October Spending Recap

Also known as that month I spent a bit of money. And got some awesome shoes.

I cleaned out some of my wardrobe earlier this month and have been on a listing frenzy to clear stuff out. As cooler weather is approaching I'm also much in need of better work pants (skinny pants that aren't ankle length seem to be hard to find..).

Old navy Rockstar skinnies in maroon & grey, $24.50 each

J Crew Factory wool pencil skirt: $54.00

Target boots, $24.95

Tory Burch revas, $165.00

Kate Spade Jimi flats, $180.60

Target Emma leather ballet flats: $19.99

Not pictured: 

Old Navy polka dot blouse, $7.50

Gap ankle length navy pants: $20.00

J Crew double knit long cardigan: $55.00 (a little pricey, but I love it and the burgundy color).

Mindy Mae's Market striped sweatshirt: $21.95

Ebay sales: $100.00, tradesy sales: $395.00

Total: $103.03

I had some misses with some work pants - I tried the J Crew dannie pant but found they run small so those went back. So did a pair of Target pants. 

And I'm not going to lie, I'm still undecided on the above Kate Spade cat shoes. Are they too kitchy for me? Will I actually wear them? And they are expensive, too.

Holes in my closet? I'd really love a pair of leopard print loafers. Other than that... I'm super content for now. And banning myself from purchasing any clothes in November/December.

As always, linking up with Fran. How did you do this month?

September Budget Recap

September is almost over and it's time for budget bloggers with Fran! Here's how I did below:

From top left:

Old Navy plaid: $20.00

J Crew Cardigan: $44.00

J Crew marled popover: $42.00

Mindy Mae's Market Striped sweater: $26.99

Catbird cat pack ring: $27.80

Not pictured:

H&M pullover: $19.99

J Crew v neck: $12.00

Lariat necklace from a local jeweler: $15.00

Total: $177.78. So... not bad, but not great either. I did sell a pair of shoes for 50.00 through tradsey, so that helps. The J Crew cardigan is to replace my much loved orange cardigan that got ruined in the wash, and I'm super excited to have an olive green sweater. 

As for what I need... really, honestly, nothing. I do want to go through my wardrobe and see what I can purge. As for shoes, I think I can let go of a lot of pairs to slim down what I have, but also build a good shoe wardrobe of classic, everyday pairs that can go with any outfit. Thanks to Katie, I'm also thinking of evaluating my skirt situation as some of them are ill fitting. Also, the one thing missing from my wardrobe seems to be a grey blazer.

How did you do this month?

The Cat's Meow

This fall season seems to be shaping up for all things cats, and well, I'm not complaining. I think ever since Charlotte Olympia came out with her Kitty flats everyone has been flocking to do something similar, but at a smaller price tag (although there is a part of me that secretly really wants the Charlotte Olympia flats, but 495...eeep!). I recently picked up this adorable Catbird ring with some birthday money but upon seeing some new releases lately I noticed a bit of a cat trend.

So if you'd like to jump onto the kitty bandwagon come join me.. and here's a few of my favorite items to keep you fashionable throughout your nine lives.

I'm seriously contemplating the Kate Spade cat flats... I think they are adorable! Okay, why lie, I want it all.

Are there any new trends or items that you've been loving lately? Will you be purchasing any cat items? If so, share below!

July budget recap

July is almost over! August is coming, and with it... my 30th.. and some fantastic weekends. So how did I do?

From top left:

Madewell flamingo shirt, 29

J Crew Factory Vest, 54

J Crew Palm tee, 9.99

J Crew boyfriend blazer, 54

Madewell pocket tee, 9.99

Not pictured:

J Crew chambray popover, 14.99

J Crew surfboard linen tee, 17.99

The flamingo top was something I saw a girl wearing in a hotel and stopped her to ask about. My mom and I have a thing with flamingos (we were the flamingo group in kindergarten on my first field trip so we've had a thing with them ever since). I couldn't stomach the 68 price tag... but at 29? Much better!

I'm also very excited about the herringbone vest. I passed on it last year and kicked myself multiple times, especially after seeing everyone's blog posts and pinterest boards on it. 

I was also creeping on the palm tree tee and glad to get it for under 10. 

The boyfriend blazer is another score of mine - for some reason I have plenty of nice blue blazers but was lacking in the black blazer department. I may need to exchange it for a size up, but that's okay.

And a plain blue tee - who can go wrong?

July total: 186.96. I kept it under 200 this month.. but eep. I'm hoping to seriously go clothes-free for August.. except for perhaps a pleated maxi skirt for Mexico (any suggestions anyone)?

Linking up with Fran - how did you do this month?

