Monday, September 30, 2013

Budgeting Bloggers: September 2013

Round 3 for me on Budgeting Bloggers!  I'm finding that this is a very valuable exercise; it makes me think twice about every purchase, as pretty much everything about shopping for my wardrobe is a want, not a need.

This month I really splurged on pants for fall.  I was already way over budget by September 2nd.  Yikes.  I needed some Poshmark sales to help me get back on track, so I negotiated on prices a bit more to move some inventory.  And it worked!  I made it under budget a week before the month's end.


  1. Elizabeth & Clarke Fall Collection ($60 for three shirts):  This is a seasonal subscription service, where you can choose up to three basic shirts.  I love that they are classic items, so I chose to subscribe for the fall.  Will review here on the blog soon!
  2. Toms Classics in Black (originally $48, FREE as a gift):  My little sister sent me these lovely Toms!  They're my first pair of classic Toms.  They weren't on my list for the month, so I consider this gift a real bonus.  I'm having her keep an eye out for a pair of red ones.
  3. Limited Exact Stretch Skinny Pants (originally $70, paid $35 each):  These pants were the perfect size, perfect length for skinny work pants.  They were exactly what I was looking for to step up my work outfits.  I chose black and maroon, though I'd really love to get them in other colors!  Machine washable too.  50% off sale on Labor Day.  And the best part?  No hemming needed!
  4. GAP Legging Jeans (originally $70, paid $40 each):  30% off sale on Labor Day.  These jeans have a great mid-rise waist and good stretch.  I bought two because, well, I buy two of everything I like.  (Something my sister gives me hell about!)  I sized down, and with the "ankle" length I don't need to have them hemmed.  I got them in both a dark rinse and a lighter color.  And I totally wanted these after going to the mall with Jenna of Kitty Cat Stevens and seeing her rock them when she tried them on.
  5. Vintage Cat Pin ($19):  Sorry not sorry.  Ha!
  6. Joe Fresh Polka Dot Shirt (originally $24, paid $18):  Okay, so I really want this J. Crew Factory Popover, but I don't want to buy it until I lose a few pounds and settle into my goal size.  So this is my temporary bargain-price substitute.  (I know, wishful thinking.)  I had a discount code that basically eliminated shipping cost.  I really love it and have already been wearing it!
  7. Liz Claiborne Dog Sweater (originally $45, paid $33):  Purchased with the polka dot shirt online, discount code covered shipping.  I work for a pet company, so this is completely work-appropriate and fitting!  Super soft and already a favorite.
  8. Giraffe Earrings ($5, similar): Impulse buy from Charming Charlie.  Giraffes are one of my favorite animals.  I felt like I needed these, but they were probably the silliest purchase this month.  Glad they were the cheapest!
$285 - $140 Poshmark Sales = $145
Total Savings = $196

Despite this being a big shopping month (d*mn those Labor Day sales!) I feel like my total savings were huge; I got a lot of bang for my buck.  I find I'm really enjoying the budgeting game, and it's keeping me from being too impulsive or going on a spree.  I'm proud of how successful I've been!

My Poshmark sales are slowing as I don't have much inventory left.  I think I'm nearly there in terms of trimming my closet to what it needs to be via sales/donation/toss... I have a ton of empty hangers now!  So my October wishlist isn't too long, and it's kind of focused on quality items that I'll get a lot of use out of.

October Wishlist:
  • Mustard/Yellow Cardigan (like J. Crew in Golden Sun), as my old one is getting faded/grungy.
  • Limited Exact Stretch Skinny Pants in Army Green or maybe Navy... the two pairs I purchased are soooo comfortable and work-appropriate!
  • Oxford Flats in a tan/brown color like these Naturalizers, comfy but dressy for work
  • Everlane T-shirts (if budget permits) in Navy, Stone, or White/Muted Black which I could always use more of!  They really are the best tees I've owned.
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