February 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.

We did a little shopping this month, and for non-pajamas/loungewear/athleisure too! I even shopped IN A STORE. I TRIED THINGS ON IN THE DRESSING ROOM. I mean, I didn't buy those things, but still! It's been literally a whole year since I've been in a dressing room. And then a woman peered in at me through the crack of the door and tried to come in (she somehow thought the room was empty?) and I will not be going into a dressing room again for a while.

I've now swung hard the other way from my pajama rut of January and February. Now that we've seen 50 degree weather in Chicago in the past week, I'm all about getting dressed again, and I want to get dressed in something pretty. Bring me some lacy, frilly, floral spring blouses. I'm all in. 

Here's what I bought in February: 

J.Crew White Skinny Jeans - originally $110.00, on sale $54.50. I went to put on my white skinny jeans from last year and they looked terrible - all stretched out and covered in stains! So it was definitely time for a new pair. I've tried J.Crew's white toothpick jeans in the past and didn't like the fit around the knee / ankle, but this year they somehow work for me. They're great because they're stretchy enough but aren't skintight and aren't see-through. Win win win. 

J.Crew Blue Floral Ruffle Blouse - originally $89.50 on sale $39.50. Love love love this. It's one of those tops that can be dressed up or down really easily. There's really pretty lace detail at the neckline and at the hem, and I love the little ruffle details at the shoulder. I wore it here.

J.Crew Ruffle Button Down - originally $118.00 on sale $82.50 used rewards $72.50. This blouse is so beautiful in person!!! The ruffle details on the sleeves and collar are so fun and well done, and the whole shirt just feels really well put together. I wore it here.

Madewell Light Wash Skinny Jeans - originally $128.00, on sale $77.40. I saw light wash jeans with an 8 inch rise and I pounced! Most jeans on the market these days seem to have a 10 inch rise, and I can't wear them because as a short-torsoed individual, they basically go up to my bra-line. These are thick, don't stretch out, and the talls are the perfect length for me. 

Total Spent: $253.90

I also ordered these flats but they did not work on me, the tiny bit of canvas around the top rubbed really bad. I also ordered this pretty blouse and am still waiting for it to show up! Besides the blouse, I'm also on the hunt for some pretty spring dresses! 

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February 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.

Whew, and goodbye February!! I know a lot of people hate February because it's cold and gray and whatever, I always enjoy it between Valentine's Day, my birthday, and now getting ready for Mia's birthday! Her due date was in February but she decided to wait until March to make an appearance (much to 41 weeks pregnant Kristina's chagrin). Her party is this weekend though, and I spent the past month thinking about and prepping it so it was a major part of February.

Also a major part of February? PINK! Ha, apparently Valentine's Day really affected me this year. Here's everything I bought this month:

LOFT Boyfriend Blazer: originally $130, on sale + used rewards $67.71, used giftcard $47.71. I've actually been looking for a pink blazer since I saw a friend of a friend wearing one out to dinner like literally three years ago at this point. I ordered this one thinking it would definitely go back, but in person it's so cute! Perfectly relaxed but not oversized, with cropped sleeves that make it feel modern and cool. I dressed it up here for a meeting downtown with our financial planners, but I also am planning to pair it with a white tee and distressed jeans for a cool mix of dressy and casual.
J.Crew Pointelle Sweater: originally $69.50, on sale $41.70. I've been all about finding sweaters with interesting textures lately, and this one fits the bill. Really pretty but a bit more pink in person, and the stitching is very open so you have to wear a nude cami underneath. This is great for warmer winter days or will be nice for transitioning into spring. I wore it here.
Lesa Michele Baguette Ring: $42.00, used gift card $0. Okay so this is kind of funny, but I saw Natasha on an episode of The Bachelor rocking a rainbow baguette ring and immediately started googling to find something similar. I ended up finding this pretty pink/purple ombré instead of a rainbow and it is so gorgeous in person. I don't usually wear any rings but my wedding / engagement rings, but for this stunner I'm definitely willing to make an exception.
LOFT Striped Sweater: originally $59.50, on sale + used rewards $30.99, used gift card $0. I saw this sweater when it was in the LOFT Sneak Preview section months ago and stalked their new arrivals forever waiting for it to show up so I could get it on sale. It looks so much higher-end than it is, the details on it make it feel designer and fashion-y. You can see me wearing it here.
R.Vivimos Bohemian Maxi Dress: $31.99. Okay so this is a bit of an Amazon wildcard. It's by the same company that made the "Amazon Nightgown" dress that was so popular last summer. I wanted to try that one, but knew the silhouette wouldn't work on my body. When I saw this one was available, I decided to give it a try. Does it fit? Yesish. Is it flattering? Yesish. I will say that the fabric is really pretty in person and doesn't feel cheap. If I had come across this dress in stores I probably wouldn't have bought it, but I decided I'd rather keep it than bother figuring out how to return it. I'll definitely wear it over the summer, but it wasn't the best buy. (I actually have a different pattern that is no longer available - mine is more white with blue flowers.)
Old Navy Cardigan Sweater: originally $44.99, on sale $42.00, used giftcard $12.00. I'd been wanting to try the "cardigan as a sweater" trend for a while, so I decided to try this Old Navy sweater with a gift card I realized I hadn't used from Christmas 2018!! I really like the style, it's low cut without showing too much and is an easy way to try out the trend. I originally bought a regular XL, and returned it for a tall large. Then I washed it and wasn't thinking and threw it in the dryer, so now it fits like a regular medium haha. So you can definitely size down, and be careful about washing/drying. I wore it here.
Old Navy Boyfriend Blazer: originally $49.99, on clearance $6.47, used gift card $0. When I was in the store returning the first iteration of the cardigan, I spotted this blazer. There was only one in the store and it happened to be a large tall - it was like fate! It is so cute, and it's a stretchy fabric so it's comfortable too. I wore it here.

