Budget Update: March 2016

I thought about curbing my spending this month — no, really, I did! — and failed spectacularly. I don’t know what it is about spring, but it makes me want to buy everything. (Well, maybe it’s the sundresses! The florals! The sandals!)

To be honest, I’m not terribly concerned about March’s overindulgence. I’ve had a fantastic partnership with eBay to create a series of shopping guides. (It was a wonderful, serendipitous opportunity that came when I was begrudgingly paying off my credit card!) I put a small portion of that toward this month’s budget to ease the pain, giving me a cushion for the next spring item that catches my eye (like the cutest one-shoulder swimsuit, the BR dress I’ve already ordered, or the sandals I’ve wanted for three years — literally).

On the practical side, I finally found a spring coat to pack on our trip and yoga pants for the plane. Typically, I would never encourage yoga pants as travel wear. However, I had a terrible, sleepless flight to Belgium two years ago and I’m not repeating the mistake. Give me the stretch pants, the softest long-sleeve t-shirt ever, a sleep mask*, and compression socks. I’m doing this flight like a freakin’ champ.

I’m not including the yoga pants my budget because lounge wear (er, “exercise clothes”) shouldn’t count, right? I ordered both the Zella live-in leggings and the plank pants, opting to keep the latter. I felt the slight flare was more flattering with my hips. They run true to size.

*C’mon, of course I bought a cat eye mask.

BUDGET
Spring Budget (March – May): $750
Spent in March: $421.50
Added: $350 in blog revenue
Amount Remaining: $678.50

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

• Old Navy pleated crepe dress in mixed floral ($35, not pictured): This dress is a little hippy-dippy, but it’s so darn cute and easy to throw on with a pair of flat sandals. It runs on the large size.
• Madewell checked twill dress ($100): I wore the dress for the first time here and was on the fence about the borrowed-from-the-boys look. It has since grown on me. It’s so soft! As I mentioned in that previous post, it runs true to size and I’d recommend adding a slip underneath for extra coverage when you sit down (the space between the buttons can gap open if you’re not careful).
• H&M patterned blouse ($20; not online or pictured above, but similar to this): I adore wearing oversize blouses with slim pants at work. This gave my office pieces a much-needed refresh.
• LOFT swing anorak ($97): I e-browsed for and tried on a fair number of spring coats over the last few months and this is the only one I fell in love with (worn here). I didn’t already own a lightweight coat that I wanted to bring on the trip and this fits the bill. The swing style is given shape with the cinched back waist (adjustable with the inside drawstring). It’s lined with jersey, making it super soft inside, and it’s rain resistant.
• Lele Sadoughi “Maraca” pendant ($85): I can’t even tell you how excited I am to own this piece. I’ve had it on my wish list for a year and scooped it up the moment it went on sale. It’s listed at $99, but you can use code LSD15 to save an additional 15% after signing up for the mailing list. (Or just hold your horses. There’s a 20% off code coming next week!)
• BP Geo Sunglasses in clear ($12): There’s no way I’d ever invest in a pair of clear sunglasses, but I’m on board for $12 for a pair of Karen Walker knockoffs! I compared these to the designer sunglasses I already own. The budget pair is a hair smaller, but the shape is nearly identical. They also come in black and tortoise. Don’t get me wrong, they’re definitely cheaply made. However, that makes them ideal for toting around on your summer adventures without worrying about losing them!
• Cece by Cynthia Steffe floral-print skirt in “Tulum Bouquet” ($67; also available here): I fell in love with the Delftware-like pattern on this skirt. It’s such a pretty spring piece that can be worn to the office. And it has pockets! It runs true to size, but opt for the larger size if you’re between two. It’s a fairly straightforward a-line shape, so it’s an easy fix to have your tailor bring in the waist.
• Avon vintage turquoise starburst brooch ($5.50; not pictured): I had this brooch on my eBay watch list for over a year and the seller never dropped it down from $20. That was higher than I wanted to spend and I finally deleted it from my list two weeks ago.  I came across another one for a quarter of the price last week and didn’t hesitate to add it to my collection! You can snag an identical one here for $9. Otherwise, this search will bring up additional results.

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. 

• Lele Sadoughi crystal lily earrings in white: I’ve been a fan of Lele’s work ever since she agreed to be the guinea pig for my very first “Behind the Baubles” interview. I’m looking forward to sharing more about her recent collection with you next week!

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

• J.Crew washed cotton trench in light walnut: I have narrow shoulders, but this was far too tight in my regular size. I chose not to reorder, given the amount of wrinkles in the fabric upon arrival. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep it looking neat while I wore it.
• LOFT sleeveless swing dress: This dress arrived as a wrinkled mess, so even if it was ultra cute (it’s not), I wouldn’t have kept it. I’m on the lookout for things that I can pack for our trip.
• LOFT floral split neck blouse: I’m all about loose, swingy blouses with slim pants at work. However, this one was too short and cut across the widest part of my hips, making me look boxy.
• Rebecca Minkoff “Erin” tassel sandals: I know a piece is destined for my collection when I find myself clicking through to the Web page everyday for two weeks and holding my breath as the page loads, afraid of seeing my size sell out. They’re pretty adorable in person — like a hula skirt for your feet! Sadly, I had to return them. The strap that goes on top of the foot was a quarter of an inch too tight and my foot wouldn’t slide forward more, leaving me with a ton of room for my toes and not enough room for my heel. I don’t think a size up would have helped. They’re definitely worth trying, though. Fantastic quality with soft leather.

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