April 20, 2012

My April Budget







1. Forever 21 striped dress, $21.80
2. Heritage 1981 aqua dress, $24.80
3. H&M pink necklace, $14
4. Limited neon pink top, $25
5. Old Navy floral top, $15
6. Gap yellow shorts, $35
7. Banana Republic necklace, $12 (similar)
8. H&M paisley shirt, $18 (similar)

Grand Total = $166

This month I wasn't allowed to buy blazers or pencil skirts. (I am weak, I still tried some on!) ;-) My priorities were prints, shorts, and pink jeans. I struck out on finding pink jeans, but found a few prints and a pair of shorts to add to my closet!

1. A new sundress wasn't necessarily on my wish list, but I know I'll wear this to death. I was also psyched to find something at F21 that is not super-short (and fits true to size!).
2. A fun dress with a Kentucky Derby vibe for an event I have coming up.
3. Similar to my H&M turquoise bubble necklace that I wear constantly. And I never tire of blush pink.
4. You may remember this shirt from last month's post! The price was great, so I decided to snatch it up.
5. Florals were a high priority this month and an outfit idea popped into my head when I saw this top. Sold.
6. Shorts were also a high priority this month! Love the fray and the length is perfect.
7. I've had my eye on this Tory Burch-esque necklace for awhile, and at $12 I couldn't pass it up.
8. Another print to add to my closet. I love this colorful paisley.

My May Wish List
Here's what I'm shopping for next month - shorts galore, flat sandals, and pink jeans will finally be mine! I also ordered the two Old Navy tops online (save an extra 20-30% right now). I'm excited to see how they look in person!


1. Gap cobalt shorts, $39.95
2. LOFT pink shorts, $39.50
3. Express purple shorts, $59.90
4. Express blue shorts, $59.90
5. Limited pink skinny jean, $74.90
6. Old Navy floral cinched top, $19
7. Old Navy sail boat top, $25
8. Limited striped skirt, $54.90
9. Nine West sandals, $85
10. Limited green top, $49.90
11. Gap beaded clutch, $29.99
12. Yellow Box sandals, $40

54 comments:

  1. I recently bought the b/w stripe skirt from Limited. I havent worn it yet...I dont want to pair it with black or red...maybe an emerald green top instead??? Help! :}
    Love love love your April budget and May wish list!

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  2. I have the green top from The Limited, I bought it Easter weekend and got a great deal on it, that day only everything, clearance included,. was an extra 40% off- so I got it for around $24. I LOVE IT.. it's so incredibly comfortable and great for work or play. I paired it with my white Editor pants from Express and  chocolate brown wedges, got many complments. You will love it!!!

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  3. I love all the items on your wish list and that they are very affordable. I really like your blog and read it daily!
    Maja
    http://clotheskinksandcurls.blogspot.ca/

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  4. This is great! What do you use to create your boards? I havent found a program I like thats easy! Love the floral top!

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  5. I love seeing your monthly budget posts.  You're so organized!

    That Old Navy floral top is super cute.  I might have to go get one myself!  And I'm looking forward to seeing if you find some pink skinnies.  I've been hunting for some, myself!

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  6. Wow!  Look at the pastels this month!   Your April purchases just scream spring.

    The Nine West sandals in your May preview are adorable!  Let us know if you find a good deal on them.

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  7. Great picks - love that you make yourself a budget & a list and you stick to it!  Btw, I ordered that Limited striped pencil skirt online and ended up returning it...if you do get it, make sure you size down because it runs very big!

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  8. Love that floral Old Navy top! :)

    www.alinabarber.blogspot.com

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  9. I've done some major shopping damage w/in the last few months and need to calm down a bit. I think setting a budget is a great idea.
    Niki
    www.fashionatforty.blogspot.com

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  10. Love the spring colors and the BR necklace you got!  What a steal!  I bought that striped Limited skirt too, so cute. I hope you get it so you can give me some styling tips!

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  11. I just got some yellow demin shorts at American Eagle. Very cute and fit well. I am all over the colored shorts for summer.

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  12. I have been following you for awhile now...love what you do! I had to post today because I was so excited to see that we scored the same pink necklace from H&M for our April budget!

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  13. I have that green Limited top (shown in your May wish list).  I LOVE it!  I also got the necklace the model is wearing with it in the picture.  I orderd the pink Limited jeans as well.  Sadly, I returned them.  I wanted more of a neon pink and these were definately highlighter pink. 

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  14. I love all these looks! Very cute!! I actually have those sandals. Keey an eye out for pink jeans. One of my best friends just bought some from express i think.

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  15. i love these budget posts - they give me such great ideas for what to do each month and what to prioritize! 

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  16. Kelly, I don't think I saw the green top in the store, but it caught my eye online! And I loved the pink jeans in person, including the fit, they just unfortunately didn't have my size in the store or online. Hoping to go to another store this weekend!

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  17. Thank you so much Alicia! That necklace is an awesome find! (so glad I was there when they had it!)

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  18. I love American Eagle denim! I tried on their pink jeans but they don't have my size online or in the store. :-( 

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  19. I have another striped skirt already so that one is going to be a purchase only if I find a really good deal on it! Shorts and sandals are my top priority next month! :-)

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  20. Love your budget post! :) I should really try to follow something like this and focus on pieces I need rather than just jumping into purchasing something online because I love it.  I mean it is okay to treat myself to things I love every once in awhile, but I think if I actually set a budget like this for new clothes and did research on affordable places, I would be much more satisfied with the outcome each month! Thanks for sharing!

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  21. Clever Girls just came out with a tool you can use to create grids, I would recommend checking that out! I just use Word though - it's a trick that only works on Mac computers. :-)

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  22. Thank you so much Maja!

