Jackpot

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you splurge on? Let's assume all of the responsible stuff was taken care of already: paying off debts/loans, putting aside money for retirement/kids, buying a new house, car, etc. I was thinking about this question the other day and realized that I have quite a few items that I really admire but can't afford. Even though they're out of my price range right now, they could eventually be within my reach if I put aside a portion of my clothing budget every year. In the long run, I'll probably be better off saving for these reach items instead of buying disposable fashion on a whim.

Most of the items on my wishlist are high value and high wear: shoes, coats (my major weakness), and bags. In order from least expensive to most expensive, here are my top 5 most lusted after pieces:

1. Ferragamo Vara Pump - Retail: $550

If you've been reading this blog for a while, then you know that I never wear heels. I like the way they look, but they're just too uncomfortable for my day-to-day life. That's why I really like the Ferragamo Vara pump. It has a small block heel, so it adds some height while still being comfortable. I have a vintage navy pair that I bought on eBay, but I would love to own a black pair (which I could also wear for interviews) and a nude pair (visually elongating). If anyone is interested, Target is currently selling a faux-leather dupe for only $30.

2. Canada Goose Trillium Parka - Retail: $900

I would buy this down coat in a heartbeat if I lived in a place with harsh winters. It really is the gold standard for cold-weather outerwear. I tried it on in-store last year, and it's one of the lightest/warmest coats out there. If the Trillium is out of your price range, the J.Crew Nordic parka is a good alternative (see my review from last year). I own it in navy, and it's held up well so far.

3. Valentino Rockstud Cage Flats - Retail: $995

These flats are not the most practical, but my, they are gorgeous. I'm sure they would need a significant break-in period since they have such pointed toes. I'm not sure what color I want. Black looks the coolest, but I also like the contrast of a softer color with the edginess of the studs.

4. Burberry Wool Duffle Coat - Retail: $1,195

Of course Burberry is famous for their trench coats, which are undeniably beautiful. However, I find that I almost never wear trench coats, so adding a designer one wouldn't be practical (even in dreamland). What I really admire is their wool coats, in particular the classic duffle. The tailoring of this one plus its attention to detail really differentiates it from other coats.

5. Chanel Boy Bag - Retail: ~$5,000

I'm not sure I could ever pull the trigger on a designer bag without guilt (they're just so expensive!), but if I did, it would be definitely be the Chanel boy. I love how structured it looks and the versatility of being able to wear the strap multiple ways. I think it's classic while still being a little edgy at the same time. Everyone knows Chanel prices are ridiculous (they seem to grow every year), so I'm not sure if I will ever be able to get one. In the meantime, a reasonable dupe is the Rebecca Minkoff Love bag, which I own/like and costs about 1/20th of the price.

What designer pieces would you buy if you won the lottery?

September and October 2016 Purchases

Sorry about the continued radio silence on the blog. As I mentioned in my last post, there's a lot of stuff going on right now with school and in my personal life, so I don't really have any free time. I wish I could get into more detail about what's going on, but it will have to wait. In the meantime, check out what I've added to my wardrobe lately.

October 2016 Budget

J.Crew perfect shirt in navy stewart plaid (navy 00) - The moment I saw this button-down in J.Crew's fall rollout, I knew I had to have it. I love the fit of the perfect shirts (I went with my true size), and the colors in this plaid are so wearable. Originally $78. Paid $78 + 30% off = $54.60.

J.Crew Factory cotton-wool v-neck cardigan sweater (heather grey XXS) - I've been trying to replace this old heather grey cardigan I got from Old Navy years ago but haven't had good luck in finding the one. This cardigan is surprisingly thick for J.Crew Factory, but I'm concerned it might pill with more wear. Also the sleeves sort of stretch out with wear, which is annoying. Originally $69.50. Paid $34.50.

Blank Denim vegan pull on leggings (daddy soda 26) via Shopbop - For some reason, I decided that I need a pair of leather leggings in my life. The price tag of real leather leggings is too high for me though, hence faux leather. I am very pleasantly surprised by the quality of these Blank Denim leggings from Shopbop. They look and feel like actual leather. Also they're a little stretchy, so they're comfortable and don't bag out at the knees. I really can't say enough good things about them. Originally $98. Paid $98 + 25% off = $73.50.

Everlane cotton v (muted black, true black, navy XS) - Not much to say here. Some of the older Everlane tees I have developed tiny holes, so I got these as a replacement. Originally $15 x 3. Paid $15 x 3 = $45.

Everlane cotton tank (black XXS) - I already own this tank and wanted a duplicate. Originally $15. Paid $15.

Madewell silk inset cami (faded begonia 00) - I bought this tank on a whim. The silk feels almost sueded, and it's fairly opaque. If you wear a black bra underneath, you can just barely see it. The fit is flowy without being boxy. Originally $69.50. Paid $24.99 + 30% off + 15% off student discount in store = $14.87.

