2014 Budget - November Recap

As is the trend for every November, I spent a whole bunch of money on myself! Combining my birthday with the Veteran's day sales and Black Friday, I can't help myself! I was also needing (okay, not really needing. More like majorly wanting) some fun winter clothes and cozy sweaters. I stopped by some of my old favorites and picked up some really beautiful pieces!

Ted Baker - Pink Sweater - $131 (Orig - $195)

Ted Baker - Asymmetric skirt - $155 (Orig - $225)

J Crew - Elephant Parade skirt - $88.50 (Orig - $118)

Banana Republic - Lace crop top - $41.70 (Orig - $69.50)

DVF - Kenya Sweater Dress - $113 (Orig - $465)

Banana Republic - Crop Sweater - $29.75 (Orig - $59.50)

Banana Republic - Faux Suede Leggings - $55 (Orig - $110)

Balenciaga - Glove Sandals - $220 (Orig $795)

Total spent in November - $833.95
Price before savings - $2,037.00
Total savings - $1,203.05 (59%)
Amount over budget - $333.95

Amount remaining in budget - $561.45

2014 Budget

January - $614.07

February - $1,693.09

March - $110.50

April - $361.00

May - $655.99
June - $666.00

July - $299.95

August - $0 !!!

September - $159.00

October - $45.00
November - $833.95

The Boyfriend Shopper

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been MIA recently. There have been big things happening around the Wilde house and I haven't had a moment to post!  I'll be catching you guys up on my summer travels, and all the other things that have been happening, this week! Starting off first, with my favorite shopping trick...

You've all heard me sing the praises of Stitch Fix. Personal Stylist, try on the clothes at home, sending me new trends to try out. It's all great. Now it's time to share with you another one of my favorite things - The Boyfriend Shopper!

What is this you ask? Well, it's just like Stitch fix, except my personal stylist is my boyfriend!

Sure, this might not work out for some of you (okay, most of you), especially if your significant other hates shopping. Or isn't comfortable wandering the women's department of Bloomingdale's. I'm a lucky girl and let me tell you the great things about My Boyfriend Shopper. (All of the items in the outfits included in this post were purchased by the boyfriend, without any influence from me!)

1. He has access to all my favorite shops, the best shopping mall in New Jersey and a few of the best outlet malls in the area. His office is right in the middle of all of these amazing stores. It's a good thing that I don't work in that part of the state.

2. The Boyfriend has learned my style over the ten plus years we've been together. He knows I hate surged hems, stretchy tops and anything Missoni. Though he often buys things he thinks will look good on me and I wind up loving them.

3. My guy is incredibly frugal and can sniff out a sale like a deal bloodhound.  On his most recent trip out for me he spent $120. He saved over $700 on labels like Theory, Hugo Boss & Marc Jacobs. Yeah, he's good.

4. I get to try the items on at home and if I don't like them he can just take them back to the store next week. I don't have to lift a finger! No going to the mailbox for me, take that Stitch Fix!

5. He sometimes forgets that I haven't paid him for the cute clothes he bought me.  Mostly I just repay him by making a larger rent payment, thereby lowering his payment. So it's like I'm paying for the roof over our heads, instead of those killer shoes on my feet.

If only I could figure out a business model in which I would monetize his sale finding skills.  Anyone out there need a personal bargain shopper? I charge 10%. Yes, that sounds legit.

It's all about the shoes

Hey everyone! I have been the worst blogger this summer. I've been busy enjoying the outdoors, having fun with the boyfriend and lounging around in casual wear. Sorry I've been so lax around here lately, but I'm sure you're busy enjoying your summer as well!

Now, onto some fashion! I haven't done a ton of shopping this summer, but one amazing thing that I picked up recently are these shoes! I'm totally in love with them. The bonus? I found them at Saks Off Fifith during one of their big 50% off everything sale. Such a happy girl here.

The shoes are so pretty, that I decided to pair them with a simple black dress. Surprisingly, they are super comfortable. I was so excited to find a link to them online. You can pick up a pair for yourself! Well, if you're a 9, 10 or 11. Sorry ladies with small feet!

I actually started the day with a necklace in addition to these earrings. Once I got to work and looked into the mirror again, I decided that it was too much. I took the necklace off right away. Less is more when it comes to this outfit!

Fly Away

How do you get away with wearing a bright orange, bird print dress to work? By pairing it with killer shoes.

And a gorgeous handbag.

I got this dress last year in one of my summer Stitch Fix boxes and didn't wear it until last week. I just wasn't sure how or where to wear the dress. I recently picked up these Givenchy heels at Century 21 for a steal and have been wearing them almost non-stop since. I decided they were just the perfect accessory for a sweet, printed dress.

These heels are a mixture of flat black leather, suede and snakeskin-embossed leather. Not only are they beautiful, they are so comfortable! I really should buy more heels of this height. I can wear them all day long and on into the evening.

