Budgeting Bloggers: September Purchases

1. Adidas Running Shoes- $75 purchased for $31 (via amazon)

2. GapFit gFast shirred 16" cropped capris- $60 purchased for $13 (on sale)

3. Gap Shaker-stitch long cardigan- $70 purchased for $24 (on sale+gift card)

4. H&M A-Line Dress- $30 purchased for $0 (on sale+gift card)

5. J.Crew Pixie Pants in Black- $88 purchased for $4.50 (on sale+gift card)

6. H&M Fine Knit Cardigan- $13

7. Topshop Ribbed Crop Top- $14 purchased for $12 (student discount)

8. 8 inch LL Bean Boots- $109 purchased for $0 (sale+paypal)

9. H&M Top with Ruffled Hem- $13 each purchased for $0 (on sale+gift card)

TOTAL: $97.50

Time for a round up of my clothing purchases this month! As you can see, I tried really hard to add tons and tons of color to my wardrobe ;) I looking back, I actually spent a lot less than I thought I did, but going forward I really need to limit my impulse purchases, even if they are great items. 

I don't remember the last time I bought a new pair of tennis shoes but I love these adidas sneakers because they're great for running, walking miles around the city, and they look cute with casual outfits! It's so nice to have footwear that as stylish as it is functional. To go along with my sneakers and to encourage me to go run more, I picked up a pair of workout capris from Gap. Mine also have pockets with zippers on the front which is the perfect place to hold my key, phone, and ID.

I'm trying to pay attention to what I actually wear to class and events so I can know what works for my closet and what I should invest in, and what I'm just not loving as much. I've noticed myself leaning more towards button downs, sweaters, and nicer tops and not wearing my simple but cute t-shirts as often. I also realized that I was in desperate need of a few more cardigans since the it's usually pretty cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon and the temperatures will only drop from here on.

I picked up this cardigan from H&M after falling in love with the style, but it's on the thin side and I know I'd only be able to wear it for a few more weeks during the daytime. I decided to pop into Gap with a friend where I saw this cardigan and all my dreams came true. It's a nice thick knit, nice length, super cozy, and it has pockets (!!!). I had to ask an employee to check the size of the cardigan on the mannequin because they only had mediums and larges on the rack and lo and behold the mannequin was wearing an extra small which is my size so me and this cardigan were basically meant to be. In store they also had this in a camel color which I'm honestly considering getting if another good sale rolls around.

I wanted to pick up a few things I could wear to go out or dress up for events since it's very easy to feel underdressed here in the city. I'm imagining wearing this dress with ankle boots, tights and a cardigan or even heels and a blazer. I love this little crop top because it shows the right amount of skin and I'm excited to get these tops in the mail! They're nicer than a regular tank top and are incredibly easy to dress up or down. I'm curious to see how they'll look underneath a cropped sweater.

To top off my purchases for the month, I also picked up a pair of pixie pants which are a godsend when getting dressed for my 8am class, and I went ahead and bought a pair of winter boots because this texan has no clue to handle the winter and I want to be prepared! Also bean boots tend to be back ordered for months every year so I wanted to make sure I could get them before the real cold set in. 

I'm trying to limit my clothes spending next month, but I do want to stock up on some basics like tops to layer with, a nice pair of black jeans, and a few more bras (Nicole's post really makes me want to go get measured!). What have y'all been purchasing lately? Have you bought anything exciting or got a really good deal on something? Let me know!

*Linking up with Franish!

I of the Storm

Top: Everlane // Jeans: Pacsun // Shoes: Kohl's // Jacket: J.Crew Factory (exact) // Bag: c/o TOMS

I've always loved rain, but I get even more excited for when it rains because it means I get to wear my shiny new rain boots. I got these a day or two before I moved to New York and they are probably one of my best purchases to date. I can splish splash all the way to class and walk through the city without the fear of getting my socks wet or ruining a pair of shoes. A few weeks ago I met up with Ashley at the High Line, which is a place that I definitely need to explore more, just to shoot a bit and hangout. The place was pretty empty since we went in the evening on a weekday and it had been raining all day, but I'd love to go again when the weather is a bit nicer!

