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!

The honeymoon wishlist

Sometime last year when DH and I decided that we were going to go to Europe for our honeymoon I decided to start stashing a bit of money aside to buy myself something fabulous. Because lets face it - everything is mostly cheaper in Europe (and there's that awesome thing called the VAT that us non-Europeans get to claim on our way home).

I'm torn - part of me wants to get something that I can only get in Italy - but the other part of me wants to use this opportunity to get something grand.

So... for now... here's what I'm considering.

Via Hermes.com

The Hermes enamel bangle. I don't own one. I think they are gorgeous. And why not commemorate my honeymoon with something fantastic and Hermes that I can always wear? I particularly like this one. And it's a savings if I buy it in Italy vs the US. Hermes Grand Apparat enamel bracelet online.

Via Ferragamo.com

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of Italy (besides the food) is fine Italian shoes. And well, who can beat Ferrgamo? I'm fairly sure I've been eying these for years. These are the Varina flats - I know they also come with a bit of a heel and then a full heeled version. Love. There's bows. And leather. And ribbon. I mean, Ferragamo really knows the way to a woman's heart. Buy here at Ferragamo.com.

It would really be Italian without mentioning Prada. Oh Prada, I really do love you. And since I don't have a nice wallet anymore, this kinda tugs at my heart strings a little big. Saffiano leather plus a tri color interior? LOVE. The only problem with this is .... what color? Purchase at prada.com.

There are some other ideas I have floating around... perhaps a Hermes or Ferragamo silk scarf. Or maybe a small cameo from the Ponte Vecchio. But... I'd love to hear your thoughts! What would you get on your honeymoon?

And so it's not all talk... a few snapshots of the long weekend.

Bride & groom index at City Hall

View of SF from an observation deck

Checking off a new beer for the last day of August

Hope you all had a great weekend!