June 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.


Weren't we just here?

I posted my May budget a couple weeks late, so it really feels like I just shared a bunch of purchases. Don't worry, I still managed to buy a few things since then! If you have a larger chest and are on the hunt for a new bra, I did just have to share that I just tried this one and am in love! Comfortable all day, and with the stretchy cups it's a perfect fit! Plus it's pretty, which doesn't hurt. Bras don't fit in my budgeting rules, but I thought I'd share anyway!

I'm probably most excited, you know, besides the bra, about these ruffled tank tops. I've been wearing them on my conference calls for work and have gotten tons of compliments. They're perfect tucked into a skirt or into pull-on shorts (like these).

J.Crew Ruffled Tank (purchased in black and white) - originally $49.50, on sale + used rewards $17.30 x2 = $34.60. Like I said above, so freaking cute! It's more fitted than most tees are right now, but stick with your usual size.
LOFT Straw Pom Pom Bag - originally $59.50, on sale $23.80. Helloooooo new summer bag! I didn't even realize it's a convertible cross-body, so the chain can be worn long or can be doubled for a shorter shoulder bag. I freaking love the pom poms, so cute. It's not huge, but I have enough room for my phone, keys, sunglasses (without a case), card holder, and chapstick/hand sanitizer.
LOFT Floral Pleated Shorts - originally $49.50, on sale $19.80. So adorable! I sized down because the solid black pair I got in May was stretchy and ran big, but definitely stick with your usual size! These are not a stretchy fabric. I never thought I'd be buying culottes, but you can't beat them for running after a toddler! I've been pairing them with one of the ruffled tanks or just a plain white tee. So easy and cute!
J.Crew Factory Black Denim Shorts - originally $59.50, on sale $9.95. Okay so I definitely bought these because of the sale price, but I haven't actually worn them yet. They just don't feel quite right for spring / early summer! But I have a feeling I'll get a lot of use out of them as summer winds down but the heat remains.
Daily Ritual Romper - $30.18. I realized I talked about this a couple times on Instagram but forgot to include it in a budget round up! It's so soft and comfortable, definitely my go-to for quarantine lounge wear! I suggest sizing down from your usual Daily Ritual size, it runs a little big. Mine did end up shrinking a tiny bit in the wash.
LOFT Weekend Sweater - originally $64.50, on sale $25.80. I always love a lightweight sweater with white shorts for the summer, it's perfect for slightly cooler nights.
Birkenstock Waterproof Sandal - $44.95. Oh my god I can't believe I bought these. But I'm a sucker for comfort these days, and saw a bunch of people raving about these so I caved. They're basically like Crocs, but look like a Birkenstock. I bought them specifically for wearing on our roof while we're doing water activities with Mia, and they really are so comfortable (and cute? maybe?) that I've worn them out of the house a few times too. I was worried that the white would get dirty easily, but I haven't had any issues yet. The soles are slightly darker but that's it. Just a note to go down a size! I usually wear a 10.5/11, and am in the 10-10.5 size.

Total spent: $189.08

Not bad for the month, thanks to all of those crazy sales!

I'm still looking for more easy, lightweight summer dresses (my fav for looking pulled together but still comfy during all of those video calls), but have nothing specific on my shopping list at the moment. July is usually interesting because that's when fall clothes start coming out, so we shall see - could turn into a crazy shopping month if history means anything!

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June 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.

This is always the weird part of summer for me, because in one way it's just beginning. The first "official" day of summer was just last week, and that's when Chicago finally got its s*** in order and brought out the warm weather. Buuuut... fall clothes are going to start coming out soon! I mean, I saw an email about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yesterday. I feel like fall always gets pushed down our throats way sooner than I'm ready for it, and over here I'll be celebrating the summer down until the last drop. Or really, until the last day I have to go back to work (after Labor Day).

