Budgeting Diaries: February Recap + Styling My New Buys
February check-in from my Budgeting Diaries, laid bare. Plus, a peek at how I’m styling my latest purchases. Here’s how the month played out.
As promised at the start of the year, I’m pulling back the curtain on my 2025 spending while sticking to a €3000 shopping budget for the first time. If you’re curious about the why and how, you can dive into my first Budgeting Diaries post for all the details:
For monthly updates and reflections, explore the full series here.
Sticking to my budget felt trickier this month. With spring teasing its arrival and the sun making rare cameos, I’ve been eyeing a few transitional pieces—a classic trench or a shorter spring jacket, slim sneakers built for endless walks, and relaxed trousers (that, for once, aren’t black).
While my February spending doesn’t reflect those just yet, I did pick up a few other versatile pieces I know I’ll get plenty of wear out of. Let’s break it down.
February spend
Massimo Dutti Flat Sock Boot:
€219.00€79.95Acne Studios Black Satin Skirt (Vinted): €100
I also sold one piece on Vinted for €80, bringing my remaining 2025 budget to €2,620.15, which means I’m still well on track—of course, only because I’ve been so good in January.
Styling
I found this Acne Studios satin wrap skirt from 2017 on Vinted—brand new, and exactly what I had been looking for. After a few weeks of deliberation, I knew I had to make it mine. The asymmetric design, which initially made me unsure, has turned out to be one of my favourite features of this skirt. I slipped into it, and without even needing a mirror, I could tell it was just right. Or at least it will be after a quick iron.
Here’s me baring my pale legs and unpainted toes in February to show you—this skirt will be a year-round staple. Whether paired with knee-high boots or flip-flops (maybe these?), it’s versatile enough to work all of it. I'm still a long skirt girl at heart, but I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that sometimes practicality takes the lead in life. Don't you agree?
Moving forward. I picked up these Filippa K Darcey trousers earlier this month, and they’ve quickly become my go-to pair. Comfortable and versatile, they’ve already made an appearance in my Driving A Wedge newsletter. They fit just right—snug where it counts and loose elsewhere—and are easy to dress up or down. I can already see myself wearing them year-round. Again here, I’m especially excited to pair them with flip-flops come summer and stroll around town.
The trousers are from their core collection and have a matching blazer (which I did not get since I already got myself a nice black blazer last November). They also come in a Driftwood color I’m eyeing—so good. If you’re not into the pleats, opt for this one instead. The brand seems to be on a roll lately. I’m also liking their tuxedo shirt and their classic stripe shirt.
Ever since spotting them on Leandra M. Cohen last year, I’ve been meaning to try a sock-like boot. While the fabric texture might be a bit much for me, I’ve noticed many brands offering leather versions of this style. See here:
After trying the Soeur boots in-store, I came to think of these as a a solid mid-range option. But with my goal to be more mindful of spending, I left empty-handed and pondered a few things: Will the thin sole be comfy? Will they support my feet? How will the delicate leather hold up?
Then, by chance, I found the Massimo Dutti pair at 60% off—just one pair left, in my size. So, I decided to give them a shot. These literally arrived today, so I’ll keep you posted on how they feel once I’ve had a chance to wear them in. The high-knee will definitely pair well with my new skirt too, but most of the time I’ll wear these under my trousers for sure.
Things I did not buy
Or at least, not yet? I spotted these Adidas sneakers over at Nereja Studio, a luxury brand that up-cycles fur—so cool.
After some digging, I found these are Adidas Tokyo sneakers. I love the retro look of the thin rubber sole, but at the same time I can’t trust these to be sturdy enough for long walks—something I’m really after right now. So, back they go, like a kid returning candy after mom says no.
If you know of a sneaker with a similar style but built for endurance, I’m all ears in the comment section!
Talk soon.