May 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.

Whoops, am I, you know, two weeks late with this post?

It's hard to jump back into posting when the world feels so crazy right now. Is it appropriate for me to be talking about clothes when it hasn't been business as usual and our country is busy fighting for Black lives, protesting, changing mindsets, and focusing on being anti-racist? I still don't think so, I don't really know how to go back to business as usual here. So I really apologize if this post seems tone deaf. I just really don't know what the right thing is to do.

And then I also want to apologize for not being business as usual, since a lot of these are now sold out. I will definitely try to be more on top of things in June!

So without further ado, here's what I bought in May:

Old Navy Pink Striped Tee - originally $14.99, on sale $7.98. Just a cute basic, looks great with white shorts! Size up for a relaxed fit. (worn here.)
J.Crew White Floral Dress - originally $138.00, on sale and used rewards $64.00. Just an FYI, it is a little bit of a weird shape. I got an XL (seen here) and it looks really cute from the front and back but from the side it looks huge. But the drop waist is strangely cuter than I thought it would be. True drop waists can emphasize your stomach area but this one does not.
Old Navy Striped Dress - originally $29.99, on sale $20. I've been wanting more "house dresses" for summer. You know, dresses that are so comfortable they feel like pajamas, but feel put together if you decide to leave the house. This definitely fits the bill. I got a tall and it comes to my knees (I'm 5'9"), which feels a little more like work-wear. If you want it shorter, definitely go for the regular size.
J.Crew Lace Tee (a version with just the lace sleeves) - originally $69.50, on sale $34.75. So so so so cute. This is definitely my cute tee of summer, it feels elevated because of the lace but it still is mainly tee shirt material. You will need a nude cami or something underneath because the lace v in the front goes down really low. Definitely snap this up as it is about to sell out, or grab this other version if you love the blue. (worn here.)
LOFT Pleated Shorts - originally $49.50, on sale $12.54. Okay so once you have a baby you're basically never wearing a mini skirt again, but these shorts give the look of a mini skirt but still let you bend over. Win win. Definitely go a size down as they run big. I think the black may be sold out, but they also have a cute floral pattern (that I may have also ordered!).
LOFT Floral Kimono - originally $49.50, on sale and used rewards $21.75. Super cute with white shorts, the perfect outfit topper for summer!
J.Crew White Jeans - originally $69.50, on sale $34.75. Yes, I bought another pair of white crop flares that look exactly like the pair I bought in April. But these have cute frayed hems! And also I realized once you have a toddler it definitely does not hurt to have backups for your favorite white jeans ;)
LOFT Bird Tiered Dress - originally $80, on sale and used rewards $36.75. This one is definitely sold out now, sorry friends :( (worn here.)
Old Navy Red Blue Striped Tee - originally $14.99, on sale $9.60. I love a good red white and blue stripe, so much more fun than your usual navy! Also really cute with those white shorts :) (worn here.)
J.Crew Ribbed Striped Ruffle Tank - originally $49.50, on sale and used rewards $24.70. Okay I. Love. This. Tank. It's striped, the little ruffle is adorable, and the ribbing makes it more flattering than your usual tank because it doesn't cling. This has definitely been on WFH repeat.
Old Navy Denim Shorts - originally $29.99, on sale $20.00. Super cute, but go with your regular denim size (not your Old Navy denim size).
Old Navy Tie Dye Sweatshirt - originally $34.99, on sale $20. Gah this is definitely sold out in the red, white and blue. Sorry! But there are some other patterns that are also adorable. This is not a soft sweatshirt, it feels more like terry cloth inside (but like, old terry cloth? You know, like the towels you should probably get rid of). It feels like something you should wear on a beach vacation at night. Does that make sense? Man, I really should not write these posts after having a glass of wine...
J.Crew Tiered Tee Dress - originally $49.50, on sale $24.75. Looooove this dress! It also fits into my house dress category, as it feels like pajamas but looks like so much more. I just really should not have gotten the white, as my toddler is hell bent on destroying it. (worn here.)

Total Spent: $331.57


Honestly, I'm really surprised I came in under budget. I keep opening packages of things I genuinely forgot I ordered. Mia currently has four swimsuits for this summer. Send help.

I definitely know I have these shorts and this cute pom-pom bag on the way, but who knows what else.

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May Budget

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

Can you tell I'm planning a summer as a stay at home mom from this budget post?? Lollll. It's the month of the sweatshirt! I even bought one more pullover that is meant to be sleepwear so I'm not including it here, but also it's the softest thing ever so I might end up wearing it out of the house haha. I've been loving all of the pullovers, front-tucked into some denim shorts they make the perfect warm weather casual look.

I also have been shopping for my brother-in-law's wedding at the beginning of July. Normally I would pull a dress out of my own closet to wear, but since we haven't had many weddings lately I decided to treat myself. I literally ordered and returned over $1,000 worth of stuff to the Nordstrom last week. Yes, you read that correctly. With the little girl it's so much easier to order a bunch of stuff to try on at home, and Nordstrom has such a great return policy that I just went with it.

