budget update – Page 2

Wardrobe Update: November 2017

November 29, 2017 by jessica 2 Comments

I can barely believe this is the penultimate wardrobe update for 2017, and it was an expensive one at that! As you’ll see below, the heavy hitters to my wallet were the coat and boots. I actually don’t mind spending more on winter wear when it needs to be practical (or as practical as those boots can be), warm, and not terribly boring. It’s just that I don’t typically buy both of those items in the same month! I also have a couple of Black Friday purchases heading my way, and I’m waffling between keeping and returning these spring shoes, so I’ll add those to December’s recap.

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here.

Anthropologie ‘garden party’ earrings in red – I couldn’t help but treat myself to these festive earrings when I saw them in the store last weekend. They remind me of poinsettias.
Sam Edelman ‘Bronte’ hiking boots – I was on the hunt for a pair of chic, ankle-high winter boots and these fit the bill perfectly. I especially love the marled faux fur trim. They run true to size. I doubt I’ll wear them on the snowiest days, but it’s nice to have a weather-proof option that isn’t heavy L.L. Bean boots or a pair of Hunter wellies.
Madewell star-print silk dress – As you may have gathered from this post, this dress is one of my favorite purchases in a long time. Could you believe that I almost didn’t order it, assuming that the star print would look too much like a nightgown? I’m glad I went with my gut. I love the length, the cheeky row of buttons down the back, and the long sleeves. I went with my regular size medium. I’ve alternated between wearing it with red and turquoise flats, but I do love it with black shoes. I’ve just been putting off a visit to the cobbler to have my beloved black flats resoled. (I wore them approximately three times a week for two years, so it’s not surprising that I wore a small hole in the sole.)
LOFT ‘Woodland’ cutout ruffle yoke blouse – Do you also find yourself leaving with something when you head to a store to do a return? Yeah… This was an impulse purchase the other week, but it’s already become a well-loved item this month. I’m all about loose blouses with jeans lately, as mentioned here, so it was nice to add a new one to my wardrobe. I went with my typical size small with the brand and it’s still awfully roomy.
J.Crew swingy wool coat in grey – I happen to buy a new coat each year without really meaning to. I think it’s due to living in a climate with a very pronounced (and long) winter season. I wore the coat here for its blog debut and I’m still as enamored with it. The a-line body allows for bulky sweaters. This also runs true to size with enough room for curvy hips. (Speaking of which, one of my sartorial pet peeves is when brands don’t put a double zipper in a coat that goes past the waist. It can’t cost that much more to add it in!)

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

LOFT herringbone flare skirt – I was hopeful that this would be a cute work staple, but the fabric was pretty flimsy and I worried that it might snag the first time I wore it. I also wasn’t crazy about the seam that cut right across my butt. It’s a weird placement and not that flattering.
Target smocked dress – I really loved the fabric and the idea of this dress. I went with a medium and wonder if I should have went down a size because it seemed overwhelming on my frame. I also would have preferred it to be a couple of inches shorter.
LOFT flowery blouson shirtdress – The print is so cute and the weight of the fabric is wonderful. It’s polyester, but doesn’t feel like it’s going to be staticky and clingy. I just wasn’t crazy about the fit on me. Give it a shot, though!
LOFT smocked halter shell – My family’s holiday gatherings are on the casual side and I was hopeful that this would be a cute option to wear with jeans and a pair of statement earrings to feel festive, but not over-the-top. The idea of this top is there, but the fabric selection is pretty bad. It’s really thin and clingy.
LOFT plaid blanket scarf – I have a lot of scarves (don’t we all?), so one needs to be pretty great to be added to my collection. I didn’t like the feel of the fabric. It was obviously synthetic and felt thin, which isn’t the best for a Wisconsin winter. Great colors, though.
H&M faux fur jacket – For the record, I don’t think any faux fur coat is particularly flattering, but this one was really awful.
Banana Republic merino turtleneck – I need a replacement turtleneck for one that shrunk. This was too thin, though. I’m going to try this one next.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

Getting my black flats resoled.
A black turtleneck sweater to try.
I’d love this grey cashmere sweater if it’s included in a future promo.

Wardrobe Update: October 2017

October 30, 2017 by jessica Leave a Comment

I can’t believe that I only purchased one item this month — and it wasn’t for lack of trying. This coat looked like a stuffed animal carcass, these boots weren’t comfortable in the least, this dress was too slim through the waist and way too big in the chest and shoulders, and then Tory Burch cancelled my order for a bag I was crushing on a few months ago. This girl couldn’t catch a sartorial break! The upside, of course, was that this helped offset the spending that I had done on a few home items, most notably the media console/credenza. Our living room is starting to come together, which makes that area of the house feel more like home.

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here.

Ann Taylor ‘Gretel’ slide sandals in black: These are just so comfortable! I purchased the tan pair earlier this summer and wore them often enough to justify the black version. I was able to wear them once before it became too cold and I had to tuck them away for next year!

