may budget ( + thoughts on the budgeting blogger series)

Old Navy blouse: originally $27, paid $0 with rewards
1 Madison rain coat: $170
Zella top: $45
J.Crew Factory skirt: originally $80, on sale for $40

May total: $255

Quarterly budget: $500 - $255 = $245 left for June and July

It has been a crazy month around here - between buying a house, spending all our free time there to paint it, and graduating (!!!), there has not been a ton of time to shop (or blog, for that matter). I did manage to find a few things for our upcoming trip to Ireland though (which unfortunately has now been delayed until tomorrow thanks to issues at JFK today). I ended up buying the raincoat from my post two weeks ago, and wore it when we went to Mumford and Sons last week, where it rained the whole show. I stayed warm and dry the whole time, so it was a good buy! I also bought a striped "tunic" top from Old Navy, which really fits me like a slightly longer regular top haha - with rewards I had saved up, it cost me nothing! It's a pretty cute top though - it runs slightly large, as I have it in a medium. Last, I fell in love with J.Crew Factory's striped skirt that I've seen making the blog rounds (see it on Sarah and Katie here), so I finally made the navy version my own. 

As far as sponsored and c/o items, I received those short rubber boots for Ireland from Shopbop, and also worked with Finish Line on a recent post. I always pick out my own items, and loved adding a few new great items to my closet from my sponsors. 

This month, I really started thinking about if I really want to continue with my budget posts. I've been doing this budget series for five years now (this month is exactly my five year mark!), and I think it's really served its purpose of getting my spending under control. Like I've said, I used to shop every single weekend, and spend all my disposable income on shopping. It was such a waste! This series as made me really think about what I buy and keep, and the direction I want my closet and money to take. I could spend so much more on clothing, especially because in the blogging world, to make money you have to spend it. But I like that I have stuck to my budget for all this time and not getting caught up in the world of buying buying buying just to blog about it. Instead, I have a closet of clothes I like, and money in savings and retirement funds instead. I also think about how starting in July, I will be in scrubs most of the time. I feel I won't be really shopping that much any more, so I don't know if you guys would be interested in hearing about the one new blouse I buy a month. On the other hand, I also think it's important to be open and transparent on here about spending and what I receive from sponsors - I sometimes feel that is missing a lot in blogging nowadays, and many of you have expressed the same. So I'm conflicted, and would love to hear your opinions. Do you still enjoy the budget posts (almost always my highest viewed post of the month) or are you feeling like it has ran its course and isn't necessary anymore. 

april budget

J.Crew shoes: originally $118, on sale for $90

J.Crew skirt: originally $128, on sale for $95

Leith dress: $70

H&M sweater: $20

April budget: $285

Quarterly budget: $500 - $60 in February  - $130 in March - $285 in April

I was going to say this is the most exciting budget post I've had in a while, until I look at the picture and realized it's all neutral color 😂 (although technically the sweater is a blush and not tan). But I am so excited about the items I purchased. I actually bought the Leith dress last month, and for some reason didn't include it in my budget post, so it's here now (you can see the review of it here). 

If you follow along on instastories, you know we had a lengthy discussion about the polka dot skirt. When I saw it in stores a few weeks ago, I beelined for it. I basically knew I had to have it, and so waited for a sale, and ordered it. I almost didn't want it to fit or have it be a really poor quality so I wouldn't be tempted to keep it, but you guys...this skirt. The pattern is adorable, the fabric is thick and forgiving, and since it's in such neutral colors, I know I could wear it with a bunch of different items I already own. On the other hand, I'm about to start a residency where I do spend the majority of the time in scrubs. After lots of discussions with readers, I've decided to keep it. I just love it so much, and it's rare for me to really really love something. So I'll just be a little more dressed up for clinic and look for reasons to wear it. I think sometimes it's okay to keep something you really love even if it's not always the most practical. Sometimes I'm a bit tired of always being practical! 

But I did lean more on the practical side with the pointed toe flats. My friend saw me looking at them a few weeks ago and said "those literally look like they were made for you" because they are everything I want in a shoe! I love the look of pointed toe flats (even if I only have two pairs of them) and they are such a neutral shoe that I can wear them with just about everything in my closet. I will probably end up having to put in an insole in them as they don't provide a ton of support, just as an fyi for those looking for shoes!

As far as sponsored posts, I worked with JCPenney on post (you can see it here). I'm obsessed with the dress and jean jacket, both of which are coming with me to NYC this weekend! Although most of our trip is centered around wedding dress shopping (!), you know there will be a bit of shopping involved. Fingers crossed I find both a dress and my graduation present to myself (eek! I'm so excited). 

sidenote: if you have just a few minutes, would you mind helping me out on a research project by filling out this survey? One participant will win a $200 Nordstrom giftcard. Thank you!

march budget

Loft dress: originally $98, on sale for $59

Target vest: originally $30, on sale for $24

J.Crew Factory dress: originally $98, on sale for $47

March total: $130

Quarterly budget: $500 - $60 in February  - $130 in March = $310 left for spring!

