January 2018 Purchases

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. My quarterly budget is $550. This amount can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2200 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget. Since I've been keeping a budget, I'm much more careful with what I buy, and I will return stuff at the end of the month if I'm not crazy about it after hanging it in my closet.

I came into 2018 with a slightly boosted budget from money not spent last year. My allowance for this quarter is $564. January is always a fabulous month for big sales.

Coat: Zara (only XL is left, now $50!)
Reg $170, on sale for $100
I saw this on the website when it first came out and loved it. Then I saw it on Allana Davidson and it looked so good I needed to own it. It’s a bit oversized and so super cozy. I feel like I’ve bought so many new coats in the past year, but honestly, they’re all you see of an outfit for many months here in Canada so I won’t let myself feel guilty about it. This one sheds a bit of the wooly stuff so I’ll have to be sure I have a lint roller with me if I’m wearing dark colors underneath.

Shirt: H&M
Reg $40, on sale for $15
I’ve been a long time fan of anything army green and I actually have a top similar to this one that is old and too big on me anyway. The material is really soft.

Shirt: RW&Co
Reg $70, on sale for $15
This is a really nice basic white shirt that would d look great for work or on the weekend with jeans.

Tops: RW&Co
Reg $36 each, on sale for $4.50 each
These are so perfect for work with cardigans or with shirts that are too low. I bought one in blue and one in grey. They had other colors but were sold out in my size.

Sweater: American Eagle Outfitters (no longer available)
Reg $60, on sale for $9
I’ve been obsessed with pink this winter, which is weird for me. It’s a nice change from all the black and grey that my closet is full of. I probably wouldn’t have looked at this sweater twice for the regular price, but for $9, even if I don’t reach for it often, it’s ok.

Hat: Babaton at Aritzia
Reg $35, on sale for $13
I needed a new black winter hat and I love the texture of this one and the floppy top.

Original value of items: $447
Price I paid: $161
I saved 64%

That leaves me with $404 for this quarter. On my wish list for February - black flat ankle booties to replace my ones from Aldo that are getting worn out. I'm actually doing an on-line order from DSW tonight for some hopefuls. There’s still lots of winter left for cold weather attire!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Winter Pink

On a bright day in January, you do what you can to forget the months of winter that are looming. Sometimes that means putting on a pink jacket and hoping you don't freeze. I was actually shocked by how toasty I was in this bomber. 

Details

Bomber: H&M

Sweater and earrings: J Crew

Jeans: Zara

Boots: Artica via Browns

Necklace: Banana Republic

Snood: American Eagle Outfitters

These boots were purchased at the end of last winter, so it was a treat to dig them out for the first time recently. They are really warm!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: November 2016

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. My quarterly budget is $500. This amount can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget. Since I've been keeping a budget, I'm much more careful with what I buy, and I will return stuff at the end of the month if I'm not crazy about it after hanging it in my closet.

I always like to save some money for Black Friday sales. Over the past few years, I think that day has been even better deals than Boxing Day. I did a big chunk of my Christmas shopping - yay! I had the day off work, which I will try to make happen every year.

Turtleneck: Bootlegger
Reg $30, on sale for $7.50
I'm obsessed with stripes and love having turtlenecks or other high-necked styles to layer with my beloved TNA Del Mar shirts in the winter. This also looks great under a blazer or cardigan.

Pants: Bootlegger
Reg $50, on sale for $20
My Madewell jeans developed am unfortunate hole. I wasn't sure if they would be saved (they were - thanks Mom) so I bought these to fill in the casual black pants void in my work wardrobe. They are quite comfy but they do loosen as the day goes on so I need to wear a belt with them.

Coat: Club Monaco
Reg $449, on sale for $189
This was an impulse buy, but I think it was a sound choice. My black peacoat that I got for dirt cheap at Joe Fresh a few years ago isn't the best. I love my black puffer coat, but I wanted something that was a bit dressier for going out to dinner and such. I saw this on Black Friday and it fits like  a dream. I really couldn't leave it there for the quality and price. I always lust over the coats at CM and now I get to wear one.

Necklace: American Eagle Outfitters
Reg $18, on sale for $6.50
This is a very delicate but trendy piece. I love the multiple layers.

