BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Budget Update: December 2015

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Gerard Yosca Rose Ball Dangle Earrings
OBSERVATIONS
Looking back at 2015, I may have went a bit overboard on sartorial spending, so I’m bringing back a stricter budget in hopes that it’ll force me to be more selective about purchases and be more creative with the items my own closet. I’m trying a seasonal budget with four installments of $750 to spend over a three-month period. I tend to spend more at the onset of a new season, making this approach more realistic than a monthly allotment.

In addition to the money I’ve set aside for clothing and accessories, I’m tucking away $50 per paycheck into a Capital One 360 savings account earmarked for special splurges. I’ve mentioned Capital One 360 before, but it’s worth repeating with a new year — and new financial goals — on the horizon. The bank allows you to create savings accounts for different things whenever you want with no minimum balance. I have a general savings account, the aforementioned splurge account, a travel account, and a Christmas account that I’m putting away $25 per paycheck to make end-of-year gift giving a little easier. Any blog revenue I earn usually gets divided between my regular savings account and my travel fund.

Even though I’m set to start the year on a fiscally responsible note, Tory Burch was a little too tempting for me to resist this morning with an additional 30% off sale items. I had a $200 Visa gift card to spend and put it toward this gorgeous satchel in light oak. It looks like the perfect bag for travel with ample room for my camera, daily essentials, and souvenirs, without being overwhelmingly large. After the discount and gift card, my spending came to $8.25. I’m waiting for it to arrive before officially adding it to my budget.

I’m also seriously considering adding this faux fur number to my closet.

BUDGET
Winter Budget (Dec. – Feb.): $750
Spent in Dec.: $154.5
Amount Remaining: $595.50

Wardrobe-Update-December-2015
PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

  • Monica Vinader “Atlantis” wide band ring ($87.50): This was my only Black Friday purchase this year, which is fitting since one of the designer’s “Baja” bracelets was my Black Friday purchase the year before. Like the bracelet, the quality is impeccable. I’ve been wearing it every day since it arrived.
  • BCBGeneration tie-neck shift dress in deep blue ($37): I actually ordered this in the orange colorway first, but hated the nearly fluorescent hue when it arrived. The dress, however, was darling and I immediately placed an order for the navy version. The necktie is a little thin and looks silly tied in front. I opted to tie it in the back instead, which looks pretty above the keyhole opening. There are strings at the shoulders to keep the tie in place. I snipped those off.
  • Foley + Corinna framed petite crossbody bag in white ($30): The pricetag for this little bag made a sharp increase after I placed my order. It’s somewhat practical with room for my iPhone 6s, a tube of lipstick, a card case, and my keys (without a key fob). However, I don’t think it’s worth more than what I paid. The quality of the leather is good, but the chain is flimsy.

Budget Update December 2015
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: 

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linking with Fran

November Wardrobe Update

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Budget-Update-November-2015
OBSERVATIONS
I almost went an entire month without purchasing clothing or accessories for myself. For a solid two weeks, I was creative and content with my wardrobe, taking note of my wardrobe MVPs (that’s “Most Versatile Pieces,” which is fodder for a blog post coming soon). I found myself reaching for this black dress and this pendant all of the time.

…and then I faltered.

Anthropologie was offering an additional 25% off dresses, and the siren song of this dress was too strong to resist. I had tried it on last month and regretted putting it back on the rack. It’s short, flirty, and wonderfully girly. I needed a ride-along item to qualify for free shipping (obviously) and chose this dress in orange (photo here). Despite the glowing reviews, I didn’t expect to love the high neckline and long hemline. But, I do. It’s like nothing else in my closet.

…and then Black Friday happened.

I ordered a Monica Vinader ring and a pair of pink pumps. Those purchases haven’t arrived yet, so I’ll include them in December’s recap. There’s always a chance they’ll make a return trip to the retailer.

