BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Sartorial Spending: June 2013

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June was the first time this year that I’ve felt satisfied with all of my purchases. Despite sale temptation, I avoided impulse spending by carefully considering how an item would work into my existing wardrobe (instead of just how it would work into next week’s outfit). The result: items that fit with my classic aesthetic without being boring. 

Here’s what I purchased:

Total: $376

Sartorial Spending: April 2013

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formal-evening-dresses

I think it’s fairly obvious by now that I don’t set a budget for my purchases. As long as I’m not in debt, I give myself the freedom to buy what I like. It’s the perk of not having major fiscal commitments yet. However, I would like to be more conservative with my sartorial spending since I’m looking for a new car. I currently drive a 2002 Honda Civic that needs love, attention and money that I’m not willing to spend. The air conditioner stopped working over a year ago and it leaks inside when it rains. (When it’s sunny, the steam rising from the damp floor makes it feel like a sauna. Who needs a spa treatment when you can just ride in my car?)

Here are my goals for May:

  • Um, buy a car. Whoa.
  • Ignore sale emails to help curb impulse spending.
  • Plan purchases. I know I’d like to buy a Lilly Pulitzer tunic in May. Focus on that before being distracted by other items. (I also want a full red skirt, but that seems terribly impractical.)

And, here’s what I spent my hard-earned cash on this month:

The Limited pants – $15 and $25
I have mixed feelings about this purchase. I love the pattern, they’re more flattering than I thought patterned pants could be, and I scored the first pair for only $15. It was too good to be true. My normal size stretched out at least an inch in the waist after just four hours. I’m a fan of feeling svelte, but that was a little much. I ordered the size smaller online for $25 and it’s better once it stretches to accommodate my hips. I’m a little annoyed that I had to purchase them twice, but $40 total for a pair of pants is still a decent deal.

Joe Fresh shorts via JCP – $20
Joe Fresh in the States – finally! This little section of JCP is further proof that the retailer is upping its game. I have enough pairs of shorts to get me through the year, but this pair had such a fun pattern.

J.Crew bracelet – $32 (plus a gift card)
There’s no way I would have purchased a neon green, plastic bracelet at full price and I don’t suggest that you do either. I had a Christmas gift card still tucked away in my wallet, which helped justify the frivolous purchase. It’s obnoxiously bright.

Marc Fisher flats – $60 
Confession time: the only pair of black flats I had previously were plastic rain flats. I think that’s all the explanation needed.

Erin Fetherston dress – $0  (thanks to another gift card; not pictured)
Erin Fetherston had their archive sale this month (read: final sale). I admired this dress, convinced myself I didn’t need it, then checked on it again and again. I don’t have many occasions to wear a cocktail dress, so I’m tucking this away in my closet for an October wedding (and maybe a date night before then). It’s a little large and needs alterations before I wear it.

ASOS dress – $73
I’m still crazy about this dress (also featured here).

LOFT dress – $53 not pictured
Those friends and family sale emails get me every time! I bought this dress with our upcoming vacation in mind. A blend of cotton and linen should be comfortable for strolling through Charleston.

LOFT shorts – $30
I know that LOFT runs large, but I was able to wiggle into a smaller size than usual in this pair of shorts. (I’m so vain.) They’re also great for pattern mixing with summer stripes.

Juicy Couture sunglasses – $30 not pictured
Who needs cat-eye sunglasses? Me. Obviously.

Total: $338

Reminder! Win a pair of bangle bracelets from Sequin!

Sartorial Spending: March 2013

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I was joking with Dave that this should be named my “shopping problem” series and by the looks of things this month, that’s not too far off. Any intention I had of staying on budget was gone the moment I spotted the Lilly Pulitzer dress. You can’t deny true love, right? 

Here’s the rundown with taxes, shipping, gift cards and discounts accounted for:

Lilly Pulitzer dress – $248
We have a wedding to attend in May and while I really wanted to buy something over the top, this feminine Lilly Pulitzer dress was a more versatile option for spring and summer. It was still a splurge, but at least the cost-per-wear will be less than a cocktail dress. (I’m also planning to wear this for my birthday in May on our Charleston getaway.)

Banana Republic coat – $40
I went on about my eBay score in this post. I won’t rehash it, but I’m still delighted with my new-to-me spring coat.

Not Pictured Old Navy floral boxers – $9
I stopped at Old Navy on the hunt for the lemon-print boxers. Our store didn’t have them in stock, so I left with a floral pair. At least it was a cheap impulse purchase.

Gap jacquard shorts – $45
I swear, “pink dressy shorts” really were on my spring must-buy list! Obviously I haven’t had a chance to wear these yet, but I’m hoping that I’ll reach for them quite a bit in the coming months. They’ll be especially cute with a slouchy grey sweater for afternoon drinks. (I’m tempted by the matching jacket, but that might be overkill!)

Jeweliq floral bracelet – $20
This bracelet is so cute, but it was such an impulsive buy. 

Lulu Frost necklace – $155
I obsessed over this necklace since it appeared in the February issue of Glamour magazine and finally took the plunge knowing I’d be devastated if it sold out. Unfortunately, the clasp broke the first full day I wore it. I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of exchanging it, so the Lulu Frost team graciously sent over a new clasp. It was an easy fix and it’s as good as new. Aside from that minor hiccup, the necklace is beautiful. I’ve already worn it with everything from a sweatshirt to a black dress.

Banana Republic black dress – $46
Would you believe that I didn’t own a LBD? I received an invitation to a friend’s bachelorette party requesting that everyone wear black. Usually I’m exaggerating when I look into my closet and woefully sigh that I have nothing to wear, but this time I really didn’t have something. I ordered this black dress from Banana Republic (a promo code and my credit card rewards brought the price down considerably). I’m actually looking forward to wearing it with my new Lulu Frost necklace, an anorak jacket and gold boat shoes.

Total Spent: $563 (Yikes!)