April Budget

I have absolutely no clue what day or month it is ever anymore. All I know over here is that we're quickly marching down to our move out date (this week - eep!) and there's a thousand things to do and the days are just dripping away into nothing. 

I got excited by the couple of days of warm weather and ignored the 25 days of cold weather in April and went all in on summer clothes. Jeff's mom is going to be super confused when I move in this week with 25 summer dresses for seven weeks. Of course, if she doesn't know by now that I'm packing 17 suitcases for our #hotgirlspring at her house, then she might not know me at all. 

Here's what I bought in April: 

LOFT Puff Sleeve Top - originally $44.50, on sale $22.25, used rewards $12.25. The puff on these sleeves is not messing around, but I'm still into it. This is super cute with light wash denim or shorts to transition to warmer weather. The cut is a little small and short so I suggest sizing up for this one. 

J.Crew Tiered Tee Shirt Dress - originally $49.50, on sale $29.70. I bought this in white last summer and loved the easy shape and lightweight fabric - perfect for those hot, hot summer days! The white was a little tricky because every time I wore it I immediately spilled something on it (anyone else with white clothes?! I swear I never spill on other stuff) so I was excited to see a few new colors this year. 

J.Crew Eyelet Shirt Dress - originally $158.00, on sale $94.80, used giftcard $44.80. This reminded me of my favorite white shirt dress that I brought on my honeymoon to Italy SIX YEARS AGO that sadly no longer fits because it turns out you don't stay down at your lowest wedding weight for very long so I basically had to have it. It is two different pieces, a slip and the eyelet dress, and the fit is surprisingly cute and flattering. The sleeves are poofy but not too poofy. I'm all in. 

J.Crew Factory Eyelet Tiered Shirt - originally $69.50, on sale $33.57. I have this weird thing where I'm obsessed with black eyelet fabric. It's like, take summer but make it night time? I don't know. It's wrong and feels right? Nope let's pretend I didn't say that. I'm always worried that tops with a seam right above the bust will fall weird over my chest, but add a cami underneath to make a cute little uniboob and you're good to go. Yes, uniboobs can be good sometimes. Oh god I'm just going to stop here. 

Total Spent: $120.32

God only knows what will happen with my spending in May. Maybe I won't order anything because I'm already embarrassed by how many packages I've sent to my MIL's house? Maybe I'll want to actually SHOP IN STORES because I'll be fully vaccinated and good to go? Maybe I'll forget about how many clothes I own because most of them will be in storage and accidentally purchase a full new wardrobe? Stay tuned! 

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April Budget

I share my clothing budget here every month. My budget per month is $350, which may seem like a lot to some people or a little to others, but for me feels just right. I include all of my clothes, coats, shoes, and accessories in that budget, but not athletic gear, pajamas, or intimates.


End of a full month of quarantine, yaaaaaaay!!!

After spending a TON on sale items in March, I really pulled back in April! Not really on purpose, it's just hard to feel like you really *need* something when I know we won't be going anywhere until at least June.

My favorite purchase has to be these comfy lounge pants - they're so soft!! I usually don't include loungewear in my budget posts, but I feel like with the right top and shoes, they could turn into everyday pants too.

Here's what I bought in April:

LOFT Striped Sweater - originally $49.50, on sale $24.75. This sweater is one I'm not sure I'd recommend. It's a super thin material that's not soft, and it's definitely sparklier in person than I realized (the tan and grey stripes are "shimmer"). I'm still keeping it and plan to wear it with white jeans or shorts.
Madewell White Jeans - originally $128, on sale $75. I finally made good on that promise to buy some non-skinny jeans! These fit like a cropped flare, and are skinny on the top and flare out below the knee. I've been having a tricky time with Madewell's sizing lately, went down a size in these and am very happy I did so they stay fitted through the thigh and knees - just a liiiiittle tight in the waist. That may be COVID alcohol & cookie consumption related though ;) I wore them here.
Daily Ritual Coulottes - $31.45. I've been wearing these nonstop, as pajamas and as regular clothes. I love the cropped length and wide leg, it makes them comfier than leggings and avoids the awkward length that most full length pajama pants are on me (read: several inches too short). I wore these here.
LOFT Kimono Wrap - originally $69.50, on sale $34.75. Wearing this as I type! It's a really pretty mix of pastel colors, cute and soft. I've been tossing this over tee shirts to feel a little more put together for work calls. I wore it here.
LOFT Floral Dress - originally $90, on sale $45. This was my Easter dress! I think the pattern is adorable in person, and I love the fluttery hem. I did size down in this per another dress I have that's the same cut, and it was a bad move. Definitely stay at your regular size. Also don't wear this one on a windy day! I wore it here.

