2/24/2013

February Budget


I'm linking up with the Budgeting Bloggers on Fran's blog Franish. Go check out Fran & the other girls to see what they bought this month!

My purchases this month:

1. H&M Basic Tank Top, (2 of them, black & white): $5.95 each
2. H&M Pink Blazer/Jacket: $41.97 (Was 59.95 but I used a 30% off coupon)
3. H&M Tote: $27.97 (Was 39.95 but I used a 30% off coupon)
4. Forever 21 Rose Studs: $2.80
5. Forever 21 Jewel Necklace: $8.80
6. Forever 21 Lace Skirt: $17.80
7. Forever 21 Pleated Skirt: $19.80
8. Forever 21 Dotted Shirt: $13.80
9. Forever 21 Peplum Skirt: $17.80

Total: $162.64

My budget this month was $150, and yes I did go over, but when you find stuff at Forever 21 that actually looks good, you just buy it. I must spend an hour or more in Forever 21 every time I go to the mall, and rarely do I walk out with ANYTHING other than jewelry. The clothes are just usually ill-fitting, of disposable material or just don't fit my woman-sized body. I know it's more of a teenager store so that makes sense, but whatever. I like skirts for less than $20, okay? I'm going to squeeze my butt into Forever 21 for as long as I can.

I also haven't even worn that Forever 21 pleated skirt yet and I'm contemplating returning it. It was my first time trying on a skirt in that style, and I was completely shocked that it looked good on my thicker thighs. Also, the material is a very nice, thin but rugged cotton-like material, which is a good sign that it'll last longer than the average F21 piece, so I bought it. But now that I'm looking at the pattern, I'm kind of confused as to what I'll wear with it other than a black or white fitted tee (there is a minuscule lime green stripe running between all the cream colored stripes, so yeah... what the heck?). How would you style that skirt?


A few things on my list for this upcoming month are:


  • A pair of boyfriend jeans - I had a gloriously amazing pair that I somehow scored (and fit into) at Forever 21 a couple years back, but after losing 25 pounds, the already-loose-fitting jeans looked awful, so I donated them. Every pair I try on now, I seem to have a problem with. Probably because I refuse to try on any pair that costs more than $30, but for a piece of clothing I could see myself wearing all spring and summer (and is a good staple piece), I think I just need to be willing to spend a little more.
  • A military jacket that fits - I'm not sure if I really want this, because I'm not sure how much wear I'd be able to get out of it, but if I found one that actually fit, I think I'd go for it. I always like my jackets really fitted because I have broader shoulders & anything un-fitted makes me look huge. But every military jacket I've come across has been huge, even ones in an XS, so I think I'm just not going to like the fit of any that I find. But if I do, I may buy it!
  • A fitted striped tee - I have a striped long sleeved shirt that I really love, and I keep thinking of ways I could wear it in the summer but ew, long sleeves in summer will not work. I avoided tight, striped shirts for a long time because I thought they just made me look wide, but whatever. I just like them now.
  • OPI nail polishes - I have an affinity toward cheap nail polishes just because I feel like every time I paint my nails, I want a new polish. Well, maybe not every time. But usually every 3rd or 4th time, and I paint my nails 1-2 times a week. I think what's happening is that cheap polishes usually offer sub-par color selections, so I feel like all my options at home are colors I'm not crazy about. I'm crazy about OPI colors (& formulation), and whenever I've tried one, I'm obsessed with it. So I just want a few better colors! Let's see if this happens. It sucks walking away with just 4 polishes but knowing you've eaten away over $30 of your monthly budget (OPI polishes are $8 each!).
  • More high heels  - I have to just accept that all I wear is heels and that's okay. I own about 8-9 pair total probably but only about 4-5 that I feel I can wear on a regular basis. Two of which are black, two of which are nude/taupe and one of which is raspberry colored. I want more selection, and maybe more prints, maybe some wedges? I'm not sure. But I honestly wear flats basically once a week: on Sunday afternoons, when I go to the grocery store. So I think three colors of heels to choose from is not cutting it anymore.
Oh, and a few things I do NOT need to be purchasing:

