Budgeting Bloggers: April 2017

This is the month that I shopped the hell out of Target, to include the same pair of shoes in FOUR COLORS because I have zero self-control around a reasonably priced, on-trend, comfortable shoe.  Sigh.  I know.  Judge me, and then look at how cute my shoes are.

1. Aerosoles High Hopes Sandal in Light Tan (originally $79 a pair, paid $56):  I love the styles coming out right now for sandals, but I need comfort!  I saw these on the Aerosoles website, but I ended up buying via Amazon for a little bit less.  They're comfy and on trend, and I can't wait to wear them with my dresses as the weather warms!
2. Merona Poppy d'Orsay Pointed Toe Flats in Tan, Black, Cobalt, and Tomato Red (originally $23 per pair, paid $35 for two pairs... twice):  YES I AM RIDICULOUS.  These shoes are soooo cute, and with the BOGO 50% deal happening I ended up with FOUR PAIRS.  I love them, and they're comfy for work.  I wear them all the time, and they're a great buy.
3. Victoria Beckham for Target Black Satin Photo Top and Skirt ($28+$30):  I went into the Target nearest to me, a small one, when they opened with this collection from Victoria Beckham.  I originally went in with a few tops in mind, but the top I ended up falling in love with was this floral top.  It's not my ordinary style, and based on the preview it wasn't one that I anticipated trying, but I put it on as a whim.  I loved it on!
4. Target Softest Crew Tee (paid $8 on sale):  This was super soft and reminded me of a Lularoe Tee.
5. Xhilaration Placed Print Tank with Roses (originally $20, paid $15 after discounts)?:  This just looked pretty.  Great summer top in a nice print.
6. H&M Jacket ($45 via Poshmark): This white jacket with faux leather insets just felt like a great layering piece for work.  Purchased it used via Poshmark, and paid shipping on it.  I don't wear my white denim jacket enough, but I feel like this one has edgier style and will get more wear.

$252 spent - $81 sold = $171 total spent this month

$1415 - $171 = $1244 remaining in 2017

I also restocked my Poshmark closet to make some money back on clothes I don't wear, and it is working!  Sold a decent amount this month.  I've tossed shoes and clothes, bagged them up for donation, and put the rest in the Poshmark bin.  I feel better and better about how my closet is shaping up, even though I'm totally still buying things.

I'm linking up with the rest of the Budgeting Bloggers at Franish!

What did you add to your closet this month?

Previous 2017 Budget Posts...

January Budget
February Budget
March Budget

Budgeting Bloggers: March 2017

It's Budgeting Bloggers time again!  I still haven't listed things for sale on Poshmark, so I didn't make any sales this month.  I did have a fantastic Stitch Fix, some birthday gifts, and some great deals that I found at Last Chance in Phoenix!  I need to sell some stuff though, because I'm 1/4 of the way through the year and almost halfway through my budget... eep.  Where is my self-control?  😂

1. Stitch Fix for March (paid $264):  Read about my latest Stitch Fix here.  I got two tops, two jackets, and a dress.  I was iffy on the dress, but the discount on the whole box made it worth keeping.  Blazers are like my uniform, and patriotic colors are my DAR bread and butter for wardrobe picks.
2. Ugg Bailey Button Triplet Boots in Black and Chestnut (originally $220 a pair, paid $60):  I got a chestnut pair of these boots from my sister for my birthday, and I bought a black pair at Last Chance in Arizona too.  Buying Uggs at Last Chance in March in Arizona means super-sweet deals on brand new boots.  No regrets!
3. Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini MAC' Convertible Crossbody Bag (originally $195, paid $40):  Another Last Chance find in Arizona!  I've wanted one of these for a while.  This one had a little mark on it, otherwise it was perfect.  Tons of savings, via Last Chance, right?  I carry this all the time now, tucked into my giant work bag.
4. Bucketfeet Slip-ons in Her Garden (originally $65, paid $0 birthday gift):  I got these beautiful, comfy shoes from my mother-in-law for my birthday.  They were a total surprise, and I love them!  I will definitely be buying from this brand in the future, because they make great shoes that are designed by artists.  They totally fit my style.  (SALE ALERT: My shoes are now on sale for $22! Limited sizes!)

