September Wish List

So, due to too many recent shopping binges, I've decided to put myself on a bit of a shopping diet.

For now, I'm budgeting myself a modest $150 a month for new clothing, shoes, and accessories purchases, including alterations.

Here's what's on my September wish list.  I never shop without coupons, rewards, sales, etc., so I'm hoping that I can score all of these items and stay within budget! 

PONTE KNIT DRESS
I love the comfort and substantial-ness of ponte knit (also tends not to wrinkle too much).  This dress comes in a ton of great fall colors and has pockets (which I LOVE).  Just have to decide between the gold and the orange. :-)

Target knit dress

FAUX LEATHER PENCIL SKIRT
I can't decide right now whether I want this burgundy faux leather skirt or a black faux leather/ponte knit rendition that will be available in stores on September 6th. 

The Limited faux leather pencil skirt

FAUX LEATHER JACKET/BLAZER The number one item on my fall shopping list has to be a faux leather blazer or jacket.  It's a basic item, in my opinion, but I have yet to find one that I absolutely love.  I have my eye on a few from The Limited that are supposed to debut later this month.  The blazer featured has cool faux leather trim, but I want one with more faux leather detail.

FYI:  The Limited is currently having a suit promotion - free pant or skirt with purchase of any jacket

The Limited faux leather trim blazer

FAUX LEATHER TRIM PANTS
I love the faux leather trim on these pants.  They aren't available yet, but since they are already being featured on The Limited's web site, I think (hope) they will be available soon.  FYI:  The Limited offers free pants hemming for Couture cardholders, so this is one alteration, I won't have to factor into my budget.  :-)

The Limited pants

HUNTER GREEN
My favorite color is green, and I'm totally feeling this darker shade for fall.  Not sure if this sweater is what I'll be opting for, but I'm definitely looking for a staple piece in this color.

New York & Co. 3/4 sleeve cardigan

FUN PRINT TIGHTS
I purchase a pair of these lattice design tights every year.  They are fairly durable, and I love the design.  How cute are the houndstooth print tights?  So much more fun that plain black hosiery.

The Limited lattice tights

The Limited houndstooth tights

For more on the leather trend for fall (and my views on real leather), please see here.

What's on your September/fall wish list?  

Do you make a budget for clothing purchases?  If so, how do you determine your budget amount? 

What's your shopping style?  Do you splurge a few times a year, purchase weekly/monthly/etc.?

Fall 2012 Fashion Picks: (Faux) Leather

Hi everyone!  

I apologize for the lack of posts the last few days as I've been without adequate internet access.  

I'm on vacation, so this week, I will be blogging my picks out of the fall 2012 trends.

Leather (or faux leather) is everywhere for fall.  I am sooo coveting a cropped leather jacket. It's an edgier alternative to the black blazer but almost as versatile.

I'm on the fence about whether to buy a leather jacket or a vegan alternative.  As a friend to animals, I prefer animals wear their own skin.  I seldom buy real leather, and when I do, I usually opt for vintage or used pieces to be more animal and environmentally friendly. 

A major issue with finding a leather jacket is fit.  Jackets made of cotton, wool, or synthetic fabrics can generally be altered to fit.  Leather and faux leather is harder to alter, so finding a jacket that fits both a curvy and a petite frame has proven difficult, but my search is on!

Here's my picks for the leather look:

 Asos Curve leather biker jacket

Simply Be black and chocolate PU biker jacket

I was loving the look of this ponte knit and faux leather tee from The Limited.  While I love The Limited, this top did not live up to my hopes.  It had a boxy, unflattering fit and looked a little inexpensive.  If I can find something similar though, I'm on it!  Such an edgy but conservative addition to a work suit.

The Limited faux leather tee

The Limited has some other faux leather pieces coming out on September 6, including a pencil skirt and jacket.  I will definitely be checking them out!

I am seriously considering a vegan leather pencil skirt this fall.  Who doesn't love a skirt that lets you live out your inner bad girl self while at work in an office?  Or is that just me?  ;-D

Tinley Road vegan leather pencil skirt

Do you like the leather trend?  Do you wear real leather?