  • Sheer, flowy tops. I must have at least 6 and I only wear a few of them. That dotted one I bought this month is lovely and I see myself wearing it a lot, but in general, I'm kind of shying away from wanting to wear tops like this. I'm very pulled to them in stores though, so I'm reminding myself to resist this month!
  • Jewelry, especially from Forever 21. If I find a piece I find to be especially unique, then I'll consider it. But I am racking up so many little crappy pieces of F21 jewelry that I either lose or destroy within a few weeks of owning them, and I have SO much more jewelry than I ever wear, so I just don't want this taking little chunks out of my budget this month.
  • Tote-styled purses - The last four purses I've purchased (minus one) has been a tote-styled purse. Including the one I bought this month. I do not need anymore right now! In fact, I am probably good on purses period right now. It's so easy for them to take a huge chunk out of my budget!


31 comments:

  1. Very well organized recap, Lynette! Just last year I decided to begin splurging on two items... Nail polish (OPI or Essie only) and underwear (Victoria's Secret, when they have the 7 for $26 sale), and I'm so glad I did! Both splurges make me feel good and remind me that I need to do nice things for myself.

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  2. Great idea to make a list of items you DON'T need to buy. This is always my biggest problem, even with a "need to buy" list. I still find myself purchasing items I didn't want!

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  3. I'm still smitten with that lace skirt. Oh. My. GOSH. As far as the pleated skirt goes, I'd be mostly inclined to style it with a black tee or white tee, but I can be a little more on the plain and simple side, haha. Your white blazer might look cute with it, too!!

    Sounds like you've got a good idea of what you want to do with your budget this month! Good luck :)

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  4. I too am constantly craving new nail colors. I started buying OPI and Essie polishes in bulk on eBay, for around $3 or $4 a bottle. That way I can try a lot of new shades without breaking the bank!

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  5. I got a pair of boyfriend jeans from gap for $16! They were on sale for like $21 and then that day there was on extra 25% off online. Unfortunately I haven't gotten to wear them yet because I accidentally ordered a petite size and then when I went to exchange them they didn't have my size in regular so I just went up one petite size and yet stilllll too tight on my butt and thighs.... #bigbuttprobz. Hopefully 3rd times the charm!
    And I've been looking for a military style jacket too but I can't find one under $40 and I just can't justify that price since I can only think of a couple outfits with it.

    <3 Danielle
    Goodwillista.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Check Old Navy's Long Canvas Field Jacket. They're $39.94 + 15% off right now. I wear military jackets with everything!

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  6. Hey I Love everything you got especially all the skirts. Great items for that chunk of money, not bad at all Lynette.

    Also, once again I featured you on my blog, this week. Here check it out, below. You always have great outfits, what can I say. =)

    http://elegancepersonification.blogspot.com/2013/02/week-best-looks-february-24th-2013.html


    P.S. Would you like to Guest Post for me? I would love to have you. Thanks. Let me know. =)

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  7. You find some great stuff at Forever! OPI and Essie are my two favorite nail polish brands that don't chip easily and have great color selections.

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  8. I love these posts! I am so jealous of all the great stuff you found this month. I do have that exact same necklace from Forever 21 so I can't wait to see how you style it. I know I'm gonna get some awesome inspiration! I'm going to be holding myself to a super strict budget this summer so I will legit only be shopping at Forever 21...and Goodwill. Oh, cheap girl problems right 'hurr ;)

    -Jenna Brianne
    wearablefunfashion.blogspot.com

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  9. You are smart to have a list! I always think I should keep a list of things, but then I forget and just end up with random stuff. I have yet to find anything worth buying at F21, but you found some great pieces. I will have to try again!

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  10. Okay, now I just feel silly for shelling out $24 for a skirt at Forever 21. I rarely ever spend that much money on a skirt, but I've been searching for a red-orange lace/crochet skirt for so long that when I finally found it at F21, I settled. I like how you added a what you are/aren't looking for portion.

    I don't know how to style the skirt, other than with a green shirt (as pictured in the online photo). I'm pretty sure it would look good with any color that matches with blue... so really any non-dark color. Oi. Good luck deciding before that pesky "return by" arrives.

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  11. Love the purchases you made! Forever21 is an awesome place to get lost in and find great deals, and I love it!

