Review: Rothy's Flats

I purchased my own pair of Rothy's and decided to review them here on my blog.  Click here for a coupon for $20 on your first pair, and my Mom will get $20 credit towards new shoes!

If you're like me, you've been getting hit left and right with targeted ads for pricey flats like Tieks and Rothy's that people are raving about!  I didn't bite on the Tieks, mainly because I go through cheap flats like crazy, because my feet sweat a lot (#truth) and they get smelly.  I don't usually splurge on shoes as a result; I buy $20 Target or Payless shoes and then toss them after a season.

But then I started to notice friends and coworkers wearing Rothy's flats, and I was intrigued.  They raved about how comfortable they were, but the kicker that got me was they were supposedly machine-washable.  That in itself felt like a game-changer for me.  The catch?  The price range is $125+, depending on if you go ballet flat, pointed flat, loafer, sneaker, and so on.  Different materials, like merino wool, costs more.

Unboxing my Rothy's Flats, May 2018

The only shoes I've ever paid over $100 for were combat boots or running/hiking shoes, something with a ton of function and not a lot of style!  So I was definitely intimidated by the price tag... but after days of waffling about it, I finally took the plunge and ordered their signature ballet flat in the Taupe Heather color, a good neutral to match the most possible outfits!  I also ordered an extra pair of insoles, because of my stinky/sweaty feet thing.

Rothy's Rubber Sole

When my shoes arrived, I got a little bit nervous; they looked narrow!  But once I put them on, I was impressed.  I felt like my feet were in house slippers.  They were as soft and comfortable as TOMS, but way cuter and with a non-slipping rubber sole.  I ordered a 6.5, which is my normal size in flats. Some people have been saying to size up for the pointed toe versions, but I haven't tried those yet.

Extra Insoles and Care Instructions

One complaint I saw in a Buzzfeed review of Rothy's was that you can see some stretch where your toes are.  I find this to be minimally noticeable.  The seamless feature of the shoes makes them so soft and comfortable from the get-go!  I even went on a 1.5-mile walk during the work day in these shoes with NO BLISTERS.  These are basically the only shoe I want to wear this summer that isn't a sandal!  That said, if you require arch support and struggle with the lack thereof in normal flats, you're not getting much more out of these.  You can probably slip your orthotics into them, but these are definitely for folks who wear flats all the time without issues.

After about a week of 90-degree temps and sweating in my shoes, I decided to wash them.  I took the insoles out and tossed all four pieces into my washing machine on cold, delicate cycle.  I used our everyday detergent because it's what we use even for the baby's laundry: All Free & Clear.  Then I air dried the shoes.  Rothy's flats looked brand-new and kept their shape even after washing!  I found that they mostly dried overnight, too.  The bad smell from my sweat left them easily.  In the future, I may sprinkle in a little scent boost, just to give a little fresh smell to them, since my detergent lacks perfume.  They didn't smell anymore after washing, but I think adding a little scent will keep them smelling fresher for longer.

Rothy's after washing

When it came to comfort and machine washing, I LOVE my Rothy's!  The sustainability aspect (they're made of recycled materials) is a great bonus.  The only thing I don't like is the price.  I really wish these were $99 instead of $125-$165+, because I WANT MORE.

I've already got my sights set on their pointed marigold flats, black loafers, and a red or leopard pair of flats.  I would love to have a half dozen pairs of these to replace all of my cheapo flats.  (Which, in my mind, would cost around the same ONE pair of Jimmy Choos, but it's still hard to justify in my head.)  So I think I may buy one more pair this year, then ask EVERYONE to give me Rothy's giftcards for Christmas.  I don't think I've ever had a pair of flats I've liked so much!

If you're thinking about purchasing Rothy's after reading this review, I'd love for you to get a $20 discount through referral, so my Mom can also get a $20 credit towards a new favorite shoe.  For once, I bought something from an internet ad that was legitimately perfect for me!

