The lions are coming

By lions, I mean, huge beasts that will devour my March budget in one big chomp. While on my TJMaxx shoe quest, I spotted some really cute Lucky Brand leather bags, like the Bella Leather Tote. The Lucky Brand list price is $250, the TJMaxx price was $100.
I've also been oggling this perfect melon colored skirt ($70 on sale*) at J.Crew, along with their chambray tuxedo shirt ($50 on sale*), since the one I'd gotten from the Gap turned out to be sized for giants and I was drowning in a size medium (all smaller sizes were sold out).
* I find these so called sale prices to be laughable. Call me when they are $30 and then we'll see. I wish I would just stop looking at J. Crew because I keep falling in love.

Sunshine on a cloudy day
There are certainly moments when I'd like to fall off the budget wagon. And then fall off the budget cliff.  But I need to keep reminding myself that I've got plenty in my closet. And no matter how many times I get that one thing I'm lusting after, I will always find one more thing to start coveting.
Sunshine on a cloudy day
Occasionally my obsessive compulsive shopping behaviors do payoff though, like this trench. I hunted etsy and ebay for months and came up empty handed, until finally I spotted this little gem in a thrift store for $3.50.
Sunshine on a cloudy day
When you really want something, do you play the waiting game, or do you just go for it, no matter the price?
Sunshine on a cloudy day
The Rundown
Mustard Cords Gap - Striped Shirt Gap - Trench Thrifted London Fog - Nude Pumps Thrifted Payless - Woven Leather Clutch London Fog - Turquoise Pendant Aldo - Turquoise Earrings Taken for Granite - Turquoise Bracelet Bead Show
Sunshine on a cloudy day

49 comments

  1. I want those pants and the clutch!! This outfit is so wonderful, you have really been coming up with great color combos.

    ps. I usually wait and if it's still at the store in my size it's destiny!! :)

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  2. Love this outfit! And those pieces are amazinnnnngggg...but eeew on the prices, haha
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  3. Ugh. I have wanted one of those Lucky Brand leather fold over totes with the multiple handles since last spring. If only I weren't such a cheapskate.

    Great look as usual. You are rocking those yellow pants, and I am both jealous and impressed...in equal measures.

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  4. j.crew's purpose in life is to burn out your retinas and leave a smoldering stain at the bottom of your wallet. i'm convinced!

    i've got my eye out for those shoes!! no luck yet, but i will not be swayed from the task at hand.

    fyi-love those jeans.

    xo,
    c

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  5. I've been hunting everywhere for the perfect camel trench and of course it's on you! Love it - and with the yellow jeans it's perfection.

    I spent last Thursday browsing around at the Clinton Outlets (specifically if the J. Crew outlet) and was tempted by so many pretty things.

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

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  6. Awesome pants, and great finds! I agree though, that the "sale" prices are ridiculous. :P

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  7. This is one of my favorite outfits you have ever worn! I love everything from the stripes to the cool accent colors to the plaid handbag and trench! It's wonderful.
    I'm an impulse buyer on some things -- but never more than $100 an item. It would have to be really really special and unique for me to pay $100 without budgeting for it for a long time in advance. In fact, I just splurged on an impulse buy on a pair of $90 (sale.. haha, sale!?!) boots. But when I got them, they sent the wrong size. Now I'm debating return vs. exchange...

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  8. I've been pretty good about not spending. And I'm with you..sale is less than $30. These days even that's a lot.

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  9. I have those pants, and now I want to wear them with a striped tip.

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  10. What a great clutch! and you totally OWN those mustard cords!

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  11. Hee! The mustard cords will always be my favorite - you just always style them so well.

    As for shopping, if it's something I absolutely love, I will pay full price. And at my height and size, if I find something that fits, I usually get it then. Waiting has never worked well for me. If I don't love it, or it's not something specifically for tall people, I will wait.

    Gracey
    http://fashionforgiants.blogspot.com

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  12. I'm loving how you styled these mustard pants!! You look oh so chic!

    www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

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  13. I'm definitely a person to shop for the best price. For me the best "sale" price is $20. If it's $20 I don't think about it. The more the cost, the more I assess.

    Love the trench - such a great find.

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  14. I love that color combo of khaki and yellow. I still need to wear my yellow skirt and this outfit is giving me ideas...
    Jcrew.com is the devil! So many wonderful things...

    Lydia x

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  15. Yay! The return of the yellow cords! I love them with the clutch. Something about the stripes and the weave and the brightness just feels so perfect to me...great outfit, friend!

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  16. I've historically been one to play the waiting game, and it has paid off big-time on several occasions. Recently, though, I've started giving myself permission to buy things straightaway, based on a few conditions. Ironically, part of the reason I decided to start doing this is those cords you're wearing! Long story short, I passed them up when I shouldn't have. They look great in this outfit! Kudos!

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  17. Oh boy, I had put my thrifted trench in the "red donation box" and now seeing you makes me want to take it out and keep it foerever. I always tend to buy and buy a replacement even if I don't like it as much, then I end up paying the same in cheapey replacements that I would have paying for what I really loved. Sometimes I'm lucky but usually not. I say pay for something you truly love and won't be able to get anywhere else. I share the sentiment of J.Crew the only thing that stops me from purchasing it the shipping fee, I hate to pay shipping!

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  18. I can usually talk myself out of clothing pretty easily unless I NEED it - because I feel good-ish about my sewing skills BUT I have a weakness for all accessories and makeup!

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  19. The colors here are great-and I love your makeup as well! Gorgeous :)
    I wanted a trench coat for a very long time and finally found one at a rummage sale! That's the best feeling to wait so long and then get the item you want for a steal.

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  20. I know! I love getting new things...it just feels good. But you do have a lot of gorgeous clothes and I love todays clutch-so cute!

    Aesthetic Lounge

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  21. Those yellow pants = FABULOUSNESS!!!

    Happy Tuesday Darling! xo

    Oh, and pop by and enter my perfume GIVEAWAY!

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  22. i love the gray tuxedo shirt too! so pretty! btw, i like your yellow pants, the color is so cool!

    Babi
    http://whenbabispeaks.blogspot.com

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  23. Very well accessorized- it's hard to know what to put with those awesome pants!
    Meri
    merigoesround.blogspot.com

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  24. Stand out look. Love the vibrant shade of yellow paired with the nude shoes. Exquisite.

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  25. hey that bag is so cute! i love it! and the trousers are perfect!

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  26. I LOVE this outfit - the yellow with the khaki is just so cute on you :)

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  27. I like the color you used in this outfit, looks great!

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  28. yellow pants evoke me spring that i trully miss! love this outfit!

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  29. What a great transition to spring outfit!! Love that clutch...I also can see why the leather bag is so tempting...i do not know I would have bought it for $100. The J.Crew skirt is precious.

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  30. And the yellow cords reappear! I love the way you've styled them here. The first couple of times I saw them, I thought they would only work for fall/winter ensembles, but you've definitely brought them into spring.

    I usually wait things out because I can't pay full price for stuff, but I've definitely been burned by that before.

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  31. for me, its so rare that i find something i feel i MUST have that also comes in my size AND fits me properly. usually i fall in love with the idea of something and can hunt down a more affordable version.
    if im feeling frugal, i will try it on, make note of the size, and then try to find coupons/discounts and order it online.
    but if i actually find something i feel that passionately about, im more willing to splurge on it, since i know i will get a lot of wear out of it based solely on how much i love it -- when i love something, i pretty much want to wear it every day.

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  32. This outfit is a beautiful way to remind those near you that spring should be coming soon !
    Those pants are fabulous and the CLUTCH: THE CLUTCH is the key piece here for me.
    In regards to your budget... I decided not to have one this year and just put more thought on things I buy and not be impulsive... well, that is unless I'ts Carries white Halston dress from SaTC for 9.99 USD !

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  33. That trench was probably one of your most amazing scores in recent history (that and the gigantic box of amazing vintage jewelry).

    If I'm truly fixated on something, I'll wait a few weeks to make sure that it's not just a passing thought. If I'm still obsessing, then I'll probably splurge. Case in point: the recent Kate Spade heels. More than I've ever spent on a single pair of shoes before, but I don't regret it one bit. And I haven't batted an eye at another pair of shoes since purchasing them.

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  34. that purse is FANTASTIC! the colors are really nice. They pick up the color of that necklace perfect. those mustard pants are great too!

    love the outfit!

    http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com

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  35. I get so excited every time I see you wear these pants! Love them with the trench!

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  36. I had the same experience with a leather jacket- looked for months and then found one in a second hand store and tried it on a whim- awesome!

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  37. love the color of your pants!what a great pop of color for the dreary weather.

    www.benchesandchandeliers.com

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  38. I love your clutch. The color of that J.Crew skirt is divine.

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  39. have i told you how much i love those pants, well i do. I dont even bother with Jcrew anymore....their sales are not sales at all..i need like a 70% off sale at jcrew to start buying

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  40. You look so beautiful!!
    I just found your blog and I'm really surprised! You have a pretty and refreshing style and you look just stunning in your clothes!!
    I love that little colorful bag...
    And I also like the way you write. I think you have a pretty style of writing...

    Wow I think I will follow this blog (on Bloglovin)...

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  41. lol, I just posted about the new J.Crew catalog
    Love the mustard and breton together and what a bargain on that trench!
    I try to wait or find a less expensive version if I can.
    Brett

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  42. RAWR.. looovvee the yellow.. you are adventurous in these yellow pants.. go girl.. looks totally awesome and so vibrant.. love your trench too.... gorgeous!! xox oJ

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  43. $3.50 for the awesome coat? Wow!:D

    I think it's smart that you'll wait for the sale prices to drop. Loving the clutch, I want it!;D

    Happy Wednesday!:D

    ***** Marie *****
    allthingsmarie.com

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  44. LOVE all the mixes in this outfit, it really is beautiful. Every detail is perfect :)

    thank you so much for your comment on my blog about libraries!

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  45. Im drooling over the leather tote too.... and your mustard cords.

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  46. That trench coat is great and I love its warmer tone! Also, the cords!! Sometimes I wait months before buying something... and then I end up getting what I wanted originally. Which means that I probably should have gotten it in the first place?

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