BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

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!

Budget Update: March 2017

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Zara Strappy Dress with Frills :: Bedknobs & Baubles

Ugh. I swear, what didn’t I buy is a better question for this month’s shopping confessions. I used our trip to New Orleans as rationale for quite a few purchases early in the month and even then I was still on budget until our weekend in Chicago led me astray. What can I say? Nordstrom Rack will always get me when there’s a deal on a DVF wrap dress and Zara’s trendy pieces are just too good to pass up. I’ll subtract the deficit from next quarter’s budget to stay on track with my annual allotment.

BUDGET
First Quarter Budget: $850
Spent in January: $358 (decreased thanks to a Nordstrom price adjustment)
Spent in February: $256
Spent in March: $401
Amount Remaining: -$165

Wardrobe Update: March 2017 :: Bedknobs & Baubles

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

  • LOFT Floral Lace Striped One-Shoulder Top ($38): With floral lace trim and stripes, what’s not to love about this top? It’s such a pretty take on the one-shoulder trend. I wore it with denim shorts in New Orleans. Order your regular size and a size down to try them both. I liked the torso more in the small, but the elastic felt uncomfortable under the arm so I went with the medium.
  • Greylin Karissa Cross Front Printed Skater Dress ($60): ASOS has some great sale finds if you’re patient enough to sift through hundreds of pages of merchandise to find them. I fell in love with this dress for its cross-strap detail in the front and the flattering piping. It’s no longer available, unfortunately.
  • Sea & Grass Market Tote Bag ($73; featured here): The bag featured above is similar to the one I actually purchased on Etsy from Sea & Grass (a.k.a. my newest handbag obsession). It looks like they raised the price of the tote to $85 after I purchased it, but I’d still recommend it at its current price. I used it every day in New Orleans and it fit everything I could possibly need for a day out. The craftsmanship of the bag is beautiful and the semi-glossy finish makes it water resistant if you choose to bring it to the beach.
  • ZARA Pearly Strappy Sandals ($60): I feel like my style is completely on point whenever I order something and see it on Blair the next day. 😉 I just love these sandals. They’re basically jewelry for your feet.
  • J.Crew Bandana in Mermaid Print ($10): I’m all about the scarf and bandana trend this spring. I’ve been wearing a lot of blue lately, so this one seemed like a no-brainer to coordinate with this season’s ensembles either tied around my neck or on the handle of my bag.
  • ZARA Strappy Dress with Frills ($40; worn above): I kind of feel like a flouncy cupcake in this dress. I can’t say it’s the most flattering thing I own, but it’s just too fun. It’s lined, which was a nice surprise for such an inexpensive dress. I went up a size.
  • Diane von Furstenberg “Julian 2” Mini Wrap Dress ($70; not pictured): I found this at Nordstrom Rack in Chicago and couldn’t stay no to such a deep discount on a flattering wrap dress. The color scheme I went with has a magenta background. I’m looking forward to wearing it to work this spring and summer.
  • Uniqlo High-Rise Drape Shorts in black ($30; not pictured): I bought these to wear with the black tank top I also picked up at Uniqlo. Together, they create the illusion of a romper, but it’s way more practical when ducking into the ladies’ room. These were great for travel, too, since the fabric didn’t wrinkle even when shoved in a suitcase and taken out only on the last day.
  • Uniqlo Tank Top in black ($20; similar to the one above): I wish this was available online. It’s similar to the Topshop one above only without the double strap detail in the back. It’s the same material as the shorts, making it great for travel.

GIFTED
As always, I want to be transparent about what I’ve received from companies for review or as part of a collaboration.

  • GlassesUSA “Muse” Sunglasses: I just love the matte finish!
  • Sweet & Spark Vintage Floral Earrings: I brought them to New Orleans and featured them in this Instagram. I’ll post a snapshot on the blog soon! In the meantime, you can meet the curator of Sweet & Spark here.
  • Make Me Chic Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Dress: As with most items from these types of retailers, this dress is ultra short. I’m actually going to take it to the tailor to have hemmed into a shirt.
  • Prada Round Sunglasses: DITTO is unfortunately ending its Endless Eyewear program. I had credits remaining from my partnership with them and spent them on this pair of sunglasses. They’re ridiculous, but pretty fun to wear. If you have your eye on any designer sunglasses, check to see if DITTO is carrying them first. They’re 50% off right now and final sale. Shop the sale here.

