December Budget

The most wonderful time of the year (as well as the year itself) is coming to a close, and I am sitting here in a bit of a consumption coma. Lots of buying happened this month -- many gifts, of course, and many purchases for myself. I hit the after-Christmas sales. Hard.

I'd tried to avoid shopping too much over the past month or two because I knew prices would be great after the holidays, and they were. I missed a few items due to sell out (and a number of items mentioned aren't linked below because they are now out of stock), but I think it's just fate reminding me I can't have everything.

Starting Budget: $250 ($200 of my regular monthly budget, plus $50 because I returned this sweater and these shoes purchased previously)

H&M Jeweled Sweater ($10, on sale) -- this is my favorite buy this month (a tough call to make because I love sooo many things). The color is so rich and gorgeous -- I think it would look great on many people, but in particular I think it is really striking on brunettes. I've already worn it twice, once for Christmas morning brunch (over leggings and sparkly slippers) and once for an impromptu holiday gathering with high school friends (with ponte pants and chunky black pumps). I'm considering buying another one because the price is ridiculous (the one I bought was size large, which was very roomy and oversized; a medium would be more fitted, perfect with jeans or dress pants).

H&M Printed Sweater ($8, on sale) -- a simple little lounge top, perfect with leggings for lazy weekends (or weekdays, honestly, since I work from home). Nice for layering on those rare chilly Florida mornings. I like the stars :)

Anthropologie Splitneck Henley ($50, on sale) -- I've been eyeing this since September and I finally caught my size in stock for a great price. I got the large because I wanted it to be roomy and oversized -- reviews are very accurate in that it runs small (at least one size, maybe two).

Ava + Viv Sequin Skirt ($35) -- you never know where you'll find a gem. A friend of mine showed up to a holiday party wearing this amazing skirt and I all but snatched it off of her when she walked in the room. It is that perfect piece that is fancy but not fussy. When she told me it was from Target my eyes about popped out of my head, and I was floored to hear it was from their new-ish plus size line Ava + Viv. Plus size options are typically the worst so good on you Target for designing this winner. I wasn't sure the skirt would fit me (I can range from a 6 to a 12 depending on brand but mostly fall into 8s and 10s), but I ordered the smallest size they had (X, which is a 14-16) and crossed my fingers. Success! What helps is that it has an elastic waist, creating a much more forgiving fit. I'm also a bit pear-shaped, so the hips that I am always cursing come to the rescue here. I'm also experimenting with pinning it a bit on the side for a more secure fit. It's great little party skirt and looks much more expensive than it's price tag -- I can't wait to wear it with a simple button down blouse, a little velvet blazer, and even a graphic tee. So many possibilities.

H&M Printed Sweatshirt ($20, on sale) -- I don't know why, I just wanted it. I like my loungewear, what can I say?

Loft Speckled Shirt ($17, on sale) -- a twist on a basic black sweater -- the speckled print adds a bit of interesting texture.

H&M Sequin Sweater ($35) -- I loved this so much I paid full price. This rich emerald green color is my kryptonite (it's deeper and prettier in person), and I liked the placement of large paillettes. It's fun and festive without being too over the top.

H&M Cable Knit Cardigan ($20, on sale) -- I've been searching for an ivory cable knit cardigan for about a year (it's on my wish list!). I'm not big on belting things, so I'll probably wear it with the belt tied in the back.

J. Crew Striped Shirt with Bow Detail ($24, on sale) -- I have too many striped shirts, but I have NONE that are tied in the back with shimmery ribbon bows. I couldn't not buy this. The fact that I waited until it went on sale is basically a miracle (I'm expecting the Dope Pope to nominate me for sainthood any day now). This got scooped up fast in J. Crew's 40% off sale sale, so it was totally worth my being late for a family brunch while I furiously loaded things in my card and whipped my credit card out.

J. Crew Tippi Sweater ($35, on sale) -- I've never owned a Tippi sweater, but I know several devotees and I feel like this will easily work into my existing wardrobe (pairing with the jeans, pants, and leggings I wear almost daily). This bright ocean color is beyond gorgeous.

