january budget

1. Gap Fit and Flare Dress: originally $70, on sale + Gap rewards:  $5 + $40 tailoring = $45
2. Loft Mini Blossom Blouse: $60
3. The Limited Dress: originally $80, on final sale for $12
4. Loft Ink Striped Tee: originally $30 + BOGO 1/2 = $15
5. Madewell Terrace Dress: originally $128, on sale for $58
6. Limited Cardigan: originally $55, 50% off = $30

= $220

Quarterly Budget: $590 - $195 in November - $150 in December - $220 in January = $25 leftover

This was one of those months that I didn't realize what I had spent on clothing until I added it all up, and was actually surprised by how much I spent! I think one of the biggest disadvantages to my current shopping situation is that it's much harder to really shop sales and get the best deal because of a lack of close stores, and time. For the items I bought in store, I couldn't really wait for a sale because the mall was two hours away, so I end up paying a little more than I would usually. For example, with the Loft items, I would usually wait until they had a better in store promotion (at the time we were there, they had a buy one, get one half off promotion), but I knew we wouldn't be back any time soon, and I didn't want to risk the blossom blouse not being offered online. I guess that's a trade-off I have to work with though.

Overall, I feel I got some good deals and items that will get plenty of wear. I'm pretty excited about the dresses I purchased, and really see myself wearing them a lot (especially on days when I just want to throw something on for school).

This was my second quarterly budget since I've started budgeting this way. With around $500, I purchased:

3 sweaters
4 dresses
5 blouses
1 winter coat

I really like the way this method is working out - I can shop more when I have the time to, and then don't when I don't. It's also a lot easier to keep track of the money because it's all already in one account, and I just remove it for each purchase. There's not pulling money from different months or accounts to make up for it, so that really helps when trying to stay on track with keeping my financial state in order.

As far as sponsorship goes, I won a contest from OnlineShoes.com back in the fall, and used some of the gift card to buy these boots (seen here). BaubleBar was also kind enough to send me this beautiful necklace (seen here), which is even prettier in person (P.S. have you seen their collection for Valentine's Day? It's super cute - this cuff is great for all year round, stacked with a watch or alone!)

On a side note, thank you for sticking with me the last few months! It's been pretty hard to blog lately with the crazy winter weather and the hours I've been putting into school, but I'm hoping that it will all get a bit easier with nicer weather and a more consistent schedule.

How'd the beginning of this year's budget start for you? Please link up below!

off-duty

 

Remember the good old days of when I got to wear jeans every single day? I miss those days.

Getting dressed now a days is a mix of professional clothing for school with study clothing, but I feel this is neglecting a large portion of my closet. I want to put a bit more effort into my non-school outfits, even if it's just to go study at Starbucks and then go on a Target run, like I did when I wore this. It's just as easy as throwing a sweatshirt on, but it's a hell of a lot more fun :)

Blazer: J. Crew [very similar on sale]

Tee: JC Penneys [similar]

Jeans: Madewell [same style]

Necklace: Ann Taylor Outlet

Shoes: Old Navy [similar]

In shopping news, I ordered this dress the other night during a late night study break (the best kind of break, amiright?). Gap was having a 30% off promotion, plus I had some reward points saved up, which resulted in this dress costing me $5 out of pocket. The fabric is thicker than I expected, which I really like. I think the top half of the dress is super flattering, but the bottom is oddly puffy on me. After consulting some of you on instagram, I've decided to take it to the tailor to see what she can do - either remove some of the extra fabric or sew some of the pleats down. I'm willing to pay a little more in tailoring in this situation since I didn't pay a lot out of pocket for the dress itself, and because I can see myself wearing this dress a lot. Anyone out there have any similar alteration stories/tips?