J crew sale picks

J Crew is having another blowout sale and I've put together a few items I'm lusting after. The black blazer has already been ordered because 1) you can't beat the price, and 2) I'm in serious need of a good black blazer.

The New Balance shoes are just adorable, and I love how that the palm tree tee is perfect for vacation. The maxi skirt is gorgeous and the floral pullover is the perfect layer for warm summer nights.

Are you shopping the sale - and if so what are you getting?

Spring wishlist

How is it that May is almost already half over? Where has this year gone? Holy wow. I am glad it's spring though.. and we are in for a heatwave here in SF this week, and the warmer weather has got me craving some new items for spring:

From top left:

Anthropologie Flynn peplum top. I saw my cousin wearing this yesterday and absolutely loved it on her. Given my foray into peplum this may be something that goes on the sale wishlist.

Target merona popover in whale print. It has whales on it. Enough said. Perfect for summer!

Essie polish in mesmerize. Blue seems to be all the rage for nails and I think this would look perfect on toes!

Anthropologie Aoi tee. Stripes and flowers all in one. Anthro is seriously hitting it out of the park with this one.

J Crew cleo flats. Stripes, bows, a loafer, and made in Italy? I saw these on Respect the shoes today and loved them. Definitely added to a wish list or 5.

Keds champion perf shoes. Adorable for summer - and they don't have laces, either! 

Kut from the Kloth embroided denim shorts. I know what you're thinking..denim shorts. But I think the detailing is adorable and this is something I'd have to try in person. 

Do you have anything on your wish list for the upcoming months?

April Budget

For some reason, April was one of those lingering months that just wouldn't end. It wasn't the best month for some reason, either.

Regardless, here's what I bought this month:

J Crew minnie pants, 2x 23.99

J Crew peplum top, 22.99

J Crew factory anchor loafers, 54.99
Not pictured:

J Crew darby loafers, 59.99

J Crew tuxedo tank, 22.99

J Crew merino side panel sweater, 24.99

Banana Republic rope stripe top, 19.99

Banana Republic anchor button sweater, 19.99

Gap v neck tees, 2x 6.99

Gap striped boatneck tee, 12.99

So...not gonna lie, not the best month spending wise, either. The J Crew sales are killing me (can we talk about the lattice cut loafers and the jeweled baseball tee? Ugh). I'm also in love with the minnie pants and would love them in navy too.

How did you do? And linking up with Fran!

March Budget

The good: Spin and staying active has gotten me away from the mall. Huzzah!
The bad: I've been so stressed/busy with work and HR test prep that I've been neglecting the blog.
The ugly: I broke my ban yesterday. Bah.

I had been doing so good you guys. No clothes after Ash Wednesday..resisting all the promos in emails. And then... 40% off in store at J Crew. And the lady added my mom's educator discount on top of it.

Hook, line, sinker.

Old navy dot top: 15

Old navy striped boatneck top: 10x2

Old navy sailboat sweater: 15

Old navy rockstar pants: 10

J Crew lattice popover: 27 in store

J Crew lovebirds baseball tee: 17

J Crew lattice sweatshirt: 29

J Crew striped sleeve sweater: 35 

J Crew striped collared tank: 30

J Crew minnie pants: 30

Not pictured: J crew baseball tee: 17

- 25 J Crew card... ugh. Not thrilled with what I've spent.. but I have needed some new options for work. 

Since I broke my ban I've decided to go fashion free for all of April. I may have to purchase a pair of shoes for spin because my cross trainers just aren't cutting it anymore.

How did you do?

Linking up with Fran!

February 2014 Spending Recap

Gap pullover cable sweater: 17.50

Lands End Canvas twill knit pants: 26.00 each x 2

J Crew Factory dress: 34.50

Not pictured:

Loft jeweled cardigan: 8.00

Loft tights: 2.00

Loft skinny jeans: 15

Total spent in February: 94.00.

By far one of my cheapest months yet. I think that I am fairly content with my wardrobe as it is now, and I'm not even sure that I will keep the above mentioned 8.00 cardigan (do I really need another cardigan? Probably not...).

I'm also hoping to make March and April low spend fashion months as well, and keep drawing inspiration from other blogs and remixing pieces in my current wardrobe.

How did you do in February?

Linking up with Fran!

Old navy lust list

On the way home from work yesterday I ducked into Old Navy just out of curiosity and was thrilled to find some of their recent rollouts included a bunch of nautical items. Above are some of the ones that particularly struck my fancy. A lot of them remind me of some older J Crew rollouts and this time around Old Navy has them for a much affordable price!

Are there any items that you've seen lately that has been added to your must have list?

December Budget

Also known as why I'm banned through at least February. I went waaaaayyy over budget this month - something I haven't done since April and I'm actually a bit embarrassed. But... I did get Christmas money and I have separate savings set aside so I'm trying to not beat myself up too badly.

