budgeting bloggers

Budget Update: June 2016

June 29, 2016 by jessica 8 Comments

I was all about the budget buys this month with each item coming in under $100. This led to a sartorially scatterbrained month with items ranging from a tropical off-the-shoulder number I haven’t yet worn to an ultra-girly dress that’s not totally my style to a faux fur scarf I can’t wait to wear this winter to a preppy button-down shirt I’ve donned at least a dozen times already. It’s amazing to see how quickly those little purchases added up, though! I came in at $250, which is right on the money if my quarter budget was divided evenly over the three-month span.

I don’t have any holes in my wardrobe I’m looking to fill next month. I do have this bag on its way to me (a steal with the extra 50% off, reward coupons, and a birthday discount code that brought the price down to a whopping $27). I’m also eager to try a few things from Ann Taylor, specifically this pair of heels, this top, and this skirt. I might finally add a Tory Burch Fitbit bracelet to my accessories collection now that this leather-wrap bracelet is on sale for $68.

BUDGET*
Summer Budget (June – August): $750
Spent in June: $250
Added: $0
Amount Remaining: $500

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

*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.

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

H&M floral off-the-shoulder blouse ($25; not pictured): I adore this, but I actually haven’t worn it yet because the top is awfully sheer. I need some sort of tube top to wear underneath. Any ideas?
J.Crew Factory linen-cotton blend shirt ($35; worn here): The linen-cotton blend of this shirt makes it a comfortable, no-fuss option for breezy summer days. It runs true to size.
J.Crew Collection faux-fur striped scarf ($36): I’m so happy I patiently waited for this! I adored it last winter and almost pulled the trigger many times, but I didn’t want to spend $165 on it and it was often excluded from discounts. As much as I don’t like winter, at least wearing this scarf is something to look forward to!
Zara flounce sleeve dress in blue ($70; worn here): In retrospect, I probably shouldn’t have kept this. On one hand, the lace is pretty, I love the color, and I’m all about the waist-nipping seams lately. On the other hand, I’m really struggling on how to style it. It’s such a girly dress that I don’t want to wear it with ultra feminine accessories because that’s just not my style. It’s also too large. Zara’s sizing is always so hard for me to figure out. I ordered both the medium and the large. The smaller size was a half inch too small around the waist. On the large dress, I can gather at least an inch and a half of fabric in the back. Eventually I’ll take it to the tailor.
RACHEL Rachel Roy frond-print dress ($34): I stayed home sick for a day a couple of weeks ago and used it as an opportunity to catch up on magazines. I spotted this frond-print dress in InStyle (I think?) and immediately placed an order for it. I love the graphic black and cream print and the flattering cut. The fabric is stretchy. If you’re between sizes, you can probably get away with the smaller of the two. (I see that it’s now on sale for $42 with an additional 20% off with code FOURTH. Macy’s honored a price adjustment for me, which brought the price down from the $59 I previously paid.)
Who What Wear x Target apron slip dress ($33; worn here): This was an impulsive purchase when I went to Target in search of cycling clothing. The fabric is lovely and feels like it should cost way more than it does. The box pleats hang straight down so it doesn’t add too much extra bulk too your figure.
Merona black knot belt ($17; worn here): I purchased this belt the same day I purchased the slip dress from Target. I love the design. It’s been great for belting loose casual dresses this summer. I also love how it matches the bag I have en route to me.
Jenny Bird large “Edie” hoop earrings (birthday gift): These were from Dave for my birthday! Aren’t they fabulous?

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

dRA “Henriette” dress ($92): Oof, this thing was dumpy on me. The bust was tight (and I don’t have much to fill it out to begin with), the baby-doll waist was too high, and the extra fabric around the waist made me look pregnant. Now, let’s pretend the fit was great. Would I have kept it then? Nope. The quality was pretty bad for $92.
ASOS floral skater dress with contrast tipping ($62): I thought the background of this dress would be more of a pink hue, but it was a weird tan color instead. That said, the cut of this dress is incredibly flattering. It’s made of a stretchy knit fabric, so you could go down a size.
Betsey Johnson lace trim cotton tunic dress ($148): This looks like a nightgown or, as Dave pointed out, a grandmother’s tea cozy. Don’t do it.
Zara guipure lace dress in white ($70): The lace on this dress is gorgeous! The waist seam and halter-cut top are both flattering. The only drawback is that the lining of the skirt is incredibly tight on me. I didn’t love it enough to take it to the tailor to see if they could add triangle insets to the sides of the lining so that it didn’t keep riding up. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re placing an order or swinging by a Zara store, though.