ETA in late 2018 & throughout 2019:

I have over a dozen pairs of Rothy's (thank you for the referral credits!!!), and I'm still a huge fan of the brand!  My main gripe about Rothy's is the the quality control by style and color in terms of fit/size seems inconsistent.  I now have shoes in the Flat, Point, Loafer, Sneaker, and merino wool.  I haven't purchased the Chelsea, because I have short legs and think the ankle cut won't be flattering on me.  Here is what I take for sizes:

My "True" Flat Shoe Sizing: 6.5

Rothy's Flat: 6.5

Sneaker: 7

Merino Wool Point: 7

Point: 7.5

Loafer: 7.5

Whenever I have a question about sizing, I find the "Rothy's Addicts" Facebook group to be the best source of information on all things Rothy's.  I wish there were fewer non-related posts, but generally I've been successful buying the right size in a new shoe based on that feedback.  

My other gripe is that due to demand (especially since they started advertising and focusing on celebrities) their shipping has slowed down noticeably.  That's the price of popularity, I guess!

I do a load of Rothy's shoes in the wash just about weekly, and their washability, in addition to comfort, is still the #1 reason I love them.  My shoes definitely get smelly, because they get worn often.  I haven't noticed much wear and tear, though my yellow shoes have usually shown a little more than the others.  Usually I get a mark on my right heel from driving, and I've scuffed a toe before to show a little bit of a snag.  But considering my oldest pairs are 1.5 years old, that's saying something!  Gone are the days that I wore "disposable" flats that I bought cheap and threw out at the end of a season.

The merino wool Rothy's are pricey, but they are even softer and comfier than the recycled plastic version.  I also feel they breathe better and get a bit less stinky, but time will tell there. 

Rothy's can actually have pretty good resale value, too.  I've sold two used pairs (my Cherry flats and my Lemondrop loafers) for over $100 each on Poshmark, because colors are often limited editions and people want a good deal on a pricey pair of shoes.  So if you get tired of a pair, sell them!  You can often recover just about enough to roll into a newer pair for a reasonable amount of money!

Have you tried Rothy's shoes yet?

I purchased my own pair of Rothy's and decided to review them here on my blog.  Click here for a coupon for $20 on your first pair, and my Mom will get $20 credit towards new shoes!

Review: Three Bears Company

You guys, I quit buying Lularoe clothing, because the whole process was stressing me out.  I couldn't find the prints or solids in the size or item I wanted without patrolling tons of groups, and I just got exhausted by it.  Then a friend referred me to a seamstress on Facebook who focuses on custom-made (as in, you pick the fabric and the customizations!) super-soft knit items, and I've become absolutely addicted.  It's called Three Bears Company, and seamstress Nicole has served me beautifully both before my pregnancy and during!

Goldie dresses with 3/4 sleeve and knee length

Disclosure: I am reviewing Three Bears Company on my blog 100% because I love what Nicole makes, not because she has asked me to... in fact, she won't know about this post until it's published, and I'm possibly a little worried she'll get too popular.  I might even get some hate from fellow TBC groupies who don't like that I'm telling you about this amazing Facebook seamstress, but I can't help myself when it comes to giving a shoutout to a kick@ss small business owner.  I've paid for all of my own items from Nicole at full price, minus friend referral discounts or specials she is running for everyone.

Three Bears Company is a single seamstress named Nicole, churning out an insane amount of clothing on weekly basis.  I have no idea how long she'll be able to sustain the level of sewing she does, because it's absolutely incredible.  I currently have five dresses, two tops, and a pair of leggings from her, and I LOVE THEM.  They don't wrinkle, they hold up well with regular washing, they're super soft, and I felt like I had a hand in designing them because they're all custom-made for me.

The Process:

• Pick your fabrics from her albums.  You can even combine fabrics into a single item, like raglan sleeves in a solid and the rest of the shirt in a print!  Brushed poly yields that super-soft knit that you're used to from Lularoe.
• Pick the item you want her to make, from her menu of choices including cross-front dresses, trapeze dresses, joggers, slouchy cardigans, leggings, and more.
• Decide on customization.  She can make a short dress into a high-low hem or maxi dress.  She can make it sleeveless, short sleeved, 3/4 sleeve, you name it.  
• Message Nicole a picture of the fabric along with your size (she provides a guide), specifications, and more.
• Wait 3-4 weeks, because she literally makes these custom for you.
• Wear your clothes and be prepared for an insane amount of compliments!

