Budgeting Bloggers: March

Striped tank via Value Village $6

Merona Color Blocking Cardigan via Value Village $7

Pearl necklace via Value Village$10

Necklace (Exact) via Maurices $8

Zebra blouse via VF $12

Express Zebra blouse (similar) via Goodwill $6

Charter Club Floral Pencil skirt (Similar) via Goodwill $6

Black Skater skirt (Similar) via Goodwill $8

Everlane Silk Tank (Exact) via Goodwill $6

Lucky booties via Marshalls $25

Ralph Lauren Purple dress via Value Village $13

Limited Strip top (Similar) via Value Village $8

Ann Taylor White Satin Pumps (Exact in Black) via Goodwill $15

Merona Tee (Exact) via Goodwill $3

Grey Cardigan (Similar) via Goodwill $13

Dropped-sleeve top (Similar) via Value Village $7

Total: $153

I went shopping A LOT this month. Some of these clothes I haven't worn yet.... I love the jewelry at Maurices (this one), cheap, but good quality and super cute! I got some great deals this month by thrifting. The Everlane Silk top for only $6!Whattt??!!! I've been looking for another pair of booties- and then I found the Lucky ones for only $25! And then the Ann Taylor satin pumps- mine are in white and look new! I can't believe they're from the 80's! I'm also loving the black Skater skirt (even though questionably I'm "too old" for that look) and the grey cardigan even though it's a looser fit than I normally sport! How did you guys do this month on your budget? Do you ever try a trend even though you are questionably "too old" for that look??

Budgeting Bloggers: February

Gold Necklace via StichFix (Similar) $35

Blouse via Goodwill (Similar) $6

Gap pullover (Similar) via Goodwill $13

J.Crew dress (Similar) via Goodwill $8

Everlane V-neck Shirts 3 for $45-Returning

Nordstroms Zella Leggings $50

February Total: $112

• I just started Stick Fix this month. You can try it here. I only kept the necklace this time. But I loved the jeans they sent, I just don't need yet another pair of jeans. Next time I'll do a blog post about my "fix."
• Love this white blouse perfect for work!
• The Everlane shirts were not my cup of tea. I'm looking for something with a little more stretch. 
• They don't call the Zella leggings "live in" leggings for nothing. Best leggings ever. Worth $50!

Baby it's STILL cold outside....

Little Blond Book       ~            Shell Chicd    ~         Pop of Style

Katie's Bliss              ~           J.Crew           ~                Me

This Navy vest is super cute and keeping me warm during chilly January days. I had no idea J.Crew makes an almost identical version! I borrowed J.Crew styling and paired it with a jean jacket.

Budgeting Bloggers: December

Free Press Plust Tights via Nordstrom Rack: $8

Merona Sweater Tights via Target: $7

Abound Grunge Sweater via Nordstrom Rack: $25 (it's on Sale Currently)

Abound V-neck Tee via Nordstrom Rack: $10

Abound Crew Neck Sweater in Forest Green via Nordstrom Rack: $17

Anne Klein Watch via Nordstrom Rack (Simliar): $25

Angie pink layered top via TJ Maxx (Similar): $17

Hi-Lo V-neck Sweater via Old Navy: $12

Performance Fleece via Old Navy: $8

Gingham Quilted Vest via J.Crew Factory: Xmas gift

Herringbone Vest via J.Crew Factory: Xmas gift

Total: $129.00

• I love both these Tights. The Free Press are holding up better than the Merona's. Thanks Fran for recommending fleece lined tights. They're amazing!
• The abound Grunge Sweater is so warm and fuzzy. If you get cold at your office (like me) you need this!
• My mom surprised me (hard to do) with the Gingham quilted vest from J.Crew Factory. I think this vest is even cuter in person. I LOVE IT! I'm typically a Large, but the Medium fits much better.
• Surprisingly I don't like the Herringbone vest as much as I thought I would. I thought it would be thicker, and a different material.

Happy New Year!