Total spent: $210.95


Like I said, I'm not really looking for a ton right now. I did just empty out a bunch of old spring/summer tops from my closet (while Mia emptied my underwear drawer and marched all of my shoes out of my closet - thanks girl!) so some new ones (that all allow for wearing with a regular bra please - what was up with all those off the shoulder tops hmm?!) are probably in order. Should I put more words into parentheses?

Did you shop this month, or have you been tightening the purse strings?

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April Budget

Every month I post about my clothing budget. My budget per month is $350, which may seem like a lot to some and a little to others, but feels just right for me. You can read my thoughts on my 2018 budget here.

Can you believe it's freaking MAY?!?? I mean, after the snowstorm we got over the weekend, I kind of can't. It also means my baby is going to be two months old in two days. I don't know what's happening in the world.

I clearly overshopped this month. But, if you can believe this is how many things I decided to keep, just wait until you see the number of things I'm still deciding on / bought and returned. I decided I'll start sharing those too in case you're curious - I always am!

Here's what I bought this month:

LOFT Striped Shirtdress - originally $79.50, on sale $42.93. I obviously targeted this because of the buttons for nursing, but it's really cute on and a nice length, not too short!

Daily Ritual Tank - $12.00. I have a tee from this same brand that I've been wearing nonstop, so I decided to snag a tank too for layering. It's a great length, and I've been loving these stretchy jersey tops lately since they're super soft and easy to nurse in. 

Old Navy Leopard Espadrille Sandals - originally $34.99, on sale $17.49. I bought these on a whim not really thinking they'd work, but I'm suprised by how much I like them! The sole is really cushy and padded, which is something I require in a sandal these days. The fabric is canvas, not calf hair like many leopard printed shoes, which means they'll be a lot more durable for summer. 

Old Navy Button Front Jeans - originally $39.99, on sale $20. I've been on the hunt for a pair of lighter wash jeans basically since last spring, and found some winners in this pair! The rise is a mid-rise, 8" which is basically the lowest you can find these days. They are a lot sturdier / less stretchy than the other denim in my closet. They also have a raw hem which I personally love. I mostly targeted them for the button-fly though, such a cute and on-trend detail! 

Universal Thread Slide Sandals - $19.99. I bought these today (as I'm typing this, not publishing ;) after considering them for a while. I have been wanting the more expensive Steven Greece sandals for a while but the color I want doesn't come in my size. I wasn't going to get these, until I tried them on in stores. The top is so comfortable!! I can tell these are going to mold right to my feet and be something I'll reach for daily this summer. 

J.Crew Sophie Sweater Blazer - originally $138.00, on sale $82.80. My mom bought this for me in camel for Christmas, and I loved it so much I decided to snag it in white as an easy layer for spring and summer. It definitely runs big, I got it in a large. You can see it here.
J.Crew Factory Earrings - originally $39.50, on sale $23.50. I thought I was done with statement earrings, and then I got two pairs for my birthday and bought these (and another pair last month) so I guess they're here to stay! I'm loving that in navy, this pair feels a lot more subdued than some of my others and goes with a wider variety of outfits.
Old Navy Tank (bought in stripes and plain white): originally $16.99, on sale $8.50 x2. Another great staple, perfect for layering or on their own. These are also that soft, stretchy jersey material I'm loving.
Old Navy Striped Shorts: originally $26.99, on sale $13.49. After finding out I was pregnant I basically only wore comfy shorts with stretch waistbands for the rest of last summer, and now I don't want to go back to denim! This pair is super cute and the red will be perfect for all of my patriotic combos around the Fourth of July.
Daily Ritual Maxi Dress: $24.00. We had one really warm day last week, and I realized I only own one maxi dress anymore! Which really is unfortunate for me, because I've been battling a crazy allergic reaction since Mia was born and have a bad rash on my legs - it looks like I'm diseased! (Don't worry, I'm not diseased, I got a biopsy done and it really is basically just long-lasting hives.) So I added this maxi to my cart immediately. It's the same soft, stretchy fabric as the tank and tee I own, and is surprisingly flattering and long enough for me (I'm 5'9"). Winner!
LOFT Embroidered Blouse: originally $59.50, on sale $32.13. This is already sold out, noooo!! So sad because it's really beautiful in person, hoping it comes back in stock - I'll let you know!
Old Navy Distressed Denim Jacket: originally $44.99, on sale $24.29. I've wanted this since last year so I decided to finally spring for it. I like it because this jacket comes in a tall, so the sleeves are actually long enough for me! This is an example of how you might need two of a particular item in your closet - I already owned a denim jacket but it's a little cropped so I can't wear it with most pants. This one is full length so it goes great with dark-wash jeans or leggings.
Amazon Tie-Front Henley - $18.99. I bought this in purple right after Mia was born, and wore it so much I decided I needed another color! It's really cute and on-trend but at a good price, plus it has those buttons I need these days. Definitely size up in this, I got an XXL.

