September 2015 Purchases

I actually shopped very little in September but still managed to spend a sizeable portion of my budget. That's because most of the purchases I did make this month ended up being keepers. None of them were essentials per se, but I really like everything, and they all integrate seamlessly into my existing wardrobe.

LOFT pocket blouse (maize gold XXS) - For some reason, I've never had much success with shopping at LOFT in the past. Maybe it's because I usually need an XXS, which is online only. Maybe it's because they use a lot of synthetic fabrics. Whatever the reason, I own very few pieces from there. Fast forward to earlier this month when I popped into a nearby store on a whim. The first thing I was drawn to was this simple blouse rendered in a gorgeous golden yellow (there's also a ruffle shell in the same color)! The fabric is great too. It's 100% polyester but feels more like a sandwashed silk. Originally $49.50. Paid $49.50 + 40% off = $29.70.

Siwy Ladonna skinny high rise crop jeans (true love wash 25) - I found this awesome pair of grey skinny jeans while I was aimlessly wandering around Nordstrom Rack one day. I had never heard of this brand before, but the jeans passed my handfeel test so I took them with me into the fitting room, expecting them not to work out. Not only was the fit fantastic, they were also reasonably priced and my ideal blend of 98% cotton, 2% elastane (substantial with a hint of stretch). There was nothing I could do but take them home with me and evaluate them with other tops I own. Later when I researched the jeans online, I discovered that Siwy is a designer brand carried by Shopbop and Revolve. These worked out so well that I'll have to keep an eye out for more in the future. Originally $187. Paid $35.98.

J.Crew summerweight shirt in navy plaid (ivory navy multi 00) - I really like J.Crew button-downs, but it's been a while since they've released any that I wanted to add to my wardrobe. I used to love their fitted perfect shirts, but now most of their shirts are too long and too boyfriend-fit for me. Luckily this lightweight cotton shirt is just the right length and size. I particularly like the colors of the plaid, because they're neutral without being boring. Originally $88. Paid $59.99 + 40% off + 6% off ebates = $33.83.

Birkenstocks for J.Crew Arizona sandals (white 36) - Remember when Birkenstocks became a thing earlier this year? Personally I've always liked them. Not necessarily the clunky way they look, but how comfortable they feel after the initial break-in period. They're also extremely durable. I have a 9 year old pair that's still going strong. I don't think I've ever had any other shoe last as long. Anyway, a few months ago I saw a pair of all-white Birkenstocks on a friend of a friend and became obsessed. Of course I wasn't going to shell out $130 for something that might get stained easily. However, when I saw these for 55% off their original price, I decided to snap them up. I hope these can last for 10 years too! Originally $130. Paid $104.99 + 40% off + 6% off ebates = $59.21.

I also bought a few skincare products this month. I'm trying to overhaul/create my skincare routine, so I wanted to try out some new-to-me products.

Bioré UV perfect bright milk - This Japanese sunscreen was introduced to me by Xin from An Invincible Summer. If you're looking for a super lightweight, non-oily, high SPF face sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast, this product may be perfect for you. Personally I was surprised that it doesn't hydrate the skin at all, and it leaves a subtle pink tint (only noticeable if you look closely). I think it would be great layered over a morning moisturizer, but I sort of prefer the convenience of a combined moisturizer + SPF. Also it's pretty expensive since it only comes in a tiny bottle. Originally $8.80. Paid $8.80.

40 Carrots Carrot + C vitamin serum - I just got this a few days ago, so I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. I was looking for a vitamin C serum and decided to get this one for reasons unbeknownst to me now. It claims to also contain a weaker form of retinol. In retrospect, I kind of wish I purchased a different version on Amazon. Originally $14.99. Paid $12.85.

One thing that didn't work out this month was this red striped tee (full review here). Since it runs a bit small, I ordered both my usual XXS as well as one size up. Unfortunately the XXS is a little too tight, while the XS is a little too loose! I really like the tee otherwise, so I need to go in store and try on all of the shirts they have in person.


So the total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $478.29
SPENT: $180.37 (37.7% of MSRP)

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 - $180.37 for September = $1411.24, which translates to an average of $470.41 per month for the next 3 months. My stretch goal is spend less than $2400 this year.

As always, I'm linking up with Franish and the Budgeting Bloggers. So how did you do on your budget this month?