Weekend Recap & June Shopping Breakdown

I cannot believe June is over already!  Summer is flying by much too fast-- there's still so much I want to do this summer!  One thing I did accomplish this weekend was running my first half marathon in over 7 years!!  It was a doozy and I by no means qualified for anything at my lightning speed of 11:45 a mile, but hey-- I finished it at least!  Due to a last minute medical snafu of my long time running buddy and half marathon tackler, I ended up having to run it all by myself (insert sad face), but in a way this may have been even better, because it gave me such confidence that I can accomplish something this huge all by myself {well, not entirely by myself-- she still came up to support me- such a good friend!!}  I can't wait to do it again next year!!

   

And it was pretty cool that I got to cross the finish line at the 50 yard line of the Buffalo Bills home stadium! Needless to say I laid pretty low for the rest of the weekend with my legs elevated, drinking gallons of water, and hiding out in the A/C... 

How was everybody else's weekend??  Did anyone tackle a major goal or accomplish something they've always wanted to do?  Would love to hear from you!

Now on to this month's shopping ...... 

One of the goals of writing this blog is to document my pursuit for a more tailored, professional, and versatile wardrobe and to stay away from the trendy or cheap pieces that filled my closet in my early 20's.  I've set a budget of $250 for clothes, shoes, and makeup every month, but not a limit to the number of pieces I can buy.  By sharing what I buy every month, I'm hoping I hold myself accountable to the pieces I buy and how much I spend ...

June 2014 Shopping Breakdown

Banana Republic Gemma wrap dress {$98, 40%- $59}
Joie Shoal sandals from BlueFly {$135, on major sale- $60.75}
J.Crew chino navy shorts {$39.50, 30% off- $27.65}
J.Crew Malta gold sandals {$78, 30% off- $54.60}
Zero UV pink heart sunglasses {$9.99}
Old Navy black maxi dress {$37, on sale- $30}

Total Spent: $241.99
Total Saved: $155.80

Bam! Just under budget and I got a few things I've been eyeing for a while on major sale, like my two new pairs of sandals that I absolutely love and pretty much rotate between every other day.  I would highly recommend these J.Crew chino shorts for anyone looking for staple shorts for their closet- they come in a array of colors and longer inseams too.  I especially like the thickness of the fabric, which makes them look more expensive than they really are and these shorts are tailored enough to dress up or down and they don't ride up {ladies you know what I'm talking about}.  And lastly I loooove this wrap dress from Banana Republic- and would definitely buy the other colors in berry or aqua {if it ever goes on sale again}.

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May Shopping Breakdown

I'm back! A few days late ... but here's my Monthly Shopping Breakdown for May 2014.


One of the goals of writing this blog is to document my pursuit for a more tailored, professional, and versatile wardrobe and to stay away from the trendy or cheap pieces that filled my closet in my early 20's.  I've set a budget of $250 for clothes, shoes, and makeup every month, but not a limit to the number of pieces I can buy.  By sharing what I buy every month, I'm hoping I hold myself accountable to the pieces I buy and how much I spend ...

J.Crew Perfect Linen Shirt {$79, 25% off- $59.62}

J.Crew tunic {$50, 50% off- $25}

Anthropologie midi tee {$68, clearance- $19.95}

J.Crew Factory pink sweater {$62, sale- $34.65}

J.Crew Factory boyfriend sweater {$59.50, sale- $27.65}

Gap shorts {$50, 30% off- $35}

Ray-ban clubmasters {$150, Birthday gift- FREE}

New Balance sneakers {$114, Birthday gift- FREE}

Total Spent: $201.87

Total Saved: $430.63

Well I definitely bought a lot of tops this month-- and surprisingly mostly long sleeved ones?  Hmm ... I guess I wasn't quite feeling summer yet.  I will say that if you're looking for a breathable linen shirt for summer then I would highly recommend the J.Crew Perfect Linen Shirt-- I've worn it several times this month including in Texas heat {more on that later} and wasn't too hot at all.  I paired it with my new Gap cut offs and it was a perfect laid back summer look.  P.S. if you're in the market for denim shorts at a great price Gap has some amazing options this season!

Clearly- the best part about May is that it's my birthday ;)   which is how I scored the new balance sneakers and the Ray-bans as gifts last month!!  I wear the sneakers for walks around the neighborhood with the pup or for walks to get frozen yogurt, which I suspect will be happening a lot this summer.  They're super comfortable and look great with jeans or cut offs-- perfect for weekend running around!  And my new Ray-bans are the pair I grab on the way out the door almost everyday now.  :)  

I guess we should talk about budget too-- I'll just pat myself on the back right now for not only coming in well under budget  this month, but also getting so many great pieces for well under budget! Go me!  I definitely saved more than I spent this month, and part of the reason for this is because I knew I was going on vacation to Austin in May so I would have to keep my shopping budget to a minimum.  I think it's well worth the trade off -- I would choose travel over clothes shopping any day.  Who's with me?

So, what did you guys buy last month?  Did you stick to your budgets?? :)



Happing shopping!

                                        

April Shopping Breakdown

Happy first day of May y'all!! I can't believe April is already over and we're one step closer to SUMMER!  Stay tuned tomorrow for our continuing Summer Trends series, but today is all about what I bought in April ... here's the breakdown ...



