August 2015 Purchases

Where did this month go? It seems like August just began, and now it's almost over. Oh well, time to start wardrobe planning for fall!

As I mentioned in my July budget post, I placed a huge order with J.Crew last month during their 75% off sale. I was worried that the crazy low prices would sway me to keep items that I otherwise wouldn't, but in the end I had enough will power to return the things that I didn't love. It helped that I had just purged my closet and was in the midst of getting rid of everything. For the most part, those piles of unworn clothes (some of which still had their tags on!) killed my desire to accumulate more stuff that I felt lukewarm about. However, there were still a few winners from the order.

J.Crew merino wool Tippi cardigan (black XXS) - I love the Tippi cardigans and wear them year round. I already kept one black cardigan last month but thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a backup, especially since I've already worn the original one a few times. Originally $85. Paid $59.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $14.77.

J.Crew stitched-down pleated mini skirt (ivory 00) - I had tried on this skirt several times in store but couldn't bite the bullet, because the price was too high. I'm glad I was finally able to snag it! Originally $110. Paid $39.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $9.85.

J.Crew tropical fern sliding halter bikini top (tropical forest S) - This is the third bikini I've bought this summer and also my favorite. The print is so fun, plus the whole set was only $13! I like this top, because it has more coverage than a string bikini and stays put in the water. Originally $52. Paid $19.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $4.92.

J.Crew tropical fern side-tie bikini bottom (tropical forest XXXS) - The sizing for this bikini bottom is ridiculous. It's labeled as an XXXS but fits more like an XS in my opinion. Normally my bottom half is only one size off from my top half, so I'm confused by the way this is labeled. That aside, I like how it also stays put in the water (no sagging when wet) and has full back coverage. Originally $50. Paid $29.99 + 75% off = 1.5% off ebates = $7.39.

My collection of v-neck Everlane tees just keeps growing! I've been adding more as my J.Crew tees wear out.

Everlane cotton v (muted black XS) - This is my favorite out of the three Everlane tees that I own in terms of fit and opacity. Originally $15. Paid $15.

Earlier this month I went on a beach vacation with friends, so I bought a few things for the occasion. By the way, here's a picture I took of the sky on a particularly beautiful day at the beach.

Speedo active slub jersey cover-up dress (black XS) - I wanted a simple affordable cover-up, and this fits the bill perfectly. It dries fairly quickly and can double as a tunic. A word of caution though: it's pretty short. Originally $44. Paid $8.07.

Old Navy classic flip-flops (white 6) - I usually buy black flip flops, because they don't show grime as easily, but the downside is that they get really hot in the sun. Since these were so cheap, I wanted to experiment with getting a white pair. They're a little dirty now, but they didn't burn my feet. Originally $3.94. Paid $2.50.

Old Navy classic flip-flops (silver 6) - I also liked this light gray pair so I got it too. Originally $3.94. Paid $2.50.

Not included here are my new beach towels, which I adore. They're made of lightweight cotton and dry super fast! I got mine on sale from Madewell, but they're also available here.

Last week I stopped in at J.Crew Factory for the first time in a long while. I was pleasantly surprised by two of the items that I tried on. See my detailed reviews here.

J.Crew Factory pocket tunic sweater (heather dusk XXS) - I can't wait to wear this once the weather cools down. It's surprisingly flattering for a tunic. Originally $89.50. Paid $89.50 + 40% off + 30% off Gilt City = $37.59.

J.Crew Factory floral eyelet v-back dress (midnight shadow 00) - This dress looks sort of formal online, but it's actually a casual sundress. The lace overlay is very pretty, and the entire body of the dress is lined. To my relief, the skirt is more A-line than full. I love that it's 100% cotton and machine washable too. Originally $98. Paid $58 + 30% off + 1.5% off ebates = $39.99.

Miz Mooz Bindi ballet flat (cognac 6M) - Cognac flats were on my summer wishlist, and I finally found my perfect pair. These have an almond toe, are made of leather, and required no break-in period. Unfortunately they also don't offer much arch support, but that's to be expected for flats. Originally $99.95. Paid $61.81.