$364 spent - $0 sold = $364 total spent this month

$1779 - $364 = $1415 remaining in 2017

Savings from discounts and gifts: $600!!!

I just turned around all my hangers recently, to figure out what I don't wear.  I am trying to cull things down, though I have to say, my life is happier with 20-30 dresses in my closet.  I'm looking at you Marie Kondo, those dresses BRING ME JOY!  I just need to figure out what I actually wear, versus what I buy and imagine I'll wear.  To be continued...

I'm linking up with the rest of the Budgeting Bloggers at Franish!

What did you add to your closet this month?

Previous 2017 Budget Posts...

January Budget
February Budget

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Shop more of my closet on Poshmark

Budgeting Bloggers: February 2017

I expected to do more shopping this month, but it turned out to be less than I thought!  I got some tops that are work appropriate, and a jacket that I really love.  I also sold a couple of items.  Keeping it short but sweet, just like February!

1. Eden Society Shelle Stretch Moto Jacket via Stitch Fix (paid $78):  Read about my latest Stitch Fix here.  I have already worn this jacket multiple times.  I love the stretch!
2. Merona Floral Sleeveless Tops in Blue and Gold via Target (originally $16.99 each, paid  $13 each, similar here):  There was a 25% off apparel deal on Cartwheel and I found some really great tops!  I got these two Merona tops in different floral colorways.  They're perfect with my blazers and cardigans for work, and I love that the backs are knit for comfort while the front has a great print.
3. Mean Girls Muscle Tank via Target (originally $13, paid $10):  On Wednesdays we wear pink.  Obvi.  I got this to wear under blazers in the office.  Pop culture but also office friendly?  LOLZ.
4. Merona Solid Structured Top in Heather Grey via Target (originally $23, paid $17): I couldn't resist the softness of this shirt, and the zipper accent in the back.

$209 spent - $17 sold = $192 total spent this month

$1971 - $192 = $1779 remaining in 2017

I have been meaning to clean out my closet again.  As the weather warms up, I definitely think I will!  I wonder if I could really cull it down to a low amount of things that I actually like to wear.  Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted!

I'm linking up with the rest of the Budgeting Bloggers at Franish!

What did you add to your closet this month?

Previous 2017 Budget Posts...

January Budget

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Shop more of my closet on Poshmark

Budgeting Bloggers: January 2017

First off, my Christmas gifts, post-Christmas orders, all of it is hitting January 2017.  So this month is  heavy-spending one for sure, and I went a little crazy.  Lots of Lularoe piece from different sellers!  That said, it's also a fresh year and a fresh budget.  As mentioned in last month's post, I decided $2500 is a reasonable annual budget for me this year.

Aubrey's 2017 Budget Ground Rules:

• $2500 annual budget goal
• Pajamas, socks/hosiery, underwear, and specific needs for work/DAR do not count against budget as one-offs
• ALL clothing and accessories count, including activewear
• Any clothing sold (via Poshmark, etc.) is subtracted from the monthly spend, to encourage me to trim the closet
• Purchases made with store giftcards do not count against the budget, but gift cash does because I could use it on other things
• Link up monthly with the rest of Franish's budgeting bloggers for accountability and sharing!  I love seeing what other bloggers are shopping.

1. Lularoe Carly Dress ($55):  The Carly is a high-low trapeze dress of sorts.  I wasn't sure I'd like it, but the green heather one I got works perfectly for weekends.  It's long enough I can wear it without leggings if I want to, and it's very comfortable.  I could belt it probably.  Not my new favorite given the price, but it's a different silhouette that I'm trying!  Dan liked it.
2. Lularoe Nicole Dress ($48):  I didn't know if I'd like the Nicole as much as the Amelia (my favorite LLR dress), but given it is $17 cheaper, I decided to give it a try.  It's definitely a flattering cut, and I think that I'll buy more in the future if the print isn't available in Amelia.  Amelia still wins for adorable tailoring and pockets, but Nicole is my #2 LLR dress now.
3. Lularoe Madison Skirt ($46):  I couldn't resist the floral for spring and summer.  I think I'll wear it with my mustard tops and cardigans for an obnoxiously bright weekend outfit.
4. Lularoe Amelia Dresses ($65):  I bought two of my favorite LLR dress from a different seller than the ones above, because they had my favorite color (mustard yellow) and a darker maroon shade.  They have texture but are solid colors, which is perfection.  Couldn't resist, I'd been looking for that yellow color!
5. LOFT Ponte Five Pocket Leggings in black (originally $70, paid $35)  I wear black ponte pants to work almost every day, and getting a pair for under $40 is a bargain.  So I stocked up, especially since the pants I used to buy at The Limited are gone with the closing of that store!
6. LOFT Zip Pocket Pintucked Ponte Leggings in grey and black (originally $70, paid $35 each):  See above.  NEED ALL THE PANTS!
7. LOFT Paneled Mixed Media Shell in vibrant cranberry and ocean sapphire (originally $40, paid $18):  I wear a lot of cardigans and blazers, so I need shells or tanks to wear under them and coordinate.  I used to just buy these at Forever 21, but the quality was lacking.  So I used a great LOFT post-Christmas sale to snag a bunch.  I've already been wearing them.

