BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

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.

 

***
I’ll be linking up with Fran!

Budget Update: May 2016

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Mango Floral Earrings

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.

Wardrobe Update: May 2016

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.

Wardrobe Update: May 2016

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: 

***
I’ll be linking with Fran tomorrow!

 

Budget Update: April 2016

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Lace-Up Soludos

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.

Wardrobe-Update-April-2016

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.

Wardrobe-Update-April-2016-Gift

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: 

  • 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: January 2016

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Tory Burch Brody Satchel
2016 is off to a good start sartorially. This month’s purchases are a mix of classic and fun pieces that work well with my existing wardrobe. The faux fur coat was a splurge, but I kept clicking to the Nordstrom site to daydream about it every single day for two weeks. I figured if I was that interested in it, I should at least try it on! Of course I kept it.

We booked an April trip to Denmark and Belgium, so I’m planning to use the remaining balance of this season’s budget on a couple of versatile items for the trip: a trench coat (love the detachable lining and hood on this one, but I can’t decide between khaki and navy) and a pair of comfortable loafers for walking (maybe these). I’d also like to add a couple of dresses to my travel wardrobe that I can wear a couple of times over the two-week period. I’m particularly interested in this dress. It looks like it could be amazingly versatile with a trench, flats, and statement pendants.

In other news, I looked at additional ways to save money throughout the year. I’m using MyFitnessPal to count calories and cancelled my Weight Watcher subscription, saving $240 annually. I also shopped around for auto and renter’s insurance and left Geico for Progressive to save $430 annually. I received $112 back in prorated refunds from Geico, which covered most of the renter’s insurance with Progressive for the year.

BUDGET
Winter Budget (Dec. – Feb.): $750
Spent in Dec.: $154.5
Spent in Jan.: $257.75
Amount Remaining: $337.75

Wardrobe-Update-January-2016-6
PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

  • J.Crew drapey beach pant ($36): When I first spotted these palazzo pants on J.Crew’s website, I knew I had to purchase them before they sold out. They’re intended for beach wear, but they’re also pretty cute with a loose cami, oversize pendant, and sandals. (Summer, where art thou?)
  • Topshop v-neck camisole in navy ($28): Earlier this month, we toyed with the idea of booking a last-minute jaunt to Florida. Since I had already purchased the beach pants, I added the camisole to my wardrobe for a breezy ensemble. We obviously put Florida on the back burner in favor of Europe, but this cami is staying in my closet. It’s a lovely layering piece. You’ll have to go up at least one size.
  • Tory Burch “Brody” small satchel in light oak ($8.25): For being on the small side, this satchel is incredibly roomy. It has more than enough room for my DSLR, a Kindle, full-size wallet, phone, and other small daily must-haves (ahem, lipstick). I have a feeling that this is going to be perfect for traveling. I can fit all of my in-flight essentials inside and stow it away under the seat in front of me with ample foot room. The leather is incredibly soft and the bag is lightweight. (I received a $200 Visa gift card for the holidays and put it toward the bag.)
  • Gorjana “Ryder” lariat necklace ($22.50): I considered purchasing this lariat at full price a few months ago and was delighted to see it made it to Gorjana’s end-of-season sale for a fraction of the price. It’s a flirty piece to wear with a v-neck cami or a button-down shirt. (I had a $10 credit, which basically took care of the shipping cost.)
  • Eliza J faux fur coat in navy ($150): I’m such a fan of this coat (worn here). It’s a convincing replica of real fur and warm enough for the subzero temperatures we experienced last week. It runs true to size. It also has a bright, floral lining, which was a lovely surprise.
  • H&M striped long-sleeve tee ($13): This is my least exciting purchase of the month only because it’s a necessary staple. My old striped long-sleeve tops are starting to show their age and I need a few more to replace them with. This one runs small, but is stretchy enough that it doesn’t lose its shape during the day.

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

  • H&M flared blouse: I daydreamed about this for a couple of weeks before dragging myself to the mall to try it on. The fabric was ultra soft, but the cut was terrible. Drop shoulders and a wide torso don’t make for a flattering top. It’s also kind of short for being so loose. Pass.

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linking with Fran