BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Wardrobe Update: June 2018

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Rachel Comey Factor Earrings

Recently I had been putting any blog money I earned toward house projects and purchases. Those things can add up quickly and I’m so fortunate that I’ve been able to add extra money to my bank account by way of this hobby. This month, though, I spent some of that money a bit more irresponsibly. I had been obsessing over these earrings ever since I featured them on March 20. I hemmed and hawed over purchasing them because, well, they’re plastic and it’s a lot of money to spend on a pair of acrylic earrings. I’m so glad I went for it, though! They’re such statement makers in person despite being clear. Plus, they’re so much fun to wear! It was money well spent.

TOTAL SPENT: $337
(Budget: $200; $4 subtracted from last month; $141 over budget, but I had plenty of blog revenue this month to cover it)

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

  • Old Navy ruffle-trim linen-blend popover shirt ($27) – I linked to this shirt in a recent “Weekend Links” post and went to Old Navy shortly after to see it in person. It was as good as I hoped it would be. The fabric is light and breezy, which is perfect for summer. And the cut is flattering with the v-neck. The size small fit well if it were tucked in, but I went up a size because I preferred the looser fit of the medium so that it draped over my hips better.
  • Old Navy denim boyfriend shorts ($20) – My other pair of denim shorts is now too large. I’m not a huge fan of shorts in general, but I do wear them when we go on bike rides. So, a smaller pair was a summer essential.
  • Sam Edelman ‘Bay 2’ slides ($100) – I ordered these the same day I saw them on Shopbop. They run true to size.
  • Rachel Comey ‘Factor’ earrings ($115) – Yes, that’s a crazy amount to spend on plastic earrings, but they’re all kinds of amazing. They’re lightweight making them easy to wear all day. (If you’d prefer a wallet-friendly pair of acrylic earrings, check out these or these.)
  • Madewell tiered tank in pink ($45) – Isn’t this the cutest? If you want it to fit like it does on the model, you’ll have to go up a size. I went with a medium in the top and the band fits snugly on top and it hits me at the top of my hips. I tried a small for comparison and it was entirely too short. The fabric has a nice heft to it and a lot of women left reviews online indicating that they were able to wear it without a bra. I haven’t tried that yet, though!
  • Leith racerback shift dress in emerald ($30) – I’m a sucker for this dress, which should be obvious by now given that it’s the third color I own. You can see how I’ve worn it here and here.

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

  • Madewell butterfly top in sherbet stripe – I love the colors of this top, but it was much too short and the hem was curved. Whenever I lifted my arms, the shirt rode up to expose my torso. Pass. (Also, it feels like upholstery fabric. I’m still not sure if I liked that or hated it.)

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Wardrobe Update: May 2018

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J.Crew Mercantile faux-wrap mini dress

I’m two months into my newfound budget restrictions and I’m still going strong! (Albeit with a $4 deficit.) This month was all about adding a few lightweight dresses to my collection, including one I’ve crushed on since its debut, which made my wish list go down to just one single item: this Jenny Bird pendant. I’m not sure if I’ll pull the trigger this month, though. We have a trip to Portland on the books for the end of the month and I feel like all of my disposable income is going to go to Schoolhouse Electric when I visit the store!

TOTAL SPENT: $235
(Budget: $200; $31 added from last month; subtracting $4 next month)

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

  • Tory Burch silk scarf ($18) – I received a $50 coupon to use for my birthday month and decided to put it toward this adorable silk square. The four different patterns make it so that you can change the look from a floral design to a geometric one based on how you tie it.
  • Leith racerback shift dress in navy ($29; worn here) – I love the black version of this dress (worn here) that I had to buy it in navy. I’ve been wearing these two dresses to work just about every week. They’re machine washable, too!
  • J.Crew Mercantile faux wrap dress in fresh daisies ($60; worn here) – This little number runs true to size. The bust is a bit on the larger side, though, and it falls open if you don’t maintain good posture despite the hook and eye closure. I love it with slip-on espadrilles and sneakers, but it’s adorable with ballet flats, too.
  • Madewell denim pintuck cami dress ($128) – I had been crushing on this dress ever since I first saw it on the Madewell site. I was waiting for it to go on sale, but once I realized the size run was selling out at both Nordstrom and Shopbop, I had to hit “add to cart” to see how I felt about it in person. Love. It. The pintuck pleats and bust detailing make it so much more interesting than your run-of-the-mill sun dress. It runs true to size.
  • Warby Parker ‘Nancy’ sunglasses in pink & no-name gold and white hoop earrings in Austin ($0) – Birthday gifts! Dave bought the earrings for me while we were out and about. (I’ll post them in an outfit post soon!) The sunglasses are from my parents — sort of. They send me a birthday check each year, and this year my mom specifically requested that I buy something for myself and not the household. I put part of the check toward the sunglasses while we were in Austin and deposited the rest into my travel savings account.

