July Shopping Reflections

This was a fairly shopping-light month for me because of preparing for and taking my exam. Granted, I still spent a lot more time than I should on online window-shopping because it still is one of my procrastination tactics of choice when I'm under stress, but I'm not in the market for much at the moment. I might not start planning shopping more intensively for fall and winter until September, when I move back to NYC for the start of my job.

One insight from this month is that shipping charges and California state sales tax really start adding up over just a few purchases. This is, perhaps, a very obvious notion, but I've been able to avoid most shipping charges in past months due to making large orders and following them up with in-store returns. At the same time, I've still found that it generally makes sense for me to rely on online shopping rather than in-store browsing in most instances, despite the inevitable issue of needing to return many things. More often than not, I find that brick and mortar stores don't have the specific sizes and styles that I want in stock, though this might be a product of how much I rely on items going on sale and additional percent off sale promotions.

Fashion - (TOTAL: $92.95)

• J. Crew 3'' Chino Shorts in Navy Blue - $27.00* - I desperately needed dark-colored shorts that wouldn't get dirty as easily for my upcoming trip. These do seem to attract more dust and lint than the khaki pair I bought a few years ago, but I'm not sure if there's a quality difference (very possible) or if it is just because of the color. 
• Gorjana Taner Small Bar Necklace - $42.00* - I technically haven't committed to keeping this necklace yet. It was slightly backordered from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and it wasn't shipped until Friday. I might not get a chance to decide whether to keep this until after I get back from my trip, though I'm fairly certain I'll keep it as I'm having a delicate-jewelry phase.
• Clare Vivier for & Other Stories Leather Pouch - $23.95* - This is probably a slightly-unnecessary indulgence as I do have other, perfectly-serviceable, travel pouches for makeup. I like the idea of fancy leather pouches and travel cases, practicality and frugality be damned. 

Beauty - (TOTAL: $11.99)

• Biore UV Perfect Face Milk - $11.99 - I like all of the Biore face milk sunscreens, which are  widely available in drugstores in Japan, China, and Taiwan (but not Hong Kong, randomly). I prefer the "Moist" or "Bright" varieties in the purple and pink bottles, respectively, but it's harder to find Prime-eligible sellers that sell those. 

*indicates that estimated sales tax and shipping are included in the listed price 

When this post goes live, I'll likely be right in the middle of taking my licensing exams, which is a scary thought! I'll be very happy to be done with the process though, hopefully for good. Linking up with Franish and the other budgeting bloggers this month! Be sure to click through and see what everyone else bought. 

Chinese Visas, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and Brunch

My sister and I went on a mini-adventure to San Francisco yesterday for the relatively un-fun reason of my needing a Chinese visa for my upcoming trip. I last needed one four years ago, back in a time when same-day rush service was routinely available. In hindsight, I should have done some more research before heading over, oops! As it is, I'll be back at the consulate on Monday. The one upside is that we weren't stuck there waiting until the afternoon, which gave us a bit more free time to wander around. 

While browsing the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale during the early access preview, I randomly got it in my head that a leather jacket could be a good alternative to a trench coat for my fall/spring wardrobe and that I really wanted to try on the Trouve leather jacket (pictured on Extra Petite here). It wasn't a particularly well thought-out notion, though I do think of leather jackets as one of those distant-future splurge-y things that I might want someday. I can't see myself wearing it to work, though, so it might be one of those fun things that I can't justify while I'm working a corporate job. Either way, I was saved from having to think too much because this particular open, drape-y style isn't super flattering for me. There is a small clasp to hold the front together, but I'd rather have something that zips up fully. Also, half of each sleeve is stretchy fabric rather than leather, which I didn't notice on the website, and would make me feel a bit cheated if I wanted to buy it. 

I probably will order this Gorjana necklace. I might be giving myself a bit too much freedom to indulge (despite my already extensive costume jewelry collection) because I anticipate being well under budget in July and August due to being abroad. I'll still try to do a budget post in August, but I tend to buy very few clothes when I travel in China or Taiwan. A sales associate was telling another customer that Gorjana has a lifetime guarantee and will re-dip their gold-plated jewelry when it tarnishes, which was news to me, but would be fantastic if it was true. I own a few Gorjana pieces and most still look new, but one I bought from Gilt tarnished very fast. I'll need to follow up with the company about that. 

We walked back up to where we were parked near the consulate and had brunch at Sweet Maple before heading home. My sister's dish, a deep-fried french toast with extra banana and candied walnut topping, was a bit more photogenic (and relatively unique) than my omelette, though mine was tasty too! 

Thinking About... Interlaced Bangle Bracelets

Alexis Bittar Interlaced Bangle (AKA the Miss Havisham New Wave Bangle, apparently)

My taste in jewelry has changed a bit in the last year or so. I used to be very much a J. Crew colorful statement necklace kind of person, and there's definitely nothing wrong with that. I am even keeping at least two of my brightly colored statement necklaces in my post-KonMari method, more "minimalist" (in terms of size) jewelry collection. 

These days, when I add new pieces, I look for smaller, daintier designs. I find that I also tend to reach for those pieces more when putting together outfits. 

Gorjana Laurel Bangle

I was thinking about getting a new bracelet. I currently own only one, a Gorjana Sunset Disc bracelet in blue/green (no longer available) that is consistent with my current preference for more delicate jewelry,  but I am fond of these interlaced bangle style ones too. I don't think I can justify the expenditure, given that I have a few more pressing needs at the moment and the full retail price was never really going to fit in my budget (at least for pieces that are just costume jewelry).  

Still, I will keep an eye on these styles and think about it more seriously if either goes on sale.