This month I purchased three items I'm really excited about. I actually haven't shown you guys any of these yet, but will talk about the sizing and style of them next week in a review post (I was going to post it sooner, but we've been really busy with house hunting activities). The loft dress is really beautiful - it's a bit dressier than I thought, but it's perfect for those events where you have to dress up but don't want to look like you're over dressed (I'm thinking of wearing it to a graduation event). It's currently 60% off (!!!) which is pretty amazing - I went with a size 10. Same goes for the J.Crew Factory dress, which has a really cute white polka dots on black background. I love that it's black instead of navy, just because that makes it a bit more versatile (in my opinion!). And that vest....I have a lot of thoughts about how a style we all wore like four years ago is back right now, BUT I wore this vest like four days last week, and can't stop wearing it! I have a problem (and for under $30, you can have that problem too). 

I'm still waiting on my Gap order to see how much I love that embroidered top I mentioned last week, but as always, that will be included in April's budget. I am going to NYC at the end of April, so we will see where the money actually goes - if I spend it before we go in prep, or if I find something I love while there. A couple of other big purchases may be made during that trip (...eek!!), so maybe I won't want to do any other shopping!

As always, I want to mention what I received for my sponsorship work this month. I received a dress, shoes, purse, and ring from Kohl's, as well as the newest watch design from Daniel Wellington (as always, you can use the code FRANZISKA to save 15%). 

As always, looking forward to seeing how you did this month sticking to your budget! Please link up below, and don't forget to tell your readers to check out the other budgeting bloggers!

february budget

Loft blouse: originally $50, on sale for $25 (currently on sale for $20!)

J.Crew Factory dress: originally $80, on sale for $35

February budget: $60

Quarterly budget: $500 - $60 in February = $440 left for spring!

The end of the month just kind of snuck up on me! One second it's New Years Eve, and a blink later, we're at the end of February already! While I did quite a bit of shopping this month (catch some of the reviews here), I only kept two items. The Loft blouse (which you've seen here) is just gorgeous in real life, and I'm so excited about it (if you're interested, I suggest sizing down. I had to return my large for a medium). The dress is from J.Crew Factory (also reviewed here), and I can't wait to wear it when I'm at the beach next week! 

I have ordered quite a few things the past few days, including new work out leggings, sports bra, embroidered dress, and a lace tee. As soon as everything comes in, I'll do a quick review post, and whatever I keep will go into March's budget. As for the rest of spring, I have my eye on a few things. Shopbop is currently having a spend more, save more sale, so now is the time to get those star wrap sandals I've been eyeing for months. Other than that, I'd like a few simple dresses (considering this wrap version), and maybe a few tops (hello, stripes!) that are more casual and not for work. 

As always, it's your turn! Can't wait to see what you got this month :)

january budget

Madewell top: originally $110, on sale for $100

Caslon sweater: originally $70, on sale for $50

BP sweater: $40

Limited pants: $40 + $25 for tailoring 

January budget: $245

Quarterly budget: $500 - $100 in November - $155 in December + $245 in January

Another quarter of budgeting down! I knew I had a bit of room left in my budget when I went down to Miami, so when I tried on this flowy top at Madewell, I went with it. I love it, and wore it the whole weekend. It probably wasn't the most thought through purchase I've ever made for the amount spent, but it's my little souvenir from the weekend. In a more practical purchase, my pants I ordered from The Limited finally showed up (a month later), and I went to take the first pair to get tailored last week. I'm excited to finally have a new pair of my favorite work pants (especially since The Limited is officially closed, both in stores and online). This month I also purchased two sweaters, kind of by accident that they are both grey. I love them for different reasons - the BP sweater is perfect for layering and throwing on for travel (which I did last week), while the cowl neck sweater is definitely a bit more fun but so comfy and warm. 

Waiting for me at home is this ruffled bib blouse as well as that pretty lace top, both from Loft. I'll be sure to do a review, and if I keep either, I'll include them in next month's budget!

Keeping it short today, so if you are sharing your budget post this month with us, I'm so excited you are here, and I can't wait to hear all about it!

december budget + budget in review

Loft blouse: originally $60, on sale for $30 (currently 50% off!)

Macy's sequin tee: originally $80, on sale for $30

Ann Taylor shoes: originally $118, on sale for $60 (on major sale!)

Ann Taylor blouse: originally $70, on sale for $35

December's budget: $155

Quarterly budget: $500 - $100 in November - $155 in December = $245 leftover for January

It's our last budget post of the year! I've been writing my budget posts for four and a half years now, and I think 2016 was really the year where I really didn't feel the need to shop as much anymore. I still do quite a bit of it, but I've started to become particularly picky about the things I keep - I'm always excited to try new things (and share my thoughts with you guys) but I end up keeping so few of the items I order. I plan on going into more details about some of my favorite purchases and biggest misses of the year in the next few days during my year in review post (you can see previous versions here), but I did want to talk about a few specific budget related items today! 

