June 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. 

Oh, and yeah, we're still honeymooning in Italy so this post is on autopilot thanks to past me. 

So remember last month when I said June was going to either be a really low or really high spending month? Turns out really high. And most of that was done before it was actually June (my last budget post went up on 5/29). I think I got excited that a) there was a little wiggle room since I was so far under budget last month and b) I felt like I could justify some things for our trip to Italy, like comfy sandals I could walk around in, a pretty swimsuit for the Amalfi Coast, and a fancy skirt because, well, who doesn't want a fancy white skirt for their honeymoon? I also grabbed these pink pumps for our rehearsal dinner after buying and returning at least 10 pairs of heels that weren't quite right (it was weirdly easier to buy shoes for the wedding itself!) and a couple of casual tops.

Here's the damage for June:

Ann Taylor Skirt - originally $129, on sale $81.27
Michael Kors Sandals (similar shown - mine just have studs down the center) - originally $125, on sale $79.97
Robin Piccone Swimsuit - originally $138, on sale $82.80
Jessica Simpson Pumps - $88.95
Frenchi Tank - originally $28, on sale $15.90
Ann Taylor Tank - originally $59.50, on sale $37.49
Halogen Tank - originally $25, on sale $14.90

Total Spent: $401.28
Total Saved: $192.17


Since we're halfway through the year now (!!!), here's a recap of what I've spent so far in 2015:
January: $309.38
February: $256.22
March: $300.33
April: $228.74
May: $196.20
June: $401.28

Total Spent: $1,692.15
Average Per Month: $282.03

So even though I went a little over for this month, I can rest easy knowing I'm still under budget overall for the year.

How did your budgeting go for June?

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May 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. 

This month I thought the whole time that I was going to go over budget but somehow I came way under. I'm actually weirdly worried right now that I don't have enough summer clothing in my closet (maybe because I haven't done laundry in a while) so I was actively looking for things, but just didn't find many I liked.

There were a couple of things I returned this month. I was actually really excited about this dress, it's beautiful in person, but sadly the top has no stretch and it just looked odd on my larger bust. I also really wanted these heels (and wore them around the house for a long while trying to make myself love them) but the metal band at the top was way too restrictive and uncomfortable.

So here's the damage for this month:

BaubleBar Tassel Necklace - originally $44, on sale $29.80. I haven't actually gotten this yet (it was backordered) but I have a feeling I'm going to love it.
Loft Navy Sweater - originally $59.50, on sale $35.70. Got a compliment from my 19 year old cousin on this, which made me feel pretty hip and cool so it will probably be in heavy rotation all summer. Looks great with the white shorts I picked up last month.
Old Navy Pink Dress - originally $29.94, on sale and used rewards $5. I was looking to add another dress that could be easily dressed up or down, and this one fit the bill. I wore it to my cousin's shower a couple weeks ago and got a ton of compliments, so it was definitely worth the $5 I spent. Of course, I then felt overly confident and kept it on while cooking and somehow got oil splattered all over it, so we'll have to see if it survived the laundry.
BaubleBar Tassel Bracelet - originally $34, on sale $22.80. I bought this at the same time as the necklace, except that it actually came and I've been wearing it basically nonstop/annoying my sister with it.
Old Navy Coverup - originally $26.94, on sale and used rewards $7. So it turns out I've never owned a "real" coverup before (I always just wore old dresses) and I'm super loving this one! The cut is surprisingly flattering. Can't wait to wear it to the beach (and on our honeymoon!) this summer.
JCrew Factory Shift Dress - originally $108, on sale $45.90. Shift dresses aren't the most flattering on me, but I just couldn't resist this print. Both of my grandmas have 90th birthday parties coming up in the next month, and I'm excited to pull this out for one of them.
Topshop Romper - $50. I didn't really expect this to work on me. Since I'm tall they usually don't fit right, and a wrap top like this, while in theory is supposed to be flattering on curves, usually ends up showing way more cleavage than I prefer these days. Somehow this worked! I wore it to my friend's bachelorette party last weekend (you can see a picture here) and it felt so fun.