8.  LOFT Cascade Shell in radiant crimson (originally $44, paid $22)
9.  LOFT Mixed Media Split Neck Shell in whisper white (originally $40, paid $20): This one feels like a blouse in front, and a soft t-shirt in the back!
10.  Target Kamar Shearling Style Boots in grey (originally $35, paid $25 on sale):  These are now even cheaper on sale, but I wanted some comfy boots like Uggs.  Now I want some in a tan color, in a taller height perhaps.  Maybe I'll hold out for post-winter Uggs sales.
11.  Anthropologie Bow Jacket similar, similar splurge (new $119, paid $45 with shipping via Poshmark): I have been looking for tweed jackets to wear for work and DAR events, and I found a couple of nice ones used on Poshmark.
12.  Talbots Prospect Tweed Nautical Jacket similar (new $94, paid $23 via Poshmark):  I used a $5 credit on this one, and it was a steal.
13.  Aerosoles Solid Bet Loafer via DSW (originally $50, paid $40 with DSW rewards):  The MOST COMFY LOAFER EVER.  If I could buy these in a zillion colors, I'd livein them forever.

$577 spent - $48 sold = $529 total spent this month

$2500 - $529 = $1971 remaining in 2017

Has anyone seen a good deal on soft, ponte knit blazers?  I feel like mine are starting to pill.  So while I'm gonna attack them with a lint/pill shaver (one of the best inventions ever), I might want to start looking for replacements or new colors.

Here's what I got for Christmas by way of closet additions, not pictured, but listed!

• Limited Mixed Media Top
• LOFT Tassel Necklace
• Limited Ponte Pants in grey
• ELLE Peter Pan Collar Dress
• Italian leather green cross-body
• Red Scottish scarf

I'm linking up with the rest of the Budgeting Bloggers at Franish!

What did you add to your closet this month?

Budgeting Bloggers: December 2016

It's time for my last shopping post of the year!  I really do enjoy keeping track of what I buy (and how much I sell) in order to have what I love in my closet.  I do think it holds me accountable and helps me avoid being insane.  Well, minus this quarter where I blew my budget on sales.

Given the hectic holidays, I will be covering unopened packages (Lularoe coming!), Christmas gifts, and after-Christmas shopping items in my January 2017 post, so here's what I bought myself in December other than that.

1. Lularoe Amelia Dress ($65):  I'm always on the hunt in a few LuLaRoe groups for Amelia dresses, Madison skirts, and the occasional leggings.  I found an Amelia in a beautiful color, which I actually just used for some photos for my blog and other things.
2. Pinup Girl Clothing Madison Dress in Blue (originally $132, $55 via Zulily):  I couldn't resist getting this dress for a song via Zulily, especially since it's still available for full price on PUG.  It's work-appropriate but also pretty and vintage-looking.  Win!
3. Lazy Sunday comfy cardigan via Finnley's ($45):  I was in downtown Franklin with my friend during a local festival, and she turned me on to Finnley's, a local boutique.  OMG I wanted everything in there!  And honestly, it's all reasonably priced.  I couldn't resist the incredibly soft cardigan I found for layering.  It shed a lot of lint, but I think after a wash it wille be better.
4. Honey Belle fleece vest via Finnley's ($49, similar):  I never pulled the trigger on buying a herringbone vest from either Old Navy or J. Crew, but when I saw this lighter colored one, I loved it!  I wear my two quilted vests a lot this time of year, so it's going to be well worn.  I even wore it for family photos this month.

