budgeting bloggers

Budget Update: November 2016

November 28, 2016 by jessica 9 Comments

Another year of budgeting has come to a close. (And, I use the word “budgeting” loosely knowing that I’ll add blog revenue to offset overspending!) I’ll do an update next month with a year in review with my most loved pieces, the best splurges, and the items I probably should have resisted. As you’ll see below, I didn’t add any of my Black Friday purchases to this month’s budget. I usually wait to deduct the amount of new purchases until they arrive and I’m certain they’re staying in my closet.

BUDGET*
Autumn Budget (September – November): $750
Spent in September: $177
Spent in October: $455
Spent in November: $322
Added: $204 in blog revenue to offset this season’s difference
Amount Remaining: $0

Winter Budget Recap: December, January, February
Spring Budget Recap: March, April, May
Summer Budget Recap: June, July, August
Autumn Budget Recap: September, October

*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!

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

Banana Republic merino turtleneck ($34): I tried J.Crew’s Tippi turtleneck sweater last year, but didn’t love the fit and it wasn’t slim enough to wear underneath sleeveless dresses as I had hoped. I didn’t think much of finding a different version until this year when the weather started to cool off again. BR had a steep discount on their merino turtleneck and I decided to give it a whirl. Love. It. Seriously, this is what I was hoping for last year. It’s slim, a bit stretchy, and it’s not sheer. It’s a basic that’s definitely worth adding to your own wardrobe this year. I went with a size small.
Hudson’s Bay fox fur hat in white stripe ($30; worn here): As I mentioned before, I wanted this hat last year for Christmas without realizing the Canadian brand didn’t ship to the United States. Fortunately, Lord & Taylor, one of the company’s subsidiaries, carried in this year and I was able to add it to my collection. I adore the ridiculously oversize pom pom.
J.Crew Majesty peacoat in soft mint ($147; worn here): My favorite peacoat in my favorite color? How could I resist? Dave gave me the black version a couple of years ago for Christmas and it’s my most often worn winter topper. It runs true to size, but you may want to size up if you plan to wear bulky layers underneath.
T by Alexander Wang neoprene pleated mini skirt in grey ($41): Like the peacoat above, I’ve owned the black version of this for a few years. I paid full price for the skirt back then and had seriously considered purchasing it in grey, too, but talked myself out of the indulgent purchase. Well, eventually the shopping stars aligned and I scooped it up on clearance at The Outnet.
Tallulah geometric-print jumpsuit ($35; not pictured above, but you can see the print I purchased here): This was definitely an impulse purchase when I stopped by Anthropologie a couple of weeks ago looking for a baby gift. I fell for the geometric print on what I thought was a maxi dress and headed straight to the dressing room only to realize it was, in fact, a jumpsuit. Sold. As if that wasn’t great enough, it has enough built-in padding in the bust that you can go without a bra if you have a small chest. It runs about a size large.
J.Crew floral chandelier earrings ($35): In general, I’m not a huge fan of J.Crew’s jewelry. Much of it relies too much on recycled designs and loud colors to make a statement, and it’s usually too expensive for what it is. However, these earrings are gorgeous. I love the evergreen and blush colorway that’s accented by a tiny amount of frosty blue, and the movement the dangling flowers add to the piece.

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

The 5TH “Aki” watch (seen here; save 10% with code BEDKNOBS)

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

Ann Taylor poppy ruffle collar blouse: I went to the mall specifically to try this on. It’s not nearly as vibrant in person and it’s incredibly sheer.
Ann Taylor tiered ruffle sleeve blouse: I love the sleeves on this, but the body is too boxy and didn’t drape well on me. It’s also too sheer to wear without a cami underneath. It would make for a great layering piece under a dress, though.
J.Crew cluster drop earrings: The shape of the earrings is adorable and they’re surprisingly lightweight for such a statement pair. However, they’re cheaply made. The plastic fishing line that holds the petals together was visible on the pair I tried.

***
I’ll be linking up with Fran today!

Budget Update: October 2016

October 26, 2016 by jessica 5 Comments

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

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.

