Monday, February 29, 2016

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!

14 comments:

  1. OMG that jacket is to die for. I would definitely struggle with the price point (even on sale), but it's BEAUTIFUL and looks custom-made for you! And you had had it on your wishlist, so it was meant to be! (I'm having like secondhand excitement on your behalf, haha!) I also love/would totally wear both of the dresses you got this month too!

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    1. Haha, I was super excited when I got the jacket and kept raving about it for hours to my fiancé, who was kind enough to listen patiently. Next month I'll have to focus on more practical pieces!

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  2. My most-visited department store just started carrying Cece dresses and they always catch my eye. Looks like you got a nice one. (And yes, I sniff leather too)

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    1. If you're interested, Amazon seems to have a pretty good selection of Cece dresses, and the prices are very affordable too. Also, there's nothing like that new buttery leather smell.

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  3. Great finds! You'll get a lot of use out of the leather jacket, that's for sure!!! No buyer's remorse on that! :-)

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    1. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can wear it more! I already wore it out one day when it was unseasonably warm. It's actually a fairly substantial jacket, so it's really suitable for spring/fall.

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  4. Ahhh!! That jacket! It's gorgeous! I've also had my eyes on that striped dress; would love to see it on you! I saw it when I was in store last month but didn't try it on and now I'm kicking myself for it.

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    1. Thanks! I haven't worn the dress out yet since it's been cold here. I'll definitely try to take a picture when the weather warms up a bit, which will hopefully be soon now that March is here!

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  5. You're over budget for the month, but pretty close to back on budget for the year! That jacket is absolutely gorgeous on you, I hope you get a ton of wear out of it! My Mackage jacket is approaching 7 years old now. I hope yours lasts you at least that long!

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    1. I'm still on track, but I would like to spend less at the beginning of the year so that I have extra money to spend during the holidays. I've only worn the jacket once so far (it's been too cold), but I'm super excited about wearing it more!

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  6. Holy jacket! That is gorgeous! I really want a cognac leather jacket, and I think I would like one with a collar like that. I haven't been able to find one anywhere that I love at any price point though!

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    1. Thanks! I also prefer this sort of collar over the more sleek racer style. Oooh, cognac would be so pretty. Have you checked Nordstrom and/or Nordstrom Rack? I think it might be a little late in the season though since the best selection is available in the fall.

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  7. I love when things like that work out -- that jacket was meant to be yours! I'm sure it will be with you for lots of great adventures :)

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    1. I certainly hope so! I got to wear it earlier this week when the weather warmed up.

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