March 2013 Budget

So right off the bat let me say this month was odd. With London & Paris I bought things that I had set money aside for since it was outside of my normal budget, and I got to do some extra shopping with my bonus payout. And I had to improvise on some of the items since gap outlet doesn't have a website.

Gap Outlet boatneck sweater - 8.10, similar
J Crew Nautical colorblock popover - 21.99, exact
Gap Outlet striped T - 6.90, similar
Ferragamo lace flats - 26.50 after giftcards
J Crew outlet striped T - 16.99, exact
Gap outlet terry hoodie - 23.99, similar
J Crew outlet charley sweater - 34.75, exact
Gap outlet polka dot blouse - 12.00, similar
J Crew Bon Voyage Tee - 21.99, exact

Clothing total: 173.21.

So clearly, I need to either a) stick to outlets or b) stop shopping all together. I think I'm going to lean toward b. We do have an upcoming trip to NY mid-month but hopefully I can hold out for that.

I'm proud that I cut back.. but with my bonus money I've gone a bit crazy in the past few days. I really need to re-evaluate my wardrobe and start displaying my clothes better - I feel as though I tend to buy the same things over and over again since my sweaters are in my cedar chest. Alas, I shall figure something out.

I want to be better in April, especially with a week in New York mid-month.

How did you do so far this month?

Linking up with Franish and other budgeting bloggers here!

I see London, I see France...

And I had a great time. Below are some photos of my trip...including the goodies I brought home. And please pardon my spacing/bad photos...it took me 24 hours to get home and I'm still tired. Hah.

Some trip highlights:
Finally seeing Abbey Road & The Apple Recording studios
Sticky toffee pudding
Afternoon tea at Fortnam & Mason
Nightly wine near the fireplace in our hotel
Shopping on the Rue St. Honore
Going up the Eiffel Tower at night

View from Buckingham Palace

Dragon Slayer along Embankment

Buckingham Palace

Mind the Gap

Abbey Road

Stamping my initials on my bag at Cambridge Satchel Co

Big Ben

My requisite sticky toffee pudding

Arc d'Triumph with the Eiffel Tower in the background

Roof view at night

Arc view during the day

Another tower shot

I just thought this was cute.

Macarons at Laduree

St. Chappelle

Eiffel Tower on our last night

Final Paris shot

And my goodies... ;)

Cambridge Satchel Company bag with my initials

Limited edition Eiffel Tower Longchamp Le Pliage

And a orange box... My new Hermes Coup de Fouet scarf in black colorway.

Thank you so much for reading along and just being here. :)

Bon Voyage

Well it's off to Newark and then London later today...feel free o follow along with me on my instagram @ makeupandpearls.

Until later.... Cheers!

Bluesday

For some reason this Tuesday has felt like a Monday. But it's nearly the end of the day and I can't complain. And with the sun staying out a bit longer, well... I don't have reason be sad (although I still mourn the loss of an hour of sleep..bah).

I put this together this morning on a whim when I decided that I really didn't want to wear a skirt today - and quite frankly with the cold air blasting in here I'd probably have frozen today, and as a result, this won out instead.

Hooray for stripes, the color blue, and red patent flats!  I also really like the grey and pink lining that peeks out of the blazer - such a fun, girly add on. And, I feel as though I really need to get wearing light clothing items out of my system as fast as possible because London and Paris are calling for temps below 50. Brrr. Perhaps I will have to look like a dorky tourist with uggs after all.

Are there any items that are absolute necessities that you take while traveling?

Blouse: Banana Republic
Blazer and jeans: Gap
Shoes: Tory Burch
Scarf: Gift

A new outfit favorite

While shopping this past weekend at both Target and the J Crew outlet I picked up another gingham shirt and a black pullover sweater. I feel as though I've been waiting all week to wear this outfit and I've decided its a new favorite of mine. The weather is pretty overcast and chilly here today so I'm glad for the layers and extra added bit of warmth as I try not to freeze in my office.

See what I mean about this new favorite outfit thing? Maybe I just need to go back to simple outfits that I feel comfortable and confident in. Such as this one.. that I have to try not to wear every day.

Are there any pieces or outfit combinations that you just feel the most confident in?

Button down: Target (exact)
Pullover: J Crew Factory (exact)
Necklace: Forever 21 (exact)
Jeans: Seven for all Mankind
Shoes: Gap

And linking up with Mix and Match Fashion for  What I wore to work today!

 

Blue and green

Hello, March! I'm glad that you are finally here - and with it, a trip to London and Paris in less than 2 weeks. Not only am I now contemplating what to pack but I'm trying not to freak myself out silly over the fact that I have to fly from London - San Francisco home by myself. Have I ever mentioned that I hate flying? Well, I hate flying. Someone, pass the advil pm.

This past weekend DH and I grabbed my car and drove. Saturday we went north along highway 1 and stopped in Stinson Beach for clam chowder, Petaluma for cheese, and finally made it to Santa Rosa and spent some time at Russian River Brewing Company. Sunday we headed east, mainly in the direction of the Livermore Outlets where I indulged in J Crew and Gap. I picked up the button down I'm wearing today for the nifty price of 12. I feel as though I had to stop myself from buying 5, heh.

 
I'm starting to really, really like blue and green paired together. Call it a spring awakening but it might be my new favorite thing. And the little buttons on this cardigan? Love them too.

And my hair has decided to be a frizzball today. Ahh, Mondays.

Are there any color combos that you've discovered or rediscovered lately? I'd love to hear all about it!

Cardigan: C Wonder
Button down: Gap Outlet
Necklace: Forever 21
Skirt: Banana Republic
Shoes: Lands End