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linking with Fran

Budget Update: May 2016

May 26, 2016 by jessica 9 Comments

I had a lot of fun shopping this May (#BirthdayMonth). The pieces brighten up my otherwise drab wardrobe additions this year, adding a much-needed dose of color and whimsy just in time for summer! With the exception of the pineapple shorts from Ann Taylor, I’m enamored with everything I purchased this month. In fact, the loafers are already my go-to work shoe and I’ve only had them for a week!

This month actually brings my second quarterly budget to a close and it’s the second quarter that I’ve come in with money to spare (after adding in some blog revenue). A quarterly budget has given me the flexibility to spend more at the onset of a season when I’m most excited about clothing or when there’s a hole in my wardrobe I’m looking to fill — and it’s definitely going to come in handy next quarter. I’ve found myself reaching for dresses with waist definition lately. That hadn’t been my M.O. for so long that it’s making getting dressed a challenge. Most items in my summer wardrobe are loose dresses. I’m looking for a few belts to wear with my existing collection (possibly this one and this one), but I’m really hoping to add a few more nipped-in numbers in the coming months.

BUDGET*
Spring Budget (March – May): $750
Spent in March: $421.50
Spent in April: $350.25
Spent in May: $356.50
Added: $450 in blog revenue**
Amount Remaining: $71.75 (heading to the savings account)

*I don’t add money for tax and shipping into my budget. I probably should next quarter.

**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.

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

Ann Taylor pineapple-print shorts ($39.50): I’m pretty disappointed in this purchase. The shorts seemed tight in the dressing room, so I went up a size. Within hours on the first day I wore them, they stretched out a full size and the hem on the right leg fell. What awful quality. I do love the print, so I’m going to attempt to salvage them by washing in hot water and putting them in the dryer.
Ann Taylor “Monica” grommet strappy leather sandals ($59; purchased with a discount code): Sometimes waiting for a promo code pays off! I can’t tell you how many times I almost pressed the purchased button on these before Ann Taylor finally released a 40% discount code. They run true to size and the leather is soft. I did get blisters the first day of wear, since they rub on different areas of my feet than my other sandals do, but that was after walking a mile. I may have overdone it on their first day out.
Cult Gaia ark handbag in large ($48; purchased with a discount code): Last year, the price of the small version of this bag was $38 and the large was $48. Earlier this season, they were $48 and $58, respectively. Now, the small is $88 and the large is $95-98, depending on where you buy it. It is not worth that much money. It’s incredibly impractical, and Dave thinks it’s one of the stupidest things in my closet. (#Truth) I still love it, though. I just can’t recommend it at its current price.
Mango floral earrings ($20; pictured in the top image): These things are huge and I can’t tell you how much I love them! It’s hard to find such a major statement earring that’s as lightweight as these. I’ve received a ton of compliments each time I’ve worn them. Just make sure to take them off before answering the phone. I forgot I was wearing them at work and they made an awful clanking noise when I held the receiver to my ear that jarred the person on the other end!
Jack by BB Dakota “Vivi” dress ($80): This little number is my birthday dress (coming up on Monday!). I wish it wasn’t sold out because it’s just the cutest little thing. The elastic waist is flattering and it’s lined. Update! It’s actually available here for just $70!
Vince Camuto “Kade” cutout loafers in white ($110): These are the best summer loafer I’ve found yet! I wore them to an event last week and didn’t have one blister during the evening. The recommendations suggest sizing up a half size. I ordered both a 7 and a 7.5 to try. I’m usually a 7 in every shoe I try on and ended up selecting that size in these. However, they are tight at the end of the day when my feet swell. I’m hopeful that the leather will stretch out with time. I’ve only owned them for a week. The 7.5 slipped off my heel when I walked. So, if you find yourself between sizes, go up a size. Otherwise, I’d suggest ordering both and giving them a test run on carpet.

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.

Larimar gridden stone cuff: I’m not a huge fan of silver when it comes to statement jewelry, but this cuff is making me reconsider and I’m antsy to show photos in an upcoming outfit post.
LovePendants citrine pendant with “J” initial: This is also coming up in a future post. It’s a neat concept. Instead of a traditional initial necklace that’s engraved on metal, this is etched into a gemstone.

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

Banana Republic off-the-shoulder flutter sleeve dress: Most off-the-shoulder dresses I’ve come across run incredibly large, so I ordered this in both a medium and a small to be on the safe side. Both dresses were far too slim in the body and I’m not even sure a large would have had enough room!
Tory Burch “Mikado” zip-front dress: I went up a size in this and it was still too tight. Fantastic quality though and gorgeous print.

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I’ll be linking with Fran tomorrow!

