August 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.

Happy SEPTEMBER!! What??!?!?! September means it's been a full six months of quarantine, and a full year since I went back to work from maternity leave. It also means Mia is officially a year and a half old - 18 months tomorrow! 

I shopped and shopped and shopped at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so I held back purchasing anything else. Then my Nordstrom order came and I only wanted to keep one thing, so we've got a bit of a lighter month. I'm super excited for the couple of items from LOFT, they're so gorgeous and fun for fall! Unfortunately that leopard print skirt is already sold out, which is especially sad because the fit is much more flattering than the bias-cut slip skirts that have been so popular. I'm linking it anyway in case it comes back in stock! It sold out super fast so I'm hoping they do a restock.

Here are my purchases in August: 

LOFT Leopard Skirt - originally $79.50, on sale $35.70. Crossing my fingers this comes back in stock for you! Zero stretch so keep that in mind for sizing. 

LOFT Tiered Dress - originally $80.00, on sale $30.00. This is the exact same cut as my pink bird dress, so basically perfection. It's loose and flowy but also manages to still be flattering. I love the print because I think it will work well with tights once the weather cools down. Also are we still doing tights in 2020 or are we just giving up once it gets too cold for bare legs? 

Leith Cozy Long Cardigan - originally $69.00, on sale $39.90. The one item from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale I decided to keep! It's surprisingly soft and fills a hole in my closet. 

J.Crew Striped Tee - originally $39.50, on sale $19.75. Just another wardrobe staple over here! I love J.Crew's tees because they're nice and thick. I suggest sizing up as they tend to shrink a little in the wash. 

LOFT Tiered Skirt - originally $59.50, on sale $29.75. Super comfy thanks to the stretchy waistband. I got a tall so it isn't too short on me. I wore it with a black tank in my Instagram stories, but it also has a hint of pink in it so it would look cute with a pink sweater too. 

Total spent: $155.10

For September, I'm on my perpetual hunt for the perfect booties (not too high of a heel, either lower profile on the front of the ankle or taller than ankle length) and probably stocking up on a few sweaters as all of my favorites are getting a little old looking. How about you? 

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August 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.

Well, this might just be the least exciting budget post ever! I triple checked my secret Pinterest board (how I keep track of my purchases every month!) and even looked into my closet to make sure I didn't buy anything else and forget about it. But nope, these were the only two keepers this month! I even questioned keeping the earrings, I had a hard time deciding if they were cool and modern or a little too old corporate business lady. Clearly I decided on the former.

I am currently waiting on this sweater to arrive (couldn't resist a good Madewell sale!) and have a feeling a few more fall pieces will be flying my way in September, so things should change a bit for next month's budget post ;)

Here's the damage for August:

EDIT: RETURNED. I just wasn't ever reaching for this top and wasn't excited to pull it out, so I decided to take it back. LOFT Leopard Print Top - originally $54.50, on sale $32.70. I saw this print in stores when I was making some returns, and it is so pretty in person!! It also comes in a pretty tank and work dress.  I thought when I ordered it that it could work as a weekend top as well as a work top, but it doesn't work quite as well with my jeans as it does with black skinnies or a cute pencil skirt.
LOFT Glitter Pull Through Hoop Earrings - originally $29.50, on sale $17.70. On that same trip into the store, I glanced over at the jewelry section while I was in line to return approximately one thousand items and realized that LOFT has some freaking adorable earrings right now. I combed through the selection online and ended up ordering these cute minimalistic beauties. I thought I had to be "done" with fun earrings for a while since Mia has hit the must grab everything and pull stage, but then I realized duh, she's going to daycare full time. Mommy just has to wait until after dropoff to put in her fun earrings. And try not to drop them on the floor of the train while doing so. Which I definitely haven't done during the morning rush hour commute. Definitely no.

Total spent: $17.70
Total saved: $11.80

I think that might be my lowest total since I started tracking this whole budget thing! I am on the hunt for shoes though which can be a pricey add - I returned over $500 worth of shoes to Nordstrom last week!! I'm looking for another pair of sock booties, some black mules or loafers, and maybe some taller boots too. So hopefully we'll see some of those in my September post!

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August 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.

Ahhh how is August already almost over?! After buying all of the things in July, here's a much more reasonable budget post - I actually only bought three of these items this month since two are holdovers that I forgot to share in July! Giving myself a big pat on the back right now ;)

Here's what I snagged this month:

Halogen Cashmere Poncho (available in more colors here) - originally $149, on sale $98.90. I loooooove this piece. Honestly even on sale the price is more than I would normally pay for something like this, but really I'm so glad I did. It's really soft and comfortable, and I've already worn it while traveling. I know I'm going to get a ton of use out of it this fall and winter.
Ann Taylor Suede Sandals - originally $128, on sale + used rewards $66.80. I already own these exact heels in green and have been wearing them everywhere this summer, so when I saw this pretty fall red was available I had to snag them. I've already worn them a couple of times, they're so comfortable!!
Ann Taylor Floral Dress - originally $139, on sale + used rewards $73.40. This dress is so, so cute in person. It's an amazing cut that's flowy but still flattering at the same time, and really is the perfect length that works for work or the weekend.
Socialite Tie Thermal Tee - $39. I'm still not 100% sure on this tee - I think it just would look better if it were slightly more oversized on me. But I love the concept so much I might keep it anyway. It's fun that it's lightweight and short sleeved, which will be great for transitioning into fall (but will still work with cardigans once the weather cools down). Right now it's sitting in my return pile but I keep trying it on to see if I want to give it a chance.
Gentle Souls Loafers (also available in taupe) - originally $149.95, on sale $99.90. In case you've somehow missed it, I have incredibly picky feet. These are basically the comfiest things I've ever put on them between the already broken in heel and the cushioned insoles. They'll be great for my big work conference coming up at the end of September!

Total Spent: $378
Total Saved: $226.95

So, if I do end up returning that thermal tee I'll be right on budget for the month! Maybe I do want to take it back haha ;) I'm really happy with everything else I got this month though, and I'm happy I spent a little more on each item to get some quality pieces for my closet. As far as next month goes, I'm looking for a few more transitional pieces to get me through the early part of fall.

What are you shopping for?

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August 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.

And August 2017 seems to have been the month of shoes! I don't usually focus so much on shoes, but hadn't bought any new pairs in a while, I've loved having a little more variety in my closet. Of course I hurt my knee over the weekend (getting old I guess!) so now I need to ignore anything with a heel for a while. I also freaking love this little floral dress, I wore it sans tee shirt over the weekend and it's such a fun little piece - I'm thinking it also might make an appearance for my cousin's casual farm wedding in a couple of weeks. I'll have a full outfit post up with the dress tomorrow!

Anyway, here's the damage for August:

Topshop Floral Dress - originally $68.00, on sale $33.99
Target Gladiator Sandals - originally $32.99, on sale $16.50. I bought these sandals in a panic when I needed some nude heels at the beginning of the month, and I can't believe the quality for the price I paid!
Target Espadrilles - originally $29.99, on sale $14.95. These were bought on a whim with the previous pair - they were such a good deal I decided to bring them home and see if I'd actually wear them. And I did. A lot. They're surprisingly comfortable, and I get compliments every time I wear them!
Express Hat - $19.90. I saw this on someone's Instagram and immediately had to buy it. I mean, come on, it's so stinking cute. I'm definitely packing it for Labor Day Weekend!!
Ann Taylor Suede Sandals - originally $128, on sale $78. These are one of those pairs of shoes that really make an outfit - I'll be wearing them until it starts to snow!
BP Bow Mules - $69.95. I already own these in blush, and had to have another color for fall! I also am loving the gray version. How cute will these be with some distressed denim and plaid?!
BaubleBar Earrings - originally $36, used points $33. I wanted some statement earrings that would work for fall, and these definitely do the trick! They're really cute in person and are super light and easy to wear.
LOFT Skinny Ankle Pants - originally $69.50, on sale $34.75. I'm on a continuous hunt for dress pants that don't suck. I don't have to dress up often for work, but whenever I do have to I panic because I don't have the right pieces in my closet. These pants are really comfortable and really flattering, so they will definitely fill that closet hole!

Total Spent: $301.04
Total Saved: $153.29

Under budget, yay! I'm excited to see all of the new fall arrivals come into stores, and will definitely be shopping for plaids and sweaters and boots in September - I can't wait!!

Did you budget this month? How did you do?

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August Budget

Holy crap, August is over. Based on what I bought this month (besides this little white dress that I'm completely obsessed with) it looks like I'm fully in fall mode now, although I'll probably still be in shorts and little dresses until summer is officially over. I got a little overly excited this month and bought a lot of stuff (and went a tinge over budget ;), but you know, fall clothes are the best and I just couldn't resist. Or really I think I just forgot that I had gotten so much because it has to sit in my closet and wait for the temperatures cool down enough.

So anyway, here's the damage for August - stripes and plaid and sweaters oh my!

J.Crew Factory Popover Blouse - originally $75, on sale $35.60. I'm so excited to wear this for work, it has the perfect drape.
Banana Republic Striped Flutter Sleeve Blouse - originally $74, on sale $51.80, used coupon $1.80. Yep, $1.80. I freaking love this blouse and have already worn it an embarrassing number of times, including here.
endless rose Pom Pom Dress - originally $71.00, on sale $49.70. Love love love love love this. As seen yesterday.
Gap Batwing Sweater - originally $69.95, on sale $41.98. So soft I maybe have already taken a nap in it.
J.Crew Factory Striped Shirttail Sweatshirt - originally $65, on sale $44.50. I ordered this back in JULY and it just came this week! It is gorgeous and perfect and I love it, and there are still a couple of sizes left so scoop it up while you still can!
Old Navy Classic Plaid Shirt - originally $24.94, on sale $14.96. Yes I did need more plaid. Yes I did.
Old Navy Long Cardigan - originally $29.94, on sale $17.96. Yes, I bought two oatmeal cardigans this month. No, I don't have any regrets.
J.Crew Factory Puffer Vest - originally $98, on sale $46.80. All of my vests are dark colors so I'm excited to have a light colored puffer in my collection.
Gap Tank Dress - originally $59.95, on sale $35.97. Loooove this for transitioning to fall (already wore here).