$214 spent -  $84 earned/sold = $130 total spent in December

Quarter Budget: $500 - $176 in October - $463 in November - $130 in December = $269 OVER BUDGET

I blew my budget, but given the amazing shopping in the last quarter of the year, I don't really feel too guilty about it!  I did sell a decent number of items too, offsetting my spend.

Reflecting on this past year, I've decided that since I got a raise at work and I want more overall flexibility, I'll be working with an annual budget vs. a quarterly one in 2017, to see how it works.  I've done monthly and quarterly before as I've been tracking, so this is just another variation.  I've decided that my budget for 2017 will be $2500.  I'll explain my personal "rules" in next month's post!

In the meantime, I've added a bunch of things for sale to my Poshmark closet, so check it out if you're in the mood to shop.

I'm linking up with the rest of the Budgeting Bloggers at Franish!

What did you add to your closet this month?

Previous 2016 Budget Posts...

November Budget

October Budget

September Budget

August Budget

July Budget

June Budget

May Budget

April Budget

March Budget

February Budget

January Budget

Shop more of my closet on Poshmark

Budgeting Bloggers: November 2016

Budget busted!  Womp womp.  😈  (P.S. Blogger has emojis.  I can't decide if I like it or not?)  But to be honest, I needed to replace items that were falling apart, buy some things for special occasions, and it just took off.  But since we bought some new things for Dan too, I didn't really get upset about the budget!  I actually got a lot for my money.

1. Stitch Fix Pieces ($296):  As you may have read, I spent a bunch on my latest Stitch Fix box, because I kept all the things!  But no regrets, really.  It happens.
2. Velvet Patterned Fit-and-Flare Dress via Dress Barn (originally $68, paid $54):  This was the dress I bought for my brother-in-law's wedding.  I LOVE the silhouette, and I got so many compliments.  I think that when you're looking for a good deal on a nice/flattering dress, you can't rule out places like Dress Barn, JCPenney, even Cato.  I have a feeling this will be the new LBD that I reach for over and over again!
3. Mesh Grid Dress via Dress Barn (paid $38 on clearance, similar):  This dress screamed holiday to me, so I'm holding onto it to wear to The Nutcracker with Dan.  It was on clearance, so definitely a steal, and something I know I can wear a few times at least.
4. Urban Expressions Stella Clutch via DSW ($35):  I bought this for travel and to carry at my brother-in-law's wedding.  I love the size (perfect for a wedding card/invite) and now I toss it into my big work tote and carry it if I go out to lunch.  I've used it nonstop since its purchase.
5. CHEERS! Brushed Cozy Pullover Sweatshirt ($18):  Impulse buy, but no regrets.  It's seriously the softest sweatshirt I own, and you absolutely need it.  It's part of the Grayson Threads collection at Target.  And now I want this one too.
6. Striped Long Sleeve Tees ($12 ea x 3 colorways) at Target:  I needed some layering pieces, as my old long sleeve tees were full of holes after the years. So I dropped some money right away in order to stay warm!

I think November and December are the months I buy the most clothing.  Probably it's because that's the time of year I start to feel the weather changing!  I've actually got a pile going to list more things on Poshmark, to counteract the shopping damage I've done.

$477 spent -  $14 earned/sold = $463 total spent in November

Quarter Budget: $500 - $176 in October - $463 in November = $139 OVER BUDGET



I'm linking up with the rest of the Budgeting Bloggers at Franish!

What did you add to your closet this month?

Previous 2016 Budget Posts...
October Budget
September Budget
August Budget
July Budget
June Budget
May Budget
April Budget
March Budget
February Budget
January Budget

Shop more of my closet on Poshmark

Budgeting Bloggers: October 2016

Where the heck has October gone?  Yikes!  It was actually a pretty big shopping month for me, because I needed a couple of staples (jeans and black boots) as well as starting accessorizing the new Apple Watch that I got for our 1st wedding anniversary.