J. Crew Parker Crossbody ($47, on sale) -- I've never seen this bag in person but I am hoping it is as sweet and lovely as it seems in the photo. The lipstick pink color is punchy but not too saccharine sweet.

J. Crew Boatneck Tee ($20, on sale) -- Pink and orange is my favorite color combo, and it's unusual to see these sort of candy colors paired in a classic Breton stripe tee. I'll be saving it for spring and summer, it seems ideal for those early warm nights.

H&M Jacquard Knit Sweater ($13, on sale) -- an impulse buy. I'd seen it in store a few weeks ago and it seemed so cozy. I'm not sure I'll get many chances to wear it this year (hello insanely warm winter), but it is making me want to plan some sort of ski trip so I can rock while drinking cocoa in the lodge (I don't actually ski, but I'm an apres-ski pro).

Gap Cozy Bold Stripe Scarf ($12, on sale) -- I couldn't stop thinking about it after posting about it weeks ago. It's a want more than a need, making it a perfect after Christmas buy.

Forever 21 Beaded Jacket ($50) -- looks so much more expensive than it was. Perfect topper over a tank and jeans for easy nights out.

Anthropologie Celestial Slippers ($44) -- a little gift for myself. Fancy slippers are a happy little luxury. These are on a nice sale and would be great to pick up as a gift for Christmas 2016 (yes, I sometimes buy gifts a year in advance. I'm sure that is stage one hoarding, but I don't care).

Total: $388

I'm about $100 over, which isn't ideal but it could have been worse. Also, a number of these items haven't arrived yet so I do think there's a chance that one or two may end up being returned.

I thought I'd also mention a few items I got for Christmas -- they are already very happy additions to my wardrobe!

This bag doesn't look like it came from H&M, and it does a good job of scratching my itch for a Marc Jacobs hobo. I've been dying for a black watch plaid blanket scarf -- this one looks great with basic black and navy tops. I have these earrings in green and wear them a lot, so I know this coral pair will get a lot of love. And I love this palette of cool shadows from Buxom (they have a primer built in, which is great because I am lazy about that sort of thing).

Hope you had a wonderful December and most importantly, enjoyed spending time with the people you love. I've always thought of myself as a fairly grateful person -- I have a generally happy life filled with amazing friends and family, and I don't take them for granted even for a minute. Still, this time of year provides an even better reminder that what matters most in life is the people you share it with and the good work that you do. So while it's fun to collect beautiful baubles and sparkly skirts, they're just a bit of icing on the cake.

Linking with Fran and the budgeting bloggers - I'm so curious to see what fun things everyone found this month!

Wednesday Wishlist: Leather Weather

Fall always makes me dream of leather, though I've never actually had much in my wardrobe. I love a classic moto jacket, but I've never tried anything more adventurous. I definitely admire ladies who can rock a leather top or skinny leather pants, but I can't see working either into my wardrobe right now.

I do like the idea of a little leather -- just enough to hint at a bit of toughness without the commitment of fully encasing my limbs in thick, suffocating animal hide (because that doesn't seem like a particularly good idea in swampy Florida). Pieces that feature a subtle leather (or faux leather) accent seem like a great compromise, and they are everywhere right now. Let's take a look...

clockwise from l to r:

Calvin Klein Trench with Faux Leather Sleeves ($300) -- a classic trench with a bit of edge.

Rebecca Taylor Faux Leather Trimmed Cotton Jacket ($178) -- a cozy little black and white striped sweater with cool detailing. 

Blue Vanilla Cream Leather-Look Trim Knitted Cardigan ($53) -- just so dreamy, I'd wear this cocoon-y belted wrap sweater with full-leg black trousers or skinny jeans.

Banana Republic Factory Mixed Media Ponte Dress ($66) -- I love an easy-but-pulled-together work dress, and this shift dress is perfect.

Rag and Bone Lira Leather-Trimmed Sweatshirt ($148) -- you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort -- the delivery guy will notice if you make an effort and throw this on when he shows up with your hangover omelet.

Bagatelle Tweed and Leather Jacket ($160) -- a great little topper for those cool days when you don't quite need a heavy coat.

Forever 21 Striped Makeup Pouch ($6) -- the black on black stripe makes this inexpensive bag look quite luxe.

