September 2, 2012

My August Budget






































Here's what I bought with my August budget. Mostly fall items, with a couple end-of-summer sale items found at a bargain:

1. Target mustard cords, $22. I think mustard cords are going to be a staple for me this fall/winter. Planning to try on a couple more pairs before I commit to these, but I really like this pair from Target.
2. Target burgundy jeans, $22. Burgundy is my favorite color for fall, I already want to wear these jeans non-stop.
3. American Eagle jeans, $25. I needed a good pair of dark wash skinnies to kick off fall, and these were the perfect fit and wash.
4. H&M cropped pants, $18. (similar) I wanted to add cropped work pants to my closet and loved this trendy print.
5. LOFT cropped pants, $25. Another pair of cropped pants, and a bit of a end-of-summer steal, but I'm also planning to wear these with fall colors.
6. Marshalls shirt, $13. It was all about the color with this shirt - I've been hunting for something in this exact shade of blue for over a year!
7. Target shirt, $13. An end-of-summer steal that I couldn't pass up. I love this print.
8. Forever 21 blazer, $25. I don't think I've ever bought a blazer from F21, but I was walking through the store and spotted this one on a mannequin. The fit is phenomenal and definitely looks more expensive than it is. It's technically yellow, but a very subdued tone that I think will look great fall colors.
9. Limited striped top, $31. I'm loving stripes, and this top will be another staple for me this fall.
10. Banana Republic leather bag, $17. I've been stalking this bag for over a month at my local store. They had tons left, so I knew the price would go way down. Wasn't expecting to get it this cheap though! The price was $39.95 and they are running a promo this week, so with the 40% coupon they handed me, plus a credit card reward, I got this leather bag for only $17.
11. Colin Stuart sandals in nude (pictured in black), $29. I spotted my favorite shoes on MJR Sales in nude (I have them in black, pictured) and immediately snapped them up!

Total = $240.  My budget is $250 per month. For more info read "How to Set a Clothing Budget."

September wish list













































Here's what I'll be searching for in September:

1. Black leather jacket. (Victoria's Secret, $298) Hoping to find a black leather jacket with gold trimmings this winter on sale!
2. Tweed jacket. (H&M, $59 similar, similar, similar) I'm stalking this jacket at H&M right now, trying to find a store in my area with my size in stock.
3. Denim jacket. (Old Navy, $34.94) I swore I would never wear a denim jacket, but I'm rethinking that this fall. I love this one from Old Navy; it looks more expensive than it is.
4. Orange silk top. (Urban Outfitters, $69) Craving something bright orange to add to my closet.
5. Mustard sweater. (Banana Republic, $59.50) I love my mustard sweater so much I'm thinking about replacing it with this higher quality version.
6. Polka dot shirt. (Gap, $49.50) Keeping my eye on this shirt in hopes of catching it on sale later.
7. White shirtdress. (Gap, $59.50) Obsessed with this dress! Hoping to find it in the store this week so I can try it on.
8. Strappy brown heels. (Dillard's, $64.50) I want to add some brown shoes to my closet this fall, either a strappy pair like the ones pictured or some brown pointy toe pumps.

What were your great finds in August? What are you searching for in September?

77 comments:

  1. great finds! i love the mustard and burgundy jeans. may add those to my wardrobe for fall

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  2. So glad to see items from Target!

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  3. OO I like all the pants!

    http://polkadotsandpencilskirts.blogspot.com/

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  4. I really like the pieces this and next month J! I feel they are more staple pieces than in previous months so I'm really excited to see how you'll style them in separate ways! I bought some maroon skinnies last month so I'm excited to see how you wear them :)

    I hope you don't mind if I post this J, but if anyone is interested, I do a monthly link up for bloggers who budget! August's link up can be found here: http://franishh.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-budget.html

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  5. Staples aren't usually a big priority for me, because I already have a great "basic" wardrobe going. I often use my budget each month to add trendy items to my closet to wear with those staples and keep it looking fresh!

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  6. That totally makes sense, I just meant to say that for me I'm in the "staple investing" phase of my wardrobe, so I like seeing how other's wear them. Of course some more trendy pieces are necessary too  to spice up those staples so it doesn't look like you are just wearing a uniform of black blazer, white shirt, plain pants :)

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  7. I am feeling your mustard obsession too...I also picked up the mustard cords from Target and just happened to grab that mustard Banana Republic sweater last night that you have on your Sept list. I grabbed it for just $35 with the 40% coupon they handed me when I walked in the store. Score!! It's super cozy and I love the zipper and elbow patch details!

