Budgeting Bloggers: November

                                                                Original Cost       Discounted Cost

Willi Smith Black knit skirt                     $42.00                 $25.00

Orange Ruffle Top                                                              $4.00

Eddie Bauer Purple Vest                                                     $8.00

Bandolino Tan Tall Boots                       $150.00               $100.00

Bare Trapps Black Boots                                                     $20.00

Additional items not posted=$64.00

Total Spent: $221.00

Both my boots died this week. Decided to invest in some Bandolino boots from DSW.

Budgeting Bloggers: October

	Original Cost	Discounted       Cost
Target Bikini Hot Pink	$42.98	$15.02
Target Bikini Paisley	$42.98	$15.02
Target Red Cardigan	$19.99	$15.00
Target Pink Dress	$24.99	$17.48
Target Black Leggings		$10.00
Target athletic shorts	$10.00	$4.48
Black leggings	$24.00	$5.99
Tribal Leggings		$9.99
White infinity scarf	$26.00	$6.99
Black infinity scrarf	$36.00	$6.99
Old Navy Seahawk Tee	$24.94	$17.46
Walmart Scull Tee		$9.88
Walmart Chambray		$13.94
Sucony Tennis Shoes	$55.00	$34.99
Enfocus Lace Dress	$59.00	$11.99
Guess Teal Winter Jacket	$180.00	$69.99
Gap Blue Strip Rugby Tee		$4.18
Gap Stripe Henley Tank	$22.95	$4.89
Tahari White Shirt	$78.00	$11.00
Old Navy Knit Sweater	$24.94	$17.46

Total:                             $691.27            $316.39

So my total purchases for October were $316.39, way over budget. The Guess Jacket took a big chunk from my budget. And some of the purchases are for my upcoming journey back to Africa!

This month (as I'm sure you already noticed) I' m tracking the original prices of items. I mostly buy from thrift-shops, discount shops and items on Sale. This month I saved about $375.00 from discount shopping!

Budgeting Bloggers: September

This month I went a little crazy!

1) Green Plaid Scarf ($8)- This was so cute! I love plaid scarfs...
2) Gray Boots ($14)- I've been wearing these gray boots everyday!
3)Blue/White scarf ($4)
4)Buffalo Black Peacoat ($42-On sale + Nordstrom discount) Quality jacket that I hope to wear all winter.
5)Seahawks Vneck Nike sweatshirt ($70)- Sold out online everywhere. Found the last one in my size in a store. Had to buy it!
6) Chambray($12)- Finally I found one that fit my large bust and broad shoulders!!!
7)Purple shorts($2) End of season clothes for next year
8)H&M flowered earrings ($2)
9) H&M Leaf necklace ($5)
10) Gray light rain jacket ($40)- It's been raining like crazy I've been loving this jacket!
11)ROXY cream cable knit sweater vest ($15)- Seriously so warm and comfy! Love this thing!
12) Blue/Green flowered scarf ($4)- One of the cutest scarfs I've bought in a while!
13)Bow Belt- Gift from my mom!
14) Blue Plaid Shirt ($12)- Love plaid pullovers for layering.
15)H&M Pearl drop earings ($3)
16) Abound Navy Vneck ($5)- Thank you Nordstrom for making the best v-necks! Love these shirts!
Not Pictured:
17) Abound Maroon Vneck ($5)
18) Purple Plaid shirt ($12)
19) H&M Gray/mint scarf ($8)
20) H&M flowered in earrings in Blue & Peach ($6)
21) Pink Express Shorts ($8)
22) Seahawks black Nike pullover ($58)- Cute, but so expensive....going to wear it snowboarding so that I can justify how much I've spent on NFL gear. GO HAWKS!
23) Nike Free Runners Livestrong ($100)-Taking these back. I'm on the search for new tennis-shoes, but have yet to find shoes I like more than Brooks.

Total= $335-$45(clothes sold to Plato's closet)= $290

*On a site note, I also got new glasses in the last month. I LOVE THEM! And I've gotten a ton of compliments I highly recommend Humphrey's. Here's the frames I choose.
*I also bought makeup from Sephora for the first time in my life. I'm in love with NARS concealer in Custard and Sephora eyeshadow in Flirting game.

To the MAX: Hi Lo Maxi Dress

Hi low Max Dress: Wal-Mart Clearance $9.00

Sandals: Target $15.00

Loving this adorable hi lo maxi from Target!

Budgeting Bloggers: July (a little late....)

Budgeting Bloggers: July

1. Blue pants ($8.00) thrifted 
2. Shorteralls ($15.88) thrifted
3. Orange ruffled ($4.80) thrifted
4. Yellow miniskirt ($3.00) thrifted
5. Madden tall boots ($11.20) thrifted
6. Aldo boots ($16.00) thrifted
7. Eagle tank ($12.00) thrifted
8. H&M shorts ($4.80) thrifted

*Other purchases not pictured=$4.00+$17.60+$8.00+$4.00+$8.00+$12.00=$129.28

Yes, I bought short er alls...and you know what? I love them! 

