What I Bought This Month: February Haul

I did quite a bit of shopping this month for a lot of reasons. First off, February in Texas brings 70+ degree temperatures which makes it hard not to start shopping for new spring pieces. Second, the combination of Valentine's Day and multiple weddings/showers coming up in the new few months had me craving a few new dresses. And third, an upcoming trip to Florida at the end of March has me so excited for swimsuits, cover ups, dresses and shorts! I used a lot of my March budget already, but I'll save the spring/summer pieces I picked up for next month's post. (If you want a little sneak peek, I pin everything I buy here, if I can find it online!)

Budget Status= what I bought-eBay/Poshmark/Plato's Closet sales meant that I stayed on track this month!

1. Blue Suede Jacket (Forever 21) - I love powder blue for spring, but I've already started wearing this jacket now. It's perfect to carry me into the warmer months.

2. White Jeans (The Limited) - My search for the perfect white jeans is over! I literally tried on about 15 pairs before I found these. I have the hardest time finding that perfect ankle length fit because regular lengths are generally too long, while short lengths are too short! This pair comes in petite sizes and the length was just right.

3. Floral Skirt (Zara) - I loved the print on this skirt so I used a gift card I got for Christmas to buy it.

4. Silver Rhinestone Necklace (Forever 21) - I don't have a lot of silver jewelry, so when I find an affordable piece I like I don't hesitate.

5. Rhinestone Jeans (LOFT) - I saw these in store after Christmas and fell in love, but waited until I could get them 50% off during an in-store only promo. Love them!

6. Lace Collar Dress (Asos) - This dress is perfect for the current in-between winter and spring weather, and it is so cute! I wore this to a wedding shower for my brother and his fiance and also to work this month.

7. Ear Jackets (Forever 21) - I am totally obsessed with ear jackets, and Forever 21 has put out some really great ones under $5. I've been stocking up anytime I come across a new pair.

8. Nude Pumps (Asos) - Like white jeans, I've been wanting a pair of nude pumps ever since I got rid of my old super uncomfortable pair. These are a great height, and with a heel insert they are a perfect fit.

9. Striped Asymmetrical Hem Dress (Zara) - I wore this dress on my Valentine's Day date with my boyfriend. It's a bit of a dressier version of the t-shirt dress with its asymmetrical hemline.

10. Distressed Jeans (American Eagle) - I mentioned last month that I'm stocking up on basic bottoms since I've been able to lose a little weight. I wanted to replace my light wash distressed jeans and I love these! Unlike all the white jeans I tried on, this pair in a short length was perfect for me.

11. Nude Mules (Forever 21) - I purchased these at the same time as my blue suede jacket, imagining them as the perfect shoe to transition into spring. I've only worn them once so far, but they held up nicely in terms of being comfortable to walk in.

12. Pink and Gray Necklace (Forever 21) - I just can't stop with the Forever 21 jewelry. I'm not sorry!

Not Pictured:

Leopard Print Dress (H&M, not pictured) - I wish I could find a picture of this dress online, and since I didn't take pictures any wearing it that I thought were social media worthy, I'll just have to style it for my blog so you can see it!

See last month's haul here!

Linking up with Budgeting Bloggers

Green Floral

Jacket- H&M (similar), Shirt- Target (similar), Skirt- Zara, Boots- Zara (similar), Earrings- Forever 21, Bag- Forever 21, Tights- Target

I want to start by giving credit where credit is due, and let you know that this outfit was completely inspired by Liz of Sequins and Stripes. I loved this outfit on her and figured it was the perfect way to style my new green floral skirt. I want to try styling my white button up in different ways since it really is such a classic wardrobe staple. I usually only bring mine out when I want a white collar to peek out of a sweater, but I need to wear it on its own more often.

Cardigan

Cardigan- Forever 21 (love this!), Shirt- Old Navy (similar), Jeans- Old Navy, Boots- Zara (similar), Bag- Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace- Anthroplogie, Hat- Target

If you haven't been able to tell from my last few posts, I am obsessed with over the knee boots! I have been trying to get as much wear out of them as possible since the weather is all over the place. Its already been in the high 60s some days! I, on the other hand, am still craving coat and boot weather since we barely got any of it this year, but I'm sure I'm probably the only person who feels that way. :)

Knit Skirt

Top- J.Crew Factory (similar), Skirt- Forever 21 (similar), Boots- Forever 21, Earrings- Forever 21

It's been about a year and I still haven't gotten over my grid print obsession. This skirt is one of those Forever 21 finds you dream of making while browsing the store (well, I do at least. I'm not ashamed of my Forever 21 obsession when I can find pieces like this!). Unfortunately I could never find it online, which bummed me out because I wanted all of you to be able to get it too! It's made of a nice knit sweater material which makes it very comfortable. I'm not sure it's meant to be reversible, but the inside is white with black grid lines and looks incredibly cute as well. I'm going to have to cut the tag out and rock it that way soon!