I bought 38 items this year, which averages out to just a little over three items a month. The most expensive item of the year was my J.Crew blazer (seen here), which I think is also my favorite purchase of the year. I spent $1,983 this year - that averages to $52 per item. I think that's a bit skewed because every few months I buy an item that's over $100, while most other items I buy are under $40. I've tried a new technique this year of putting items I like in my carts online, and then waiting until a good 30-50% off sale (depending on store) happens so that I get the best deal I can. I also started using store cards a bit more (I have ones at Loft, Gap, and Nordstrom) because it's easier for returns and because you get free spending money that way. I pay mine off every month, so I'm not losing any money through interest. 

Overall, I'm very happy with the way that quarterly budgets have worked out for me for the past three years. Some months I spend a bit more and other months I buy one thing, so having the flexibility to spend more or less depending on what I come across has been so great for me. If you are thinking about starting a clothing budget in the new year, I wrote a post all about that last year! 

In this month particularly, I went half practical, and half a bit more fun! On the fun side of things, my new velvet flats are not the world's most comfortable and sturdy shoes, but they sure are cute and fun to wear - they are currently on sale + 60% off, with most sizes still available!  The sequin top is for NYE (we're hosting a small party here) and while not something I'll wear a ton, it's definitely a fun addition! On the slightly more practical side of things, my split neck top (reviewed here) was worn twice over the weekend - it's currently 50% off if you're interested. The popover is patiently waiting to be worn (I'm in scrubs on this rotation) but it's a fun take on the classic shirt - will definitely be wearing this a ton in the spring, and on warmer days here (like this week - it was 50 degrees yesterday!). It's also on sale + 60% off (I find it runs true to size). 

As always, I'd like to thank a few of my sponsors by acknowledging the items I received from them. I think it gives a more well rounded view of my own budget since I do receive some things for free every month. One of the companies who I have worked with the longest, and one I truly believe in, is Daniel Wellington. I have several of their watches, and wear them constantly. They are such timeless pieces that I just can't rave about enough. This month I received one of their new black collection watches - you can see it on me here! If you're interested, they are offering you 15% off with code FRANZISKA15. I also got to work with Shoebuy, and received a new pair of boots and a coat from them. 

november budget

J.Crew top: originally $88 + 25% off = $66

Loft cardigan: originally $70 + 40% off + rewards = $0

Loft blouse: originally $54 + 40% off = $34

November total: $100

Quarterly budget: $500 - $100 = $400 for December and January

Because of how much I've been traveling for the past month, there hasn't been a lot of time left to shop! Which is great for my wallet and savings accounts ;) I, of course, did manage to find a few things though that I'm really excited about. The J.Crew top is one I've mentioned before - I ordered it during a 25% off sale (not nearly as great as the 40% off + free shipping they have right now!), and have worn it twice already. If you're interested, I got the 10 tall, which helps it not be as boxy on me. In addition to that purchase, I went shopping with one of my girlfriends a few weeks ago during a weekend visit, and I picked up a super soft cardigan and plaid tunic during a 40% off sale (they currently have a 50% off sale!!). Both have been worn numerous times, especially the cardigan (I'm wearing it as I type!). 

I did do a bit of online shopping during Black Friday - during J.Crew's sale, I ordered one of their classic plaid shirts that I'm hoping looks as cute in real life as it does online. Ann Taylor was (and is) having a 50% off everything sale, so I finally ordered that sweater I've been talking about for weeks, as well as an unusual shoe purchase for me. Can't wait to see how both work out for me! If I keep any of them, I'll include them in next month's post (the great thing about having a quarterly budget!). 

If you have your eye on anything on what most consider the best online shopping day of the year, here is a quick round up of the sales going on:

ANN TAYLOR: 50% off everything 

ASOS: 30% off everything

BANANA REPUBLIC: 50% off everything, no exclusions 

LOFT: 50% off everything + free shipping
MADEWELL: 25% off your entire purchase
MODCLOTH: 30% off everything + free shipping

and as always, it's your turn to share!

october budget

J.Crew blazer: originally $198, on sale for $150 [seen here]

Caslon scarf: $45 [reviewed here]

Michael Kors shoes: originally $100, on sale for $75 [seen here]

Ann Taylor blouse: originally $80, on sale for $40 [reviewed here]

October budget: $310 - $100 birthday money = $210

Quarterly budget: $500 + $100 left over - $200 in August - $155 in September - $210 in October