Forever 21 Metallic Tweed Platform Slipons ($30) -- just enough leather to toughen up a sweet shoe.

Zara Top with Faux Leather Pockets ($50) -- I'd size up and wear this with leggings for an easy Saturday look.

What's In My Bag

A "what's in my bag" post is among my favorite in the blogosphere...what can I say, nosiness is my guilty pleasure! A few weeks ago I switched from my usual summer bags (mostly smaller crossbody type bags) to a good fall bag. I've gotten myself sorted with what I need to carry on a daily basis, so I thought I'd share a peek inside...



BAG: My go-to bag right now is this roomy Zara shoulder bag that I picked up over the summer (currently sold out, similar here). It's lightweight and spacious, and it goes with just about everything.

ESSENTIALS: There are a few things that I always have with me. First, my wallet (I'm using this pretty rose gold one) -- I prefer a large zipper style wallet, which I stuff to the max with the usual (credit cards, cash, gift cards), as well as every receipt I've ever received (except the ones I need to turn in for work, never seem to have those), discount and reward cards, movie ticket stubs, coins from foreign countries I have no plans to visit, month-old to-do lists, and public transit cards from at least 3 different cities.

I also carry sunglasses, my keys (I like my tassel keyring -- here's a similar one -- though I'm on the lookout for something new), some all-purpose wipes, headphones (the ones I use are similar to these, with a built-in mic for phone calls), and my iPhone with this pretty Rifle Paper Co. case. I'm a bit more reliant on my phone than I'd like, but these days it is essential -- I use it for entertainment, navigation, note-taking, keeping track of my schedule. Finally, I always have this magical little reloadable gift card for my many trips to EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival. You wear it around your wrist and just tap, tap, tap when you want something tasty to eat or drink. Food and Wine is the social event of the year and I find myself there a few times a week, so I never leave home without it.

POUCH #1: I'm a big fan of keeping small items in pouches. It makes everything so easy to find, and it also lets me keep my sanity when I need to quickly swap bags. For makeup, I love a little mesh pouch (ideally one that is compact, flat, and lightweight so that I can have my essentials close at hand -- these are great). I'm not someone who is going to redo a full face of makeup on the go, so I just carry some touch-up basics -- my favorite eyeliner and mascara, a good lip balm, and lately I've added a mini sized Benefit Posie Tint (perfect for just a hint of lip and cheek color). I love this little travel perfume atomizer (so easy to fill) for a bit of freshening -- Sephora's rollerballs are insanely expensive, this is a much better option. Aquaphor is great to dab onto cuts, dry spots, blisters, etc. Finally, some hand sanitizer for emergencies -- I don't know how safe any of these products are, but I hope that this one from the Honest Company isn't the worst of the bunch.

POUCH #2: This is where I carry the things that aren't essentials but just so nice to have (if I switch to a smaller bag, this pouch stays home). This luxe hand cream is very handy, especially this time of year (this was a Sephora Black Friday deal from last year and I still have a bit left -- fingers crossed we see it again this year!). Healthy snacks are nice -- these almonds keep me from running to the king-size Snickers. I love this sunblock stick, perfect for reapplying throughout the day (I always miss a spot!). As a runner, I have hair elastics and safety pins in every pocket and drawer, so I throw a few in my pouch as well. I'm not a big gum chewer, but it's nice to be have just in case I need to make sure my breath is minty fresh. I try to keep a pen or two with me, and for some reason I'm carrying around this metallic Sharpie right now. I like to have a flash drive on me -- mine has some work files, but sometimes I have photos, music and fun stuff to carry around. And I love this little tape measure (I got mine from Pier 1 years ago, but this one is adorable). So handy!

Wednesday Wishlist: Muppet Chic

Here's a list of things that Floridians don't need:

1. Snow shovels
2. Volumizing hair products
3. Fur coats

Guess which one I'm obsessed with right now? To be clear, it's a faux fur I'm digging -- I don't need any critter to be harmed for the sake of my looking fabulous. I spotted a couple of good ones at Forever 21 this weekend, and now I'm dreaming up all sorts of reasons I need one.