Sneaks

Coat- c/o Sheinside, Sweater- Gap (similar), Jeans- Loft, Shoes- Asics, Necklace- J.Crew Factory, Sunglasses- Forever 21

I've joined the bandwagon of wearing skinny jeans with sneakers. (Does anyone else call them tennis shoes? For some reason I feel weird saying sneakers.) I hadn't bought a new pair of tennis shoes in so long, but I needed a pair for work recently so I picked up these emerald ones. Looking back, I think I would have preferred a gray or black pair, but I do really like the color of these. I have worn them several times with skinny jeans when I am running out on the weekends with neutral outfits, but they also felt right in a monochrome scheme. Most comfortable errand running outfit ever.

What I Bought This Month: January Haul

I did it...I stayed within my budget this month! Thanks to Loft's amazing 60% off sale and a $20 off coupon for Charming Charlie, I was able to get some really good deals in January. I'm excited to be off to a good start this year as far as clothes budgeting goes. I'm trying to focus on getting some more work bottoms since a lot of mine don't fit anymore. I finally got into a healthier eating and workout regimen towards the end of last year, and good progress means a really awesome reason to need new clothes!

Here are the details: 

1. Over the Knee Boots (Forever 21, sold out) - A great affordable way to get the look of Stuart Weitzmans without paying several hundred dollars. You can read more about what I think about them in my post from yesterday.

2. Crossbody Bag (Charming Charlie) - I love forest green and have been wanting a darker colored small bag for days I don't want to carry a big bag with me. Seen here.

3. Faux Leather Skirt (Loft) - Even though this is supposed to be a mini skirt, it's knee length on me so it works for a lot of different occasions. One of my goals this year is to buy more knee length skirts that I can wear to work/church/etc, and less mini skirts which are way less practical. Worn here.

4. Jacquard Pants (Loft) - These pants have a great subtle pattern on them that can be easily mixed with other prints. I've only worn them with solid tops so far but I'm going to break out of my comfort zone for some pattern mixing soon.

5. Black Jeans (Loft) - I haven't had a pair of black jeans that fit in a while, aside from a pair with ripped knees. I wanted a pair that I could dress up or down and I managed to get these in store for only $14! I've been wearing them constantly when I'm not a work. Worn here.

6. Gray Booties (Forever 21) - I had a pair of Zara gray boots on my wishlist, but they never came back in stock. These are pretty similar and look really cute with skinnies tucked in. Worn here.

7. Gold Necklace (Forever 21) - A fun simple piece that I can pair with everything.

8. Gray Wool Skirt (Loft) - Another great Loft steal from their 60% off sale. This would be perfect to tuck a plaid shirt in to. I wore it once but forgot to snap a picture for Instagram.

9. Stud Earrings (Forever 21, sold out) - I am a lover of stud earrings of all shapes and sizes. This is a fun pair that have a retro, art deco vibe.

10. Maroon Hat (Anthropologie, sold out) - I waited to pick up this hat until it went on sale so I got it for a great price. I didn't care for the gold braided detail around it, so I cut that part off. Such a cute hat!. Worn here.

Not Pictured:

Double Layer Top (Loft, sold out) - Absolutely love this faux layered top that looks like it has a white button-up underneath it. It makes "layering" easy! Worn here.

Faux Fur Stole (Charming Charlie, sold out) - I love a little faux fur detail, and this $5 stole is perfect to thrown on over any simple coat or jacket. Worn here.

Gray Hat (Charming Charlie, sold out) - Snagged this great hat for only $8! You can see it in my post from yesterday here.

Black Dress (Charming Charlie, sold out)

Linking up with Budgeting Bloggers

Over The Knee

Blazer- Target, Sweater- Old Navy, Jeans- Loft, Boots- Forever 21, Hat- Charming Charlie (similar under $20), Bag- Forever 21

I found myself being drawn more and more to Stuart Weitzman over the knee boots, particularly the highstreet style. I cannot ever see myself wanting to spend that much on anything, let alone a pair of boots that aren't super practical for every day wear, so I went with a much more affordable pair from Forever 21 instead. They aren't an exact copy so I don't feel cheesy sporting designer knock-offs.

My one complaint about these boots? They get pretty bunchy around the knees. I think they would fit a little nicer in that area if they laced up the top 6 inches in the back. Laces would also help them fit better over jeans (they can be a little hard to pull on all the way), and would be nice to help tighten them up when I've worn them bare legged with skirts. But hey, they are from Forever 21, so what can you expect? Overall they are a very cute and comfortable boot at a great price.