Total Spent: $348.61
Total Saved: $223.81


And some things I bought that didn't work out or I'm unsure of:

Gap Woven Tote: I liked this, but ended up deciding to keep the one I bought last month instead.
Vince Camuto Espadrilles: I love these on other people, but thought they made my (already large) feet look huge! They were decently comfortable though, and I think would break in well.
J.Crew Factory Button Front Mini: I like the fit of this, but from the pictures online I thought it would be white. It's really more of a light khaki which I couldn't really see wearing. I actually haven't really worn khakis since middle school when they were a part of our uniform!
J.Crew White Toothpick Jean: These were okay with a good rise and inseam length, but a little baggy on me around the knees and ankles. I like the Rockstar white jeans from Old Navy I've had for years so much better (and at a much better price point!).
J.Crew Button Fly Jean: I tried these before trying the Old Navy pair, but the rise was just too high on me - 9" hits way over my belly button! They are cute, but I'd go with Old Navy on these too.
Hinge Floral Mini Dress: This is so cute and such a flattering cut, but there's a seam across the bust that looked awkward on my chest. There isn't any stretch to the fabric so definitely go with your standard dress size, no vanity sizing!
Vero Moda Button Front Dress: This is super cute but the XL was too small on me, and it doesn't come in a bigger size.

Sole Society Tenlyn Sandals: So cute but the straps around your foot are HUGE. Like, even with the ankle strap tightened I still felt like I was going to step right out of them.
J.Crew Stripe Sneakers: These are so adorable!! I need to walk around the house in them a little before I decide whether or not to keep them - leaning towards a return but I'll let you know.
J.Crew Striped Bow Mules: Unsure on these too - they're a tiny bit narrow in the toe for me so I'm trying to decide if they'll be comfortable enough that I'll actually wear them.
J.Crew Denim Shorts: Cute enough, but I sized up for a slouchy fit and they just look way too big.  You can see them here.
Ann Taylor Floral Drop Waist Dress: Haven't gotten this yet, hoping it's a keeper! Seems like it would be great to dress up or down.

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April Budget

Every month I post about my clothing budget. My budget per month is $350, which may seem like a lot to some and a little to others, but feels just right for me. You can read my thoughts on my 2017 budget here.

I was doing great on the clothing budget this month. I wasn't shopping, and I wasn't even really interested in buying anything. And then.... LOFT and J. Crew Factory both had huge sales. And I blew it ;) Here's what I bought in April:

J. Crew Factory One Shoulder Seersucker Dress - originally $108, on sale $54. I was on the fence about buying this (mostly because I already own this pale pink one shoulder dress from last spring) but it is so beautiful in person that I had to keep it! The fit is really flattering, and the fabric makes it really different than the dress I already own - it's actually brighter pink stripes on white fabric, so it looks a lot different in person than online.
Gap Straw Circle Bag (keeps selling out, this one is similar at the same price point) - originally $49.95, on sale $38.96, used giftcard $0. I loved the little designer circle bag I snagged earlier this year so much during our trip to Charleston, so when I saw this one (and then saw that it was finally included in a sale) I immediately scooped it up. I just got the chance to use it for the first time over the weekend (because it felt a little silly pairing a straw bag with a wool coat) and it's so fun to carry - I'm definitely going to be using it all summer long!!
J. Crew Factory Pom Pom Shorts - originally $39.50, on sale $19.50. How freaking cute are these little pom poms?! I saw these and had to have them. I'm excited to have them as a comfy short option this summer - they're like the leggings of short pants haha.
LOFT Lacy Ruffle Cuff Tee - originally $34.50, on sale $20.70. This tee is cute and simple (something I'm always lacking in my closet) and perfect for pairing with fun shorts and skirts this summer.
Treasure & Bond Platform Wedge Sandals - $79.95. These sandals are surprisingly comfortable and easy to walk around in, and filled a sandal hole in my closet. They're currently sitting out next to my bed, just begging to be paired with that polka dot romper once the weather decides to cooperate.
J. Crew Factory Scalloped Cami - originally $54, on sale $26.50. I've honestly ordered at least 10 similar camis over the years trying to find one that would work, and always skipped this particular one because of the racerback. I finally decided to give this one a try, and it's love. It's fully lined so it isn't see through at all, and the straps are adjustable so I can make it work with my bust. I'm thinking about snagging the black now - or maybe hot pink ;)
LOFT Striped Button Back Swing Top - originally $54.50, on sale $32.70. I waxed poetic about this top yesterday, so let's just leave it at love, love, love, wrinkles easily, love.
LOFT Polka Dot Romper - originally $79.50, on sale $47.70. Yes, that's right, this is actually a romper!! And how freaking cute?! I love the vintage-y vibes, but the wrap top makes it sexy too. There's a little snap to keep the top together that absolutely did not work on me, but I very carefully snipped it off and now it's perfect (albeit at a slightly higher risk for a wardrobe malfunction ;)
LOFT Faux Suede Wrap Skirt - originally $69.50, on sale $41.70. So so cute in person, will be perfect for work!

