BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Budget Update: February 2017

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cocktail dresses uk

After a year of casually looking for a flattering trench coat, I finally purchased one from Banana Republic this month. I’m not sure how I managed to go without this wardrobe staple for so long, especially since I’ve worn it every warm day we’ve had recently. Aside from that, I’ve been all about print and color again this month. I’ve gone far too long with only purchasing versatile classics that I feel like my closet is overdue for a refresh with playful, eye-catching pieces. I’ll admit, though, that’s it making my annual Pinterest board of sartorial purchases look a little disjointed! It’s easy to overlook quality when enamored with a pretty print, so I’m diligently selecting only items that have expensive-looking prints (so many wallet-friendly prints look cheap) and are made well.

BUDGET
First Quarter Budget: $850
Spent in January: $358 (decreased thanks to a Nordstrom price adjustment)
Spent in February: $256
Amount Remaining: $236

Wardrobe Update: February 2017

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here. 

  • Vero Moda drop-waist floral dress ($58; worn here): I’m all kinds of obsessed with this cute little dress for spring. The shirt-dress detailing makes it appropriate for work and the gathered skirt skims over hips with ease. The skirt portion is lined, but the top a little sheer, so you’ll need a nude bra that matches your skin color almost exactly if you don’t want to wear a cami. I first ordered a size large, assuming that the European brand would run small. Nope. If anything it runs a hair larger than true to size. I opted for a medium and there’s still plenty of room.
  • Banana Republic belted cotton trench ($120; worn here): I’ve been looking for a khaki-colored spring coat for the last two years and decided to give this one a whirl. I like that it has a single row of buttons rather than the double-breasted look of a traditional trench coat. There’s a removable quilted lining inside, which is a nice touch. It runs true to size. Mine arrived pretty wrinkly, but nothing a steamer couldn’t fix.
  • J.Crew Factory tissue tunic ($31): I love the vibrant colors in this tunic. I went up a size to give me more room around my hips, especially when throwing it over a wet bathing suit this summer. I’m hopeful that I can also half-tuck it into a pair of shorts and wear it during the day.
  • Neiman Marcus ruffled popover striped dress ($47): Madison Magazine reached out to me to see if I’d like to be part of an upcoming story on “stylish Madisonians.” I’m flattered and a little nervous about the whole ordeal. (I realize the irony of having a public blog and yet still being shy when it comes to stuff like this.) However, I needed something to wear for the photo shoot next month. Obviously. I found this cute striped formal dress at Neiman Marcus Last Call and love that it highlights my shoulders and collarbone, adds oomph to my chest, and accentuates my waist. I’m probably going to pair it with the Cult Gaia bag I’m obsessed with (above) and possibly these earrings. I need to find a good cuff bracelet and shoes, though. Suggestions?

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

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

  • Sam Edelman “Yaro” suede sandals in black: I wrestled with whether or not to return these. They’re really cute and I loved how my legs looked with the extra height. However, I just wasn’t convinced that I’d wear them all that often when I typically reach for flats. At $120, I figured that money was better spent on something I’d wear more often. I’ll consider them again if they go on sale.

DAYDREAMING ABOUT
The items I just might add to my wardrobe next month.

 

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I’ll be linking up with Fran!

Budget Update: January 2017

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Budget Update: January 2017

My wardrobe is kicking off on a much more upbeat and playful note than it did last year. There’s playful fringe, flirty pleats, and color! And it’s a good indication of the direction I want my wardrobe to go this year. I typically talk myself out of the more unique pieces because they might not be as versatile as something more subdued, but you know what I’ve found over the years? The pieces I love most are the ones that aren’t basic. The Cult Gaia bag that everyone owns now was one of last year’s most special pieces. It’s not versatile, but I get so much joy out of using it. The same holds true for this sequin dress and a faux fur coat, which actually became one of my most often worn pieces. Having the opportunity to look back and analyze what struck a chord with me and what didn’t is the biggest reason I keep an annual wardrobe Pinterest board for all of my new additions. You can see this year’s board here. I’ve gone back and forth on whether to add sponsored items to this board. On one hand, I only feature items that I actually do like and want to wear for more than just one post. On the other hand, the pieces I spend money on are probably the ones that actually represent my closet the best. Thoughts?

