BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Budget Update: February 2016

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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

 

Budget Update: February 2016

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.

***
linking with Fran

 

Budget Update: January 2016

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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