May Budget

20140601-203528-74128908.jpg

Sneakers, Target, $34.99
Gap Belt, $24.46 (30% off, similar)
Statement Earrings, Mall of Style giveway + cost of shipping, $6.22

Total: $65.67 ($0.24 under budget, thanks to $5.91 carryover from April budget, savings of $21.47)

Welp, my practicality strikes again. Are these dreadfully boring for you to read? Because I’m feeling like my shopping adventures are, well, dreadfully boring. My money didn’t go too far this month, but I filled two big holes in my closet, so that’s the good news.

I’ve been needing a good brown belt for ages, but couldn’t come across any I liked at my usual haunts. This is my version of a splurge: a genuine brown leather belt, with a quirky but subtle palm tree print embossed.

I’m still working on breaking in my new kicks, but I really needed a pair. I recently started walking a mile a day with Zamboni (as opposed to just around a couple blocks), but was tired of wearing out my real shoes faster because of it. Hopefully these sneakers will keep my feet happier and extend the life of my flats and sandals. Also, they’re mint!

The earrings were purchased using a credit from a giveaway Maddie from Caramel and Salt hosted. I haven’t worn them yet though because though I love statement earrings, I have the hardest time planning outfits around them and hating wearing them to work (#headsetproblems). Hopefully Pinterest and/or my chambray shirt will come to the rescue!

How did all you budgeting bloggers do this month?

~ Sarah

P.S. Check back starting tomorrow for lots of outfit posts as part of the Skirt Week link up I’m co-hosting with Katie and Liz!

Linking up with Fran and budgeting bloggers.

Denim Days

Double Denim | Shades of Sarah

Well I suppose it was only a matter of time before I paired my trusty chambray button-down (seen here, here and most recently here) with, yes, more denim. Last week, my friend Mollie and I went to a shopping event at the Gap in Center City and to me nothing screams Gap like denim. And the best way to recreate a Gap look on a budget? Pieces from its sister brand, Old Navy.

Double Denim | Shades of Sarah

Button-down – Old Navy (similar on sale); Jeans – Old Navy (exact on sale); Bag – Old Navy (exact in black); Loafers – Payless (similar), Scarf – Catherine Malandrino (thrifted, similar); Sunglasses – swag bag (similar).

Double Denim | Shades of Sarah

I think by now everyone knows that if you’re wearing denim-on-denim, a contrast in tones is crucial. Here I grabbed my mid-tone chambray and my darkest wash skinnies (which have a cool zipper detail at the ankles). For a dose of spring, I added a black and white floral scarf (one of my best thrifted finds — hello, Catherine Malandrino) and red sunglasses for a pop of color.

Have you tried double denim yet?

~ Sarah

Thanks for the photos, Mollie!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter my Clarins giveaway here!

Spring Already?

Blazer and Chambray Dress

Blazer and Chambray

Blazer – Paul & Joe for Target (thrifted, similar); Dress – Old Navy (exact); Scarf – gift (handmade); Belt – Forever 21; Tights – Burlington Coat Factory; Boots – Target (exact).

Blazer and Chambray

Yesterday, the weather was glorious. Like 60° F and mostly sunny-glory. In January. In the northeast. I was on cloud nine for sure.

It’s no surprise then that my outfit had to match the weather, and my mood. I forgot I had this blazer hanging in my closet, which is silly because it’s one of my favorite thrifted finds ever. The last time I wore it, I challenged myself to wear it with something other than gray. And, well, here we are. In chambray because it might as well be a neutral.

Next time I’ll probably use an iron though.

~ Sarah