SheIn dark floral swing dress (worn here)

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: September 2016

September 29, 2016 by jessica 9 Comments

I was thisclose to purchasing just one item this month, until I went to Nordstrom Rack and came across the most perfect pair of navy driving moccasins last Friday. I actually left them at the store that day, thinking that I would be able to forget about them. Nope. I went back the next afternoon to add them to my wardrobe. Even then, I stayed under budget this month when it came to clothing purchases. It’s a good thing, too, because I’m pretty sure I need to own this necklace. I mean, it’s a horse head whistle. How can I go without having this in my jewelry collection? I also really want this choker from Jenny Bird, who is my favorite jewelry designer of the moment. Those two pieces would look pretty awesome worn together, after all.

Anyway, jewelry lust aside, the budget-consciousness didn’t exactly hold true in other areas of my life. We finally bit the bullet and ordered a king-size mattress from Casper. I had no idea how luxurious it would feel to upgrade from a queen-size bed to a king. I feel like I’m on vacation all the time and, surprisingly enough, it’s helping with my insomnia. We opted for a budget-friendly bed frame to make sure Bacon doesn’t use the upholstery as a scratching post. If all goes well, we’ll upgrade after we buy a house (and I’ll finally get the grey fabric I wanted).

BUDGET*
Autumn Budget (September – November): $750
Spent in September: $177
Added: $0
Amount Remaining: $573

Winter Budget Recap: December, January, February
Spring Budget Recap: March, April, May
Summer Budget Recap: June, July, August

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

Banana Republic Italian cashmere blend striped crew pullover ($27; worn here): It’s a lightweight blend of merino wool, cashmere and synthetic materials that’s machine washable. The fabric is on the thin side, but that it’s not actually that sheer when worn with a nude bra underneath. I’d say it runs true to size. I went with a size small, which is what I typically purchase for sweaters.
Tory Burch “Daria” driving moccassin in navy suede ($150; similar): I’m pretty sure this Nordstrom Rack find was from Tory Burch’s 2013 collection. They’re incredibly comfortable and will be perfect for traveling, especially on international flights when tight shoes just aren’t going to cut it after my feet swell! My favorite shoes right after college were a pair of driving moccassins from Banana Republic and I wore them to death. I’m pretty excited to finally have another pair of drivers in my wardrobe, especially when they’re much more chic than that old BR pair was.

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:

LOFT “Valley Floral” bow blouse: I checked out the LOFT website the day new arrivals hit and I was completely smitten with their latest floral print. It took me all of five minutes of consideration to add both the blouse and trousers to my cart with the intent to wear them together, knowing that they would still make for versatile separates with other items. Unfortunately, the sleeves on the small that I ordered were so tight. The medium would have been too boxy in the torso.
LOFT “Valley Floral” trousers: I hated how thin the fabric was. It showed every imperfection even in a larger size.
Line & Dot “Renee” babydoll dress: One of my favorite summer dresses is from Line & Dot, so I thought I’d see what was available for fall and ordered this rust-colored dress. The flirty length, sheer sleeves, and shirred waist seemed like a slam dunk … too bad it looked matronly in person.
Zara multi-colored jacquard dress: This runs awfully small. It’s pretty, though.
Zara velvet loafers in navy: These were an impulse purchase when I ordered the Zara dress. I love loafers and the color navy, so how could I resist a shoe combining the two with an on-trend material? I might have kept them if they weren’t so huge. Definitely size down.
J.Crew matte Chelsea rain boot in black: I wanted an alternative to my tall Hunter wellies for rainy days this fall, but these looked too masculine for my tastes. I might have liked them more in patent instead of matte. They run true to size.