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  8. I love that you set a budget for each month. I have on my wish list a black lace skirt, a great white blouse with a bow, a gorgeous emerald green cardigan and a cute black bow sweater. I'm waiting for the store to have a sale. I'm also keeping my eye out for a burgundy pair of skinnies. They still have lots of summer stuff left. I can't wait to add these items to my wardrobe. By the way I love your September wish list. I adore the tweed jacket.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com

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  9. Gosh, I don't even know you and I absolutely love you! Your blog is so incredible. I just adore your outfits and think it's just fabulous that you budget. Your disclose tab is so great. I loved that your just laid it all out. I thought it was so awesome. I wish you the best of everything :D

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  10. So I broke down last week and did some online shopping.  Concentrating on bottoms.  4 skirts, only one black.  All above the knee (new for me) all in a size I haven't worn in years.  All on sale.  Now, we'll see if I keep them all when they get here.  

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  11. have the gap shirtdress in the offwhite color! love it! you'll def. need an xs. :) 

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  12. curious as to when the winners of Conversation Pieces will be announced! I totally couldn't figure out/find the winners of some past giveaways soooo I'm hoping I wasn't a winner...

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  13. I will probably select a winner later today! If you ever want to see who won, just go back and look at the post - I always post the winner there, and I email them.

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  14. J, I felt the same exact way about denim jackets, but I broke down and bought one, and I'm so glad I did!!  I HIGHLY recommend this one from AE-  http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?productId=0381_1330_901&catId=cat4260032&bundleCatId=cat5460159.  Plus it's a great deal right now with free shipping and 30% off.

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  15. You found really good deals! I wish I can do that, if I see something I like I just can wait until it gets on sale, if ever! Thats is absolutely ruining my budget.... i have to read you more often my guru lol :D

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  16. Tomorrow is the first time in FOREVER that I am able to go shopping again (which is why I have been re-reading your post in budgeting - must.not.go.on.spree).
    I'm looking to buy leather pants/leggings, patterned bottoms, brightly-colored bottoms, something leopard, a statement necklace, and something peplum. I know, how specific, right?! But I'm working off a collection of inspiration photos (something I also got from you, thank you!), and those are the things which have been coming up most, so that's what I'll be looking for. Hopefully, I'll be as successful as you were in August!

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  17. Love fall fashion!

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  18. I want to check out those burgundy jeans! Love that tweed H&M jacket too. Not sure what I'm hunting in Sept...just nabbed a cute pair of leopard flats and basic black patent peep toe shoes at the Nordstrom sale.

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

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  19. That is a great list Johanna! I'm a huge believer that you should have a game plan when you shop and it definitely sounds like you did your homework. Good luck! :-)

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  20. jennifoundinmyclosetSeptember 2, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    I commented earlier but don't see it so I'll try again...I totally share your mustard yellow obsession right now!  I picked up those Mossimo cords in mustard and also grabbed that Mustard yellow sweater from Banana that you have on your Sept list.  I got it for 40% off last night with the coupon they handed me when I walked in the store....score!  I also bought that b&w striped shirt from The Limited this month...such a great staple piece!  You found some great deals this month!

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  21. What I would really like is a mustard cashmere v-neck cardigan. Is there one out there?

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  22. Hi J,

    I love all your August finds, especially the mustard skinnies from Target and the Forever 21 blazer.  I also just bought a blazer from F21 (yesterday). It's navy and I got it for 13 bucks =D I also want to get a moto jacket.  I really love your pick from Victoria's Secret! =D  I reallly also want to find a peplum dress!

    http://sensiblestylista.blogspot.com/

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  23. Can't wait to see how you style #7 (Target Webster tanktop). I picked this up at goodwill last week for $2.99 (NEW WITH TAG!!). Just didn't quite know what to do with it!

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  24. Love your picks for August! I'm loving burgundy this fall, too! What a great idea to set a clothing budget. I am going to try to do this, too!

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  25. I love how you set a budget for yourself and stick to it - coming out with great finds. I also set myself a budget every month and stick to it.  I was set on buying these three things with my August budget here: http://coverupchic.blogspot.ca/2012/09/wardrobe-staples-some-new-additions.html

    Burgundy pants, grey skinny jeans and a black leather jacket are on my September list. 

    Love your September list. I own a polka dot shirt similar to the one you are looking to get, and I can say it was a purchase well worth it.  It so versatile and worth the addition to anyone's wardrobe.

    Thanks for sharing:)

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  26. I have the mustard cords from Target.  LOVE.

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  27. I can't wait to see how you style the burgundy jeans.  I bought a pair at TJMaxx last week, and I'm thinking grey, black and white with them, but I know you will do something much more creative.  I am wishing for some leopard loafers and some mustard jeans for fall.  I actually have a great fitting pair of white jeans that I'd like to try to alter to skinnies and then dye mustard.  They only cost me $6 from Chicos, so I think I can take a risk.   But then it would be so much easier just to buy some. 

