I’m an avid shopper, and living in the shopping mecca that is NYC, I see thousands of garments every year. I already have tons of clothing, so I am trying to self-enforce an “only buy it if you absolutely love it” rule.

It can be tough, with so many tempting deals and tantalizing impulse buys calling my name, but the effect is that when I do shell out for something, it is perfect for me. Such is the case with this cropped, asymmetrical, chunky sweater from Helmut Lang. I wasn’t even shopping for myself when I found it (I was accompanying a friend trying to revamp her wardrobe), but as soon as I spotted it I was in love. Trying it on just confirmed that it is EVERYTHING – my platonic ideal of what a sweater should be. I had to snap it up, and I am so glad I did. It feels very me, in the best way.

These black, ripped, and wonderfully faded skinnies were a present from my sweetheart of a sister, but they would have made it to my closet one way or another – I’ve been mooning over them since I featured them in my black denim guide. This is my first time trying ASOS denim, and I am impressed. The fit is great, and I found this pair to be true to size.

My accessories are both from my favorite local store, Housing Works Thrift Shop. I found these buttery leather Via Spiga pumps for $10 (!!!) at the 96th Street location, and I got this brand new Rafe clutch during the VIP shopping period of the Fashion for Action party (which I HIGHLY recommend attending, both for the festivities and the amazing designer deals – there was Phillip Lim for $15!).

All of my rings are gifts from my husband – the oversized smoky quartz ring was my birthday present during our first year together, and my gorgeous wedding rings were a couple years later 🙂

There are so many aspects of this outfit that I love: The proportion play; the monochrome palette; the pop of graphic abstract pattern; the just so details on the jeans; the beauty and nostalgia of my jewelry. More importantly, though, as a whole, this look embodies my personal style – the person I am and want to be.

As for the outfit details:

Cropped oversized asymmetrical sweater: Helmut Lang (via Nordstrom Rack)

Ripped knee black skinny jeans: ASOS Curve

Abstract landscape print clutch: Rafe

Leather pumps: Via Spiga

Smoky quartz ring: Norbu

Freshly purple hair: Colorist Allison Rappel at Antonio Prieto Salon