My Monthly Purchases: April 2015

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.

This was the first month of a new quarter, and I have some extra money to roll forward from birthday gifts. I also have a $50 Joe Fresh GC from my birthday that I haven't spent yet. I spent slightly more than I expected to this month, but I just HAD to have the sandals... scroll down to see.

Sweater: Banana Republic
Reg $110 - on sale for $10
Like I would ever leave a $10 Banana Republic sweater at the store. This is slightly big on me, but looks great for a cozy casual look. It's in the laundry now, so no photo. Color is cream.

Scarf: H&M
Reg $7 - I paid $2 after using my Conscious coupon
I didn't own a lightweight animal print scarf and now I do. I've worn it a few times already, including with the above sweater.

Pants: H&M
Reg $18
These are seriously the funnest pants I've bought in a long time, and I'll be showing you them in a blog post later this week. They are really comfortable and hit the ankle at the perfect place to show off your shoes. Next time I'm in H&M, I'll probably buy another pair in a different color.

Shorts: H&M
Reg $10
These were an iffy purchase as they kinda look like jammies.... which was my Plan B for them if I got them home and couldn't style them. They look really cute paired with a white top and heels.

Hat: Forever 21
Reg: $23
I wear my big black hat a lot, so I felt a big olive hat would get some mileage in my wardrobe as well. I can't find it on-line but it was a new item in-store when I bought it.

Shorts Club Monaco
Reg $129 - on sale for $35 (even more on sale now!)
These are high waisted faux leather and would look good with bare legs or with tights in the winter.
35 was 129

Tights: Club Monaco
Reg $30 - on sale for $6
For $6 these Marsala tights will get some use. They might even go with the above shorts in the winter.

Boots: Stuart Weitzman via Crimson Clover
Reg (who knows how much, likely $500-ish), priced at $150 consignment - on sale for $5.
FIVE DOLLARS. They are in almost perfect condition. Makes me almost excited for the fall (just kidding).

Tee: Hollister
Reg $23 - on sale for $11
I need to stop collecting pineapple shirts.

Tee: Gap
Reg $20 - on sale for $3.50. 
A basic grey long-sleeved tee. I have the same one in navy and white stripes and black.

Cords: Gap
Reg $70 - on sale for $8.50
I haven't been a huge fan of cords lately, but I love these! I think it's because they have a worn in and casual look.

Sandals: Aldo
Reg $90 - I had a $25 off coupon, so got them for $65
Remember last month when I  said I wanted to buy something with fringe? These shoes are like a party on my feet. The heel height is great too! Can't wait to wear these!

Original value of items: $680
Price I paid: $196
I saved 71%

I also bought new pants from the Banana Republic Factory outlet with a gift receipt from a birthday shirt I had to return due to gaping buttons - which is often a problem for me. I've already worn them in this post.

That leaves me $304 to spend for the next two months. If I want to add my leftover birthday money, it's $434, but I'm going to try to save some for New Hampshire this summer.

Did you catch any great deals in April? I'm linked with Franish if you'd like to see how some of the other bloggers did with their April shopping.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: January 2014

January is a very interesting month for shopping as a LOT of winter merchandise goes on sale. Weirdly, there is spring stuff in all the stores now even though it's crazy to think about spring yet here in Halifax.

Black Cardigan. Vera Moda from Envy
Discounted from $35 to $17.50
I can't find a photo of this or a link to buy on-line. My other black cardigan had been worn to death and needed replacing. This is a pretty basic medium-weight button up cardigan with long sleeves and was on  my list of things I needed to get.

Jeans from Gap Factory Store
Discounted from $65 to $18
These are super-comfy and I love the vertical stripes. I've been feeling blah about my existing jeans, so decided to do something about it this month

Jeans. Rock & Republic from Crimson Clover (consignment)
$30
I don't even want to venture a guess as to how much these would have cost the original owner. The brand went bankrupt in 2010 and was sold to Kohl's where you can get budget versions of the jeans. The original ones went for prices as high as $400. Yes, I have had them hemmed since this photo was taken.

