I think it’s fairly obvious by now that I don’t set a budget for my purchases. As long as I’m not in debt, I give myself the freedom to buy what I like. It’s the perk of not having major fiscal commitments yet. However, I would like to be more conservative with my sartorial spending since I’m looking for a new car. I currently drive a 2002 Honda Civic that needs love, attention and money that I’m not willing to spend. The air conditioner stopped working over a year ago and it leaks inside when it rains. (When it’s sunny, the steam rising from the damp floor makes it feel like a sauna. Who needs a spa treatment when you can just ride in my car?)

Here are my goals for May:

• Um, buy a car. Whoa.
  
• Ignore sale emails to help curb impulse spending.
• Plan purchases. I know I’d like to buy a Lilly Pulitzer tunic in May. Focus on that before being distracted by other items. (I also want a full red skirt, but that seems terribly impractical.)

And, here’s what I spent my hard-earned cash on this month:

The Limited pants – $15 and $25
I have mixed feelings about this purchase. I love the pattern, they’re more flattering than I thought patterned pants could be, and I scored the first pair for only $15. It was too good to be true. My normal size stretched out at least an inch in the waist after just four hours. I’m a fan of feeling svelte, but that was a little much. I ordered the size smaller online for $25 and it’s better once it stretches to accommodate my hips. I’m a little annoyed that I had to purchase them twice, but $40 total for a pair of pants is still a decent deal.

Joe Fresh shorts via JCP – $20
Joe Fresh in the States – finally! This little section of JCP is further proof that the retailer is upping its game. I have enough pairs of shorts to get me through the year, but this pair had such a fun pattern.

J.Crew bracelet – $32 (plus a gift card)
There’s no way I would have purchased a neon green, plastic bracelet at full price and I don’t suggest that you do either. I had a Christmas gift card still tucked away in my wallet, which helped justify the frivolous purchase. It’s obnoxiously bright.

Marc Fisher flats – $60 
Confession time: the only pair of black flats I had previously were plastic rain flats. I think that’s all the explanation needed.

Erin Fetherston dress – $0  (thanks to another gift card; not pictured)
Erin Fetherston had their archive sale this month (read: final sale). I admired this dress, convinced myself I didn’t need it, then checked on it again and again. I don’t have many occasions to wear a cocktail dress, so I’m tucking this away in my closet for an October wedding (and maybe a date night before then). It’s a little large and needs alterations before I wear it.

ASOS dress – $73
I’m still crazy about this dress (also featured here).

LOFT dress – $53 not pictured
Those friends and family sale emails get me every time! I bought this dress with our upcoming vacation in mind. A blend of cotton and linen should be comfortable for strolling through Charleston.

LOFT shorts – $30
I know that LOFT runs large, but I was able to wiggle into a smaller size than usual in this pair of shorts. (I’m so vain.) They’re also great for pattern mixing with summer stripes.

Juicy Couture sunglasses – $30 not pictured
Who needs cat-eye sunglasses? Me. Obviously.

Total: $338

Reminder! Win a pair of bangle bracelets from Sequin!