BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

  • Interiors
    • My Home: Main Bathroom
    • My Home: Powder Room
    • My Home: Living Room
    • My Home: Dining Room
    • My Home: Main Bedroom
    • My Home: Front Porch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
    • Travel Posts
    • Travel Guides
  • Style
    • Style Posts
    • Outfits
    • The Coveted
  • Collaborate
  • About

Budget Update: January 2016

January 27, 2016 by jessica 21 Comments

Tory Burch Brody Satchel
2016 is off to a good start sartorially. This month’s purchases are a mix of classic and fun pieces that work well with my existing wardrobe. The faux fur coat was a splurge, but I kept clicking to the Nordstrom site to daydream about it every single day for two weeks. I figured if I was that interested in it, I should at least try it on! Of course I kept it.

We booked an April trip to Denmark and Belgium, so I’m planning to use the remaining balance of this season’s budget on a couple of versatile items for the trip: a trench coat (love the detachable lining and hood on this one, but I can’t decide between khaki and navy) and a pair of comfortable loafers for walking (maybe these). I’d also like to add a couple of dresses to my travel wardrobe that I can wear a couple of times over the two-week period. I’m particularly interested in this dress. It looks like it could be amazingly versatile with a trench, flats, and statement pendants.

In other news, I looked at additional ways to save money throughout the year. I’m using MyFitnessPal to count calories and cancelled my Weight Watcher subscription, saving $240 annually. I also shopped around for auto and renter’s insurance and left Geico for Progressive to save $430 annually. I received $112 back in prorated refunds from Geico, which covered most of the renter’s insurance with Progressive for the year.

BUDGET
Winter Budget (Dec. – Feb.): $750
Spent in Dec.: $154.5
Spent in Jan.: $257.75
Amount Remaining: $337.75

Wardrobe-Update-January-2016-6
PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

  • J.Crew drapey beach pant ($36): When I first spotted these palazzo pants on J.Crew’s website, I knew I had to purchase them before they sold out. They’re intended for beach wear, but they’re also pretty cute with a loose cami, oversize pendant, and sandals. (Summer, where art thou?)
  • Topshop v-neck camisole in navy ($28): Earlier this month, we toyed with the idea of booking a last-minute jaunt to Florida. Since I had already purchased the beach pants, I added the camisole to my wardrobe for a breezy ensemble. We obviously put Florida on the back burner in favor of Europe, but this cami is staying in my closet. It’s a lovely layering piece. You’ll have to go up at least one size.
  • Tory Burch “Brody” small satchel in light oak ($8.25): For being on the small side, this satchel is incredibly roomy. It has more than enough room for my DSLR, a Kindle, full-size wallet, phone, and other small daily must-haves (ahem, lipstick). I have a feeling that this is going to be perfect for traveling. I can fit all of my in-flight essentials inside and stow it away under the seat in front of me with ample foot room. The leather is incredibly soft and the bag is lightweight. (I received a $200 Visa gift card for the holidays and put it toward the bag.)
  • Gorjana “Ryder” lariat necklace ($22.50): I considered purchasing this lariat at full price a few months ago and was delighted to see it made it to Gorjana’s end-of-season sale for a fraction of the price. It’s a flirty piece to wear with a v-neck cami or a button-down shirt. (I had a $10 credit, which basically took care of the shipping cost.)
  • Eliza J faux fur coat in navy ($150): I’m such a fan of this coat (worn here). It’s a convincing replica of real fur and warm enough for the subzero temperatures we experienced last week. It runs true to size. It also has a bright, floral lining, which was a lovely surprise.
  • H&M striped long-sleeve tee ($13): This is my least exciting purchase of the month only because it’s a necessary staple. My old striped long-sleeve tops are starting to show their age and I need a few more to replace them with. This one runs small, but is stretchy enough that it doesn’t lose its shape during the day.

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

  • H&M flared blouse: I daydreamed about this for a couple of weeks before dragging myself to the mall to try it on. The fabric was ultra soft, but the cut was terrible. Drop shoulders and a wide torso don’t make for a flattering top. It’s also kind of short for being so loose. Pass.

***
linking with Fran

 

You might also enjoy:
Reflecting on a Month of [Almost] No Shopping
Budget Update: February 2016
September Wardrobe Update
Wardrobe Update: September 2017

Filed Under: Budget Tagged With: budget update, budgeting bloggers, clothing budget, seasonal budget

Hello!


Jessica Hamm
Hello there! I'm a first-time homeowner updating a 1920s house in Madison, Wisconsin. I have a penchant for travel and a love of costume jewelry. Follow along for personal style, travel, and lifestyle content.

Search

Keep In Touch

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Trending

  • How to Remove Paint from Antique Hardware How to Remove Paint from Original Antique Hardware
  • Copenhagen Travel Guide: Dos and Don’ts
  • Review: Waterproof Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals
  • Garnet Hill Cashmere Sweater Review Casual Elegance for the Holidays
  • Two Years Later: How Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Stain is Holding Up
  • On the Right Foot: East Fork Pottery On Sale, Eye-Whitening Drops that Work, a Damage-Free Way to Hang Garland & More!
  • Halloween Costume: Holly Golightly

Currently Coveting

Visit Me on Instagram!

We’re overdue for more Switzerland content. 

📍Lucerne
Switzerland is gorgeous. I can’t keep up with ph Switzerland is gorgeous. I can’t keep up with photos on the trip, so I’ll post proper slideshows when I get back with notes on what we did. Until then, take in this eye candy. 🏔️🇨🇭
Coffee with a view in Bern, Switzerland. Coffee with a view in Bern, Switzerland.
I love precious jewelry that isn’t, well, too pr I love precious jewelry that isn’t, well, too precious to wear every day — which makes this @kellyrosegold bracelet perfect for my wardrobe. The bracelet is made of 10k gold and hammered to reflect the light. It comes in white, yellow, and rose gold. Best of all, it’s flexible so that it’s easy to get off and on. 

#gifted #kellyrosegold #rosegold #goldjewelry #bracelets #jewelry #baubles
In a few short days, we’ll be back in the Alps! In a few short days, we’ll be back in the Alps! 🏔️
Few low-effort desserts look as impressive as a Bu Few low-effort desserts look as impressive as a Bundt cake — assuming you grease the pan generously enough for it to release! 

I made this old-fashioned donut cake by @brownedbutterblondie over the weekend and it turned out great! For Bundt pans, check out @food52’s collection. I’m fond of this one: https://c8.is/3RWCCVH
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Jennifer on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in