AND

Vest from Joe Fresh
Discounted from $40 to $15
Replacing my old black puffer vest. The red version of this is still available on-line.

Pants from Reitmans
Discounted from $50 to $5
No longer available on-line.
These are actually pretty cute for $5. They are black with a tiny gold pattern throughout. I've worn them to work already.

Scarf from Dynamite
Discounted from $23 to $8
I've had an obsession this winter with plaid scarves and this was the perfect price to justify buying another one.

Blazer from Dynamite
Discounted from $47 to $12
No longer available on-line
I haven't worn this yet because I have to de-wrinkle it. I have quite the collection of blazers now. This will be great all year round as it's a bright white. I'll snap a pic soon!

Sweater from Dynamite
Discounted from $50 to $18
Long enough to wear with leggings! This color was missing from my closet as well. I'm getting really lazy with outfit shots... I wore this a few weeks ago to a wedding show and should have taken a pic.

Hat from Le Chateau
Discounted from $30 to $10
A seriously cute hat!

Stevie Necklace from Stella & Dot (image found on e-bay)
$20 (was $94 new)
My Stella & Dot stylist Erica was purging her inventory and sold me this lovely piece.

Total spent this month: $153.50
Total value of items: $484 (with more for the R&R jeans...)
Saved 68% 

A few dollars over budget (and I knew that before I bought the necklace, but how could I say no) but I'm happy with my deals. February brings shopping excitement in the form of a new Target collaboration. I will try to keep my spending to a minimum this month as we are headed to Vancouver in April (yay!) and I'm sure I'll find some things to buy there.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Great Picks 2013: Part Two

Today I'm sharing Part Deux of what I consider to be my best purchases of 2013. These are items I love to put on and will log lots of wear-time in the future.

Skirt and Boots

A skirt that's made well, a great length, a great color, inexpensive ($30) and is fun to twirl in. One of my very favorite shopping memories is busting through the door of Target and filling my cart with 3.1 Phillip Lim stuff (with NO competition for pieces unlike many stores which had near-riots). February 9th is another collection launch (Peter Pilotto) and you know where I'll be at 8:00 am that day.

Thanks to the nice salesgirl at H&M who alerted me to these sweet boots at a crazy price (marked down from $70 to $10). I was shocked at how comfortable they are.

Puffer Jacket- I'll show this in a post in the near future!

Pretty much a necessity to own one of these types of coats in Nova Scotia. I was searching for one and found it at HR2 (which is a discount Holt Renfrew) in Toronto. Cole Haan $198.

Booties

These are probably the most worn footwear I own right now. Flat, black, and basic - they go with almost everything and are great for work and weekend wear. Aldo $100 (on sale now for less).

Skirt

For $5, this was a steal. I often find gems like this at Crimson Clover. It's got just the right colors in it to go with almost anything and it's a good length for work.

Here's hoping that 2014 bring me some more great additions!

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Out with the Old

I reached into the coat closet the other day, looking for my black winter vest. I pulled it out, looked at it, and put it back. That's how you can tell when something has overstayed its welcome in your wardrobe. If you don't want to wear it, no matter what your mood, you won't wear it again.

It's the perfect time of year to replace your winter style basics, because they're on major sale right now. I've scored deals on scarves, gloves, sweaters, and this vest recently as stores are making room for new spring arrivals.

Yup, I know, I need them hemmed.

Details

Vest: Joe Fresh (on clearance now)

Sweater and shirt: Smart Set

Jeans: Rock & Republic via Crimson Clover

Boots: Old Navy

Bracelets: Stella & Dot

Earrings: Gift

Do you have any winter pieces that need replacing? Now's the time!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

The New Blue Wall

For those of you who are sick of seeing the fake tree in our living room as the backdrop for blog photos on rainy days, you'll like this post. Since Timberlea Dental Centre is now open (yay), there are a few "future use" rooms that have no dental equipment ... but they do have freshly painted blank walls.