Total Spent: $133.40



Okay, so that total is obviously skewed a bit because there were a lot of gift cards involved, but I'm feeling pretty good about it ;) For next month, I'm on the hunt for a dress to wear to a friend's bachelorette party, some new jeans in a non-skinny fit, and some summer clothes for a few trips we're planning.

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February 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.

Oh hey there! I'm writing this waaaaaay in advance so it's definitely possible I've bought more in February, but I thought I'd share what I've purchased so far! My favorite is definitely that sweatshirt - so cute and high end looking in person! I'm also loving the leopard espadrilles. They were on my wishlist all last year and seeing that they were running out of sizes made me finally pull the trigger. They started off really tight, but in wearing them around the house they have stretched out a little so I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep them - may do a few more walks to make sure!

Here's what I purchased in February:

J.Crew Factory Earrings - originally $24.50, on sale $14.50. I bought the non-Factory version of these two years and pink and wore the heck out of them (like here and here), they provide the look of a statement earring but are impossibly light and are really easy to pack for trips. So obviously I had to snag another pair when I saw they were back at such a great price!
J.Crew Factory "Le Weekend" Sweatshirt - originally $69.50, on sale $39.50, used rewards $34.50. It's hard to tell trying this on with a pregnant belly, but it fits really well now so I'm hoping it'll look good postpartum too! Very cute and luxe looking in person, perfect (le) weekend wear ;)
Target Necklace - $16.99. I realized I forgot to add this to my January budget post, so here it is now. This was one of those impulse buys but I've worn it a ton already so it was definitely worth it! It's the right length on me (not always the case with long necklaces) and seemingly goes with everything. It looks to be going in and out of stock, but there is also a silver version.
J.Crew Necklace - originally $39.50, on sale $27.65. I've loved big tortoiseshell jewelry for a few years now but never pulled the trigger on anything, but this was one of those "OMG I MUST ORDER THIS IMMEDIATELY" pieces. It is so gorgeous in person and just the right size - not gigantic (like the bubble necklaces of years past ;) but still substantial.
J.Crew Factory Pom Pom Scarf - originally $39.50, on sale $23.50. I realized putting this away that I already own two scarves that are exactly the same color - whoops! The pom poms are so cute though (and I'm figuring this will double as a nice nursing cover) so I decided to keep it anyway.
J.Crew Factory Kiss Tee - originally $39.50, on sale $13.95. I resisted and resisted this tee shirt, mostly because I definitely do not need another black and white graphic tee with words on it. But when it went on super sale with free shipping, I just couldn't resist ;)
Sam Edelman Espadrilles - $99.95. These are so cute in person, I can't wait to wear them this summer!

Total Spent: $231.04
Total Saved: $98.40

In March I'm guessing I'll be shopping for some springier clothes once I start to get a feel for what size I'll be wearing, because I'm dying for some warmer weather over here and fun spring clothes are always an outlet for me.

Did you budget in February? Any good finds?

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February 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'm basically always shocked when it comes time to write these posts. February is over, what?!

This month I was clearly excited about the trip we took to Charleston over the weekend, and my shopping was in full spring break mode. Despite repeatedly telling myself that I didn't need anything for the trip. The struggle is real.