I’ve upped my quarterly budget by $100 to $850 this year. I realistically stick closer to that range anyway and it hasn’t felt like too much with my overall spending. Last year, I was really lucky to have offset all of my clothing purchases (plus pad my savings account) with a freelance project. I definitely can’t count on that every year, though! In any case, I’ve found that a quarterly budget works best for me. It allows me to spend more at the beginning of a season when I’m more excited about the latest offerings and less toward the end when my interest is waning.

BUDGET
First Quarter Budget: $850
Spent in January: $395
Amount Remaining: $455

Budget Update: January 2017

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

  • Holst + Lee “Tinseltown” fringe earrings ($62; worn here): I admired these for a few months before I finally placed an order with their recent 35% off discount code. They’re incredibly lightweight and the shoulder-sweeping length makes a huge statement.
  • Diane von Furstenberg “Kourtni” chiffon dress ($164; it’s popped back in various sizes here and here; worn here): I purchased this when DVF had an extra 30% off the sale price. It’s one of those pieces that feels very “me” thanks to the relaxed silhouette. It’s easy to throw on with flats or heels to wear to work, or sandals for a warm-weather outing.
  • BB Dakota “Jacqueline” lace shift dress in red ($88): This dress is sexy. The front is low, the back is low, and it’s short. However, it doesn’t feel inappropriate. It just feels beautiful. It’s the perfect dress for Valentine’s Day, although I’m wearing it to a work cocktail event I’m hosting next month. (Ordering a heart-shaped pizza is the extent of our V-day celebration!) It runs a bit on the larger size due to the swing-style body. And for ladies who hate strapless bras, you’re in luck! The cap sleeves allow you to wear a regular bra in the same color as the dress. I’m planning to wear it with my favorite red flats. You know I’m a fan of short dresses with flat shoes!
  • ASOS double layer cold shoulder mini pleated dress ($61): You may have noticed this dress in my sidebar earlier this month under the “Latest Find” header. I ordered it the day I came across it and I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer so I can actually wear it. It reminded me of my beloved pink pleated dress I wear on repeat throughout the summer, but with a sassier ’70s twist. I went with a size 8, which is typically what I’ll order for swing styles that don’t take my hips into account. It’s a really fun piece to wear and I can see myself reaching for it often this spring and summer with a pair of simple sandals (I’ve got my eye on these) and the colorful tote bag in this post. And when we finally book a spring trip to New Orleans, it’ll be the first thing in my suitcase!
  • Old Navy faux leather tote bag ($20; worn here): I had been looking for an inexpensive tote bag that I could use for work to stash things like my lunch, ballet flats, and makeup case inside. I didn’t want something that I’d worry about or that would be ruined by precipitation. This Old Navy tote fit the bill and it’s actually a lot nicer than I thought it would be. I love the zipper top to keep everything tucked inside. It’s also lightweight and seems to expand to accommodate whatever I need to throw inside. I’m actually going to use this as my personal item on our next flight. (I had used a Gap Rewards coupon to bring down the price to the $20 mark.)

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

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

SHOP IT

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I’ll be linking up with Fran!

Budget Update: December 2016

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Garnet Hill Belted Faux Fur Collar Coat + Rebecca Minkoff Small Love Crossbody + Gap True Skinny Ankle Jeans

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:

  1. I think it’s important to be transparent about the items I accrue, especially when it comes to the freebies from partnerships.
  2. I’m super nosy and I love reading these types of posts from other people.
  3. 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!

Budget Update: December 2016

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.

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

  • H&M sequined skirt: The color is gorgeous, but the length is just too long to be flattering on me.

SHOP IT

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I’m linking up with Fran!

