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.

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

With a house purchase on the horizon, to say my budget is getting an overhaul would be an understatement! We put together a comprehensive budget that allows us the opportunity to add money back to our savings accounts and travel fund, save up for home renovations and furniture, and still allow ourselves monthly indulgences. My allotment is $200 per month for “fun” purchases. This will include anything that’s just for me, so it goes beyond clothing and incorporates things like splurging on fresh flowers. It’s definitely going to be a change of pace, but getting our house in order is our biggest priority right now and if that means I have to wait an extra month to purchase something I have my eye on, so be it. The upside of this is becoming more aware of how I’m spending my money and really focus on quality over quantity. There’s a temptation to stretch a monthly budget as far as possible with clothing items, but that doesn’t always leave me with things I’m excited about the next year. I’d love to get to the point where I’m buying just one or two thoughtful pieces each month.

Cutting costs on this line item certainly makes saving for big ticket items more difficult, which is why I opened a new Capital One 360 account to save for a designer splurge. (Right now, this Gucci bag is headlining all of my sartorial dreams.) I’m planning to deposit just $25 per paycheck (an amount I won’t notice is missing) and any money I earn from blogging. Sure, it might take awhile to save up for an expensive piece, but at least I’ll know that the classic item I do purchase eventually won’t be done on a whim.

BUDGET

Second Quarter Budget: $685 ($850 with a $165 deficit from last quarter)
Spent in April: $298
Spent in May: $216
Amount Remaining: $174

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.

• BP Halter Dress ($49): I absolutely love this breezy dress for warm days. It’s not lined, so you might feel more comfortable wearing a slip underneath for extra coverage (although, it’s not sheer). I went with my regular size. While the torso and hips in the smaller size fit just fine, the bust was a bit too tight. And, a word of warning, it wrinkles easily. It doesn’t bother me too much since it’s such a casual summer dress, but it’s worth mentioning. I’ve been wearing it with these earrings and a pair of slides.
• J.Crew Salut! T-shirt ($24): I rarely wear t-shirts, but I just loved this one too much to pass up. It runs a size large.
• J.Crew Ruched Bandeau Swimsuit in Red ($53): I’ve been wearing a navy and white striped swimsuit for the last three summers. It’s a classic, flattering cut and still in great condition, but I really wanted another option to switch things up now and then. I purchased this one-piece on sale earlier this month and it’s just so perfect! It runs a tad larger than true to size and the ruching is flattering if your tummy isn’t exactly flat. The long-torso version was the only one on sale when I made the purchase. I’m 5’7″ and I don’t have what I’d consider a long torso, but I’m glad I went with it. The extra fabric keeps the swimsuit from riding up and giving me a wedgie, and any extra length doesn’t look out of place with a suit that’s already ruched.
• J.Crew Bandana in Bermuda Map Print ($9): I couldn’t resist the vintage-inspired map print and the faded colors. I love how it looks tied to the handle of my favorite summer tote.
• Target Crossbody Bucket Handbag ($30): While I’m all about the circle handle bags this season, I couldn’t justify the large price tag that accompanies many of them. This inexpensive version from Target was perfect to satisfy that craving with a surprisingly practical bag. It holds more than the daily necessities (including my camera), and the faux leather is soft.
• ASOS Broderie Sundress with Strappy Back ($51; not pictured): The mixed eyelet patterns won me over on this dress, but goodness it wrinkles easily. I decided to keep it despite the creases because cotton should be more breathable on hot days than most of my summer dresses which are made from synthetic materials.

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

• Moonstone Magic Open Apollo Ring
• Moonstone Magic Twigs Ring
• Moonstone Magic Confronting Dots Ring

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

• J.Crew Textured Summer Straw Hat: I want to be a hat girl, but I have yet to find one that doesn’t look ridiculous on me. This one felt like I should be planting a flower garden in the country.
• J.Crew Tie-Waist Shorts in Liberty Thorpe Floral: The extra fabric of the pleated front and the bow sash didn’t do my figure any favors. I thought they ran small, but maybe I just gained weight. 😉
• ASOS Jumpsuit with Shirred Bodice in Gingham Print: Dave thought I looked like a clown going to a picnic, and yet, I would have considered it if I were tall and slim. It’s pretty fun in a ridiculous sort of way.
• Ranna Gill Kalila Flora Dress: The quality of this dress was pretty shoddy for the price point. I tried it on in-store and every dress on the rack had pulled threads, snags in the chiffon, or straps that were pulling away from the body of the dress. If you love it, wait for a deep discount. It runs large.

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

• I can’t go over budget to snag this ring, but I’m tempted to put half of June’s budgeted money aside to save for it.
• I’m also gaga for these sandals in tan.

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Linking up with Fran!