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

  • ASOS Salon A-Line Lace Mini Dress: I so badly wanted this to work! While it’s incredibly adorable in person, I just didn’t see myself wearing it more than once or twice. (It’s okay, though. I did buy a yellow dress in January!) If you have a special occassion coming up, give it a whirl! I found that it ran large around the chest, which is really the only place you’re fitting this for.
  • LOFT Vine Sleeveless Shirt Dress: I’m really surprised this is almost out of stock already. It’s fine, but I thought the pattern seemed too old-fashioned in person.
  • J.Crew Factory 5″ Pull-On Shorts: These run true to size, but they gave me major FUPA. :: blush :: (Is that too honest for the blog?)

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

  • The loafers I’ve been contemplating for over a month now.

***
I’ll be linking up with Fran!

Budget Update: February 2017

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cocktail dresses uk

After a year of casually looking for a flattering trench coat, I finally purchased one from Banana Republic this month. I’m not sure how I managed to go without this wardrobe staple for so long, especially since I’ve worn it every warm day we’ve had recently. Aside from that, I’ve been all about print and color again this month. I’ve gone far too long with only purchasing versatile classics that I feel like my closet is overdue for a refresh with playful, eye-catching pieces. I’ll admit, though, that’s it making my annual Pinterest board of sartorial purchases look a little disjointed! It’s easy to overlook quality when enamored with a pretty print, so I’m diligently selecting only items that have expensive-looking prints (so many wallet-friendly prints look cheap) and are made well.

BUDGET
First Quarter Budget: $850
Spent in January: $358 (decreased thanks to a Nordstrom price adjustment)
Spent in February: $256
Amount Remaining: $236

Wardrobe Update: February 2017

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

  • Vero Moda drop-waist floral dress ($58; worn here): I’m all kinds of obsessed with this cute little dress for spring. The shirt-dress detailing makes it appropriate for work and the gathered skirt skims over hips with ease. The skirt portion is lined, but the top a little sheer, so you’ll need a nude bra that matches your skin color almost exactly if you don’t want to wear a cami. I first ordered a size large, assuming that the European brand would run small. Nope. If anything it runs a hair larger than true to size. I opted for a medium and there’s still plenty of room.
  • Banana Republic belted cotton trench ($120; worn here): I’ve been looking for a khaki-colored spring coat for the last two years and decided to give this one a whirl. I like that it has a single row of buttons rather than the double-breasted look of a traditional trench coat. There’s a removable quilted lining inside, which is a nice touch. It runs true to size. Mine arrived pretty wrinkly, but nothing a steamer couldn’t fix.
  • J.Crew Factory tissue tunic ($31): I love the vibrant colors in this tunic. I went up a size to give me more room around my hips, especially when throwing it over a wet bathing suit this summer. I’m hopeful that I can also half-tuck it into a pair of shorts and wear it during the day.
  • Neiman Marcus ruffled popover striped dress ($47): Madison Magazine reached out to me to see if I’d like to be part of an upcoming story on “stylish Madisonians.” I’m flattered and a little nervous about the whole ordeal. (I realize the irony of having a public blog and yet still being shy when it comes to stuff like this.) However, I needed something to wear for the photo shoot next month. Obviously. I found this cute striped formal dress at Neiman Marcus Last Call and love that it highlights my shoulders and collarbone, adds oomph to my chest, and accentuates my waist. I’m probably going to pair it with the Cult Gaia bag I’m obsessed with (above) and possibly these earrings. I need to find a good cuff bracelet and shoes, though. Suggestions?

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. 

  • Sam Edelman “Yaro” suede sandals in black: I wrestled with whether or not to return these. They’re really cute and I loved how my legs looked with the extra height. However, I just wasn’t convinced that I’d wear them all that often when I typically reach for flats. At $120, I figured that money was better spent on something I’d wear more often. I’ll consider them again if they go on sale.

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

 

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I’ll be linking up with Fran!