Since they're relatively inexpensive, I think a cute faux fur is a pretty smart buy. There are times when fashion should just be fun, and draping yourself in a bit of ridiculousness seems like it could be a whole lot of fun. Let's take a look at the furriest options in stores right now...

clockwise from l to r:

Kristen Blake Spotted Faux Fur Jacket ($138) -- or, how to be very chic while being very lazy. So great.

Modcloth Gallery Glamour Coat ($90) -- sometimes it's fun to make people wonder, "is she wearing her bathrobe in public?" But also kind of fun to throw on over your a simple dress or an easy weekend look.

Zara Long Furry Waistcoast ($70) -- a cool way to get a little fur action without committing to a full jacket.

Forever 21 Collarless Fur Jacket ($53) -- one of the coats that sparked my obsession, a perfect topper for your holiday party looks and an easy way to add a little drama to your Saturday night.

MANGO Leopard Faux Fur Coat ($150) -- for some ladies, a big fur coat just doesn't make enough of a statement. You know who you are. This leopard print should do the trick in turning every single head in the room.

River Island Light Pink Premium Fur Coat ($170) -- this one actually does look a bit like a skinned Muppet, in the most rock and roll way possible.

Anthropologie Blushed Faux-Fur Coat ($178) -- probably the most wearable option. This little cropped jacket could almost work as a blazer, giving you a great way to add color and texture to lots of different looks.

September Budget

This month was fun. September is really a full throttle fashion month and I spent a lot of time browsing, dreaming, and actually buying.

Last month was a really light month -- my original total was $78 but I ended up returning the linen blazer, reducing my total to a whopping $33. Luckily I found more than a few things that caught my eye this month, so I was glad to have a little extra to dip into if I needed it.

Here's how this month looked:

Starting budget: $200 (plus $170ish from last month, if needed)

Purchases:

clockwise from l to r:

H&M Lace Top ($25) -- feminine, flirty, in the prettiest shade of green. I'm excited to wear this now but I know I'll love it for casual holiday parties come December.

Kate Spade Francoise Top (birthday gift) -- this pretty top is now sold out, but I snagged it for about $150 as a birthday gift for myself. Every year I treat myself to a special something, so this won't count against my monthly budget.

Mossimo Gold/Black Bracelet Watch ($10, on sale) -- *cue the choir of angels* You know I love me a chunky gold watch with a black dial, and I've been drooling over some pricey versions for months. I was considering splurging on as my birthday gift this year, and the Target came through with a great low-cost option. I've been wearing it non-stop and I LOVE the way it looks -- it doesn't have the heft of an expensive watch, but it's so easy to wear.  I'll admit I'm going to need to exchange this particular one because the clasp doesn't stay closed. I'm not mad (it was ten bucks), but I'm hoping I just got a bad one.

Forever 21 Frayed Striped Scarf ($15) -- this scarf looks so chic in person.

Dr. Scholl's Exercise Sandals ($20) -- super classic sandal with a fun stripe-y twist.

Banana Republic Factory Textured Raglan Top ($17, on sale) -- a sporty, cozy top that's equally perfect for lazy weekends (with leggings) and work (with tailored trousers). Bonus: I'm pretty sure the star of the Lifetime movie I was watching today (a murderous psychopath, no less) was wearing this top.

Target Reagan Platform Loafers ($32) -- these classic penny loafers on steroids have a jolie laide quality that I love.

Banana Republic Factory Cuff-Sleeved Top ($6, on sale) -- snagged this super soft top on a great outlet trip over Labor Day weekend. The photo doesn't really do it justice, this tee is long and perfectly drapey, exactly what I love to wear with leggings while I'm working from home.

Not pictured:

H&M Button-Front Dress ($35) -- a simple little black dress in a flattering style (instantly reminded me of this great Boden dress, minus the awesome retro print).

H&M Knit Sweater ($25) -- I love shoulder buttons, and I was drooling over a rack of these sweaters on Instagram a few weeks ago. I really wanted all of them, but decided on the gray as it fills a little hole in my wardrobe.

Total: $185 ($15 under budget)

Turns out I was still able to stay within budget without dipping into funds from last month. Awesome.