Total Spent: $196.20
Total Saved: $156.18

I can't tell for sure how I'll do for June, I'm either going to go nuts buying summer clothing for our honeymoon, or I won't have any time for anything and will spend zero dollars. Either way, I'll schedule a budget post to go up while we're off in Italy to let you know how I did and share a recap of the first half of the year.

Did you budget in May? How did it go?

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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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March Budget

So I basically hit my $300 budget right on the nose this month. I really thought I was going to go way, way over budget this month, but I ended up ordering a bunch of stuff I didn't like so I'm in the clear. Plus, I had a couple of gift cards from my birthday which definitely helped.

My favorite thing I got this month was this blue scalloped dress from Loft. My theory has always been to buy dresses when I find them, and assume I'll find an event to wear them to, versus shopping when I need something for an event, because inevitably I won't be able to find anything I like. This dress is absolutely perfect, from the cut to the color to the fun scalloped detailing. I can't wait to wear it to one of our ten (!) weddings this year, or maybe to a shower or even my rehearsal dinner.

I also was excited to find another pair of jeans. I wore this pair here, and while they're a straight cut they have the casual feel of a boyfriend jean. I discovered that there was a little wire sticking out of my favorite pair of riding boots that was basically shredding all of my jeans around the knees, so new denim was definitely in order.

I also clearly am on a spring kick - I picked up four dresses and a skirt even though it won't be warm enough to wear them for a couple more months here in Chicago. What can I say, I'm excited for this summer!

So anyway, here's the damage for March:

JCrew Factory Skirt - originally $69.50, on sale $44.50

Old Navy Dress - originally $34.94, on sale $24.38

Loft Jeans - originally $79.50, on sale $40.55, used giftcard $36.20
Loft Dress - originally $89.50, on sale $45.65, used giftcard $0
Forever 21 Maxi Dress - $32.90
Wristology Watch - originally $49, on sale $39, used giftcard $0
Sole Society Booties - $79.95
Sole Society Clutch - $44.95, used giftcard $0
JCrew Factory Sweater - originally $78, on sale $54.50
Forever 21 Dress - $27.90 EDIT - Returned for store credit

Total Spent: $300.33
Total Saved: $285.81

For April I'm probably looking for more dresses for all of my events, as well as a pair of white shorts (my favorites are basically dead) and more jeans.

How did your budget go for March?

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February Budget

All month, I thought I hadn't bought very much. Ummm, 9 pieces? Seems like kind of a lot to me, and that doesn't even count my wedding shoes!

Apparently there was a theme for February - neutrals. While I got a lot, they seem to be pieces I'll wear for a while - with the exception, of course, being those Target espadrilles, I just couldn't resist! I've been searching for a pair of black pumps that actually fit (I wear a 10.5 which isn't a real size for the majority of shoes) and are comfortable literally for years, so I was very excited to find this pair. I also replaced my navy striped top that had gotten weirdly stretched out, found a new swimsuit (because, really, you always need a new suit), and got a springy white purse with some of my Christmas dollars. 

Here's the damage for February: 

Michael Kors Pumps - originally $98.95, on sale $79.90
BaubleBar Necklace - originally $48, on sale $36
Target Dress - originally $39.99, on sale $19.98
BaubleBar Earrings - originally $32, on sale and used points $18.40
Target Espadrilles - $24.99
JCrew Tee - originally $49.50, on sale $24.50
BaubleBar Bracelet - originally $36, on sale $27
Kate Spade Bag (similar) - originally $348, on sale $112, "gifted" $0
Target Bikini - originally $32.98, on sale $25.48

Total Spent - $256.22
Total Saved - $106.19


For next month, I'll be on the hunt for dresses to wear to showers/weddings/etc, as well as some springier clothing as the weather (hopefully) heats up.

How did you do on your budget for February?

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January Budget

And welcome to another budget post! I can't believe it's already time to do this again, I feel like I just wrote my budget recaps for 2014.