Budget Update: November 2016

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Hudson's Bay hat + J.Crew Stadium Cloth Cocoon Coat

Another year of budgeting has come to a close. (And, I use the word “budgeting” loosely knowing that I’ll add blog revenue to offset overspending!) I’ll do an update next month with a year in review with my most loved pieces, the best splurges, and the items I probably should have resisted. As you’ll see below, I didn’t add any of my Black Friday purchases to this month’s budget. I usually wait to deduct the amount of new purchases until they arrive and I’m certain they’re staying in my closet.

BUDGET*
Autumn Budget (September – November): $750
Spent in September: $177
Spent in October: $455
Spent in November: $322
Added: $204 in blog revenue to offset this season’s difference
Amount Remaining: $0

Winter Budget Recap: December, January, February
Spring Budget Recap: March, April, May
Summer Budget Recap: June, July, August
Autumn Budget Recap: September, October

*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. That’s usually a last-ditch effort to offset overspending the final month of the quarter!

Budget Update: November 2016

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

  • Banana Republic merino turtleneck ($34): I tried J.Crew’s Tippi turtleneck sweater last year, but didn’t love the fit and it wasn’t slim enough to wear underneath sleeveless dresses as I had hoped. I didn’t think much of finding a different version until this year when the weather started to cool off again. BR had a steep discount on their merino turtleneck and I decided to give it a whirl. Love. It. Seriously, this is what I was hoping for last year. It’s slim, a bit stretchy, and it’s not sheer. It’s a basic that’s definitely worth adding to your own wardrobe this year. I went with a size small.
  • Hudson’s Bay fox fur hat in white stripe ($30; worn here): As I mentioned before, I wanted this hat last year for Christmas without realizing the Canadian brand didn’t ship to the United States. Fortunately, Lord & Taylor, one of the company’s subsidiaries, carried in this year and I was able to add it to my collection. I adore the ridiculously oversize pom pom.
  • J.Crew Majesty peacoat in soft mint ($147; worn here): My favorite peacoat in my favorite color? How could I resist? Dave gave me the black version a couple of years ago for Christmas and it’s my most often worn winter topper. It runs true to size, but you may want to size up if you plan to wear bulky layers underneath.
  • T by Alexander Wang neoprene pleated mini skirt in grey ($41): Like the peacoat above, I’ve owned the black version of this for a few years. I paid full price for the skirt back then and had seriously considered purchasing it in grey, too, but talked myself out of the indulgent purchase. Well, eventually the shopping stars aligned and I scooped it up on clearance at The Outnet.
  • Tallulah geometric-print jumpsuit ($35; not pictured above, but you can see the print I purchased here): This was definitely an impulse purchase when I stopped by Anthropologie a couple of weeks ago looking for a baby gift. I fell for the geometric print on what I thought was a maxi dress and headed straight to the dressing room only to realize it was, in fact, a jumpsuit. Sold. As if that wasn’t great enough, it has enough built-in padding in the bust that you can go without a bra if you have a small chest. It runs about a size large.
  • J.Crew floral chandelier earrings ($35): In general, I’m not a huge fan of J.Crew’s jewelry. Much of it relies too much on recycled designs and loud colors to make a statement, and it’s usually too expensive for what it is. However, these earrings are gorgeous. I love the evergreen and blush colorway that’s accented by a tiny amount of frosty blue, and the movement the dangling flowers add to the piece.

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

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

  • Ann Taylor poppy ruffle collar blouse: I went to the mall specifically to try this on. It’s not nearly as vibrant in person and it’s incredibly sheer.
  • Ann Taylor tiered ruffle sleeve blouse: I love the sleeves on this, but the body is too boxy and didn’t drape well on me. It’s also too sheer to wear without a cami underneath. It would make for a great layering piece under a dress, though.
  • J.Crew cluster drop earrings: The shape of the earrings is adorable and they’re surprisingly lightweight for such a statement pair. However, they’re cheaply made. The plastic fishing line that holds the petals together was visible on the pair I tried.

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I’ll be linking up with Fran today!

