Budget Update: July 2016

I hate to even breathe a hint of the F-word when there’s almost two full months of summer until the fall equinox on Sept. 22, but I’m already daydreaming about my autumn wardrobe choices. The first piece up for consideration is this gorgeous transitional dress (on sale here). The colors and long sleeves are pre-fall appropriate, but the playful cutout screams summer. I’m also in love with this dress, this sleeveless tunic sweater, this bag (if only it would go on sale…), and everything in Tuesday’s post. Of course, any of these purchases is going to require some serious hustle to earn more dollars to earmark for this season’s budget!

BUDGET*
Summer Budget (June – August): $750
Spent in June: $250
Spent in July: $312.50
Added: $0
Amount Remaining: $187.50

Winter Budget Recap: December, January, February
Spring Budget Recap: March, April, May
Summer Budget Recap: June

*I don’t add money for tax and shipping into my budget, nor do I add athletic clothing or sleepwear. Most of the money I earn from the blogging goes into my general savings account or is earmarked for travel, but I’ll move some to the clothing budget when needed.

PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here. 

• Tory Burch Fitbit double-wrap bracelet ($68): I’m so happy I finally snagged this! I’ve been trying to get more active again and while the Fitbit is an excellent reminder to keep moving, the standard-issue black rubber band is terribly ugly. I’ve thought about splurging on a Tory Burch Fitbit bracelet many times, but wasn’t convinced that I would wear it enough to justify the cost. I finally purchased this one when Neiman Marcus was offering an extra 35% off the sale price, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a beautiful way to camouflage the fitness tracker. It’s also available on sale here.
• Banana Republic vachetta bucket bag ($27): This bag is stunning. It’s a classic shape with a bit of a ’70s vibe, and the leather is gorgeous. It’s unlined, but the leather inside is smooth, not suede-like. I snagged it for a song with an extra 50% off the sale price, $40 in credit card rewards coupons, a $15 birthday certificate, and extra 10% off for using my BR card on the purchase. Best deal of the season and something I’ll be using throughout fall.
• Uniqlo pleated-back sleeveless top in black ($30): This is so pretty with the unexpected back detail. I went with a medium, which is my typical size at Uniqlo and it’s slightly oversize and drapes beautifully. One of the reviews online said that the back pleats fell out after laundering. The item says to hand wash and not to dry clean and even warns that the pleats will fall out over time. Even with the warning, I’m going to bring it to the dry cleaner and discuss options to make the pleats last longer.
• Uniqlo sleeveless top in navy ($30): The bust on this top is a bit snug, so I went up a size. It drapes beautifully, which makes it look pricier than it is. I love it paired with shorts and a-line mini skirts.
• Gap distressed denim shorts ($30): Who thought I’d be a jorts girl? Definitely not me, but I’m crazy about the fit of these. The legs have a wider opening than most shorts do, which gives me enough room for my thighs. (Truth be told, I bought them because I thought they were cute with the aforementioned off-the-shoulder top.)
• Rebecca Minkoff “Camila” heels ($62.50): These are gorgeous. The woven leather detailing is inspired by Mexican Huarache shoes. I typically wear a size 7 in every shoe I try on. However, I had to go up a half size in these to a 7.5, which I find to be the case for most Rebecca Minkoff shoes. They’re also available here and here.
• Adidas Stan Smith sneakers in dark blue ($65): I finally purchased this cult classic! Follow the recommendation on Nordstorm’s site and order a full size down from the women’s sizes. I wear a 7, but orded a 6 (which was a men’s 5). It worked out perfectly.

GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration. I’m selective about the pieces I accept and will only work with companies I feel good about recommending. 

• Baily Blue “Shifty” shift dress: This is so freaking cute. It’s an ultra soft t-shirt material that’s perfectly lightweight for hot days.

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love: 

• Ann Taylor grommet skinny leather belt: I bought this hoping that it would cinch the waist of some of my longer summer dresses. It was too skinny and looked ridiculous.
• Ann Taylor tropic crepe peplum top: The fabric and print are both beautiful, but I didn’t love the wide, trapeze-style cut. It was too wide and too short on me.
• Ann Taylor tropic stretch cotton skirt: I thought this would have an a-line shape. It’s actually more like a pencil skirt, which isn’t a flattering cut on me.
• Ann Taylor “Louisa” block heels: I really struggled with returning these. They’re gorgeous, comfortable, and fit in so well with my ideal fall wardrobe. However, I just didn’t see myself wearing them that often nor did I have the giddy “I’m so excited to wear these” feeling.
• H&M striped off-the-shoulder top: It’s a lightweight cotton that’s surprisingly not sheer. I loved the piece, but I decided I didn’t need it after it sat in my closet unworn for a few weeks. If I don’t want to wear something the very next day (or at least over the upcoming weekend), I typically don’t put it in rotation ever.
• See by Chloe striped mini skirt: As expected the quality was impeccable. I had gone up a size, which fit perfectly. I just wasn’t overly excited about it in person. I’d rather save my money for something better.
• ASOS ponte swing dress: Super cute and a good cut. I ordered a size 8 during a recent promotion and it was massive. I might reorder it in a 4 if it goes on sale again. It’s a nice, easy piece to pair with a gigantic piece of jewelry on those “I have nothing to wear” days.