Budget Update: August 2016

August 29, 2016 by jessica 8 Comments

This month introduced by favorite cocktail dress into my closet: this mini shift with the best oversize ’60s swing silhouette. The style isn’t for everyone, as the less-than-stellar online reviews point out, but it’s such a fun piece to own! Everything else I purchased this month was affordable, and yet I still found myself north of my budget and had to pull over a bit from blog earnings to offset the difference. Considering I’ve also added cash to my budget in winter and spring, it might be time to bump up my budget to account for the amount I’ll likely spend — and it comes at a good time with fall clothes right around the corner. Topping my fall wish list is a classic trench coat. I’ve looked for one on and off for the past couple of years and haven’t found one that I love or that fits me correctly. I’m going to put in the effort to actually find something this year. Additionally, I’m seriously considering these matte black sunglasses that I’m borrowing them from DITTO right now. (Borrow them yourself for a month free through DITTO’s Endless Eyewear program with code BEDKNOBS.) Also on my wish list: an alternative to Hunter boots for rainy days and a sleek, minimalist choker.

BUDGET*
Summer Budget (June – August): $750
Spent in June: $250
Spent in July: $312.50
Spent in August: $332
Added: $144.50 just to make up the difference
Amount Remaining: $0

Winter Budget Recap: December, January, February
Spring Budget Recap: March, April, May
Summer Budget Recap: June, July

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

Vintage Whiting & Davis metal snake necklace/belt ($36; not pictured; browse similar styles): I oftentimes scour eBay for vintage jewelry and found myself obsessing over snake baubles a few weeks ago. I found this necklace/belt and couldn’t pass it up. You can see a snapshot of it on Instagram here.
Cynthia Rowley “Chestnut Hill” swing dress ($75; worn above): I originally purchased this dress for $140. I happened to check the item online a week later to see that the price had dropped even further, plus there was an extra 25% off sale. Anthro honored the price adjustment, making this little number just $75. It’s a steal for such a beautiful, well-constructed garment. It’s a no-brainer for a cocktail soiree with heels and a clutch, but it has also made a sweet daytime debut with sandals and a summery wooden bag. The sizing for this is dependent on your bust. (I went with a 6.)
LOFT woodblock floral shirt dress ($68; worn here): I’m powerless when it comes to shapeless day dresses, especially when they have a bold print. I love the sleeves on this, which will help it transition to fall. It runs large. I sized down to a small.
Lou & Grey “Coastal Fluid” shorts ($30; worn here): I’d recommend going up a size since these are a bit sheer if they’re too snug. They’re incredibly comfortable and they don’t get very wrinkly after sitting. I wore them in the car for five hours and they still looked good.
J.Crew sleeveless tunic sweater in ivory ($48; worn here): If you’ve had your eye on this, don’t pass it up! It’s beautiful. The knit is thick and lays nicely. Go with your normal J.Crew size for a loose, tunic appearance.
Xhilaration crochet trim swing dress in a tropical print ($25; not pictured; available in black; worn here): I went to Target for run-of-the-mill household items and came out with a dress. The small fit pretty much the same as the medium, but I went with the larger size for the length.
Tory Burch cable knit pom pom hat in grey ($50): I snagged this hat during Tory Burch’s recent private sale. It’s merino wool, which should be much warmer than the synthetic knit my other winter hats are made from.

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.

JORD “Cora” watch in koa wood and rose gold (worn here)
The 5TH “SoHo” watch
Lisi Lerch “Ivy” necklace in wood and white (worn here)

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

LOFT patch pocket shift skirt in cheery pink: Adorable, but more of a straight skirt instead of an a-line shape like I had hoped. Great quality.

***
Linking up with Fran!

Budget Update: July 2016

July 28, 2016 by jessica 9 Comments

I hate to even breathe a hint of the F-word when there’s almost two full months of summer until the fall equinox on Sept. 22, but I’m already daydreaming about my autumn wardrobe choices. The first piece up for consideration is this gorgeous transitional dress (on sale here). The colors and long sleeves are pre-fall appropriate, but the playful cutout screams summer. I’m also in love with this dress, this sleeveless tunic sweater, this bag (if only it would go on sale…), and everything in Tuesday’s post. Of course, any of these purchases is going to require some serious hustle to earn more dollars to earmark for this season’s budget!