Total spent: $322.75
Total saved: $196.70

Phew, I was convinced until I just did the math that I had gone way over this month!! That giftcard definitely helped ;)

As far as shopping in May, I'm mostly just searching for a new swimsuit for our trip to Florida in June (I ordered this cute striped wrap number, but it came in the mail earlier this week and is a little more boob-y than I'd prefer ;) and another spring-y top or two that would be appropriate for work as well as the weekend (read: covers both shoulders).

What were your favorite buys this month?

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April Budget

Every month I post about my clothing budget. My budget per month is $350, which may seem like a lot to some and a little to others, but feels just right for me. You can read my thoughts on my 2016 budget here.

I can't believe April is almost over, but I'm so excited for warmer weather (and maybe fewer of those April showers) so I'm definitely not going to complain! It felt like this month all I did was shop and shop, but it turns out I didn't end up keeping much. I freaking love what I ended up with though - both of the dresses are so cute, and I love the accessories too! The white dress is a little more than I usually like to spend on a dress, especially since it's an occasion dress that I can't think of an occasion I need it for ;) I decided though that since it's from Nordstrom, I'll just hang onto it and see if I find a reason to pull it out, and if I don't within a couple of months I'll just take it back.

The Tory Burch bag is something that would normally end up being way outside of my budget, but I ended up getting it as a late birthday gift for myself by combining a couple of giftcards. I'm so glad I did, because I freaking love it!! I used to have a similar bag from Forever 21 back in the day that went with basically everything, so I knew this upgraded version would be the one. I love the quilting, and the convertible chain makes it work with just about everything. I know it's something I'll have for years to come! 

Anyway, here's the damage for April:

Adrianna Papell White Lace Dress - $160 EDIT - returned. I didn't find a reason to wear it, and it kept feeling more and more formal. So back it went!
BaubleBar Tassel Earrings - $38
Tory Burch Quilted Bag - $495, used multiple giftcards $0
LOFT One Shoulder Dress - originally $98, on sale $58.80
LOFT Slide Sandals - originally $49.50, on sale $29.70

Total Spent: $285.50 EDIT - $125.50
Total Saved: $60

So all in all, not a bad month! For May, I'm definitely looking for more fun warm weather clothes, and hopefully some pretty heeled sandals that I'll be able to wear all summer - I've got my eye on this pair and this pair.

So tell me, did you budget this month? How did you do?

Linking up with Fran.

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April Budget

Every month I post about my clothing budget. My budget per month is $300, which to some may seem like a lot and to others a little, but feels just right for me. You can read my thoughts on my 2015 budget here. 

Well this month's budget post is a little confusing - I went to the outlet mall and actually bought a bunch of stuff, which of course isn't available online. Lately I haven't had any patience for malls, but I stopped by the Aurora Premium Outlets on my way home from volunteering a couple of weekends ago determined to find some new business-appropriate attire for my trip to San Francisco last week, and oh did I find a few things ;) I had to hold myself back from buying up everything. And while I found some cute businessy items, I also came home with this adorable striped sweatshirt, because who can say no to a sweatshirt that's 1000x cuter than any other sweatshirt? Anyway, here's the damage for April:

J. Crew Factory Sweatshirt - originally $69.50, on sale $35.25

J. Crew Factory Tee Dress - Originally $98, on sale $59.50

J. Crew Factory Striped Popover - originally $64.50, on sale $37.50

Ann Taylor Factory Striped Skirt (similar) - originally $89.99, on sale $36.00
The Limited Factory Dress (similar) - originally $109.95, on sale $55.47

Total Spent: $223.72
Total Saved: $208.22

Honestly I'm not really surprised that I was under budget again since I didn't do a ton of shopping in April besides my outlet mall binge, but I do feel an over budget month on the horizon. I have a couple of trips coming up which means, of course, I need things (ahem, not really, but you know), plus summer clothes are my favorite so I'm sure I'll be spending a lot in May & June.