Tank: Joe Fresh
Reg $19, on sale for $10
I was going out and felt like something new to wear. I work beside Joe Fresh, and this caught my eye because of the sheer detail. The armholes are too big, but I'll likely always want to wear a cardigan or blazer with it anyway.

I also bought a Christmas sweater at Envy that I will save for an outfit post. It was $40 on sale for $30

Original price of items: $606

Price I paid: $263

I saved 57%

This leaves me with $178 to spend in December. I might buy a pair of chunky heeled ankle boots. I'll also check out the Boxing Day sales, but may carry some over to January as the real deals are usually in late January when the stores are starting to clear the winter stock.

Hope you found some great deals in November!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

In Pink

This pink bomber is getting worn much later in the fall than I thought it would. It's surprisingly warm! It's not something that can be thrown on with just anything though. It doesn't work with most patterned pants, and I had to ditch the red handbag I'm using right now in exchange for something that didn't clash.

Details

Jacket: H&M

Sweater: J Crew

Scarf: I forget! It's old. 

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Boots: Call it Spring

Bag: Danier

I hope everyone is doing okay with Christmas preparations. I've got some stuff bought, ideas for others, and complete blanks for a few! Black Friday is right around the corner, so I hope to make some progress then. 

XOXO 

Glitterary Girl

Fall Photos and Wine

Sometimes I get super frustrated with the weather in our corner of the world. Spring takes forever to arrive, and winter can be brutal. Nova Scotia has some spectacular weather in the fall however, and I think it would be the best time to travel here unless you're hardcore into laying on the beach.

Photo c/o Brett Locke

Details

Boots: Call it Spring

Scarf: American Eagle Outfitters

Sweater: J Crew

Jeans: Zara 

Bag: Danier

Bag Pom: Topshop

Sunnies: Coach

Brett (check out his website here) and I have been friends since we were twelve. We try to catch up every so often, and both of us wanted to catch some fall scenery. After a quick swing by Starbucks, we were off on Highway 101 to visit Avondale Sky Winery. Even from the highway the leaves were pretty, but once we pulled onto the secondary roads, we couldn't get over the amazing colors.

We sampled some yummy wine and left with a few bottles each.  There wasn't one I tried that I didn't like! The inside of the winery was beautiful. It's a refurbished church and they retained a lot of the stained glass.

I was determined to wear this scarf even though it produces lint like nothing else I've ever seen. It was the first day this fall I wore tall boots, and I was so cozy. We stopped at a few colourful spots on the way back home, and this pretty laneway was the perfect place to snap some photos.

Photo c/o Brett Locke

Photo c/o Brett Locke

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: April 2016

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. My quarterly budget is $500. This amount can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget. Since I've been keeping a budget, I'm much more careful with what I buy, and I will return stuff at the end of the month if I'm not crazy about it after hanging it in my closet.

Pants: Banana Republic
Reg $110, on sale for $33
I have no idea why I got these in store for such  deal. They are still way more expensive on-line. I wore them to dinner last week and they were really comfortable and short enough to show off my ankle booties.

Sweater: Banana Republic (no longer available on-line)
Reg $95, on sale for $31
I bought this on-line, knowing that it'll be put away for next season. It's a great classic stripe in a cashmere blend.

Skirt: Gap
Reg $55, on sale for $24
Last year, I bought a long black skirt and really liked wearing it. I scooped up this blue one and will probably try it out soon. It's that annoying time of year when I refuse to wear tights, but would freeze in bare legs.

Sweater: American Eagle Outfitters
Reg $45, on sale for $16
I will never own enough grey sweaters! This will look so great with cut-offs in the summer.

Skirt: Banana Republic Factory Store
Reg $90, on sale for $4
I was hesitant on this one as it's pretty voluminous at the bottom, but even if I only wear it once, I'll be fine with that for the price of it! Who knows, maybe I'll love it! It's hard to tell from the photo, but it's navy base with white and red pattern.

Jeans: Banana Republic Factory Store
Reg $90, on sale for $19
I wore these to work today. They were so comfortable and exactly the right length. I have good luck with Banana jeans! They are called wide-leg but I'd classify them more like a trouser jean.

