Banana Republic ruched gray jersey skirt (medium gray heather XS) - I saw this skirt on Valley of the Shoes and immediately ordered it, even though it's not my usual style. It's super comfortable and so easy to wear! I especially like the way it looks with a tee, denim jacket, and sneakers. Sadly they didn't have this in my usual XSP, so I had to get an XS. The fit is a little larger than I'd prefer, but it's workable. I've already worn this a few times. Originally $59.50. Paid $14.99 + 40% off + 2% off ebates = $8.81.
Old Navy half-sleeve ponte-knit dress (black XS) - I've been looking to add a casual shift dress to my closet since June, and I finally found one that I like! I never expected it to be from Old Navy though. In general, I tend to be sized out there. However, the reviews for this dress said that it ran small, so it actually fits me really well! Great wardrobe basic and very affordable too. Originally $34.94. Paid $10 + 2% off ebates = $9.80.
J.Crew Factory pocket tunic sweater (black XXS) - I also already own this sweater (in heather gray), and I really like it! The merino wool is a good weight and quite warm too. The tunic silhouette works well with skinny jeans and ponte leggings. True to size. Originally $89.50. Paid $39.99 + 35% off + 3% off ebates = $25.21.
Sorel winter fancy lace II boot (elk/grizzly bear 6.5) - So I've been wanting to get a pair of duck boots for months now. At first I considered getting the L.L.Bean ones, but apparently they tend to run a size large and so I would be sized out. Then I tried on these Sperry ones, but they felt flimsy and insubstantial. Finally, I saw these boots on Jean and ordered them right away from Amazon for 20% off. They run half a size small, so I had to order a 6.5 instead of my usual 6. They're pretty warm and not too clunky for winter boots. The color is really nice and goes with everything. Originally $149.95. Paid $149.95 + 20% off + $5 off =
As I mentioned in this post, I also ordered this fair isle sweater, this herringbone blazer, and these olive suede ankle boots from J.Crew Factory earlier this month. In the end, I decided to return all three. The fair isle sweater was very pill-prone, which is something that I didn't notice the first I tried it on, but I know is an issue that would bother me in the long term. The herringbone blazer is great quality, but it runs just a little small, and I found the sleeves a hair too long. Since it wasn't perfect, it's going back too. I'm so disappointed by the olive booties! The color is gorgeous, but the ankle opening was much too large. I could almost slip them off without unzipping. Oh well, I guess that just means I have more money to work with next month.
So the total for this month comes to...
RETAIL:
SPENT:
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 - $460.09 for 2015Q3 - $63.85 for October = $1347.39, which translates to an average of $673.69 per month for the next 2 months. My stretch goal is spend less than $2400 this year, which would mean an average of $373.69 per month for the next 2 months. A very comfortable margin!
As always, I'm linking up with Franish and the Budgeting Bloggers. How did you do on your budget this month?
Practical boots is probably the best item ever to spend money on. I have a pair of LL Bean boots from a few years ago and I'm looking to make them a bit more feminine this year with colorful laces.
ReplyDeleteI'm crushing on that adorable LBD. It looks so versatile and comfy!
http://bedknobsandbaubles.com/
I really wish I wasn't sized out of LL Bean boots! Oh well. I love how different laces can really change the way a shoe looks.
DeleteThe dress is comfy! And super affordable too.
You got some great basics! I would love to see some outfit pictures with the skirt. I got a Helmut Lang skirt that looks almost exactly the same from TJMaxx for $15 in light grey, but I haven't worn it yet. I tried it with a striped tee and leather vest/jacket and white sneakers and that looks ok, but I'm not convinced yet. But it's so comfortable that I want to wear it!
ReplyDeletewww.betweentheracks.com
You always get the most amazing deals! I'm terrible about taking outfit photos in a timely manner, but here's one way that Valley of the Shoes wore the skirt that I've copied (minus the scarf).
DeleteI just bought one of those J. Crew factory striped tees and I like it a lot. Also, yay for finding a pair of duck boots that work for you.
ReplyDeleteYay, I'm glad the tee worked out for you! I liked it so much I got two. Also, thanks for the feedback you gave me about LL Bean boot sizing!
DeleteI really like the look of that dress! It seems like a great basic. Does it fit like a t-shirt dress, or is it more structured? I need more structured things or else I'm really self-conscious of my stomach.
ReplyDeleteI have issues with t-shirt dresses too, because they tend to cling to everything. This fabric feels like a light structured ponte but more synthetic if that makes sense. I suspect it doesn't breathe super well in the summer, but it's fine for spring and fall. The silhouette is also not bodycon or sheath. The XS is more like a fitted shift on me.
DeleteI actually ordered that boatneck tee in navy after reading your review here. Definitely a wise purchase, so thanks!
ReplyDeleteToo bad that the herringbone blazer didn't work out--I really love the fabric and structure of it. But you're right that it probably wasn't worth keeping if the fit was even a little off.
I'm glad you like the tee! I'm a little sad about the herringbone blazer too because the quality was quite good, but if it doesn't fit, it's not right for me since I would always be on the lookout for a different one.
DeleteGood to know about the booties because I was considering them. They are the perfect color. I should know better about booties though because they're a mess to try and find good ones of online.
ReplyDeleteI should have known better too. Oh well. Now I really want a pair of olive booties, because the color remixed so well! Unfortunately, I haven't seen them anywhere else.
DeleteI always love seeing your bottom line during budgeting bloggers, you do so well and it looks like you have a very comfortable margin left. I do a yearly budget as well at $1500 for the year. As for the bean boots, I bought a pair this month. I've heard that they run small too so I made an effort to try them on in store. As it turns out, my normal size was actually a little big, which I stuck with so I can wear thick wool socks. My point is that I think they probably fit everyone differently.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I really appreciate that! Initially my budget was really high, but I've been working on lowering it gradually. Next year I'm planning to go to an annual budget of $2400. Maybe the following year I can go even lower!
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