Did you budget in April? How did you do?

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April Budget

I can't believe it's time for another budget post! Mostly because it means another month has passed, which means it's another month closer to my wedding - eeek! We went and walked through our venue last week and it somehow made me even more excited for the big day.

But anyway, back to the budget. I went way over a couple of times with some online orders, but I kept getting stuff that didn't work on me so instead I came in under budget and have a huge pile of things to return. I was most disappointed that this dress didn't work on me, I ordered a tall to get some extra length (it looks so short on the model) but that just ended up making the flare of the skirt hit me way too low.

I apparently was on a neutral kick this month - this gray sweater is so cute in person and perfect for work, and both pairs of shorts will help to balance out my crazy patterned shorts collection. And of course I couldn't say no to another navy striped top (I may have a problem) so I had to snag it when JCrew Factory was offering free shipping on all orders.

My favorite purchase this month has to be this bag from Target (the little clutch goes inside the front pocket, showing just a hint of pink), I have gotten compliments on it everywhere I go! People cannot believe it's from Target. So far the quality seems to be pretty good, but I guess I'll have to wait and see.

My weirdest purchase this month was definitely these black flats that are actually Crocs! I have to work tradeshows for work, which means standing for about 12 hours straight, and I decided last week that I absolutely could not work another one in my old black flats - so uncomfortable. So I ran out to DSW the night before a show, and ended up finding these in what my mom calls "the old lady section" haha. They were an excellent idea - until you get pretty close to them you can't tell they're Crocs, and my feet didn't complain, even when I decided to hit up an after party. Win win win.

Oh and this didn't make the cut for this collage, but I won a pair of Lilly Pulitzer for Target shorts on eBay this week. They were the one thing I really wanted, and I had been willing to pay tax and full shipping on them if I had managed to snag them during the sale, so I decided paying a little more on eBay (with free shipping/no tax) was worth it. They're supposed to come this weekend so I'm hoping I like them. I guess if not I'll just resell them ;)

So anyway, here's the damage for April:

JCrew Factory Black Shorts - originally $59.50, on sale $29.50
JCrew Factory White Shorts - originally $59.50, on sale $29.50
Target Bag - $39.99
Sole Society Sandals - $59.95
Loft Sweater - originally $54.50, on sale $27.25
JCrew Factory Shirt - originally $44.50, on sale $29.50
Croc Flats - originally $45, on sale $34.95
Lilly Pulitzer for Target Shorts - originally $24, purchased for $38.50

Total Spent: $228.74
Total Saved: $158.20

For next month, I'm looking for another pair of skinny jeans (I mentioned this before, but a zipper on one of my boots shredded up a couple of pairs) and some fun things to wear on my honeymoon in Italy!

How did you do spending-wise this month?

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April Budget

Another month, another budget post!  I managed to come up under budget again this month, thanks to some purchases (ahem) that were returned.  After having to dress up for a tradeshow earlier this month for work, I realized all of my dress pants are too big, and that I could use some other work appropriate clothes.  I also picked up a pretty dress to wear to a wedding this summer and some fun accessories.  The maxi hasn't made it out of my closet yet thanks to the weather, but I'm not so sure I like it as much as when I bought it anymore, so that might be going back.  The green dress and necklace haven't come in the mail yet, so who knows if I'll actually like them when they come or not.

Here's the damage for April:

Old Navy Dress - originally $34.95, on sale $15
Sole Society Heels - originally $74.95, on sale $67.45
LOFT Tiny Dot Blouse - originally $59.50, on sale $29.75
Target Maxi Dress - $27.99
Gap Boyfriend Shorts - originally $49.95, on sale $36.56
Gap Trouser Pants - originally $59.95, on sale plus used credits $25.97
Jessica Simpson Dress - originally $138, on sale $39.99
Amrita Singh Necklace - originally $120, on sale $17.99
Old Navy Belt - originally $14.94, on sale $10

Total Spent: $270.70
Total Saved: $309.53

For May, I'm looking for some springy skirts and dresses to fill my closet, as well as a simple but dressy clutch or crossbody bag.  How did you do budget-wise for April?

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