That being said, I freaking love both of the dresses I got. They are so gorgeous in person. The yellow is so fun and I anticipate getting so much wear out of it this spring and summer. But I'm really psyched about this blue floral dress. It's not often I find a dress that feels like it was made for my body type, so when I find one I have to scoop it up. I wasn't sure where I would wear this to when I pulled it out of the box, but somehow in that week and a half I've gotten a baby shower invite, started planning a baby sprinkle, and have a potential spring wedding on the horizon. So yeah, I'm keeping it ;)

Here's everything I bought this month:

Eliza J Floral High Low Dress - $168. I mean, hello gorgeous. 

J.Crew Velvet Hair Bow (this is sold out, but here's a similar and less obnoxious version) - $16.50. I love how this dresses up a simple pony tail, but it isn't too crazy to not wear to work. Worn here.

J.Crew Polartec Pullover - originally $118, on sale $37.99. I love this little fleece - it is so freaking warm!! Just a note that it is a little cropped, so if you have a longer torso it probably won't work for you. Worn here.
Target Sandals - $12.99. These are super comfy and so inexpensive - considering getting them in brown too. Definitely going to be a go-to once it warms up here in Chicago.
Old Navy Graphic Tee - originally $14.99, on sale $11.24, used giftcard $0. This is super similar to a couple of graphic tees I loved a few years ago, and I just had to have another.
BaubleBar Earrings - $38. I've wanted a pair of white statement earrings since last spring, so I was psyched to come across this pair. They're super lightweight and not too big.
Maggie London Gingham Dress - $128. Love love love love love. Love. I want to wear this every day of my life.

Total Spent: $401.48
Total Saved: $80.01

Whoops. $50 over. Not mad about it, because I love everything.

Next month someone better hold me back from all of the spring arrivals though.

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February 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.

Woah. So remember how I way underspent last month? Ummmm, that wasn't the case for February. In fact, I was over budget by about day four. The struggle is real, people.

The real issue wasn't how much I was shopping because I probably bought the same amount of stuff as I do in an average month. The issue was that I liked just about everything! And let me tell you, I've been looking for a pair of OTK boots and comfortable everyday flats for so long that when I found the perfect pairs, you'd better believe I kept them, no matter the cost.

The other issue? I knew my birthday was coming up, so I kept thinking, "Oh, but this could be a birthday present!" Which is fair, a couple of things did end up being birthday presents (I'm using the phrase "used giftcard" for these but really I used some b-day cash ;). But it doesn't give me carte blanche to shop shop shop. Like I clearly did. So here's the damage for February:

Vineyard Vines Neon Tunic - originally $128, on sale $58.09, used giftcard $0. I went back and forth on buying this, and then it went on sale and I just couldn't help myself. It is super cute in person, I love that it will be fun for vacation but still can be worn to work.
Sugarfix by BaubleBar Beaded Tassel Earrings - $12.99. This whole line is so cute I had to stop myself from buying everything. Thanks Target!
ASTR Chloe Off the Shoulder Minidress - $112. As you may have seen yesterday, I love love love this dress. It's also available here and here.
Banana Republic Scalloped Flats - originally $98, on sale and used credits $48.80. These are literally the comfiest flats I've ever worn. Not great if you're looking for a lot of support but I've walked literally miles in them without an issue. I'm considering them in black!
Banana Republic Flutter-Sleeve V-Back Top - originally $78, on sale $46.80. I lost this for about a week so I haven't worn it yet, but now that I found it I'm definitely going to bust it out! The cut is so so pretty (see it here).
LOFT Lacy Split Neck Blouse - originally $59.50, on sale $20. I initially passed on this but ended up snagging it when it went on clearance. It's sold out now, but this is a super pretty similar blouse that I'm hoping will stop being backordered soon!!
Felicity & Coco Bell Sleeve Shift Dress - originally $118, on sale $70.80. I seriously stalked this because it kept coming in and out of stock and I love it (seen here). This is also sold out now, but here's another similar dress I have my eye on!
Kaitlyn Pan Over the Knee Boots - originally $149.99, on sale $99.99. You guys, these are the PERFECT Stuart Weitzman dupes!! They're super stretchy, they stay up, and they're comfortable. Mine are a little slippery on the insole, so I've been wearing them with my sticky socks from barre class, but besides that they're perfect!
LOFT Striped Lace-up Back Sweater - originally $69.50, on sale $41.70. I almost decided to send this back because it's super cropped, but then I tried it on with mid-rise jeans and it totally works (seen here). That being said, I have a short torso, so this may not be for you if you have a long torso.
Vineyard Vines Solid Embroidered Tassel Coverup - $128, used giftcard $0. I've had this on my wishlist for months, and it's somehow even prettier in person! It's definitely making a splash in Thailand.
Sondra Roberts Striped Ball Fringe Tote & Wristlet - $88, used giftcard $0. I was going back and forth on whether or not I needed this tote, but I had a feeling it was going to sell out quickly so I decided to go for it, and that I could always return it if I needed to. Well, joke's on me because I lost the receipt! It's super cute in person though so I'm pretty happy that I have to keep it haha. I'm planning on this being my carry-on for trip to Asia! It's sold out, but here's another beachy tote I love.
LOFT Ruffle Cuff Top - originally $44.50, on sale $26.70. This tee is so fun, I've been wearing it weekly (like here and here). I'm definitely contemplating another color!