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  28. I LOVE those sandals! I was just Googling for Orlando area bloggers and found your blog - do you still live in Orlando? I am moving to the area in 2 weeks and definitely looking for some blogging buds in the area ;) xo

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  29. Just picked up some LOFT pants in the black with tan print for $25 as well. If they had more prints and colors in my size of these pants it would have been difficult to pass picking up some more pairs! 

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  30. Burgundy is every fashion bloggers favorite color for fall it seems.

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  31. Yep, burgandy is fall's mint. Love the white shirt dress.

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  32. Somehow stumbled across your blog on the internet and I have to say you really have a talent for finding great deals and buying inexpensive pieces but making fabulously put together outfits with them! Keep up the great work! P.s. I love that baby blue shirt from Marshall's and those Colin Stuart heels :)

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  33. Hey! New reader here - do you have advice for plus-sized girls? I HATE the clothing options for most plus sized sections - why do I have to have massive cleavage, giant flower prints, flowy and shapeless everything in mostly black? Where can I find stylish clothing for a good price or even a more expensive price?

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  34. Great post, J! I love your budget posts since my monthly budget is similar to yours it's interesting to see what all you can get! For September I will definitely be on the hunt for booties!

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  35. Loving the tweed jacket, I'm on the look out for one as well!

    Amy
      Leopard and Lillies

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  36. I always love these posts!  I bought those same burgendy jeans.

    creamyclothes.blogspot.com

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  37. Hi I'm loving your blog.  There is a question I have and that is where do you find places to put all of your clothes, etc. that you purchase each month?  Do you go thru each month and give away some?  Do you find that some items you end up not wearing, maybe even finding price tags still attached?  Just curious as I would love to purchase some new clothes for this fall/winter but I just dont know where to put the new clothes.

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  38. new reader and I love the budget part.  Also like the idea of a 'searching for' list to reduce impulse buying.  I have a gray blazer as pictured in Sept wish.  Hoping you find one soon and have some good ideas.  Also, I was skeptical of red jeans, but burgandy may be perfect!

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  39. I bought the Old Navy denim jacket to wear over dresses and with colored skinny jeans and I love it! It definitely looks more expensive than it is.

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  40. I just bought that Old Navy jacket. It is about $5 cheaper in stores!

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  41. Thanks Shannon! Right now I have a huge closet and I'm only using about half the space. I have committed to not buying anymore hangers though, so I go through every month and remove a couple things - usually to move to a secondary spot, and then items in the secondary spot get donated/sold to make room for new stuff.

    I have NEVER not worn an item in my closet though!! Not a tag to be found in there. If I don't wear something within 20-30 days, then I always return it. I think a crowded closet full of things you don't absolutely love and wear makes it harder to be a good dresser! :-)

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  42. Thanks Lindsay and welcome to the blog! :-)

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  43. Hi Kym! Yes, I am in Orlando. Here is a link to my networking group for lady bloggers in Orlando. We meet once a month! https://www.facebook.com/CentralFloridaLadyBloggers

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  44. Here are two options for you! http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=367563490&pid=uid2641-1460879-79&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=341363178&pid=uid2641-1460879-79&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Product+Widget 

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  45. Hi J :-)  I check your blog out everyday! did you decide to return the stripped dress and polka dot shirt from old navy?  What about the other target/old navy items? I had the black long sleeve stripe dress and am trying to decide how exactly I'll wear it but ended up taking the polka dot top back! Always love to see your outfits!

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  46. Thank you! I updated my August shopping post with a full review of everything I ordered. Here is the link: http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2012/08/august-shopping.html

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  47. I'm new to your blog and have to say I love how you address style & budget. Refreshing and you make it all attainable. you have a new fan.

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  48. I have that same blue top from Marshall's! Such a great find. Thanks for the tips on keeping a budget, great info and I think I will implement one too!

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  49. Just found your blog via pinterest, and I really like what you are doing. I watched your pilot show episode too, and I thought it was great. I love that you share Gods word on your site too. Keep up the good work. You have a new subscriber in me! Lord bless you!

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  50. I am looking for a black leather jacket too! I'm hoping you find one at a steal so I can scoop it up too! :)

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  51. Love some of your clothes, but as a stay at home mom to a toddler, not all of them are, well practical.  I'm searching for some longer things to go with leggings for the fall/winter (we live in Seattle).  I'd love to see ideas from you!

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  52. Oooh, I'm looking forward to seeing how you style the Gap polka dot top.  I purchased that at 30% off at an event a few weeks ago.  I haven't had a chance to wear it yet!

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  53. Really appreciate this, thank you! I'm doing my best with lots of help from above. :-)

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  54. Hi Rachel:  

    I noticed that a lot of stores that J mentions as places to source her clothing/recommendations, do carry plus sizing (e.g. Old Navy, Forever 21, etc.) , and the clothes are very affordable and stylish.  

