorses.
Shopping smart is fun and I’m rooting for you.
Confidently Yours,
Marina
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I launched Prof Off Duty on March 5. I will be pouring my heart and talent into creating a community for Whole Humans. This means I’ll be foregoing paid consulting work, a financial risk, but one I’m willing to take to fulfill my dream of writing.
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I absolutely love this and you continue to inspire me. I have been working on downsizing my closet to things I love and “workhorses only.” Oh and I bought the lady jacket from J Crew that goes perfectly with the look I am going for in my soon to be downsized closet!
Loved this. I have the same pair of Lake PJs (except the short-sleeved top) and they're the coziest! Sooo interested to hear your shopping tips – I always struggle to know which fabrics are going to last and not deteriorate after a few wears.