Sometimes budgeting makes me think about the money I'm spending a bit too much. I very very rarely spend more than $100 on a single item, and most items I buy are under $50. The thing is though, when I do spend over $100 on something, it always becomes a favorite item in my closet. Maybe that's because I don't buy a lot of things that are that expensive, so therefore they become my favorites by default, or maybe it's because sometimes spending a bit more on something you think you'll really wear a lot pays off in the end. My J.Crew blazer is by far my favorite item in my closet right now - I look for any opportunity to wear it, so I'm glad I finally bought it (with a bit of help from the birthday money my parents sent me). It's already my pre-interview dinner staple, and I try to wear it every weekend. I just can't get enough of it! Paired with my Michael Kors shoes (that I ended up getting at a discount by asking Nordstrom for a price adjustment when they were temporarily on sale), and I'm all set for fall! In my last review post, I talked about the bell sleeve top from Pleione. As much as I love it on others (see it on Krista and Veronika), every time I wear it, it just doesn't feel like me! I'm going to give it one more shot this weekend, and if I take it off to wear something else, I'm sending it back. If I decide to keep it, I'll include it in next month's budget. 

As far as sponsorships go, this month I also was lucky enough to work with Kohl's on a fall fashion post, so I added quite a few items to my closet that way. Favorites include the work out leggings (I wore them running last night, and they didn't slip at all!) and the Lauren Conrad purse. I also received a pair of Stuart Weitzman boots as well as a pair of 7 for all Mankind jeans during the Shopbop sale. For those of you newer around here, I feel it's important that I include the items I receive through blogging in my budget to stay transparent about not only what I'm adding to my closet, but also just blogging in general. Some months, like this one, are a bit heavier in sponsored items (always items I pick out myself but are provided by the company), and other months there aren't any. If any of you feel strongly about these items not being included in my budget posts, please let me know. I really just want to be transparent about this whole crazy world of blogging, but I can understand if people don't think it's necessary to include it in my budget post. I personally really enjoy seeing what other bloggers get through their blog - it's a fun little peek into other people's blog!

So all in all, another successful budgeting quarter! In the next one, I'd really like to add a few sweaters to my collection. I've been wearing my Madewell sweater nonstop, so maybe a few more in that simple style will serve me well! I also put in an order last weekend with Ann Taylor during their 50% off sale, but won't see those items until I get home in a few weeks - they included a tweed skirt (the skirt version of the pants I bought last month), a blouse with a removable tie, and a gorgeous geo cardigan, so we will see which of those items I keep. I feel a review post coming on in the future! I kinda have to remind myself though that Thanksgiving is at the end of the month, so maybe I'll be a bit more conservative with my money until then!

august budget

Coach City bag via eBay: $60

Lucky tee: originally $50, on sale for $30
Loft dress: originally $70, on sale for $35
Banana Republic cardigan: originally $88, on sale for $45
(not pictured) Anthro blouse: originally $48, on sale for $30
(not pictured) Old Navy blouse: $33, on sale for $16 + rewards = $0

August budget: $200

Quarterly budget: $500 + $100 left over - $200 in August = $400 left for for September and October

This month was a bit more spendy, in large part due to my new bag! Years and years ago, I bought a vintage Coach bag on Etsy, and it is to this day my favorite and most used bag. I always wanted a cognac version, and have looked for one on and off for a while now. I finally found one on eBay that was in good condition, from a reputable seller, and under my $75 cap, so here she is! Other favorite items this month definitely include my wrap cardigan - I've worn in once a week since receiving it, largely in part due to the freezing temperatures of the clinics I work in. 

Like I mentioned yesterday, I did put in an order to Gap (including an embroidered blouse and longer popover), so if I keep either, I'll include them in next month's budget. I'm also considering buying this June & Hudson dress - it's been in my cart for weeks, and I just think it's so beautiful! My birthday is also in September - I save up money throughout the year to buy myself a present (you can read more about my strategy for buying designer goods on a budget here). At the top of my wishlist is Gucci's crossbody bag. I have wanted one of these bags for at least three years now, but the price tag is obviously absurd, so I've been stalking secondhand sites. No luck yet, but that's currently my plan for this year's birthday!

I'm excited to hear about your purchases this month! Feel free to add your link below, and as always, please link back to this post so your readers can discover other budgeting bloggers!

july budget

Loft tunic tee: originally $50, on sale for $25

Ann Taylor blouse: originally $70, on sale for $25

Halogen sweater: originally $138, on sale for $90

J.Crew Factory dress: originally $74, on sale for $30 + tailoring for $16

Loft skirt: originally $70, on sale for $35

Loft blouse: originally $50, on sale for $30

July budget: $251

Quarterly budget: $500 + $185 left over - $180 spent in May - $154 in June - $251 in July = $100 left over

The past months have been a bit boring around here for budgets, but I feel I made up for it this month! July was definitely the month of sales for me. You guys know I almost always never buy something at full price, and this month was definitely no exception. Between the never ending sales that Loft has (which is why I never buy anything from there unless it is at least 40% off!) and the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, I ordered quite a few things, returned quite a few things, and kept quite a bit too! Favorites of the month definitely include the mustard yellow blouse and the shirt dress (which is currently at the tailor's to have the sides slimmed down), both of which I know will be huge staples in the next coming months. I'm excited for it to cool down in a few months so I can get some wear out of that deliciously soft cashmere sweater. 