I'm still playing around with the new camera, trying to figure out lighting and all that complicated stuff. Bear with me for the shadows. The first photo is natural light only and the second is with natural plus overhead lights.

Details

Blazer: Banana Republic via Crimson Clover

Shirt: Zara

Jeans: Target

Hat: Le Chateau

Shoes: BCBGeneration via Winners

Bracelets: Gifts

Earrings: American Eagle Outfitters

This was my consolation t-shirt, bought in Toronto the day Mastercard Fashion Week began, which was the day I left. Note to self: check out what's going on and when before you book plane tickets.

The last phrase is so me.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

That Piece That Goes with Everything

 Do you own a piece of clothing that just seems to look good with so many things? I think this skirt is that piece for me. The best news? It was $5.00.

Details

Sweater: Smart Set

Scarf: Le Chateau

Skirt: BBDakota via Crimson Clover

Boots: Call it Spring

Bracelet: Forever 21

Nails: Essie Skirting the Issue

I miss the warm summer days, but I must admit I love tights, boots, and skirts season!

What's your favorite season to dress for?

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

My Monthly Purchases: September 2013

I behaved much better this month with sticking to my budget. I went over just a teeny bit compared to last month which was a complete budget-blowing circus.

Top: Old Navy

Discounted from $19.95 to $15.00 (still on sale)

I love the idea of wearing a blank-slate sweatshirt with a statement necklace.

Skirt: Old Navy
Discounted from $24.95 to $18.00
This is a cute an comfy skirt (although it does run kind of big and the waist can migrate up. I've worn it to work once so far. The stripes are subtle enough to make it easy to pair this with other prints.

The next three items were from my 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target mini-spree and you can see the full post with photos here.
Top: $40
Skirt: $30
Handbag: $35
I officially love Target designer collaborations. I've had lots of compliments on the skirt and handbag and I'll be styling the top sometime soon.

Cute pattern on this skirt!

Skirt: BB Dakota from Crimson Clover Boutique
Original price unknown. I paid $10
This is satisfying my need for something plaid. The skirt is above the knee, so perfect for work or weekends.

Additional purchase with no photo:
Dress: Gap Factory Store
Discounted from $65 to $36 and I saved another 50% with a mystery deal code. Total: $18.
Such a cute little red patterned dress that I will be wearing to a wedding this weekend. Remember when I said I wasn't going to buy any new dresses for this wedding season? I lied.

Total Spend for September: $161
Total Value: $225

$21 over budget, but I am okay with that!

Did you have any favorite purchases for September? It's such a wonderful month to shop!

XOXO
Glitterary GIrl

The Umbrella

Are you an umbrella person?

For me, it depends on where I am. When I lived in Vancouver, umbrellas were essential and functional. The nice thing about Vancouver is that when it rains, it rains vertically. You have an umbrella - you don't get wet. Here in Halifax, rain tends to fall horizontally due to the wind, and umbrellas often die tragically via broken bones (ok... broken spokes).

Photo by Amanda Brownhill Photography

Details

Blazer: Banana Republic (via Crimson Clover Boutique, Halifax)

Jeans: Old Navy (Halifax)

Shoes: Franco Sarto (Town Shoes, Toronto)

Tee: Smart Set (Halifax)

Bubble Necklace: Etsy

Umbrella: Borrowed from Amanda Brownhill Photography

When I was a teenager, I'd often go for long walks with my friend during hot summer rains,  and not even bother to try to avoid a drenching. As an adult, the novelty of being soaked has worn off - I'd rather be dry!

I'm linked with longdistanceloving today for an April Showers theme post.

Do you like the rain?

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Catch!

