Purchases: November 2010

That's right people, I did it again! Normally as hard as I try not to shop there is always something that piques my interests but, not this time around. It's comforting to know that this is a possibility even though the last time I had a no purchase month was in July. Every few months sounds feasable to me!

Night Out: Gala

I got an invite to the very exclusive gala for my company about a week ago. Last minute, I know but, I was more than happy to oblige. I mean who wouldn't be excited for free dinner in a fancy hotel on Fifth Avenue?! Plus, this was a low stress situation; I already had a dress to wear, or so I thought... This unfortunate weight gain made that prospect null and void (maybe next year) and I was all of a sudden dress-less.

I resigned myself to try and make my Monif C. Marilyn Convertible dress work for the event; With 22+ different ways to tie it there had to be something that worked for this occasion, right? Not so much... Even though the event was not black tie the dress was too plain for evening wear. Now I was really in a tight spot, let the stress commence.

Enter my local Loehmann's! I got a coupon in the mail and thought, "Why not?" It was a good move because they saved me with a nice selection of modest pieces (it was a work event after all) and this lovely Calvin Klein dress was the winner. Seriously, if you are ever in need of a dress for a fancy occasion head to Loehmann's, if you can, they have an awesome selection! What do you think of the final ensemble?

The best part of this dress is that I don't have to count it in my purchases for November! Why, you ask? Because it was free! BF had gotten a rebate on our new cell phones and he gave it to me to get the dress (what a sweetie.) Still, I didn't want to squander all our free money so I was a discount ninja when it came time to check out. Let me break it down for you: Original cost of the dress $128.00, Loehmann's price $59.99, Gold member discount: $6.00, 15% off coupon discount: $8.10, Price after discounts, $47.90 (w/ tax) minus a gift card: $15.00, Final price: 32.90. I was honestly impressed with all that and still had money to give back to BF! I love it when things work out like this... What's your favorite discount ninja memory?

• Top: gray sheath dress with pearl embellishment, Calvin Klein via Loehmann's
• Shoes & Accessories: black and gray leopard print peep toe pumps, Hollywould for Target. Does anyone else remember that line?; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black satin clutch, Old Navy (not pictured)

Purchases: October 2010

While I was on vacation last month I definitely did some shopping but, mostly in search of arbitrary souvenirs for family and friends. On one of our shopping excursions we wandered into a mall where there Saks Fifth Avenue was closing; yes, that's right closing. Everything (even the wall fixtures) was on crazy sale and I picked up a little something for myself. I am a total sucker for tweed and could not resist this fab Lafayette 148 skirt at 80% off the already reduced price; yes, that's right 80%. It ended up being about $23.00! I love it when I find ridiculous sales like this, it makes it so hard not to shop!

The Roundup: 6 Months

As I mentioned before October is the sixth month of my personal style challenge so far and it's not slowing down! I am having a blast making my wardrobe work for myself while continuing to save money! In the past three months I have worn an additional 54 outfits to work utilizing 29 never before seen tops, 9 new to you dresses, 4 pairs of pant like things, 9 not worn yet skirts, 2 new pairs of jeans. I also utilized 4 additional pairs of shoes, 12 pairs of earrings, and 4 new handbags. I think it will get more difficult as the weather starts to cool down, I feel like I don't have as much clothes that is suited for this type of weather. At the same time, I'm pretty sure I said something like that when I finished my first three months...

In the past three months I have spent $79.60 on clothing and accessories. The number is a little high because it was my birthday and I treated myself but, I don't think it is unreasonable at all. There was even one month of no purchases! The grand total for the past 6 months is $125.60. I can't imagine that I have spent that little on clothes in quite some time and I'm ok with that. Hopefully I can stick with it!

I also participated in an additional three challenges (two of my own design.) I welcome all those that have joined me and shopped their own closet for fall trends, as well as, completing their products. I hope that more people continue to do so with the latter, I appreciate the company and there is a good reason to participate in that one. I also did my first closet makeover for a friend, it was so much fun!

Thank you so much for all the comments and support, it totally keeps me going as I move closer to the end of this year. I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

Purchases: September 2010

This (past) month I only bought two things. The fabulous teal ALDO flats (same shoe different color and on sale here) from my trip Re/Dress NYC for Fashion's Night Out. They were only $12.60 with the discount they had going on that night. The other thing I bought was a pair of beautiful natural stone earrings from a street fair in Morningside Heights this past weekend. You haven't seen them yet but, they are really beautiful and were a steal at only $2.00!! Total spent $14.60 for an awesome pair of shoes that I'm sure I will get a ton of use out of and great earrings which will be utilized soon... Honestly I'm not even sure that I should count the earrings because I only said I was going to limit my spending on clothes. Should that include accessories as well, what do you think? Either way, I think I got alot of bang for my buck and am happy with what I got!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

September 7, 2010: WWW - Great Accessories

For me my wardrobe isn't only about clothes, despite the word's defined meaning. While items of attire are, naturally, the key components of any good look I feel that accessories need to be given equal appreciation! I don't know where I would be without the perfect purse to tote all my bits and bobs in or a chic pair of earrings to make my outfit shine. How many of us would be disoriented while putting looks together without our red, leopard print, or metallic shoes? Or perhaps the perfect necklace to pull the ensemble together!?