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

Velvet leopard-print jacket: The quality of this jacket doesn’t justify the price tag. It feels limp and looks like a deflated stuffed animal. Runs large.
Paul & Joe Sister dress: This dress was ultra slim in the waist and hips and then much too large in the chest. Give it a shot if you’re blessed with an hourglass figure; the colors are pretty and it’s a great take on a vintage-esque dress.
Vince Camuto ‘Destilly 2’ ankle boot: I wanted to love these, but there’s virtually no padding at the ball of the foot, so I imagine they’ll hurt after a few hours. I didn’t think I’d wear them enough to spend the money. Go up a half size.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

Sophisticated ankle socks to wear with cropped pants and loafers.
I love the vintage floral pattern on this dress, and I appreciate that it comes with a waist-cinching tie.
This might be a good option for my work wardrobe.
I love these loafers so much that now I want them in black.
How pretty are these bow-topped flats? I’m not one for wearing heels very often and these are so tempting for holiday outfits!

Wardrobe Update: September 2017

September 27, 2017 by jessica 1 Comment

I’m shocked that the end of September is right around the corner. I typically work on this post throughout the month, but I woke up this morning and looked at the calendar to realize that we have just three days left of the month! Where did the time go?! The month always breezes past for me because it’s my busiest season at work, which unfortunately leaves me with little time to work on the blog. I wish I had more time for it, but I need to focus my attention on the job that actually pays my bills! No matter how busy I was, you know I found time to add a few new pieces to my wardrobe.

Sale alert!
Before we get started, we need to make sure you’re in the know about the latest Shopbop sale. You can save 20% on orders under $500 and 25% on orders over that amount. Use code EOTS17. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, remember that you also get free two-day shipping. Another great sale worth checking out is at Bauble Bar where you can save 25% off your order with code BIGONE. Hurry, though, that sale ends tonight!

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here.

Madewell ‘Elinor’ loafers in chestnut: These are fantastic quality and they’re comfortable right out of the box! They run true to size. They’re also available in black and white.
Caslon bell-sleeve top in purple (worn here): Unfortunately this is already sold out. If it does pop back, you’ll need to go down a size. The top is adorable with jeans for those nothing-to-wear days.
Baublebar ‘Criselda’ earrings in black (worn here): After falling in love with the turquoise pair last month, I couldn’t help but add black to my collection for fall. They’re perfectly lightweight for all-day wear. (Also available here.)
LOFT ‘Royal Floral’ shirtdress (worn here): I almost didn’t buy this dress because it looked so drab online. However, the cut is one I typically wear on repeat, so I gave it a whirl. And, I’m so happy I did! I absolutely love this dress for fall. It’s short and loose, which makes it adorable with flats.
LOFT ‘Hydrangea Bouquet’ tunic: The fabric of this shirt is an amazing quality for the price point. It feels thick and silky, and the colors are vibrant. It’s a great option for fall to wear over slim jeans or tuck into a flared pair. Go with your typical LOFT size.

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

H&M jacquard-patterned dress: I’m still a little bummed that this didn’t work out for me! The monkey pattern is so ridiculous, but in a really good way. However, the fit was awful. The shoulders were too wide (even though the bottom of the dress fit correctly), it was entirely too long and would have needed to be hemmed above the knee, and the bow was too overwhelming on my frame. Good attempt; just poorly executed.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

This plaid coat for fall.
Gold drop earrings.
A suede dress to wear over blouses. I love it in olive.

Wardrobe Update: August 2017

August 31, 2017 by jessica 3 Comments

I can’t believe that tomorrow is September 1! Summer just flew by and while I’m not mentally prepared for fall, it seems my wardrobe is starting to veer that way! I’ve been wish listing darker colors and classic wardrobe staples, which started this month with a sweater in the prettiest pumpkin hue and a denim mini skirt. Unsurprisingly, most of my purchases lately have been for the house. West Elm has an incredible Labor Day sale this weekend with tiered discounts based on how much you spend. I seized the opportunity to finally order this bar cabinet. I’ve wanted it for months and I can’t wait to finally own it! I added in a few additional items (this quirky lamp, new stockings for Christmas, and a vintage-inspired garland) to reach the 25% discount threshold.

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here. I round the prices to the nearest dollar amount and reflect any discounts I applied.

Ann Taylor ‘Gretel’ suede sandals in brown toffee ($48; worn here): So comfortable right out of the box! I’ve been itching for these all summer and I finally ordered them with a discount. Zero breaking in period necessary and look more expensive than they are. They run true to size, but you’ll want to go up a half size if you’re typically in between. I’m tempted to buy the black pair to keep on hand for next year.
Old Navy jersey swing dress in black and white stripe ($12): I rarely buy anything from Old Navy, but I came across this dress when I was looking for an inexpensive knit dress that was just as comfortable as pajamas and that I could throw on for impromptu walks around the neighborhood. It’s a swing shape, so it fits true to size in the bust and is forgiving in the midsection and hips.
Who What Wear varsity bomber jacket ($40; not pictured above): This is so not my usual style, but there was something about it that I loved enough to add to a recent Target order — and I’m so happy I did! The fabric and quality are great and the price point is perfect for a trendy piece. I can’t wait for the temperature to cool so that I can wear it with a casual LBD and sneakers. It runs true to size.
J.Crew relaxed boatneck sweater in spice ($44): The color of this sweater is perfect for fall! As with most J.Crew sweaters, it runs on the large side. I went with a small. However, if you want the slouchy fit the model has, go with your regular size. (My rule of thumb is that if J.Crew offers a top in a XXX-Small, then I should size down.)
J.Crew zip-front denim skirt ($60): This denim mini skirt is just the cutest! Honestly, I purchased it to wear with the aforementioned sweater and these loafers when I, hopefully, purchase them next month.

GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration.

Garnet Hill linen-cotton crewneck sweater in ecru: This is perfect for cooler summer and early-fall days!
LOFT floral tiered dress (worn here): I collaborated with Wikibuy to highlight their discount search tools and I was able to select an item from one of the sites they featured so that I could try the site myself. I had tried on this dress in person and already knew I was head-over-heels for it! It’s such a fun dress and runs true to size.
Bauble Bar ‘Criselda’ drop earrings in turquoise: I actually won these from a giveaway that Grace hosted on her Instagram recently. They’re so pretty in person and they’re incredibly lightweight for all-day wear. I love them so much that I’m planning to snag the black pair soon!

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

Old Navy tie-shoulder swing dress: This is really cute, but the shoulder ties felt too juvenile in person. If you’re in your early- to mid-20s, go for it! It’s well made for an Old Navy piece and it’s even lined. It runs a size large.
Banana Republic machine-washable merino boyfriend v-neck sweater in medium gray heather: I’ve actually been on the lookout for a slightly slouchy grey v-neck sweater for a couple of years now. With a few discount codes, the price of this one was too good to pass up! Unfortunately, the fit ended up being sloppy rather than relaxed, so the hunt is still on! Let me know if you know of any options I should try. I’d like to go with either merino or cashmere.
Who What Wear bow sleeve sweater: I liked this sweater in theory, but the neckline was too high and the sweater was on the sheer side.
Mossimo ruffle wrap dress: I thought this would be cute for end-of-summer evenings with a simple pair of sandals, but the quality wasn’t that great. It runs small.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

Definitely a pair of black drop earrings.
These loafers in dark chestnut. They look so comfortable!
I’ve already ordered this dress to try.
These make me want to start wearing heels again. I’m into the black textured leather option.

SHOP IT

Wardrobe Update: July 2017

July 31, 2017 by jessica 4 Comments

At this point, a formal budget post gets tricky with how we’re allocating money now that we have a house and we’re adjusting to our new financial plan. As I mentioned last month, we gave each other an allowance of $200 per month to spend on whatever our hearts fancy. Additionally, any blog revenue I earn is going toward my monthly purchases or in a savings account for a splurge-worthy item. It makes a monthly budget fluid and I feel like I need to over-explain where the money came from. So, we’re just going to go back to a monthly wardrobe update for awhile. I still think there’s value in sharing monthly purchases with mini reviews and fit tips, plus I’m nosy myself and they’re my favorite posts to read on other’s blogs!

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here. I round the prices to the nearest dollar amount and reflect any discounts I applied.

LOFT garland mixed media cami ($22.25; worn here): I bought this solely to wear with the matching shorts as a practical take on a romper, and I absolutely love how they look together. The front of the cami is made from a woven material and the back is a lightweight jersey, which is a little weird and I would have preferred that the fabric on the front continued around back. However, it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. It runs large with the swing shape throughout the torso, but you’ll want to opt for a size that fits your bust so that it lays correctly.
LOFT garland fluid drawstring shorts ($24.75; worn here): These have a wonderful silky material with a nice drape and weight to them. They also run large, so you’ll definitely want to try a size smaller. They get a little wrinkly when you’re sitting on them throughout the day, but the print camouflages it.
Loeffler Randall tassel pouch in melon leather fringe ($100): I bought this during Loeffler Randall’s end-of-season final sale. The fringe leather is unlike anything I own, making it a unique piece to add to my collection.
Kate Spade brushed silk swing dress ($266): This dress is my only Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchase and I can’t say enough good things about it. I almost didn’t spring for it, considering the price point is still high and we’re feeling strapped for cash right now. (Houses are not cheap!) But I hadn’t found a dress that seemed so “me” in a long time and I loved that this had a short, loose shape with long sleeves. I ordered it thinking that I could easily return it if I wasn’t as enamored in person, but it turned out to be as lovely as I imagined it would be. It looks adorable with bare legs and flats for fall and it’ll continue into winter with tights. Go with your regular size, even if you have wide hips like I do. There’s plenty of fabric to skim over your hips so you can go with the correct fit on top.

GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration.

MakeMeChic gingham dress (worn here)

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

LOFT striped wrap maxi dress ($49): I really wanted to love this, but it was way too large on top and kept falling open. I don’t think it would have been such an issue if the dress had adjustable shoulder straps.

SHOP IT