Budgeting Bloggers: November 2014

November was not a heavy shopping month... but I already know that December will probably put me over my self-imposed budget given I can't resist sales and impulse buys.  I love everything I got this month!  It's all being worn and used, which is a great sign.  My closet is much more efficient and compact than it used to be, if that makes sense.

1. Old Navy Quilted Zip-Front Vest in Forest Floor (originally $35, on sale for $30+ discount):  Yes, I have this in black.  I had $40 in Old Navy dollars to use, and I decided to use that, plus free shipping, to get some more basics for the fall/winter.  I wear my black vest so much, I needed another option!  Such a great layering piece.
2. Old Navy Rockstar Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Rise (originally $35):  I am a pair of skinny jeans short after having to toss a couple of pairs, so these fill an important gap in my closet.  Mid-rise is my friend!  I can't stand low-rise pants anymore.  Until I hit my happy place in terms of weight, I'll live in Old Navy jeans instead of investing in pricier ones.
3. Old Navy Terry-Fleece Skinny Sweatpants in Heather Grey (originally $27):  These just looked perfect for the cooler weather and lounging around at home!  I won't wear them out, but I included them here because, well, accountability.  (I'm not sure about the price of my Old Navy items after sale price and the $40 Old Navy dollars I had, because I did the math and then subtracted returns... and lost the calculations.  Sorry.)
4. ELLE Eyelet Fit and Flare Dress in Flirty Pink (retail $68, FREE):  My Mom bought be a great pink dress on clearance at Kohl's... FREE to me, and a great savings!  It will get more wear in the spring, though I may try my hand at layering it this winter for a pop of pink.
5. Lucky Brand Chain Tassel Necklace in Gold (retail $35, paid $21):  I broke the LOFT tassel necklace that I've worn for ages, so I had to hunt online immediately for a replacement!  Lucky won out among the rest because of free shipping; I saw one from another retailer I wanted, but shipping was $9!  I seriously couldn't get by without this go-to accessory; it's the one statement necklace I wear all the time.  This is a great necklace.

$85 spent - $24 sold = $61 total $142 savings
Quarterly Budget: $400 - $176 October - $61 November = $163 remaining
I'm proud that I actively returned items that I didn't love this month...  it's a big deal for me not to just keep unused stuff in my wardrobe!  I have another big pile of things that will go to Goodwill too, and I'm putting items in my Poshmark closet for sale.  Lastly, I mailed off another bag to thredUP that should be paid next month.
I'm starting to think I might do something different about my quarterly budget next year.  I'm getting really into vintage-inspired dresses (think late 50s and 60s) and I am thinking of getting one beautiful dress per month, then leave a smaller budget per quarter for other things.  We'll see.  Mostly I want to buy some beautiful, quality items vs. lamenting that I didn't get one big purchase because of all the littles.
Check out the rest of this month's Budget Bloggers at the linkup at Franish!