January purchases

When I first set out to give myself a monthly shopping budget, I came up with $80. I have since managed to go over that budget time and time again.

This month I thought I was doing really great - I took advantage of Banana Republic's amazing clearance sales and scored the bracelet and necklace for a total of $16.50, then I received an elusive 40% off no restrictions coupon code which I was able to use on the cashmere scarf, and in combination with a rewards certificate only paid $30.

I picked up two more knit hats from the clearance section of TJMaxx, a cashmere beanie for $15, and a pom-pom hat for $7.

At this point, I'm doing okay, with a total of $68.50, but then I decided to take another chance on a pair of black booties from DSW...which are $70. They are very similar to the brown pair I have, so I'm hoping for the best, however if I keep them, it will totally kill my budget.

My first impulse is to acknowledge that I might have an unreasonable shopping budget, but I set that budget up with the knowledge of all my other monthly expenses, and if I don't cutback on sartorial purchases, then other things like my $5 cup of coffee and my penchant for buying housewares for a home I do not yet have, need to stop.

I'd like to start adding money back into my poor, neglected savings account. I'd like to have a closet full of quality, versatile items. I would really like to completely overhaul my lingerie drawer (and that adds up fast!) I would like to stop making impulse purchases... but I know I can't have it all. For now, I'm just going abolish my lackadaisical attitude towards my budget. So if I want to spend it all on a pair of boots, then that means no more shopping for the rest of the month!

Click image to shop!

Calm between the storms

Between the snow storm on Saturday and the blizzard on Monday, we had brief respite on Sunday, an elusive 39° day. I seized the opportunity to wear some lighter layers and a pair of pumps.

If I'm being completely honest, it would not have been warm enough for the pumps if I had to do any traversing outdoors, but since 90% of my day was spent at home in my fuzzy slippers and the only time I left was to grab a coffee with a friend, and take these photos, the pumps were okay.

The Rundown
Blue Merino Wool Sweater Gap
Knit Joggers c/o East & Lo
Black Leather Moto Jacket Express similar
Silver Pumps Kate Spade via Coco's similar similar$
Bag Linea Pelle "Astor" c/o Serendipity and Grace
Double Chevron Necklace Avon similar
Opal Ring T Tahari
Bar Rings c/o Kohl's
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "50 Years of Style" OPI

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's What I wore to work
and
Penniless Socialite's Look What I Got

and

Happiness At Midlife's Throwback Thursday (last time I wore these pants)

Casual dresscode

Every time I manage to get outfit photos taken after work these days I feel like I deserve some kind of award. A few quick snaps before I go running back to the car, but a huge success in my eyes.

This is a pretty typical work outfit; jeans, boots, button-down. Usually topped off with a sweater, but on this day I was in the mood for a blazer. I've been trying to think of ways I haven't yet styled this plaid blazer, and double denim was one of them. I think I'd like to pair it with an LBD next.

The Rundown
Chambray Shirt Tommy Hilfiger via TJMaxx similar
Plaid Blazer C.Wonder via TJMaxx similar, similar
Jeans Joe's Jeans via Saks off Fifth
Boots Migliorini via TJMaxx buy on ebay similar
Bag Linea Pelle "Astor" c/o Serendipity and Grace
Gold Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Antler Ring House of Harlow
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "50 Years of Style" OPI

Snowed in

Last week I was so diligent about taking outfit photos, and just when I thought I was getting back on track, or even ahead, Mother Nature decides to dump a blizzard on me.

These photos are from Saturday, with the baby storm preview of the massive one currently accumulating outside my window.

What to do while snowed in? Watch movies and shop online of course!

The Rundown

Scarf Print Sweater J.Crew
Jeans "Lola" Lucky Brand
White Parka American Eagle similar
Snow Boots Pajar similar, on ebay
Grey Knit Cap Handmade similar
Plaid Blanket Scarf Zara similar
Black Leather Gloves J.Crew

Black bootie

I've had these black faux suede glitter booties for a few years now, and while I like them, I don't love them. I decided this fall I wanted to find a suitable black bootie replacement - leather, not too high, able to work with both denim and dresses. Comfortable.

Since the beginning of November I've been searching, buying, and subsequently, returning boots. As of this weekend, I've returned a dozen pairs, and I'm wondering if the perfect bootie even exists. I'm also wondering if DSW has a blacklist for people who return too much?