The total for October comes to...

RETAIL: $375.00

SPENT: $237.47 (63.3% of MSRP)

September 2016 Budget

Everlane leather street shoe (black 6) - I keep eyeing Everlane's shoes, which seem reasonably priced for their quality. I thought this pair of sneakers looked sleek and modern, so I decided to give them a try. After reading a bunch of online reviews, I went with my true size. I feel like they're a little tight in the toe box, so I need to use my shoe stretcher first before I wear them for an extended period of time. The quality is quite excellent though. Originally $135. Paid $135.

Everlane cotton v (pale blue XS) - Originally $15. Paid $15.

The RealReal return shipping - Before I ordered the Blank Denim leggings, I ordered a pair of real leather leggings from The RealReal (an online consignment store), but they ended up being too small and too expensive. Unfortunately, return shipping is not free, so let that be a lesson to me in the future. Paid $11.95.

The total for September comes to...

RETAIL: $150.00

SPENT: $161.95 (107.9% of MSRP)

My goal for the year is to spend no more than $2400, which equates to $200 per month. Right now I'm at $2400 - $447.87 for 2016Q1 - $569.98 for 2016Q2 - $363.17 for 2016Q3 - $237.47 for October = $781.51 for the next 2 months, which is an average of $390.76 per month.

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

July and August 2016 Purchases

I've been super busy lately (both in terms of school and personal life), so both blogging and shopping have fallen by the wayside. I wish I could say things are less hectic now, but unfortunately that's not the case. One good thing about being extremely busy: my budget looks great! Here's a recap of all the stuff I bought over the last two months.

August 2016 Budget

August was a boring month for shopping. I literally had zero time, so I only bought necessities.

Everlane women's cotton v (white XS) - I bought two more of these tees to replace ones that were developing little holes. Still my favorite white tee. Originally $15. Paid $15 x 2 = $30.

The total for August comes to...

RETAIL: $30

SPENT: $30 (100% of MSRP)

July 2016 Budget

J.Crew perfect shirt in striped cotton-linen (brilliant peri 0) - I really like wearing linen in the summer, so I just had to pick up this shirt. It runs a little small, so I sized up from my usual 00. The stripe colors are so classic and easy to pair. Originally $69.50. Paid $49.99 + 50% off sale = $24.99.

J.Crew Factory linen sweater-tank top (iced sky XXS) - I loved this heavy linen sweater tank, but unfortunately it got snagged when I wore my Kendra Scott tassel necklace. :( Originally $59.50. Paid $59 + 50% off + additional 15% off = $25.08.

BLANKNYC easy rider faux leather moto jacket (black XS) via Nordstrom - This black moto jacket was a surprise love from the Nordstrom anniversary sale last month. The pleather is surprisingly nice quality and feels quite heavy/substantial. The jacket fits me well in the body and shoulders, but the sleeves are a little too long. For the price, I think it's a great deal. Originally $98. Paid $64.90 + 6% off ebates + $10 Nordstrom rewards = $51.01.

Madewell whisper cotton v-neck pocket tee (warm tulip XXS) - I have a ton of these Madewell tees now. I love how they're slouchy and surprisingly opaque. Originally $25. Paid $17.99 + 40% off + 1.5% off ebates = $10.63.

Madewell whisper cotton v-neck pocket tee (thunder grey XXS) - Originally $25. Paid $22.50 + 40% off + 1.5% off ebates = $13.30.

Last month I placed an order with Thredup for the first time. In the past I have sold my gently used items to them, but this was my first time as a buyer. I had a code for 50% off J.Crew pieces, so I figured I didn't have anything to lose. Overall I was very impressed by the condition of the pieces, and the prices were quite reasonable after using the discount code.

J.Crew Collection leather-front merino sweater (navy XXS) via Thredup - I like the way the leather panels look on this cardigan, but unfortunately it always has to be worn open. As it turns out, leather just doesn't conform well to the body. Originally $228. Paid $9.50. 

J.Crew Factory fair isle sweater (pewter navy mist XXS) via Thredup - This fair isle sweater looks brand new. I missed out on it the first time around, so I was happy to pick it up at this price. Originally $88. Paid $3.

J.Crew gondola stripe top (red navy 00) via Thredup - This top was all over the blogosphere a few years ago. I can see why. It's very lightweight and pairs well with shorts. Originally $98. Paid $0.47 + $5.99 shipping = $6.46.

J.Crew Liberty 5" chino shorts in june's meadow floral (june's meadow 0) via Thredup - This is my favorite purchase from the Thredup order. I am obsessed with the Liberty june's meadow print and have been on the hunt for all the pieces I missed out on from the first time around. I found the blazer back in April, and now that I have the matching shorts, I wouldn't mind picking up the button-down too... Originally $72.50. Paid $19.50.