Last month I shared a bit of a wish list for September shopping, and I only ended up with one item (the KS blouse); the Zara top wasn't right in person, and I waited too long on the Old Navy bag as its now sold out. Still thinking about the sexy mermaid swimsuit, but I feel like I'll need to have a fun vacation booked before I pull the trigger.

For October, I don't really have any purchases in mind. I've certainly seen plenty of things that I love, but I need to admit that I have a reaaalllyy stocked closet right now. I'll be on the lookout for a first round of fall price cuts, but tiny sales aren't likely to turn my head. I'm stalking a few items on eBay as well, and might use this opportunity to spend some of my monthly budget on resale deals.

What did you add to your closet this month? Sharing is caring, so let me know what you're loving right now.

As usual, linking up with Fran and the Budget Bloggers -- check out what the ladies bought this month!

Fall Wishlist: Part IV

7. Deep Dark Oxblood

More than any other season, fall is defined by a color palette. There are some colors, like oxblood, that evoke happy, cozy feelings of rustling leaves, warm fires, spiced cider. It is hot and muggy in Florida today, so I'm going to try to jumpstart fall with a few pieces in this deep, rich shade.

J. Crew Factory Wool Dress Coat -- the perfect coat when you need to have a bit of a princess moment -- so very Kate Middleton.

Forever 21 Faux Suede Strappy Sandals -- a bold Miu Miu-inspired chunky sandal. I can imagine these with fun, textured tights in a rainbow of colors.

Modcloth Paris Cafe Cardigan -- I love a cardigan that looks just as good (maybe better) when buttoned as it does when left open. This piece from Modcloth's new in-house line is a little bit sweet, a little bit sexy.

Topshop Leather Duffel Crossbody -- your new everyday bag in a very sophisticated shade.

This rich color looks good on so many different skin tones, so any of these pieces would be great closet workhorses. I really love that coat, so let's take it for a spin...

I'm rarely home for my high school's homecoming weekend, but I might be this year and this is exactly what I'd wear. This coat perfectly ties together a fun sweater and pale, relaxed jeans. The accessories are practical and a nod to my school's colors (blue and gold) -- go Eagles! And this coat brings the perfect amount of fancy for holiday activities later in the year. It compliments, but doesn't compete with, a great party dress.

8. A Great Bag (or Two)

Investing in a good bag each season is an easy way to freshen up your look. It's a smart buy, especially if you're looking to stretch your budget. If you find the right one, your cost per wear will be tiny. Here are some of my favorites right now:

Zara Holdall -- I talked about the qualities of my ideal bag here: (looks like) leather, roomy but not bulky, easy to carry. This is a winner, and I love the deep bottle green color.

Yoins Snakeprint Backpack -- an interesting shape and pattern, but still neutral enough to play nicely with the rest of your look.

Boden Berkeley Zip Bag -- this is one of my favorite bag shapes, and I love the punchy tomato red. 

Old Navy Faux-Leather Bucket Bag -- classic, great looking bag for a teeny price. 

Would it be wrong to buy all of these? I think the Zara bag is my favorite, so let's play with that one:

A perfect bag to take to work, especially on those surprisingly sticky September days. I love this striped shirt dress -- I'd add a couple of bracelets, some not-boring shoes, and not much else. This bag is also perfect for a chilly night out -- people may not see the sleek sweater and pants under your big cocoon coat, but everyone will notice the great bag on your arm.

Fall Wishlist: Part II

3. Versatile Black & White

No secret, black and white is my favorite color combo and a go-to palette all year long. It's chic, it's flattering, and it goes with everything. I've seen a lot of great graphic black and white pieces this season, so I'm hoping to add one or two to the ever-growing black and white section of my closet.

Anthropologie Ika Split Henley -- a great drape-y tunic that you'll wear every season.

Modcloth By Luck or Design Top -- a perfect work blouse that you could easily pair with jeans or leggings on the weekend.

Modcloth What's Avenue With You? Sweater -- I love the shape this sweet, fitted sweater creates. The stripes are just the right width, and the bow adds personality without being too wacky.

Peter Som Reeve Pullover -- cool and cozy.

For those last lingering days of summer, I'd pair this blouse with a pair of pale blue tweed pants (I bought a very similar pair a few months ago and they are so versatile) for a cool, airy office look. And I'd have some fun with accessories. Pairing black and brown can be tricky, so try using one as an accent -- a stack of wood tone bangles, tortoise flats, and a beige bag are unexpected but interesting.