But I've also been working this week on cleaning out my wardrobe. I have a bunch of items listed on ebay and am donating some items as well. It feels good to have a more organized wardrobe, too. I'm hoping with the new boots and flats that I have some solid footwear in my wardrobe that will last. And I'm torn on if I should keep both pairs of boots or return one. Thoughts?

Not pictured: 
Fleece lined leggings via groopdealz, 19.00
Funnel fleece from J Crew Factory: 30
Peplum dress from J Crew Factory: 27
Flannel V neck from J Crew Factory: 8
Varina flats from Feragamo: 285
Skier sweater from J Crew: 41
Schoolboy blazer in green wool from J Crew: 41

Total: I'm too scared to type it out. Oh my god, I need shopping rehab.

So...anyone else banned for a portion of the year? ;)

Linking up with Fran!

November Spending Recap

Okay ladies, not gonna lie. I went way over this month (although I had some help). I definitely succumbed to pre-holiday sales but I feel good going into the holiday season (I probably shouldn't say that though... darn you J Crew sale..).

From top left:

J Crew dots over stripes shirt, 22.99

J Crew factory grey plaid shirt, 33.20

J Crew factory colorblock baseball tee, 21.60

Target merona leopard print sweater, 24.99

J Crew factory plaid shirt, 33.90

J Crew funny birds t shirt, 22.99

Sperry topsider loafers, 56

Enzo Angiolini boots, 149.99

Not pictured:

Gap waffle-knit baseball tee, 12.99 on sale

Gap buffalo check scarf in red, 12.99 on sale

J Crew factory marled knit socks, 6.80 x2 (what can I say, I love socks...)

Hunter Wellies (half as gift), 70.99

+ 125 focus group + 80 rollover money (reno) + 70 rollover money (disneyland) = 178.24. Eeeeesh.

So, I'm going to be more mindful of the things that I purchase in December. And hopefully by clearing out my closet a bit more I can help to recoup some funds. And yeah, there's always some Christmas money.

Alright, I spilled - how did you do this month? Linking up with Fran!

October buys

Here's where my money went this month...

J Crew drape front sweatshirt: 23.99
J Crew peter pan collared blouse: 29.99
J Crew Number 2 Pencil Skirt: 59.99
J Crew Polka dot baseball tee: 14.99

Minnetonka thunderbird II mocs: 39.99

J Crew Cubist Houndstooth Scarf: 24.99

Not pictured: 

Ralph Lauren Factory button down: 29.00

J Crew Lace front sweatshirt: 35.00

How did you do this month? Linking up with Fran!

September Budget

September, I'm bidding you goodbye today and with you out goes a great month of shopping. Here's what I got below...

From top left:

Banana Republic striped skirt: 13.00

Orvis Signature sweatshirt: 34.99

J Crew Factory peter pan collar shirt: ~25

Polo Ralph Lauren factory button down: 29.99

Old Navy jeweled sweatshirt: 19

Old Navy striped sweatshirt: 10

Converse all stars: 44.99

Bass Wejuns: 75.99

Not pictured:

Uniqlo flannel plaid shirt: 29

Uniqlo v neck tops, 5.90 each x 3

Gap factory lace camisoles, 5 x 3

Gap factory black cardigan: 10

Banana Republic jeweled sweatshirt: 15

J Crew Factory jacket: 75

Total: I'm in denial. Somewhere around 415.00.

EEEEPPPP. Normally, I'd freak out. However, the majority of these items were purchased in Oregon without sales tax. So I did save a ton of money there. And... August was my birthday. I had 200 in birthday cash, plus I did a focus group for 100 and another for 75.  

My normal monthly fun budget is 300, so I really went over by 115, which my birthday money covers. But, I really am feeling as though my fall wardrobe is complete. I adore my converse (probably the first pair I've bought in 7 years) and I can't get enough of the J Crew jacket I bought. 

With two trips coming up in October, I'm scaling back for this month. Although, I do have my eye on these. And I still have leftover cash. So... perhaps booties? We shall see.

Linking up with Fran!

Contemplating fall boots

So I'm clearly contemplating a pair of boots. These are my top choices... what do you think? They all have their pros and cons but I need some serious help deciding!

From top left:

DV by Dolce Vita Jacksen Boot

J Crew Aggie Boot

Madewell Billie Boot

Boden biker boots

August Budget

By comparison to other months, August seemed so long. I did well on my budget this month but the J Crew Factory sale is calling my name... I might have to get this sweatshirt because I missed it last year and I kicked myself a few times.