I even ventured out of my budget to give the scalloped booties from Jack Rogers a try (once they finally went on sale) and they went back as well. They were cute, but the leather was very stiff and the cut is too low to actually be a sensible winter boot to be worn with real socks.

As we approach the end of January, I wonder if I should just give up the search? Last I was in TJMaxx there were more options for swimsuits than boots...

Perhaps next year?

The Rundown

Black Merino Wool Sweater Gap
White Jeans Old Navy
Houndstooth Coat Kohl's similar
Glitter Booties Union Bay via TJMaxx similar
Bag Linea Pelle "Astor" c/o Serendipity and Grace
Grey Cashmere Scarf Banana Republic
Chevron Earrings Express similar
Watch "Classic Sheffield" c/o Daniel Wellington
Arrow Bracelet Furbish Studio similar
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
Nail Color "50 Years of Style" OPI
iPhone Case Rifle Paper Co.

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Fall

and

Monday Mingle

Belated New Year's Eve

Is it Friday already?! I'm not sure where this week went, but I have my final holiday outfit for you today, New Year's Eve. Yes, this outfit is actually somewhat of a repeat, but after throwing half my closet on my bed (typical) I just decided to go with it, and repeat or not, I was completely content with my choice.

The shimmery green-gold bodycon dress plays off the leopard perfectly, long sleeves make for an ideal winter dress, and the scoop back shows off just enough skin. It's dressed up, but not over the top, and the stretchy fabric was appropriate for the over indulgence that was my New Year's Eve. I also took advantage of my Rocksbox loans to make sure this time around the look had some fresh accessories!

I'm really pleased I was able to share my holiday looks with you this week, and I have to say, getting three sets of photos done in one afternoon made a huge difference in my week. The other upside is that I was having a good hair day! The negatives are having to change in the car and being outside for a prolonged duration. Even on a 'warm' day, by outfit three I was feeling like I might die of exposure. But I wouldn't say those are all fake smiles.

The Rundown
Dress Ciao Bella similar
Leopard Fur Coat JCP similar
Shoes Adrienne Vittadini via TJMaxx similar
Sequined Clutch Belonged to my Grandma similar
Bling Earrings c/o JoJo Loves You
Necklace House of Harlow via Rocksbox
Fatima Bracelet c/o Gorjana & Griffin
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Chevron Rings Gorjana via Rocksbox
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Nail Color "50 Years of Style" OPI

Belated Christmas Day

Since we might as well go in order, here is what I wore on Christmas Day. I always go a little more casual for Christmas Day, and I thought it would be fun to wear the "Cheers" tee with a little bling.

The silver Kate Spade pumps were a Coco's find from just before the holidays, the store was having a half off sale and they were only $12! Granted they are a half size too big, but they don't fall off my feet when I walk and I'm hoping I can simply pick up a pair of insoles to fill them out.

Kate Spade, $12. It had to happen.

The Rundown
Cheers Collector Tee J.Crew
Black Wool Cardigan Gap
Skirt c/o Vera Wang for Kohl's similar
Silver Pumps Kate Spade via Coco's similar similar$
Navy Foldover Clutch Clare V.

Crystal Flower Statement Necklace eBay exact
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Gold Herkimer Diamond Ring c/o Lumo
Gold Chain Bracelet Thrifted similar
Nail Color "50 Years of Style" OPI

Linking up with Mix and Match Fashion's What I wore to work 

and

Penniless Socialite's Look What I Got

and

Happiness At Midlife's Throwback Thursday (last time I wore this tee)

Belated Christmas Eve

I'm very pleased to say that I was able to get three sets of photos taken with Sean's help the other day, and today I have the outfit I wore on Christmas Eve.

When I purchased this panther print dress from Anthropologie ("on sale" for $100) last February to wear on Valentine's day, I knew then and there I would wear it at least two more times - on my Birthday, and on Christmas Eve. That brings my cost per wear to $33, which isn't bad for a special occasion dress. However, I think my goal for this year will be to wear it when it's warmer out!

The Rundown

Panthere Dress Anthropologie

Black Leather Moto Jacket Express similar

Red Suede Pumps Nine West thrifted similar

Navy Foldover Clutch Clare V.

Filigree Earrings Thrifted similar
Hammered Disc Necklace Avon similar
Mini Punk Princess Bracelet CC Skye c/o Linger Rose
Gold Chain Bracelet Thrifted similar
Bar Rings c/o Kohl's
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Sweet Olive Jewelry
Nail Color "50 Years of Style" OPI

Linking up with Random Wednesday at Because Shanna Said So