Total spent: $339.27
Total saved: $258.45

A tinge over budget - whoops! I know that next month is going to be a big spending month too, I'm looking for comfy dress shoes and new dress pants to wear for a weeklong work event in October, and I still have an outstanding #nsale purchase that's on backorder.

Did you budget in August? What did you get?

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August 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 2014 budget here. 

Happy Friday!! Can you believe it's the end of the month already? Where did summer go?!?

This was another month were I was 100% sure I was going over budget - I purchased about $500 worth of stuff and returned almost half. Some of the disappointments - this poncho (it was so oversized it just looked silly & sloppy) and that infamous J.Crew vest (the color is different this year and it just felt cheap). I think it's probably for the best though, the things I returned were trendier while I kept more classic pieces, helping me to build a wardrobe that will last.

The main benefit I've found to keeping a clothing budget and sharing it here every month is that it makes me much more thoughtful about my purchases. Instead of just getting something because it's cute, I think more about how it will fit into my lifestyle and whether it will fit a hole in my closet. Like these heels for example - I love them, but I just couldn't justify keeping them since I rarely wear heels and even more rarely require sparkly ones.

So what did I buy this month? Here's the damage for August:

Old Navy Skirt - originally $26.94, on sale $14.30. I wanted a skirt that could work for warmer and cooler fall days, and I think this one will do the trick!
Kate Spade Bag - $128. This was more of a want than a need, but I love that the stripes will add a fun element to any outfit I pair it with.
LOFT Colorblock Tee - originally $29.50, on sale $17.70. I'm excited to wear this now with shorts, and all through the winter with leggings and riding boots.
LOFT Drapey Tee - originally $49.50, on sale $29.70. This is basically the perfect blouse - it's a bit oversized but has the most flattering drape to it. I can see wearing it dressed up and dressed down. I love it so much I may have just ordered it in berry and black too ;)
Gap Skinny Jeans - originally $69.95, on sale $29.39. These haven't actually arrived yet but I'm guessing they're going to stick around, because dark wash skinny jeans are a must-have for me.
Old Navy Bowler Bag - originally $27.94, on sale $18.16. I have been wanting a larger cross-body bag that would match my fall & winter coats but was still large enough to carry my iPad mini for over a year now. I love the convenience of cross-bodies, but most of mine are too small for my iPad, which is sad because I like to read wherever I go. This coral bag does the trick for spring & summer, so I'm excited to get a lot of use out of this black one for fall & winter.
Banana Republic Factory Sweater (pictured here on the left) (similar-ish) - originally $54.50, on sale $38.15

Total Spent: $275.40
Total Saved: $110.93

Under budget again, thanks to all of the amazing sales this month! I'm pretty intense on monitoring sales - are sale updates something you would be interested in seeing in this space? They definitely help me stay on budget and get more for less.

In August I was clearly in fall mode when it came to shopping, and it's only going to get more intense in September. I'm going to be looking for a new pair of dressy black booties, but besides that don't have any particular purchases in mind.

Did you budget this month? How did you do?

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August Budget

I don't know if you guys noticed, but it's the end of August.  This month has seriously flown by.  With the end of the month comes another budget post!  This month I filled a couple of holes in my wardrobe, as well as picked up a couple of trendier pieces.  The blazer was an absolute steal (I may have stalked it online every day until my size was available), and I'm excited to have it since the black one I've been wearing a lot recently is way too big.  With the addition of another pencil skirt I'm feeling like the job interview section of my closet has been filled.  As far as the trendy pieces, well, I just couldn't say no.  Here's the damage for August:

And now for my biggest purchase this month: a new coat!  I was browsing at Nordstrom Rack for some new gym shoes, and came across this beauty:

With the color, the cut, and the leather detailing, it's seriously the coat of my dreams.  I've been missing a longer dressy wool coat in my wardrobe for a while (making it confusing every time I dress up in cold weather) and so am super excited that I found this baby at such a good price.  I usually allow myself one new coat and one new pair of boots each fall/winter, so after the boots I picked up last month, it looks like I'm done with my big ticket items for the year.

Old Navy Graphic Tee: originally $14.94, on sale $10, used credits $0

Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt: originally $89, on sale $53.40

Baublebar Necklace: originally $46, on sale $20

JCrew Boyfriend Blazer: originally $198, on sale $58.80

Apt 9 Sweatshirt: originally $40.00, on sale $17.99

Marc New York Coat (similar): originally $350, on sale $138.99

Total Spent: $289.18

Total Saved: $448.76

And so I just squeaked in under budget again!  Since I don't have any more holes to fill in my closet, I'm not really sure what I'll be shopping for in September, besides lots and lots of fall clothes.

How did you do on your budget for August?

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