Wardrobe-Update-November-2015
PURCHASED
See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

  • Maeve eyelet swing dress in black ($60): Cotton eyelet isn’t what you’d consider a holiday fabric, but I’m planning to wear this at our family’s Christmas gathering with black tights, these flats, and the oversize earrings in this post. The dress has an exaggerated bell-shaped body, so you’ll just need to find one that fits well in the bust. I’m getting anxious to book a warm-weather vacation to wear the dress with my favorite summer accessories, too.
  • Maeve “Larkhill” swing dress ($90): As I mentioned above, this is like nothing else in my closet. It’s real silk and drapes beautifully, so the amount of fabric with a high neck and long hem isn’t overwhelming. It looks best with heels or wedges. I don’t have the right pair of shoes now, but I’m hoping the pink heels I ordered work well with it.
  • Old Navy straight-leg jeans ($20, not pictured): I fell out of my exercise routine when I broke my foot in June. Sadly, I still haven’t gotten back in the swing of things and the pounds are creeping on. My old jeans were getting too snug and I need a pair in a larger size. I’ve since started working out again, counting Weight Watcher points, and wearing my Fitbit! Hopefully these jeans will get the heave-ho soon!

Wardrobe-Update-November-2015-GiftedDave
GIFTS FROM DAVE
We stopped at Uniqlo when we were in Chicago and Dave generously added my selections to his purchase. 

Wardrobe-Update-November-2015-Gifted
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: 

  • Banana Republic ponte ruffle dress in red: The red version of my beloved LBD came to just $45 after a discount code and a BR Card Reward coupon I had stashed away. It’s one of those pieces you can wear to eat and drink with abandon … without wondering if a waistband is looking a bit taut. (Priorities.) However, I didn’t love this one in person. The black version is much more flattering.

CYBER MONDAY FAVORITES
Since I can’t ignore a major sale event, here are my favorite sales of the day and the pieces I’d pick: 

  • Old Navy: Save 40% on everything, including new arrivals! I love the print of this t-shirt dress in “white,” which is really a tie-dye/ikat stripe. Finding a good print on a budget is hard, but this dress will likely look more expensive than it is with nice leather sandals and a good quality tote bag. Pass on the heather grey and navy stripe. Those look too cheap.
  • J.Crew: Almost everything is 30-40% off today. You’ll save an extra 40-50% off on sale items. Plus, free shipping! My first pick from J.Crew is one of the only full-price items: Chup socks for men. I gave this pair to Dave as an early Christmas gift. He’s normally very picky about socks, but online reviews on various men’s forums were right. Chup socks are pretty great. (They’re a wool blend, so we’re line-drying them.) As far as sale items go, I love this navy and white striped faux fur scarf and this darling pink beanie. I usually scour the sale section for jewelry, since I don’t think the quality of J.Crew gems justifies the price tag. This cuff is pretty major.
  • Anthropologie: Free shipping on all orders and an extra 25% off sale items! Given my propensity to blow my budget on Anthro dresses, I’m staying far away from the clothing and turning my attention to housewares. Winterize your bar cart with these pretty highball glasses. This pitcher is a gorgeous gift for someone who is hard to shop for.
  • Banana Republic: 40% off everything! No exclusions! Obviously, I’m going to suggest the pink pumps I ordered. But, I also love the Sloan pants and wear them to work weekly.
  • Amazon: Take 30% off select clothing and accessories here. I would love to own this Furla bucket bag.
  • Kate Spade: Take 30% off everything with code SHINE. I’ve only purchased one item from Kate Spade this year: the “Carima” loafers featured in this post. I’m terribly tempted to order the silver pair as well. For gift-giving, I’m all about this bow ornament.