Budget Update: January 2017

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Budget Update: January 2017

My wardrobe is kicking off on a much more upbeat and playful note than it did last year. There’s playful fringe, flirty pleats, and color! And it’s a good indication of the direction I want my wardrobe to go this year. I typically talk myself out of the more unique pieces because they might not be as versatile as something more subdued, but you know what I’ve found over the years? The pieces I love most are the ones that aren’t basic. The Cult Gaia bag that everyone owns now was one of last year’s most special pieces. It’s not versatile, but I get so much joy out of using it. The same holds true for this sequin dress and a faux fur coat, which actually became one of my most often worn pieces. Having the opportunity to look back and analyze what struck a chord with me and what didn’t is the biggest reason I keep an annual wardrobe Pinterest board for all of my new additions. You can see this year’s board here. I’ve gone back and forth on whether to add sponsored items to this board. On one hand, I only feature items that I actually do like and want to wear for more than just one post. On the other hand, the pieces I spend money on are probably the ones that actually represent my closet the best. Thoughts?

I’ve upped my quarterly budget by $100 to $850 this year. I realistically stick closer to that range anyway and it hasn’t felt like too much with my overall spending. Last year, I was really lucky to have offset all of my clothing purchases (plus pad my savings account) with a freelance project. I definitely can’t count on that every year, though! In any case, I’ve found that a quarterly budget works best for me. It allows me to spend more at the beginning of a season when I’m more excited about the latest offerings and less toward the end when my interest is waning.

BUDGET
First Quarter Budget: $850
Spent in January: $395
Amount Remaining: $455

Budget Update: January 2017

PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here. 

  • Holst + Lee “Tinseltown” fringe earrings ($62; worn here): I admired these for a few months before I finally placed an order with their recent 35% off discount code. They’re incredibly lightweight and the shoulder-sweeping length makes a huge statement.
  • Diane von Furstenberg “Kourtni” chiffon dress ($164; it’s popped back in various sizes here and here; worn here): I purchased this when DVF had an extra 30% off the sale price. It’s one of those pieces that feels very “me” thanks to the relaxed silhouette. It’s easy to throw on with flats or heels to wear to work, or sandals for a warm-weather outing.
  • BB Dakota “Jacqueline” lace shift dress in red ($88): This dress is sexy. The front is low, the back is low, and it’s short. However, it doesn’t feel inappropriate. It just feels beautiful. It’s the perfect dress for Valentine’s Day, although I’m wearing it to a work cocktail event I’m hosting next month. (Ordering a heart-shaped pizza is the extent of our V-day celebration!) It runs a bit on the larger size due to the swing-style body. And for ladies who hate strapless bras, you’re in luck! The cap sleeves allow you to wear a regular bra in the same color as the dress. I’m planning to wear it with my favorite red flats. You know I’m a fan of short dresses with flat shoes!
  • ASOS double layer cold shoulder mini pleated dress ($61): You may have noticed this dress in my sidebar earlier this month under the “Latest Find” header. I ordered it the day I came across it and I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer so I can actually wear it. It reminded me of my beloved pink pleated dress I wear on repeat throughout the summer, but with a sassier ’70s twist. I went with a size 8, which is typically what I’ll order for swing styles that don’t take my hips into account. It’s a really fun piece to wear and I can see myself reaching for it often this spring and summer with a pair of simple sandals (I’ve got my eye on these) and the colorful tote bag in this post. And when we finally book a spring trip to New Orleans, it’ll be the first thing in my suitcase!
  • Old Navy faux leather tote bag ($20; worn here): I had been looking for an inexpensive tote bag that I could use for work to stash things like my lunch, ballet flats, and makeup case inside. I didn’t want something that I’d worry about or that would be ruined by precipitation. This Old Navy tote fit the bill and it’s actually a lot nicer than I thought it would be. I love the zipper top to keep everything tucked inside. It’s also lightweight and seems to expand to accommodate whatever I need to throw inside. I’m actually going to use this as my personal item on our next flight. (I had used a Gap Rewards coupon to bring down the price to the $20 mark.)