This month I feel like I didn't do so good on the practicality scale. Those jeans (yes, I kept them) were totally necessary, but everything else? I did not need another pair of boots, but got drawn in by the end of year sales. And the blanket scarf is fun, but not really that practical. I also got a tinge excited because Jeff and I finally started really planning our honeymoon instead of just talking about it, which somehow equated to me buying three summer dresses in the dead of winter. So here you have it folks, basically a whole month-long fail. 

You may remember me talking about buying myself a little present with some of my Christmas money - I actually did buy this gorgeous Kate Spade bag, and while I absolutely love it, I think it has to go back. The construction of the bottom isn't really strong enough (they went cutsey and made it the shape of a bow instead of a rectangle) which means when I put anything heavier than my chapstick in it, the sides collapse inwards. I can tell that in a couple of months it's going to look terrible (especially because I was planning on toting my iPad mini around in it). 

Here's the damage for January:

Tart Dress - originally $176, on sale $59.99
Madewell Jeans - $128
Sheinside Scarf - originally $27.78, on sale $16.67
Stella & Dot Bracelet - originally $49.99, on sale $24.99, used Dot Dollars $0
Sheinside Dress - originally $19.67, on sale $14.75
Sole Society Boots - originally $149.95, on sale $74.98
Sheinside Dress - originally $35.58, on sale $14.99

Total Spent: $309.38
Total Saved: $277.59

As far as next month, I'm not really sure what I'm looking for, besides a different bag since the Kate Spade didn't work out. There's not a whole lot that I need, although I have been getting that pesky feeling recently of having a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. #struggs

How did your budgeting go for January?

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The 2014 Budget

2014 was my first year of having any sort of budget and actually sticking to it for clothing. There were times in the past when I sort of budgeted, i.e., which I almost followed a shopping ban for a month in 2013, or when I would look at my bank account and decide on no more spending until the next payday. In 2014 I really went for it though, sticking to a budget of $300 a month. $300 a month may sound really high to you (like, if you're my dad for example, you laugh about it every chance you get), or really low, but it turned out to be a nice sweet spot for me. It kept me from going super crazy, as I used to work in the middle of downtown Chicago and would go shopping just about every day during my lunch break. It also left me enough wiggle room to toss in some bigger purchases now and then, like Hunter boots or a new winter coat.

The only thing I didn't like was that, in the interest of full disclosure, I put up everything I got, even if it was technically a present bought with Christmas or birthday cash. In 2015 I'm going to still share those items but not count them towards my budget for the month. I also haven't decided yet how I'll share items I purchase for my wedding, like a rehearsal dinner dress. I did not count the bachelorette party dress I bought in 2014 toward the budget, but I may count things like new shoes or dresses for other wedding events as long as they seem like things I'll wear again.

Here's the breakdown of what I spent each month in 2014:

January: $431.92
February: $263.22
March: $281.20
April: $270.70
May: $266.42
June: $256.12
July: $273.81
August: $289.18
September: $492.48
October: $56.49
November: $288.70
December: $145.74

Total Spent: $3,315.98
Average Monthly Spend: $276.33

While having a budget made me a lot more thoughtful about what I was buying, there were a few items that slipped through that I probably shouldn't have kept. My worst purchases of 2014 were:

