March Shopping Reflections

It's been a while, to say the least! I was quite busy this month between work, being part of a dear friend's destination wedding, and planning for a trip in early May to visit my and K's families abroad. I'd like to get back into the habit of blogging regularly, though that might have to wait until after my upcoming trip. We'll be going to Taipei, Taichung, Manila, Boracay, and Singapore, some of it for family, and some of it for just us two.

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This month, I stuck to the "buy one fashion item a month" trend that I've kept up so far this year. I bought these perforated leather Vans to wear on the weekends and during my daily commute, though I'm still breaking them in. I haven't had a chance to get a grippy sole added to the Everlane Modern Point shoes from last month, and that's on my to-do list before I can really wear them outdoors. I ordered several other items, but nothing worked. This Uniqlo long tunic was much longer and more voluminous than I expected, longer than a midi dress on me, and it just wasn't what I was expecting. Although I like my bright orange-red coat from January, the same color just didn't work for me with this J. Crew Factory sleeveless henley shell (bright red-orange color sold out, only available in a different style). 

I'll likely buy more next month: I have this gray J. Crew Factory wool dress in every possible size for me on order and I'm picking up another Everlane Ryan tank for my trip. Because I was so under budget this month, I'm also thinking of making a jewelry purchase for myself sometime soon, perhaps in April. It might end up being this dainty trinity ring from Envero Jewelry. 

Fashion - (TOTAL: $65.27)

• Perforated Leather Vans - These are a bit less feminine than ballet flats, naturally, so the look took a little getting used to, but I really enjoy wearing these with my casual outfits. I'll likely wear them during my commutes later this Spring, once I've broken them in a bit more. I sized down a half size, from a woman's 7.5 to a 7. That was the right move, but I find it a little harder to get in and out of these shoes because they cover up so much of the foot.

Beauty - (TOTAL: $31.76)

• Hada Labo Hyaluronic Milky Lotion - $11.74  This was once part of my rather extensive skincare routine, though I had stopped using it by December 2014 because my other products were enough. I purchased it again because my skin was getting a little dry during the tail end of winter. Now that it's starting to warm up and we've switched off our central heat at home, this product is a bit too heavy for me when incorporated into my current routine. This product has a similar texture to my Cerave facial lotion, and might even be a little heavier (while also being more liquid and more runny, strangely enough). 
• CosRx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence - $18.98 - I purchased this as a possible replacement for the Missha First Treatment Essence. My skin's been acting up, so I haven't had a chance to fully test it out. Both this and the Missha product are intended to be dupes for the super-pricey SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, though the CosRx has a runny gel-like texture rather than a liquid one. 

Linking up with Franish and the Budgeting Bloggers as usual this month. Be sure to check out what everyone else bought!