Today I salute some of the hardest working accessories by making them work a little more (wait, what?) and highlighting them! First of all there are the ever present (during the summer at least) silver gladiator sandals. You can't go wrong with metallic shoes and these are no exception.  I bought these two years ago and have been wearing them consistently ever since, to the point where they are falling apart! They pull my outfits together when I'm running errands, going to work, and even for a night out at the club on my birthday. Although, I can't keep wearing these come fall I do have some great silver and bronze flats that will stand in nicely, it's all about the metallic!

The next accessory that works it are my super classic and simply elegant silver bead earrings from Tiffany & Co. They were a gift from BF and I have definately gotten good use out of them. I mean how could you go wrong with basic silver earrings and from Tiffany's to boot? Yeah, I don't know either... They have made it work for special meetings, everyday work, casual things, and any other occasion that might need a little shine. I think the sandals and these earrings compliment each other well and make this whole get up (as well as many others) work from head to toe, literally!

I saved the best for last! I've mentioned before that handbags are my favorite accessory! I have so many (not quite Imelda Marcos [of bags]... I can dream) but, there are a few that I just keep coming back to because they work so well with everything. One of these is my yellow alley bag. Considering how much I use it (one of the zippers just broke) and the fun story that I can tell every time someone compliments me on it, I think it is one of the best purchases I have ever made! It is spacious and utilitarian but, any bag that gives a nice contrasting pop of color is a must for me... I can't wait to share more of my wardrobe workers with you, this is a great challenge!

• Top: blue and white polka dot shirt, Old Navy 
• Bottom: khaki bermuda shorts, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: silver gladiator sandals, Isaac Mizrahi for Target (similar and on sale here); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; chunky cluster statement necklace, LOFT (similar here); yellow alley bag. 

Purchases: August 2010

Based on the abundance of seemingly new items in my wardrobe you might have assumed that I went wild this month but, that is not the case! I got many amazing gifts from my fabulous friends and family (thanks guys) for my birthday and there are still things in my closet that I haven't worn. But, I did buy two things: this really awesome shirt dress and super practical flyaway sweater from New York and Company! I'll tell you a funny story about that...

I bought the dress ($54.95) and sweater ($29.92) full price because I loved everything about them! But, I got a coupon in the mail from NY&Co. for 30% off everything in the store and I was mildly annoyed. Seriously, you couldn't have sent this to me two days ago? So, I went back to the store with all my items (plus receipt and coupon in hand) to get a price adjustment. When I got to the store and asked one of the managers she informed me that they only did actual price adjustments within a 24 hour period of purchase. So, I explained my coupon situation and she simply stated that I would not have been able to use the coupon to make my purchase so they couldn't do anything for me unless I found the exact same items in the store, returned what I bought, and then purchased the same exact thing... Understanding that this (ridiculous) policy was not her fault I did just that... I found this dress and exchanged the sweater I had originally purchased for the flyaway one. In the end total spent was just under $65.00. I'm ok with that in August because it was my birthday but, this month I need to control myself and not cave to trends. Another "You've Got This" Week is in order!

Update: I Complete You Product Challenge

I didn't forget about it! I have been diligently using all of my current products and definitely have not made any new purchases in the past couple of weeks. It has been going alot more slowly than I thought it would but, I just finished the first bottle and figured I would share!  One down and a very long way to go...

 

• philosophy Rasperry Mousse Shower Gel
• Jergens Soft Shimmer: Skin Radiance Moisturizer
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula
• Bath and Body Works Green Clover and Aloe Body Lotion
• Bath and Body Works Cotton Blossom Body Lotion
• Bath and Body Works Peony Body Lotion

Purchases: July 2010

That's right people and I thought it was going to be alot more challenging. Hopefully, this experience will steel me for what is coming up! It's my birthday in less than a week so, there will be a serious temptation to rationalize buying tons of fancy going out clothes. Plus, with the imminent season change I am getting bombarded with emails about new hot trends for fall which tempt me a little.  It might be time for another, "You've Got This" Week come September and you can join along!

Puchases: June 2010

This month's shopping was light like last month.... the only thing that I bought was a pair of Christian Siriano for Payless sandals that I have been obsessing over for while because they went on super duper sale. The catch is that I'm not exactly sure what size I am so, I might end up returning what I ordered if the don't fit. I'm going to the store today to pick up my package so we shall see... it might end up being no purchases in June whatsoever if they don't work out!

Purchases: May 2010

I barely shopped at all this month! I'm talking not even window shopping!! I have to be honest it's getting a little harder; especially this month with all the great Memorial Day sales and coupons. I didn't go to any stores of any kind this weekend just to avoid the temptation. I am feeling more frustrated than accomplished... I would like to think that going to the movies or getting a mani/pedi with friends would win out over shopping hands down (and it has been) but, I can't help feeling like I'm missing out on something else. When your sticking to a budget how do you deal with your "limitations"?

The only thing I bought this month was a pair of shorts from Ann Taylor Loft similar to these: same color, different pattern, also on sale. I see me wearing those with a thin navy sweater and flip flops when BF and I go on vaca in August and are taking romantic moonlit strolls on the beach in Cali or whatever... They are the first pair of short(er) shorts that I have bought in close to 10 years! I couldn't resist them because they actually fit really well and don't make me feel self conscious about the length or lack there of.

So that's that, hopefully I don't go off the deep end next month!