I know I mentioned that I also ordered the Tory Burch riding boots during the NSale, and they should be here any day! I've been putting a bit of money away for the past few months to buy myself something as a present for passing the boards (I was being optimistic!), and now that we got our scores back, I'm using that money plus the left over money from this quarter to pay for them (if they work out, which hopefully they do!). I do something like this about once a year to celebrate a big moment in my life - for example, my Michael Kors watch was something I bought myself in celebration of finishing the first year of medical school, and now this would be for passing my last exam of school. I've always said I like the fancier things in life, but I try very hard to make financially smarter choices too, so I save up for big presents like this for months/years. I've actually been saving up for my own graduation present for over three years now! 

As always, I also want to mention the pieces I received from companies this month. I already mentioned my 7 for all Mankind jeans that I received from Fitcode in my recent review post. I also used shopping credits from Shopbop to purchase a pair of Rag & Bone shorts. Lastly, I received this gorgeous leather purse from Torregrossa. I think it's only fair to tell you guys what I added to my closet for free while mentioning what I paid for as well!

june budget

J.Crew chambray shirt: $78, on sale for $58

Boden dress: $128, on sale for $96

June budget: $154

Quarterly budget: $500 + $185 left over - $180 spent in May - $154 in June = $351 left for July

First of all, I wanted to thank all of you for your comments and feedback in my last budget post. For the last few months, every time I put together these budget posts, I'm a bit underwhelmed by them just because they have been quite sparse lately. But reading your thoughts and why you've enjoyed the posts over the years has motivated me to stick with it. 

So May, June, and now July were and will be really busy months for me. In May, I was away from home for the month on an elective rotation, in June I spent the whole month studying for Step 2, and now in July I'm gone again for my first audition rotation. That has meant I've been almost exclusively in scrubs or lounge clothes, which makes for a really boring style blog. No need to wear real clothes = no desire to buy real clothes = not a lot of blog content. The two items I did purchase this month are two I'm super excited about though. First is the J.Crew chambray shirt, which I reviewed at the beginning of the month. Second is a black wrap dress from Boden. I actually purchased the Boden dress and a similar dress from Ann Taylor and even though I really did love the Ann Taylor wrap dress, the simple black dress won in the end because it will just be more versatile. I see both becoming major staples in my wardrobe! 

To be honest, July will probably also be pretty minimal when it comes to shopping. After this audition, I will have two months of family medicine though, so I will be both home, and on a bit of an easier schedule (right now I'm at the hospital at 5:00 AM and don't leave until after 6 PM, which is also why it's been more quiet around here) so I'll have a bit more time to get back into blogging. I'll also start the hunt for an interview suit (or two, as I've been advised), all which will of course be documented along the way. If you have any tips for suits, I'd be so interested to hear any advice you have! I'm pretty set of having a black pant suit, so I'm looking for something along the lines of this suit from Halogen. I'll probably end up wearing my go-to black wedges, as they are the most comfortable yet professional shoes I own. 

may budget

Loft shorts: on sale for $25

Clark shoes: $100

Lou & Grey shirt: on sale for $20

(not pictured: TJ Maxx dress for $35)

May budget: $180

Quarterly budget: $500 + $185 left over - $180 in May = $505 for June and July

Wow, is this the most boring budget post I have ever written?! Probably. Black shorts, a white button up, and black work shoes. Though I do have to tell you guys about the Clark shoes I bought at the beginning of the month. I've been looking for normal black shoes to wear to work for months (if not years at this point) because no matter what shoes you wear, your feet are going to hurt if you are on your feet all day. My Revas have just not cut it, even with insoles. So I wandered into Clark when I stopped by the mall four weeks ago because I have heard so many people rave about how great Clark shoes are for work. I tried on several pairs, including some fairly cute ballerina flats, but it wasn't until I tried on this wedge pair that a sales associate recommended that I understood what people meant about instant comfort. The shoes just work with your feet, there is no rubbing or breaking it needed - they are just all around really comfortable shoes that I have now worn many long days on this rotation. To be honest, I think they are just a tiny bit ugly if you look at them too closely, but I know that now one is going to look that closely at my feet, so it's just one of those things where comfort definitely trumps how cute your shoes look. 

