Monday, June 29, 2015

June 2015 Purchases

Now that summer is officially here, summer clothes and beachwear have been on my mind. Last month I started thinking about pieces I would like to add to my wardrobe this season, and that culminated in my summer 2015 wishlist. This month I was able to snag a few items on that list, including a small cognac bag, comfy sneakers (two pairs!), and half of a black bikini. Speaking of bikinis, does anyone else hate trying on swimsuits? I feel like it brings out all of my inner insecurities. I was really lucky that I found three pieces that were flattering and affordable so painlessly. Usually it's such an ordeal. Anyway, here's what I added to my wardrobe this month.

June 2015 Purchases

Old Navy floral string bikini top (peri berry print S) - I don't usually like string bikini tops, because they offer zero support, have little coverage, and the triangle panels tend to shift around so that I'm constantly worried about accidental flashing. However, they do tend to be quite cheap and offer a high level of adjustability. This top impressed me with how well it stayed in place. Totally passed my jump-up-and-down test. Maybe the double string halter ties help with that? Still not that much support, so I wouldn't recommend it for larger busts, but I'm only a 32C. I like the tassels too. Originally $22.94. Paid $9 + 6% off ebates = $8.46.

Old Navy floral string bikini bottom (peri berry print XS) - I like string bottoms, because you can tie them as tightly as you need. Since I have pretty slim hips, most XS bottoms are still a bit loose, and I don't want them coming off when I get into/out of the water. These were perfect once I adjusted the tassel ties. Some people don't like the tassels, but you can always cut those off. Personally I'm fine with them, because they help visually balance out my figure. Originally $19.94. Paid $8 + 6% off ebates = $7.52.

Mossimo strappy halter bikini top (black S) - I like this top even better than the string bikini. It's extremely flattering, quite supportive, is fully adjustable, and offers a decent amount of coverage. The only problem is that the matching bottom is sold out in XS, so now I need to look around for other black bottoms. You would think that's easy enough, but so far I haven't found any that matched the style and fit tightly enough that they won't fall off in the water. Originally $17.99. Paid $16.

Vans for J.Crew classic slip-on sneakers in metallic (silver 4.5/6) - So this was totally an impulse purchase. I was walking through the sale section at J.Crew this past weekend, and the only thing that caught my eye was these silver slip-on Vans. I really like the way they look, and I think they would pair well with jeans and shorts for those casual days. Originally $60. Paid $49.99 + 50% off in-store + 15% off student discount = $21.25.


Everlane cotton heather v (heather grey XS) - Last month I purchased my first Everlane cotton tee. It got stained the first day I wore it, but luckily I was able to get the stain out after two washes. I really like the fit, but the white color is still a little sheer in my opinion. So the logical solution is to pick up a tee in heather grey. This one isn't sheer at all, but it seems to run a hair larger than the white one. No problem, I'll just shrink it once in the dryer. Originally $18. Paid $18.

Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC (almond) - In the course of going through my bag collection, I realized that I didn't already own a small cognac purse. I decided to rectify this oversight by picking up one of my favorite Rebecca Minkoff styles, the popular mini MAC. I really like the gold hardware, and the leather is so supple! The only thing that could make this little bag even better is if there were more interior organizer pockets. Clearly that doesn't bother me though, because I've been wearing it nonstop ever since I got it. Originally $195. Paid $119.76 - $50 birthday gift card - $37.57 rewards = $32.19.

Everlane tee, J.Crew maxi skirt, Sam Edelman sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC

Nike vintage collection Air Pegasus '83 sneakers (black 6M) - Retro sneakers have been everywhere on the blogosphere lately, and I'm all for it. I bought my pair from J.Crew (occasional popbacks), but this style is also available on other websites. Originally $80. Paid $80 + 30% off (doh forgot ebates!) = $56.

Kendra Scott Rayne tassel necklace (turquoise) - My Kendra Scott jewelry collection is growing! I've been looking for a pendant necklace and saw that Nordstrom was price matching this one (with Lord & Taylor, I think?). I bought it in turquoise, because it's such a pretty pop of color against neutrals, which is what I mostly wear, plus then I can match my turquoise Kendra Scott Elle earrings. Originally $80. Paid $64 + 3% off ebates = $62.08.


Kendra Scott Kylie drusy ring (rhodium platinum drusy 5) - I went through a gold jewelry phase for a while, so most of the rings I own are gold-toned. However, my engagement ring is silver-toned. I used to be okay with wearing both colors on my hands at the same time, but now it somehow feels wrong. I decided to pick up this ring to add to my silver jewelry collection, plus it's sooo glittery. In case you didn't know, glitter is my kryptonite. Originally $65. Paid $32.49 + 3% off ebates = $31.52.