I have worn most of my June purchases, except my nude heels. I don't have many opportunities to wear heels anymore, but I still think they're a closet must-have!

Budget Review: June

1. Striped Tank ($8.00) Jcrew thrifted (Similar)
2. White Denim pants ($20.00) Paige thrifted (same)
3. Black/grey striped top ($5.00) H&M thrifted (cute)
4. Mint pants ($7.00) Wal-Mart (Similar)
5. Striped shirt ($5.00) Wal-Mart (Similar)
6. Striped top ($6.00) Banana Republic thrifted  (cute)
7. Long&lean Black Tank ($6.00) Target (same)
8. Nude Heels ($9.00) In store Sale Target (same)
9. Black Sandals ($15.00) Target (same)
10. Elephant & hand pendant necklaces ($8.00) Michael's (cute, similar)

Clothes sold on Poshmark: $25.00
Total: $89-$25= $64.00

      I purchased 3 horizontal striped tops this month.....I can't get enough! I did pretty well this month for budgeting bloggers. I'm under budget (first time ever!)

I have worn everything from my May purchases except my tan Ann Taylor bow skirt, but that's more of a winter skirt w/tights anyways.

Inspired: Navy & Beige

                                              My Version                   J's Everyday Fashion

I follow a lot of blogs. One of my favorites is J's Everyday Fashion. She has great style and a killer closet! Her Short Story posting inspired me to pull together my version, and finally wear that Vera Wang skirt that's been hanging in the back of my closet!

Top: Old Navy thrifted (Similar)

Skirt: Vera by Vera Wang thrifted (cute)

Heels: Target (On Sale!)

Meet my cute dog Honey!

Mall Adventures: How I Shop

If you follow my blog than you know I mostly only thrift shop. I love Plato's closet! But this past weekend I went shopping at the MALL! Here are some of the things I tried on!

This shirt was at JCPenny and on sale for $4. I liked the colors, but didn't buy it. These shorts were a great color, but didn't fit.

Loved this shirt and shorts. I probably would've bought the shorts because they were on sale and I've been looking for patterned shorts, but they didn't have my size. I also loved this basic Tee by Joe, but it was $8.... I just know I can find a basic V-neck Tee for cheaper than $8!

I've tried on so many shirts like this and they NEVER fit, except this one! I bought this exact same style shirt from H&M probably 4 years ago and I love it. This one was on sale for $10!

I swear every fashion blogger I follow has this polka-dot skirt from Target. It was cute, but now that I don't have an office job it just seems impracticable, sadly. 

On Sale from Target. Loved the light feel, but the upper part didn't fit.

This is that, you borrowed your husband shirt look. This is not a good look....

After hours of shopping and going to at least 10 different stores I ended buying the button down from H&M, two tank tops from target, sandals from target and some nude heels!

We all have our methods, but this is how I shop:

1. I try to know more or less what 4-6 items I'm looking for (this weekend it was basic t-shirts, black sandals and long necklaces.)

2. I have a budget, and try to stick to it. If I spend more than $20 on an item it better be shoes!

3. It needs to fit

4. Just because it's cheap doesn't mean I should buy it.

Stripes Don't do me a Solid: Striped top, Red Blazer and pencil skirt

Red Blazer: Express thrifted (Similar, similar, & similar)

Top: Banana Republic thrifted (Similar)

Skirt: Pencil Skirt (Similar)

Sandal: MUDD thrifted (exact,exact in yellow, & smaller wedge)

I recently found this awesome Banana Republic top at a thrift-sthop. It's actually a thick sweater like material, that I'm hoping will come in handy during the Fall. I had a lot of trouble figuring out what to wear this with. I really wanted to pair it with a bright orange or yellow skirt, or brightly colored shorts, but I don't own such items (yet?)

7 Pieces Outfits

This is only my second time linking up with other fashion bloggers. Thanks Audrey from Putting Me together and Ma Nouvelle Mode. I also do budgeting bloggers. This challenge is a good way to see how creative I can get with limited options. I think it's interesting that I didn't choose any pants for 7x7 since that's what I wear 90% of the time, but whatever! See below for my different outfit combos.

Lace top: TjMaxx

Pink Cardigan: Ross 

Blue ruffled top: Old

Polka-dot Dress: Old 

White Shorts: OP Walmart 

I actually made 9 different combinations with my 7 pieces! I really like the outfits with the white shorts. 

Two things I learned from this blog post. 1) It's really hard to get good photos to include my shoes with my iphone camera. 2) I've been using pixlr to make my collages, but just found fotor and like it a lot better. What website do you use to make your collages?