Black skirt - Target - $22.99: This is something that I really liked in stores, but ultimately doesn't quite feel like me. I put it on a lot in my closet but it has only actually made it out of the house once or twice.
Gray Striped Tee - Loft - $8.25: I think I got really excited about striped tees in October, and then decided to pick this one up because it was such a good deal. But I bought it a little bigger than I needed it, figuring it would shrink. It shrunk all right, but only in length, not width, so now I have a very oddly shaped tee hanging in my closet that will never get worn again.
Green Pencil Skirt - JCrew Factory - $26.66: This was something I had on my wishlist for a long time, and then in reality never wore. Really, I don't think I ever wore this. It's partially because I wasn't working all summer and therefore didn't need to wear pencil skirts all that often, and partially because it turns out the color is really hard to pair with anything else. I'm going to leave this one in my closet though, in the hopes it will get some wear in the spring.
Bow Purse - TJ Maxx - $39.99: Another purchase that just turned out to not quite be my style. I had every intention of returning it, but in the end couldn't find the receipt.
Orange Heels - Sole Society - $29.98: This was something else I had on my wishlist for a long time, and then finally actually purchased because they went on sale. I actually still really like these but I think I only wore them once or twice, again, the color is just kind of hard to wear, and I wear flats most of the time.
Reebok Sneakers - DSW - $59.95: These should have been a good purchase. I bought them because I was in physical therapy and needed to stop wearing flats and sandals every day. While they are really comfy, my physical therapist rejected them for not being supportive enough and told me to go buy some "real shoes." Le sigh. I still wear them though because I'm a rule breaker.
Gray Colorblock Sweater - Loft - $35.70: I really loved this sweater even though it was a little itchy, but what started as an oversized tunic sweater quickly turned into a tiny baby sized sweater after a few washes. I didn't ever put it in the dryer, and the tag said I could wash it in the machine. Bad Loft, bad.

It was a lot harder to pick some of my favorite purchases, but here you go:

Gray Sweatshirt Tee - Loft - $19.75: Who knew that I could love a tee shirt so much? I pull this out literally every weekend to wear with leggings or jeans.
Arrow Bracelet - BaubleBar - $10: I couldn't link to a specific outfit to show this one, because I wear it all.the.time. My mom tells me every time that I wear it that she wants it (sorry mom, I'd buy it for you but it's sold out!) because arrows were a symbol of her sorority (she was in Pi Beta Phi) and even led to a random "meet cute" with some of her old sorority sisters.
Block Heels - Sole Society - $67.45: I'm not usually a heels type of girl (see worst purchases above) but these ones stole my heart. The block heel makes them so comfortable, and I loved the way these dress up a pair of jeans and a tee. I even ended up getting another pair in black to wear this fall.
Vest - Old Navy - $19.46: I thought this was going to be one of my worst purchases of the year, I was worried I would never wear it and therefore held off on buying it for a long time. Wrongo. I'm wearing it right now as I type this post, and wear it at least once a week. It's the perfect little layering piece.
Boyfriend Shorts - Gap - $36.56: How have I never owned boyfriend shorts before? These are the comfiest things ever, and I wore them just about every day over the summer.
Bandolino Riding Boots - DSW - $99.95: Who went back to the store and bought the exact same pair of boots after hers broke? This girl. And I've worn them just about every day since.
Patterned Skirt - JCrew Factory - $28.92: The trendiest item to make my favorites list, this is something I was worried wouldn't look good on me but ended up loving. It even made it onto the blog three times before I started worrying about overloading you guys - here, here, and here.
Watch - Kate Spade - $99: I wear this literally every day. So much so that it is starting to get a little grungy. How does one clean light colored leather?
Mark New York Coat - Nordstrom Rack - $138.99: This was by far my favorite purchase of 2014. I love the way it makes me feel: cool, chic, a little tough. You can see me in it here.

Whew. And that's the budget wrap-up for 2014. Sorry for the incredibly long post, turns out I had a lot to say on the subject! As for 2015? I think it'll be a little more of the same - $300/month. Will you be budgeting in 2015?

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December Budget

And I'm back with the last budget post of 2014! I'll talk next week about my thoughts about the budget overall for the year and plans for 2015, so for now I'll just talk about how I did in December. I was actually kind of surprised that I didn't spend more, because I feel like all I ever do in December is shop. I guess I did more shopping for other people than me, which is really the way it should be. I also found some pretty amazing sales which helped me stay way under budget.

This month I was looking for a more casual dress to wear for all of my holiday parties, as well as something to wear to a wedding I'm going to in January, and also a white top to wear when I go to work events (I have to wear a white top and black bottoms along with a branded red track jacket - super cute, I know). I also was looking for new jeans, I bought this pair and loved them - so comfy - but ultimately decided to return them because they're just a tinge too short on me even in tall. I really wish the whole "ankle length" trend would end, on my silly long legs they end up looking more like capris.