I don't know why, but I immediately thought this top would be a great option for Thanksgiving dinner -- or maybe a fun Friendsgiving get together. When you add slim (but stretchy) leggings, you have a great outfit with plenty of room for seconds (and thirds). Since you'll be doing plenty of sitting, this is a perfect time to break out your favorite pretty-but-painful shoes. And how amazing is this little belted princess coat? (It's J. Crew -- will be watching for markdowns.)

4. Tailored Blazers

Another year-round favorite, blazers are just made for crisp fall days.

J. Crew Rhodes Blazer -- this is the updated version of the beloved Schoolboy Blazer, and it looks pretty great in photos. A classic you'll wear for years.

J. Crew Metallic Tweed Blazer -- great shape, cool texture, neutral color palette, with a hint of luxe metallic shimmer. Love.

H&M Fitted Blazer -- you don't necessarily need to take out a mortgage to get great looking blazer. I like the color and shape of this one from H&M.

Forever 21 Single Button Knit Blazer -- this soft, relaxed blazer is perfect for throwing over your weekend look when you need an extra layer.

I get jealous anytime I see my favorite bloggers bust out their Schoolboy Blazers, and I'm developing a serious crush on Rhodes. Let's see it in action...

This blazer is the perfect way to make your favorite summer shift office ready. With the right bag, shoes, and jewelry you'll have a really easy work uniform for early fall. I also love the idea of dressing a blazer up a bit. A little sequin tank peeking out underneath is fun and flirty but not over the top. Add skinny jeans and cute shoes and you're ready for dinner, drinks, whatever.

Three Ways: Sexy Strappy Heels

I fell in love with these shoes the moment I saw them. Ultimately I passed on them (I'm working on not just blindly satisfying every whim and desire -- it's not the most fun thing ever), but I did spend some time contemplating them and dreaming up lots of great ways to wear them:

Late Dinner Out

This was really my first instinct. I just love the idea of that sexy peep-toe platform peeking out from under a pair of super long, super slim flared jeans. These MiH Marrakesh flares are my absolute favorite denim silhouette ever. Legs. For. Days. I'd keep everything else simple -- a pretty white blouse, a classic bag, a cool necklace, and this funky tortoise ring.

Dancing All Night

I am always drawn to things with a sexy 70's Halston vibe. This wide-leg jump suit is perfect -- not too costume-y, super flattering. You don't really need too much else: great earrings and a little clutch with a touch of gold. Add a quick swipe of sheer red lipstick and you're ready to go.

(Very) Casual Friday

I don't think I would wear these shoes to work, but could you? Yes, I think so. You just want to shift the vibe from sexy to kind of mod, and a graphic shirt dress like this one from Boden is fantastic. Add some layers -- opaque tights and a good blazer. Finally, some office-friendly jewelry. I love this delicate necklace and a pretty rose gold watch. A sheer pink gloss like NARS Turkish Delight keeps it all very soft and sweet.

Pack This: Summer Vacation

Who has two sequined mouse ears and is ready for vacation? This girl!

It's been a while since I've had a proper vacation and I'm about ready to burst. A little tip: if you can avoid it, I'd say don't wait until the last week of August to take your summer vacation. I've been SUPER jealous as I scroll through everyone's vacation snaps on Instagram, and I'm more than ready for some summer fun. The next best thing to being on summer vacation is planning for it, so I thought I'd share my packing list for this trip. 

Here are the details:

Destination: 

I'm headed to Southern California for a week -- a few days in Disneyland and a weekend visiting friends in Orange County (reallllly wanted to add a few days in LA, but it just didn't work out. Next time!) 

Goals: 

Mix and match options that will work for sightseeing, eating corn dogs, and having fun. Don't overpack. Don't overdress. Don't overthink.

The Plan:

Neutral tops + fun bottoms

I'm taking 5 sort of neutral tops and tees that all mix and match with 3 pair of shorts and a pair of jeans. I love that I'll have the flexibility to put together outfits based on my mood, the weather, our plans, etc. I'm making sure to include some layering options as well -- this thin, lightweight Zara sweater is perfect for cool nights and aggressive air conditioning.

