Budgeting Bloggers: August 2013

It's my second round on Budgeting Bloggers!  In July, I achieved my goal of staying under $150, and this month I wondered if I could stay under $100 as a stretch goal.  As with last month, I deducted for sales I made on Poshmark.

1. Urban Outfitters Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($10, similar) : I buy sunnies cheap because I have a tendency to lose and abuse them.  I bought this pair to replace a pair I lost, then found that lost pair on a business trip.  (I'd left them in Arkansas!)  This is the last pair for a long time.
2. Target Side Tab Ponte Dress (originally $28, FREE as a gift): Someone returned this minty dress to the store, so my Mom snagged it for $5 and gifted it to me!  So soft and comfy, perfect for work travel.  Mom's a budget shopper to the max, always on the hunt for the most insane deals.
3. Old Navy Denim Jacket (originally $35, $33 with code) : There was a back-to-school sale going on, so I used the opportunity to replace a closet staple.  The discount code covered a little more than the tax and shipping (Tennessee sales tax is BANANAS), so it was still a good bargain to me.  The A/C in my office is always pumping, so this is great over dresses and tees.
4. Old Navy Everyday Khaki Shorts (originally $23, on sale for $9) : Another back to school sale deal!  I got these shorts in an olive color because they are similar to the ones I got last month and love.  A great neutral, and Tennessee stays warm enough to continue wearing them on weekends.
5. H&M Jersey Blazer ($35):  I love jersey blazers.  They're less stiff and don't seem like I'm overdoing it in my casual workplace.  Pretty much like hoodies for the office.  There's a newly opened H&M locally, but it's a good ways from where I live and it's a madhouse.
6. H&M Oversized Sweater (originally $20, online sale for $10):  Impulse buy.  Part of the half-off promo for their website launching in the U.S.  And truly, it's about time they crossed into e-commerce here.  I love this top and have already worn it!
7. Popana Maxi Skirts ($38 for two):  I know...more maxi skirts.  But they were on super sale!  I found them via a paid Newsfeed post, and I usually never click on those, but THESE.  $17 each, then shipping.  Got them in Brick and Mustard.  Can you tell these past two months have been all about maxis?
8. Mossimo Okal Sandals in Cognac (originally $20, on sale for $7): Extra 20% off day at Target, and these were on super clearance.  I wear pairs of sandals like these to pieces.  Good buy for me.
9. Toms Desert Wedge Boot in Taupe Suede (originally $89, $84 with promo code):  You guys, I've waited for these boots a YEAR to come back in stock.  I got $5 off with a promo code, and I had to jump.  Budget killer, but I know I will wear them all fall and into winter.
10. Merona Erin Braided Sandal (originally $15, on sale for $5):  Snatched these up on the 26th of the month because they were marked down so low!  Just couldn't resist the deal since I live in these shoes.  Last pair in the store.

$231 - $91 in Poshmark Sales = $140
Total Savings = $77

It was the Toms booties that put me over my stretch goal.  But I am terribly unapologetic about it.  I also took some time to go through my closet and find pieces to donate to Goodwill, emptying out plenty of hangers for my new stuff!

I wouldn't have been even close my goal if I hadn't sold via Poshmark, but it's a Catch-22; I totally took my Poshmark sales as a license to shop a bit more in the middle of the month.  I'm getting good traction there now that I'm a "Suggested User" due to my honesty and authenticity.  (i.e. I'm not a wholesaler, I disclose flaws in my stuff, and I don't post a bunch of crap!)

For next month, I *think* I have my purchases more planned out... my goal is to stick to my $150 budget (or less) for the 3rd time:

• My Elizabeth & Clarke box is coming.  Will be blogging that for sure!
• I need new Rainbow Sandals; mine are circa 2007 and getting kind of grungy.  Solid flip-flops.
• I want machine-washable dress pants for fall, something I can wear instead of jeans in a casual office.  Maybe Limited/Express?

Check out more of August's Budgeting Bloggers here!