Yellow Owl Workshop bee pendant - 25.46

J Crew Factory Houndstooth sweatshirt - ~30

Marais USA sandals - 50.96

Kate Spade iPhone cover - 15.30

J Crew Factory dot skirt - ~60

*Not pictured because I'm not sure if they fit okay - Anthropologie Piped Sabattical Loafers - 39.99

Total: 221.71

Phew. Under my monthly budget. I did sell a small purse for 75 so that helps. The skirt was a hefty price but I figure it's a piece that I will get a lot of use out of and it can be dressed up or down. I had been wanting a pair of strappy sandals with a bit of a wedge for ages. I had seen the above ones earlier this year in a storefront window but waited until the price was dropped - and I scored them with my Anthro birthday rewards. The iPhone case was a fun pick-me-up and still for some reason shows full price on their website but in store it was marked down. And I love the print - it makes me happy.

So.. how did you do this month?

Linking up with Fran!

Birthday wishist

Hello August and goodbye July! Although we did get to travel in July and DH got good news I'm not sad to see you go. So bye! ;)

With August comes my birthday (ew) and our first wedding anniversary. Here's some items that I wouldn't mind getting for either of those occasions.. hint hint!

Tory Burch Robinson bag - What can I say, I love handbags. I previously had one of the robinson bags which was great... except it was before they all came with a cross body strap. Boo to that. It's a great alternative to the Prada bags which are more than triple the price of the TB one. 

J Crew double tassel necklace - I really like the idea of a tassel necklace, and this one has two. I like the length on it and could see it easily paired with business casual outfits and also for days when I need to dress up.

Lowercase cursive initial necklace - I have been lusting over this for a few months. I really really like it.. and not sure if I can hold out for my birthday and might end up getting it for myself. And it also comes in gold and rose gold, too!

J Crew Factory anchor sweater - I love anchors. And sweaters. Match made in heaven.. and 40% off!

Dotted monogram journal - It's no secret that I have a love affair with office products... journals and pens in particular. I adore the dots on this and the monogramming makes it so much more personal.

So... expensive.. yes. But that's why its a wish list!

Do you have any items on a wish list for an upcoming event or for the new month? I'd love to hear it!

Madewell July sale picks

Happy Weekend! I can't even begin to tell you what a week I had so I figure I will just omit it from the blog. ;)

To cheer myself up I wandered down to the Madewell sale which is featuring an additional 40% all sale items.

My pics - all from Madewell San Francisco which still had a nice sale selection

Dot stitch sweater. I nabbed this one in the grey/navy dot combo. It was 49.99 in store before before any additional reductions. 

Madewell artisan tee. I took a size down in this so I got the charcoal grey and this awesome green color. Marked to 19.99 before additional sale.

Keds for Madewell in mint polka dot. I loved these ever since I first saw them.. and at 39.99 before the 40% off I treated myself. I sized down in these as well.

Have you picked up anything from the summer sales?

June Budget

You know its the end of the month when its time to link up with Fran and the other budgeting bloggers. So here's how I did for June...

Clockwise from top:

Aldo bird scarf: $20

J Crew Merino Tippi in Monarch: $39.99

Aldo veress flats in cognac: $39.99

H&M Maxi skirt: $17.99

J Crew cropped matchstick jean in mint dot: $34.99

J Crew leather coin purse: $6.00

J Crew striped makeup bag: $10.49

H&M Maxi dress: $17.99

H&M every day shirt: $5.99

Not pictured:

Gap blazer: $23.99

J Crew bangles and barrette: $6.99, $6.99, $4.89

J Crew linen perfect shirt: $27.99

The grand total: $246.29. Eeep. And I might need to swing back to Old Navy for another pair of shorts before leaving for Utah next week. It's not bad, but its not great. I'm thinking of doing another shopping ban in July if anyone would like to join.

And of course, linking up with the Budgeting Bloggers!

April budget

Or... as I shall say, ouch. I went way over budget this month. New York really threw a wrench into my plans. I thought I was done.. and then there was C Wonder. And J Crew. And no sales tax on clothes if you spend under 110.
At least everything I got was on sale? :/

April budget by lnforner featuring j.crew tees

C Wonder jeweled necklace: 28

C Wonder Chevron sweater: ~35

C Wonder Long sleeve striped shirt: ~25

J Crew silk collared blouse: 35

J Crew factory tissue tee: 7

J Crew factory white button down: 25

J Crew dot blazer: 55

Ralph Lauren long sleeved blouse: 35

Not pictured:

J Crew outlet convertible skirt/dress: ~30

J Crew peter pan collared sweater: ~30

So yeah. I'll have to be really, really good in May. Although I do need a new swimsuit for the Mexico trip that may be the only thing that I allow myself for next month.

Linking up with Franish - how did you do this month?