Easy evening options

We have some nice dinners and a few grown-up type evening activities planned, but they'll still be relatively casual. My beloved romper and this cute dress (similar) are easy options that will fool people into thinking you made an effort.

Cute but comfy shoes

I promised myself I'm only bringing comfortable shoes, but luckily I have plenty of cute ones. These slides are chic and great for hitting the parks or just floppin' down to the pool. These sneakers are sporty/preppy perfection and one of my best buys ever (this color combo isn't available anymore, but there are other cute options). 

Not too many accessories

Sunglasses are essential -- I'm bringing one sporty pair and one glam pair. Two black and white bags will go with everything. A cute and flattering one-piece bathing suit is great for a quick dip in the pool. And I'm not bringing any jewelry (except maybe a watch) -- it just feels too fussy. With ears like those, who really needs more bling?

Wishlist Wednesday: Just the Tip

Black and white is my favorite color combination -- it can be bold or neutral, casual or dressy, but somehow always right. When I can't figure out to wear, I always go back to a black and white palette. This week I'm particularly drawn to solid pieces that are tipped with a hint of contrasting color. So very chic, oui?



clockwise from l to r:

J. Crew Factory Tipped Linen Blazer ($55) -- Gorgeous, timeless, perfect. This has been on my wish list for a long time and it is such a good price. Sigh.

Zara Cap Toe Ballerina Slippers ($26) -- every wardrobe needs a great pair of flats -- you'll wear these with everything.

Zara Top with Contrast Piping ($50) -- great under a suit, perfect with a pair of jeans.

H&M Fine Knit Sweater ($25) -- pretty and demure. Endless layering options.

J. Crew Collection Cashmere Tipped Polo ($228) -- I love this so much, but I have to take a moment to say this is a great example of what is wrong with J. Crew right now. Who is the audience for this lovely and extraordinarily overpriced sweater?

TKEES French Tips ($55) -- this brand is new to me, but I love this pair of simple, elegant slides.

H&M Pattern Knit Cardigan ($25) -- the subtle pattern in the knit makes this seem like a much pricier piece.

Forever 21 Contrast Trim Blouse ($17) -- a great blank canvas for your favorite necklaces.

July "Budget"

Well, there was a major Zara sale and this month isn't going to be pretty, so let's just get to it...

Stating Budget: $275 (monthly $200 + $41 for returning a May purchase and $34 for selling some clothes)

clockwise l to r:

J. Crew Perforated Drapey Crepe Dress ($65, on sale) -- does this look familiar? You may remember last month I bought this dress in a gorgeous orange-red color. I adore it and knew I needed to snag the black color as well. Simple, sophisticated, just a little sexy. I stalked it for weeks and finally caught my size on a super sale.

Zara Jacket with Patterned Lining ($80) -- the pictures don't do it justice, this is a truly beautiful piece. It has the construction and feel of a jacket 10 times the price.

Forever 21 Cat-Eye Sunglass ($5.90) -- just the right price for a fun but super trendy pair.

Merona 3/4 Sleeve Striped Tee ($5, thrifted) -- great fit, perfectly stripe-y. Very different than all of the other striped tees in my closet. I promise.

J. Crew Roxie Pumps ($300) -- yup, I bought them. My size came back in stock and before I could even think, I clicked. Boom goes the budget.

Top with Cross-Over Front ($20, on sale) Zara sale strikes again. This top is so, so pretty -- the layered front is interesting without being fussy, and the floral pattern is really vibrant (much brighter than the photo). It's so flattering -- I wore it once and several people mentioned that I looked bright and glowy. I don't get those kinds of comments when I wear my pricey highlighting creams and powders.

Ann Taylor Tipped Collarless Jacket ($65, on sale) -- a blogger favorite this month, and for good reason. This is a fantastic spring/summer blazer with simple, chic styling. I noticed on Facebook that a friend of mine wore it when she spoke before the United Nations, so now I refer to it as my "Speaking at the UN Jacket". I'm sure I'll be receiving a speaking invitation any moment.