(not pictured) J.Crew elephant parade t-shirt (navy XXS) - This tee was a bit of a disappointment. I bought the original when it was first released, but wore it so much it developed holes (sigh, J.Crew quality control). I hoped this new one would be a replacement, but it also has a tiny hole. Originally $42.50. Paid $7.75.

The total for July comes to...

RETAIL: $806.00

SPENT: $171.22 (21.2% of MSRP)

My goal for the year is to spend no more than $2400, which equates to $200 per month. Right now I'm at $2400 - $447.87 for 2016Q1 - $569.98 for 2016Q2 - $171.22 for July - $30 for August = $1180.93 for the next 4 months, which is an average of $295.23 per month.

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

June 2016 Purchases

I came in almost exactly on budget in June, but I'm actually a little disappointed. I was hoping to be significantly under budget since I also spent a bunch of money on a new hobby this month (which I'll talk about in a later post). Several pieces I picked up are duplicates of things I already own and like, which is sort of boring but works for me. Anyway, let's get started.

J.Crew Factory Clare cardigan sweater (heather gray S) - I bought a navy Clare cardigan back in March, and I've been wearing it to death lately. It's just the perfect layer for those times when it's super hot outside but freezing cold indoors. The one regret I have is that I bought it in XS, one size up from my usual XXS. Since it's 100% cotton, it ended up shrinking in the wash, and now I can't really button it. I knew I wanted a heather gray cardigan next, so this time I went up TWO sizes. Hopefully it won't shrink too much this time. Alternately you could wash it in cold water and flat dry, but who has the time? Originally $54.50. Paid $27 + 35% off price adjustment + 1.5% off ebates + $12.52 rewards = $4.77.

J.Crew Factory floral printed tank top (seashore white XXS) - This is the first of two floral tank tops I picked up this month. I've already worn it a few times. I like that it's opaque, has a looser almost tunic-like fit, and is made of 100% cotton. For those of you who like more fitted tops, you can probably go down a size. I bought my regular XXS, because I don't like to wear anything tight in the summer. It just gets too hot. Originally $39.50. Paid $19.50 + 35% off price adjustment + 1.5% off ebates + $12.48 rewards = $0.

Madewell whisper cotton v-neck pocket tee (faraway sky, heather pewter, and heather indigo XXS) - I bought one of these tees in heather pewter in May and declared it my new favorite. Since I liked it so much, I ended up buying 3 more this month. All three colors I kept were surprisingly opaque, and they all have the same slouchy fit I like. I also ordered a white one but ended up returning it, because it was too sheer (noticeably more so than the white Everlane v-neck tee). Originally $25 x 3. Paid $22.50 + 30% off + 1.5% off ebates = $15.51 x 3.

J.Crew bucket bag in perforated leather (white) - A white bucket bag has been on my wishlist since summer 2015! I just never found the perfect one until now. Enter this adorable mini bag in perforated leather from J.Crew. It has an adjustable shoulder strap, which is great for shorter ladies. The leather is pretty structured as opposed to a true bucket bag which should be slouchy, but I think that makes it easier to open up and find things. There's not really any interior organization, only a card slot, but the bag isn't big enough for you to lose stuff inside. So far I haven't worn it yet, because I'm looking for a leather treatment that protects against color transfer (which ruined my last white bag). Any suggestions? Originally $118. Paid $110 + 40% off + 3% off ebates = $64.02.

Madewell 9" high-rise skinny jeans: garment-dyed edition (chocolate raisin 25) - These pants are definitely a want, rather than a need. I already have a pair of maroon jeans, but they're more purple than red. These pants are more reddish-brown, so I think they'll be more versatile than my original pair. It's too hot to wear long pants now though, so I'll have to wait until fall to find out if I'll wear them enough to justify the cost. Originally $128. Paid $29.99 + 30% off + 1.5% off ebates = $20.68.

LOFT floral sweater tank (wild cherry XXS) - I like this floral tank even more than the one from J.Crew Factory. First of all, the print is so eye-catching. I wish the color scheme was a little more vivid. In person, it's more of a maroon and oatmeal rather than red and white as it appears in photos. Still gorgeous though. Secondly, the top is 100% rayon, so it has the most beautiful drape and it's super soft. I'm a little afraid to wash it so far since I know rayon shrinks in water. Overall, it's my favorite piece from LOFT in a long time. For whatever reason, LOFT usually doesn't fit me very well, even though I like their style. Originally $44.50. Paid $44.50 + 40% off + 2% off ebates = $26.17.

