BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

THE BUDGET

Each month, I’ve earmarked $250 to spend on clothing and accessories. I consider blog revenue and eBay sales to be “fun money” and will add a portion of that additional income to my monthly budget (if it doesn’t end up in my travel fund first). I’ll record any budget increases or expenditures here each month. Anything that has been ordered and has not yet arrived will appear on the next budget update. I’m also allowing any extra money to rollover into the next month.

• $250 starting budget
• – $102 deficit from last month
• + $0 added to the budget this month
• – $165 spent this month (I’m not counting the sneakers I had to buy out of necessity.)
• = $17 remaining (Let’s just call this even instead of moving this deficit to August.)

PURCHASED

• J.Crew henley tank dress ($18, available in solid colors): This little beach cover up is the cutest thing and it dries quickly. I thought the waist tie was unnecessary–and just one more thing to misplace at the pool–so I took it off. It’s a steal at $15 to $20 with J.Crew’s current promotion of an extra 50% off final sale. It’s machine-washable, but I did put it in a lingerie bag to keep the cotton gauze from snagging.
• Banana Republic shirred blouse ($40): I loved this top in black (part of last month’s haul) and couldn’t resist this pumpkin shade for fall. It can be worn as an off-the-shoulder blouse.
• dee elle smocked swing dress ($29): You already know that this is my favorite purchase of the month (as seen here). I went up a size, given the junior’s size chart.
• LOFT doubleweave “Riviera” shorts ($18): I’m really surprised these are still available in all sizes. The length is perfect (not too modest, but not too juvenile) and they have just the right amount of stretch to help them retain their shape all day. I wore them for our drive back from Louisville and they didn’t look terrible after eight hours of sitting. If you’re between sizes, opt for the smaller one. The legs are cut wider, which is nice for ladies with larger thighs. Nothing is worse than sitting down and having the hem cut into you! I’m now on the lookout for a sweater in this color for a matching set. Let me know if you find one!
• LOFT boho halter top ($60): This was an impulse buy when I stopped at the store specifically for shorts. The cutout design might be too revealing on some, but it’s subtle with a nude bra and high-waisted bottom.

“MEDICAL EXPENSES”
Let’s be serious, I would never have purchased sneakers if I wasn’t instructed to do so by my doctor. I needed supportive footwear with shock absorbency for the final month healing.  

• Puma suede sneakers ($60): I have the Puma suede sneakers in navy and red from a collaboration last month, but I didn’t find the color combination versatile enough for my work wardrobe. I went with black to wear with my basic skirts and pants. It hasn’t been a very fashionable summer at the office, but at least my feet are protected!
• Converse Jack Purcell sneakers ($80): I also picked up a pair of white leather sneakers to go with summer dresses (canvas is too flimsy). I hated the round laces and used a regular set instead. You can see them styled here.

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.

• Kate Spade “Carima” loafers c/o Shopbop: Speckled. Snakeskin-embossed. Loafers. They’re pretty amazing.

UP NEXT
I hate to start breathing a word about autumn until we’re through August, but it is time to start making fall wish lists. Judging by my private Pinterest shopping board, I’m looking forward to a wardrobe of grey, black, navy, white, and blush. There’s a very strong chance that I’ll add this Chloe knockoff to my closet next month. I also have a growing wish list at J.Crew with this skirt, a skort, and a cute short-sleeve top. (Fingers crossed for a sale!) I’d like to try on this LOFT dress, too.

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Of course, with every successful shopping month, there are some misses:

• LOFT t-back trapeze dress: This dress was a tad snug across the chest. I didn’t love it enough to try another size.
• LOFT stripe trim dress: Meh. The shirttail hem wasn’t great in person.
• Tory Burch purse (as seen here): It was a tough decision to send this one back. In theory, it was perfect. I loved the color, the shape, the textured leather…but something didn’t sit well. I appreciate everyone’s advice! I don’t have any regrets about giving it up.
• Steve Madden “Ezeke” sneakers: Before I picked the Jack Purcell sneakers, I tried the white slip-on shoes from Steve Madden. They were too chunky and stiff. They were also hard to get on my swollen foot. I had them for less than five minutes before I packed them up and put them in the outgoing mailbox.
• Topshop striped sweater dress: This dress would be darling on the right person. My hips are too wide to pull this one off.

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