friend ♥...and cold ankles

After I graduated from college in May 2011, I had somewhat of the "recent graduate blues". Besides the whole "real world" stuff, I'm not exaggerating when I say that all but one of my girl friends moved away to go to graduate school, or go on adventures in other states/countries. Chris was also in the middle of hardcore studying, so I felt really alone a lot of the time. I mentioned that I'm so thankful for all of you blogging friends I now have because you make me feel like I have friends I connect with every day...which is probably why Chris doesn't always understand why I spend so much time typing on my computer ;)  

But we all need to have people in our real lives, so this is all just a rambling way to tell my last Madison friend standing, Lizzi, how much I appreciate her. She's the friend that I go to concerts with, the girl I go pilates-ing with, and the girl I call when things don't happen like I want them to. We met up Saturday afternoon just to chat, and I think the signs of a true friend are when you get chat for hours and could keep the conversation going with ease. So thank you Lizzi, for being a true friend, my confidante  and sometimes photographer.

Sweater: J. Crew Factory  {exact}

Scarf: Forever 21  {save / splurge}

Jeans: Gap  {similar}

Boots: Frye  {exact}

Belt: H&M Mens

Watch: Fossil  {similar}

Bracelet: J. Crew via eBay  {similar}

P.S. I know some of you have expressed a bit of concern about my bare ankles during the work week. Please know that I'm not some cold ankle baring hussy all day - I park my car in our attached garage at home, and only have to walk about 30 yards from my parking spot into work, so I spend minimal time outside during the winter. On days where it has snowed, I wear either my real boots, or I'll wear my ugly $10 Target fake Uggs into work and change. I didn't want you to think that wearing thin ballet flats is the norm for Wisconsin winters ;)

November Budget

1. J. Crew Factory Tippi: $70 + 50% off = $35
2. Forever 21 Striped Top {seen here}: $20
3. American Eagle Skinny Jeans {seen here}: on sale for $35
4. Urban Outfitters Staring at Stars Cardigan {seen here}: $69
5. Forever 21 Polka Dot Contrast Scarf: $13
6. Banana Republic Outlet Earrings {seen on instagram}: $7
7. J. Crew Outlet Perfect Gingham: $60 + 50% off = $30
8. Loft Sequin Striped Tee {seen here}: $50 + 40% off = $30

November Budget: $239







While this is $90 over my self-imposed budget, I sold over $120 worth of clothes on eBay this month, so I feel that it kind of evens out how much I spent. I should have been smarter about purchases this month as I spent a majority of this month's spendings (~$120) over the Thanksgiving week (the 2 J. Crew tops, the Loft top, the scarf and the earrings). I felt like I was holding back on purchases as there were several items I put back in their place instead of taking them to the register, but again, writing it down makes me realize that those 5 items add up quickly. I think December will be much better for my budget. I have quite a few new items that I already have several ideas for (look for a post about this later this week!) and my family is also not exchanging gifts this year for Christmas as we are going on a family vacation, so that will keep me away from the mall as well.

How did you do this month? Did you find some awesome deals during the Black Friday sales? Do you put away money the rest of the year to save for this weekend? Link up with Budgeting Bloggers below -  please make sure you link back so your readers can discover other budgeting bloggers.



P.S. Don't forget to enter the Leather Tassel Giveaway!