So anyway, here's how I did for December:

Ann Taylor Faux Leather Pocket Dress - originally $139, on sale $36
The Limited Zip Back Skater Dress - originally $69.95, on sale $19.99
Ann Taylor Layered Crepe Tank - Black - originally $54, on sale $15
Ann Taylor Layered Crepe Tank - White - originally $54, on sale $15
The Limited Texture Front Sweater - originally $59.95, on sale $23.95
JCrew Factory Pencil Skirt - originally $89.50, on sale $35.80

Total Spent: $145.74
Total Saved: $320.66


I didn't spend that much this month, but now thanks to some Christmas cash burning a hole in my pocket I may go a little crazy in January. I fully believe in actually spending any money I get for  Christmas or my birthday on presents for me, so anything that I gift to myself I'll share the price but not count it toward my monthly total.

How did you do in December?

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November Budget

Phew. Can you believe it's been almost a whole year of budgeting at this point? It turns out the $300/month budget I set for myself is dead on - it keeps me in check every month, but doesn't make me feel deprived. This month I went for a bunch of lower priced items, and two bigger ticket pieces - new boots and a faux fur vest. I actually had a pretty hard time picking out new boots after my favorite pair broke in October. Every pair I tried just wasn't quite right. Then I thought, why keep looking when I really just wanted my old pair back? So I went to DSW and bought an almost identical pair from the same brand. As far as the vest, I had been holding back for a while because Banana Republic refused to put it on sale. But then I noticed sizes started disappearing online so I decided to pull the trigger. Then it came in the mail, and they forgot to take the security tag off. I called to complain, and they took 20 percent off the price! Which means I ended up coming in right under budget for the month. Here's the damage for November:

BaubleBar Crystal Necklace - originally $44.00, on sale and used credits, $26.00
Old Navy Plaid Flannel Shirt - originally $26.94, on sale $16.25
Loft Striped Tee - originally $24.50, on sale $8.25
Banana Republic Faux Fur Vest - originally $130, used credits plus extra 20% off, $82.40
Forever 21 Beanie - $8.90
Bandolino Coppa Riding Boots - originally $149, on sale $99.95
Loft Striped Chiffon Tee - originally $39.50, on sale $23.70
Loft Lacey Tee - originally $54.50, on sale $23.25

Total Spent: $288.70
Total Saved: $188.64

While I did get a lot of things I liked this month, I didn't get the one thing I really needed - a new laptop bag. Maybe I'll gift it to myself with Christmas giftcards. Besides that, I'm really just looking to get some sweaters (because it has been so cold so far this fall) and maybe a new dress for NYE.

How did you do this month?

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October Budget

So I know I said I was going to try to stay below budget this month, but I'm not sure what happened, because I am waaaaaaay below. I just wasn't very into the shopping thing this month. I was really busy so I didn't hit any stores in person, and all of the online sales just exhausted me. The couple of things I did get I absolutely love - the two striped tops are kind of basics and are something I definitely needed in my closet, and the scarf I basically want to wear every day.

Here's the damage for October:

Loft Striped Zip Shoulder Tee - originally $39.50, on sale $19.75

Target Plaid Scarf - $16.99

Loft Striped Sweatshirt Tee - originally $39.50, on sale $19.75

Total Spent: $56.49

Total Saved: $39.50

I'd say this certainly balances out my overspending in September! Next month, I'm going to try to hold back too since it'll be the start of present season, but I am looking to pick up one of the laptop bags I had my eye on - maybe on Black Friday?

How'd you do this month?

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September Budget

Welp.  This really shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone (especially me) since September is usually a busy shopping month, but I went a wee bit over budget this month.  What really did me in was getting this new job, and then remembering that all of my flats were falling apart.  While I had been wearing Payless flats for the past couple of years, I really wanted to upgrade.  So when I saw that Kaitlin had scored some adorable Tory Burch flats at Nordstrom Rack, I had to go on the hunt myself.  And naturally, not only found and bought a Tory Burch pair, but also threw in another comfy find, because, well, I got a little excited.

