Budgeting Bloggers: July 2013

I'm not a fashion blogger.  Sure, I used to post a lot of outfit photos (and may do so again in the future, if I feel photogenic), and I still post a lot of shopping stuff.  But really I'm a random blogger, with shopaholic tendencies.

The first step is admitting you have a problem. (image source)

I was sooooo naughty in June.  $250 on two Kate Spade purses alone.  So I was bitching whining talking to my friend Caroline about how I need to just stop spending cold turkey in July, when she reminded me that Fran does this Budgeting Bloggers link-up every month.  You hold yourself accountable for your spending and do your best to stick to a pre-set budget, all while learning to stock your closet with things you'll actually keep.  (Quality>Quantity)  Quitting cold turkey is extreme, but budgeting is not!

Even though June was an epic bust, I figured I'd give this a go for July.  That said, I decided to count any purchases that arrived via mail after July 1st against my budget this month, as a little punishment for crazy June.  I also decided on $150 target budget per month, but credit myself when I make sales via Poshmark. When I told Duke about the $150 target, he was skeptical I could achieve it.  That just made me want to accomplish it even more.

1. Downeast Basics Maxi Skirts ($60 for two):  I got a $10 discount code for this purchase, but it basically went away when I had to return a couple other items from the order (ugh, paying return shipping).  I love these easy, breezy skirts though.  They are already being worn every week.
2. Bandelettes ($25 for two pairs with discount code):  I ain't ashamed of this purchase.  I saw these on Girl With Curves and Little Chief Honeybee, and I knew I'd be using them in the HOT Tennessee summer.  They're basically these beautiful little garters that protect your thighs from chafing in dresses/skirts.  I purchased in nude and black.
3. Old Navy Shorts and Jeans ($17 total! with discount code):  I got these for a great deal.  A pair of black gingham shorts (inspired by Fran) and some tried and true skinny jeans.  Returned other items from the order though.
4. Payless Comfort Plus Karmen Pumps ($30 for two pairs during BOGO sale):  Nude and black pumps for work, scored during a BOGO sale in-store.  These are way comfier than more expensive heels I own!
5. Coach Legacy Stripe Scarf ($9+Posh credits):  Okay, random.  But it is pretty and I wanted one for my leather Coach bags.  And it's been sold out for ages.  <-- attempting to justify this most impractical and silly of purchases, probably the only thing on the list I am annoyed about. Ugh.
6. Everlane T-Shirts ($30 for two):  Because Fran and Caroline insist they're amazing, and I'm fed up with finding a comfy white tee that isn't too sheer.  I chose white and muted black.  I agree with them that the white tee is just thick enough not to be sheer!  Best white tee I have every owned.  I don't think I'll buy white tees from anywhere else.
7. Target Merona/Mossimo Tees ($25 for 4):  I needed more new t-shirts to survive the summer, and these fitted v-necks were on promo for a great deal.  I got two in black (two different sizes for different fits), one in mustard, and one in grey with thin stripes.  Love them all.

= $196 - $65 in Poshmark Sales = $131

For my first Budgeting Blogger month, not too shabby!  I thought I'd killed my budget in the first two weeks with June purchases.  It was hard to resist those summer sales.  But between returning stuff and selling on Poshmark, I was shocked how quickly I recovered.

I think budgeting will drive me to sell more things I don't need, shop more thrift stores, and really try to be choiceful.  I also want to focus on having clothes that fit, and purging my closet of, well, the extra stuff.  I have dropped off two large bags at Goodwill in the past couple of weeks, and I love how my dresser drawers open and close smoothly, and how my closet looks so nice and clean!

I think I'm going to see if I can do $100 next month!

Check out more Budgeting Bloggers here!