J.Crew Cece ballet flats (black 6) - As evidenced in the previous photos, I wear my metallic J.Crew Cece flats all the time. I thought it was time to add a plain black pair, especially since they were on super sale. I debated over whether I should keep them, because I only recently bought the Cole Haan Tali. However, the Tali has prominent gold embellishments on the toe, and some outfits call for more understated shoes. Originally $125. Paid $49.99 + 40% off = $29.99.

The total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $584.50
SPENT: $192.16 (32.9% of MSRP)

My goal for the year is to spend no more than $2400, which equates to $200 per month. Right now I'm at $2400 - $447.87 for 2016Q1 - $177.38 for April - $200.44 for May - $192.16 for June = $1382.15 for the next 6 months, which is an average of $230.36 per month.

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

May 2016 Purchases

I feel like I didn't shop that much this month so I expected that I would be under budget, but obviously the numbers tell me otherwise. At least I'm not over budget. Traditionally I tend to shop more in May, because it's my birthday month. I usually splurge on a birthday gift for myself that doesn't count towards my budget, but this year I didn't spend it on clothes, because I'm planning to buy a new bicycle. By the way, good bikes are super expensive. There seems to be no upper bound... A decent one starts around $500-$600, and the price just keeps climbing from there. I'm excited about getting one though!

Back to clothes, I feel like I always want to shop more as the weather warms up, which is ironic because you can't wear as many clothes in the summer. I'm not sure why that is. Does anyone else feel that way? Maybe I just get tired of my other clothes, or maybe the sales are just that good. Anyway, onto my haul this month.

J.Crew Collection featherweight cashmere cardigan sweater in gingham (navy snow XXS) - It's a little crazy to be buying cashmere when summer is just around the corner, but I couldn't resist snagging this cardigan at such an amazing price (thanks, website glitch)! It's super soft and lightweight as the name implies. I initially bought an XS because the reviews on the website suggested it ran small. However it fits true to size so I had to exchange it for an XXS. I haven't gotten it in the mail yet, but based on the fit of the XS, it'll be pretty cropped. Originally $228. Paid $39.99 + 30% off sale = $27.99.

J.Crew Factory neon sunwashed garment-dyed v-neck t-shirt (vibrant fuchsia XXS) - This hot pink tee was promising, but sadly it's not my favorite. Don't get me wrong; I love the color, but the fit drives me a little crazy. It has a tendency to ride up throughout the day, so I find myself constantly pulling it back down. At least it's completely opaque, and the vee isn't too deep. Also, this color tends to bleed, so wash it a few times by itself before you wear it. Ask me how I know. Originally $29.50. Paid $17.50 + 25% off sale + 1.5% off ebates = $12.93.

Madewell whisper cotton v-neck pocket tee (heather pewter XXS) - You guys, this is my new favorite tee! It's soooo soft and completely opaque, at least in this colorway. It runs large, so even in my normal size XXS, it's still slouchy, but in a good way! We'll see how well it holds up in my washer and dryer (AKA the t-shirt destroyer). Originally $25. Paid $22.50 + 30% off sale + 1.5% off ebates = $15.51.

Cole Haan Tali bow ballet flat (black 6.5) - These black bow flats are my most expensive purchase this month. I wanted to replace my trusty black Me Too Patty bow flats (RIP) with some equally comfortable flats, and these came highly recommended. I decided to size up as I usually do when shoes have elastic sides. They were surprisingly comfortable and didn't require any real break-in. By the end of the first day, my pinky toe rubbed a little bit but no blisters at all. I do wish they had more padding in the ball of the foot though. Overall, a very solid option. Originally $170. Paid $119.00 + 2% off ebates = $116.62.

Missha M signature real complete BB cream SPF25 PA++ (No. 23 natural yellow beige) via Amazon - This is my first foray into Korean cosmetics. I've been interested in getting a BB cream for a while, and I considered some American ones before moving onto researching Korean ones. I was looking for something that feels lightweight, has SPF, looks natural, and has light-to-medium coverage. After looking at tons of other options, I settled on this well-reviewed Missha BB cream. I haven't gotten it yet, but hopefully it'll work for my skin tone and doesn't smell too strongly. Originally $29. Paid $17.40.

[Not pictured] Banana Republic essential pima cotton vee tee (blue sunrise XXS) - This tee is pretty similar to the J.Crew vintage cotton v-neck tee (which I love but is too flimsy). It's also a hair slouchy, soft, thin, and lightweight. Not much else to say about it. Hopefully it holds up better in the wash than the J.Crew one. Originally $29.50. Paid $16.99 + 40% off sale + 2% off ebates = $9.99.


The total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $511.00
SPENT: $200.44 (39.2% of MSRP)

My goal for the year is to spend no more than $2400, which equates to $200 per month. Right now I'm at $2400 - $447.87 for 2016Q1 - $177.38 for April - $200.44 for May = $1574.31 for the next 7 months, which is an average of $224.90 per month.

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