Earrings: Banana Republic Factory Store
Reg $25, on sale for $9
I like earrings that are interesting. These are like an oval hoop but not attached in the back.

Thrift sale spends: $4
I bought a few things at the Brilliant charity sale - a cardigan and a tank top. Both are in the wash so no photos.

Original value of items (not including thrifted): $510
Price I paid: $140
I saved: 73%


I rolled ahead $52 from last quarter. Add that to $500 and take away what I spent this month.... that leaves $412 to spend in May and June. My goal is to have at least $300 squirrelled away to spend in June - the month when you see a lot of summer stuff on sale. Our summer doesn't start til June anyway!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

A Day in 90210

Beverly Hills - that's where I want to be! We kept singing this to ourselves as we made drive after drive down Sunset Boulevard between Hollywood and Beverly Hills. So many pretty houses, such clean streets, lush gardens, and gorgeous stores... 

Can I just say I'd like to own every single thing in Saint Laurent, including all the men's sneakers? Someday I'll own a Burberry trench coat (probably from the outlet) and a Chanel bag (maybe) but until then I can just dream.

We strolled down Rodeo Drive and found ourselves at The Montage for lunch. We ate salads in the Beverly Canyon Gardens and people watched. Okay, I admit I was really hoping to catch a glimpse of Justin Bieber, but it wasn't meant to be.

Window shopping on Rodeo

The Montage

We visited The Beverly Center, which is a lovely shopping mall with mostly higher end stores but also has Uniqlo and H&M. I was so stoked to shop at Uniqlo as I hadn't been to one in three years. They are planning on opening in Toronto sometime this year at Yorkdale and the Eaton Centre.

Details

Cardigan: American Eagle Outfitters

Top: Uniqlo

Shorts: Banana Republic

Sandals: Aldo

Sunnies: Coach
Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

I hope you enjoyed tagging along for the day with me in Beverly Hills. Have a great weekend!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: February 2016

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. My quarterly budget is $500. This amount can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget. Since I've been keeping a budget, I'm much more careful with what I buy, and I will return stuff at the end of the month if I'm not crazy about it after hanging it in my closet.

Watch: Michael Kors via Winners
Reg $300, Winners price $170

I've been on the hunt for a gold watch for about two years. I finally found one that doesn't look humongous on my little wrist. Many links need to be taken out before I can wear it. I love the tortoise shell band!

Sorry about the shadows. I promise it's pretty!

Sweater: TNA from Aritzia
Reg: $125, on sale for $62.50. I paid $12.50 because I had a $50 gift card.

The warmest sweater ever! I bought this just before a cold snap and wanted to wear it 24/7. It's a great length (below the bum!) and I'm sure I'll be wearing it for years and years.

Shirt: TNA from Aritzia

Reg $35, on sale for 17.50

Back I went to the Aritzia sale a few days after buying the above sweater. I couldn't get my mind off another TNA shirt. My color is no longer available - it's a muted red. I have the same one in grey as well. So comfy!

Wrong color. 

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Reg $80 on sale for $25

I wear my distressed Diesel boyfriend jeans so much. This pair is a legging fit and high rise, which is all sorts of awesome. I like how there's fabric under the rips so I don't freeze my legs off! I wouldn't have paid full price for these, but I'll get my wear out of them for the price.

Do you like my half made bed?

Sneakers: Joe Fresh
Reg $40, on sale for $7

I'd been eyeing these for months, waiting for them to go on sale for dirt cheap. They are incredibly lightweight, and I'll be bringing them on vacation for sure. I love working beside Joe Fresh!

Original value of items: $580
Price I paid: $232
I saved 60%

That leaves me with $199 to spend in March. I've got some on-line orders on the way which I may or may not keep. I'm obsessed with sale boots and shoes at the end of winter.  The CDN $ is not good right now! If I do any shopping in LA, it'll likely be at Uniqlo, Madewell, and Zara.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: January 2016

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. My quarterly budget is $500. This amount can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget. Since I've been keeping a budget, I'm much more careful with what I buy, and I will return stuff at the end of the month if I'm not crazy about it after hanging it in my closet.

