Monthly Money Check-Up: February

Hmmmm, so I may or may not have gone a little overboard with my February spending. Budget, what budget?
It was a very emotional month however, and I can't help but shop to make myself feel better. I know, I know, another addiction I need to get over... but there's just something about finding the perfect pair of shoes or bag that makes you gray skies seem blue again...

Purchases:


Maxi Dress - Dominican Republic Vendor ($50)


Floral Dress - Dominican Republic Vendor ($20)


Jean Shirt - Walmart ($12)


Big Floppy Hat - Walmart ($7)


Bag - Via Pom Pom ($35)


Tights - Hue via Pom Pom ($12.50)

Tall Boots - Spring ($25)

Ankle Boots - Spring ($28)

Grand Total = $189.50
Ashamed? Yes. In love with every single purchase? Hells Yes.

March Goals:

1. Restrict clothes budget to $50. I'd get rid of it completely... but a girl's gotta shop!
2. Contribute another $1000 to savings.
3. Find a washer/dryer set for under $900 for my new place.
   

Blog Stalker: Sew I Thought...

I just have to introduce you all to my newest girl-crush.

Meet Angie from Sew I Thought... Not only is she super sweet, but whether she's making something from scratch, or altering a $1 thrift find, she's a whiz with her sewing machine!

1. When Did you start sewing? And what made you pick it up?

I started sewing about 3 years ago. I've always loved clothing and thrift store shopping but finding things I liked and that fit well has always been a struggle so I thought to myself I can fix that. So I found a machine on the cheap and started experimenting. I'm about 100% self taught. I just started on thrifted items and worked my way up to sewing clothing from scratch. Now I can't imagine buying an item of clothing and not altering the fit or length. It's such an awesome feeling to get a compliment and be able to say "yep, I made it."

2. What has been your favorite project to date?

Oh geez, I love so many of them but a recent favorite would be the cropped bow jacket that I made. I just love that its so me yet so classic and it's an item I know I will wear for years to come.

3. Any big projects lined up, or things you wish you could make?

I am actually tackling my first swimsuit for an upcoming vacation to Hawaii. It will be a high-waisted 50s style two piece suit. I am working on draping the bottom half which will be a ruched skirt kind of style. If that makes any sense. The top part of the suit is a combination from some of my sewing stash patterns.

4. How long ago did you start blogging?

I started blogging about a year after I started sewing. I wanted a way to stay accountable and finish projects, At times it works really well but I definitely have my slip ups!

5. What’s your favorite part about it?

My favorite part of blogging is by far the readers and all they have to say. I've never been that great at making girlfriends but I feel like I have found so many. They always have encouraging compliments just when I need them or advice on a sticky sewing situation.

6. Who are your fashion icons?

Of course I am consistently inspired by the classics such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Vivien Laigh, Bette Davis and Carole Lombard. Though I feel equally inspired and impressed with any lady who can pull off vintage and thrifted pieces while adding their own personal twist.

7. Who are some bloggers that inspire you?

This list could be endless. To name a slim few... I adore Ali from One Pearl Button, Tasia from Sewaholic, Tilly from Tilly and the Buttons, and Shey from Modesty is Pretty. They are all such creative and sweet ladies! What great inspirations!

Thank you so much Angie!

A Blogger Revelation

So APPARENTLY, when you actually take the time to use photoshop or GIMP and then flickr or picasa instead of just windows photo editor and the blogger picture uploader, your pictures can look like this:

Instead of this:

cardigan - Jacob (2010)
tee - Esprit (2010)
belt - Dynamite (2010)
jeans - Smart Set (2010)
boots - Spring (2011)

Who knew?
And it only took me a year and a half to figure out...
Now you can actually see DETAILS on my wicked-bad new boots!
All this time I thought it was my inability to use my fancy new camera...

Back on the Rails

Thank you all so much for your super supportive words yesterday :) You guys have been the biggest help these last few weeks! I'm so happy to know that I have people in my corner, no matter how far away you may actually be!

While I'm not 100% myself again, I definitely feel much stronger than I did two weeks ago. I'm very blessed to have the support and understanding I do in my life, and am eternally grateful for it. My future might still be up in the air, but for the first time in weeks I feel like it has direction again.

So while I know this is practically a repeat of an earlier outfit, I had to get back on the horse, so to speak. Blogging was a big part of my life, and I've definitely missed it :)

cardigan - Smart Set (2010)
blouse - ebay (2010)
belt - Dynamite (2010)
skinnies - Gap (2010)
boots - Sirens (2010)

Which Path to Take?

I need a new adventure. Something to keep me entertained in the short term. I feel like all I have is work and school and stress. I’m thoroughly bored with life, and contemplating redirection. Yes, I realize I’ve only been at my job seven short months, but it lacks excitement. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful company with great people, but I’m basically a glorified data entry person. I copy information from one place to another with minimal changes and analysis. I realize that as a recent graduate I can hardly expect a life-fulfilling career path, but I would like to put a little bit more of myself into what I do.

I’m creative, detail oriented, and analytical. I’m a problem solver who loves to be faced with new challenges. I believe my skill set would have me well suited to a career in event planning… but how does one start out in such a field without previous experience? I’m at a stage in my life where I actually have expenses and need to start saving money, so interning somewhere is out of the question. Should I just take a leap and start marketing myself as such? But would one want to hire someone without an abundance of previous experience? Sure, I’ve organized a few charitable events for Circle K; a cocktail party, a talent showcase, a food drive, a leaf raking campaign for seniors… but does that really qualify me to organize a larger scale event?

I would love to hear from anyone who has made a drastic career change, is currently pursuing their passions, or is employed in a similar field… any advice for the young go-getter?

It All Comes Tumbling Down

I’m not completely back yet, but I felt like I needed a place to let it all out, and that’s what a blog should be – space to speak your mind.

So I’m taking a short break from posting my daily dress-up and am going to rant about life instead.

Isn’t it crazy how a moment of weakness – one (huge) mistake – can totally change the path in which your life was headed? Maybe it was subconsciously on purpose. Maybe deep down I knew I wasn’t ready, mature enough, experienced enough, or even rational enough. Maybe my self-sabotage had been in the works for a long time. And maybe everything happens for a reason.

Then again, I could be just a heartless, manipulative, selfish bitch.

Or maybe it’s both?

All I know for sure is that I’ve never been more uncertain of how the future would be in my life. That scares me.

J – I’m sorry for it all, and no matter what happens, you’ll always have a special place in my heart. I regret the pain I’ve caused; you’re an incredible person and are undeserving of the distress I’ve brought into your life.

i'm just gonna take a minute...

I know this is pretty random, especially after a vacation that was supposed to be so wonderful, but I'll be taking a little break from the blogging world.

Life has overwhelmed me at the moment, and I need to take some time to work on my real-life relationships with both my others and myself.

I'll be back soon.

Up, Up, & Away!

I leave today!
Sorry for my absence as of late. I haven't been posting or even commenting like I'd like to. I feel like I'm so out of the loop! I haven't been able to read many posts, or see how the majority of you are doing with your various 30 for 30 challenged :(
Life has been hectic trying to accomplish everything I need to before taking off. It's not even all done yet, I have to take homework with me... how awful is that?
But I'm beyond excited. And I promise, when I get back I will have lots of photos and stories to share.

Hope you've all been having a fabulous week.