1. Apple Watch Bands in Vintage Rose and Red ($7 each), Brown Leather Double Tour ($21), Milanese Loop ($19), Turquoise and White ($9 each):  I got the new Apple Watch, and it came with a grey band... but that doesn't go with everything, right?  So then I fell down a rabbit hole of affordable bands on Amazon, all in total cheaper than one fancy band from the Apple store.  These cheap bands are great quality dupes and options.  I seriously change my band a LOT!
2. Old Navy Mid-Rise Super Skinny Jeans in Rinse (originally $30, paid $12):  I'm fluctuating between sizes, so I wanted another pair of jeans that fits right now.  These were a steal during a sale, and I like them!
3. H&M Fine Knit Cardigan in Light Pink ($20):  Blush layering piece, seems perfect to accent all the black, white, and grey that I wear.
4. H&M Jersey Top, similar ($10):  Impulse t-shirt grab.  I went into the store just for socks, I swear.
5. H&M Patterned Skirt in White (originally $50, paid $15):  This is actually a half-size too small for me, but I couldn't resist its perfection on clearance.  I'll regret this one later if I can't fit into it by spring.  Why do I do this to myself?  But it was so preeeeetttttyyy.
6. LuLaRoe Madison Skirt in Black via Poshmark (originally $46, paid $22 after Poshmark credits and negotiating):  I had credits to burn, so when I saw an all-black solid Madison skirt, I knew it would be in my fall wardrobe rotation.  It's comfy, has pockets, and I love that I didn't have to pay full price.  Plus, you can negotiate pricing via Poshmark's offer button!
7. Me Too Arctic Wide Calf Riding Boot in Black (originally $179, paid $50):  I wore holes in the bottom of my old boots, and when I took them for repair, the cost was too much for me to consider.  So I started searching for a new pair, and I found them via DSW.  I'm really into DSW's ship-to-store, because I can try on the shoes I ship there and only take home the ones I want to keep!  These boots are pretty classic, and I've already worn them a few times.

I also got a new pair of Kenneth Cole REACTION slip-on sneakers in black (similar), two pairs of Tangerine workout capris, and a shiny Limited camisole FOR FREE from my Mom.  Not pictured, but useful!  Yay for Mom spoiling me with the stuff she finds on clearance.

$201 spent -  $25 earned/sold = $176 total spent in October

Quarter Budget: $500 - $176 in October = $324 REMAINING



I'm linking up with the rest of the Budgeting Bloggers at Franish!

What did you add to your closet this month?

Previous 2016 Budget Posts...
September Budget
August Budget
July Budget
June Budget
May Budget
April Budget
March Budget
February Budget
January Budget

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• cmesko
• affableolive
• jyih
• vbattjes

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Shop more of my closet on Poshmark

Budgeting Bloggers: September 2016

Publishing this month on the early side, since I'm traveling again soon and not shopping anymore due to budget constraints and vacation recovery!  :)  I got my first payout (after literally like a year, #smallblogproblems) from affiliate links at Shopstyle Collective, which meant $100 towards my budget, plus a couple of Poshmark sales.  That was good news since I didn't have any budget remaining at the last month.  I've been on a bikini kick (we've still been having pool weather in TN) but also buying pants for fall.

1. INC Curvy-Fit Skinny Pants in Port (originally $60, paid $40 on sale):  I ordered these in three colors because they are amazing ponte pants (so comfy) only to discover that they're more bootcut than skinny.  I loves the Port color (kind of like oxblood, remember that color trend?) so I kept one pair.
2. Swim Sexy The Charlatan Bikini (originally $82, paid $46 with sale):  I returned a swimsuit last month for credit with Swimsuits for All, and I ended up using it plus some cash for two more suits.  The Charlatan is a sassy suit with some see-through panels, which I think are kind of sexy while covering up.  I haven't had a bikini in years, and now I'm really pleased to have the ones I do.  I know it seems like a weird time (to the rest of the country) to buy swimsuits, but August 31st I was in the pool at NIGHT because it was so hot here in Nashvegas.
3. Shore Club Seascape Flyaway Underwire Tankini Top + Black Ruched Brief (originally $54 and $22, paid $32 and $13): I ordered a black ruched brief to go with another top I already had in the closet, and then I saw this flyaway tankini top. I like having that to be a little more covered up when I want.

