BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

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!

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.

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linking with Fran

 

Budget Update: December 2015

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Gerard Yosca Rose Ball Dangle Earrings
OBSERVATIONS
Looking back at 2015, I may have went a bit overboard on sartorial spending, so I’m bringing back a stricter budget in hopes that it’ll force me to be more selective about purchases and be more creative with the items my own closet. I’m trying a seasonal budget with four installments of $750 to spend over a three-month period. I tend to spend more at the onset of a new season, making this approach more realistic than a monthly allotment.

In addition to the money I’ve set aside for clothing and accessories, I’m tucking away $50 per paycheck into a Capital One 360 savings account earmarked for special splurges. I’ve mentioned Capital One 360 before, but it’s worth repeating with a new year — and new financial goals — on the horizon. The bank allows you to create savings accounts for different things whenever you want with no minimum balance. I have a general savings account, the aforementioned splurge account, a travel account, and a Christmas account that I’m putting away $25 per paycheck to make end-of-year gift giving a little easier. Any blog revenue I earn usually gets divided between my regular savings account and my travel fund.

Even though I’m set to start the year on a fiscally responsible note, Tory Burch was a little too tempting for me to resist this morning with an additional 30% off sale items. I had a $200 Visa gift card to spend and put it toward this gorgeous satchel in light oak. It looks like the perfect bag for travel with ample room for my camera, daily essentials, and souvenirs, without being overwhelmingly large. After the discount and gift card, my spending came to $8.25. I’m waiting for it to arrive before officially adding it to my budget.

I’m also seriously considering adding this faux fur number to my closet.

BUDGET
Winter Budget (Dec. – Feb.): $750
Spent in Dec.: $154.5
Amount Remaining: $595.50

Wardrobe-Update-December-2015
PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

  • Monica Vinader “Atlantis” wide band ring ($87.50): This was my only Black Friday purchase this year, which is fitting since one of the designer’s “Baja” bracelets was my Black Friday purchase the year before. Like the bracelet, the quality is impeccable. I’ve been wearing it every day since it arrived.
  • BCBGeneration tie-neck shift dress in deep blue ($37): I actually ordered this in the orange colorway first, but hated the nearly fluorescent hue when it arrived. The dress, however, was darling and I immediately placed an order for the navy version. The necktie is a little thin and looks silly tied in front. I opted to tie it in the back instead, which looks pretty above the keyhole opening. There are strings at the shoulders to keep the tie in place. I snipped those off.
  • Foley + Corinna framed petite crossbody bag in white ($30): The pricetag for this little bag made a sharp increase after I placed my order. It’s somewhat practical with room for my iPhone 6s, a tube of lipstick, a card case, and my keys (without a key fob). However, I don’t think it’s worth more than what I paid. The quality of the leather is good, but the chain is flimsy.

Budget Update December 2015
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. 

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

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linking with Fran

November Wardrobe Update

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Budget-Update-November-2015
OBSERVATIONS
I almost went an entire month without purchasing clothing or accessories for myself. For a solid two weeks, I was creative and content with my wardrobe, taking note of my wardrobe MVPs (that’s “Most Versatile Pieces,” which is fodder for a blog post coming soon). I found myself reaching for this black dress and this pendant all of the time.

…and then I faltered.

Anthropologie was offering an additional 25% off dresses, and the siren song of this dress was too strong to resist. I had tried it on last month and regretted putting it back on the rack. It’s short, flirty, and wonderfully girly. I needed a ride-along item to qualify for free shipping (obviously) and chose this dress in orange (photo here). Despite the glowing reviews, I didn’t expect to love the high neckline and long hemline. But, I do. It’s like nothing else in my closet.

…and then Black Friday happened.

I ordered a Monica Vinader ring and a pair of pink pumps. Those purchases haven’t arrived yet, so I’ll include them in December’s recap. There’s always a chance they’ll make a return trip to the retailer.

Wardrobe-Update-November-2015
PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

  • Maeve eyelet swing dress in black ($60): Cotton eyelet isn’t what you’d consider a holiday fabric, but I’m planning to wear this at our family’s Christmas gathering with black tights, these flats, and the oversize earrings in this post. The dress has an exaggerated bell-shaped body, so you’ll just need to find one that fits well in the bust. I’m getting anxious to book a warm-weather vacation to wear the dress with my favorite summer accessories, too.
  • Maeve “Larkhill” swing dress ($90): As I mentioned above, this is like nothing else in my closet. It’s real silk and drapes beautifully, so the amount of fabric with a high neck and long hem isn’t overwhelming. It looks best with heels or wedges. I don’t have the right pair of shoes now, but I’m hoping the pink heels I ordered work well with it.
  • Old Navy straight-leg jeans ($20, not pictured): I fell out of my exercise routine when I broke my foot in June. Sadly, I still haven’t gotten back in the swing of things and the pounds are creeping on. My old jeans were getting too snug and I need a pair in a larger size. I’ve since started working out again, counting Weight Watcher points, and wearing my Fitbit! Hopefully these jeans will get the heave-ho soon!

Wardrobe-Update-November-2015-GiftedDave
GIFTS FROM DAVE
We stopped at Uniqlo when we were in Chicago and Dave generously added my selections to his purchase. 

Wardrobe-Update-November-2015-Gifted
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.  

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

  • Banana Republic ponte ruffle dress in red: The red version of my beloved LBD came to just $45 after a discount code and a BR Card Reward coupon I had stashed away. It’s one of those pieces you can wear to eat and drink with abandon … without wondering if a waistband is looking a bit taut. (Priorities.) However, I didn’t love this one in person. The black version is much more flattering.