This post marks my fourth year of sharing my clothing budget on here. Sometimes I debate no longer writing these budget posts, because I don't really feel I need them anymore...I especially think that when I see how boring this post is! Since starting my budget, my shopping tendencies have drastically changed. I very rarely buy and keep more than 5 items in a month, and most of those are from places like Loft anyway. I never go over my budget, and I usually just keep rolling over the extra, so I really feel that on the one hand, I think four years of documenting my budget is enough.  That being said, I do think sharing what I spend my money on does keep me in line with the financial goals I have set for myself, so even though right now I am not spending a lot on clothes, who knows what the future holds. I also still maintain that I feel like I owe it to blogging as a whole to kind of be a more realistic portrayal of what shopping is like. I don't want to buy ten new dresses a month just to take pictures of them for my blog, so by sharing my budget, it really makes me assess what I purchase, and how it works with my closet, rather than how it would look in a blog post. 

ANYWAY! Enough about me, tell me about you! Have you been sticking to your budgeting goals this year? Do you feel like linking up has changed your shopping habits at all? Do you also sometimes think about no longer sharing your budget?! 

And as always...please link up below :)

april budget

J.Crew Factory dress: originally $100, on sale for $45

Lush top: originally $42, on sale for $28

Sole Society shoes: originally $70, on sale for $60

J.Crew Factory skirt: originally $60, on sale for $30

Topshop flats: $50

April budget: $213

Quarterly budget: $625 - $145 in February - $85 in March - $213 in April = $182 left over

Well, spring was definitely on my mind this month (even though the weather here hasn't full cooperated yet)! The most worn item of the month is the Lush rollsleeve top - I've been wearing that thing every weekend, and at least once a week! I find that the v-neck goes a bit deep, so I used an iron on adhesive tap to "sew" it up a little higher, so now it covers the cleavage and has a bit sharper of a v-neck to it (which if you look at the pictures online, you can see that it's kind of broader). I'm very excited about both pair of shoes - the Topshop flats are obviously super trendy right now, but I think they are so fun! The Sole Society shoes were actually a recommendation from Jean, and I'm very happy to have a slightly dressier pair of cognac sandals for the summer - I always struggle with shoes during the summer because I don't like to wear shoes that make me much taller than I am, but flat sandals tend to look too casual sometimes, so this is a happy medium!

You may have noticed that a few items I discussed in my recent review post are missing, and that's because I've decided to return both the Madewell blouse and the BlankNYC jeans. For the blouse, I had it hanging in front of my closet for more than a week, and I never grabbed for it - I really wished that it was just a bit longer, so I never wanted to wear it, which is a very obvious sign that it needs to be returned. After wearing the jeans around the house for a little while, I realized that I really didn't like the whiskering on them, and that I would really like a darker pair of jeans, and keeping this pair would mean I wouldn't want to spend money on another pair, so that's another obvious reason for me to return. 

In sad clothing news, my favorite shirt in my closet, my J.Crew chambray shirt, has a large tear in the arm - I have worn that shirt so many times that I basically wore down the fabric, and then it ripped! RIP, best shirt ever. So that's really at the top of my list now! Luckily, J.Crew has a very similar version, and this one comes in talls, so maybe I'll get an even better version! Has anyone tried the Always Chambray shirt? I'm also currently waiting on my order from Loft to come in, so if I end up keeping anything, that'll be included next month. Among other things, I ordered these scalloped shorts and a blouse from Lou & Grey, so we will see what works out!

Besides that, shopping may be a bit light in the month of May as I will be living away from home for the month, which means less online shopping for me. I will probably do a bit of traveling on the weekends, so we will see if I don't end up doing just a little shopping ;)

This month I was really excited to work with Daniel Wellington and Kohl's on a couple of posts. I've been a looooong time fan of the DW watches, so I was very happy to add a cognac leather version to my collection. If you are interested, Daniel Wellington is offering 15% off your order with the code FRANISH. In my post yesterday, you saw my new dress and purse from the REED collection now available at Kohls. 

march budget

Loft blouse [seen here]: originally $60, on sale for $35

Gap blouse [reviewed here]: originally $30, on sale for $15

Loft blouse [seen here]: originally $60, on sale for $35

March budget: $85

Quarterly budget: $625 - $145 in February - $85 in March = $395 for April

Well, it was a pretty boring month...but not for a lack of trying! I ordered quite a few items, but not a lot worked out. I ordered several different work pants, but none worked out. I put in order in to Boden - it included this pretty short-sleeved wrap dress and while I love it, I don't really have a need for it right now, so I'm returning it now and possibly reordering later in the summer for CR's brother's wedding. I also ordered this swing top from Anthro that was too short on me. 

You guys know that I don't usually jump on trends for the most part, but I just couldn't resist with the lace up flats trend - I think they are so freaking cute! I ordered this laser cut pair from Topshop (they are under $50!) a few days ago, and can't wait to try them on. In April my big goal is to find a pair of dark wash distressed denim - it seems to be so much more difficult than I thought it would be! This pair from 7 For All Mankind is as close to what I want that I could find, but even then it's not exactly what I'm looking for. 

