Friday, August 28, 2015

August 2015 Purchases

Where did this month go? It seems like August just began, and now it's almost over. Oh well, time to start wardrobe planning for fall!
As I mentioned in my July budget post, I placed a huge order with J.Crew last month during their 75% off sale. I was worried that the crazy low prices would sway me to keep items that I otherwise wouldn't, but in the end I had enough will power to return the things that I didn't love. It helped that I had just purged my closet and was in the midst of getting rid of everything. For the most part, those piles of unworn clothes (some of which still had their tags on!) killed my desire to accumulate more stuff that I felt lukewarm about. However, there were still a few winners from the order.

J.Crew merino wool Tippi cardigan (black XXS) - I love the Tippi cardigans and wear them year round. I already kept one black cardigan last month but thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a backup, especially since I've already worn the original one a few times. Originally $85. Paid $59.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $14.77.

J.Crew stitched-down pleated mini skirt (ivory 00) - I had tried on this skirt several times in store but couldn't bite the bullet, because the price was too high. I'm glad I was finally able to snag it! Originally $110. Paid $39.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $9.85.

J.Crew tropical fern sliding halter bikini top (tropical forest S) - This is the third bikini I've bought this summer and also my favorite. The print is so fun, plus the whole set was only $13! I like this top, because it has more coverage than a string bikini and stays put in the water. Originally $52. Paid $19.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $4.92.

J.Crew tropical fern side-tie bikini bottom (tropical forest XXXS) - The sizing for this bikini bottom is ridiculous. It's labeled as an XXXS but fits more like an XS in my opinion. Normally my bottom half is only one size off from my top half, so I'm confused by the way this is labeled. That aside, I like how it also stays put in the water (no sagging when wet) and has full back coverage. Originally $50. Paid $29.99 + 75% off = 1.5% off ebates = $7.39.

My collection of v-neck Everlane tees just keeps growing! I've been adding more as my J.Crew tees wear out.

Everlane cotton v (muted black XS) - This is my favorite out of the three Everlane tees that I own in terms of fit and opacity. Originally $15. Paid $15.

Earlier this month I went on a beach vacation with friends, so I bought a few things for the occasion. By the way, here's a picture I took of the sky on a particularly beautiful day at the beach.


Speedo active slub jersey cover-up dress (black XS) - I wanted a simple affordable cover-up, and this fits the bill perfectly. It dries fairly quickly and can double as a tunic. A word of caution though: it's pretty short. Originally $44. Paid $8.07.

Old Navy classic flip-flops (white 6) - I usually buy black flip flops, because they don't show grime as easily, but the downside is that they get really hot in the sun. Since these were so cheap, I wanted to experiment with getting a white pair. They're a little dirty now, but they didn't burn my feet. Originally $3.94. Paid $2.50.

Old Navy classic flip-flops (silver 6) - I also liked this light gray pair so I got it too. Originally $3.94. Paid $2.50.

Not included here are my new beach towels, which I adore. They're made of lightweight cotton and dry super fast! I got mine on sale from Madewell, but they're also available here.

Last week I stopped in at J.Crew Factory for the first time in a long while. I was pleasantly surprised by two of the items that I tried on. See my detailed reviews here.

J.Crew Factory pocket tunic sweater (heather dusk XXS) - I can't wait to wear this once the weather cools down. It's surprisingly flattering for a tunic. Originally $89.50. Paid $89.50 + 40% off + 30% off Gilt City = $37.59.


J.Crew Factory floral eyelet v-back dress (midnight shadow 00) - This dress looks sort of formal online, but it's actually a casual sundress. The lace overlay is very pretty, and the entire body of the dress is lined. To my relief, the skirt is more A-line than full. I love that it's 100% cotton and machine washable too. Originally $98. Paid $58 + 30% off + 1.5% off ebates = $39.99.

Miz Mooz Bindi ballet flat (cognac 6M) - Cognac flats were on my summer wishlist, and I finally found my perfect pair. These have an almond toe, are made of leather, and required no break-in period. Unfortunately they also don't offer much arch support, but that's to be expected for flats. Originally $99.95. Paid $61.81.

That's a wrap for all the stuff I bought this month. I also sold 7 items on Ebay for a total of $89.09 after fees and shipping, and Thredup processed the closet clean-out bag that I sent in last month. They accepted 21 out of 31 items and paid me $27.85.

So the total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $651.33
SPENT: $204.37 (31.4% of MSRP)
SOLD: $116.94
NET: $87.43

My goal for the year is to spend less than $3000, which equates to $250 per month. Right now I'm at $3000 - $327.20 for 2015Q1 - $801.47 for 2015Q2 - $192.29 for July - $87.43 for August = $1591.61, which translates to an average of $397.90 per month for the next 4 months. Let's hope this trend of staying under budget keeps going strong!

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

How did you do on your budget this month?

12 comments:

  1. Those flats look like Frye's... which I did not like.

    How do they fit? are they comfy?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So I usually wear between a 5.5 and 6, closer to 6. These run a hair large on me but not enough to go down a size (common issue for me), so I would say true to size. They're comfy, because I was able to take a long walk in them on day one without getting any blisters. However, they have no arch or ankle support, because the leather itself is too soft and lacks structure.

      Delete
  2. That pocket sweater. That eyelet dress. That skirt! So many pretties this month giving me heart eyes! Next year I'll plan to have a no-shopping month in June so I can have a little extra cash to spend in July during all these sales. I was silly and did no-shopping in July, so I missed out on some really great pieces. would love to see an outfit post with the sweater and the dress (separately...of course!).

    xo nicole
    writeslikeagirlblog.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I keep wanting to do a no-shopping month, but I'm worried that I'd just be setting myself up for failure lol. I'm impressed that you did one for July, which is usually my heaviest spending month of the year. Also, I'll be sure to do an outfit post for the sweater once the weather gets a little cooler.

      Delete
  3. Everyone seems to have had luck with cognac ballet flats this month! I love that eyelet dress, and you got the Tippi cardigan for a steal!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I noticed that! Maybe everyone made it a priority after Fran talked about matching your leathers. I hope J.Crew brings back another 75% off not final sale!

      Delete
  4. LOVE that tunic on you, and I'm not even super into tunics! It fits you so perfectly! You definitely found some great things this month!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Same here. I always thought tunics made me look short so I stayed away from them, but I really like the way this one looks.

      Delete
  5. That J.Crew Factory sweater tunic looks great on you!

    Old Navy flip flops are great! I've occasionally tried more expensive ones (mainly Havaianas), but they're not particularly better nor more durable than Old Navy ones. Sadly, NYC is very much a no-flip flops zone because the sidewalks can be quite grimy. Though most flat sandals and the Fitflop sandals I'm currently wearing are not that far removed from flip flops, and people (including myself) wear them anyway...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also tried Havaianas, but I don't really understand the hype. They seemed slightly more comfortable than the Old Navy flip flops, but at 6x the price, they should have been a lot better. Also, do the FitFlops work?

      Delete
  6. I just found your blog and had to say hi from a fellow engineer (graduated with a B.S. in chemical engineering in 2013, and my husband is an aerospace engineer)! I love how you do a monthly budget post, and find great deals. I am an avid deal-hunter, so I can totally relate. You have definitely gained a new follower, as I love finding other engineering gals that are into fashion as much as I am!

    www.betweentheracks.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome, Morgan! I'm always glad to hear from fellow engineers. Both my fiance and I are electrical engineers pursuing our PhD degrees. I love shopping and scoring great pieces on a budget, so I think it's really fun to share my purchases every month. Hope to hear more from you in the future!

      Delete