Budget Update: December 2016

If I were to stay with my quarterly budget for the upcoming year, this would have been the month that kicked off my winter spending. However, I haven’t quite settled on my approach to budgeting for 2017. On one hand, the quarterly budget was nice in that it allowed me the flexibility to allocate more to months when stores were overflowing with treasures. On the other hand, I don’t think a budget actually reins in my spending. I can rationalize just about any purchase and, if I’m being honest, I can afford to go over my monthly allotment. So, the jury’s still out on how this series will unfold in 2017, but I’ll keep some iteration of it for three reasons:

I think it’s important to be transparent about the items I accrue, especially when it comes to the freebies from partnerships.
I’m super nosy and I love reading these types of posts from other people.
I hope that the mini reviews of the items I kept or returned help guide your purchasing decisions if these are also on your radar.

In December, I went a little overboard and spent a whopping $354. Holy moly. This is mostly due to the mirrored Rebecca Minkoff purse I’m crazy about. I had kept looking at it (read: obsessing over) the bag all November and finally bit the bullet over the Black Friday weekend. It’s definitely a statement maker, but the silver keeps it versatile and I love that it’s paired with gold hardware.

As far as Christmas goodies are concerned, I received two striped sweaters for my ever-growing collection of stripes (this one from my parents and this one from Dave in the ivory and black colorway). Dave also gave me these gorgeous Jenny Bird earrings. They’re such a unique, sculptural piece. The front hoop lays flat against your earlobe and the back hoop dangles from the earring backing. I’ve mentioned it before, but Jenny Bird is by far my favorite jeweler of the moment and there’s a “Behind the Baubles” interview in the works!

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

Rebecca Minkoff small “Love” crossbody in metallic silver ($146; worn here): I could wax poetic about this bag, but I won’t. Just know that I’m smitten with it. The only drawback is that it doesn’t hold a lot. It takes some creativity to tuck my daily essentials inside: an iPhone, a tube of lipstick, a small mirror, a mini hairbrush, a credit card case, and my inhaler (#winter).
Rebecca Minkoff mini trifold wallet ($0): This was the gift with purchase for any purchase over $100 on Cyber Monday. While I had originally ordered the purse above on Thanksgiving, the Cyber Monday deal was enough motivation to place a second order and return the first. What can I say? I’m a sucker for free things especially when they’re adorable.
Gap true skinny ankle-length jeans ($33; worn here): This is the first pair of jeans that I’ve ever truly loved. They miraculously don’t get baggy during the day! I might just turn into a denim girl yet! (Unlikely…)
Rachel Roy sequin swing dress ($60): This is the best dress to have on hand for special occasions! The champagne color is gorgeous in person and I love that the shimmery side of the sequins lays down, but you’ll get a peek of the glimmer when they’re brushed up. (Fair warning: people really want to feel your dress when you wear it. So many people at Dave’s office holiday party insisted on brushing the sequins up and down!) It does run small in the chest, so pick a size to fit that area comfortably. The a-line shape skims over curves.
Sanctuary lace-up printed dress ($48, also available here and here): This dress runs large, so be sure to size down even if you don’t think you’ll need to. I reached for a medium first, but ended up selecting the small.
Banana Republic striped turtleneck sweater ($38): I don’t think I would have ever ordered this online, but I fell in love with it in the store. It’s just a really pretty, sophisticated sweater. It fits true to size.
J.Crew crystal drop earrings in pink ($17): The color of these earrings is more vibrant in person. They’re not terribly heavy, making them comfortable for all-day wear.
Gorjana “Petra” cuff ($12): I actually just ordered this today, so I have no idea how it’ll be in person. I’m usually happy with Gorjana purchases and the sale price was too good to pass up. (Browse the rest of the sale here.)

GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration.

Garnet Hill belted faux fur collar coat (worn here)
Make Me Chic lace-up sweater: Coming to an outfit post soon!
eShakti star-print dress: The great thing about eShakti is that you can fully customize your dress. I went sleeveless with a crew neck to give it a much younger vibe. I’ll wear it on the blog soon!

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