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linking with Fran

August Wardrobe Update

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Budget-August2015

OBSERVATIONS
For me, summer is all about loose, gauzy dresses. They’re pieces you can skimp on because the fit is so forgiving, but that usually leads to sartorial gluttony. I mean, when you can stay on budget and have a closet full of new dresses, why not?! Now that I’m starting to transition to fall purchases, I noticed a significant shift in the way I select items. I’m paying closer attention to construction, fabric, and fit. That comes with a higher price tag, leading to fewer new items. On one hand, I thought I’d be bummed about this. Having fresh pieces to wear is a lot of fun! But, truth be told, that much accumulation is overwhelming. I’m eager to make more mindful purchases this season of quality basics and worthwhile statement pieces. I’m also turning to my closet to create a list of “missing links” I’d like to find. Normally, I get distracted by a retailer’s new arrivals and start adding items to my wish list without much thought. Doing so leads me to neglect the items I need to make the rest of my wardrobe functional. Next month, I’d like to find a wool (or heavy crepe) black a-line shift that falls a couple of inches above my knees. I’d like it to be sleeveless with a crew neck so I can layer shirts underneath. I want it to look great with flats or ankle boots and be a canvas for a large pendant necklace. That can’t be too hard to find, right? I also had “statement outerwear” on my fall wish list this year. I ordered the J.Crew wool cape earlier this week. Fingers crossed that it fulfills that wardrobe hole. I already have a bright coat in emerald green and a black peacoat, so I should be set for outwear this year if this indulgent piece works out.

Wardrobe-Update-August-2015v2

PURCHASED

  • JCOS Studios messenger bag with lock in mud ($165): Be prepared for a long wait for the arrival of this bag. I ordered it on July 29, it shipped on Aug. 21, and arrived on Aug. 25. I was afraid I’d fall out of love with it by the time it came, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the bag. The stitching is even and the hardware feels sturdy. I’m planning to write a full review  after I’ve had a chance to use it for a few weeks. Just let me know if you have any questions in the meantime, though.
  • J.Crew merino wool pullover sweater in heather graphite ($64): You already know how much I love this. I went with my regular J.Crew sweater size. The sleeves in an XS fit best, but I preferred the drape of the size small.

Wardrobe-Update-Aug2015-Gifted

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.

  • BB Dakota “Bronwen” dress c/o Shopbop: I’m crazy about this dress and I’m antsy for the weather to improve so I can actually wear it! I originally ordered it in a medium and large. The large was huge, which I kind of expected. The medium fit well on top, but had a stain on the front. It was worth the wait for an unscathed version to arrive a few days later! It’s fully lined, looks great against sun-kissed skin, and will only run you $50.
  • Julie  Nolan astrological cuff c/o UncommonGoods: I like the idea of astrological jewelry, but it can get tacky awfully fast. Julie Nolan’s bracelet has subtle cutouts of your sign’s constellation for an understated piece of personalized jewelry. You can see it on me here.

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Of course, with every successful shopping month, there are some misses:

  • Parker “Juliet” fit and flare dress (also available at Amazon, Shopbop, and Neiman Marcus): This is darling and the fabric is thick. It just runs awfully small.
  • Topshop embroidered off the shoulder dress: Ignore the guideline to order the size in parentheses for best fit and go down even furter. This thing is huge. I hated that it wasn’t lined and was partially sheer in the sunlight. It also made me look like a rectangle.
  • LOFT mini dot shirred dress: I ordered this in my regular size 8 and a 10. Confusingly, the waist fit the same in both sizes and the bodice was too loose in each as well. The zipper extends down past the waist and flips out a bit, so it looked like I had a duck tail hiding under the skirt. All in all, I loved the idea of this, just not the execution — and I’m not paying money to alter polyester. Back it went.
  • Lou & Grey skinny leather belt: Terrible quality. The one I received had kinks all over it and looked like it had been worn by someone else for months.

See all of the year’s wardrobe additions here.

 

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linking with Fran

Budget Update

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BudgetUpdateDec2014

I may have gone a little overboard in a month that’s supposed to be about other people, but there were too many great deals to pass up. (Isn’t that always a convenient excuse?)