Budget Update: October 2016

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Old Navy Pintuck Swing Dress, Diane von Furstenberg 440 Clutch, Ferragamo Varina

I made up for last month’s thoughtful spending with a bit of overindulgence, thanks to a Joie dress I have yet to feature on the blog. (It’s coming with me to Nashville this weekend!) I haven’t spent this much money on a garment in a long time, but I decided to treat myself as a reward for the partnership with eBay I’ve had since January creating content for buying guides. It’s actually the first sartorial splurge I allowed myself with the payments from that partnership. I had been using the money to pad my savings account and pay for my half of our spring trip to Europe. I took the cost of the dress from my regular clothing budget, so don’t be surprised if I need to add a little bit of cash back to offset a deficit.

And with that, there’s only one month left to my first attempt at a quarterly budget instead of a monthly one. I set out to spend just $3,000 annually on clothing. (Which, to some, sounds like a ludicrous amount, but I promise it’s much less than I spent in 2015!) I’ve added $564.47 to that with some of my blog revenue, but I’m proud I managed to stay close to the original amount overall. I’m planning to do an annual recap once November wraps up with how I managed my money, which items were worth splurging on, the year’s hits and misses, and which months I struggled to stay on track.

BUDGET*
Autumn Budget (September – November): $750
Spent in September: $177
Spent in October: $455
Added: $0
Amount Remaining: $118

Winter Budget Recap: December, January, February
Spring Budget Recap: March, April, May
Summer Budget Recap: June, July, August
Autumn Budget Recap: September

*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. That’s usually a last-ditch effort to offset overspending the final month of the quarter!

Wardrobe Update: October 2016

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

  • Jenny Bird “YaYa” choker in gold ($50): Finally a choker worth buying! I’m not into the ribbon versions or the overly ornate options. This simple gold hoop is the perfect on-trend piece to wear on its only or layered with other necklaces.
  • Old Navy pintuck swing dress in Black Floral ($37; worn here): With the right accessories, this dress looks way more expensive than it is. That’s not the case for the other colorways, mind you. The black background with multicolored flowers is a surprisingly great pattern for this price point. I love it with black patent flats. I’d recommend going to to the store to try on a few sizes, including multiples of the same size. Budget retailers aren’t exactly known for consistency.
  • H&M polka dot tunic top ($25; worn here): Unfortunately, I can’t find this online. It’s a pretty basic tunic-style blouse with side slits and a mock neck. It looks fanastic under crewneck shift dresses for fall. I tried on my normal size and a size up. They both fit pretty similarly, but I went with the larger size just because the other pulled slightly when I moved.
  • J.Crew ribbed relaxed wool turtleneck in stripe ($67; worn here): This is so soft and cozy! I went with my typical size small for J.Crew sweaters.
  • Joie “Tahoma” silk floral-print ruffle dress ($276): I can’t remember the last time I’ve spent this much on a garment. I typically splurge on quality accessories like bags and shoes that I’ll get years of enjoyment out of. I’m also willing to spend this much on a coat. But a dress? Not usually. However, I couldn’t get this silk frock out of my mind with its petite floral pattern. I’m a sucker for short swing dresses and this one won me over with a dark pattern that can be worn all winter long with tights and a turtleneck sweater layered underneath. It also looks pretty with bare legs and ballet flats on warmer days. I contemplated ordering a large, but the volume at the bottom was enough room for my hips in the medium.

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

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

  • Tory Burch horse-head whistle pendant: Ugh, it kills me that this sucked in person! It’s such a great equestrian design that doubles as a whistle, however it’s really cheaply made. The chain felt like it would break if caught on something. I switched the pendant to a different chain, but still was left irritated that the pendant itself wasn’t even made well.
  • UGG “Amal” ankle boots: I’ve been on the lookout for a pair of black ankle boots for years, but I have yet to find the perfect pair. I had hoped that these would be a practical option for snowy days when I don’t want to wear actual winter boots on my way to work. Unfortunately, they run small and the toe box is incredibly narrow. I usually wear a 7, but had tried a 7.5 and 8 in these and neither was comfortable.

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I’ll be linking up with Fran this Friday!