Do you wear summer brights to the office? Or would you save a dress like this for the weekend? (If you are a small, I found this dress for a steal here!)

Also, have you noticed how long my hair has gotten! It feels like it was short, short, short and then all of a sudden, LONG! I really need a hair cut. Sadly, my stylist was all booked up for the next two weeks!

Dress: Darling (via Stitch Fix)

Shoes: Givenchy (via Century 21)

Purse: Coach (2008 collection, Similar - Bleecker)

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Linking up with...

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2014 Budget - June Recap

I'm a little late in posting my June budget recap, probably because I was bad last month. I didn't want to look at the numbers. Is there really a point to having a budget if you aren't going to pay attention to it at all? I bought three things last month and two of the three items weren't my fault. The boyfriend was at Bloomingdale's and there was a huge sale. He picked up two dresses for me and I just had to keep them. Now I just have to decide where to wear them!

I have been eyeing up these heels for a few months now. On a recent business trip to Chicago, I stopped by the Nieman Marcus on Michigan Avenue. Upon finding these cuties in the sale section, I knew that I had to have them! I've already worn them a couple of times, including to a big business dinner where I gave a presentation to a large audience. They loved my shoes too.

Charlotte Olympia - Kitty Pump $411 (Original - $695)

This adorable little dress was from the Bloomingdale's sale. It's so bright and colorful for the summer, but totally work inappropriate because of the length. Maybe I can get away with wearing it in the fall with tights? I think I just need to plan more nights out with the boyfriend and my girls.

Milly - Hologram Dress - $135 (Original - $425)

You can rent this dress on Rent the Runway!

Yet another Milly dress this month, also from the boyfriends shopping day. It has pockets. That sold me on keeping this dress right away. You put pockets into a skirt or dress and I'm taking it home with me. I haven't worn this dress yet either, I'm thinking it will be more of a fall/winter dress with tights and a blazer. Would I have even picked this dress up if I saw it in the store? Probably not, but the boyfriend has been a fan of all dresses B&W this year. I have at least five now.

Milly dress - $120 (Original $395?)

Sadly, I've only worn one of the items I bought in June! Though I've worn the shoes a whole bunch already. They are cute and comfortable! That never happens. I'll try to have a date night sometime soon and throw on my Milly Hologram dress.

I can already tell you that July has been a bad month for buying shoes. Again. I think I have a shoe problem. It's seasonal shoes this time, I've picked up three different pairs of sandals. Can't wait to share with you! I've also gone way way way over budget on said shoes. It's just terrible.

Total spent in June- $666
Price before sales - $1,515
Total Savings - $849 (56% savings)
Amount over budget - $166

2014 Budget

January - $614.07

February - $1,693.09

March - $110.50

April - $361.00

May - $655.99
June - $666.00

Blow your budget too! Pick up similar items for your closet!

Day to Night - Take Two!

Hi Everyone! I'm back in New Jersey and back in the office. With the start of summer, I'm no longer heading straight home and hiding under heavy blankets. This time of year is my favorite time to take the train into the city for a fun evening with the boyfriend. Since I commute to my job via the train, it's faster for me to go straight to Manhattan rather than stop at home to change.

This just leaves one problem that I'm sure you all have with summertime day-to-night looks.  It's freezing in the office, but so beautiful outside! This is how I take my look from my desk to the restaurant...

The whole look is based on a black dress. Not a traditional, office appropriate black dress. I picked up this dress a few months ago, but didn't have the chance to wear it yet. To bring the dress to office appropriate levels, I tossed on this blue blazer that I got from Stitch Fix! Flats are my go to shoe when I wear a skirt this length to work. I love this pair from Marc by Marc Jacobs because they look like little mice!

My accessories are the usual office set - big bag for commuting on the train, Fitbit for tracking my steps and my favorite 3D printed necklace from Nervous System.

When it comes to work makeup, I keep it simple. Eyeliner, tinted lip balm and mascara.

When it's time to head to the city, the shoulders come out!

I fell in love with this sweetheart neckline of this Rebecca Minkoff dress.

The boyfriend was smitten with the back of this dress and insisted that I buy it. The back of the dress is the major reason I added the blazer for the office! It's a little too sexy for work!

Heading to the city, I leave the big bag at work and swap it out for this fun clutch. I also trade out my Fitbit for a rose gold chain. I always carry my Fitbit though, it's just in the clutch. Gotta catch every step I take!

And I'm off to the catch the train to the city!

How do you take your day looks into night?

Bluefly still has this dress in stock in a few sizes!  Major sale!!! Go get it before its gone...

 

Wilde Favorites - Beach Day Essentials

1. Snorkel Gear - I just got back from a trip to Hawaii and other than our sneakers, the snorkel gear got the most work. I know you can rent a set for $15, but I don't like to think of where those mouthpieces have been... Over the long run I save money, avoid germs and see so many fishes!

