February 2016 Purchases

Happy Leap Day, everyone! I hope you make the most of today since it only comes around once every 4 years. So let's talk about what I bought this month. If you follow me on Instagram, then you already know that I blew my budget. It was totally worth it, but I'll have to cut back over the next few months. I really love everything I got though. Yes, I always say that, but it's also true.

CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Wellesley dress (aqua surf 0) via Amazon - This year my fiancé and I have three weddings to attend. Normally I would wear this $5 thrifted Ann Taylor silk dress, but since the weddings will be attended by the same circle of people, it would be nice to have another option so that I'm not always wearing the same thing. I settled on this mint floral dress, because I think it's perfect for garden/spring/summer weddings. The fit-and-flare silhouette is so flattering, and since the dress is very lightweight, I won't get too hot on the dance floor. Originally $138. Paid $47.22.

J.Crew Factory striped knit dress (black stripe XXS) - As much as I love stripes, I don't have a single striped dress in my closet. I've been looking to add one to my wardrobe ever since I threw away a well-worn version last year. This J.Crew Factory dress was an instant love! The casual shift silhouette is really versatile, and the length (the hem ends a few inches above the knee) makes my legs look really long. I took my usual XXS, and it's the perfect amount of slouchy-slim. The material is great too. It's thick and opaque with a hint of stretch (97% cotton, 3% elastane). Originally $79.50. Paid $54.50 + 20% off + 3% off ebates = $42.92. EDIT 03/13/2016: I ended up returning and rebuying this dress when it went on further sale since I hadn't worn it yet. Paid $47.50 + 30% off + 1.5% off ebates = $32.75.

Mackage quilted leather jacket (bordeaux XS) via Nordstrom Rack - This buttery-soft leather jacket was my favorite purchase of the month (maybe the year!) and an incredibly lucky find. For months it was on my Nordstrom wishlist, but I never bit the bullet because it was out of my price range. After it sold out, I kept hoping in vain that it would pop back, but it never did. Then one day earlier this month, I went to Nordstrom Rack for some retail therapy. After combing through the racks and not finding much, I was about to leave when I suddenly spotted an oxblood leather sleeve. Not daring to get my hopes up, I parted the clothes on the rack to find the exact jacket of my dreams. It was the only one left, and it was an XS. Trying not to hyperventilate, I told myself that it would probably be too big or too small as I ran walked to the fitting room. To my amazement, it was made for me. The silhouette was slim but roomy enough for a thin sweater. The leather was so rich and smooshy, and it smelled great (yes I'm a leather-sniffing weirdo). I especially love how the collar can be worn in multiple ways. Overall I'm very impressed by the quality of this jacket. Now I understand why so many people love Mackage. The only thing I didn't love was the price. Even at 60% off, it is one of the most expensive articles of clothing I have ever bought. I do love it though and hope to wear it for a long long time. Originally $690. Paid $276.

To compensate for some of the money I spent this month, I sold a few things on eBay after my closet clean-out. It was a considerable amount of work for not a lot of money, but someone has to do it.

So the total for this month comes to...

RETAIL: $907.50
SPENT: $355.97 (39.2% of MSRP)
SOLD: $85.42
NET: $270.55 

My goal for the year is to spend no more than $2400, which equates to $200 per month. Right now I'm at $2400 - $163.50 for January - $270.55 for February = $1965.95 for the next 10 months, which is an average of $196.59 per month.

Next month I plan to look for a suit and buy some more tees and tanks.

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