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

  • BB Dakota ‘Luciana’ maxi dress – The polyester lining felt like it would oppressively hot on steamy days.
  • Soludos espadrille wedges – I’ve been thinking about buying these for a couple of years now and really hoped that they’d be a comfortable option when I want a bit of height. I followed the recommendations to go down a half size and found the toe box too tight and uncomfortable. Back they went.
  • Deepa Gurnani ‘Petaloop’ earrings – I love big earrings, but these were too much even for me.

7 Spending Freeze Strategies

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Spending Freeze Strategies

The holidays just ended and we’re already bombarded with store emails promoting sales and spring merchandise. As much as I want to head full bore into spring shopping — the dresses! — I need to take a step back and let my bank account breathe. I don’t feel like I’m in a comfortable spot with my finances right now. Holidays aside, a big part of that was buying a house last year and taking a fairly large chunk out of  my savings account for things like floor refinishing, paint, hardware, tools, and furniture. I need to get back on track, and taking a month off from nonessential purchasing should help with that.

Let’s be honest, though, this challenge is incredibly difficult for any of us who love fashion and the promise of a spring wardrobe bursting with all of the bright colors, gorgeous prints, and airy fabrics. But, I need to keep my eye on the prize: a healthier financial situation. Here are seven strategies that I’m employing to keep my spending in check this month:

1 – Remember the bigger picture. Going from December, a month of expected overindulgence, to a pared down thirty-one days isn’t the easiest. Keeping the bigger picture in mind helps to remember why you’re doing this in the first place. Do you need to pay off credit card debit? Pad your bank account? Reduce the stress of having too much stuff? Whenever you feel deprived of being able to buy something unnecessary, remember what you’re working toward.

2 – Be grateful for what you already have. You know that closet full of fun things you love and wear? Yeah, go hang out in there whenever you’re feeling the urge to shop. I’m all too familiar with the feeling of fashion FOMO, but there’s likely an abundance of amazing things in your wardrobe that you should be grateful for. Take time to organize your closet and rediscover old favorites, then challenge yourself to reintroduce them into your weekly rotation or remix them into new outfits. (This same idea also applies to housewares, if that’s your weak spot. Try moving decorations to another room to freshen things up.) At the very least, use this time as a chance to carefully evaluate what you own, what you’d like to get rid of, and what holes exist in your collection.

3 – Wish list everything. I have a private Pinterest board that I use for each sartorial and home item that catches my eye. It’s an easy way to add some breathing room to a potential purchase and make sure it’s something you actually want. (Oftentimes, I find that once I add an item and think about it for a week, the piece has already lost its luster.) There will be a longer cooling off period with an entire month, and there’s a good chance it’ll be on sale next month if you’re still enamored with it.

4 – Practice mindful purchasing habits. If you’re narrowing your purchases to just the essentials for a month, you’re already on track to start employing mindful purchasing habits. It really just comes down to being more aware of what you’re buying, how much money is actually leaving your account (or adding to your credit card balance), how that item will be used, and how you’re feeling when you make that purchase. After this month is up, continue practicing these habits in February with a bit more freedom. Are you shopping out of boredom or do you actually see yourself putting that new item in heavy rotation? If it’s the latter, go for it, as long as you have the money in your account and already earmarked as disposable income. Remember, though, for everything you purchased in the past, you were as excited for that as you are for your upcoming purchase. Make sure it’s really something that will add to your life rather than fulfill an immediate desire.

5 – Try new recipes. Dining out is a huge line item for us. It’s unrealistic for us to cut it out completely, so we’re planning to go out to eat just two or three times this month rather than every weekend. To keep things fun and date-like, we’re planning to try new dinner and cocktail recipes instead of relying on the old standbys. It’ll be cheaper than dining out and great activity to share together.

6 – Explore [free] activities. Check your city’s newspaper and online event calendars to find free activities. If you’re in a mid- to large-sized city, there are typically free festivals or concerts that you could go to. If it’s just too darn cold to leave your house, start a Netflix series you’ve been meaning to watch (I just started The Crown), check out an e-book from the library, or finally try some of those Sephora samples that are piling up in your bathroom cabinet. It’s also a great time to reorganize your closet, kitchen, and bathroom.

7 – Enlist a partner. Whether it’s your significant other or a good friend (IRL or online!), having a partner who is also cutting out unnecessary expenses can help keep you accountable.