That's a wrap for all the stuff I bought this month. I also sold 7 items on Ebay for a total of $89.09 after fees and shipping, and Thredup processed the closet clean-out bag that I sent in last month. They accepted 21 out of 31 items and paid me $27.85.

So the total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $651.33
SPENT: $204.37 (31.4% of MSRP)
SOLD: $116.94
NET: $87.43

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 - $192.29 for July - $87.43 for August = $1591.61, which translates to an average of $397.90 per month for the next 4 months. Let's hope this trend of staying under budget keeps going strong!

As always, I'm linking up with Franish and the other Budgeting Bloggers!

How did you do on your budget this month?

J.Crew Factory Reviews: Pocket Tunic Sweater, Striped Ponte Dress

It's been a while since I last reviewed anything! That's because I haven't been shopping in stores much. Nowadays I do most of my shopping online. I know there are better deals to be found in store, but I honestly don't have the time to go regularly. Anyway, this past week I finally visited J.Crew Factory to do returns and check out their new arrivals. Only a few things caught my eye, but the things that did I really liked! For reference, I'm 5' 4", 32C-26-34. My usual size at J.Crew Factory is 00 and XXS.

Pocket Tunic Sweater (C8696)

Heather Dusk XXS

When I browsed the new arrivals online, this sweater completely flew under my radar. And who can really blame me? Online it looks extremely bland. Even in person, it didn't look very promising, sitting by itself all folded on a table. The only reason I tried it on was because it passed my handfeel test (I frequently walk around a store touching everything and only stop to pick it up if the material feels nice - I know, kind of weird). In the fitting room, I was pleasantly surprised! The torso was actually slouchy slim in a really good way. It wasn't boxy at all from the side. I would say it's true to size. The 100% merino wool was medium weight and felt fine against my bare skin (although I'm not usually sensitive to wool). The pockets didn't add bulk to my hips, and the length was good on my 5' 4" frame, which is my biggest struggle with tunics. My only qualm was about the sleeve length. The website says this sweater has long sleeves, but the one I tried on decidedly had bracelet sleeves. That wasn't a deal breaker for me though; I actually thought it worked with the tunic length.  Anyway, this one came home with me so I could try it on with other pieces I own. So far it seems to work really well with skinny jeans and leggings.

Verdict: Love, true to size.

Striped Ponte Dress (A9074)

Red Ivory Gondola XXS

This slip on dress also passed my handfeel test. The ponte material is really soft, smooth, cool to the touch, and somewhat wrinkle resistant! That makes sense given its composition: 88% viscose, 10% nylon, and 2% elastane. It comes in two different colors: red/ivory and black/ivory. I only saw the red striped one in store, so that's the one I tried on. I found it true to size and not too mini, even though the hem does hit above the knee. It does a good job of skimming the body while not being too clingy. My favorite detail here is the contrasting side panel. If you look carefully, the sides are lined up so that each red stripe is matched up with an ivory stripe on the front and back. It's visually slimming, because those side panels extend slightly to the front, thus making the body look more narrow. Again, I take issue with the sleeves. The website claims this has bracelet sleeves, but they're actually 3/4 length. I find them to be a hair too loose, but I could always push them up to my elbow. Perhaps the biggest issue with this dress is that it's dry clean only. I feel like that would make sense for a nice silk or wool dress but not for something so casual. Also, wool items shrink due to heat exposure whereas rayon/viscose shrink due to water exposure. Hence, you can get away with handwashing wool in cold water, but that's not an option for rayon/viscose. If anyone knows of other cleaning options, please let me know! Otherwise I may have to return this dress.

Verdict: Like, true to size, but dry clean only.

What are your thoughts on dry clean only for non-silk/wool items? Have you found anything you liked at J.Crew Factory lately?

July 2015 Purchases

Historically July is the worst month for my budget. Is it really any surprise though? I feel like every single retailer had huge blowout sales this month, and every time I couldn't resist the temptation. I bought a lot of stuff, but some items haven't arrived yet so I'll include them in next month's budget.

