Monday, September 28, 2015

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?

14 comments:

  1. Love all of your buys! I agree about Birkenstocks - not my favorite, but the new styles are super cute.

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    1. Thanks! I think Birkenstocks will be a very short-lived trend, but they're just so comfortable!

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  2. Great purchases! I really love the color of that LOFT blouse - it's great for fall!

    http://www.betweentheracks.com/

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    1. Thanks! I love goldenrod/mustard for fall (or really any time of the year). That was the it color a few years ago, but I missed out on it at the time. Glad it's coming back!

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  3. I really liked those Birks but couldn't get past the white. I just wasn't sure how much I would wear them. I love the plaid top you got. I almost pulled the trigger on it, but ended up passing for other reasons.

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    1. I agree that white Birkenstocks aren't for everyone. Personally I think they look cool! This is one of the few plaid patterns from J.Crew that I've liked recently. A lot of the other plaids are sort of drab and dreary.

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  4. Birkenstocks! I tried some on a few months ago because I noticed that they were pretty popular, but they didn't look as good on my rather wide feet. And you got a great deal on those jeans. I haven't had the chance to look for jeans at Nordstrom Rack yet, though I'm hoping that I have good luck when I go.

    You got a pretty good price on the Biore sunscreen too. (I think I used to miscalculate how much I paid in Taiwan and China because I thought it typically cost more than $11 or $12 USD. If purchased at $12 or so, it does end up costing almost as much as Shiseido sunscreen per ounce.)

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    1. Birkenstocks are already clunky, so I can see why they wouldn't work for wider feet. I like them more for their comfort than their style. Good luck on your denim search! By the way, the selection at Nordstrom Rack can be very hit or miss. Sometimes I find great pieces, and other times I leave empty-handed.

      I hadn't considered the cost per ounce. The Biore sunscreen is even more expensive than I realized!

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  5. Those Birks were an awesome steal! I wanted white ones last year, but they were sold out everywhere in my size. Sigh. ;-)

    I don't have much from Loft either. I find most of their items too boxy and ill fitting. It's a shame because there are so many cute things.

    http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/

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    1. I think I was only able to get my hands on a pair, because the Birkenstocks trend has come and gone. I still like them though, regardless of whether they're trendy or not!

      I totally agree about LOFT! Periodically I place an order when they're running one of their 40% off sales because I like the way their pieces look, but then I end up returning everything because they're all too boxy. =(

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  6. Love that plaid top! I had it on my wishlist all summer but never ended up getting it. I guess I really didn't need it after all. Are you planning on styling it for this fall? Would love to see outfit combinations with it so I can live through you. ;)

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    1. I have things like that on my wishlist too, where I watch and wait but then never actually buy even if it goes on sale, because I didn't want it THAT badly.

      Thanks for the suggestion. I really ought to do more outfit posts. The main reason I haven't is because I don't have a regular background that I can take pictures in front of. That, and my camera sucks. Excuses excuses, I know. ;)

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  7. That's quite the score on those jeans! Siwy is one of those brands I've heard of several times, but never tried on. I'm glad they worked out for you!

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    1. Thanks! I love going to Nordstrom Rack for jeans (and shoes)! Also, there's nothing like scoring a great deal on something you'll actually wear.

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