May 2015 Purchases

May has been the month of catching the one that got away. I was able to add two items to my wardrobe that I really really wanted originally but missed out on the first time around.

J.Crew merino scarf sweater (graphite ivory XS) - This sweater was a miraculous online pop-back. I missed out on it originally, because I ordered the wrong size (XXS which was too tight in the sleeves). The size up had sold out by the time I realized my mistake. A year later J.Crew Factory released their own version, which has since become my favorite sweater (it even made my favorite purchases of 2014). I had been kicking myself for not buying a backup when this showed up online. Unlike the one I already own, the retail version features the scarf print on both the sleeves and the back of the sweater. It's also thicker and plusher than the Factory one. I'm really glad I was able to get my hands on this! Originally $98. Paid $89.99 + 40% off + 1.5% off ebates = $53.18.

J.Crew textured cotton shirt in orange plaid (peri orange 00) - This button-down was a spontaneous in-store purchase. I saw my size sitting in the sale section all by its lonesome, so I decided to try it on and really liked the resulting look. I've already worn it twice since I bought it. The material feels like linen, although it doesn't seem to wrinkle quite as easily. The fit is a little flowier than a 00, but I like the drape. Originally $88. Paid $59.99 + 40% off + 15% student discount = $30.59.

J.Crew stretch toothpick Cone Denim jean in white (white 25) - You guys, I think I finally found my perfect pair of white jeans! And surprisingly, it's the same kind I've tried on twice before. As you may remember, I tried on these toothpicks in size 26 back in March and a different size 25 in February. The 26 was almost a keeper, but I didn't like how they were slightly too baggy. Anyway I decided to give these jeans one last chance, and to my surprise, they fit really well! Yay for J.Crew's inconsistent sizing? The only annoyance is that I was able to buy the jeans in size 26 for around $45 and ended up returning them before I tried on the current pair. If only I had exchanged them instead. Sigh. Oh well. Originally $115. Paid $115 + 25% off + 15% student discount = $73.31.

J.Crew 4" chino shorts (british khaki 0) - I wear these chino shorts all summer long. My old khaki pair has a 3" inseam, which I now find too short when I sit, so I thought I would replace it with this slightly longer version. Originally $45. Paid $19.99 + 40% off + 1.5% off ebates = $11.81.

Everlane women's cotton v (white XS) - I've been trying to fill my wardrobe holes and realized I was missing a classic white tee, so I thought I would give this Everlane one a try since everyone on the blogosphere loves it. I wasn't sure what size I should order though; I thought I might be either an XXS or an XS. The sizing chart online only lists the dimensions for XS, so I decided to order both and just keep the one that fits best. As it turns out, they both fit, but the XXS looks sort of body con, so I settled for the XS which is more slouchy (like the way it fits the model in their online stock photo). Unfortunately, the first time I wore the tee, a blue cardboard box rubbed off on it, and despite laundering it, there's now a faint blue patch on the front. Grrrr. I do like the fit and material though, so I might purchase a replacement next month. Originally $15. Paid $15.

Falke pure matte 100 tights (black M) - I've heard really good things about Falke tights but never had an occasion to try them out since they were $59(!) a pop. In particular, these pure matte 100 tights received rave reviews for being actually matte, decently opaque, and quite warm. I wanted to see what all the hype was about, so I initially ordered a size S. That turned out to be a mistake, because they were way too short! I couldn't even pull them up past my hips. I suggest following the sizing chart on the back of the packaging. According to that, I should have gotten a S/M, but the M feels very comfortable and snug to me. Originally $59. Paid $44.99 + 40% off + 1.5% off ebates = $26.59 per pair x 2 = $53.18.

J.Crew tassel scarf (heather carbon) - I confess that I originally bought this as filler to get free shipping, but I actually really like it and plan to keep it. Obviously it's a cold weather scarf, so I'll be saving it for next year. It's warm, the grey color goes with all of my coats, and the tassels are nicer than I expected. Plus it was on super sale! Score. Originally $65. Paid $19.99 + 40% off + 1.5% off ebates = $11.81.

J.Crew no. 2 pencil skirt in porcelain paisley (navy 0P) - So this doesn't really count as a purchase, but I had to share because this skirt is my favorite item of the month! Possibly of the year. Porcelain paisley is my favorite print of all time from J.Crew, and I've been in love with this skirt for years. I missed out on it the first time around though (~2012), and I've been kicking myself ever since. A few times a year, I search for my size on Ebay, but it was either not available or at an usurious price. For my birthday this year, Engineer W was able to hunt it down for me! He's kind of awesome.

So the total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $544.00
SPENT: $248.88 (45.8% of MSRP)

My goal for the year is to spend less than $3000, which translates roughly to $250 per month. Right now I'm at $3000 - $327.20 for 2015Q1 - $299.57 for April - $248.88 for May = $2124.35, which translates to an average of $303.48 per month for the next 7 months.

As always, I'm linking up with Franish and the other Budgeting Bloggers!

How did you do on your budget this month?