$131 spent -  $122 earned/sold = $9 total spent in September

Quarter Budget: $500 - $196 in July - $311 in August - $9 in September = $16 OVER BUDGET

Overall, I was happy to stay within my budget (okay, SLIGHTLY over) while getting a lot of things that I'm already wearing multiple times.

What did you add to your closet this month?

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• cmesko
• affableolive
• jyih
• vbattjes

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Shop more of my closet on Poshmark

Budgeting Bloggers: August 2016

I was bitten by the shopping bug in August!  I ordered a ton of stuff, spent a lot of money, and I have no idea why I was so big on my retail therapy this month.  But I like it!  Don't judge me, I also hit up Forever 21 for some staples and couple of trendy pieces.  I wanted a kimono, and I found a maxi dress and tee I also loved.  I also stocked up on basic peplum tops, which I rock for work on the regular.

1. Alfani Tummy-Control Skinny Pants in Black and Navy ($40 each):  Love these pull-on trousers!  I actually think I'll be donating my old Limited Exact Stretch pants and converting over to these for the future.  They have a ton of color options, two length options, and the stretch is nice.  They'll be perfect for business trips too.  I got one lighter colored pair that I didn't think I'd wear much, so I returned it.
2. Swim Sexy The Captain Polka Dot Underwire Bikini (originally $72, paid $50):  Confession, I didn't have any bikinis.  I love my one-piece retro maillots, and I rock them regularly.  But a friend mentioned this site to me, which caters to curvier girls, so I was able to find a good fit that I love, just in time for the beach.
3. Stitch Fix Shirt ($68):  See my Stitch Fix recap here.  I love this shirt, because it looks like TWO shirts!  Just saying.  They can send me a zillion of these and I'll hoard them.
4. Forever 21 Sleeveless Peplum Top in Magenta ($18):  Peplum are my fav, and this sleeveless one works well under a blazer for work.
5. Forever 21 Peplum Top in Fuchsia, Olive, Ivory ($15 each):  I got this top in two colors, then went back for a third.  OMG it's my favorite thing to wear right now!  It looks great over a pencil skirt, jeans, or trousers at work.  It makes me feel good to camouflage my tummy area too.
6. Forever 21 Floral Print Kimono ($15):  I wanted a kimono because it's on trend, so I wore this on my beach vacay.
7. Forever 21 Graphic Tee ($11):  I got sucked in by the emojis. It's ridiculous, and I'm okay with that.
8. Forever 21 Floral Maxi Dress (sold out - similar, similar, $23):  I wore this dress to the beach, because maxi dresses are the best.
9. Matty M Maxi Dress ($20 via Costco):  Beach vacation impulse buy, because I thought I'd want another maxi before I left.  I was right, I wore this one too!

$332 spent -  $21 sold = $311 total spent in August

Quarter Budget: $500 - $196 in July - $311 in August = -$7 remaining

Even though I now have no budget for next month unless I sell some items, I did return a lot of things.  I returned a third pair of Alfani pull-on pants, and a swimsuit.  I ordered a couple of dresses form Unique Vintage, but I ended up returning them.  Same with one Forever 21 shirt, I returned them for store credit and got ALL THE PEPLUM TOPS.  But I've actually been feeling warm in the office (and everywhere) and don't have many short-sleeve tops.  The peplum looks really profesh and also good under a blazer or cardigan, which you know is my uniform of choice.

I LOVE the Alfani pull-on pants, and kind of want a capri and more full length colors.  They remind me of some Stitch Fix pants my coworker got, but you can buy two for the price of one of those pairs at Macy's.

What did you buy this month?

Check out the rest of Franish's budgeting bloggers here!

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• cmesko
• affableolive
• jyih
• vbattjes

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Shop more of my closet on Poshmark

Budgeting Bloggers: July 2016

I'm back with my monthly shopping haul!  July meant a new quarter, meaning $500 for the next three months.  I spent a little more than I planned, but that's mainly because I needed to use some credits AND I got charged for a service I was trying.  Here's what I bought.

