Budget Update: February 2016

Whew, I made it through an entire season of budgeting with just $750 and I didn’t need to dip into my eBay earnings or blog revenue! This was due, in part, to a couple of Nordstrom price adjustments on items I kept e-stalking after making the purchase. I’ve had conflicting notes from Nordstrom customer services representatives on the price adjustment policy, but it sounds like you have two weeks to get a one-time adjustment if it goes on sale (designer goods originally purchased on sale are excluded). In any case, I’m planning to set a calendar reminder for 14 days after future Nordstrom purchases to check on the current selling price. Money back is nothing to scoff at.

Next season is going to be more conservative. I had an unexpected car expense this month when a small chip in the lower, passenger side of my windshield went unnoticed until it became an irreparable crack. (Sure, I’d love to replace my windshield one month after paying for new tires after my flat. Cars. Sigh.) I’d also like to squirrel away money for our trip, given that Scandinavia is so darn expensive. Oh, and there’s that whole buying-a-house thing. But, you know, the best laid plains…

I am planning to fill one hole in my wardrobe in March. I need a trench coat or another rain-resistant jacket. I don’t already own one and it seems like a terrible oversight.

BUDGET
Winter Budget (Dec. – Feb.): $750
Spent in Dec.: $154.5
Spent in Jan.: $257.75
Spent in Feb.: $401.25
Added: $93.53 from Nordstrom price adjustments ($37.90 for the faux fur coat and $55.63 for the metallic loafers)
Amount Remaining: $30.03

 

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

• BaubleBar geranium stud earrings ($12.75): I had a coupon code and vault points, bringing the price down considerably on these mod earrings. They’re lightweight, so you won’t have to worry about future droopy lobes!
• Louise et Cie “Joey” tassel loafers ($139): I already waxed poetic about these loafers here. They’re ultra comfortable and run true to size.
• Max Studio heart-print jacquard shift dress ($38+ $18 in alterations): I found this gem (worn here) at our local Nordstrom Rack. The print is darling and it’s my favorite ’60s swing silhouette. It was really long, though, and came to my knees. I fell in love with it after giving it a faux hem job in the dressing room to see how it would look with five inches or so lopped off.
• LOFT striped long-sleeve tunic tee ($34.50): This is undoubtedly the softest tee-shirt I own (worn here). It runs large. I’m usually a size 8, which is typically on the cusp of a small and medium at most stores. I went with the small in this top. It has a flattering drape and doesn’t get stretched out during the day.
• Diane von Furstenberg “Kora” dress ($159): I was looking for a great travel dress throughout the month and kept going back to a few DVF options. While I wanted to splurge on the Kora dress in this pattern, I couldn’t justify the cost with our upcoming trip. (Not to mention, it would have blown my budget for the season.) A few solid colors were popping up on sale. I considered going for cobalt, but ultimately purchased it in red because I thought it would look better with the only purse I’m planning to bring to Europe. I heeded the advice of reviews on various retail sites and went down to a size small (I would have normally started with a medium). It’s absolutely perfect. The small still has the loose drape needed for a tunic dress without overwhelming my frame, and the weight of the material is lovely. I’m already adding other colors and patterns (like the one I really want) to my search list. The dry air makes it a bit staticky right now, but it’s nothing a spritz of static spray and a mini half-slip can’t fix. (This was also my first purchase from Matches Fashion. It arrived from London in just two days and was impeccably packaged.)

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

• London Fog heritage trench in stone: Despite all of the reviews insisting that this coat runs large, I didn’t find that to be the case. The coat is incredibly well made, but it makes an obnoxious, loud swishing sound when you move in it. I decided not to reorder it in my regular size.
• Cloth & Stone “Asbury” button-down shirt: I actually loved this enough in the store that I purchased it. The soft fabric is beautiful with a nice drape. However, I just didn’t love it styled with anything I own — and I should be pretty darn excited about an $88 shirt.
• LOFT pocket shift skirt: As I mentioned in this post, the skirt didn’t have enough of an a-line flare to drape over my hips comfortably. I also didn’t think the quality was as nice as my older LOFT skirts. The fabric felt stiff and the lining uncomfortable.
• Boden mini tent dress in white: I’m so sad this didn’t work out! When I ordered it, only the 6 and 10 were in stock. The 6 was just a tad too tight across the chest and the 10 was massive. While I could have ordered an 8 when it came back in stock later, I passed. It’s a little too sheer in the sunlight for me to feel comfortable!
• Banana Republic medium wash cropped jeans: Holy moly, these run small. I ordered my usual size 10 for pants and I couldn’t even get them up over my thighs! The material was nice, though. No stretch, but very soft.

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