So what I'm trying to say is, June was a weird shopping month for me because most of the month was still in the 60's the majority of the time here in Chicago, so I was still shopping for cool weather pieces! Hence more jeans and sweatshirts. I think that pink stripe sweatshirt (which I also own in blue!) will still get a lot of wear though paired with shorts for cooler evenings and trips.

My favorite item by far though, is that black raffia bag. I featured it in my Friday Finds last week and ended up buying it while I put together the post, and it's ALREADY sold out. I hate when that happens and I don't get a chance to really share something with all of you. But I did find a couple of similar bags (here, here, and here) in case you love the look.

So here is the damage for June:

LOFT Striped Dress - $79.50, on sale $39.75 used rewards $34.75. This is one of those dresses where I wasn't really sure about it, and then I put it on and it was THAT flattering that I had to keep it. It would be so cute for work, but I'm planning on some summer dinners out in it.
Mali + Lili Black Raffia Bag - $84.00. Already wore it here but it somehow managed to sell out in the last week! Similar here, here, and here.
Old Navy Jeans - originally $44.99, on sale $33.74, used rewards $0. I love light rinse jeans for summer, and since I seem to be needing to wash my jeans more usual since becoming a mommy I thought another pair was in order! I got a long in these and they are just a tinge too long on me so I'm thinking of cutting them shorter for a raw hem look.
Marc Fischer Stud Sandals - originally $129.95, on sale $90.96, used notes $30.96. No I did not need another pair of flat sandals, but I loved the stud details on them (plus they were on sale!) so I went for it. My feet are super picky and I have decided these are good for everyday wear but maybe not the best for walking miles around the city in. Worn here.
Gap Distressed Boyfriend Shorts - $54.95, on sale + used rewards $14.69. It turned out I needed some new shorts post-baby (what, my body changed?!) and these definitely fit the bill. I love that the longer inseam means no chub rub and makes them super comfy for everyday wear. They are perfectly slouchy without being sloppy. Worn here.
J.Crew Colorblock Pullover - originally $65.00, on sale $45.50. I got the blue version last month, and you had better believe when I saw the pink pop up in stock in my size I snatched it! I went a size up in these to make them extra cozy. Just a note, they really are more of a thick tee-shirt material, not a soft cozy sweatshirt. Wore the blue here.
BP Block Heel Sandals - $59.95. I somehow didn't have a pair of nude sandals in my closet to wear to a wedding I'm going to next week. I ordered a bunch of pairs and ended up keeping these. I tested them out for a date night last weekend and ended up having to do a lot more walking than anticipated. We decided to take the train and then said train got stopped so we ended up hopping off early and walking a few extra blocks. Let me say, I did not think they'd hold up and figured I'd be hobbling by the end of the night, but my feet actually still felt fine several hours later - winners in my book!

Total Spent: $269.85
Total Saved: $248.49

Not bad, huh?! For July I'm definitely still looking for more summer clothes, but you'd better bet I'll be shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale too ;) Oh, and I already ordered and am (im)patiently awaiting this top, this dress, this dress, and this dress. I had to buy a few things to match my new bag. Which really is what prompted most of those purchases. Pray for me.

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June 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 had completely convinced myself that I hadn't bought anything new in June and that there wouldn't be anything to share. I've basically been traveling the whole month so there wasn't even time to shop! Of course, I forgot about all of those purchases I made back at the end of May that didn't arrive in time to include in my May budget post. Duh. Don't worry, in the three days I've been home I've already ordered about a hundred things, so there should be lots to share for July!