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  23. Cute, that sounds adorable Kristin!!

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  24. Mandi, I would wear it with olive and brown! Or gray and turquoise. Here is a link to 5 ways I styled a black and white skirt for some ideas: http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2011/04/flashback-friday-tribal-skirt.html

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  25. Rachel, whenever I have a personal shopping client I give them this pep talk before we start: Focus on our to-do list and look for the pieces you need. But also let yourself gravitate towards things that you absolutely love. Every good closet is a mix of high quality "basics" that you can use to build tons of outfits, and really fun "sizzle" pieces that just make you smile. It's all about finding a balance of both in my book! :-) 

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  26. Number 3, 6, ,7 & 8 are my favorite!! and from you wish list the cobalt shorts are amazing!! do you know if they have them them in store? if yes, I am going today to get them!

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  27. Yes, I saw the Gap shorts in-store! They have them in about 6-8 different colors and prints. I have them from last summer in white and I love the fit.

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  28. How does Express get away with charging 59.90 for SHORTS? It's crazy!  I've pretty much stopped shopping there because of their major increase in pricing.

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  29. I have the sail boat top from old navy and really love the color! it's a boxy fit but fun and casual (and affordable!)

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  30. I have the camel/white sailboat top from Old Navy and absolutely adore it!!  Can't wait to see how you style it so I can get some ideas!

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  31. Very nice.  I'm jealous of the BR necklace!  They had one online (didn't carry it in my store) in blue/silver months ago and it was too much. I wait until there was a 30% off deal and by then they didn't have it online. 

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  32. Great Finds! I love how organized you are. Feeling inspired to make a list of my own. 

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  33. Thanks Andee! I'm hoping that top fits (they only had a S, so I'm worried it's going to be too big). I love the print!

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  34. I totally agree - I love those shorts but plan to try to find the same colors at different stores. Or hugely on sale!

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  35. They had TONS of the blue and silver ones in the store! You could try calling the store and seeing if they will ship it to you? (Banana usually offers that service.) I was at the Florida Mall - the # is 407-855-0506.

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  36. You are so good with these budget posts!! I really should start a shopping budget for myself too and then look at it as a goal to see how much I can get and stay under. Love your April purchases especially that pretty pink necklace! I'm super into bright skirts lately-- I've bought a pink one and a green one! But I'm also loving those cobalt shorts!

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  37. This is a great list your put together, full of affordable items! Thanks for sharing the links!!

    http://gandacummings.blogspot.com

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  38. I love that aqua strapless dress, and what an amazing price! Is it as short as it looks? I have 5 weddings to attend this summer and am on the lookout for inexpensive dresses, but I don't want to be the girl at the wedding with the too-short skirt. I'm 5'4 and usually wear an XS or S at Forever - what are your thoughts? 

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  39. Emily, I don't think I would wear that dress to a wedding. I'm also 5'7" wearing 4-5 inch heels, and it's pretty darn short on me. Would it be 3 inches longer on you? I'm not sure. Besides the length is a great wedding dress, looks like it cost WAY more than $24 and no one will ever believe you got it at F21. So it could be worth ordering and you can always return (for store credit) if it's too short!

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  40. Very good list.  Loft has 40% off through Sunday so maybe get them now for $24 now rather than $40 later.

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  41. Thanks so much!!!!!  I'll try it.  I've been kicking myself for a long time for not getting it when I had the chance b/c it was the perfect color, length, and size.

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  42. Great budget post...thanks for taking the time to link to all of the pieces :)

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  43. They have a really similar striped skirt at H&M right now for $10.  A bigger stripe but still works. I'm wearing the H&M blush necklace right now with a mint lace top from H&M as well. It looks super cute but I can't wait to see what you pair it with :)..
    Great Minds Shop Alike! haha
    Have a great weekend

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  44. I purchased the same pink top from The Limited 2 weekends ago and have yet to wear it.  It looks super amazing on and I'm just not quite sure how to pair it yet.  It's one of those I don't want to waste on a normal, ordinary day.  Can't wait to see how you pair it.  ;)

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  45. I noticed that Target had tons of shorts on sale in bright color and patterns too and regular jean for $15

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  46. I just started following your blog & i adore it!
    This year I am trying to make my dreams come true.

    follow back please?!
    thank you :) <3

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  47. I was so sad because I went to H&M today and they don't have that blush colored necklace or another one I saw online.  Oh well :)  

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  48. Ahh! This is what I need! I bought the skirt too and thought "man, i hope J does a post with black and white stripes!" Thanks! I can't wait to see if you get it and how you wear it!

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  49. I just found your blog from Lovely Girlie bits blog (love UK blogs even though I'm in SoCal!) and love it! Now when I see something I like on your blog I can hopefully buy it as we have the same stores and you shop reasonably ($ wise!) how refreshing!

    I found some pink skinny jeans at Wet Seal last month for $15!

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  50. Sweet Tea, Flannel & Pearls!April 23, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    Hi, there!  I have the sailboat top in an xs...it runs pretty big and the arms are very 'blousy'...I had the arms taken in by my seamstress and now I absolutely love it.  I wear it with dark skinny jeans, white skinny capris and even had it on the other day with my watermelon colored jeans.  I can't wait to see what you do with it.  :-)

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  51. just found your blog and love it! your legs are so great they are distracting btw! try urban outfitters for pink jeans too. i've gotten my red (worn so much they are now more coral than red), plum, and yellow jeans from there (the BDG line). 

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  52. Great tip, thank you Summer! I haven't looked at Urban yet!

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  53. There are pink jeans at JC Penny online. Juniors $20.

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