    Hope you find a great pair of new boyfriend jeans! I don't have some yet, but I think they look amazing and would love to get some this next month.

    xo
    Caroline

    lovecarolineblog.blogspot.com

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  12. i love this post! i think doing something like it would really hold me accountable. i never set a shopping budget because i know i don't have money to spend on stuff, but i do anyway. i like this so much and will probably do one of my own because it's so brilliant.

    you bought some really great pieces that you're going to get so much wear out of. i can't wait to see the striped pleated skirt. seriously, fitted striped tees are the best. aaaand i'm looking for a military jacket/vest too. let me know if you find a fitted one!
    xo writeslikeagirlblog.com

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  13. hey!!! been clicking around with the $250 giveaway - and found ya!!! love your style :-) this post totally reminded me that i need to pick up some of those awesome tanks from H&M... i live in those all summer long!!! oooh can't wait for warm weather! XO

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  14. I am definitely with you on the F21 business...I spend an eternity in there and rarely find anything (even though I want to find stuff real bad since it's so dang affordable!) I'm gonna try to keep shopping there as long as possible until someone opens up Forever 30 and sells yoga pants and wine...yeeeeah. (There's a someecard floating around where I saw that idea...sounds genuis!)
    Valerie
    www.the-style-files.com

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  15. I absolutely love the blazer you got from H&M and I agree... when you find things that look good on you at Forever21, you just go for it! You won't find deals like that anywhere else.

    Also I love the pleated, striped skirt! I would pair it with a bow blouse and a pair of black pumps or black pointy toe pumps for work and maybe with a plain white tee, blazer and flats for the weekend?

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  16. I was thinking about your skirt as I was getting dressed, I know I'm weird. I really like when you wore that red skirt with the fox sweater and blazer, what about something similar with, minus the fox sweater?
    Ginny

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  17. I enjoy what you guys are usually up too.
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  18. I like all your February finds! They're all classic pieces that you could use in so many different ways. I'm also looking for a great pair of boyfriend jeans. I think the ones at Loft are my current top contenders.

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  19. I've been on the quest for the perfect boyfriend jean, too! I keep loving the ones I see at the Gap (the Sexy Boyfriend Jean) and every time I try them on they look AWFUL on me. WHY!? Keep us posted when you find a pair.

    Oh, and I think that skirt is adorbs! It screams denim jacket to me - and I think it would be cute with a navy or green top, too!

    xo
    See Mo Go.

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  20. I love the finds!! That purse is so chic! I agree skirts are best at under $20!! It is OK to over spend on your budget if they are pieces you need, and man is it hard not buying jewelery at Forever 21!

    XO http://shesaidhesaid-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  21. I totally agree, it is really excited when things from F21 actually fit! I found your blog through the Heart Shapes Sweat giveaway and I am so glad I did, I love it and I am now following you!

    xx
    Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes

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  22. Pair that skirt with that polka dotted top you just bought! Or put it with a black or cobalt blazer. She has it on with green in the stock photo, too, so that's an option.

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  23. Ok good, I am not the only one who has issues with the way F21 fits! It's not that their stuff is too small.. It just fits oddly.

    Cute stuff!

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  24. Such a great list thanks for sharing! That stuff is really cute. I especially like the lace skirt and the peplum skirt hehe, such elegant pieces. xo

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  25. Stopping over to say from the Heart Shaped Sweat giveaway! :) You have a great blog!

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  26. Found you through Franish! I'm so glad I did! Your blog is adorable! Love the new clothes!

    Newest follower! :)

    Jaime @ {Toby's Tails}

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  27. Found you through Franish, too! I am actually loving that skirt - you could wear with a slouchier black sweater, or perhaps a cute peplum or sheer button down! Throw a blazer on top and it's professional...man I might be talking myself into buying one. :)

    Also, I say F21 is fair game for us non-teens - the sizing is women's (even numbers!!).

     The Blue Hour

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  28. I'm so glad you are joining us (ONE OF US ONE OF USE). I think you got some great items that don't even look like F21. I always try to buy the pieces in there (now, not like a year ago when I was dumb) that are more classic pieces so I can wear them for a while, so in that regard you did GREAT. I want some boyfriend jeans too but I don't think they would look that good on me so I may have to pass :( Can't wait to see what you come up with by the end of the month!

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