Budgeting Bloggers: March 2015

March is my birthday month *and* prep month for Peru, so I felt like I was buying all the things because excuses.  I had a little sales money from my last thredUP consignment as well as Poshmark, which provided a bit of a buffer.  That said, I really love what I got, so no regrets!  I was really good about returning multiple things that didn't work out.

1. ModCloth Chalk of the Town Dress in Kittens ($100):  I don't normally spend this much on a dress unless it's a special occasion.  This Bea & Dot dress with its cat print was practically irresistible, and I wanted it as my birthday party dress.  I love it so much!
2. Old Navy Active Compression Leggings in Green Print and White/Black (retail $30/ea, paid $20/ea with promo code):  I got 35% off online during this super sale, so I got these full-length workout pants.  I needed more full-length leggings in order to round out my workout clothes.  With this purchase, I decided to skip my Fabletics this month as my workout wardrobe is almost really complete (and super kickass!)
3. Old Navy Sweetheart Skinny Jeans in Dark Rinse (retail $30, paid $27):  Needed these to replace a pair that need to be retired.  As in, so busted I won't even donate them!
4. Old Navy Sweetheart Boot-Cut Jeans in Crater Lake (retail $30, paid $15):  Clearance jeans are a win.  I feel so '90s buying boot-cut jeans, but I do wear them when I'm rocking sneakers or flats and don't want to wear skinnies.   This is one of two pairs I now have that aren't skinny; great weekend jeans.
5. Everlane T-shirts in Muted Black, Slate, and Light Grey ($15 each, purchased 3):  I bought two Everlane tees in 2013, in Muted Black and White.  They're still in great condition, better than any cheaper tees I've purchased.  No pilling, still soft, not faded.  I never thought I'd love a t-shirt that costs $15, but I do.  So in preparation for Peru, I ordered three to wear because they're comfy and perfect for travel.
6. Tiffany Double Heart Tag Pendant ($125, received as birthday gift from friend):  Beautiful gift from one of my best friends!
7. Kavu Rope Sling Bag ($50, free with giftcard from friends for birthday):  I wanted a lightweight, crossbody backpack to take on our Peru trip, which I was able to get it with a generous giftcard from my best friends at work.

(not pictured, mostly gifts)

• Old Navy Slim Boot-Cut Yoga Pants in Black (retail $19, paid $13): Because yoga pants, and because $13.  I mean for real.
• Stitch Fix Dress and Necklace ($108 total):  Will review my Fix soon!
• A hat, hiking socks, and t-shirt for Peru (super clearance, around $20)
• Ponte Blazer in camel with black piping, gift from Mom
• Pearl necklace and bracelet, gift from Mom
• Vintage brown saddle bag (heritage Coach lookalike), gift from Mom
• Gold/tan Aerosole flats, gift from Mom
• Scarf, birthday gift from friend
• Hiking socks, birthday gift from Sissy
• Tennessee necklace, birthday gift from friends

$368 spent - $48 sold = $320 total $$$BIG$$$ savings with all those gifts!
Total 2015 Net Spending: $296 + $320 = $616 total for 1st Quarter

Before this year, I would have a $400 quarterly budget or a $100-150 monthly budget.  What surprised me here is that while I spent a good deal more than that, I feel smarter and happier about what I ended up with; does that make sense to anyone else?  Like I'd rather have some higher-priced items to add to the collection vs. quantity of cheaper things.  I also got a ton of gifts.  I think as long as I am actively working to donate and eliminate things from my closet, as well as trying to get things that all work together, I'm still improving my closet and getting closer to where I want to be.
I listed some new workout clothes for sale on Poshmark among other things, so check it out if you're interested.  Help me clear out my closet!  If you're new to Poshmark, use code HROMR when you sign up and we both get a $5 perk!
Link up with the rest of Fran's Budgeting Bloggers for March here!

Shop more of my closet on Poshmark