Details

Cardigan and shirt: Joe Fresh (Halifax)

Pants: Uniqlo (San Francisco)

Shoes: Le Chateau

Jewelry: Gift

Bag: Michael Kors (thrifted via Crimson Clover)

Photos by Amanda Brownhill Photography

You know what makes me uncomfortable?

a) Being alone in an elevator with a creepy person

b) Stubbing my toe (ALWAYS my baby one)

c) Walking behind someone breaking the fashion nightmare of leggings as pants. Happened today on Dal campus. I know it's almost exam time kiddos and you're getting by on Red Bull and melba toast, but please try to cover that up.

d) Sitting on the corner of a wooden box (see above)

What makes you cringe?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

We All Need a Little Tweed

A jacket like this has been high on my list of closet staples for about a year now. Tweed is timeless and a perfect piece to throw over a quiet outfit to make it more interesting.

Details

Jacket: Thrifted via Crimson Clover Boutique (Halifax)

Jeans: Guess by Marciano (Vancouver)

Sweater: Old Navy (Halifax)

Boots: Call it Spring (Halifax)

Bag: Thrifted Michael Kors via Crimson Clover Boutique (Halifax)

Scarf and Earrings: Le Chateau (Halifax)

Bracelet: Joe Fresh (Halifax)

The size of this bag is just what I needed. I have a tendency to wear giant tote style bags that end up eating everything I put in them, causing random rants with me pulling out everything in the bag to find my keys.

Two classic pieces for a crazy deal... did I mention the jacket and bag were FIVE DOLLARS each and I also got a Banana Republic blazer for the same price?

What's the best find you've had thrift shopping?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Sparkling with the Statue

Is there a size limit to what is considered a statue? This is half the size of me, so I think it's bigger than a figurine but not quite statuesque.... either case, I think he's checking me out.

Details:

Cardigan: Kensie (Margolians, Truro)

Tank: Mexx (Crimson Clover, Halifax)

Belt: Dynamite (Halifax)

Earrings and Bracelet: Gift

Jeans: Calvin Klein (Costco, Halifax)

This photo was taken in the lovely home of our friends who invited us to a Christmas party. Note the lack of footwear? That's good manners people... I don't care if they did it in Sex and the City.... I think it's rude to wear your shoes in someone else's house.

I'm linking up with longdistanceloving for a post on "serious sparkle". Hmmm...the lighting isn't picking up on it, but my tank is pretty flashy!

Are you incorporating any shimmer, sparkle, or glitter in your holiday ensembles?

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Can We Chat About Uniqlo?

Uni-WHAT??

UNIQLO. Amazing store. Just opened in San Francisco. The world needs more of these (except perhaps Asia, since Asia already has tons of them).

I was overwhelmed by this store. It's an odd place... they don't carry a ton of styles. However, they styles they do carry can be bought in every color of the rainbow. I deeply regret not buying more stuff here. Sadly, they don't ship to Canada. Bummer. There are a few stores in NYC, and if all goes as planned, I'll be there for a little holiday in about a year from now and I can buy to my heart's VISA's delight.

Details:

Cardigan: Forever 21 (San Francisco)

Pants: Uniqlo (San Francisco)

Tank: Mexx (for $2 at Crimson Clover, Halifax)

Shoes: Le Chateau (Halifax)

Bag: Coach (Toronto)

Belt: Dynamite (Halifax)

Necklace: Forever 21 (LA)

Bracelets: Gift and random boutique in St. John's

 

 

I wore this out for dinner on our last night in San Francisco. We went to The Cheesecake Factory (surprise, surprise... we should own stocks...).

These Uniqlo pants are amazing! They have pockets in the back so they look like jeans, but they're a thick polyester/cotton/spandex (yes, I checked the label). I originally bought these for work, but they're way too nice to get covered in hospital germs. At $20 (yes, that's right) I probably should have bought more colors since there were about thirty to choose from (dumb dumb dumb me). Sigh.

A super-sweet girl in the lobby of our hotel stopped me to ask where I got everything I was wearing... thank you super-sweet girl, and I hope you're reading this!

I'm linking with longdistanceloving for her post on what to wear to a bonfire. OK.... so perhaps I wouldn't wear this to a bonfire, so I'm playing the "all posts are welcome" card. Just in case you want to know what I actually wear to bonfires - the ugliest and warmest clothes I own, because if my good clothes got singed, I'd flip out.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl