November Budget Wrap-Up and December Wish List

Hope you all had a great month!

I'm planning my December shopping list.  This month, I'm looking for some festive holiday pieces.  I am hunting for some cozy sweaters and thinking about getting some colored denim.  My search for a mint green blouse continues.  I also have my eye on this adorable striped bow blouse from LOFT.

The Limited ivory tuxedo blazer

The Limited sequin tee

The Limited Art Deco Fan earrings

Forenza by The Limited sweater

LOFT striped bow blouse

Target skinny jeans

Now for what I did with my November budget:

I received some additional birthday money this month.  I also received a $70 rewards card through the Lucky Rewards program (see here for more discussion of this rewards program and other ways of saving money on fashion).  My budget this month jumped from $150 to $270.  I stayed within budget this month, but obviously, it was a bit of a "cheat" month since I received unexpected bonus money.

I got a couple items off my November Wish List.  I tried all three of the dresses from Target that I had my eyes on; however, none of them had a flattering fit for me.

Here's what I got this month: 

The Limited embellished neck blouse

The Limited Cassidy Fit velvet pants

The Limited dress (no longer available on-line)

The Limited tweed cardigan jacket

LOFT blouse (no longer available on-line)

LOFT ring

Target MaryJane heels

Target leopard print heels

The Limited flat-collar jacket 

LOFT jeweled collar cardigan

  
First Row:  Pants $31, Blouse $28
Second Row: Jacket and Dress $71
Third Row:  Blouse and Ring $31
Fourth Row:  Shoes  $40
Fifth Row:  Cardigan $32, Jacket $37
 Did you get any great finds last month? Planning any gifts for yourself this December?

Subtle Sparkle

Happy Monday everyone!  Hope you all had a great weekend.

Blouse:  The Limited (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)

I love a look with a little bit of edgy glamour.  One of my favorite things about the fall holiday season is definitely the fashion.  Fancy fabrics, embellishments, and sparkle - from Thanksgiving to New Year's, fashion is just a little more fun.

During the fall and winter months, I definitely opt for a lot of black, but mixing textures, silky fabrics, and embellishments keep me from getting bored.

Lace blazer:  The Limited (Similar here)

Today, I opted for a monochromatic look, adding in just a few small pops of color with burgundy heels and periwinkle nails.

Today's look was all about the subtle sparkle, mixing matte black pieces with glitter, gems, and rhinestones.  

Shoes:  Target (Available here)

Ring:  The Limited (old)
Nail polish:  Essie "Bikini So Teeny" and "Stroke of Brilliance" (Available at Target)

I chose hematite-colored rhinestone bow stud earrings, bangle, and this oversized bow ring.  The glittery nail polish adds a bit more sparkle.

Bangle:  Target (old)

The blouse adds extra embellishments, and the lace blazer adds a bit of texture.

Bow earrings:  Target (Available in stores; Similar here)
Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

It can be difficult to decide how much "holiday cheer" is acceptable in the work place.  Obviously, work place dress codes vary greatly.  I work in a fairly conservative field with a business casual dress code.  I probably push the envelope some days in regards to what's appropriate for my job, but I generally try to tow the line.
Do you like to dress up your work looks for the holidays?  How much sparkle do you think is "just right" for work?