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ERIN FETHERSTON DRESS

First up, the most stressful purchase of the month: a cocktail dress to wear to Dave’s office party. I’ve gained a bit of weight over the last few months and I didn’t feel confident in any of the dresses already in my closet. Sure, I could have squeezed into something with the help of Spanx, but I wanted something I was excited to wear. I first tried this dress. I thought I could get over the goofiness of the ruffled flaps in person, but they’re in such an awkward spot and kind of looked like limp fins. Eventually I came across this Erin Fetherston dress on Amazon. All of my favorite cocktail dresses are by the designer. You’d think I’d learn to stop wasting time trying on other dresses when I know one of her looks will win my heart.

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LULU FROST RING

I’ve wanted the Lulu Frost #2 code ring for a well over a year and the perfect excuse fell into my lap a few weeks ago. At the end of November, I received a 40% off coupon from the company as a thank you for supporting the brand through my blog (such an unexpected surprise!). Naturally, I placed an order immediately. I’m fond of the number for a few reasons: my numerology number is a two, I’m a Gemini (the twins), and, most meaningful, I met Dave on February 2nd (2/2). I love having an everyday piece that commemorates our first date.

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MONICA VINADER BRACELET

This Monica Vinader bracelet also made its way home to my jewelry box after Black Friday. It’s incredibly gorgeous and well made. I’ll admit that two silver pieces seems a little uncharacteristic this month, given that I usually go for oversize gold pieces. However, I do favor silver tones for fine jewelry. I think it’s a little more versatile and mixes well with yellow gold.

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TORY BURCH SANDALS

Last, but not least, sandals. Sandals are kind of a stupid purchase for December. I get that. But these Tory Burch slides are so pretty and a heck of a deal at $132. I also tried the petal toe ring sandals from Loeffler Randall, which were a little uncomfortable at the toe strap. I suspect it would get softer after some wear and I did like that the scallop strap had elastic on the sides to accommodate different foot widths.

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UP NEXT

So, where do we go from here? You’ll see below that I was lucky enough to add quite a bit of money to my budget this month. It almost covered my purchases for December, leaving me with just over $100 to last through February. I do have a $200 Visa gift card to spend on something indulgent. I’m also going to add a couple hundred from this year’s work bonus to my budget, since that was unexpected money anyway. I’d still like to snag a summery purse (perhaps this one) and a new sundress if we do book a trip to Florida. Wouldn’t a Clover Canyon dress be fun for a tropical escape? I love the Dancing Silk Slip Dress. (With my Shopbop collaboration, I receive a shopping credit each month and am seriously considering that dress, even if the bra situation for the frock baffles me.)

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THE BUDGET

I started with a six-month budget of $1,500. I consider blog revenue and eBay sales to be “fun money” and will add a portion of that additional income to my overall seasonal budget (if it doesn’t end up in my travel fund first). I’ll record any budget increases or expenditures here each month. Anything that has been ordered and has not yet arrived will appear on the next budget update. (There will also be an annual “Tax Refund Splurge” that goes above my budget, but I’ll devote a post to that in January.)

  • $1,500 starting budget
  • + $655 added to the budget this season ($455 this month)
  • – $2052.59 spent this season ($473.54 this month)
  • = $102.41 remaining

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WARDROBE UPDATE

View all of my purchases (that I can find stock photos for) on my fall and winter wardrobe Pinterest board.

Clothing:

Shoes & Accessories:

Gifted Items:
This section sort of comes off as braggy, which isn’t my intention. Blogging is getting less and less transparent and I want to be clear with what I’ve purchased and what items I’ve received as part of a collaboration. I’m awfully picky about the brands I work with–and won’t post items I don’t love–so rest assured these are solid.

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HOW ARE YOU DOING?

Fran does a great job of linking to budget bloggers each month and I strongly encourage you to take part. I hope you’ll also share links to your wardrobe recaps here. I’m always curious to learn how others curate their closets!