SAVE OR SPLURGE: OLD NAVY MINI

Old Navy, you've done it again. My sister bought this Madewell silk mini last year and I'm pretty sure it sold out super quickly in stores and online - at least before I could snag it. Not a big deal though, because Old Navy has pretty much an identical version for a quarter of the price. The biggest difference is that the Madewell version is silk, and Old Navy's is rayon, but let's be honest, when it's this cheap, does it matter?! Mine is in the mail to me and I can't wait to get some good wear out of it through September. 

Shop: Old Navy Dolphin Skirt in Polar Bear

SAVE THOSE PRETTY PENNIES

I think one of the most difficult parts about growing up (aside from finding a job and actually becoming a put together adult with real furniture) is saving money. I have never been particularly amazing at it, if I'm being completely honest. If I have it, I'm probably spending it, which is not a good way to live. Especially when you get into situations like needing a car repair or putting down a deposit for an apartment. Eventually, I can't turn to mom and dad every time I need help (but I'm so thankful that they help me when I need it :) )

Luckily, I came across this saving schedule on Carly's blog a few weeks ago and just thought it was the best thing ever, which is why I'm now sharing it with you! How simple - save the number of dollars for every week of the year. And what perfect timing now that it is January 3! I'm sure this gets a little bit more challenging as the weeks go up - saving $50 a week could prove challenging during the holiday season - but I think the overall point is that it's easy to save and that money can add up quickly if you find a system that works for you. 

The great part about this saving schedule is that it can be tailored to suit you. If saving $30-$50 a week seems a little daunting, when you get to week 26, repeat it again, but going backwards so that by Christmastime, you only have to be saving $4, $3, $2, and $1. It won't necessarily bring you $1,378 in savings, but it will be a nice sum ($702 to be exact!) 

This is definitely something I am going to tackle in 2014. Do you all have any great money saving tricks? I would love any and all help!

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BOOTIES ON A BUDGET

Confession: I don't have unlimited funds to buy all the fall clothes I want. In fact, I have to be pretty strategic in what I want buy because funds can get a leeeetle tight. Being on a budget is always tricky with the changing seasons because I want to buy just about everything in sight, especially when I walk in J.Crew. It's like all the clothes are just screaming at me "Buy me! Buy me!" One thing that is on my fall necessity list is a good pair of booties. Last year, I bought an awesome pair of black suede wedges from Nine West that got me through the winter months. Now I would love a more casual pair for every day fall wear. Although the above aren't made out of leather, I think they are pretty good options for a girl on a budget! Plus, you can always count on Target, and Old Navy has definitely been stepping their game. I'm thinking #2 or #6 need to be made mine.

Do y'all have any favorite places to get shoes on a budget?

Boots: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6