Budget Update: April 2016

April 28, 2016 by jessica 11 Comments

You’d think this month’s sartorial update would be sparse given that I was out of the country for half the month. Nope. I gave my credit card a good workout the first week of the month, especially with the temptation of the Shopbop Friends & Family sale and indulging in my latest obsession: Soludos espadrilles. I was foolish not to embrace this summer staple earlier. They’re incredibly comfortable and you don’t have to worry about a perfect pedi! I’m considering these wedges next or this cheeky oui/non version.

In other news, we’re just a few short days away from my birthday month, which is typically carte blanche to buy anything and everything that strikes my fancy! But, I’m a responsible adult and I’m not going to do that. Instead, I’ve already ordered this off-the-shoulder dress from Banana Republic — a steal at $53 when you factor in the 40% savings with code BRSAVE — and the remaining $275 of this quarter’s budget will go toward one special item for my birthday. Honestly, it might not even be wardrobe-related. One of my favorite birthday splurges was on a Gray Malin print. (I usually add in another $200 as a birthday treat for myself, but we have to finish paying off our trip expenses this month. Scandinavia is not budget-friendly!)

BUDGET
Spring Budget (March – May): $750
Spent in March: $421.50
Spent in April: $350.25
Added: $350 in blog revenue*
Amount Remaining: $328.25

* 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.

PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here. (It looks like I need more color in my life!)

J.Crew lightweight wool tunic sweater in navy ($45): I wanted a loose-fit sweater to wear with jeans and skirts when I wasn’t feeling svelte. This fits the bill and I love the pretty perforated detail on the sides. I went with my normal size small for J.Crew sweaters.
Soludos x Lemlem espadrilles ($65): I’ve long admired Soludos, but was foolishly convinced the jute sole would be uncomfortable. Pssh. They’re amazing and feel like slippers that are socially acceptable to wear in public. I went with my normal size 7. They’re snug, but everything I read says that’s how they are supposed to fit because the cotton upper will stretch out with wear.
Soludos lace-up espadrilles ($41.25): The espadrilles above were the gateway to a newfound obsession with the brand. I bought the lace-up pair during the recent Shopbop Friends & Family sale. Like the pair above, they fit true to size.
J.Crew Factory scarf ($20; not online): It’s sort of like this one, but the scarf I picked out at the store has white, lavender, and orange stripes. It’s lightweight and gauzy. It actually reminds me of a Lemlem scarf, but comes with a much kinder price tag.
Ryder shift dress ($159): This was another Shopbop sale pick this month, chosen on a whim. I wanted a dress that would transition easily from work to weekends and loved how this one matched the cut of my beloved ASOS shift. I actually went up a size and plan to bring it to the tailor to have back darts put in to bring in the back just a touch. It’s a little baggy in the lower back because I needed extra room for my hips. That aside, it’s perfectly fine to wear now without the alterations. You can see it here.
H&M necklace ($20; not online): Despite the fact that there are H&M stores everywhere in the U.S., I couldn’t resist picking up an oversize pendant in Antwerp while we were abroad. It’s not online yet, but I’ll include it in an upcoming outfit post.

Naturalizer “Kail” slip-on sneakers: I’m featuring these in Monday’s post!
Anjolee blue topaz solitare ring: Not featured above because it’s different than the rings online. Full review coming soon.

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

J.Crew frayed chambray shorts: These are not chambray. They are denim.
Banana Republic tile print ruffle dress: The waist fit perfectly, but the bodice was too long making it billow out too much in the back where the zipper was. It would have been too expensive to tailor, especially after paying full price on the dress.
Rebecca Minkoff “Addison” off-the-shoulder dress: I received a sale alert from Amazon and clicked through to find this off-the-shoulder frock with a deep discount. I didn’t hesitate to click the “purchase” button, despite a hunch that the 10 would be too large (it was, indeed, massive). Sizing aside, the thing that bothers me the most about this dress is that the off-the-shoulder portion has a raw hem. Nothing looks messier and cheapens a look than a frayed raw hem (denim gets a pass, of course).

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linking with Fran

Budget Update: March 2016

March 31, 2016 by jessica 11 Comments

I thought about curbing my spending this month — no, really, I did! — and failed spectacularly. I don’t know what it is about spring, but it makes me want to buy everything. (Well, maybe it’s the sundresses! The florals! The sandals!)

To be honest, I’m not terribly concerned about March’s overindulgence. I’ve had a fantastic partnership with eBay to create a series of shopping guides. (It was a wonderful, serendipitous opportunity that came when I was begrudgingly paying off my credit card!) I put a small portion of that toward this month’s budget to ease the pain, giving me a cushion for the next spring item that catches my eye (like the cutest one-shoulder swimsuit, the BR dress I’ve already ordered, or the sandals I’ve wanted for three years — literally).