To begin with, I realized that my closet was missing warm-weather pajamas. I'm one of those people who can't wait to change out of their clothes the moment they get home, and I spend 95% of my time at home in pajamas. However, most of the stuff I own is made of flannel and really more appropriate for fall/winter. Enter two sets of J.Crew Factory pajamas. They're both very lightweight and made of 100% cotton. The blue striped set feels more menswear inspired, while the set with the heart pattern is more feminine. The top for that one has a low neckline, so I've taken to wearing it backwards.

1. J.Crew Factory striped short-sleeve pajama shirt (brilliant blue XXS) - This fits really well! I could see wearing it as an actual top. Originally $39.50. Paid $22.50 + 40% off + 1.5% off = $13.30.

2. J.Crew Factory striped pajama short (brilliant blue XXS) - I like that this doesn't have a waist tie. The inseam is a little short at around 2". Originally $32.50. Originally $15.5 + 20% off + 1.5% off = $12.21.

3. J.Crew Factory tank sleep set in hearts (dark navy XXS) - Originally $69.50. Paid $42.50 + 40% off + 1.5% off ebates = $25.12.

Lounging around in new pajamas

Now onto my haul from the infamous Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. There were a million things on my wishlist initially, but I narrowed them down to only the essentials. Here's what I picked up.

4-5. Zella live in leggings (black XS) - I love these leggings! Since the black color rarely goes on sale, I decided to pick up two pairs during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I bought a pair last year and wore them all the time. They're great for yoga, working out, and/or general lounging. They're closer to yoga pants than regular leggings in terms of how thick and opaque they are. Highly recommend! Originally $52. Paid $33.90 + 6% off ebates = $31.87 x 2.

6. BP stripe crewneck pullover (white breton stripe XS) - I'm constantly on the lookout for a good stripe top, so I just had to pick up this lightweight sweater. The XS fit me with room to spare. Originally $38. Paid $24.90 + 6% off ebates = $23.41.

I'm also keeping these Zella socks but didn't include them in the budget, because socks and underwear are necessary essentials. I ordered these Sperry duck boots too, but they're going back because I'm not in love with the quality.

As I mentioned during my June budget post, I wanted to focus on finding the perfect denim jacket this month. I ended up finding two and compared them in my last post. I asked everyone for feedback, and based on some excellent insight, I decided that I'm going to keep the medium wash one for sure. Thanks, everyone!

7. J.Crew denim jacket in Tyler wash (Tyler was XXS) - Originally $128. Paid $128 + 30% off + 15% off student discount = $76.16.

Now onto the biggest sale (and personal budget fail) of this month, J.Crew ran an unprecedented online sale of 75% off select items last week. At first I tried to stick to my guns and only buy items that I really needed. Hence I picked up 3 of these Tippi cardigans, which I already own and wear all year round. Unfortunately final sale was in effect at the time, which was lifted the following morning. I was a little annoyed about that, but by then all the classic colors had sold out in my size. I guess you win some, you lose some. I ended up placing a second HUGE order later on in the day when none of the items were final sale, but I won't know what I'll keep in the end until my order arrives, so stay tuned for next month.

8. J.Crew merino wool Tippi cardigan sweater (heather smoke XXS) - Originally $85. Paid $59.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $14.77.

Not pictured: J.Crew merino wool Tippi cardigan sweater (black XXS) - Originally $85. Paid $59.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $14.77.

Not pictured: J.Crew merino wool Tippi cardigan sweater (heather acorn XXS) - Originally $85. Paid $59.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $14.77.


To atone for ordering so much stuff this month, I cleaned out my closet and listed a bunch of things on eBay. Five of those items sold so far for a profit of $65.96 (after shipping and eBay/PayPal fees).

So the total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $666.50
SPENT: $258.25 (38.8% of MSRP)
SOLD: $65.96
NET: $192.29

That's not too bad! Of course we'll see next month when my big 75% off J.Crew order comes in.