CYBER MONDAY FAVORITES
Since I can’t ignore a major sale event, here are my favorite sales of the day and the pieces I’d pick: 

  • Old Navy: Save 40% on everything, including new arrivals! I love the print of this t-shirt dress in “white,” which is really a tie-dye/ikat stripe. Finding a good print on a budget is hard, but this dress will likely look more expensive than it is with nice leather sandals and a good quality tote bag. Pass on the heather grey and navy stripe. Those look too cheap.
  • J.Crew: Almost everything is 30-40% off today. You’ll save an extra 40-50% off on sale items. Plus, free shipping! My first pick from J.Crew is one of the only full-price items: Chup socks for men. I gave this pair to Dave as an early Christmas gift. He’s normally very picky about socks, but online reviews on various men’s forums were right. Chup socks are pretty great. (They’re a wool blend, so we’re line-drying them.) As far as sale items go, I love this navy and white striped faux fur scarf and this darling pink beanie. I usually scour the sale section for jewelry, since I don’t think the quality of J.Crew gems justifies the price tag. This cuff is pretty major.
  • Anthropologie: Free shipping on all orders and an extra 25% off sale items! Given my propensity to blow my budget on Anthro dresses, I’m staying far away from the clothing and turning my attention to housewares. Winterize your bar cart with these pretty highball glasses. This pitcher is a gorgeous gift for someone who is hard to shop for.
  • Banana Republic: 40% off everything! No exclusions! Obviously, I’m going to suggest the pink pumps I ordered. But, I also love the Sloan pants and wear them to work weekly.
  • Amazon: Take 30% off select clothing and accessories here. I would love to own this Furla bucket bag.
  • Kate Spade: Take 30% off everything with code SHINE. I’ve only purchased one item from Kate Spade this year: the “Carima” loafers featured in this post. I’m terribly tempted to order the silver pair as well. For gift-giving, I’m all about this bow ornament.

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linking with Fran

October Wardrobe Update

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Budget-Oct--2015
OBSERVATIONS
So, I spent a lot of money this month…

::awkward silence::

Each time I stopped at Anthropologie, I left victorious with a $138 dress in my hands. And this, my friends, is why I don’t shop in person. Do I regret it, though? Not in the slightest. That said, I have my eye on a few big-ticket items that will require a more strategic savings plan: Nicholas Kirkwood flats (possibly in patent pink), a David Yurman crossover ring to wear everyday, a wide Hermes cuff in either gold or silver with white enamel, and a hot pink fur scarf (although, I love this amazing rainbow version). All very expensive and all items I’ll keep forever. (Yes, even the colorful fur.) But, in order to afford any of them, I need to stop shopping for the fast-fashion pieces that catch my eye. Thus, I’m embarking on “No Shop November.” That doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll be able to add any of these wish listed pieces to my wardrobe in December, but the retail detox will give me a chance to appreciate the items I already have and pad my savings account before the holidays.

Wardrobe-Update-October-2015
PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

  • Zara strappy flats ($50): I know what I said about not buying cheap shoes, but these are the exception. They’re ridiculously comfortable and way too cute to pass up. Zara doesn’t sell shoes in a size 7, but the 7.5 fit fine.
  • Moth paned sweater tunic ($138): This tunic is so soft! I’ve worn it as a dress (here) and plan to wear it throughout fall with black tights.
  • DKNY “Blythe” hooded cape ($158): Yes, I bought this because Blair looked so cute in it last year. No, I don’t think I look as good as she does. Now that we cleared the air on that, I’m excited to have another cold-weather option for days that don’t warrant a real winter coat. I have narrow shoulders and went with the XS/S option.
  • Noir star ear climbers ($22.50): Admittedly, I purchased these because they were part of the Shopbop x Jem and the Holograms collection, but they’re really cute for the upcoming holiday season.
  • Maeve “Devery” shirtdress in blue plaid ($138): It’s evident I need to stay far away from Anthropologie. This is the second $138 dress I bought this month when I popped in for “just a quick look.” I don’t have photos of it on the blog yet, but you can see it in this Instagram. I first tried on a medium, but the shoulder seams were inching their way down my arms and there was a lot of extra room in the torso, so I opted for the small. It fits much better. In the stock images, you can actually see how much fabric is gathered at the back on the model.
  • H&M shirt (not pictured, $20): In addition to dresses, I prefer to wear loose tops with skirts or pants to the office. This one is a vintage-inspired blue floral print that’s fun to pair with a navy skirt.

Wardrobe-Update-October-2015-Gifted
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.  

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

  • Zara striped dress: So cute, but so short!
  • Zara printed dress: There’s quilting on the back that makes a really obnoxious swishing sound. It was also tiny. I ordered a medium, which is the same size as the Zara dress I bought in September, and I couldn’t even get it over my head! The fabric kind of reminded me of someone’s old dorm room tapestry.
  • ASOS a-line skirt: Unlined and ran small.
  • ASOS moonstone loafers: I’m disappointed these didn’t work out. They were absolutely adorable and the insole was nice and soft. However, they pinched my toes at the top and I knew I wouldn’t wear them because of it. I’m pretty sure polyurethane wouldn’t have stretched out and the larger size would have been too big.
  • J.Crew classic wool turtleneck: I ordered the small, which is my usual size in  J.Crew sweaters. This one fit was a little too small. The knit was thin and I didn’t like it enough to order a size larger.
  • Calvin Klein “Karlia” ankle boot: These felt and looked cheap in person.

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linking with Fran