GoTo Top in dress length with 3/4 sleeves, one with high-low hem

Pros:

• Custom, custom, custom!  She even takes care to add maternity bands to leggings if you'd like, for no additional charge versus regular leggings.
• You can order things en masse.  I could never get three pairs of black leggings from a Lularoe consultant all at once in my size; I had to fight for them.
• Price.  Similar to Lularoe.  $25 for a pair of leggings, for example.  I don't consider $50-60 for a custom dress to be expensive, especially compared to what I spent on a dress via Stitch Fix.
• Super. soft. knits.  Imagine dresses made out of buttery soft knits.  That's what Nicole makes.
• Nicole's responsiveness.  If you're not sure about sizing, fabric types, etc., she is super responsive and answers all of your questions.  You basically are going through a design process with her for your pieces, and she's just the most pleasant person to deal with.

Cons:  The only cons I can think of is the wait time (3-4 weeks, not bad for custom!), and that you need to be very specific in planning out your pieces and think through all the details to make sure you get the custom fit and design you want.  It's more work than just picking a mass-produced item out of a lineup, but the payoff and satisfaction to me is way better.

Goldie dress and maternity-band leggings

I only ordered dresses at first, because I didn't know how things would turn out.  I hate my upper arms (#truthtelling) and so I loved being able to add ALL THE SLEEVES.  Now, I'm also hooked on her leggings, and the fact that she can make my favorite dress as a peplum top.  She also has seasonal fabrics that she brings in for different times of year; I got my skull floral fabric top around Halloween.  I can't even count the number of compliments I've received on my TBC clothes, to the point two of my coworkers have ordered their own items from her already.

Goldie dress as peplum tops (not as long when I'm wearing them, the mannequin is skinnier than me!)

If your weight fluctuates, or you're changing sizes due to pregnancy or whatever, these knits are perfect.  I've been wearing the same dresses (seriously!) from before I was pregnant now in my third trimester.  They stretch and forgive beautifully, perfect as you're growing or shrinking.  I feel comfortable too, like I'm wearing pajamas even dolled up for the office.

Pre-pregnancy, and then pregnant!

As I type, I'm waiting on a  knee-length dress, a maxi dress, and three pairs of leggings!  I wash my one pair of leggings at least once a week because it's all I want to wear in my 3rd trimester.  My friends have shared that the Goldie cross-front cut is great for nursing and pumping, so Three Bears is becoming my pre-, pregnancy, and post-partum wardrobe of choice!

Stitch Fix: 15th Fix

Disclosure:  I paid for my own Stitch Fix; all opinions are my own.  If you're interested in trying Stitch Fix, I'd love for you to use my referral link so I can get $25 towards my next Fix!

I'm back with another Stitch Fix recap!  And yes, it's September and I got this fix in June.  My bad, but I took a little blogging hiatus and never posted... but that's alright, because I know people love these regardless.

I always look forward to Stitch Fix boxes; my stylist really knows me at this point.  So it didn't surprise me when I loved everything in this box at first glance!  All of it was stuff I'd try on for myself in a store.

I was so pumped when I saw this dress!  I loved the black accents on it.  But once I got it on, the dress didn't have the movement or fabric in the skirt that I usually prefer, and the print wasn't my favorite once I had it on.  If the skirt had more volume, and the print was different, I'd have kept it.  RETURNED.

I loved the softness of this top!  I didn't put it off-the-shoulder in this photo because I would have had to remove a plastic strap, but I plan to wear it both ways.  It's perfect for summer and I can put it on my shoulders in the office too.  The sleeves were too pretty.  KEPT.  (I still wear this one, but with a cami underneath because I wish the length was longer.  Also, it didn't wash well so it looks a bit worn, but again, I wear it still.)

I really loved the print on this shirt, but cap sleeves are the devil  I would have worn this under cardigans or jackets if it were truly sleeveless, but the cap sleeves had to go.  Loved the print!  RETURNED.

Loved this shirt, and I wanted to keep it, but I realized that I don't wear navy much because almost all of my pants are jeans or black.  So I knew this wouldn't get a ton of wear, even though I loved both the fit and the mixed material.  RETURNED.