Boots: Aldo

Reg $130 on sale for $65
How cute are these? My tall nude sandals are impossible to walk in, so these will be a welcome replacement. They have no platform, so I have to put a gel pad in the ball of the foot. Can't wait to wear them when the weather is drier. 

Pants: Banana Republic

Reg $124 on sale for $33
I have very similar pants in black that I got at Top Shop, and I love wearing those, so having ones in another color seemed logical.

Excuse the wrinkles. I dragged them out of the laundry to take the photo :)

Cardigans: American Eagle Outfitters
Reg $45 each, on sale for $16 each
It's rare that I buy more than one of something, but these were so soft and I really couldn't decide between the two colors so I just kept both of them.

Bracelet: Joe Fresh
Reg $16, on sale for $4
This looks nice with all of my hematite jewelry.

Original value of items: $360
Price I paid: $134
I saved 63%.

January's total leaves me with $431 for the rest of the quarter. I had $65 left from last year coming into 2016 so it brought my starting point up a bit. I'm not likely to buy much in LA due to the exchange rate (grrr),  so I won't try to save too much of my budget for vacation.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: October 2015 (1)

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. I used to have a monthly budget, but partway through 2014, I switched to a quarterly budget of $500. This can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget.

You know those months when you buy so much, you can't possibly talk about it all at once?

October was one of those months, thanks to a lovely trip south (way south) of the border. Scottsdale was a lovely place to shop. We strategically planned to stay at a resort that was within walking distance to two outdoor shopping complexes. R was in training for a few days, so I needed something to do while he was gone.

Kierland Commons was literally across the street, then once you walked to the end of Kierland Commons, you crossed another street and there was Scottsdale Quarter. Both were great places to shop, and there were lots of snack stops and restaurants mixed in as well.

Keep in mind that for budget purposes, I don't convert to Canadian dollars. For this trip, I had US cash purchased when the dollars were close to equal and I paid cash for all my clothing.

I'll show you some of what I bought in this post, then do another post about the rest of it.

Shirt: Madewell
Reg $42 on sale for $30.
My obsession with army green attire continues. I kind of wish I bought more than one of these shirts - they are so soft and I love the sleeve length. Madewell does ship to Canada, but not for free, and you have to pay the shipping to return stuff. They are a sister company to J Crew.

Jeans: Madewell
Reg $128 on sale for $54
My old black Calvin Kleins needed replacing. These jeans are the perfect rise for me, which is so hard to find due to my long torso. Very soft and comfortable, I'd definitely buy another pair of Madewell jeans. The wash I bought isn't available (inky black) but the ones I linked above are the same style.

Dress: H&M
Reg $20.
I really liked the colors in this dress and the button detail at the collar. I haven't worn it yet, but I likely will soon with my brown riding boots.

Dress: H&M
Reg $18
A basic grey dress that is multi-seasonal and can be styled a ton of different ways. I've worn this already to a wedding with black tights, black blazer, and a statement necklace.

Shirt: H&M
Reg $20
I've always liked green and blue together. This shirt has buttons up the back, which is a different touch.

Shirt: H&M
Reg $25 on sale for $13
A nice basic silky shirt that can be dressed up or down.

Sweater: American Eagle Outfitters
Reg $50 on sale for $14
I upsized with this sweater to make sure it was a loose fit. I retired one of my white sweaters this year, so I needed a replacement. This was bought at home.

T-shirt: Gap

Reg $20 on sale for $5

No photo, but I picked up a basic medium grey crew neck. Gap has the best tees for layering. This is the fourth one I've bought this year!

Original value of items: $323

Price I paid: $174
I saved 46%

I'll continue with my October buys in my next post.

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Restaurant on Repeat

R and I couldn't resist hitting up The Cheesecake Factory on our very first evening in Scottsdale. We hunt down these restaurants everywhere they exist and usually eat there more than once a trip! See below for why we always want to eat here. 

Does it get any better than Oreo cheesecake? No.

 Details

Top: Dynamite

Skirt: American Eagle Outfitters

Belt: H&M

Sandals: Aldo (RIP, these old sandals didn't make it home after expiring at the end of my shopping day)

Clutch: Coach

How pretty does this nighttime scene look? I want all of the palm trees for our yard.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl