june budget

1. Gap Swiss Dot Henley [seen here] - originally $55, on sale/discount for $33: I purchased this shirt as a way to get free shipping, but also because I was a little bit interested in after seeing it hanging in stores. I really liked it when I first tried it on, and when I wore it a few days ago, but then throughout the day I was getting a bit annoyed with it - it fits me well in the shoulders/arms but is way too loose in the waist. I think I'm going to take in the sides like I have with my chambray popover and polka dot popover so it gives a bit more definition, something someone with my figure desperately needs.

2. Target Sandals [seen here] - $20

3. Old Navy shorts - on sale for $7, with giftcard $0

4. Tabita Skirt via eBay [seen here] - $20

5. J.Crew Factory Shorts [seen here]: on sale for $20

6. Old Navy shorts [seen here]- on sale for $7, with gift card $5: rounding out the shorts purchases of the month as inspired by Whitney.

7. Gap Dress - on sale/promotion for $33: This was the dress I purchased with my set aside money for a dress I can wear for several different occasions so really it's $0 in the budget. I ended up getting it online for half the price it was going for in stores. I wore it to a birthday party this past weekend but I was constantly tugging at the slip inside - it barely covered my butt so I always felt like I was showing the good China even though everything was covered. I think I need to invest in a good slip anyway, so this is a perfect reason to get one.

Not pictured: Gap Outlet shorts ($20), J.Crew Factory Skirt ($20), Banana Factory Top ($20), Gap Outlet Sandals ($10), Forever 21 Scarf ($10), Thrifted Red Skirt ($4), Thrifted J.Crew Blazer ($4)

= $178 - $80 sold = $98 overall


Although I've spent half of the month not at work, and therefore more time with opportunities to go spend money, I did very well this month when it comes to my budget! There are several reasons for that - I felt I needed to hold on to my money a little tighter now that I don't have any income until I receive my student loan money in August, I did a ton of window shopping but not much felt good on, and I was lucky enough to receive a few nice pieces from sponsors and through Everlane credits that that "need" of wanting something new went away.

For July I plan on rolling over that extra money as I will be in Seattle for the first part of the month and plan on doing some shopping/damage with Kimmie, Bri, and Katrina. I don't have many items I'm really on the hunt for (except I'm still waiting for my black pants for school to come back in my size at Banana Republic) so I'll just go into it with an open mind although I would like to add a special piece or two now that I'm pretty set on basics. I also have my $100 giftcard I won from the Chippmunk contest (huge congrats to Kimmie for winning the grand prize! Of course I would have loved to win, but Kimmie is on such a tight budget every year that I know she'll get a ton of use out of it, plus having a close friend win is almost just as good) that I choose to get from J.Crew so I can specifically order this blazer that I've been eyeing for months now! You know what it'll look good with? EVERYTHING

;)

Anyway, how did it all go down for you this month? Great? Poorly? WHAT BUDGET?! Link up below with the other budgeting bloggers! Please make sure you link back to this post so that your readers can find other great bloggers to read and follow.

june wish list

I really want to go into June with a plan for where my clothing budget is going to go. I have nine work days left, and then I have six whole weeks of nothing. Well, nothing isn't exactly true. If ticket prices go down, I may go to Germany to celebrate my grandma's birthday, I may go up north to spend some time at a friend's cabin, and I just booked my tickets to go to Seattle in the beginning of July. My summer clothes wardrobe is pretty much non-existant. I have a few tees, one casual skirt, a few Target dresses, two pairs of shorts, and three pairs of sandals. Here's the plan to add a few more pieces into rotation:

Casual Skirts: On the few nice weekend days we've had, I've worn my J.Crew Factory skirt - I like that it's light/easy to throw on, but it still looks polished. I love the pattern of the skirt above but the fabric isn't really great for casual summer wear, so I'll just have to look for something similar in a more natural fabric choice.

V-Neck Tees: I've worn an Everlane tee the last 5 out of 8 days. I feel really comfortable in them and I feel they get better with wear - yesterday I even wore the black one without my usual tanktop underneath it and surprisingly, the world did not end ;) I have a few store credits so I may get a few more to add into the rotation.

Sandals: Since I have to wear closed toed, flat shoes at work, I don't own a lot of summer shoes. I have a Sam Edelman for AE pair (they look like this), and then Caroline sent me a few hand-me-downs so I added this pair as well. Because I will be doing a lot of walking this summer, I'd like to add a somewhat stable and comfortable black pair. In the past, Target shoes haven't worked out for me because the materials cut into my skin and I found them uncomfortable. I tried these sandals last night though, and they feel really great - there's some cushion in the sole, and they don't cut into my skin. I bought the last pair in my size, but I'm still look around a bit to see if I find something even better.

Shorts: JHORTS! I know. My current pair is about 4 summers old, and have worn through the thigh. I'm still wearing them because they are the only pair I have, but I'd like to replace them. My favorite instagram blogger bought these at the Gap Factory store. I'm going to the outlet mall on my first Monday I don't have to work, so I'm going to keep my eye out for them. I like that they are a bit longer and not super distressed. I know jean shorts aren't for everyone, but I like them if they aren't crazy distressed or short.

Black Maxi Dress: I've been looking for a black maxi dress for several years now. I want one that has a v-neck (but not too deep), thick enough straps to wear a regular bra, goes in at my waist, and is long enough (I'm between 5'9'' and 5'10''). I've had no luck! I went to Target last week just to see what they have and all of them were awful. The waist on this one was too low, this one was way too short, and I even tried on this one but just...no. Amy is another Madison blogger and found a great dress at the Banana Republic Factory store so I'm hoping I can find it too, at least to try it on. I'm also going to try this one from the J.Crew Factory on.

Tees: I tried on this tee at Express last week and really like it. It's still in neutral colors (I tried on the dark blue sleeve/white torso version), the sleeves are long enough, and the shirt is long enough on me. During the next big sale I think I'll go back for it.

So that's the plan. Anything you are looking for specifically this month?

may budget

1. Forever Geo Fringe Necklace - $15: I've been looking for this necklace in stores for a few weeks now, but with no luck. Caroline tweeted that F21 was having offering free shipping with no minimum so I got suckered in. I've recently really liked the look of larger statement pieces but with neutral colors so I'm excited for this necklace to arrive.
2. Old Navy Tee [seen here] - $6 down from $17: This is my super trendy purchase of the month. Luckily it costs about as much as lunch does, so I'm going to have fun with it while I can.
3. The Limited Shorts - $28 ($44 + 40% sale): The pair I purchased are actually more of a dark coral than these hot pink ones shown online (seen here). They are in the Drew fit, so they are a bit dressier. I like them because they are just bit longer than some chino shorts out there. Chris says they look like mom shorts, but I highly disagree. Boys!
4. Sam Edelman Felicia Flats [seen here] - $60 at Nordstrom Rack: These were purchased when Chris and I were in Minneapolis at the beginning of the month. I've been looking for a comfortable nude flats for a while so I'm happy to finally have found a pair.
5. Joe's Jeans - $50 on eBay: As you guys know, I really love my Joe's Jeans. I've had them for about 3 years now, and wear them all the time. Unfortunately, all of that wear was eventually starting to show so even though I have done some thigh reinforcing, a second pair was needed. I didn't want to spend the full price in stores, so I searched eBay. I ran into a couple of problems (the first pair were the wrong size, the second pair were advertised incorrectly) so I'm thrilled that I finally found the right pair. The length is longer than my current pair, so instead of getting them hemmed I'm going to wear them with wedges...which I don't own yet. 
6. Everlane White & Black V Tee - $30: you can read the whole search/ review about these here!
7. Forever 21 Geo Cutout Cuff - $6: will be a fun piece to wear with #1
8. Madewell Sweater [seen here] - $30 on sale: okay, maybe also not a staple piece, but it's really comfortable and I like it so there ;)
9. Groupdealz Clover Necklace [seen here] - $7: I've been looking for one of these necklaces for about two years. I remember seeing it on Veronika, and really really liking it but, the price was too high, so I was happy to get these for a steal from Groupdealz a few weeks ago.
10. Thrifted items not pictured: this vintage polka dot dress from Goodwill ($7), this J.Crew silk dress (also $7 but the current style goes for much MUCH more - who donates these things?), and a blazer ($4)

         = $250 - $60 left over from last month - $25 clothing sold = $165

Overall, not too bad this month even if I did go over just by a little bit. I got a few items to fill the holes in my closet (the white tees, jeans, coral shorts, and nude flats), a few fun pieces, and a start to having actual clothes to wear this summer. I have three weeks left of work, which means only five more weeks of having an income. I need to crack down on making purchases for the next two months for financial and space issues (all of my clothes have to come with me in my car for my move). I can't believe all of this is actually happening.

School Wardrobe update: Chris and I went to the mall on Memorial Day to take a look through the sales racks. I ended up buying this skirt and this skirt (in pink) from Banana Republic. Both were on final sale in store, plus 40% off, so I got both for a total of $38 (see them here). I also really liked the color of this skirt, but it wrinkled far too easily, and since I'll be sitting for really long periods of time in school I figured it wouldn't be the best piece to buy. While at BR, I also tried on a bunch of different dress pants. I ended up really liking this style (in black), but I need them in a long which they didn't have in store. The style is currently sold out online but the sales associate assured me that they have that style come back all the time as it's one of their classics, so I just need to keep an eye out for it online. J.Crew Factory also had 50% off online sale yesterday, and while perusing through the site, I found these shoes. They were exactly what I was looking for, so I ordered them in nude. They're on backorder now, and won't ship until July, which is kind of a bummer that I can't wear them a few times now, but it'll be like a fun surprise when they do finally arrive.

So how did you do this month? Did the Memorial Day sales sucker you in, or provide you with the opportunity to get some great pieces at even greater prices? I'd love to hear how your month went with regards to sticking to your budget. Please add your link below, and please make sure to link back to this post so your readers can discover other budgetting bloggers.

one year of budgetting: a slap on the wrist / pat on the back

I purchased this anchor belt last summer, and I think it may have been the smartest purchasing decision I made those months. If I look back to what I actually did purchase a year ago (May/ June/ July), I'm not really wearing those items any more (except this belt of course). I was making a lot of impulse purchases, not thinking about what I wanted my style to be, and what I wanted in my closet. I wasn't thinking about how I could re-wear items, how they fit on my body, and if the trends were something I wanted to spend my money on.

I started working with a budget a year ago, and I've definitely learned a lot since then. I've sold or donated most of the items from a year ago actually, and it makes me angry that I wasn't better about shopping then. I'm no where near a perfect shopper now, and I still make shopping mistakes, but I do feel like my purchases are adding something to my closet other than just another item I won't own a year from now. Between my list of items I would like to add, and understanding my preferred style better, I feel the purchases I've made recently won't end up in someone else's closet by this time next year. For example, my new nude flats have already been worn three times this week. They were something I identified was missing in my closet, I took the time looking for a quality pair that is comfortable (which these are! they were comfortable from the second I put them on and have required absolutely no breaking in, which is a first for me), and now I feel I could wear them everyday.

I still have a lot to learn about being a smart shopper, especially with the transition my wardrobe is going to take in the coming months, but I'm proud of where I am now as compared to a year ago.

Blouse: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Skirt: thrifted

Belt: Madewell [exact on sale]

Tights: Target

Shoes: Sam Edelman [exact]
Necklace: Forever 21 [exact]

Earrings: Ralph Lauren [exact]

Watch: Target [save | dream]
Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue + Julep Oscar

downside of taking your own pictures: no one around to tell you your necklace is all wanky.

March Budget

1. Target Floral Ankle Pants (seen here) originally $30, on clearance for $13: As I mentioned on Tuesday, I saw these pants on AJ and felt the urge to make them mine immediately. I was even willing to pay full price for them because I really like the shape and print, but I got lucky by finding them on the clearance rack! The fabric and cut will be perfect for this spring.
2. Gap Boatneck Tee (seen here) originally $25, on sale for $14: Although I love striped shirts, I don't really have many in my closet. While this isn't on my "holes in my closet" definition of striped shirts I want, I really like it (even if it reminds me of the Hamburglar sometimes haha).
3. Target Scarf (seen here) $13: I mentioned here that I was looking for a bright floral scarf this month, and although I wasn't able to find this at any of my local Targets, Audrey found it at hers and became my personal shopper by picking it up for me and sending it my way. See how she wore hers here (obviously I will be recreating this outfit ASAP). I think the colors make it pretty versatile for both this early spring, and actually any time of the year.
4. Target Cardigan, thrifted for $4: I mentioned in my med school wardrobe dress code post that I would like a few solid colored cardigans. This one looked brand new, and the color seems pretty versatile. 
5. Kenneth Cole dress, thrifted for $7: a fun black/white printed wrap dress for $7? Sold.
6. J.Crew Cardigan, thrifted for $4: I left my favorite grey cardigan in the back of someone's car and never got it back (it might actually be the oldest piece of clothing I owned...if I still owned it). This cardigan is a bit thicker, but so soft. It's missing a button at the bottom but that's nothing a trip to the fabric store can't fix.
7. Coach Willis purse (seen here) via Etsy for $50: My favorite purchase of the month! After the little bit of restoring, she looks pretty much brand new. It's the purse I now grab every time I don't need to lug my work tote around with me, and I'm truly excited every time.
8. J.Crew Factory Chambray Popover (seen here) originally $70, on sale for $30: After several different options were tried on, I'm happy I choose this version. I've already worn it a few times since I received it last week so I'm feeling confident about this purchase.
9. Gap Pure Cowlneck Sweater (seen here) on sale for $20: This wasn't a planned purchase or something I was looking for at all. I probably won't get much more wear out of it this season but I'm sure with its neutral color and thick comfy fabric that it'll be in heavy rotation next fall/winter.
10. The Limited Ankle Pant (seen here) on sale for $20: While I'm not 100% sure if these will be on the "not allowed" list for school, I think I'll still get plenty of wear out of them at work. Once it gets in the 80s+ here, it gets really tiresome putting jeans on and driving around in the humidity with denim clinging to you. 
11. Tahari Striped Tee via TJMaxx (seen here) for $20: I went to visit Chris at his away rotation site last weekend and that boy loves a deal more than I do so we spent some time at the local Goodwills and TJ Maxx. He found a sweatshirt, I found this soft striped tee.
12. Galisfly above the knuckel rings (seen here) for $16: Even though I purchased these with paypal credit I'm including it in my budget post because...it's still money spent. I wear these rings quite a bit - they're small enough to not be obnoxious but make enough of a statement. 
13. Gap Cat Blouse (seen here) originally $55, on sale for $33: This may be a shirt where in 2 years I ask myself why I bought this, but ya know, I really like it right now. The quirky print on a classic style of shirt means I can probably get away with a lot more than if it was a more casual style shirt. Plus I think it's just really dang cute. So there.
14. Cold Water Creek Cardigan (seen here) thrifted for $4: I wasn't really sure about getting this cardigan as I wasn't sure of a lot of ways of wearing it, but now that I have it I'm excited to mix it up a bit. Maybe a thin striped tee? but definitely with a dress of some sort. and a skirt! So there's 3 possible outfits already, bringing the cost/wear down to $1 in just 4 wears. 

= $248 - $120 sold on eBay = $128

Ok so "technically" I'm under budget this month. I sold 3 jackets and a sweater on eBay this month, and as a part of my budget terms I allow that money to go back towards my clothing allowance. All three jackets were from my college days and hadn't been used in years so I didn't feel like I was really missing anything by selling them. I felt I made pretty good choices this month - nothing really too trendy besides maybe (ok definitely) the cat blouse, the floral pants, and the rings, but even then I know I'll wear those pieces a lot. I really tried to take my time with finding the right chambray popover for me, and I found the purse on Etsy and then did a bit fixing on my own, so I feel really content with those purchases.

I did do a bit more shopping than I intended to this month. Chris was gone on his rotation for the whole month, and with the colder weather, I was pretty bored. Shopping shouldn't be a time filler, but what can I say, I was vulnerable! With the now warmer weather and longer days I'm able to spend more time outside. I'm also borrowing my mom's sewing machine for a few weeks so I hope to alter a few pieces and possibly even make a piece or two! 

I do have a few goals for the shopping I do do in April:

+ Find the perfect white (and possibly black) t-shirt. I only own one plain white tee, and I kind of hate it. It's really clingy and I avoid wearing it. I want a few tees I can just throw on and feel comfortable in. I want a full short sleeve (no little slanted sleeves for these arms please), v-neck, not completely see through, and not clingy. I'm going to look at all price options - from Target to Old Navy to Gap to J.Crew to Everlane. I'll of course blog about it because it didn't happen if I don't tell you about it, right?

+ A thick dark brown belt like this one or this "perfect belt". I've wanted a sleek thicker brown belt for a while now. I look at the thrift stores every time I go because they always have a lot of belts, but most are cheapo ones, or they are in size small and these hips do not do a small. I'll of course continue to look at Goodwill / Savers / St.Vincents but I'll also start looking at stores. Do you have a favorite store for belts?

+ I'll still be searching eBay / Poshmark for another pair of Joe's Jeans. Mine are really starting to wear in the thighs - enough that I'm scared every time I crouch down that I'll tear them.

+ Pointy toed flats, possibly with a bow such as this pair or this pair. I always love them on others but am not sure if I would like them on myself. I want to at least try a few pairs on to see how I feel about it.

How did you do this month? I would love for you to join budgetting bloggers! Just link to your budget post below. Please link back to this post so that your readers can discover other bloggers who at least try to stick to their budgets!

Linking up with Thrifters Anon.

february budget

1. Burberry Jacket, thrifted: $8
2. Barbour Vest, thrifted: $4
3. Ralph Lauren Oxford, thrifted: $4, $0 with Goodwill points
4. Forever 21 Lace Tee (seen here): $22
5. Nicole Boots via DSW (seen here): $110
6. J.Crew Tee (seen here): originally $45, $20 on sale
7. Blazer, thrifted & DIY altered (seen here): $8
8. Urban Outfitters Jeans: $40 with coupon code + $8 alterations
9. Christian Dior Blazer, thrifted: $8 + $25 alterations
10. Nine West Flats (seen here): $18, $0 with a Christmas giftcard from my girl Hannah

= $252

Well. I did not do that great this month. Even if I take the $25 "leftover" from last month, and the $25 I made from selling two things on eBay, I'm still about $50 over my self-established budget of $150. I do feel guilty about that because although I purchased some of these items before I found out I got into school, I didn't really try that hard to stick to my budget afterwards. My new boots are largely at fault - they're 2/3 of my entire month's budget! Besides that purchase though, I feel I found some really great deals. I found a Burberry jacket for $8, a Christian Dior Blazer for $8 (it needs to be altered around the sleeves though, so that jacks the end price up), and a Barbour vest (although I'm debating selling it on eBay as they go for around $60 on there) while thrifting. I also added ribbon piping and a new button to another thrifted blazer, so it was like a craft project/entertainment and a new clothing piece in one ;). I ordered the high-rise Urban Outfitters cigarette jeans in a size longer than my last pair so I can get them hemmed to the perfect length, so I'm really excited to have black skinny jeans again.

So in the end, I did fill a few holes in my closet with the boots and the jeans and I found some once in a lifetime thrifting finds. Like I mentioned, I'm really going to work towards saving money the next ~4 months while I'm still working. I am allowing myself $250 (around 10%) from my tax return (the rest is going straight into DO NOT TOUCH savings) to shop next weekend in Chicago. There are so many stores down there that we obviously don't have in Madison, so my goal is to find some of the following items:

- dark wash boot cut jeans, hopefully at Nordstrom Rack (like this pair, this pair, or this pair)
- tweed/boucle blazer (like this one, this one, or this one)
- Hunter rain boots (this color, this color, or this color?)
- bright floral scarf (like this, this, or this beauty)

I think having a list of things will curb my "throw money at all the stores and buy all the unneeded things" feelings I will have having that "free" money in my wallet. Hopefully I'll find a few things I'll really get some use out of. Of course, none of those items are actually necessary in the sense that food and water, and only having one pair of pants is necessary, but they are items I am hoping to add to my closet as I know I would get a lot of wear out of them, unlike some of my impulse buys in the past have.

So how did you do this month? Better than I did? Just as horrible and guilty? Link up below with budgetting bloggers! Please make sure you link back so your readers can discover and be inspired by all of the other bloggers who budget (even if they fail at it ha)



P.S. Linking up with Thrifters Anonymous, Random Wednesday, and Penniless Socialite.

january budget

1. Gap Pants (seen here): on sale for $18
2. Thrifted Cardigan: $2
3. J. Crew Belt (seen here): on sale for $12
4. Thrifted Black Blazer: $4
5. Thrifted Ralph Lauren Sweater: $4
6. J.Crew Factory Popover(seen here): on sale for $32
7. Old Navy Dress: on sale + rewards for $9
8. Gap Belt (seen here): on sale for $7
9. Target Scarf (seen here): on sale for $5
10. Thrifted Gap Sweater: $4
11. Target Scarf (seen here): $10
12. Forever 21 Necklace (seen here): $9
13. Forever 21 Scarf: $9


= $125






So am I cheap, or just a smart consumer? I felt like I bought so much this month, but I ended up $25 under budget and still bought quite a bit. I think thrifting and good sales this month made quite a difference. I don't have any regrets about the purchases I made - I didn't buy any of it just because it was on sale so we'll just decide that I'm a smart buyer ;)

I filled a few holes with the black blazer and red sweater, which I'm very excited about. The black blazer I purchased is very similar to the one in the picture above - it's a bit more casual which works well for my current lifestyle but I know that in the future I'll need a more structured black blazer as well. The grey Target scarf is something I've wanted for a while - it was originally $15, then on sale for $10 but I still didn't buy it until it was on super clearance for $4.50. Before I started a budget, I would have purchased the scarf at full price because come on, it's only $15, who cares! But thinking about what percentage of my budget is used up with just a simple scarf made me reconsider if it's something I needed/liked enough to spend that much money on. Budgetting has definitely made me less of a impulse shopper which means I'm buying clothes I know I'll actually wear.

Next month's plan is to find a replacement pair of black skinny jeans since my favorite black jeans are now forever out of commission (they finally completely ripped). I also hope to find a nice pair of dark brown boots - I think February should be a good month for boot sales! I think these pairs (1, 2, and especially 3) are some great contenders!

How did you do this month? Link up with other budgeting bloggers below! Please make sure you link back so other bloggers can participate and so your readers can be inspired by everyone.

December Budget

1. Target Sweater {seen here}: on sale for $13
2. Julep Clutch & Nail polish: $30 - $20 credit = $10
3. Thrifted Wool Sweater {seen here}: $3
4. J. Crew Excursion Vest {seen here}: $110 x 30% off = $77
5. Madewell Tote {seen here}: $168 + 30% off + monogram fee = $135
6. Thrifted Cardigan {seen here}: $3

= $241 - $230 sold on eBay after fees = $11

This month I did go over budget, but I knew I was doing a lot of selling on eBay so I consider it a trade-off for my closet and budget.  I mentioned that I sold a smaller purse in exchange for my new Madewell tote, which is a purchase I've been contemplating for a long time now. I feel that a large tote bag is something I'm going to get a lot of use out of, which I can't say about the smaller green crossbody I sold (which I've only used three times in the 6 months I owned it). The vest was a purchase I've also been thinking about for a while as I wanted a thinner vest for layering in the winter, so I'm glad I bought it while I could before it sold out, but still during a sale. I realized that on days that I'm pressed for time when getting ready, I always grab for my dark grey v-neck sweater, so buying the Target sweater only made sense (plus it's so soft and so inexpensive). The Julep clutch was a Christmas promotion that had 1 sparkly clutch (something I didn't have at all but realized I would like in my closet), 3 nail polishes and a few little extras. The two thrifted items have already born worn a ton in the short time they've been in my closet, so I'm happy I got quality pieces for such a small amount.

Overall, I'm really pleased with how this month panned out. I sold some items that hadn't gotten any use in months/years, and have added pieces I know will be worn a lot. Next month I intend to buy some of the holes in my closet -  black pumps for interviews coming up (somewhat of a bummer to spend money on something I won't get a lot of use out of right away but something I need), possibly a black blazer that Audrey recommended, and I'm going to be on the look out for suede boots if I can find some in a decent price range. If not, that'll have to wait until February.

So how did you do this month? Did Christmas shopping mean you didn't spend much on yourself, or did the post holiday sales help you score some great deals? Link up below! Please make sure you link back so your readers can discover other budgetting bloggers.

November Budget

1. J. Crew Factory Tippi: $70 + 50% off = $35
2. Forever 21 Striped Top {seen here}: $20
3. American Eagle Skinny Jeans {seen here}: on sale for $35
4. Urban Outfitters Staring at Stars Cardigan {seen here}: $69
5. Forever 21 Polka Dot Contrast Scarf: $13
6. Banana Republic Outlet Earrings {seen on instagram}: $7
7. J. Crew Outlet Perfect Gingham: $60 + 50% off = $30
8. Loft Sequin Striped Tee {seen here}: $50 + 40% off = $30

November Budget: $239







While this is $90 over my self-imposed budget, I sold over $120 worth of clothes on eBay this month, so I feel that it kind of evens out how much I spent. I should have been smarter about purchases this month as I spent a majority of this month's spendings (~$120) over the Thanksgiving week (the 2 J. Crew tops, the Loft top, the scarf and the earrings). I felt like I was holding back on purchases as there were several items I put back in their place instead of taking them to the register, but again, writing it down makes me realize that those 5 items add up quickly. I think December will be much better for my budget. I have quite a few new items that I already have several ideas for (look for a post about this later this week!) and my family is also not exchanging gifts this year for Christmas as we are going on a family vacation, so that will keep me away from the mall as well.

How did you do this month? Did you find some awesome deals during the Black Friday sales? Do you put away money the rest of the year to save for this weekend? Link up with Budgeting Bloggers below -  please make sure you link back so your readers can discover other budgeting bloggers.



P.S. Don't forget to enter the Leather Tassel Giveaway!

It's Geometric

In my October budget post I mentioned that I wanted to find a printed sweater this month. After spotting this sweater, I knew I wanted to try it out. I got a little click happy and ordered several other items from Urban Outfitters, and told myself I would either keep some of them, or this sweater. Although I really really liked the watch I ordered, I did just receive a beautiful watch for my birthday, and I don't own a big comfy printed wrap sweater, so I returned the watch along with another sweater and a pair of shoes to keep this sweater. The sweater costs a bit more than I would normally spend on a sweater, but I'm trying to buy fewer pieces with higher quality than a bunch of lower quality items.

I know for many items I buy I say that I have to think of at least 5 outfits I can put together with that piece of clothing. While I do think that should apply to the majority of one's closet, every once in a while it's nice to have that statement piece that may only be able to be worn a few ways.

Sweater: Urban Outfitters  {save, exact}
Belt: The Limited
Pants: Urban Oufitters  {exact}
Shoes: Old Navy {very similar}


Linking up with Work Clothes, I Suppose (comfy knits!!).

A friend at work told me I looked very "tribal" today but I told him it's more geometric than tribal...and then I had "It's Electric" stuck in my head all day. And now you probably do too - you're welcome!

October Budget

1. Laundry by Design Jacket via Savers: $20  {seen on Instagram}
2. Gap Sweater: $49.95 + 30% off + exchanged for returned sweater from last month = $0   {seen here}
3. Old Navy Black Cardigan: $19.95 + 30% off = $14  {seen here, here}
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes: $199 at DSW + 50% off + $5 coupon = $95  {seen here, here}
5. Forever 21 Polka Dot Blouse: $19.80 + $12 return credit = $8   {seen here, here}
6. Forever 21 Maroon Sweater: $19.80  {seen here, here}
7. Thrifted Sweater via Goodwill: $5  {alteration seen here}

October Budget = $162

I did go a little above my $150 budget, but I'm very happy with the purchases I made. My new winter jacket is a style I've been looking for a while now, but most new jackets are $100+, so I was thrilled when I found this jacket at Savers. I could have waited 2 days to get 25% off on Monday (a special they have every week) but I was scared it would be gone by then so I bought it for the full Savers price. I bought a couple new sweaters that I've already worn several times now with the dropping temperatures. My Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, found in the clearance section, are another style I've been looking for for a while, and the Forever 21 blouse is my favorite F21 purchase of all time.

In November I'm hoping to find a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans, and a patterned sweater like this or this one. I'm also going to Germany for a week in the middle of the month, so who knows what I'll find over there. I do have several hundred euros stashed away so I may just leave those purchases out of next months budget ;)

How did you do this month? Link up below - please make sure you link back so your readers can discover other budgeting bloggers!

ETA: I purchased the bare Minerals concealer as well after I made this list. It is around $30. I finally scraped the last of my Boi-ing concealer out, and was itching to try something new.

September Budget

1. Target Extra Large Boyfriend Watch: $14.99 {seen here recently}
2. Old Navy Plaid Flannel: $24.95 + $8 off with Super Cash = $17  {seen here with a little DIY}
3. Old Navy Casual Blazer: $39.94 + $12 off with Super Cash = $28  {seen here, here}
4. Gap Dot Pullover Sweater: $44.95 + 30% off = $32
5. American Eagle Skinny Jean: $49.95

September Budget: $142*

I've been pretty busy this month which kept me away from the mall and online shopping. Before today, I had only spent $60 but I made a little pit stop at the mall after work to buy jeans. I found the gap sweater on my jeans hunt, and have it currently on hold until tomorrow, when my 30% coupon goes into effect (I received this coupon as a Gap card holder in the mail) so while I haven't actually purchased it yet, I do plan on picking it up tomorrow!

*I did buy my J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer (seen here, here and here) this month as well, but I had been saving for it the last few months as a birthday present to myself, so I don't count it towards this month's budget

Now it's your turn! Share your budget here - please make sure you link back so that your readers can be inspired by the other budgeting bloggers!

August Budget

1. Forever 21 Jeweled Collar Necklace: $8  {seen here}
2. Old Navy Twill Cargo Vest: $29.94 + 25% off = $22.50  {seen here, here}
3. Thrifted J. Crew Cardigan: $5  {seen here}
4. Essie Ballet Slipper: $8  {seen here}
5. Thrifted Ralph Lauren Button-up: $8  {seen here}
6. Aldo Siewert Flats: $70 + on sale = $33  {seen here, here and here}
7. H&M Striped Boat Neck: $18  {seen on instagram}
8. H&M Blouse: $29.95  {seen here}

August Budget: $132.45

I did pretty good this month! I wanted to spend a bit less this month so I can buy a few more pieces in September, including that classic navy blazer. I've been busy spending money on med school applications, so with less money and less time comes a better kept budget. How did you guys do this month? Did August sales get you, or did you impose a no shopping ban to save up for the fall?

P.S. Please let me know if you link up - this is my first time using this link-up and it's been giving me some trouble, so your link up may not show up right away. Thanks for understanding!

---

1. Franishh: August Budget

2. Back to School-Oh, She Dabbles

3. Kim @ Life. Love. Law.

4. valeri @ subURBAN living

5. Budgeting Bloggers ~ August

6. Laura @ Twelve by Six

7. Blue Paper Lanterns

8. heidi @ literate & stylish

9. August Monthly Spending

10. Here&Now

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July Budget

1. Stila Liquid Eyeliner: $20 + with trade in of a luminizer I did not love = $0
2. J. Crew Perfect Linen Shirt: $79.50 + on sale + 40% off sale = $30     {seen here}
3. Forever 21 Tear Drop Necklace: $8 + trade in store credit = $0            {seen here}
4. Gap Plaid Shirt: $49.95 + on sale + 40% off = $14                               {seen here}
5. Express Zelda Jeans: $79.99 + $30 off $75 purchase: $50                    {seen here}
6. Gap Market V-Neck: $22.95 + 40% = $14                                           {seen here}
7. Target Mali Flat: $19.99 + 50% off + giftcard = $0                              {seen here}
8. Equipment Signature Blouse: on Ebay for $50                                      {seen here}

July Purchases = $158

I did much better this month than last month! Looking at my purchases all written out I realize that I rarely buy anything at full retail price - I'm not sure if I'm smart or just cheap. I also purchased less items this month, but I feel they are pieces that will last me longer, especially my Equipment blouse. As I mentioned, I think I'm going to cut back on purchases in August to save a little money for fall purchases like new boots and sweaters. Especially with medical school application fees and car payments starting (woof), I'm glad that I stuck to my budget this month.

How did you do this month? Were you tempted by all of the holiday sales? Feel free to link-up below to share how you did with your budget this month!

Investment Pieces

After looking over the last couple months of budgeting, I decided that instead of buying fast fashion/cheaper pieces, it was time to do a little investing. I love classic blouses and have heard great things about Equipment shirts. A $200 brand newblouse was not an option so I  went to eBay and found this beauty for $50. The shirt feels amazing on and is even prettier in real life. I already am planning for a nude companion :)


This Kate Spade purse was another investment I made about 6 months ago. I got it during a flash sale and love it to pieces. It is the closest I'll get to a quilted Chanel any time soon.

What have you invested in recently?

Blouse: Equipment (similar at NM for $80)
Jeans: Urban Oufitters
Necklace: Forever 21 (save, splurge)
Shoes: Rocket Dog via DSW
Bracelet: J.Crew via eBay (save, splurge)
Purse: Kate Spade (save, splurge)
Hair: Tutorial by The Small Things
Nails: OPI - originally seen here

My friend Kim and her husband (!) just got this adorable Corgi named Tucker. They came over today for a play date with Hans and Baer. They had so much fun rolling around. Isn't he adorable?











linking up with fashion friday :)

June Budget & Budgeting Bloggers

1. Old Navy - $20 @ 20% off
2. Old Navy - $12 @ 20% off
3. Revlon Minted - $5 (seen here)
4. Forever 21 - $7
5. Forever 21 - $10
6. The Limited - $35 @ 25% off (seen here)
7. Loft - $20 on sale (seen here)
8. The Limited - $8 on sale (seen here)
9. Forever 21 -$30 
10. Forever 21 - $13
11. Banana Republic - $35 on sale with giftcard (seen here)
12. Old Navy - $16 @ 20% off
13. Madewell - $35 on sale (seen here)

= $240








Budget: blown. When I think back through the month, I feel I didn't spend that much, but having a spreadsheet and tallying it up makes me realize where the money goes. On one hand, I could not buy 13 different things, and buy one "big ticket" item but at the same time, I do find joy in having a variety of pieces. I've been working on buying clothes and accessories that I will wear for quite some time - pieces that fit, aren't all trendy, and ones that I can wear multiple ways. There are several items I purchased this month that I ended up returning because they didn't fit that criteria.

July starts the {seemingly endless} month of car payments so I will need to re-evaluate the money situation...although I did just get a raise ;)  

How did you do sticking to your budget? I've started a monthly link-up as a form of motivation for us to stick to our {self imposed} budgets.  Please link-up below with Budgeting Bloggers and share with your readers :)

Want All the Things

Remember that budget I'm supposed to be on? Even though I completely blew through it this month with that Kate Spade purse purchase this weekend...I'm so tempted to take my extra babysitting money I make to buy those shoes and that watch (and then do what Kelly at Alterations Needed did and put a different band on it).

UGH responsiblity...it's the worst.

Shoes: Aldo
Shirt: J. Crew
Stacking Rings: Stella & Dot
Skirt: J. Crew
Watch: Kate Spade

May Budget

1. Shea Moisturizing Conditioner and Moisture Spray -$10 each at Target
2. Forever 20 - $15  (seen here)
3. Target - $20
4. Rocket Dog via DSW - $30
5. Forever 21 - $30
6. Stila Stay All Day Eye liner - $20, bought with giftcard
7. Forever 21  - $15 (seen here)
8. Forever 21 - $10 (seen here)
9. Essie Midnight Cami - $8 (seen here)

= $148

Since starting my budget spreadsheet, I have been more aware of where my money is going. I think I did pretty well this month! Its more important than ever for me to keep track of my purchases since I just bought a new car (yay for the new car, boo for the car payments). Did you stick to your budget this month?


Edit: I ended up making 2 more purchases in the last 24 hours of May. I purchased these super cute sandals from Target for $15, and this dress from Old Navy for $17 making the grand spending total $175. Not bad for a girl who used to spend at least that much in a single trip to the mall. 

Faux Pearl Bib Necklace

I mentioned this necklace a few posts back in my budget post. I've been searching for a pearl bib necklace for months now, but none that fit my budget. They ranged from $44 to $120 to $140 (and beyond) and just like my J.Crew necklace, I wasn't about to break the bank/my budget for a piece of costume jewelry.

So when I found this necklace at Forever 21, and for $15, I was sold. I didn't love the strands hanging down so I snipped them off with a wire cutter, and here we are - the perfect pearl bib necklace that fits perfectly into my budget.

Have you found any great deals lately?



**Edit: It seems that my version sold out super quick but they do have a similar necklace here!
**EditEdit: That one is sold out too! Anyone find any other similar ones they would like to share?

Budgeting.

I graduated from college exactly (give or take a few days) a year ago. Going from being a pretty broke college student to having a full time paying job was crazy for me - money just shows up in my bank account every 2 weeks? Awesome, lets go shopping!

And shopping I went. At least once a week I would be at the mall/Target/online buying something I just needed to have. But I have a job now! I can afford to do this.

Wrong. Although I put a bit into my savings account every month to have a safety net, I always needed it for something. It had started getting to the point where the last few days before pay day I had a pit in my stomach because of the low number in my bank account.

No more. As much as I love shopping, I don't need to get ALL THE THINGS. And at 24.75 years old, its time I start to take responsibility for my financial situation. So I made a budget spreadsheet, and allowing myself $150 a month to go shopping. That includes everything not necessary - random Walgreen runs, quick pop ins to Sephora, and especially the "I saw this online, so I need to go to the mall RIGHT NOW" trips. It may seem like a lot of money, but it is less than I spent month to month on things I didn't always need. Having a spreadsheet hold me accountable for my shopping actions means that pit of anxiety will hopefully go away over time.

Unfortunately for me, I hadn't planned on having a budget at the beginning of the month, so now I have $40 left for the month. I don't need anything, but I can live with buying things within reason. Like this beauty I found last night:

Forever 21

How are you budgeting your spending habits? Do you need a strict guideline like I do, or do you play it by ear?