September Purchases

Old Navy Crew Neck Sweater - $20.95
Naturalizer Jinna Shoes - $90.00
Naturalizer Devin Booties - $93.75
Naturalizer Efani Sandals- $29.99

Total: $234.69

Having a baby really cuts into my shopping time. :-p So there were not many purchases in September.

I did, however, take advantage of Naturalizer's friends and family event to order a new pair of booties as my old, well worn pair bit the dust last spring. While picking out my booties, I couldn't resist adding a couple more pairs of shoes to my cart. The shoes I think will look great with jeans (once I can fit into them) and the sandals apparently make me feet look smaller (according to RDog).

More shopping is on the horizon for October. Baby and I did out first solo shopping trip this morning and it was success! We hit Homesense, Banana Republic and Carters and he slept the entire time. I got dressed AND wore make-up. I'm starting to feel like more of a human being lately (instead of a milk  machine) and am getting ready to start blogging again soon.

August Purchases

Old Navy Tank tops: $3.50 x2
Old Navy Chambray Cap-sleeve Dress: $23.06
Banana Republic Leather Link Bracelet: $12.49
Naturalizer Engrid Shoes: $33.89

Total: $76.44

Not too much shopping going on for a couple of reasons. First of all, I'm really kind of freaked out about not having a pay cheque for the next year. I do get employment insurance benefits but it amounts to about half of my normal pay cheque so there will be some definite changes to spending habits. I'm also not sure what is going to happen to my body postpartum. I gained a lot of weight during pregnancy (50 pounds) and have no idea what's going to happen to that when baby comes.

I'm not sure if the dress will be a keeper. I'll give it a few weeks and see how it fits postpartum. It should be ok because a chunk of my pregnancy weight gain went to my thighs. I predict lots of comfy dresses in my wardrobe for this fall until I get back into work-out mode. Dresses are the best for hiding chunky thighs!

The shoes are my birthday shoes. Naturalizer always sends out a $15 off coupon for birthdays so I always get a pair of sandals on super sale.

July Purchases

Banana Republic Bracelet: $13.80
J Crew Jackie Cardigan in Stripe with Anchor Buttons: $29.26
Old Navy Perfect Lightweight Sweater: $14.00
J Crew Factory Chainlink Bracelet: $21.24
Old Navy Perfect Rib Tank: $1.40 x 2
J Crew Favorite Tank: $7.20

Total: $88.30

I'm a big fan of the Jackie cardigan. At last count, I had 19 in my closet (yikes!). So when I spied the striped version for under $30, I knew I had to snag it.

No more maternity clothes for me. I'm nearing the finish line and have started thinking about what I will wear after my body gets back to normal (or close to it - hopefully - please, please, please). I can't wait to dive back into my closet and start playing with clothes again.

June Purchases

Motherhood Maternity Sleeveless Button Front Maternity Dress - $ 54.98
Motherhood Maternity Short Sleeve Belt Dress in Rose Violet and Baja Blue - $31.49 x 2
Motherhood Maternity Empire Waist Dress in Floral Print and Black - $ 31.49 x 2
J Crew Tank - $8.99

Total: $189.93

This was the month of my big maternity shopping spree and my one J Crew tank top (ordered on super sale just because I miss getting J Crew packages!)

May Purchases

Old Navy Maxi Dress -  $19.60
Old Navy Maxi Dress - $19.60
Pennington's Wedges - $15
Pennington's Boots - $30
Old Navy Maternity Dress - $17.49
Old Navy Maternity Dress - $17.49
Old Navy Maternity Tank- $10.49
J Crew Factory Sunglasses - $17.80
Motherhood Maternity Pants (seen here) - $29.99

Total: $177.46

I also took back a dress I bought in April as I outgrew it before I wore it. That return of $65 brought this month's total down to $113.41.

April Purchases

Banana Republic Bracelet: $23.99
H&M Maxi Dress: $19.95
Old Navy Dress: $17.95
Old Navy Fold over Jersey Skirt: $12.75
Land's End Dress: $16.99
Walmart Dress x2 (not shown): $20.00
Walmart Maternity T-Shirt (not shown): $9.00
H&M Maternity T-shirt (not shown): $12.00
Motherhood Maternity Dress: $56.00
Motherhood Maternity Bathing Suit: $43.00
Banana Republic Necklace: $30.00

Total: $261.63

I checked off a few ticks on my maternity clothing list. The black dress is for the few dress up events I have coming up. The bathing suit is a must for summer pregnancies  I plan to spend lots of time in July and August in the pool. The prices weren't as good as I thought but I'm discovering that maternity clothes do not go on sale as heavily as regular sized clothing. Both items were the last of my size in my local store, so I had to snatch them up.