I'm still trying to figure out how to put together outfits here in the city. I feel pretty solid in my style taste and knowing what I like and don't like, but the weather here is pretty finicky and I have to take into consideration where I'll be all day and how much I'll be walking around. As far as outfits go, this one is pretty solid. My favorite white tee, dark wash denim, rain boots with fun socks, and my favorite part, my J.Crew Factory Field Jacket. This jacket is SO DANG PRACTICAL. The buttons make it look very fancy, it's a good layering piece and keeps me warm on cooler days, and the pockets are a perfect place to stash my phone, ID, and wallet if I just need to run to CVS or the dining hall quickly. I know for a fact that this was purchased from the J.Crew outlet, but it is identical to the version from the retail store. The version of this jacket on the J.Crew Factory website differs slightly and has a drawstring waist instead, but the functionality and look are essentially the same!

Sorry for being so MIA lately over here on the blog, I've yet to find someone who can consistently take blog pictures for me and adjusting to college life and school has been quite a handful.

Two Weeks in NYC

Somehow I've managed to make it two weeks in the city without dying or wanting to come home. It's been a busy and hectic few weeks, but I'm glad to say that I've settled into some sort of routine, whether I like it or not. This post is gonna be kinda long, so grab a cup of tea or coffee or something and enjoy some snapshots from my first few weeks in new york.

It just so happened that me and my friend Michael we're flying out to new york on the same day. We're going to school about an hour away from each other so we plan to have monthly brunches which I really look forward to.

Grabbed coffee and met up with some of my brothers friends at Hope's Garage in Williamsburg. They have the kindest, funniest workers and a great maple spiced latte. 

Did some tourist-y things with my parents before they left so I could spend time with them and so my mom could actually experience the city for the first time.

Move-in day was actually pretty painless. I only brought four suitcases and was probably unpacked in roughly an hour. 

My dorm may not have AC, but it does have a sweet rooftop that over looks 5th avenue which we get access to from time to time. 

Meet Ben! I met him because we're both FACES of NYU Welcome Week and we live in the same building. He's actually the most followed man on Wanelo and his eyelashes are beautiful.

Meet Zach! He's also from Texas so we're naturally bonded for life.

Meet Isabella! I swear she is Indiana's duplicate and she is so sweet and wonderful and I love her.

The Welcome Week team made buttons with the faces of the FACES on them which is super adorable and I currently have one taped to my desk because #vanity

Getting into the team spirit with my cohort before heading to Central Park for field day! 

Casual picture with my buddy John. NO BIG DEAL.

Went to the US Open and got to watch Roger Federer play because it was part of orientation for my school. Ugh, college is the woooorst. (kidding)

More friends! Meet Juju and Andrew. They're cute. I like them a lot.

These shoes make me feel powerful and very New York. They also hurt to walk in for a long period of time which is a bummer.

My go-to "going out look": any assortment of clothes + red lipstick. Works every time.

Ended Welcome Week with a 5-hour "Festi-Ball" and I couldn't feel my feet for days.

Fresh lemonade from a stand at a market in the park.

My nightly view on the walk home.

Meet Nikki! I actually met her about two years ago in Boston while we were both touring Boston University and we somehow ended up getting into Stern and going to NYU and she is one of my best friends and I'm very grateful for her.

I stumbled upon some home decor places in SoHo and found some really affordable items to help decorate and organize my desk!

FULL POST HERE

I really love these rain boots, and pictures of my shoes apparently? Also, LEAVES??!??

Shot at the High Line with Ashley for a bit and then grabbed dinner from Num Pang in Chelsea Market. I could get used to this routine. 

So far, I guess you could say that New York has been treating me pretty well.