LOFT Kimono - originally $49.50, on sale $29.70. I'm actually wearing it while I type this! I love the concept of the kimono, they're such a fun lightweight layer for summer, and easier to wear than a scarf. This particular style is sold out, but I also love this one and this one.
J.Crew Factory Embroidered Tee - originally $59.50, on sale $29.95. This tee is so cute I'm willing to forgive it for being super sheer - it's actually fine if you wear a nude bra underneath but just wanted to put that out there as a word of warning! The embroidery is really pretty, and it's nice and lightweight for those hot summer days.
LOFT Ruffle Shorts - originally $49.50, on sale $29.70. These have the look of a mini skirt thanks to the ruffle and are so cute in person - you can see me trying them on here. I love that they're a slightly dressier shorts option.
J.Crew Factory Sweater Blazer - originally $98.00, on sale $49.00. I tried this on in stores and fell in love - it's so comfy but slightly more dressed up than a regular sweater. Definitely perfect for chilly summer offices!
Lou & Grey Hoodie Tee - originally $59.50, on sale $35.70. I've been wearing this basically non-stop around the house (well, at least for the few days I've actually been home!) and it is SO soft and cozy without being too hot for summer. The sides have slits which makes it a little breezier, although I wear a tank underneath.
LOFT Summer Vibes Sweater - originally $59.50, on sale $35.70. How freaking cute is this sweater?! It's the perfect weight for chilly summer nights and has a great drape to it.

Total Spent: $209.75
Total Saved: $165.75


Waaaaaay under budget for the month - high five me! So far for July I've bought two hats and a bunch of shorts. These purchases feel very not me haha, but I realized with all of our travel that I was basically just wearing the same two pairs of shorts over and over. For the rest of summer, I'm looking for lightweight dresses that can work for the office or for the weekend. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will also be here in July so I'm probably going to start shopping for fall. I know, I know, I'm disgusted also. But if there's anything I've learned from shopping (or not shopping) the sale in the past, it's that I should buy the stuff now, because inevitably come September I'll want it and then have to pay full price. Want to shop the sale early? Be sure to sign up for a Nordstrom card now for early access!! Having the card last year was amazing because so much stuff sold out after the first couple of days and was never restocked.

Did you budget this month? How did you do?

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June 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.

Hellooooo!!!! Can you believe it's time for another budget post? Oh no? Me neither. I know I say it every month, but this year is just flying by. It's already time for my mid-year budget check-in!

I bought a lot this month. Like, go to Nordstrom and return $600 worth of things lot. If I could put in a little embarrassed face emoji here, I would. Really, the problem was that I was trying to find a dress for a wedding we're going to next week and ordering multiple sizes. I ended up deciding to go with Rent the Runway instead because I had some credits (I'm trying this and this), but I suppose that's neither here nor there.

Well anyway, as I'm writing this it's late and I'm clearly getting off track, so here's the damage for June:

