February Purchases: How I Did

At the end of January I said that I wouldn't be doing any shopping in February. Whoops. Here is a breakdown of what I purchased/gifted this month.

Purchased:





Pictured: 4 tops for spring (2 from Old Navy and two from TJ Maxx) $46 total, vintage Longchamp coin purse from the antique mall $5, vintage necklace from the antique mall $10, large cuff with agate purchased with gift card $0, brass and horn cuff purchased from Ebay for my upcoming store (details to follow) $0, turquoise bracelet from Ebay (definitely an impulse purchase) $12.

Not pictured: Carry-on for upcoming trip to FL (currently in transit) $50, two scarves from Ebay $10 total, purse from Forever 21 $30ish (its all of a sudden not on the site anymore), sunglasses $10.

I sold all of my Stella & Dot samples on Ebay so I had some extra cash. Total spent $173. Woah, went way over budget. Putting all this down in my blog definitely holds me accountable and is making me realize how much I am spending.

Gifted:



Pictured: Bag from Handbag Heaven and necklaces from my sister in law.

Ok, in March I really need to buy a pair of black flats. Hopefully that is it, but you know me.... I can't resist a good deal ;)

Wardrobe Update

Wardrobe Update: What I Want/Need by briannelee featuring short sleeve shirts

Ok, I am getting excited for new Spring items now :) I am pretty happy with my Spring wardrobe so far, but I do need a new pair of black flats. In regards to wants, I would love to find a nice quality plain white tee, a sleeveless asymmetrical top, a neon and rhinestone nOir necklace, and a Kelly Wearstler scarf. Also, I might have already purchased the Forever 21 clutch and a pair of Karen Walker fakie sunglasses already ;)

Alexis Russell Diamond Earring Giveaway!

This contest is now closed.



Alexis Russell is a New York jewelry designer who studied fine art and design and uses recycled metals and conflict free diamonds in her designs. Two years ago I contacted Alexis about creating a pair of earrings for my bridesmaids. I ended up giving each girl a pair of gold hoops with rough diamond drops… I of course wanted a pair for myself ;) They were simply gorgeous and complimented their dresses perfectly. I couldn’t have been happier!

Today I have exciting news for you. One winner is going to receive a pair of Rough Diamond Stud Earrings from Alexis Russell. If there were any of my own giveaways I wish I could win, this one would definitely be it!

To be entered into the giveaway, please:

1. Be a follower of my blog
2. Visit Alexis Russell’s shop and comment on this post with your favorite item. (Please include your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner)
3. Become a fan of her Facebook page

These three steps equal one entry. This giveaway is open to US and International readers. I will draw a winner next Friday. Good luck!!!

Hollywood Glam + Spring Shopping

Hollywood Glam by briannelee featuring diamond jewelry

With the Oscars only a few days away, this week's Friday's Fancies is Hollywood Glam. I am pretty sure I will never be attending a Hollywood award's show in my life, but if I do, I would love to wear something like this. A simple dress with gorgeous jewels and accessories. I love the idea of pinning a vintage/antique brooch to a dress and actually need to try this in real life.

Yesterday I did a little shopping at TJ Maxx and Old Navy. From Old Navy I got this red and blue cotton sweater and this neon yellow/green tank. Both items were on clearance and I had a gift card so I pretty much spent only a few dollars for both.




At TJ Maxx I bought this blue tank for summer and a striped French Connection top. The striped top was a bit of a splurge at $25 ;) but it is the perfect length on me (I have a hard time finding longer tops for some reason) and the blue top replaces one I misplaced in our move last fall.




I have a really exciting giveaway planned for tomorrow so make sure you stop by!!!!

Scarf Love

I have been slightly obsessed with scarves lately (along with a lot of other bloggers). Here are some very budget friendly options via Ebay.

1, 2, 3

Arty

I said I wouldn't be doing any shopping in the month of February, but I have been doing a TINY bit. Whoops. However, I am proud of myself because I am definitely shopping smarter and less frequently and I am putting more thought into what I buy. Today I found this necklace at the antique store and I really like how "arty" it looked. Its the perfect addition to a plain sweater in the winter and a simple cotton dress come summer.

Handbag Heaven Clutch Review

This week I received the Sarah Oversized Envelope Clutch in pink/grey courtesy of Handbag Heaven. I love the pale contrasting colors... it will be perfect for spring. This bag is definitely LARGE, and might be a bit heavy if you pack it full, but I really like the oversized shape and since it is soft and smooshy, you can fold it over for a more manageable size. The only thing I don't like is that is has a strong leather-like smell. Maybe because it has been wrapped up in packaging for awhile? I am going to air it out and hopefully it will go away.