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: 

SHOP IT

***
I’ll be linking up with Fran!

Budget Update: December 2016

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Garnet Hill Belted Faux Fur Collar Coat + Rebecca Minkoff Small Love Crossbody + Gap True Skinny Ankle Jeans

If I were to stay with my quarterly budget for the upcoming year, this would have been the month that kicked off my winter spending. However, I haven’t quite settled on my approach to budgeting for 2017. On one hand, the quarterly budget was nice in that it allowed me the flexibility to allocate more to months when stores were overflowing with treasures. On the other hand, I don’t think a budget actually reins in my spending. I can rationalize just about any purchase and, if I’m being honest, I can afford to go over my monthly allotment. So, the jury’s still out on how this series will unfold in 2017, but I’ll keep some iteration of it for three reasons:

  1. I think it’s important to be transparent about the items I accrue, especially when it comes to the freebies from partnerships.
  2. I’m super nosy and I love reading these types of posts from other people.
  3. I hope that the mini reviews of the items I kept or returned help guide your purchasing decisions if these are also on your radar.

In December, I went a little overboard and spent a whopping $354. Holy moly. This is mostly due to the mirrored Rebecca Minkoff purse I’m crazy about. I had kept looking at it (read: obsessing over) the bag all November and finally bit the bullet over the Black Friday weekend. It’s definitely a statement maker, but the silver keeps it versatile and I love that it’s paired with gold hardware.

As far as Christmas goodies are concerned, I received two striped sweaters for my ever-growing collection of stripes (this one from my parents and this one from Dave in the ivory and black colorway). Dave also gave me these gorgeous Jenny Bird earrings. They’re such a unique, sculptural piece. The front hoop lays flat against your earlobe and the back hoop dangles from the earring backing. I’ve mentioned it before, but Jenny Bird is by far my favorite jeweler of the moment and there’s a “Behind the Baubles” interview in the works!

Budget Update: December 2016

PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here. 

  • Rebecca Minkoff small “Love” crossbody in metallic silver ($146; worn here): I could wax poetic about this bag, but I won’t. Just know that I’m smitten with it. The only drawback is that it doesn’t hold a lot. It takes some creativity to tuck my daily essentials inside: an iPhone, a tube of lipstick, a small mirror, a mini hairbrush, a credit card case, and my inhaler (#winter).
  • Rebecca Minkoff mini trifold wallet ($0): This was the gift with purchase for any purchase over $100 on Cyber Monday. While I had originally ordered the purse above on Thanksgiving, the Cyber Monday deal was enough motivation to place a second order and return the first. What can I say? I’m a sucker for free things especially when they’re adorable.
  • Gap true skinny ankle-length jeans ($33; worn here): This is the first pair of jeans that I’ve ever truly loved. They miraculously don’t get baggy during the day! I might just turn into a denim girl yet! (Unlikely…)
  • Rachel Roy sequin swing dress ($60): This is the best dress to have on hand for special occasions! The champagne color is gorgeous in person and I love that the shimmery side of the sequins lays down, but you’ll get a peek of the glimmer when they’re brushed up. (Fair warning: people really want to feel your dress when you wear it. So many people at Dave’s office holiday party insisted on brushing the sequins up and down!) It does run small in the chest, so pick a size to fit that area comfortably. The a-line shape skims over curves.
  • Sanctuary lace-up printed dress ($48, also available here and here): This dress runs large, so be sure to size down even if you don’t think you’ll need to. I reached for a medium first, but ended up selecting the small.
  • Banana Republic striped turtleneck sweater ($38): I don’t think I would have ever ordered this online, but I fell in love with it in the store. It’s just a really pretty, sophisticated sweater. It fits true to size.
  • J.Crew crystal drop earrings in pink ($17): The color of these earrings is more vibrant in person. They’re not terribly heavy, making them comfortable for all-day wear.
  • Gorjana “Petra” cuff ($12): I actually just ordered this today, so I have no idea how it’ll be in person. I’m usually happy with Gorjana purchases and the sale price was too good to pass up. (Browse the rest of the sale here.)

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: 

  • H&M sequined skirt: The color is gorgeous, but the length is just too long to be flattering on me.

SHOP IT

***
I’m linking up with Fran!