trends that make you go hmm... pleated (p)leather skirts

I have been eyeing leather skirts since Fall 2011 and am even more excited to see these skirts making a strong return for this Fall/Winter... 

check out how some fabulous ladies have been rocking their leather skirts:

{ Image 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 }

I just purchased this skirt, and I am officially obsessed... this trend is a go for me!

Thoughts?

xx

Jessica

P.S. Today I am linking up {here}

Clothing Budget: July 2012

Right now I am on a plane headed West. Follow along with my vacation adventures via Instagram (@jesshereandnow)

Ok, in my resolutions round up from last month, I mentioned that sticking to my shopping budget had gotten a little tricky. I am not a financial expert, or someone that should really be shelling out budgeting advice, but I thought that I would share my story/struggles and maybe it would resonate with the rest of you... 

and hopefully this will help keep me accountable too!

Just a little background info about my financial situation:

My day job is as a graduate student. I am fortunate to get paid (a modest amount) to do research that I am passionate about. And I have the luxury of having a month shopping allowance for myself. If I want something, I can usually purchase it for myself (not that I always should). That being said, I typically allot $150-200 a month for shopping (clothes, make-up, new technology...), but that is an average, and I do often save up and spend several months shopping allowance in one fell swoop (currently squirreling away moolah for a new iPhone).

Nude Steve Madden Heels $69.99 (on sale from $139.99)
Glitter Zara Heels $29.99 (on sale from $49.90)
Blue Zara Heels $29.99 (on sale from $49.90)
Topshop drop hem dress $84.00 (returned)
Topshop peplum top $36.00
Everlane tee $15.00

J.Crew crew cuts vest $68.00 (returned for new Old Navy version)

Total: $180.97

leaving on a jet plane

{ What I Wore: Everlane Tank & Tote // Madewell jeggings // Charlotte Russe booties // J.Crew scarf // Guise Sunnies (won in giveaway)

Get the look:

tank + jeggings + leopard scarf + booties + tote + sunnies

dazzle. shoe dazzle

Have you heard of Shoe Dazzle? Well it is an online (mostly) shoe store where all the shoes cost $39.95 (with the frequent sale) and shipping is free both ways (in this day and age I refuse to pay for shipping).

And right now they are hooking you up with one of the cutest trends I have seen in a while... cap toe shoes! I'll take one of each please!

Can you even pick a favorite!?

xx

Jessica

check it out: Mont Affair

I have stumbled upon another online shopping jackpot: Mont Affair

Looking for chic dresses? ... yup, they have those in spades

Affordable options to take you stylishly through every day and special occasions...
 brunches, girls' nights out, bridal showers...

Beautiful tops that will transition from Summer to Fall and beyond? ... check out these cuties

I call these: ice cream scoop // sexy siren // lemon drop

Funky items to add a unique twist to your late Summer/Fall wardrobe? ... Mmmm Hmmm....

You know how much I love me a patterned or lace short... and I am still trying to work up some courage to rock a fierce jumpsuit!

 More reasons to love Mont Affair

- All of the items I am lusting over above are under $40 (!!!)

- Lots of prettyness on sale {here}

- Flat Rate $10 Shipping to most international countries

AND (you guys are tough to please!) they are currently giving away 8 gorgeous dresses over the next 8 weeks (now until September 24th)

Use their easy peasy entry form {here}

Happy Shopping!

xx

Jessica