I'd also like to find some nude strappy sandals - I need something that is a bit dressier, but without too high of a heel as I don't like to be towering over people. This pair from Clark is the closest I could find to what I'm looking for - turns out, it seems to be difficult to make strappy nude sandals that don't look too matronly! I'm trying to find the right combo between what works for my life, and what looks good in pictures, to be honest. I never dress "for the blog", I wear what I want and take pictures, so while I could just buy a strappy pair of high heels that would look great in pictures, I know that I would never actually wear them in real life, so I'm just trying to find that happy medium.

So that's it for me! I have quite a bit of wiggle room for next month - I fully intend on not spending most of it though. I'm out of scrubs and back into regular dress clothes for the month though, so we will see how tired I am of dress pants by the end ;)

february budget

Banana Republic blouse [seen here]: originally $80, on sale for $35

Blank jeans [seen here]: originally $88, on sale for $60

Nordstrom sweater : originally $90, on sale for $50

February budget: $145

Quarterly budget: $625 ($500 + $125 carried over) - $145 = $480 left 

This is the most non grey, white, or black budget recap month I've had in a long time! Maybe it was Valentine's day or the fact that I felt like I needed to bit more "color" in my wardrobe, but either way, I'm loving the pretty new colors in my closet. Unfortunately, both of the tops are now out of stock - fingers crossed that Halogen brings back that sweater in a bunch of colors because I can't get enough of it. The jeans are still available with most sizes still in stock as well - they are such a comfortable pair of jeans that I highly recommend. 

I've been sticking pretty under budget for the better part of the year, but this is the first time I've actually rolled over the extra amount. We will see if I actually end up using it all, chances are probably not, but I like having the option. I may just stick that money away to save up for a couple of suits for interview season instead - that'll be a whole pain in itself, so if anyone has experience buying suits, please advise! Luckily I have quite some time until I actually need one, but I'd rather save up a little bit since I figure it's going to be a bit pricy! 

I do have my eyes on several items this month. Like I mentioned yesterday, I would really love to try on this blue and white short sleeved dress from J.Crew Factory - I just see it as the perfect summer dress paired with cognac accessories! I've also had my eye on this double v-neck shell - all of the patterns are so freaking cute, although I'm currently leaned towards the green grid version. 

Well that's all for me - your turn! Please link up below and let me know how budgeting went for your this month. Last month we had the most amount of link-ups ever!

january budget

Nordstrom cashmere poncho: originally $200, on sale for $100

Ann Taylor scarf: originally $70, on sale for $35

January total: $135

Quarterly budget: $35 in November + $202 in December + $135 in January = $125 to carry over

I have found the trick to not buying a lot of clothes - find a job where you have to wear a uniform! I'm only have joking...but this whole scrubs thing really has cut down a ton on buying clothes.

Over the last few years, I really have worked on "quality over quantity" when it comes to my clothing budget. When I first started my budget, I really tried to stretch it as much as I could - I was buying like 15 things every month! Guess how many of those things I still own/wear? Very few. While the items I bought this month are pricey, I bought only two things I really like, and still came in way under budget. The poncho/turtleneck sweater is so darn soft, and while it may not be considered the most versatile of all garments, I love it so much. The "blanket" scarf (I would say it's more oversized scarf than blanket scarf) is so darn soft - I wear it every single day and just can't get enough (more about it next week!). 

If you follow along on instagram, you will also see that I bought myself a pair of pearl earrings this month. Back when I was working, I used to take a percentage of my tax refund to buy myself that wasn't included in my monthly budgets - that's how I bought my Hunter boots and my DvF wrap dress. Since I'm now considered "self-employed" for the earnings I make from blogging, I pay into my taxes rather than get something back. I do put about 95% of what I make from blogging into savings/taxes, but my mom recently convinced me that I should reward myself a little bit (although she was hinting more at the Chanel bag I've been saving up for for three+ years). I went with a bit more of a conservative route, and bought myself a pair of pearl earrings from Tiffany's. I'm obsessed with them, and I know they will be something I will wear for the rest of my life. 