BUDGET*
Summer Budget (June – August): $750
Spent in June: $250
Spent in July: $312.50
Added: $0
Amount Remaining: $187.50

Winter Budget Recap: December, January, February
Spring Budget Recap: March, April, May
Summer Budget Recap: June

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

Tory Burch Fitbit double-wrap bracelet ($68): I’m so happy I finally snagged this! I’ve been trying to get more active again and while the Fitbit is an excellent reminder to keep moving, the standard-issue black rubber band is terribly ugly. I’ve thought about splurging on a Tory Burch Fitbit bracelet many times, but wasn’t convinced that I would wear it enough to justify the cost. I finally purchased this one when Neiman Marcus was offering an extra 35% off the sale price, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a beautiful way to camouflage the fitness tracker. It’s also available on sale here.
Banana Republic vachetta bucket bag ($27): This bag is stunning. It’s a classic shape with a bit of a ’70s vibe, and the leather is gorgeous. It’s unlined, but the leather inside is smooth, not suede-like. I snagged it for a song with an extra 50% off the sale price, $40 in credit card rewards coupons, a $15 birthday certificate, and extra 10% off for using my BR card on the purchase. Best deal of the season and something I’ll be using throughout fall.
Uniqlo pleated-back sleeveless top in black ($30): This is so pretty with the unexpected back detail. I went with a medium, which is my typical size at Uniqlo and it’s slightly oversize and drapes beautifully. One of the reviews online said that the back pleats fell out after laundering. The item says to hand wash and not to dry clean and even warns that the pleats will fall out over time. Even with the warning, I’m going to bring it to the dry cleaner and discuss options to make the pleats last longer.
Uniqlo sleeveless top in navy ($30): The bust on this top is a bit snug, so I went up a size. It drapes beautifully, which makes it look pricier than it is. I love it paired with shorts and a-line mini skirts.
Gap distressed denim shorts ($30): Who thought I’d be a jorts girl? Definitely not me, but I’m crazy about the fit of these. The legs have a wider opening than most shorts do, which gives me enough room for my thighs. (Truth be told, I bought them because I thought they were cute with the aforementioned off-the-shoulder top.)
Rebecca Minkoff “Camila” heels ($62.50): These are gorgeous. The woven leather detailing is inspired by Mexican Huarache shoes. I typically wear a size 7 in every shoe I try on. However, I had to go up a half size in these to a 7.5, which I find to be the case for most Rebecca Minkoff shoes. They’re also available here and here.
Adidas Stan Smith sneakers in dark blue ($65): I finally purchased this cult classic! Follow the recommendation on Nordstorm’s site and order a full size down from the women’s sizes. I wear a 7, but orded a 6 (which was a men’s 5). It worked out perfectly.

Baily Blue “Shifty” shift dress: This is so freaking cute. It’s an ultra soft t-shirt material that’s perfectly lightweight for hot days.

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

Ann Taylor grommet skinny leather belt: I bought this hoping that it would cinch the waist of some of my longer summer dresses. It was too skinny and looked ridiculous.
Ann Taylor tropic crepe peplum top: The fabric and print are both beautiful, but I didn’t love the wide, trapeze-style cut. It was too wide and too short on me.
Ann Taylor tropic stretch cotton skirt: I thought this would have an a-line shape. It’s actually more like a pencil skirt, which isn’t a flattering cut on me.
Ann Taylor “Louisa” block heels: I really struggled with returning these. They’re gorgeous, comfortable, and fit in so well with my ideal fall wardrobe. However, I just didn’t see myself wearing them that often nor did I have the giddy “I’m so excited to wear these” feeling.
H&M striped off-the-shoulder top: It’s a lightweight cotton that’s surprisingly not sheer. I loved the piece, but I decided I didn’t need it after it sat in my closet unworn for a few weeks. If I don’t want to wear something the very next day (or at least over the upcoming weekend), I typically don’t put it in rotation ever.
See by Chloe striped mini skirt: As expected the quality was impeccable. I had gone up a size, which fit perfectly. I just wasn’t overly excited about it in person. I’d rather save my money for something better.
ASOS ponte swing dress: Super cute and a good cut. I ordered a size 8 during a recent promotion and it was massive. I might reorder it in a 4 if it goes on sale again. It’s a nice, easy piece to pair with a gigantic piece of jewelry on those “I have nothing to wear” days.