One of the goals of writing this blog is to document my pursuit for a more tailored, professional, and versatile wardrobe and to stay away from the trendy or cheap pieces that filled my closet in my early 20's.  I've set a budget of $250 for clothes, shoes, and makeup every month, but not a limit to the number of pieces I can buy.  By sharing what I buy every month, I'm hoping I hold myself accountable to the pieces I buy and how much I spend ...

Here's what I bought for the month of April {2014}

J.Crew Pixie Pant with Tuxedo Stripe {$90, 50% off- $45}

AE Denim Overalls {$80, on sale- $60}

J.Crew Panama Hat {$58, 25% off- $43.50}

Forever21 Crochet Skirt {$28, sold out}

Old Navy Denim Jacket {$35, 30% off- $24.46}

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse {$42, 15% off- $35.70}

Total Spent: $236.65

Total Saved: $95.80

This month I had to restrain myself in terms of shopping- there were so many great things (and so many great sales) I wanted to just add to my shopping bag and hit BUY NOW!  Something about Spring and the warmer weather just makes me want to refresh my wardrobe, but I knew I had to stick to my budget this month because of some upcoming traveling me and Neil are doing.  Anyway- I really love all the pieces I bought this month, but haven't tried out the self tanner yet .. I'm kinda scared to try it!  I plan on wearing the skirt from Forever21 to my birthday dinner tomorrow night- the quality is actually really great for the price!

For May I plan on stocking up on some basics for spring/summer (t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and sandals).  Stay tuned for another shopping breakdown at the end of May!

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March Shopping Breakdown

One of the goals of writing this blog is to document my pursuit for a more tailored, professional, and versatile wardrobe and to stay away from the trendy or cheap pieces that filled my closet in my early 20s.  By sharing what I buy every month, I'm hoping I hold myself accountable to the pieces I buy and how much I spend ...

Here's what I bought for the month of March {2014}

Free People Apres Ski Mirrored Aviators {$18}

J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket {$148, 25% off $111}

Gap Always Skinny Skimmer Jeans {$69, 40% off $42}

American Apparel Unisex Hoodie {$48, 30% off $34}

Total Spent: $205

Total Saved: $78

Just four pieces? Yup, wow.  But I realllly love all the pieces I bought and I think I bought just the right amount.  Plus, since I'm shooting for under $250 every month spent on clothes, makeup, shoes, etc. I came in under budget this month -- last month I overshot the budget a bit, so I guess it all evens out!  Those Free People mirrored aviators are definitely trendy, but I love that I only spent under $20 on them, when the Ray Ban Mirrored Aviators go for almost ten times that amount!  Now I won't feel bad if after a season or two I want to donate them because the mirrored trend is O-V-E-R.  I suggest you pick up a pair-- they also come in a red/orange mirrored lens!  

Also- I'm making progress on my Top 10 Spring Staples Wishlist!  Did you notice that the Field Jacket and the light wash skinnies were both on my Spring Staple Wishlist and I purchased them this month!  So I can check those two items off my list! 

I'm excited for upcoming April shopping because now the weather is finally turning around and will hopefully remain in the 50's and 60's like it has been.  You know what that means -- spring dresses, shorts, and maybe even a pair of sandals!!

What did you guys buy this month?? :)

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February Shopping Breakdown

I'm going to start trying something new on the blog-- a monthly report of what I've bought in relation to clothes, shoes, or makeup and the budget breakdown.  Might seem like too much info for some people, but I personally am fine with it and think it's a good way to hold myself accountable.  I got this great idea from Jill {Jill's always have the best ideas!} from Good Life For Less Blog...

One of the goals of writing this blog is to document my pursuit for a more tailored, professional, and versatile wardrobe and to stay away from the trendy or cheap pieces that filled my closet in my early 20's.  By sharing what I buy every month I'm hoping I hold myself accountable to the pieces I buy and how much I spend.

A few days late, but below is what I bought in the month of February 2014.

J.Crew Dean Boots {$269, 40% off $162}

Gap Legging Jeans {$70, 30% off $49}

Gap Luxlight Sweater {$40, 30% off $28}

Marais Sailor Wedges {$175, clearance for $30}

Stila Liquid Lipstick in Beso {$22}

J.Crew Tortoise Clutch {$149, gift for v-day FREE}

Total Spent: $291

Total Saved: $434

Whoa- $291 is kind of a lot of money to spend (at least for me it is) on my wardrobe in one month!  A big chunk of the budget went to those leather riding boots and I realize they're an investment, but I really needed a pair of riding boots that will last me for years to come-- and they were on such a good sale!

I've never actually written down what I spend on clothes and I didn't realize I spent this much money last month until I wrote it all down, but kudos for me for saving more than I spent last month! ;)  I'm happy with all the pieces I bought and think they're all staples in my wardrobe.  I've worn these Gap jeans almost every single day since I bought them and I've been without riding boots for a couple years and can't believe how much I've worn them since getting them.  The tortoise clutch was on my wish list since Christmas and my boyfriend gave it to me as a Valentine's gift -- it's such timeless piece!

For March I'm thinking about waiting for another sale at Gap and getting another pair of legging jeans in another rinse and the sweater in black or grey -- since I wear them both all the time it's good to have multiples of something you love and wear all the time.  

So .. what do you guys think? Do you keep track of how much you spend on your wardrobe each month?  I'd love to hear!!

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