Here's the damage for September:

Loft Button Back Sweater - originally $44.50, on sale $22.25.  Already worn here.

Loft Super Skinny Jeans - originally $69.50, on sale $41.70.  I have been a real Gap jeans girl for the past couple of years, but when I tried to re-purchase my favorites the fit was different and the knees were really baggy.  Decided to give Loft a try instead and they are perfection!

Vince Camuto Elisee Flats - originally $98, on sale $59.97.

Target Pleated Circle Skirt - $22.99.  Already worn here.

Sole Society Gayle Heels - originally $74.95, on sale $22.49.  Already worn here.

Gap Outlet Boyfriend Cardigan (in gray - similar) - originally $40, on sale $20.

Gap Outlet Boyfriend Cardigan (in blue - similar) - originally $40, on sale $20.

Old Navy Quilted Vest - originally $34.94, on sale $19.46.  This is a near perfect dupe of JCrew Factory's solid vests, just sixty dollars less.  I usually get larges from ON for outerwear, and had to size way down to a small tall for this.

Loft Colorblock Tunic Sweater - originally $59.50, on sale $35.70.

Loft Jeweled Oxford - originally $59.50, on sale $35.70.  This still may go back, it's just a little too big. I would just exchange it in stores, but I need a tall.

Tory Burch Flats - originally $225, on sale $159.97.  My huge splurge for the month, but I love them!

JCrew Popover - originally $64.50, on sale $32.25.  This was to replace the same shirt that's now too big.

Total Spent: $492.48

Total Saved: $340.90

So, you know, just two hundred dollars over budget.  September is traditionally a high spend month for me, and October is usually low (last year I did a shopping ban for the month of October and only cheated once!) so hopefully I can get back on track.  We're now in the fourth quarter of the year, so here's a recap of how I'm doing budget-wise so far:

September - $492.48

August - $289.18

July - $273.81

June - $256.12

May - $266.42

April - $270.70

March - $281.80

February - $263.22

January - $431.92

Total budget so far: $2,700

Total spent so far: $2,825.65

That's a whole lot of dollars.  How did you do on your budget for September?

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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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July Budget

So I was doing pretty good at not spending too much this month, and then the Nordstrom Anniversary sale happened.  Whoops.  I was going to just buy a job interview outfit, and now I own some killer ankle boots instead.  Although the other pieces I bought were filling some holes in my wardrobe (except for the pineapple shorts, I don't think anyone has a pineapple shorts hole), since I somehow didn't own a white button down and my jean jacket no longer fit.  Oh well, I may not have come in way under budget, but at least I'm under $300!

Here's the damage for July:

Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt - originally $69.00, on sale $24.94

JCrew Factory Shorts - originally $54.50, on sale $27.00

JCrew Factory Jacket - originally $85.00, on sale $34.00

Sam Edelman Boots - originally $159.95, on sale $99.90

Ann Taylor Shirt - originally $69.50, on sale $39.50

Not Pictured:  

JCrew Factory Tee - originally $36.50, on sale & used gift card $22.97

JCrew Factory Plaid Button Down - originally $64.50, on sale $25.50

Total Spent: $273.81

Total Saved: $265.14

I'm not shopping for anything specific in August, but I assume fall clothes are going to be pretty hard to resist so we'll see how it goes.

How did you do for July?

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June Budget

So I said I was going to look for some summery tanks and tees in June.  Whoops.  The navy top is a sweatshirt material, which isn't really summery, so really all I managed was two $5 tees from Old Navy.  Instead I got a couple more skirts (note to self: stop. buying. skirts.), a maxi that's proved to be super versatile, the perfect little red dress that I might wear to a wedding this summer (once I confirm with the bridesmaids that they are not, in fact, wearing red, since I know the colors are red and black), and this convertible clutch that I am basically in love with (exhibit A).