The item I'm most excited about is my H&M maxi dress. I saw this dress on a couple of bloggers and fell in love with the print. I was excited to find it in my local store and to find that it fits me! I better wear it soon though before my belly outgrows it!

March Purchases

Motherhood Maternity Tank top: $14.99
H&M Maternity Dress: $29.95
Old Navy Maxi Dress: $25.00
Old Navy Maternity Dress: $19.00
Old Navy Maxi Dress: $25.00
H&M Maternity Dress: $17.95
Old Navy Maternity Skirt: $21.95
Motherhood Maternity Tank top: $14.99
ASOS Bird Maternity Tank: $13.95
Sears Boots (shown here): $39.99
Zellers Top (shown here): $6.00
Zellers Dress: $5.00
Zellers Shoes: $8.00

Total: $241.77

I did a lot of shopping this month but I was able to knock a few things off my maternity clothes shopping list. And I was finally able to find brown boots that fit my calves.

For April's shopping, I'll be looking for colorful jeans (maybe pink) and if I get the guts to do it, I think I may splurge on a long coveted item (hint; it's footwear related).

February Purchases

Old Navy Maternity Scoop Rib-Knit Tanks - $10x$ = $40.00
J Crew Factory Pinwheel Stud Earrings - $11.55
H&M Black Pants - $29.95
H&M Jeggings (not shown)- $39.95
H&M  Jersey Top - $12.95
H&M Woven Top (not shown) - $10.00
J Crew Organza Flower (seen here) - $7.19

Total: $151.59

I was so excited to find out earlier this month that my local Old Navy has added a maternity section. Maternity clothing stores (at a reasonable prices) are in short supply around here and Old Navy does not currently offer maternity clothes online in Canada. I snatched up four of these tanks because I wear ribbed tanks quite often and my usual tanks are getting a little short. I plan to wear these a lot layered with my vast collection of cardigans.

Yes, I am wearing maternity pants already and I love them! Waistbands of any kind have been bothering me for the last few weeks. My pants and skirts fit but they feel so uncomfortable. Now that I have switched to a maternity waist band, I may never go back. Seriously, they are the greatest thing ever!

January Purchases

Banana Republic Byzantine Row Bracelet: $19.99
Old Navy Women's Sequin Henley Tank: $2.98
Madewell Soft Stitch Sweater - $9.00 (Used Paypal credits)

Total: $22.97

So I guess my lack of motivation to blog this month lead to a lack of motivation to shop. My wallet is thanking me.

December Purchases

Forever 21 Wool Fedora - $4.99
J Crew Factory Gold and Crystal Link Bracelet - $17.20 (used Paypal credits)
J Crew Factory Charley Sweater - $18.80 (used Paypal credits)
J Crew Sterling Skirt in Double Serge Wool - $54.57
J Crew Factory Printed Boatneck Blouse - $31.60 (used Paypal credits)
Old Navy Lace Front Jersey - $13.40
Forever 21 Essential Houndstooth Blazer - $8.99
Forever 21 Striped Knee Length Skirt - $2.49
Forever 21 Jacquard Abstract Pattern Blazer - $9.49
Forever 21 Wavy Pleated Maxi Skirt - $6.99

Total: $100.92

I cut back on the spending this month to allow more money for Christmas presents. But I couldn't resist Forever 21's Boxing Day Sale. It's a gamble to see what a nine dollar blazer will look like in real life. It could be a waste of nine dollars or it could be the best nine dollars I've ever spent. It could go either way with Forever 21.

November Purchases

Old Navy Sequin Front Shirt - $19.56
J Crew Factory Charley Sweater - $28.40
Old Navy Lace Front Jersey (in coral and purple) - $15.36 X2
Old Navy Blazer - $31.64
J Crew Factory Crystal Bow Necklace - $12.40
J Crew Factory Bow Charm Bracelet - $18.80
J Crew Factory Crystal Infinity Bracelet - $6.29 (used Paypal credits)
Land's End Sleeveless Madras Shirtdress: $13.97
J Crew Factory Double Serge Wool Skirt (via EBay): $34.16
Old Navy Blazer - $45.20
J Crew Factory Skirt in Frayed Tweed - $52.40 (used Paypal credits)
J Crew Factory Skirt in Graphite Tweed - $52.40
J Crew Factory Dotted Clover Necklace - $9.29 (used Paypal credits)
Old Navy Perfect Rib-Knit Tank in Light Heat ($4.89) and Citric Acid ($4.19)
Land's End Crepe Jersey Gathered Surplice Dress: $11.89
Old Navy Patterned Crew-Neck Sweater - $22.10


Total: 330.32

I've been deluding myself about about how much shopping I've been doing. This is really too much. There is also the maybe purchase of an H&M dress for a party we haven't decided for sure if we are going to.