My goal for the year is to spend less than $3000, which translates roughly to $250 per month. Right now I'm at $3000 - $327.20 for 2015Q1 - $801.47 for 2015Q2 - $192.29 for July = $1679.04, which translates to an average of $335.81 per month for the next 5 months.

As always, I'm linking up with Franish and the other Budgeting Bloggers!

How did you do on your budget this month?

A Tale of Two Denim Jackets

As I mentioned last month, a denim jacket has been on my summer wishlist. I recently visited J.Crew and tried on two different versions that I really like.

The first is the classic J.Crew denim jacket in Tyler wash. It is a sturdy-feeling medium wash jacket with copper buttons and whiskering on the sleeves. It fits well in the torso (mostly true to size, on the smaller side) but doesn't leave much room for layering. It's also a little stiff but could soften with wear. Neither of these two issues are that important to me, since I only plan to wear this during warm weather. Based on some sample outfits I put together, it seems to pair well with black pants, skirts, and dresses that aren't blue. I purchased it in store for $76.16 plus tax.

J.Crew denim jacket in Tyler wash in XXS

The second option is the J.Crew denim jacket in Calyer wash. It's a distressed light wash jacket with silvery buttons. It fits true to size, slightly larger than the Tyler. The length of the body also seems a hair longer. There are a number of actual rips in the jacket, but I examined them closely and don't think they're likely to get any bigger based on my experience with distressed jeans. Due to the distressed nature, the denim is naturally softer than the Tyler. It pairs well with black pants and most dresses. I purchased it in store for $96.60 plus tax.

J.Crew denim jacket in Calyer wash in XXS

Because the jackets are reasonably expensive, I only want to keep one and return the other. Plus it seems ridiculous to keep both before I even know for sure how often I'll wear a denim jacket. So which do you think I should keep? If you own a denim jacket, which wash do you reach for the most? Thanks for your help!

Which denim jacket should I keep?

Happy 1st Birthday, Catniss!

Catniss turns one* today!
* Based on the birthday that the shelter staff gave us, which probably isn't the most accurate, but we're going with it anyway.

In honor of the occasion, I thought I would dedicate today's post to talking all about her. The last time I did that was not long after her adoption. Four months later, it's funny for me to go back and re-read my original post. Some things have stayed exactly the same, but others are totally different.

The biggest change about her in the last 4 months is that she's all grown up now! She was only 7 lbs when we first got her and looked considerably smaller than the average-sized cat. Lately I noticed that she was looking bigger, and at her recent vet visit, she weighed in at 9.3 lbs, which is pretty average (most domestic cats are between 8-10 lbs). Most likely she has hit her full adult weight, and now we just need to work on maintaining it through portion control.

One thing that has stayed constant: her love of food. She is the opposite of picky and will pretty much eat anything I offer her. That's really convenient and probably one of the most helpful things when I was experimenting with different foods for her. I've never seen her reject anything or even walk away from her bowl if there's still food inside. She does eat very quickly but doesn't throw it back up like some other cats (probably the food is too precious to let it leave her body). Her favorite treats are these Kitty Yums. She goes crazy over them!

EVO cat & kitten wet food mixed with water to get even more moisture into her diet.

Her current favorite toys (she loves novelty) include peacock tail feathers, the cat dancer, boxes, and most strangely of all, a rolled up pair of socks. We discovered that last one entirely by accident when Engineer W left a pair of his socks lying around. When we came back, she was fighting it. She likes to do this thing where she grab it, then scratches and claws at it furiously. Sometimes she even walks over to it, plops down like a chicken hatching an egg, and then proceeds to roll around and "kill" the socks! It's really funny and cute.

Rock 'em sock 'em

Every cat owner probably thinks this about their cat, but Catniss really is awesome. She's so sweet and affectionate. She could just sit in my lap or on my chest for hours. She likes to follow me everywhere, even to the bathroom! She loves being petted, is generally obedient, doesn't scratch furniture, and never tries to run out the door. She's quite calm most of the time, even around strangers. I didn't know what to expect when we first adopted her, but she's exceeded my expectations.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed learning more about Catniss, and I hope she enjoys her birthday of petting, playing, eating, grooming, and napping!