On the practical side, I finally found a spring coat to pack on our trip and yoga pants for the plane. Typically, I would never encourage yoga pants as travel wear. However, I had a terrible, sleepless flight to Belgium two years ago and I’m not repeating the mistake. Give me the stretch pants, the softest long-sleeve t-shirt ever, a sleep mask*, and compression socks. I’m doing this flight like a freakin’ champ.

I’m not including the yoga pants my budget because lounge wear (er, “exercise clothes”) shouldn’t count, right? I ordered both the Zella live-in leggings and the plank pants, opting to keep the latter. I felt the slight flare was more flattering with my hips. They run true to size.

*C’mon, of course I bought a cat eye mask.

BUDGET
Spring Budget (March – May): $750
Spent in March: $421.50
Added: $350 in blog revenue
Amount Remaining: $678.50

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

Old Navy pleated crepe dress in mixed floral ($35, not pictured): This dress is a little hippy-dippy, but it’s so darn cute and easy to throw on with a pair of flat sandals. It runs on the large size.
Madewell checked twill dress ($100): I wore the dress for the first time here and was on the fence about the borrowed-from-the-boys look. It has since grown on me. It’s so soft! As I mentioned in that previous post, it runs true to size and I’d recommend adding a slip underneath for extra coverage when you sit down (the space between the buttons can gap open if you’re not careful).
H&M patterned blouse ($20; not online or pictured above, but similar to this): I adore wearing oversize blouses with slim pants at work. This gave my office pieces a much-needed refresh.
LOFT swing anorak ($97): I e-browsed for and tried on a fair number of spring coats over the last few months and this is the only one I fell in love with (worn here). I didn’t already own a lightweight coat that I wanted to bring on the trip and this fits the bill. The swing style is given shape with the cinched back waist (adjustable with the inside drawstring). It’s lined with jersey, making it super soft inside, and it’s rain resistant.
Lele Sadoughi “Maraca” pendant ($85): I can’t even tell you how excited I am to own this piece. I’ve had it on my wish list for a year and scooped it up the moment it went on sale. It’s listed at $99, but you can use code LSD15 to save an additional 15% after signing up for the mailing list. (Or just hold your horses. There’s a 20% off code coming next week!)
BP Geo Sunglasses in clear ($12): There’s no way I’d ever invest in a pair of clear sunglasses, but I’m on board for $12 for a pair of Karen Walker knockoffs! I compared these to the designer sunglasses I already own. The budget pair is a hair smaller, but the shape is nearly identical. They also come in black and tortoise. Don’t get me wrong, they’re definitely cheaply made. However, that makes them ideal for toting around on your summer adventures without worrying about losing them!
Cece by Cynthia Steffe floral-print skirt in “Tulum Bouquet” ($67; also available here): I fell in love with the Delftware-like pattern on this skirt. It’s such a pretty spring piece that can be worn to the office. And it has pockets! It runs true to size, but opt for the larger size if you’re between two. It’s a fairly straightforward a-line shape, so it’s an easy fix to have your tailor bring in the waist.
Avon vintage turquoise starburst brooch ($5.50; not pictured): I had this brooch on my eBay watch list for over a year and the seller never dropped it down from $20. That was higher than I wanted to spend and I finally deleted it from my list two weeks ago. I came across another one for a quarter of the price last week and didn’t hesitate to add it to my collection! You can snag an identical one here for $9. Otherwise, this search will bring up additional results.

Lele Sadoughi crystal lily earrings in white: I’ve been a fan of Lele’s work ever since she agreed to be the guinea pig for my very first “Behind the Baubles” interview. I’m looking forward to sharing more about her recent collection with you next week!

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

J.Crew washed cotton trench in light walnut: I have narrow shoulders, but this was far too tight in my regular size. I chose not to reorder, given the amount of wrinkles in the fabric upon arrival. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to keep it looking neat while I wore it.
LOFT sleeveless swing dress: This dress arrived as a wrinkled mess, so even if it was ultra cute (it’s not), I wouldn’t have kept it. I’m on the lookout for things that I can pack for our trip.
LOFT floral split neck blouse: I’m all about loose, swingy blouses with slim pants at work. However, this one was too short and cut across the widest part of my hips, making me look boxy.
Rebecca Minkoff “Erin” tassel sandals: I know a piece is destined for my collection when I find myself clicking through to the Web page everyday for two weeks and holding my breath as the page loads, afraid of seeing my size sell out. They’re pretty adorable in person — like a hula skirt for your feet! Sadly, I had to return them. The strap that goes on top of the foot was a quarter of an inch too tight and my foot wouldn’t slide forward more, leaving me with a ton of room for my toes and not enough room for my heel. I don’t think a size up would have helped. They’re definitely worth trying, though. Fantastic quality with soft leather.

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linking with Fran

Budget Update: February 2016

February 25, 2016 by jessica 13 Comments

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

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