Here's the damage for May: 

Eliza J Dress - $158.00. Eliza J's dresses are beautiful and come in extended sizes now, almost everything I ordered to try for this wedding was from Eliza J! I looooove this one, it's so flattering, but I also still have this dress in my possession and think it would be so fun for a July 4th wedding. It just is too low cut and I'd need to put in a hook and eye or sew the top shut or something. But I'll keep one or the other, they're both the same price.
J.Crew Colorblock Sweatshirt - originally $65.00, on sale + used rewards $40.50. One of those things I saw and needed, and it is so cute in person! Definitely size up in this one, I got an XXL. You can see it here.
Lou & Grey Striped Sweatshirt (also available here) - $39.50. I went for a quick wander by myself while my MIL was babysitting, and ended up walking out of Lou & Grey with this. It's so funny, I would never buy something full price online, but in person when I'm in a bit of a rush? Yep, happy to do it haha. I grabbed this to try on and it's so cute, the perfect light sweatshirt material for summer lounging. The sales girl said just about every girl who'd been in that afternoon walked out with one.
LOFT Striped Romper - originally $89.50, on sale $44.75. I don't usually love a romper, mostly because it's always so tricky to find one that fits your body type. This one is gorgeous though, I would love to dress it up with some pretty espadrilles and rattan earrings (would be so cute for a bachelorette if you're a bride-to-be!) and the fit is perfect with the little waist tie.
Universal Thread Slide Sandals - $19.99. I bought these in brown last month and loved them so much I snagged them in gold too! They are insanely comfortable, I've had zero issues with blisters and I wore them for a mile walk over the weekend. I love the gold for a dressier summer option.
Aerie Striped Beach Fleece - originally $44.95, on sale $31.46. I saw a few girls on Instagram talking up this shirt so I had to give it a try. The fabric definitely surprised me, I thought it would be soft fleece but really it's more like terrycloth. Not quite as soft as I thought it would be, but I'm hoping it will get softer in the wash like the reviews suggest. It's the perfect summer weight to pair with shorts when you want your skin covered when it's hot or for a cool summer night.

Total Spent: $334.20
Total Saved: $82.74

And here's what I bought that I returned:

J.Crew Striped Popover - Just not as flattering as I thought it would be. For some reason I thought this was tunic length too, and it is not.
LOFT Floral Romper - I thought this would fit just like my polka dot romper from last summer, but it's different, somehow way less flattering.
J.Crew Factory Floral Midi Dress - Not flattering around the midsection, way too much fabric at the waist.
Sanctuary Floral Jumpsuit - I had a hard time deciding on this one, sometimes I thought it was cute and flattering and sometimes not.
Lou & Grey Chambray Jumpsuit - This jumpsuit is actually pretty cute, but the back dips a little too low to wear a regular bra.
Gal Meets Glam Midi Dress - I think all of Gal Meets Glam's dresses are beautiful, but when I actually put them on they're a little too buttoned up for me. Plus this one felt like too much fabric around the waist.
Gibson Eyelet Top - The tiers on this didn't work on my bust. Too bad because it is beautiful!
LOFT Floral Dress - So cute in person but it runs small and the buttons gaped a lot.
LOFT Linen Cardigan - I hated the fabric of these, not soft enough for me.


In June, I'm on the hunt for some great nude sandals with a thick heel to wear to this outdoor wedding (hoping this pair or this pair will work! I also ordered these as a flat option.) and some more summer denim - maybe these?

Did you find anything awesome this month? Let me know!

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May 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 keep overdoing it on the warm weather clothes. The dress section of my closet is basically exploding out of its space, and I have so many warm weather outfits I want to wear that I don't know what to do. Here's what I purchased this month:

J.Crew Factory Chambray Dress - originally $79.50, on sale $47.50. As I mentioned in my J.Crew Factory post earlier this week, this dress is amazing. I wore it over the weekend in Michigan to go wine tasting, and it is so comfortable and flattering and cute. Definitely size up in this as the chest area runs small.
BP Earrings - originally $14, on sale $7.98. I initially thought I would return these, and then all the sudden I was wearing them. Guess they're staying ;)
LOFT Striped Top - originally $54.50, on sale $34.33. This top is all of my favorite things and so comfortable - definitely a great purchase for the summer! I may or may not be wearing it as I write this.
J.Crew Factory Tee - $14.50. I've always loved J.Crew's tees for their amazing quality at a low price point, but their Studio Tee (my go-to) always feels a little more formal. This version is perfectly broken in and comfortable. I suggest going up a size or two in these as they typically shrink.
LOFT Travel Wrap - originally $49.50, on sale $26.73. I shared this scarf/wrap here and really, it is basically the perfect summer layer.
LOFT Striped Shirt Dress - originally $79.50, on sale $42.93. I also thought I would return this dress - I initially ordered it in a Tall and it was just too oversized and shapeless. But then I sized down and got the regular length, and with a different belt it's really cute. I'll definitely be choosing it for work and the weekends this summer.
J.Crew Factory Beaded Necklace - originally $49.50, on sale $20.00. This was definitely an impulse buy on the way to the cash register, and I actually haven't gotten a chance to wear it yet. The color is just so pretty in person I couldn't resist! I can definitely see pairing it with a little white dress this summer.
LOFT Embroidered Shift Skirt - originally $79.50, on sale $42.93. This skirt looks really short on the model so I was anticipating it being a weekend only piece, but in the tall it's actually long enough for me to wear to work! The embroidery is really pretty and I love the blue.
J.Crew Factory Gingham Dress - originally $69.50, on sale $33.60. Is it really annoying when people describe inanimate objects as their spirit animals? Because this dress might just be my spirit animal.
(not pictured) Coach Factory Pink Crossbody - originally $350, on sale $99.00, used giftcard $0. I don't buy a lot of designer bags, but when I do they had better be pink and on sale ;) You can see the bag here - isn't the color gorgeous? I basically couldn't not have it.