I've have to see what unworn stuff I can return. Do I really need two new blazers? Another sequinned shirt? Oih. . .

October Purchases

J Crew Factory Charley Sweater in Leopard - $29.62 (used Paypal credits)
J Crew Tippi Sweater in Garment-Dyed Linen - $26.88 (used Paypal credits)
J Crew Factory Cotton V-Neck Sweater - $30.37 (used Paypal credits)
J Crew Tessa Top in Safari Cat - $28.46
J Crew Factory Pencil Skirt in Double-Serge Wool - $69.07 (used Paypal credits)
Old Navy Ruffle trim Tank - $2.99
Old Navy Tank (not shown) - $2.24
Old  Navy Sequin Tank (not shown) - $5.24
J Crew Perfect Fit T-shirt - $13 (used Paypal credits)

Total: $38.93

I really loved have free shipping on my J Crew account this month. I was able to combine the free shipping with 30% off codes  to score some great deals. On the factory side, I added a winter staple to my closet. I already have one Factory Double Serge Wool skirt and love it so I ordered another. The wool is nice and think; perfect for the Canadian winter.

September Purchases

Talbots Grace Fit Jacket: $14.84
Talbots Sash Wrap Dress: $14.09
Talbots Accordian Pleat Skirt: $14.84
Talbots Kate Fit Jacket: $14.84
Naturalizer Fira: $22.49
Naaturalizer Newly (but in red): $14.99
Naturalizer Divine: $22.50
Naturalizer Ladell: $14.99
Naturalizer Korina (not shown): $29.99

Total: $163.57

This month was all about the shoe. Naturalizer had a great sale (25% off and free shipping) so I went to town. A few days later, a giant box of shoes ended up on my doorstep. I ended up keeping five of the ten pairs I bought. I can probably get a few weeks of wear into them before tights season starts.

I placed quite a large order with Talbots during their 25% off and free shipping sale. Unfortunately, only a few items actually shipped. Out of the items that arrived, there were a couple that I didn't like so they'll be listed on eBay as they were final sale. I'm really bummed with Talbots lately; it's frustrating to have entire orders  cancelled while the items ordered are still appearing online. Also, I the sizing has been inconsistent for me lately.

August Purchases

I destroyed my budget this month. 

It started off with two Edie bags and continued on with a trip to Maine for Outlet shopping. Then a friend had a Lia Sophia party so of course I had to buy lots of treasures. And then our local Bay store closed and I scooped up lots of deals for 70%, 80% and finally 90% off.

A few things made it into the polyvore that I use to keep track of my spending but there are a lot missing.

I have no idea how much I spent this month but I know it is a lot. And I know if I add it up, it will scare me and anger RDog.

So I'm going to let the August budget go and start fresh with September. And you better bet that I will be below budget for September.

I'm going to go hug my Edie bags now.

July Purchases

Old Navy Printed Tank Dress - $20.95 x 2
Old Navy Boatneck Sweater - $19.56 x 2
Old Navy Sequined Jersey Tank - $8.40
Naturalizer Torino Ballet Flats - $27.00
Naturalizer Diara Flats (in black) - $36.00
Gap Factory Bracelets (not shown) - $7.00 and $9.99

Grand Total: $169.41

Not shown are all my thrifting treasures this month (hello Marc Jacobs silk blouse for $3!). I am too lazy to tally up a bunch of three dollar items AND take pictures of them.

I love (d) my new Old Navy dresses. They were perfect for summer days around the house. "Were" is the key word here.

When I bought them, I broke my fabric rule (try to get the least amount of synthetic fabric as possible). These dresses are 100% rayon. I put the pink dress in my washer on the hand wash setting, a setting I have used to wash silk, cashmere, and wool sweaters successfully. The dress came out miniature sized. So much for the greatness of tall sizes; it is now unwearable. The black dress is still on the go; it's just getting really dirty.

Darn rayon!