1. Pinup Couture Amanda Dress in Red White & Blue (originally $142, paid $114 during sale):  Since I attend so many DAR events that scream patriotism, I'd had my eye on this dress for a long time... especially since its the namesake dress of my IRL fellow Nashville blogger Amanda!  The dress is perfect, and I love the lining and weight... I'm going to have to buy more dresses from PUG in the future!
2. Fab Floral Designer Blazer ($70):  I had a ModCloth credit from last year to use, so I used it here... but I'm charging it to this month since I never charged it to Budgeting Bloggers last year!  I had been looking for something on ModCloth for which to use the credit, and I thought this blazer was perfect for work.
3. Chloe + Isabel Geovista Convertible Pendant Necklace (originally $52, spent $0 with Poshmark credits):  I saw this necklace (which matches my earrings and bracelets from June) but it sold out during the Semi-Annual sale from the brand.  So when I saw it on Poshmark, and had plenty of credits to get it for free, I said why not?  It was only $18 on clearance, but I missed it...  oh well, because Poshmark credits are FREE!

(not pictured)

• Le Tote fee ($64 w/tax and shipping):  Check out my review of Le Tote here.  Meh.  I wish this hadn't hit my budget this month, brutal "loss" in my opinion.  Didn't keep anything, either!

$248 spent -  $52 sold = $196 total spent in July
Quarter Budget: $500 - $196 in July = $304 remaining
Overall, I love the pieces I ended up buying, because I think I will really use them!  I've got my eye on more dresses because the quality of the PUG dress was so good.  I think it was last year I thought about buying one dress per month, but I never ended up sticking to it.  Maybe I'll go back to that.  In the summer, all I can think about are dresses, because they allow for more air circulation.  It's been hot as Hades lately.

What did you buy this month?
Check out the rest of Franish's budgeting bloggers here!

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• cmesko
• affableolive
• jyih
• vbattjes

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Shop more of my closet on Poshmark

Budgeting Bloggers: June 2016

June was pretty much all about accessories!  I was never an accessories girl, but now I put on a few items every day to add to my outfits.  Maybe I'm changing my tune, because of how cute my options are... it's so much easier building a collection of things that coordinate!   I was also spot-on for my quarterly budgeting, thanks to Poshmark sales, which makes me a happy camper.

1. Kate Spade New York Ice Cream Cone iPhone 6 case (originally $45, paid $34):  My friend Kaelah has this case, and I just HAD to have it.  My coworkers think it's ridiculous (it's on my personal, not my work phone), and it's big, but it fits into my purse and it's really cute and fun for summer.  I have no shame in my love of it's novelty, and it's great for selfies and hilarious to talk on.
2. Jete Houndstooth Peplum Top ($12 via Gwynnie Bee):  This was the piece I purchased from my trial of Gwynnie Bee.
3. Capri Three-Row Convertible Necklace and Capri Convertible Jacket Earrings (originally $65 and $32, used discount code):  I got $177 worth of Chloe + Isabel jewelry for $135 (including tax and shipping), thanks to a great summer discount code.  I reviewed some jewelry that I received earlier this month, and I liked it enough that I went back and ordered some other items I really liked.  My fav part about this jewelry line is that you can order coordinating pieces, and even convertible pieces to really mix and match to suit your outfit.
4. Bianca Open Collar Necklace and Bianca Bracelet + Ring Handpiece (originally $42 and $38):  These two pieces are a bit outside of my comfort zone, but I've been in love with handpieces since I saw them in Iraq years ago.  I really wanted one, and having a matching necklace made sense.  It will also go with the earrings I received earlier this month.

c/o Items:
Chloe + Isabel Jewelry via blog collaboration

1. Pavé Curved Bar Stud Earrings
2. Modern Mosaic Y-Necklace
3. Geovista Stud Duo Earrings
4. Geovista Open Cuff Set

$181 spent -  $33 sold = $148 total spent in June Quarter Budget: $500 - $160 in April  - $185 in May  - $148 in June = $7 under budget
I think a $500 quarterly budget has been working best for me, after almost two years of this budgeting stuff.  It's a reasonable amount, and it encourages me to sell things I don't wear anymore so I can balance that budget.  I've been experimenting with things like Stitch Fix, Gwynnie Bee, and most recently Le Tote to see what works best for me and my closet.  I don't want to end up with too much, just things I really love to wear!

What did you buy this month?
Check out the rest of Franish's budgeting bloggers here!

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• cmesko
• affableolive
• jyih
• vbattjes

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Shop more of my closet on Poshmark