This upcoming month, I'd really like to find a pair of distressed black jeans. Something like this affordable pair from Volcom would be preferred! I'd also really like to try on this cute peplum top from Anthropologie - it's a bit outside of my normal style, but I think it could be really flattering on. Lastly, it's time to get a second pair of my black ankle work pants - I just wear mine all the time, and a second pair would be really handy to have around (especially when I'm on away rotations next fall, and won't always be able to do laundry whenever I want).

december budget

Express pants: originally $60 + 50% off = $30

Loft blouse: originally $60, on sale for $35

J.Crew Factory skirt: originally $90, on sale for $45

Modcloth sweater: originally $60 + 30% off + giftcard = $0

Nordstrom scarf: $42

Vince Camuto boots: originally $172 + giftcard = $50

December budget: $202

Quarter budget: $500 - $35 in November - $202 in December = $263 left for January 

While I spent quite a bit more than I did in November (...considering I only bought one thing!), I am really excited about the items I bought this month. I've already mentioned most of these at length - the ponte pants (reviewed here), the plaid skirt (shown here), the loft blouse (seen multiple times on instagram), and the vince camuto boots (mini review here). The Modcloth sweater is something I came across when I was answering a reader's question, and fell in love with it. I've been holding on to some credit for a while, so with a Black Friday deal, it ended up not costing me anything. I wore it twice over the weekend, and got compliments each time. I've wanted a tan scarf for over a year - I've always admired Jean's tan scarf, and I love the way mine now compliments so many of the colors I have in my closet (mostly the whites, blacks, and navy). 

Looking forward, I don't really see myself doing a ton of shopping. I have the option of wearing scrubs on this rotation, so I have at least 6 more weeks in scrubs, at least part of the time. After IM is over, I'll be on another month of OB, so scrubs again. I did order that blanket scarf from Ann Taylor as well as their two-in-one sweater. I'm also hoping that Nordstrom's cashmere poncho will go even on further sale. Other than those items, I think the next few months will probably be a bit quieter on the shopping front. 

On the sponsorship side of things, I saved up Shopbop credits to order the tan Tory Burch revas. I also collaborated with New York and Company and received their beautiful coatigan and heels.

With the beginning of a new year coming right around the corner, I know many of us are thinking about what we want to accomplish in the new year. I am in the process of working on a post about setting and maintaining a clothing budget, so if one of your goals is to take control of your finances, I hope that will help. It will be about how to figure out how much your budget should be, how my budget has changed my shopping habits, and hopefully it'll include a few testimonies from some of the other ladies who have been sharing their budgets with us for years!

october budget

one: x 2 (in navy and tan) $30 each = $60

two: originally $118 + 20% off = $96

three: $20

four: $110

October budget: $286

Quarterly budget: $209 in August + $156 in September +  $286 in October - $190 sold = $461

I knew months ago that I was going to be going to NYC in October, so I purposely tried to spend a little less in August and September, as well as sell a few items, so I could have a little more freedom in October. That's the thing I really like about having a quarterly budget - it gives me flexibility to spend less in some months, and then more in others.

I bought a few things that are more expensive than I usually buy, but I balanced it out with some inexpensive basics too. For the basics, I found a cardigan at Uniqlo that I really liked, and since they were on sale, I bought them in two colors. At $30 each for merino wool, I felt that was a bargain.

As for the more expensive items, lets all blame NYC for those. We don't have an Aritizia anywhere near here, and I fell in love with the beautiful fabrics in the store. I tried on a whole bunch of things, but fell in love with the color and cut of Erin sweater. The wool/linen blend is pretty darn great. I also stopped by at Anthropologie, and even though I typically don't shop there, the pretty windows convinced me to come in. I really liked the Navara top -it's one of those that I'll be able to wear in both my personal and professional life, so even though it's a very pricey item, it'll be versatile (and pretty). And that's why I'm glad I have a flexible quarterly budget!

Looking forward, I'd like to scale back a bit with the shopping. I feel I've been a bit spendy the last few months, even though I've stayed within my budget (for over three years now!). Part of that is because I was getting back into dressing up every day (miss you, yoga pants), so I wanted more options. The other part is I just like shopping! But I have enough clothes, so now's the time to get back to remixing a bit more. I do have one order coming from Loft (that I'll probably review next week, once it comes in), but besides that, all I'd really like to buy for a while is a pair of cognac boots. Buying and returning boots is so tedious that I'll just wait until Thanksgiving weekend when I'm closer to a mall (and hopefully with good sales!). Below is the style I'm looking for - as much as I'd love the Tory Burch pair, I actually really like the pair on the left (which is a lot more financially reasonable). Although the Blondo pair is waterproof, which is perfect for the slushy winters.

spend | splurge | in my dreams

Like every month, I feel it's only fair to also share what I receive from my sponsors. I received a Home t-shirt - these are 100% made in the US, and 10% of their profits are donated the MS research. You all know how much I love my home state, so I absolutely love this shirt. Make sure you also check out the other items the sell, including onesies and pillows! I also used some Shopbop credits to buy two sweaters. The chevron sweater has already been worn four times since I received it, including on a long and chilly car ride, and to an all day symposium - love that it can be worn for multiple occasions! The cowlneck/turtleneck is a style a bit different for me, but that's what I love about it (it's also incredibly soft!). I find that both fit true to size - I have both in larges.

OK - enough of my rambling! If you also wrote a budget post, I'd love to read it! Please link below and as always, please link back to this post.