Thursday, May 26, 2016

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!

14 comments:

  1. 44 cents off your projected annual monthly budget, nicely done! And happy birthday! I hope you're enjoying your new bike :)

    I wonder if you find yourself shopping more as the weather warms up because it's easier or more pleasant to get out to the stores? Just a thought.

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    1. Thanks! I haven't picked out my new bike yet, but I'm planning to go look this weekend.

      That could be. I definitely want to leave the house more when the weather warms up.

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  2. Hi

    Would you mind selling the size xs J.Crew Collection featherweight cashmere cardigan sweater in gingham to me? -- Elaine

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    1. Hi Elaine, I would sell it to you, but I actually already returned it last weekend. It's possible that someone on J.Crew Aficionada has an extra one they could sell you. Good luck!

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  3. Ooh, I need to check out that Madewell tee! I'm always looking for a soft V-neck tee, and if it's slouchy and I can wear it with leggings, even better! I'm curious to hear how the Missha BB works out for you! I think I've perused it on Amazon before. I'm currently using the Hera UV Mist cushion, which is pretty awesome and lightweight, if you decide to venture into Korean cushion compacts!

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    1. I'll let you know! I was actually debating between getting a BB cream or a cushion compact, which I've heard so much about. I ultimately decided to start with the BB cream, because it's more affordable. Cushions have much better SPF though!

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  4. I wore an older version of the Cole Haan flats for a while. I've also bought another pair of Cole Haan wedges since then, and I find that they're great for work, very comfortable once they've been broken in! I do have a much harder time with breaking them in than you do, though. For some reason, I found the toe boxes (which looked roomy enough) to still be really stiff and painful on both pairs until they were broken in, which also took a long time. All's well that ends well though, and my next pair of work shoes will probably also be Cole Haans.

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    1. So I initially ordered the Cole Haan flats in my usual size 6, and the toe box was very tight and painful. After I sized up to a 6.5, I found the toe box much better. Have you considered getting a shoe stretcher? I got this one for Christmas last year, and it's been a lifesaver for my feet.

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  5. Really liking those Cole Han flats, they look kind of like Ferragmo ones! Good job staying very close to your budget!

    Laura | Laura Aime Vous

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    1. They do look a little like the Ferragamo Varinas! I would love to buy those eventually, but they're out of my price range for now.

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  6. I find myself shopping more in the warmer months, too, and I think it's because I'm not as happy with the state of the warm weather part of my closet whereas I'm pretty happy with how my cold weather part is shaping up. I definitely find myself shopping for new tops to wear; mine are pretty good but none are really like OMG I LOVE THIS SO MUCH ya know? I wish I could nail down my perfect spring/summer wardrobe! Every year I get a little bit closer...

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    1. I definitely agree! I own a few really nice coats but don't really have any awesome tank tops and shorts (yet). Plus I feel like since you can only wear so many articles of clothing when it's hot out, every piece has to count!

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  7. I bought a new bike recently--went off thesweethome's recommendation and got a Trek 7.2FX men's.

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    1. Looks like a great bike! I initially wanted to get a hybrid bike too, but I borrowed a friend's road bike last weekend and fell in love with it. Now I'm looking into getting a road bike instead, and they're soooo expensive!

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