How to spend an entire month's budget in one weekend

In September, I felt like I had to prove to myself that I could have a budget, and shop, and stay within that budget, and be perfectly happy. I was determined and I was successful -- just look, I had $34 left over.

So October first arrives with my new $80 of possibilities. It was my best friends birthday and we celebrated in a very low key manner. It involved ice cream, Burn Notice, and TJMaxx.

Even though the trip to TJ's was mainly to get things for her (gorgeous pair of Steve Madden boots and and an oversized cream colored blazer by Calvin Klein), I of course found a few things for myself...

First, this gorgeous pencil skirt by Tahari marked down to $30 with a MSRP of $178. Fits perfectly.

 

Then I found a leopard print sweater. This was clearly a must have. It's Calvin Klein and was $25.

And finally, this belt, marked down to $10, which looks like it probably came attached to a dress and got separated. Not super fancy or nice, but it looks just like the belt I wanted from Delia's that I never did get since it sold out.

On Saturday I heard that a local shop, Coco's on the Green was having a "fill a bag" sale. How can I resist? Especially when it means getting really expensive pieces for $5?

Okay, so these pants didn't work out. But they seemed so cool. They were Banana Republic and were silk and made in Italy! I had to try them on.

The top was a winner however! The label says Premise and it's also 100% silk. (Made in China though).

 

This wool blazer was another amazing find -- MaxMara, made in Italy, hot pink silk lining.

  

This red blazer I was on the fence with -- but it was fill a bag, so I stuffed it in. It's by United Colors of Benetton and was made in Romania. 

The three items ended up costing $5 each. And they were also giving away red velvet cupcakes. I'm pretty sure I could have had one even if I didn't buy anything but still. They were homemade by the shop's owner and were really good.

I couldn't pass by the Gap and not notice the extra 30% off everything sign. I am weak. I went in and looked for my fedora. The light colored one was gone, but this guy was still there and had been marked down to $12. For $8.40, I couldn't let it go.

So, there you have it, it's the third of October and I have spent $88.40. I think I'm going to bring back that top I bought last month at TJMaxx since I haven't worn it yet.

I think that shopping is very much like any other addiction, and once you start doing it, it's hard to stop. The more I bought, the more I wanted to buy. Good thing I didn't go to the mall.
Unless I return a few things, I have $25 left for the rest of October. And that's only since I was so good last month. But I don't have as much self control as I wanted to believe.

Now, to make this post even longer -- outfit photos!

I've pretty much gotten out every pair of boots now, these slouchy ones are a favorite. So comfortable!

I gave my dark green nail polish a try, it's from Avon.

What to do with those lion earrings? Why not put them through button holes?

Chloe does not like fake walking for outfit photos. 

I made pizza for dinner tonight, which took me forever because I am the worlds slowest chef, hence my later than normal post!

They came out really good though -- fresh tomato, since they are still covering 90% of the usable counter space in the kitchen and we are running out of things to do with them.

 

And a new recipe that I got from my friend Bethany at More Fruit Please, a caramelized onion and pear pie, with three kinds of cheese, walnuts and honey. Very tasty.

But I don't want to take photos for your silly blog, I want to go for a walk!!!

The Rundown

Top Premise - Cardigan American Eagle - Jacket Free People - Leggings TJMaxx - Boots Kohls - Belt Kohls? - Bag Big Buddha - Earrings Thrifted - Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box