Zara Embroidered T-Shirt ($23, on sale) -- I can't believe I'm proclaiming my love for a mesh t-shirt, but I am. I spotted this in store months ago and was thrilled to catch it in the end of season sale.

Banana Republic Factory Shorts ($16, on sale) -- just love this color so much.

Zara Rayon Sweater with Buttons ($20, on sale) -- slim fit, finely knit sweater with a pretty button detail. Great basic, perfect for layering.

J. Crew Marcie Suede Wedges ($63) -- a cute and comfy walking shoe. It is hard to find a shoe that works with equally well with shorts, ankle pants, and wide-leg jeans -- these fit the bill.


Total: $663 ($389 over budget)

So, this is bad. You could look at it and say that I was more than 100% over my monthly budget. You could say that it was really a simple shoe splurge that was to blame (because otherwise I was...pretty close?). Either way, I am left with the question of...what to do?

The whole budget exercise was really meant to serve a couple of purposes. First and foremost was to add a measure of accountability and responsibility to my spending. Sadly, I am not an heiress and therefore I have a finite amount of money to spend on clothing. I have life goals that extend beyond just looking cute, so I want to make sure I can fund all of those things.

Also important is putting some limits on my desires to spend and accumulate new things. My goal is never to have the biggest closet or the most expensive wardrobe. It is really to just have a closet full of things that serve my life -- beautiful, practical, and functional. My clothes are a way to express myself, and a way to prevent being naked in public. That's it.

I've thought it over and I'm just going to chalk this up to a bad month. I really love everything I bought and I managed to score some great deals, and forcing myself to return purchases will feel like an unnecessary punishment. I am going to need to remember that July is a great month for sales, and I should budget accordingly.

The other thing I've realized is that I am still very much programmed to follow the normal fashion cycle and gear up for a big fall shopping blitz. I'd really love to be shopping for sweaters, moto jackets, tights, and boots, but that doesn't fit my lifestyle right now. Fall in Florida looks remarkably like summer, and I don't really need a new wardrobe. So I'm going to try to make August and September light shopping months and just live vicariously through you. Just Instagram the hell out of all of your new things, OK?

Linking up with Fran and the budget bloggers -- check them out if you'd like to hear from bloggers who, you know, are good at budgeting.

PS -- if you're new here, hello! Feel free to stick around and check out some of my most popular posts this month:

Three Ways: Statement Shoes

Wednesday Wishlist: Pop of Python

Pack This: 3-Day Trip

Three Ways: Statement Shoes

Love, thy name is Roxie Iridescent Foil Pumps. I stumbled across these a few days ago and I can't stop thinking about them...why I need them, how I would wear them. Of course, they are sold out in my size. Hear that, J. Crew? I would happily fork over $300 (blowing my monthly budget to smithereens) if you stocked more pair of the larger sizes. Think of the supermodels, think of the drag queens!

While I'm waiting for my size to come in, I've been dreaming up ways to justify this splurge...

These are shoes that want to be taken out dancing. They also want to be the center of attention, so an unfussy black dress (sorry if you are sick of hearing about this one but...too bad, it is perfection) is just right. I'd keep everything else pretty simple -- sparkly earrings that will catch the light when you twirl and just the right pop of color in a pretty clutch.

One of my first reactions to seeing Roxie was "those are birthday shoes!" My next birthday is still a few months away, but I already know what I want to wear to a fun dinner with friends. My night out uniform is pretty simple -- a pretty blouse, a good blazer, and boyfriend jeans. It's perfect because it never feels too dressy or too casual, and the overall effect is like an arrow drawing the eye right down to your shoes. I still love a great chunky gold watch with a black dial, and one more eye-catching piece of jewelry feels right. This clutch seems really versatile and I can't get enough snakeskin these days -- maybe I'll treat myself to an early birthday present?

I tried to come up with a way to wear these to work -- my office doesn't really have a dress code so I'm sure I could throw them on with a blazer and jeans, but I don't think I would. These party shoes just don't want to see the inside of an office, so let's take them somewhere fun. For a fab little summer get together, I'd go light and neutral -- a crisp camp shirt, leg-lengthening flare jeans, and a classic bucket bag. For just a touch of fun, I'd add a thin gold belt and big "look at me" sunglasses.