Here's the damage for June:

JCrew Shirt: originally $75.00, on sale $26.99
Loft Lace Skirt: originally $79.50, on sale $19.99
Gap Maxi Dress: originally $74.95, on sale $44.97, used rewards $32.97
Sunday in Brooklyn Red Dress: originally $79.00, on sale $59.25
JCrew Factory Printed Skirt: originally $69.50, on sale $28.92
Ann Taylor Bag: $78.00
Old Navy White Tee: originally $9.50, on sale $5.00

Not Pictured:
Old Navy Peach Tee: originally $9.50, on sale $5.00

Total Spent: $256.12
Total Saved: $218.83

So under budget once again!  To be fair, I was actually over budget for a while, but didn't want to have to come on here and say I was over so decided to return something I didn't end up loving.

Holy cow, we're halfway through 2014 already.  My $300 budget has been working out pretty well so far.  Here's how I've done over the previous five months:

January: $431.92
February: $263.22
March: $281.80
April: $270.70
May: $266.42

Total spent so far in 2014: $1,770.18

Which means I'm currently under budget for the year by a grand total of $29.82, so I'm basically right on track.

I'm not sure how I'll do coming up in July.  Since I'm currently riding the unemployment train, I'm going to try to only buy things I need.  Like a killer interview outfit, and new shoes for the gym to appease my physical therapist.  Hopefully I can manage to stay way under budget!

How did you do for June?

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May Budget

I came in under budget again you guys!!  I feel like I deserve a treat.  To be fair, I actually bought a lot of stuff this month, but ended up returning most of it (and the minty dress from last month, it didn't fit me quite right).  I also used some credits and gift cards.  I did also buy a few workout related things but I feel like those shouldn't count in the clothing budget since they were more "needs" than "wants."

LOFT Dress - originally $59.50, on sale $29.75
JCrew Factory Skirt - originally $75, on sale $59.50, additional 30% off $41.65, used gift card - $0
Kate Spade Watch - originally $195, on sale $154.99, additional 20% off $123.99, used credits - $99.00
Old Navy Tee - originally $22.99, on sale $17.99
Reebok Sneakers - $59.95
LOFT Skirt - originally $49.50, on sale $24.75

Not Pictured:
Target Dress - $24.99
Old Navy Belt - originally $14.99, on sale $9.99

Total Spent: $266.42
Total Saved: $136.50

For next month, I'm actually looking for more summery tees and tanks, which basically comes as a shock to me since I'm usually on the hunt for skirts and dresses.  I was looking through my closet though and realized that most of my summer tops are several years old and don't really match my style anymore.  I also may try to find another swimsuit since I have three trips planned in June and July.

Did you have a clothing budget for May?  How did you do?

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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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March Budget

March was kind of a struggle for me budget-wise.  I stayed under somehow, but when spring arrivals hit the stores I had a hard time holding myself back.  Pretty pastels and jeweled details were really catching my eye this month, as well as other impractical things that I won't be able to wear for a few months (silly Chicago).

Here's the damage for March:

LOFT Chambray - originally $54.50, on sale $41.69
Sole Society Scarf - $29.95
LOFT Necklace Tee - originally $49.50, on sale $29.70
Old Navy Utility Vest - originally $32.94, on sale and used credits $11.74
JCrew Tee - originally $45, on sale $33.75, used giftcard $0
Gap Boyfriend Shirt - originally $49.95, on sale $34.97, used credits $19.97
LOFT Sweater - originally $44.50, on sale $22.57
LOFT Jeweled Cardigan - originally $59.50, on sale $25.29
LOFT Necklace Tee - originally $49.50, on sale $37.87
The Limited Dot Shorts - originally $54.95, on sale $27.48
Sole Society Heels - originally $69.95, used credits $9.95

Not pictured:
American Eagle Coated Jeggings - originally $59.95, on sale $24.99

Total spent: $281.20
Total saved: $259.04

In looking at how much I got this month, it seems like a LOT.  I cleaned out my closet and gave a lot of stuff to my sister, so it seemed like there was some space to fill.  I think for April I'm going to try to buy fewer overall items.  I do have my eye on some pretty spring dresses and block heels though, so who knows!

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