I’m hopeful that the challenge will also make this year’s sartorial purchases more rewarding. I’ve been putting a small amount of money aside per paycheck and some blog revenue into a savings account dedicated to the Gucci bag I’ve been daydreaming about. I’m almost there, but splurging on it now would feel irresponsible. I’m working my way toward a 2018 goal of “fewer, better things,” and a financial reset button seems like a good way to reframe my outlook on spending. It’s really easy to caught up in impulse spending, new items, and cheap thrills. Those things add up, and while it’s not to say I won’t partake, I want to become more mindful of doing so.

Let me know if you’d like to join in! I’d love to do a link-up at the end of the month to share our successes and struggles.

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Budget Update: June 2017

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Budget Update June 17-1

Well, the easiest way to stay on budget with clothing is to buy a house! Dave and I have been recording every penny we’ve spent this month to stay on track with the budget we put in place. I’ve been fairly flexible with my spending for the longest time, especially in terms of a clothing budget, but that got quite the revamp this month. It’s hard to get wrapped up in a pretty dress when we have to allocate funds to things like paint and light fixtures. That’s not to say that I’m “banned” from spending money on myself; we’ve actually allowed each other $200 per month of no-questions-asked spending to buy whatever our hearts fancy. It’s just that I’m a lot pickier with my purchases when that $200 allowance is for anything fun for myself, which also includes things like coffee table books and expensive beauty products. (The regular drugstore brands are covered in our household budget.) In addition to the $200, we each have a smaller amount to put in a special savings account for splurges. I’m setting aside $25 per paycheck and any blog money toward the Gucci bag that has captured my fancy. With that in mind, I’ll do away with the quarterly budget next month and just report back on what I did add to my wardrobe.

I’m planning to also record our monthly house spending over on Curated Couple. I find it frustrating that many home blogs don’t disclose how much was spent to complete a project or decorate a room. So, I’ll spill the beans over there. It’ll be a monthly roundup with the decorative pieces we buy, along with the practical things like paint, electrical, and hardware. I’ll also be mindful of adding the total cost of completion to any “before and after” posts.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to the goods!

BUDGET
Second Quarter Budget: $685 ($850 with a $165 deficit from last quarter)
Spent in April: $298
Spent in May: $216
Spent in June: $100
Amount Remaining: $71

Wardrobe Update June 2017 :: Bedknobs & Baubles

PURCHASED
See all of this year’s sartorial purchases here. I round the prices to the nearest dollar amount and reflect any discounts I applied.

  • Lands’ End polka dot bikini bikini top and high-waisted bottoms ($52): I’ve wanted a retro-inspired, high-waisted bikini for the longest time and I finally found the perfect one! It fits true to size and hides any over-indulgences while still being flirty.
  • Chelsea28 ruffle high/low dress in dark floral ($48): I’m sorry to say that the dark floral version is no longer available because the colors are stunning in person. It’s the perfect summer-to-fall piece when we get to that point since it looks gorgeous with burnt orange, gold, and brown. The dress runs huge. I first ordered a medium even though the reviews said it ran large, since I had found that the brand ran small with a few other things I’ve tried in the past. I was swimming in it and exchanged it for a small. It’s still big, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to comfortably wiggle the ruched waistband over my chest if I went with an even smaller size. It doesn’t bother me, though, since I wanted a dress that was easy to slip on, cool enough for summer heat, and made me look pulled together effortlessly.

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.

  • Old Navy embroidered tie-front swing dress in white: I didn’t love this as much in person as I wanted to. The fabric is too casual for daytime and is better suited for the beach, and since there are no beaches in the foreseeable future, back it went! It runs large.

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

  • I just love the fringed leather of this clutch — and it’s the exact color I’d like to paint an accent wall in my closet. Statement pieces like this make me feel like I’m putting my budget to good use. I have plenty of basics and it’s nice to freshen them up with an unexpected statement accessory.
  • I’ve wanted these in “brown toffee” for two months now and have been waiting for a sale plus free shipping. (Apparently I’m greedy with the discounts!) It hasn’t happened yet and I’m starting to feel like I should just spring for them while there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy them.
  • I’m still thinking about this dress, too.
  • And if for some reason I find myself rolling in dough, I’d love to own these watermelon-pink slides.

Budget Update: April 2017

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Diane von Furstenberg Bullseye nubuck-leather clutch

This month started with the best intentions and I went about halfway only having purchased a DVF clutch and a pair of inexpensive earrings, plus I snagged a pair of patent pink loafers entirely on a gift card. At $140 spent, I was feeling awfully smug with my self control. And then the Shopbop sale happened where I picked up the slides I was crushing on, and it all kind of went down hill from there. All in all, though, I hadn’t spent much on accessories this year or last so it was nice to add a few pairs of earrings to my collection that should get plenty of love this summer, and I’m already getting a lot of use out of the clutch and sandals.

