August 2014 Purchases

Background Info
I am currently an engineering grad student, and unlike many other disciplines, you can actually get paid (a little, not a lot) to attend grad school. I don't have to pay tuition and receive a small sum of money every month that covers my living expenses. The amount of money I get is fixed, which means my disposable income shrinks every year as my rent goes up, the price of gas rises, etc. Still I know I am very lucky that I do not carry any debt and also have some savings so that I don't have to worry about money during this period of my life.

Regarding my budget, I have set an amount of $300 for most months and $350 for the months of July and December/January. That may seem like a lot to some people. Heck, it seems like a lot to me. Eventually I would like to reduce this number to $200 per month, but I will need to do it gradually.

August Purchases
Unlike last month, I didn't go too crazy this time. I would like to think it was because I exerted greater self-control, but in reality, the sales just weren't as good. Most of my purchases are basics, so they should be very wearable and easy to remix.

1. Patagonia down sweater vest (black XS) - I had wishlisted this vest at the beginning of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but my size and preferred color sold out almost right away. On the last day of the sale, the black popped back in XS, and I took it as a sign that we were meant to be. For lovers of the puffer vest trend, I highly recommend this one. It may run a bit small, since the XS fits me fine. I actually think it's nicer than the black J.Crew and J.Crew Factory puffer vests out this season, because it's less boxy and more fitted. This vest is also incredibly light (I can hardly feel any weight when I wear it) and warm for the weight. It can be layered casually and worn as activewear. Originally $179. Paid $118.90 - 10% off ebates = $107.01, a discount of 40%.

2. J.Crew maxiskirt in stripe (navy/heather gray XXS) - Shockingly this is the only J.Crew item I purchased all month. No, I don't have a fever. At the beginning of August, J.Crew packed up most of the overstock inventory and shipped it back to their warehouses, leaving the in-store sale section looking a little forlorn. Luckily I found this maxi skirt in my size right before that happened. Here's a picture from the fitting room. The length is perfect for me, but I'm only 5'4" with a 30" inseam. It may be too short for taller ladies. The fabric is very soft and stretchy. This should transition nicely into fall. Originally $75. Paid $54.99 - 50% off final sale - 15% student discount = $23.37, a discount of 69%.

3. Seafolly goddess bikini top (chartreuse US4/AU8) - This bikini is crazy flattering! See my review at the end of this post. Originally $92. Paid $56.05, a discount of 39%. I used an Amazon gift card (value $44.55) to bring my out-of-pocket cost to $11.50.

4. Seafolly goddess bikini bottom (chartreuse US4/AU8) - See above. Originally $66. Paid $29.09, a discount of 56%. Love!

5. Gap essential rib tank (heather gray XSP) - Shopping for blazers, coats, and dresses is fun, but shopping for basic knits like tees and tanks is boring. I finally forced myself to buy a few this month. I originally got the white version, but it was sheer so I purchased this one instead. This tank is quite long so I needed XSP. It also runs slim, so I could have sized up to SP if only the straps weren't so long. Originally $16.50. Paid $16.50 - 40% off - 4% off ebates = $9.50, a discount of 42%.

6. Converse Chuck Taylor low sneakers (charcoal 5.5M) - This is my second pair of Chucks. I also have an old black pair that's looking a little too beat-up. I sized down a half-size from my usual 6M since Chucks run long in the toe box. The classic colors rarely go on sale, so I jumped on these when I found them online. Originally $45. Paid $37.49 - 3% off ebates = $36.37, a discount of 19%.

7. Gap Supersoft v-neck tee (freesia XS) - I'm a big fan of the Supersoft fabric. It's just so thick and smooth and soft. The shirt does wrinkle easily and has a tendency to cling, but I find it to be very comfortable, and I think the dark lavender color is pretty. Even if I never wore this outdoors, it would make a great lounge shirt. Again the white version is sheer, but this color was not. Originally $19.95. Paid $19.95 - 40% off - 4% off ebates = $11.49, a discount of 42%.

8. Not pictured above: American Eagle mid-rise super skinny jean (medium destroyed 0S) - I've been looking for a lightly distressed pair of jeans, so hopefully these work out. Originally $49.95. Paid $29.99 - 5% off ebates = $28.49, a discount of 43%. EDIT: I ended up returning these, because they were a little too short, and the wash was lighter than I had expected.


RETAIL: $543.40 $493.45
TOTAL: $256.82 $228.33 (46% of MSRP) 

Thank goodness I came under budget this month, because I need to save for Altuzarra for Target next month. How did you do? What did you think of my purchases? Let me know!