Weekend Warrior: Salsa top and mint pants

  

                                        My Version                           Pinterest Inspiration

Top: Thrifted 

Pants: Jordache (Wal-Mart)

Heels: Liz Claiborne (Exact Sold out, similar, similar)

My brother saw this top and asked me if it was my "Salsa-dancing" dress. Well first of all I don't normally go salsa dancing and this is actually a top but I was still amused.

June wants: Feeling a little lost in my closet

1. Target dress $20.00 (On Sale)

2. Old Navy Striped shirt $17.50 (On Sale)

3. Pinwheel Long Pendant (On Sale, but still a lot!)

4. Polka-dot top

I just started a new job and literally can't wear half my clothes. Over the past three months I've been building a wardrobe of business professional attire and now I work with kids and glitter glue! Sometimes that's how life works, but it's all good, I'm happy to be working again. I'm looking forward to buying some more basic t-shirts and jeans in the next few months.

May Budget Review:

• Navy Silk mini skirt ($15.90) Vera Wang thrifted (cute)
• Tan Flip Flops ($10.00) Ross (Best Flip Flop ever)
• Brown pumps ($14.90) Ann Taylor thrifted
• Brown Braided Sandal ($3.00) Target thrifted (Steal of the month!)
• White Capri Jean ($7.99) Gap thrifted with tags (2nd Steal of the month!)
• Editor Gray Slacks ($4.99) J.Crew thrifted
• Olive High-Low Skirt ($3.99) Target thrifted (Similar) (3rd steal of the month!)
• Tan bow skirt ($5.99) Ann Taylor Loft thrifted
• Gray plaid skirt ($5.99) Express thrifted
• Platform Sandal ($8.00) Mudd thrifted (See post)
• Pin stripe long shorts (BOGO)Ann Taylor Loft thrifted 
• Brightly colored button-up ($9.00) Foxcroft thrifted (See post)
• Flowered statement necklace ($11.19) Ross (See post)
• Black leather large purse ($8.00) Gap thrifted (Similar)
• Tan cross body purse ($10.00) H&M thrifted (In love, cute, similar)
• Lululemon purple zip jacket ($35.00) Lulelemon thrifted
• Jeans ($15.00) S.O.N.G thrifted
• Jean leggings ($6.00) Target thrifted (Exact)
• Orange paisley flat ($4.00) Old Navy thrifted (Similar)
• Black/crochet top ($6.00) Papaya thirfted (Similar)

I think I want to make a new rule for myself. This new rule goes something like this; I must wear all items at least once in the 2 months following their purchase. If not, then I have to try to re-sell the item.....I notice that I buy clothes, shoes, jewelry and NEVER wear them....even if I like them. So if I buy something in May, and it's still unworn August 1st? Then it's up on Ebay or poshmark!

So far I've worn everything from my April purchases!

Spent in May = $173.00+ April $18.00 (over budget)= $191.00- $30.00 (clothes sold) =$161.00. So in the month of May I spent about $161.00 on clothes. That's $36.00 over budget. I recently got a job and will be increasing my monthly budget for June to $140.00. I'm proud of myself and my May purchases!

Trendy: Olive Hi Lo skirt, Striped Top & Statement necklace

Top: Ross (Old Navy, Target, & Love this)

Belt: Thrifted

Skirt: Target (thrifted) (Exact)

Sandal: MUDD (thrifted) (exact,exact in yellow, & smaller wedge)

Necklace: Ross (Love this, Cute, & Bargain)

I've been looking for a cute statement necklace for months. But all the one's a like are NOT in my budget. When I found this one the other day at Ross for only $12.00 I knew I had to get it, even if it meant that I'd be going over my May budget (yes, I know the month isn't even close to being over yet!) I love the gold and white flowers and the size of the pendants! It's the perfect spring accessory!

15% off Old Navy Online now through 5/27/2013

Up to 40% off Gap items now through 5/27/2013

Concert: White Capri, Graffiti top & jean jacket

Top: Bobeau (thrifted) (Similar)

Jean Jacket: Gap (thrifted) (Exact, Old Navy, White denim)

Belt: Nordstrom (Target, So Cute, Save)

Capri: Gap (thrifted) (Similar & Macy's)

Sandal: MUDD (thrifted) (exact,exact in yellow, & smaller wedge)

Necklace: Mom (Similar, similar,Jcrew, & Bebe)

I wore this outfit to see Sara Bareilles live in concert. She is an amazing artist, and I was completely blown away by her live performance!

