June budget

Another month gone.. whew! This month I wrapped up my biggest project to date at the new job. It's been challenging, but on 7/7 when payroll runs and everything is correct I will have a huge weight off my shoulders (and probably celebrate with a beer).

So how did I do this month?

Via Groopdealz

Via Groopdealz

Groopdealz Meow T shirt, 16.99
Groopdealz Anchor T shirt, 13.99

Not pictured: 
Leopard and latte anchor scarf, 12.00
J Crew Factory Herringbone Vest, 54.00

Total: 96.98

Whoa, working a lot and getting back into spin has been really good for the wallet. The two tees will be great in Mexico, and the anchor scarf (as seen on my instagram) is a fun summer accessory, and also makes for some USA pride while watching world cup games. And... if the factory herringbone vest ships, I will be a happy camper since I've kicked myself for passing on it last year.

How did you do this month? Linking up with Fran and her budgeting bloggers!

Collared blazer love

For some reason four day work weeks always feel longer than 5 day weeks. I mean you are really only working 32 hours instead of 40 (if you go by a clock) but the days just drag on. 5 o'clock is looming here and I can't wait!

I wore this to work yesterday and am kicking myself for not picking up more of the jackie sweaters when I got this one... they just look so good and have longer sleeves than the tippi. I think a red and royal blue would be nice... or navy. White? Beige? Oi vey.

 I also have to admit that I really like the new lighting in this office bathroom.

And can I stop for a second and mention how much I love peter pan collars, especially ones that have embellishments on them? When I grabbed this top from H&M sometime last year I thought it was going to be one of those purchases that I always regret. But I'm glad to see that it's versatile and I can pair it under sweaters to add a bit of glam to my outfit.

I've also been searching for a collar necklace or two to add to my collection..so if anyone has any that they've picked up recently let me know. I particularly like this one from C Wonder but the price stops me from pulling the trigger on buying it.

Are there certain items in your closet that you hesitated on purchasing but end up loving?

And because its a Friday... T minus 22 days until Europe!

Blazer & Jeans: Banana Republic similar blazer here, jeans here
Jackie sweater: J Crew
Scarf: Nordstrom, similar rose print here
Peter pan collar shirt: H&M

Green Challenge!

It's time for another Everybody Everywear challenge - and today it's green! Since the majority of the shades of green look not so great on me I decided to dress up a drab outfit today with a green scarf. It's pouring rain and dark here in San Francisco today so the bright pop of green helps brighten up my outfit.

Closeup of the scarf print.

Oxford shirt & Scarf: H&M. Skirt: Gary Graham. Blazer: Banana Republic. Shoes: JCrew.

I also have to say that I'm pretty jealous of people who can rock green in more than just an accessory. For some reason it doesn't bode well for my skin tone. D'oh.

Since St. Patrick's day is right around the corner... what's your favorite piece of green to sport?

Purple and gold

I have to admit that I've been on a scarf kick lately. H&M has had some nice finds recently - including the one I'm wearing today. I love it already after my first time wearing it - my mom treated me to it yesterday. Thanks mom! I've also decided to start stashing some cash aside for our honeymoon in Europe to treat myself to something nice - I haven't decided what it is yet - but I've been tossing about the idea of an awesome pair of prada shoes from Italy or an Hermes silk scarf (brand new, perhaps?). I started an ING account that's separate from my savings and add a few dollars to it at a time.

Blouse: Banana Republic. Slacks: Gap. Sweater and scarf: H&M. Shoes: Nine West

Again, I apologize for the awkward bathroom shots. I didn't get much time today to take any pictures since I'm training my replacement at work (woohoo!). 

I'm also realizing that I dress way conservative on Mondays and Tuesdays and taper off the rest of the week. Wonder why. Does that happen to anyone else?

So since I'm currently obsessed with scarves... is anyone else on a binge of a particular item lately? I'm also lusting after a blouse with a metal tipped collar, but we shall see.  Fingers crossed for better light tomorrow - I'd love to share some of my favorite scarves on Wednesday!

Prep school graduation

Okay, not really. I did go to a prep high school, complete with uniforms (a la Britney Spears in her baby one more time video. trust me, it wasn't that cool). And for some reason, despite the not so flattering uniforms there's a part of me that's always been a die-hard prep deep down inside. Plaid? Love it! Blazers? I'll throw that in too. And elbow patches? Some of my favorite things to go on shirts. I love some of the looks from Tommy Hillfiger and Ralph Lauren (but can't stomach the prices).

To beat the impending rain storm coming our way I decided to brighten things up -I found my red blazer! And my first chambray shirt, too! (I feel like I'm making progress..).

See? Elbow pads!

 Blazer, shirt, and scarf: H&M. Jeans: Urban Outfitters. Necklace: Tiffanys (gift). Shoes: from Morocco! (gift)

I also have to delve a bit into this scarf I spotted at H&M last night and decided I had to have. Someone in the office commented it looks a lot more expensive than the 9.95 price tag it had on it - and I have to agree. Plus whats not to love about cheetahs and irises? I mean, genius to put both those things together.

I'm also trying my hand at instagram - for anyone who is on there find me at makeupandpearls. There's a lot of my cat. But she's cute so I guess its okay.

Thursday morning FH and I are off to Hawaii for the wedding of two of our dear friends. It's a short trip, but look for my post on how I'm packing lightly (with the exception of the party goods I need to bring for the bridal shower).