Total Spent: $270.50
Total Saved: $219.50, not including the bag

Whew, surprisingly under budget. Really, I thought I had gone way over. For next month I'm not shopping for anything in particular, but if another pretty summer dress catches my eye I probably won't say no ;)

Did you budget in May? How did you do?

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May 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.

Another month, another budget post. This month I shopped. And shopped and shopped. In case you couldn't tell from my last try-ons post ;) I ended up returning a lot though, and just squeeked in under budget. I really didn't think I was going to get there because at one point my budget tracker said I had spent close to $600!! I managed to snag a couple of really fun pieces, plus some practical ones for work (but sadly, the search for dress pants continues). So here's the damage for May:

J. Crew Sweater - originally $89.50, on sale $62.65. Seriously the best sweater ever. I probably wear it more times than is socially acceptable in a week. I wore it here.
J. Crew Straw Hat - originally $34.50, on sale $24.15. I actually added this to my cart to get free shipping, but I love it!! Perfect for beach days.
LOFT Striped Shorts - originally $49.50, on sale + used rewards $19.70.
BP. Bow Mules - $69.95. Definitely my favorite purchase of the month, I've been wearing them non-stop. So comfortable! I wore them here.
Bobeau Bell Sleeve Tee - $49. Love love love. Wore it here.
J. Crew Factory Striped Dress - originally $108, on sale $54. This just came in the mail over the weekend and it's perfect - somehow the fit is in between a fit and flare and a sheath dress, which makes it perfect for work or fun.
SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Earrings - originally $9.99, on sale $7.99. Wore them here.
J. Crew Carnation Earrings - originally $25, on sale $17.15. I freaking love these, I probably wear them way too much. Seen here.
LOFT Bow back tank - originally $34.50, on sale and used rewards $10.70. This is cute and simple and is definitely getting a lot of wear this summer!

Total spent: $315.29
Total saved: $154.65

I'm pretty pleased that I ended up under budget this month, giving myself a big pat on the back for that one ;) So what am I shopping for this month? I'm still looking for dress pants (ugh) and hopefully another item or two that can make the jump from office to weekend.

Did you budget in May? How'd you do?

Linking up with Fran.

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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 2015 budget here. 

It's the beginning of the month and it's time for another budget post. And this time (dun dun duuuuuun) I went over. Le sigh. I knew it was going to happen, but I just couldn't help myself. I knew I had been under every other month this year so I kind of felt like I could spend more, and probably didn't return some things I should have - like, the pink tote is cute, but did I really need another tote bag? And then, like I said yesterday, I had this crazy allergic reaction while I was traveling that left marks all over my arms for a couple of days which made me so self conscious (especially because I was about to meet a bunch of new people), so I made an emergency stop at an outlet mall to pick up some long sleeves.

Anyway, onto the good - I got some great items this month that filled some holes in my closet, including a new work bag and nude flats, and the prettiest bright summery dress. Win win win. I also love the summery top I snagged (and I got so many compliments when I rocked it last week) and these tassel sandals are so fun - perfect for the warm weather we finally have here in Chicago.

So anyway, enough talk. Here's what I got this month:

Banana Republic Laser Cut Tank - originally $68, on sale $20.60.
J. Crew Eyelet Dress - originally $138, on sale $103.50.
Rebecca Minkoff Medium M.A.B. Tote - originally $295, on sale $205.99, used gift cards & cash back $0.
Sole Society Tassel Sandals - $74.95.
J. Crew Factory Scalloped Linen Top - originally $75, on sale $44.50.
Ivanka Trump Bow d'Orsay Flat - originally $99.95, on sale $69.97.
Gap Tote - originally $54.95, on sale $22.97.
Old Navy Striped Tank - originally $14, on sale $7.

Not pictured
Ann Taylor Factory Cardigan - $45.50.
LOFT Factory Tunic - $20.50. (seen here)

Total spent: $409.49
Total saved: $181.36

So, you know, whoops :) I promise I'll at least try to do better next month. I don't have any specific needs at the moment, but I love summer clothes the most so you can bet I'll be adding some pretty summer dresses and skirts and tanks to my shopping cart this month.

Did you budget in May? How did you do?

Linking up with Fran.

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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?

Linking up with Fran.

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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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