Casual: Cream Crochet Top, Brown Belt, & Jeans

Top: Hem & Thread (Cute, Pricey, H&M)

Belt: Nordstrom (Target, So Cute, Save)

Black Shrug: JKLA (Target, Jcrew, Gap)

Jeans: Vigoss for Nordstrom (Want)

Sandal: Target (Exact)

This was my casual friday work outfit. Lot's of compliments on my new sandals. I bought them un-used from Plato's closet for only $3....stuff a steal! Very basic outfit, but still cute and comfy for a busy Friday.

Happy Mother's Day!

30% off all online Gap orders until 05/14/2013.

Sunshine: Spring plaid, black pencil skirt & platform sandal

Top: Foxcroft thrifted (Similar) 

Skirt: (similar, similar, & comfy)

Sandal: Mudd thrifted (Same in yellow)

So much sunshine today. Love this new Foxcroft shirt and cute platform sandals (both recently thrifted).

Week day Warrior: Stripes and Burnt Orange Blazer

Red Blazer: Express thrifted (Similar, similar, & similar)

Striped button-up top: (Similar, similar,& love this)

Jeans: American Rag thrifted (Similar & Amazing!)

Heels: Liz Claiborne (Exact Sold out, similar, similar)

These are the best heels ever. I wear them all the time! So cute and sooo comfortable!

April Budget Review

• White racerback tank ($3.88)- Walmart
• Pink racerback tank ($3.88)-Walmart
• Lime tank ($6.00)-Target (On sale)
• Grey tank ($6.00)-Taget (On sale)
• Navy pencil skirt ($16.44)-Walmart (Similar)
• White bow-tie top ($3.20)- OldNavy (thrifted) (Similar)
• Green top ($8.00)-Banana Republic (thrifted) (Similar)
• Black/white graffiti ($12.00)-Bobeau (thrifted) (Similar)
• Striped pendulum ($11.48)-Target Clearance (Exact)
• Black Trouser Pants ($12.00)-White house- Black Market (Similar)
• Infinity ring ($8.50)-(Exact)
• Turquoise earrings ($5.99)- Fred Meyers (Similar)
• Lace flats ($14.95)-H&M (See post on lace flats)
• Polka-dot Flats ($8.48) Target Clearance (Exact)
• Aztec Sandal ($16.08) Target Clearance

My April budget was $125. I just barely went over and mostly due to end of the month shopping! I spent about $144, that means I'll be borrowing $19 from my May budget leaving me with $106.00 for the month of May. This was my first month (ever) keeping a clothing budget. It's completely changed the way I shop. I want to build a wardrop that is classy, comfortable, and high-quality. To do that I need to plan out what I buy instead of impulse shop.

Spring Colors: Mint pants, navy blazer & paisley scarf

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Jacket: TjMaxx 

Scarf: TjMaxx  (Similar)

Shirt: Target $10.00 (exact)

Pants: TjMaxx 

Shoes: Ross 

I bought all of these items within the last three months. Sadly I haven't worn most of them much. Their are certain things I love about this outfit! For example the buttons on the jacket, the colors in the scarf, and the shocking orange of the flats.

Business Casual: Color Blocking skirt

White top: (similar, similar, love this)

Black Top: 4paix (Similar)

Skirt: Amanda & Chelsea (Nordstrom Rack) (Love this, love this, & Love this $$)

Shoes: Michelle (similar, love these, cute)

Belt: (cute, on sale)

Necklace: (similar, cute)

Pinterest inspiration for this outfit.

I love this skirt but have had trouble styling it. I liked the solid classic colors like black and white, but I'm still looking for a good ways to wear this look. Happy Earth day everyone!

Girls Lunch Outfit: Bright Blue Cardigan, brown tie neck blouse, and heels

Cardigan: August Silk similar 

Blouse: Ann Taylor similar vintage, similar

Jeans: Blue Cult similar

Heels: Giani Bernini exact, similar

I read a lot of fashion blogs. Check em out on my best fashion blogs tab! My all time favorite fashion blog is Outfit Posts. MK has timeless style. If I had paired this outfit with boots it would've looked a lot like her outfit worn here.

I wore this outfit to a girls lunch today. I received so many compliments on it! I normally would never pair brown with blue, but because the blue was more of turquoise it worked!

SPEND VS. SAVE:  Polka Dot Swimsuit

Before you look any lower on this page can you spot the Spend and the Save? According to Town and Country Polka dots are making a big comeback this year!

Spend #1:$89.99 Esther Williams

Spend #2: $66.00 Freya Swim

Spend #3: $49.95 Lane Bryant

Save #4: $27.92 Walmart

As cute as string bikini's are....they don't offer much support. Especially to those of us who have larger chests. Walmart is an interesting company for many reasons and I don't shop there often but they're one of the few places that carry swimsuits for large-chested women. So I couldn't resist this cute polka dot/striped bikini top from Walmart.

What are your thoughts on the new "hipster" bikini bottoms? Like the one pictured in Spend#3. Cute or Not-so-cute?