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!

June Instalately

June where have you gone?!

We're plowing toward the end and begin of a new fiscal year at work so things are a little hectic. Regardless, here's some Instagram to show you that I still exist.

I started June off with a bit of relaxation.. champagne, my kindle, and a massage

A gift from my husband from NY - a cuff made out of a camera lens!

She went from boxes to bags. 

A new beer favorite - Anderson Valley's Cream Ale

A new favorite outfit - J Crew skirt, top, and necklace, Gap cardigan, Louis Vuitton bag

Ferry ride to Angel Island - looking back on SF

A view of the Golden Gate from Angel Island - one more 30 before 30 checked off!

Wanna follow along? You can find me on instagram at makeupandpearls.

May Spending Recap

May has gone by in a blur and I can barely recall what happened in the first half of the month. I think this is somewhat right.. hah.

J Crew Cleo loafers - 59.99, my review here
J Crew Factory stripe tee - 18.99
J Crew Factory Pineapple tee - 12.99

Not pictured:
Gap outlet tank top, 6.00
Old Navy graphic tee in mint print, 8.00
Coach Reena sandals, 50.00

Total: 155.97

Not too shabby.. although I may have a pair of shoes hidden somewhere. Since I worked a ton of overtime I may see about keeping them (horrible, I know...). I love the pineapple tee as it reminds me of summer, and you can never have too many stripes. The coach sandals are perfect for summer and can go with anything from jeans to a maxi dress.

How did you do in May? Linking up with Fran!

J Crew & J Crew Factory shoe reviews

I'm in the middle of my busiest time of year at work - open enrollment, and with over 20+ programs it's my task to visit them all and hold information sessions. It's a blast to be able to get out and meet everyone but at the same time I'm exhausted.

However, I have two new pairs of shoes to keep that pep in my step up while I'm trekking across 3 counties.

When I first saw the J Crew Factory Addie loafers in the anchor motif I knew they had to be mine. I love the fact that they combine stripes, an anchor, and neutral colors that can go with any outfit. I took my normal 7.5 in these and I got them for super sale during the last big factory promo sale. I'd watch the site this weekend since it's Memorial Day for a big sale.

The second pair that I nabbed recently thanks to seeing several others wearing them and getting them on deep discount are the Cleo stripe loafers in canvas. I got these for 59.99 - they are marked 99.99 in store and then an additional 40% - and let's really appreciate that price since these are made in Italy! (And I admit now that I have a loafer problem... oi!). I love these. I think they will be perfect with shorts, jeans, and cutoffs for the summer months. I did go down to a size 7 as my SA advised that because they are lined in leather on the inside they will stretch. Call your stores - I know the SF Center store still had sizes in stock in the back as of Saturday! These also came with a lovely shoe storage bag and a Made in Italy care card.

Have you picked up any fun shoes lately - and most importantly, will you be stalking the sales for this upcoming Memorial Day weekend?

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!

April Insta-lately

In between prepping for my busiest time of the year at work, studying for my upcoming HR test and trying to enjoy the better weather blogging has been at the bottom of my list lately.

But here's what I've been up to - feel free to follow along on instagram here!

We celebrated the anniversary of my Nonno's passing with his favorite - cream puffs! 

Warmer weather finally means venturing outside during lunch 

Sometimes she's too cute for words, and I'd rather spend the day in bed with her than doing other responsible adult things.

J Crew top, random blazer, Gap pants.

Did you know SF has windmills? We have two! And you can see them from Ocean Beach.

Why studying can sometimes be hard...

Tried on this prada bag and fell in love... maybe a 30th birthday present?

Have you discovered anything fun through instagram lately? Do tell!