Let's Fly Away

Packing for FL by briannelee featuring round sunglasses

Continuing with the packing theme, this week's Friday's Fancies is travel oriented. As you know, I am going away in a few weeks and here is what I am planning on packing. I will be gone for a week so I will obviously need a few more items than this, but luckily I can do laundry while I am there so I don't have to bring a ton. I wish I were on the plane right now!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing all my readers a happy Valentine's Day filled with friends, family and love!

I am not wearing pink or red today, but I am wearing this Object & Totem necklace I won through L.A. in Bloom with a neon colored sweatshirt I thrifted last year.

Packing + Winner

Source: fabulousonabudget.com via Brianne on Pinterest

Source: theyallhateus.com via Brianne on Pinterest

Source: domesticreflections.blogspot.com via Brianne on Pinterest

Source: jeanasohn.blogspot.com via Brianne on Pinterest

I am going on a warm weather vacation in a few weeks and I seriously cannot wait! I am going to try to pack all of my items into one carry-on and was inspired by these photos on what to bring. What are your travel necessities for a getaway in the sun?

Finally, the winner of the Handbag Heaven giveaway is Nico from Satin & Salt. Yay!!!! Nico, I will be emailing you soon :)

Scenes From Around the House

Yesterday John and I headed to Hotel Furniture Liquidators in Holland, MI. The store is a hotel furniture outlet and you can find some great pieces for very reasonable prices. We purchased this desk for $69 and the lamp for $15. I now can look out over the backyard while I work which is really nice, and the desk is the perfect place for my dollhouse box and thrift store pen holder.

Don't forget to enter the Handbag Heaven giveaway! I will be choosing a winner tomorrow.

Today I am Wearing....

a grey sweater tunic and some black leggings... nothing to write home about. I am dressing it up with some fabulous necklaces sent to me by my sista in NYC, though :) Which one is your fave?

Red + Pink

Red and Pink by briannelee featuring diamond rings

This week's Friday's Fancies is Red + Pink in honor of Valentine's Day. I own this cashmere tee from J Crew in pink and grey and it is one of my favorite items in my closet. I paired it with a pair of red flats, a fun clutch, and lots of black for good measure ;)

Also, do not forget to enter my Handbag Heaven giveaway!!!

Scenes From Around the House

Happy Wednesday! Here are a few things I have picked up for the house recently. A "dollhouse"... the roof lifts up and its actually a box, an antique box for my desk, and a silver bowl.

Today I Am Loving...

The vintage Longchamp coin purse I found at the antique store yesterday for $5 and my pretty rings.

Handbag Heaven Giveaway!!!!

A few weeks ago I received the Woven Weekender Duffle Bag from Handbag Heaven. It is the perfect size, shape, and color for summer weekend getaways, and I cannot wait to use it soon! Now one of you lucky readers has the chance to win this bag or a $50 gift card for a bag of your choosing! To enter:

Mandatory Entry:

1. Please be a follower of the blog and leave a comment on this post with your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner.

Extra Entries (please leave a separate comment for each one you complete):

+ 1 Take the Style Guide Quiz and comment with your result
+ 1 Follow Handbag Heaven On Twitter
+ 1 Like Handbag Heaven on Facebook
+1 Tweet About the Giveaway

That means you have 5 chances to win this bag!!!! I will choose a winner next Monday. (Open to US and Canadian readers)

Also be sure to check out their "A Gal's Guide to Valentine's Day" and Polyvore Contest.

Spring Fever

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Brianne on Pinterest

Spring Fever by briannelee featuring converse sneakers

This week's Friday's Fancies is "Spring Fever". I am usually jonesing for Spring around this time of year, but we have had such a mild winter so far, and I am actually kind-of enjoying it. I purchased a few warm weather clothes so far, but I would really like to add a pair of Converse to my wardrobe. Add the cliche trench, a pair dark jeans, and some gold jewelry, and you have my perfect Spring look.

January Spending.... How I Did

Here is a breakdown of what I purchased in January:

Dream Collective bracelet, 2 vintage Native American bracelets, and a Dream Collective Necklace.



Sadly I must be honest and admit I cheated two weeks ago... I bought this ring from Ebay and also cheated when I went to the mall in Grand Rapids. I brought my credit card and bought some clothes :( In my defense I never go to the mall anymore because we do not live close to one, I had a few gift cards, and everything was on super sale. However I still cheated and must be punished ;) Therefore, I am not shopping in February and my thermometer will remain at zero. Sigh. At least February is a short month.