So the total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $558.87
SPENT: $253.02 (45.3% 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 - $253.02 for June = $1871.33, which translates to an average of $311.89 per month for the next 6 months.

I think I went overboard with the accessories this time around, although I do love everything. Next month I want to focus on getting the perfect denim jacket and casual everyday dress.

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

How did you do on your budget this month?

22 comments:

  1. I have a MAC clutch too! It is a good small bag (though I've also found the lack of more interior pockets to be a bit annoying). Despite how small the bag is, I usually need to do a bit of digging to find keys or my metrocard.

    I also really like the Vans. It's a look I've been testing out with a vaguely similarly designed pair of Keds. I was surprised that I liked the Keds as much as I did. (I used to wear ballet flats almost exclusively, and slip-on sneakers feel like a much more casual look to me.)

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    1. So true! I find myself constantly digging for my keys. Somehow they just end up in the bottom of the bag underneath everything.

      I really really like these Vans. I've tried on other pairs, but they always made my feet look too wide. The metallic shine seems to disguise that problem. I'm also an exclusive flat wearer, and these seemed like a natural transition to me. Can't wait to see your Keds!

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  2. That dressing room outfit is perfection! I love how your bag perfectly compliments the outfit. Swim suits are the worst. Whenever I find a good one, it's always sold out in my size or the top fits but the bottom doesn't. I've started just going with one pieces, but I did get two bikini tops and bottoms this month for my goal swim pieces.

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    1. Thank you! I felt proud of myself for putting together such a simple yet nice look. Also yes! Whenever I find a cute bikini, usually the top or the bottom is sold out in my size.

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  3. I'm going to echo Meghan's sentiment, I LOVE that dressing room outfit with the striped skirt. It's simple and yet pops at the same time. That purse is awesome too. I loved it as soon as I saw you post it on Instagram.

    As for the bathing suit shopping... yeah, it sucks. It doesn't seem to matter what shape or size a person is, horrible bathing suit shopping experiences hit all of us. My issue is trying to find bathing suit tops that will hold me in without looking like they're strangling me :(

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    1. Thank you! I really like the outfit too. I'm getting a ton of wear out of the bag. Usually I don't start wearing new purchases right away like I did with this one.

      That's why I like halter tops with ties in the back and around the neck. That way you can adjust them to suit yourself. :)

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  4. I love the MAC bag. It's such a versatile color. I bet you'll wear it everywhere this summer!

    http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/

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    1. I can't believe I didn't get it sooner! I was totally missing out before.

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  5. The Kendra Scott ring is gorgeous! I've been trying to resist picking up some of her pieces, but my resolve is at about zero right now...

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    1. Not to be an enabler, but Nordstrom frequently has Kendra Scott pieces marked down or price matched. If you add what you like to your wishlist and check back, you can score nice things on sale. :)

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  6. Love the drusy ring and the Mac! The Mac looks great in that outfit with the maxi skirt :)

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    1. Thanks! Also the drusy ring is even prettier in person. So sparkly!

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    1. They're surprisingly versatile! I wore them yesterday and couldn't stop staring at my feet all day.

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  8. I REALLY like that Target bikini top! I always glance at their swimsuits when I'm in store, but I haven't actually taken the time to look through everything. The one that caught my eye is the navy and white striped bra-style halter top but I really like the look of that one.

    xo Kimi

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    1. I'm actually pretty impressed by the quality of Target and Old Navy swimwear, especially for the price! Last year I bought a Seafolly bikini from Amazon. It was really flattering but pretty expensive at close to $90 and crazy slow to dry. For that price, I could have bought at least 3 bikinis from Target or Old Navy!

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  9. Love all your finds this month. I have that stripe skirt and I really love the way you styled it. I also got a pair of metallic Vans from J.Crew just this week, the crackled silver pair. They are super comfy, I almost want the pair you got too! :)

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    1. The maxi skirt has been pretty versatile. I love metallic Vans! I wanted your pair originally, but they were sold out in my size. I'm glad I was able to get this one.

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  10. I bought a pair of the Air Pegasus '83s last month, love them (ok, I bought 2 pair...I wanted a back up!).

    Nice purchases! With accessories, I think it is smart to just pull the trigger when you find something you love -- you never know when exactly you'll want/need them, and trying to go out and buy a great ring or that perfect necklace almost never works out for me. Better to know you have options in your jewelry box :)

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    1. I love the Air Pegasus '83s too! Finally, sneakers that don't look like gym shoes. I totally agree about pulling the trigger. That's how I feel about dresses. It's nearly impossible to find a good one on short notice!

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  11. Ooh, the slip-ons are so cute - I've always wanted to try that style of shoe, Also loving the new purse - it's a great size!

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    1. You should definitely give them a shot! I feel like Vans at J.Crew go on sale pretty regularly.

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