2. Wide brim Hat - My motto while at the beach? Hide from the sun as much as possible! A wide brim hat will keep the direct sunlight off your face and keep those fine lines and age spots from creeping up any time soon.

3. Sunglasses - I love Ray Ban sunglasses for everyday life. They have great shapes, colors and UV protection. Honestly though, I usually leave them at home when I head to the beach. Bring a pair of $10 sunglasses because you will most likely break, lose or ruin them.

4. Sunscreen - I love this Kiehl's sunscreen because it is light and fragrance-free. I'm comfortable layering it on my face without concern of breaking out. When heading to the beach, be sure to get an SPF 50+ and reapply often!

5. SPF lip balm - Don't forget those lips when donning your sunscreen! Lips can get burned too! Want a little color? Try the same lip balm in Passion. So pretty.

6. An adorable bikini - Okay, when I went to Hawaii, I brought four bikinis. This Triangl bikini was one of them. I love this one because it doesn't have the traditional halter shape. That means that if I do get a tan, I don't have halter tan lines for life.

7. Waterproof camera - Leave your iPhone at home, get a waterproof camera for all of your beachy memories. Oh, and get one that floats. Totally important.

8. Rash guard - Yes, a shirt. It's totally cute! After layering on the sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, I put on a shirt. No, I'm not alabaster white, I just know a lot about skin cancer! These days it's totally within the norm to see half of the girls at the beach wearing rash guards. And 100% of the children.

9. A Sweet Beach bag - Get a beach bag that you can hose out. Don't bring one that is made of fabric because you will never get the sand out. EVER! This Ted Baker bag is made of heavy plastic and it so pretty.

You might have noticed that I put a lot of sun blocking items in my beach bag. As I've grown into a full-fledged adult and spent several years working as an oncology researcher, I've learned the dangers of too much sun. (I've also seen some terrifying images to back up the knowledge) Two or three scorching burns can put you on the dangerous road to melanoma. This disease can creep up just about anywhere that you have sun exposure. It can appear on the skin, in the eye and even under your fingernails. 

Have fun this summer, but be safe. Always wear sunscreen and reapply, reapply, reapply!

Francesca's Collection Giveaway!

I'm so happy to be joining with Paige from Life's a Party - Dress Like It! and a whole bunch of other wonderful bloggers to bring you a HUGE GIVEAWAY! You have a bunch of ways to enter to win and you have until Sunday to do it! (Giveaway is open to continental US residents, as that's where Francesca's ships to)

Good Luck!!!

$230 Francesca's Collection Giveaway!

The Giveaway goes live on Monday, June 9 at 12:00 am PST and ends Sunday, June 15 at 12:00 pm PST. Winner will be announced Monday, June 16

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At The Streets of Gold // Fashion Fairy Dust // Tea & Sequins // Jasmin daily // Induffinitely Me

  Wilde In The City // Nicole To The Nines // Fashion Bling & OGT // Pretty In Her Pearls // I'm Perfectly Human

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British Girl

If you've been reading WITC the past few weeks, you know that I got to spend some time in London recently. On one of my free days in the city, I spent some quality time shopping some of my favorite British brands. You all know that my favorite British label is Ted Baker.

I've had my eye on this dress for a month or so at Bloomingdale's. It would seem that Ted Baker never goes on sale! I was more than happy to pick up this fun little number while shopping on Regent Street. Now I have a fun souvenir from my week in London and I saved $40!

I love this dress so much, I feel very mod and British! This dress doesn't quite fit with my office dress code. I opted to leave the heels at home and I paired it up with my favorite Dolce Vita booties. A simple rose gold chain bracelet rounds out my new favorite look.

Dress: Ted Baker

Booties: DV for Dolce Vita

Bracelet: Bauble Bar

Apocalypse Wear

I usually don't post this many pictures for an outfit of the day post. Why did I do it today? Helmut Lang and this crazy asymmetric dress of his. Taking photographs of this dress was so difficult because it looks different from every angle. It looks different when the wind blows. It looks different depending on how I stand. It's a fabulous dress.

I have a few Helmut Lang pieces and I always equate them to Apocalypse Wear. I imagine that after the end of civilization, people will look like they are walking around in Helmut Lang. The way the clothes are carefully, yet carelessly draped, makes it look like I found some fabric and fashioned a dress. Halfway through the workday, my office mate looked at me an exclaimed "Your dress is asymmetrical!" Yes, yes it is.

Not only is it asymmetrical, it's insanely comfortable. The fabric swings and floats (don't wear this on a windy day!) With the many details of the dress, I kept my accessories and shoes very simple. I originally planned on wearing heels, but these ankle strap flats were much more work appropriate.

What do you think of Helmut Lang? Are you a fan, or is it a little too apocalypse now for you?