A couple of months ago, Kristen asked how I set my quarterly budget because it seemed to be on the high side and, well, it is high. I thought I’d recap my response to her in case others were wondering about this, too. And, I know this is going to be a somewhat vague answer without going into my entire financial situation because while I think there’s value is sharing what items bloggers actually purchased with their own money and what were complimentary samples, it does need to be balanced with financial privacy. Overall, though, the large high dollar amount is  due to incorporating blog income into my budget (although, trust me, it’s not that much!) and a freelance project that I had worked on with eBay. Last year’s freelance project offset all of my clothing spending, plus padded my savings account. Since the income I make from that is outside of my 9-to-5 job, I treat it as “fun” money to supplement what would be a more modest budget. I also don’t spend a lot right now on other areas of my life, which allows me to spend more on clothing. That’s definitely going to change once we buy a house, though!

BUDGET
Second Quarter Budget: $685 ($850 with a $165 deficit from last quarter)
Spent in April: $298
Amount Remaining: $387

Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses uk

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

  • Ann Taylor Raffia Statement Earrings ($25; seen here): These are such a surprise to find at Ann Taylor. As much as I love the retailer for work clothing, they’re not on my list of must-visits when I’m looking for jewelry. These earrings are wonderfully oversize and I found them to be lightweight.
  • Diane von Furstenberg Bullseye Nubuck-Leather Clutch ($115; worn here): I was crushing on this clutch ever since I included it in this post. I thought it would be the perfect pint-sized piece to carry my essentials when I don’t want to bring a larger purse, and it turned out to be so much better than that. The leather is soft and buttery, and the snake chain wrist strip is elegant. It fits more than you’d expect, too. I can fit my iPhone, card case, lipstick, keys, and a small mirror.
  • G.H. Bass & Co. Brice Patent Penny Loafer in Pink ($0; worn here): I kept going back and forth on these at Nordstrom where they were still full price at $110. I randomly did a search for them on the Bass website and came across the pair for $70. I saved an extra 20% by signing up for store emails. (Granted, I didn’t pay anything out of pocket, since I put this on a Visa gift card that I’ve been holding on to since Christmas.) They run true to size, but if you’re typically on the cusp of two sizes, opt for the smaller one.
  • Soludos Knotted Slide Sandals ($80; worn here): I’ve gone on and on about my love of these a couple of times now. They’re really comfortable and the leather is soft enough that there were no blisters from their maiden voyage. The leather is a little squeaky at first, but it goes away with wear. You can also try some leather conditioner to ease the friction. They’re true to size.
  • H&M Palm Earrings ($8): They’re big and heavy, and I love them anyway! It’s the best cheap thrill I’ve purchased in awhile, even if the cheap metal will irritate my skin. (What a ringing endorsement, huh?)
  • J.Crew Circle Earrings ($0; worn here): The only thing better than the aforementioned $8 earrings are free earrings. I used a gift card I received from taking a survey. I found these to be lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day and well into the evening.
  • Cooperative Tie-Front Striped Mini Dress ($70): The colors are more muted in person and the “white” is really beige. The dress is lined, which was a nice surprise at that price point. The fabric of the bodice is doubled up, which allows ladies with small chests to go sans bra. I went up one size to a 10.

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.

  • Express Ruffle Surplice Dress: The shape of this dress is adorable, and the low neckline and cinched waist are flattering. However, the quality is pretty poor for the price. It’s not lined and even though I had tried the dress in black, it was still slightly sheer in the sunlight. It arrived as a wrinkled mess from shipping. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to keep it relatively wrinkle-free during the day.

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

  • I can’t tell if this dress is going to feel cheap, but it’s worth at least ordering to see it in person since it’s just $49. It’s not lined, which typically bothers me when it comes to flimsy summer dresses because I hate wearing a slip underneath when it’s sweltering. That aside, I keep thinking of how cute it will be with my beloved Soludos slides and a woven bag for trips to the farmers’ market and brunch.
  • I’m not really a t-shirt type of girl, but I can’t get over how much I love this one. I want to throw it on with jeans and sneakers for weekend errands. I want to wear it with denim shorts at summer beer festivals. I even want to snag a denim skirt and wear it with that. I don’t understand the fixation I have with it, but it’s real. And I need it. (Yes, I realize that what I consider a “need” is likely different than that of non-fashion-preoccupied people.)
  • I don’t think I’ll actually buy this bamboo-handled bag, but it’s so cute, right?! I’ve actually been scouring eBay for a vintage alternative that’s a bit more wallet-friendly.

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I’ll be linking up with Fran!