I had a great rayon skirt when I was a kid. It was long, black with beige flowers and black buttons up the front. My mom worked at Zellers and I once did a Zellers' fashion show at her store. I wore the skirt with a black body suit and a kicking long silver necklace. After the show, we had the option of buying the outfit at a discounted price. My mom bought it for me. I was so excited; I didn't get a lot of new clothes as a kid and rarely got new outfits.

The skirt was rayon and eventually shrunk. It was devastating. I really loved that skirt. It put me off rayon for almost twenty years. I was hoping my fancy washing machine could handle the fabric but I think rayon is too sneaky for me. I'm swearing off rayon again.

And to complete this trip down memory lane, I dug out this gem.

This is me wearing my favorite rayon skirt, pre-shrinkage. I would guess that I was about 13 years old here. Check out the eyebrows - woah!

June Purchases

1. Talbots Brushstroke Rose Pencil Skirt - $26.39
2. Hunter flats from The Bay - $38.99
3.Old Navy Perfect Tank - $6.40
4. Swatch from The Bay - $37.29
5. Old Navy Polka Dot Boat Neck Tee - $6.40
6. Old Navy Perfect Tank - $6.40
7. Land's End Canvas Heritage Rib Tank Top - $6.74
8. Old Navy Sequined Jersey Tank - $16.95
9. Talbots Mock Turtleneck - $11.99
10. Land's End Canvas Emma Buckle Ballet Shoes - $16.49
11. Old Navy Color-Blocked Henley Tank Dress - $18.65
12. Old Navy Floral V-Neck Dress - $17.00
13. Old Navy Gingham Patterned Sundress - $17.50
14. Talbots Heritage Fit Slim Leg Ankle Jeans - $26.39
15. Land's End Canvas Slim Slouch Jeans - $11.22


Missing from list - 2 J Crew Jackie Cardigan  in dark slate and fiesta purple - $0.00 (used Paypal credits) and Sears dress worn here - $0.00 (used Sears Points) 




Grand Total - $252


I went a bit over my budget this month but the sales were good. I stocked up on some summer basics (tank tops and cotton dress) and got some much needed new jeans. The Hunter flats and Swatch were just plain fun purchases.

May Purchases

Old Navy Dress: $22.90
J Crew Double Cloth Metro Coat Coat: $81.19 , used Paypal credit so technically free!
Old Navy Ruffled Keyhole Tank: $16.95

Total: $39.85

Buying coats out of season rocks! My coat is beautiful and at regular price, it cost $370!

April Purchases

A lot of shopping was done this month but little money was spent.

Land's End Canvas Essential Turtleneck: $2.00
Land's End Canvas Sadie Quarter Strap Espadrilles: $6.00

I also did some Banana Republic Factory shopping. I know, I went to a real store. Weird eh!

Bracelet 1: 3.58
Bracelet 2: 5.39
Blazer 1: 35.99
Blazer 2:  23.99


I did lots of J Crew shopping but used Paypal Credits. That makes it free right?

Grand Total: $76.95

March Purchases

Land's End Canvas Sweater: $9.00
Old Navy Maxi Skirt: $13.00

Total: $22.00

March purchases were on the light end for three reasons:

1. I thrifted a lot during March Break and got my clothing fill then. I don't count thrifted clothing in this list because everything is 3 to 4 dollars and I'm too lazy to keep track the receipts.

2. I bought something special for the house and spent a lot of money on it (pictures to come). That ate into my clothing budget.

3. I started going through my closet and listing things on EBay that I haven't worn (many still with tags). So far, I made $500 from this. There's still more items I'd like to list. My goal is to save enough to buy a pre-owned Louis Vuitton purse. Realizing how much money I've wasted on clothes has really made me hesitate when contemplating new purchases.

February Purchases

J Crew No. 2 pencil skirt in royal paisley: $68.59
J Crew Jackie cardigan: $36.39 (My 15th Jackie - yikes!)
Talbots Silk Georgette Pleated Skirt in Cyan and Baccara Rose: $29.59 each
Talbots Double Faced Wool Pencil Skirt: $47:19
Talbots Scoopneck Cable Knit Sweater: $19.99 (actually a green color called Iced Fern Heather)

Total: $231.34

I've been hankering after some nice new skirts for awhile. A lot of my skirts are from Ricki's, which is a cheaper Canadian clothing store. They are polyester and many are unlined. After two years of heavy wear, they are starting to look worn. Time for upgrade.

Next month, hopefully I can upgrade another closet staple; the black pencil skirt. But it has to be on sale, of course!