Total Spent: $479.78
Total Saved: $332.61

Oh my gosh looking at that number doesn't make me feel good. It's actually the most I've spent in a month since I started budgeting besides one September when I got really excited about fall clothes. I know that in March I'm going to be doing more shopping for our trip, but I'm hoping to be under budget for March and April because I'll be traveling for a good chunk of them. For me the monthly number isn't such a big deal as long as I end up balancing things out with an under budget month. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself ;)

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

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February 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. 

Oh hello, it's somehow time for another budget post! This month I managed to stay a little more season-appropriate than January (well, besides the cover-up ;) and apparently I'm no longer like colors. I did pick up a few things that I've been wanting for months, like the lace-up flats and the skirt, and filled some holes in my closet with the black denim and booties. The booties may be my favorite purchase of the month. While I love the flats, I've been searching for black booties for over a year at this point (picky, much?) and these are perfect. I can't believe they're Toms because they're so cute, and they're comfy enough (even with the heel!) to walk around all day in. I even hiked up the hills in San Francisco in these bad boys and accidentally took a wander into the Tenderloin and they worked equally well for climbing hills as running back in the direction I came from.

J. Crew Factory Tunic - originally $69.50, on sale $31.05. I can't wait to wear this on all of our summer vacays!!
TOMs Booties - $138.95. I seriously love these, and wore them earlier this week.
LOFT Denim Leggings - originally $69.50, on sale $41.70. When these came I couldn't remember if they were supposed to be jeans or leggings. Oh, denim leggings! Both of me were right.
BP Lace-up Flats - $59.95. I've already sung my praises for these (here and here), they're so fun. Although now that I think of it, one of my male co-workers did refer to them as my "witch shoes" last week...
J. Crew Skirt - originally $128, on sale $96, used giftcard $0. I think this has been on my wishlist since over the summer, but it was so much more than I'd usually pay for a skirt that I didn't really consider it. Usually I'd just take an item off the wishlist after writing it off, but I couldn't get my eye off of this little cutie, plus it never went out of stock, so since I got a giftcard for Christmas I decided to finally bite the bullet.
Lou & Grey Cardigan - originally $69.50, on sale $21.95. I never buy anything on final sale when I'm online shopping, because, you know, then I'm stuck with it. This was such a good deal, plus it got me free shipping, so I decided to just go for it, and I'm so glad I did - it's so comfy and goes with everything!

Total spent: $293.60
Total saved: $113.80

I somehow came in right under budget, despite at one point having about $500 worth of stuff on my budget Pinterest board for the month. A lot of things didn't work out, like this tee (weirdly oversized), this blouse (too hospital scrubs-y), and this dress (just meh).

For March, I'm on the hunt for a new pair of denim and a fancy work tote. And probably one million other things that I won't be able to wear for months, because Chicago.

Did you budget this month? How did you do?

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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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February Budget

Oh hey guys, I'm back with another budget post.  In January I had a hard time sticking to my budget of $300, but in February I did it!  Even with the major purchase of some snazzy new emergency rain boots.  It helped that I've gotten totally sick of winter clothes, so even with sales I didn't really want anything.

Here's the damage for February:

Baublebar Arrow Cuff - Originally $28, on sale $10

Baublebar Double Strand Necklace - Originally $34.99, on sale $10

Gap Boyfriend Jeans - Originally $69.99, on sale $36.72

Baublebar Fuchsia Bib Necklace - Originally $46, used $14 in credits plus on sale for a total of $25.60

Hunter Rain Boots - $140

Not pictured:

Baublebar Pave Cuff - Originally $28, on sale $10

H&M Jersey Chiffon Tee - $12.95

H&M Studded Sweatshirt - $17.95

Total Spent: $263.22

Total Saved: $114.66

So this month went really well, but I'm a liiiiiiittle scared to see what happens when spring and summer clothes hit the stores!  

As a sidebar, is anyone excited to see me in a pair of jeans that aren't dark wash and skinny??

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