purchases: september - december 2012

Ever since the new year started, I've been mulling over my previous purchases. No matter how much I try to control my spending and budget wisely, it seems like money disappears left and right and I have no idea where and how. Therefore, I've decided to analyze my spending of the past few months since I came back to school and see what trouble I've caused while being in New York (note: this compilation is mostly for me to visually see what I've bought. This is in no way trying to flaunt/brag/show off. I try to spend my allowance and paychecks carefully, but sometimes my desires overwhelm my practical self... hence the more expensive purchases).

September

Gap Favorite Short-Sleeve V-neck Tee (optic white)
Orig. $14.95
Paid $11.21

Old Navy Vintage-Style V-neck Tee (white)
Orig. $9.50
Paid $6.80

Abercrombie & Fitch Brittan Cardigan (burgundy & charcoal grey [not pictured])
Orig. $58
Paid $26.10/each

Chloé Erine (Black)
Orig. $330
Paid $141.47

Spur-of-the-moment purchase. I've been admiring this pair of sunglasses from Chloé for a few months and when I saw it on Ideeli*, it was calling my name and before I knew it, I had clicked "Place your order."

Total: $211.68

 October

J. Crew Factory Perfect Shirt (faded chambray)
Orig. $62.50
Paid $25.88

Total: $72.68 

I also bought undergarments this month, but I'm not going to post them [:

November

eBay - Dooney & Bourke bag

$23.80

Gap Favorite Short-Sleeve Scoopneck Tee (charcoal)
Orig. $14.95
Paid $8.37

Gap Favorite Short-Sleeve V-neck T (heather gray)
Orig. $14.95
Paid $8.36

Sephora - Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Orig. $19
Paid $20.69

Gilt Groupe - Deborah Lippmann Nail Polishes
Orig. $168, $98 on Gilt
Paid $64.18

For those who are interested:

Top row (left to right): Umbrella top coat, Turn Back Time base coat, Stairway to Heaven, Glitter in the Air

Bottom row (left to right): 2 Second Nail Primer, Amazing Grace, Baby Love, P.Y.T., Fashion, Glamorous Life

This purchase was a splurge for me. I've never been into beauty products much less nail polishes, but once I saw this deal on Gilt* (especially since I also had a code for 50% off), I felt that maybe I should invest in some nail polish for the future. I reasoned that if I didn't like them, I could either eBay them off or give them as presents to my nail polish loving friend.

Total: $125.80

December

H&M Sweater (heather grey & white)

Orig. $29.99

Paid $23.96

I have a few more purchases that I made in December, but I'm still deciding if I should keep them or return them, so when I make up my mind, I will update this post with the remaining items. 

How do you control your spendings? Do you keep a budget or just buy as you go? I love reading about how others manage their money, so please leave a comment below. I would love to know what you think about the topic. 

Thank you as always for reading and may your bank account not suffer as much as mine has!

*Disclaimer: The links to Ideeli and Gilt are referral links.