    In addition to this wonderful blog, you may also want to check out http://girlwithcurves.tumblr.com, she has great affordable style and caters specifically to larger women. 

    Even if you are not J's size or would not wear all of the clothing she showcases, she is is great at taking inspiration from the runway and fashion spreads, and translating it to work in real life.  I think, here, you can get tips on colour combos and how to build a versatile and lasting wardrobe.

    Hope this helps :)

    coverupchic.blogspot.ca

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  55. Sorry for the strange question, but how do you decide what you're going to get each month?  I've set a budget (thank you for the information on how to do that), but cannot, for the life of me, decide what it is I need, nor how to set the priorities for what I want to get.  Any suggestions for a "Lost Shopper"?  :)  Thank you, and I really appreciate your website.  It's been a complete eye-opener for me as far as how to combine colors/textures, reuse pieces, and extend my wardrobe.  

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  56. saw a mustard sweater at TJ maxx for just $16 today. now I'm wishing I bought it after seeing the photo posted here.

    Allison

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  57. Love the burgundy jeans! You inspired me to buy them this fall, looking forward to wearing them. I am also excited to see what top your pair with them. Was wondering when your email and hire me buttons will be working again?! 

    -Rosy

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  58. Thank you so much for the heads up Rosy!! I had no idea those pages weren't working. Sometimes when you edit a page in Blogger, it just stays in la la land and doesn't actually post again. I just fixed it. *whew* Thank you!!

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  59. I have the same mustard and burgundy jeans! Love them both. need some ideas of some different ideas to wear with them both!? any help???

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  60. Try local thrift stores for a great Demin Jacket everyone is ditching theirs from ten years ago I found an amazing JCrew one for $5. 

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  61. great pics for September, just got a polka dot blouse from franchesca's just like the one above!
    Thanks for all the inspiration!
    xx Sarah
    http://fromcoasttocloset.blogspot.com

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  62. Just got the Old Navy denim jacket, I would definitely say to get it, I love mine!

    www.glitzyblues.com

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  63. I just bought a light weight end-of-summer-sweater in the exact same color as your end-of-summer-work-pants. I'm not really sure how I'm gonna incorporate it into fall, but I couldn't resist since it was half off. So I'm excited to see how you are planning to wear the turquoise. Maybe I'll feel inspired afterwards... :-)

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  64. nice post.
    http://shoesonlineinindia.wordpress.com/2012/08/31/there-are-myriads-of-shoes-online-for-men/

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  65. Hi Donna! Not a strange question at all - in fact, this is one of the main topics I cover in my style seminars. You should spend some time in your closet determining what your priorities are (more work bottoms, cute looks for night, shoes, etc.) and make a wish list. Then I would spend some time getting inspired by looking through blogs or magazines, and start making a list based on what you are drawn to. Such as "peplum" if you like that trend, or "red jeans" if you notice that you save a lot of photos with red jeans. Hope this helps!

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  66. Loving your choices for September. So cute! I love that you set a budget and stick to it! Love your blog.  www.dreamboatfashion.com

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  67. i bought those Target cords in pink on Friday, wore them on Monday and they ripped in the back pocket!! i returned them on Tuesday. hesitant to re-purchase, but they're sooo cute :(

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  68. My biggest question is how do you manage bringing all these new items in each month?  Do you constantly go through and get rid of old/unused items?  Or are you a master organizer?  I've noticed I constantly want more clothes, but really don't have room as it is. Do you typically donate old clothing or try to resell it?

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  69. I bought this shirt dress at The Limited and it fits great. I am also 5'8" and it is a great length as well, so good that I can wear it to work and pair it with nude pumps.

    http://www.thelimited.com/Soft-Utility-Shirtdress/3278351,default,pd.html?dwvar_3278351_colorCode=701&start=20&ppid=c20&cgid=dresses

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  70. I love that dress! I'm loving shirt dresses in general, but would really love one in white or mustard.

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  71. Betsy, right now I have a huge closet and I'm only using half the hanging space (thanks to living in Florida, where space is plentiful). I have committed to not buying anymore hangers though, so I go through every month and remove a couple things - usually to move to a secondary spot, and then items in the secondary spot get donated/sold to make room for new stuff. I aim to have a well-edited closet full of things I love and rid of things I will never wear. I swear it makes a person a better dresser. :-)

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  72. Got the H&M trousers yesterday, wore them today! love them!!! xo

    http://justmeinlondon.wordpress.com/

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  73. Can you post about the forever 21 blazer? I love it and want to get it too... but I feel like I wouldn't know what to pair it with.

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  74. Erica, yes that blazer will get lots of love this year! I am excited to pair it with blue tones like a cobalt stripe, or a navy plaid. I also love that color with burgundy, olive, navy, etc. 

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