Budgeting Bloggers: November

Jcrew peacoat (Similar): thrifted $20

Tall boot socks (Similar): Wal-mart $5

Total= $25.00

Before anyone starts to congratulate me on my reasonable shopping this month, let me tell you that I've used about 110% of my will power to NOT shop and the reason is that I'm trying to save money to buy a newer car! Yay budgeting! Black Friday was such a tease I hope you guys got some good deals!

6 ways to wear a skirt in winter!

me   //   Jennifer Aniston

Skirt: Amanda&Chelsey  // Old Navy
Top: H&M
Boots: DSW
Scarf: Etsy
Winter is finally here and it is chilly. I love to bundle up with lot's of layers. I especially like wearing skirts with leggings and boots!

Here are 6 ways to wear a skirt in winter! 

Sweaters, coffee and chocolate Oh My!

              Me  //  EllaPrettyBlog  //  Pinterest               

       

Sweater: Old Navy

Button down: H&M

Leggings: Target

Boots: Timberland
Scarf: Payless

Sweaters in the winter, a warm cup of coffee and some quality chocolate and there you have my own little piece of heaven! That being said I was pretty excited to try out this look from Ella Pretty Blog this week.  I had trouble with the button down shirt looking awkward under the sweater so I tried the tank-in-between trick from Franish but still looked a little frumpy. Do you ever struggle with too many layers?

              

Budgeting Bloggers: October

Target Grey Cardigan: $25

Gap plaid: thrifted $8

H&M grey sweater (Similar): $20

H&M Necklace (Similar):$13 

Chicos Jean Jacket (Similar): thrifted $20

Old Navy Oxford Pullover: $12 (On sale)

DSW-Black boots: $32 (On sale with $10 coupon)
Target Wedge: $35

Total= $165

I got a great deal on the boots form DSW and I love them! Target has a similar version here.

I returned these Target fur lined black booties because they were too open at the ankle and I wasn't sure how I would style them? Do I tuck the pants into the boots? I also returned these Target knee high black boots because they felt too narrow in the foot.

Neutral Inspiration

My version |   Inspiration: polka dots and leopard spots

Blouse: Daniel Rainn
Blazer: Target
Jeans: Target
Boots: DSW
Belt: Target

How cute is this top? Wearing a blazer over a light blouse is a great way to transition some of your summer tops into more winter appropriate attire.

Wedge bootie review

I'm LOVING my new wedge bootie from Target. 

See below for my review on some other hot booties.

Target: Mad Love
Affordable |  comfortable for all day-wear |   my favorite  |   $34.99

DSW-Impo
Amazing color   |  Comfy   | 3 3/4 heel (too high for me!)   |   $49.94

Nordstroms: TOMS
Comfy  |   Quality   | I don't like the big TOMS tag on back  |   $88.95

DSW: Nine West
So many colors-Love the Olive   |   low heel  |  Quality |  $79.95

DSW: Madden Girl
Poor quality   |  narrow in the foot  |    $49.95

Vests for Fall

Me   //   Inspiration~House of Harper   // Inspiration~Southern Curls & Pearls

Vest: Eddie Bauer

Plaid: Gap

Pants: Bebe

Boots: DSW

Scarf:H&M

Save: Target // Splurge:Patagonia // Classic White: Kohl's // Plaid: Old Navy // On Sale: Macy's

The Grey Cardigan

Cardigan: Target
Scarf: Payless
Top: Ann Taylor
Pants: Dressbarn
Wedges: Target

 Inspiration

It was my first day wearing these wedges from Target. And I absolutely love them. So comfy, yet professional enough for the office. Also, I love this leopard scarf!

I'm Back!

    So after a long hiatus....I'm back from Africa.Yay! Even though sometimes I feel silly about fashion blogging, I really love reading other blogs and being part of something that's fun and creative!

1. Wedges

2. Plaid

3. Grey sweater

4. Knit infinity scarf

5. The Best blazer EVER! (I love the Hedge Green)

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!