LOFT Eyelet One Shoulder Top - originally $39.99, on sale $23.99. I haven't managed to share this yet, but I freaking love it. The main part of the shirt is tee shirt material, which means it's really comfortable and easy to wear. It runs a little big so size down.
LOFT Pom Pom Shift Dress - originally $89.50, on sale $44.93. I'm really glad I bit the bullet on this final sale dress, I've already worn it a couple of times including here. The shift shape is really flattering, and the cut makes it appropriate for work while the pom poms add some fun. I keep seeing sizes popping in and out of stock so keep checking if you want it. Fits TTS.
J. Crew Factory One Shoulder Dress (back in stock!) - originally $79.95, on sale $39.50. I love love looooove this dress. One shoulder plus as ruffle plus a shift shape plus stripes plus blue and white? It's like whoever designed this was reading my mind. The fit is a little large but I still went with my regular size (see it here). This sold out basically instantly so snag it now if it's on your wishlist!
J. Crew Seaside Pants - originally $89.50, on sale $52.50. I would not say these are the most flattering pants, they're a little high waisted so I tend to roll the waistband (like those good old Soffe shorts!) but I love them for traveling or for work from home days. They are super comfortable but look way more pulled together than sweats. I got a tall and they're the perfect ankle length. I can see dressing them up but haven't tried it. My only regret is that I got them in gray, and I keep realizing that all of the sweaters I usually travel with are gray too.
LOFT Fiesta Dress (currently 50% off!) - originally $89.50, on sale + used rewards $24.75. This dress is just so freaking fun. I love the embroidery on the sleeves and the bow in the back. It's belted but the belt is removable, so it can be pulled in at the waist or worn like the one shoulder dress. It fits large, I sized down to a medium.
J. Crew Factory Striped Studio Tee - originally $29.50, on sale $14.50. These tees are the best, I have them in a couple of colors and they're perfect for everyday wear. Unlike a lot of tees on the market these days, they're made from a really thick material that isn't see-through. Definitely size up in them though because they tend to shrink a little.
J. Crew Polka Dot Cold Shoulder Top - originally $68, on sale $40.80. This one I'm still not sure about, I still might return it. The polka dots are adorable and I really love the sleeves, but I'm still concerned that the shoulder straps will never stay up. I guess I need to wear it around the house and make up my mind.
Sperry Seacoast Sneaker - originally $59.95, on sale $49.95. I just wore these for the first time for my trip to Knoxville, and I'm a bit "meh" about them. On the one hand, they're so cute. On the other hand, I wanted to rip them off of my feet after wearing them for a full day because the elastic band on the top of your foot really starts to dig in. I did wear them again for a shorter time and not have any issues, so it's possible I just need to break them in a little more.
BaubleBar Rosalita Tassel Earrings - originally $38, used rewards $32. These were one of those purchases where I saw them and had to buy them immediately. I've worn them a couple of times and it is insane how many compliments I got. They are big but still fairly lightweight because the main material is embroidery floss.
J. Crew Factory Striped Cotton-Linen Skirt - originally $69.50, on sale $34.50. I wore this for the first time on Tuesday, and realized that it's made of the exact same material as the one shoulder dress I love so much. So cute with a tucked-in tee and long enough for work, runs TTS.

Total Spent: $357.42
Total Saved: $295.97

Whew, that's a lot of stuff!! I'm going to try to slow things down in July and maybe focus on some workwear. Of course, I did already put in orders for some distressed denim and the cutest rosé tote so we'll see how it goes ;)

I'm actually doing really well on the budget for the year so far, here's my breakdown:

January: $258.49

February: $479.78
March: $274.90
April: $125.50
May: $315.29
June: $357.42

Total Spent: $1,811.38

Average Monthly Total: $301.90

So I'm actually on track for my monthly spend of $300 from the last few years, versus $350 for this year - I guess I didn't need to give myself that raise!

Did you budget for June? How did you do?

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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 2015 budget here. 

Say what, it's time for another budget post?! I felt like I didn't do a ton of shopping this month, yet there are still somehow six new items in my closet (plus one I forgot about last month). My absolute favorite thing though? These suede wedges! They are so comfortable you guys, like, so comfortable that I threw them in my suitcase to Vegas never having worn them outside before. That's how much confidence I had in them. Plus they transition really easily between casual and dressy outfits, which makes them great to bring on a trip when you're trying to just bring three pairs of shoes instead of, you know, six for a four day trip (I mean, no, I definitely never did that).

So anyway, here's what I got in June:

J. Crew Factory Gray Tee - originally $22.50, on sale $11
J. Crew Factory White Necklace - originally $54.50, on sale $24.95
Charming Charlie Earrings - $8
J. Crew Factory Striped Tee - originally $45, on sale $22.50
Charming Charlie OTS Top - $25
Dolce Vita Wedges - originally $139.95, on sale $99.90

Not pictured (and also purchased last month - whoops!):
Michael Kors Short Trench (seen here, similar here)- originally $210, on sale $84.95

Total spent: $276.30
Total saved: $228.65

Since we're halfway through the year (what?!) here's a look back on what I've spent so far this year:
January - $158.37
February - $293.60
March - $246.74
April - $223.72
May - $409.49
June - $276.30

Total spent: $1,608.22
Average per month: $268.37

So I seem to be right on track for the year so far. I'm not home very much in July so we'll see how much I end up spending. There isn't anything I really need right now, except maybe another pair of jeans.

Did you budget in June? How did you do?

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Linking up with Fran.

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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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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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