Finally, I have my blue denim jacket!  I was a little uncertain about this one, because I wanted a jacket with silver or brass colored hardware, and this one has black hardware.  But this is just like the white denim jacket that I have, with great elastic stretch to it.  I knew that this was a keeper, and that the denim jacket hole in my closet was finally filled.  Great layering piece!  KEPT.  (This has proved to be a great travel jacket!)

Overall, I loved this fix.  It's clear that my stylist knows my preferences, and I seriously considered everything in the box.  Yay!  It's not cheap, but the delight of getting to try everything on and the convenience of having it come straight to me is worth it.  That's why I've now had fifteen Fixes since March 2015!

Past Stitch Fix Reviews

(all reviews, in reverse order)

#14 - March 2017

#13 - February 2017

#12 - November 2016

#11 - August 2016

#10 - May 2016

#9 - April 2016

#8 - February 2016

#7 - November 2015

#6 - September 2015

#5 - July 2015

#4 - June 2015

#3 - May 2015

#2 - April 2015

#1 - March 2015

Disclosure:  I paid for my own Stitch Fix; all opinions are my own.  If you're interested in trying Stitch Fix, I'd love for you to use my referral link so I can get $25 towards my next Fix!

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

Stitch Fix: 14th Fix

Disclosure:  I paid for my own Stitch Fix; all opinions are my own.  If you're interested in trying Stitch Fix, I'd love for you to use my referral link so I can get $25 towards my next Fix!

Even though I only kept one items from my last Fix, I enjoyed it so much that I moved my next box up to March!  This box was a tough one, because there was one item I didn't love, and at least one that I liked but was on the fence about keeping.  Here's how it played out.

First, my stylist hit me with my favorite color, mustard yellow, with the Skies Are Blue Verne Tie Sleeve Top.  The picture isn't fantastic, but I really liked the "peasant" look of it for an easy weekend shirt.  I could wear it for work too.  I liked this one a lot, not love, but strong like.

I had another "strong like" moment with the Pixley Lagio Mixed Material Top.  I thought the floral was a little abstract, but I realized it would be great under a lot of my cardigans and jackets.  I also loved the comfortable back panel, super soft!  It was a maybe for me...

The photo isn't the most flattering, but I needed a true red blazer and this Kensie Rebekah Mini Checkered Crepe jacket fit the bill.  Patriotic colors always work for me, considering all of the DAR and Veterans events that I attend.  Plus, perfect for office attire too!  I pegged this as a keeper early on.

The only item I didn't love in this Fix was this French Grey Rosanna Neck Tie Detail dress. It was too short for my preference, and very plain.  I decided I would only keep it if I kept the whole box.  Meh.

I was on the fence about collarless jackets.  But this color, again, patriotic and on trend, and I loved the feel and fit.  41Hawthorn Dorie Stretch Collarless Blazer, for the win.

 This is the point where you might be guessing that I kept the whole box.  Yep.  Basically, the entire box was $352, but if I kept the entire box, it came to $264.  I wanted to keep 4 of the 5 items, so keeping the whole box made sense, because it would "cost" me money to return a single item.  Even though I really liked the tops versus love, I know they'll be worn.  If not, I'll resell them on Poshmark.

I don't plan on having another fix until June, so if I buy more for my closet, I'll be shopping for myself!

Past Stitch Fix Reviews

(all reviews, in reverse order)

#13 - February 2017

#12 - November 2016

#11 - August 2016

#10 - May 2016

#9 - April 2016

#8 - February 2016

#7 - November 2015

#6 - September 2015

#5 - July 2015

#4 - June 2015

#3 - May 2015

#2 - April 2015

#1 - March 2015

Disclosure:  I paid for my own Stitch Fix; all opinions are my own.  If you're interested in trying Stitch Fix, I'd love for you to use my referral link so I can get $25 towards my next Fix!

Stitch Fix: 13th Fix

Disclosure:  I paid for my own Stitch Fix; all opinions are my own.  If you're interested in trying Stitch Fix, I'd love for you to use my referral link so I can get $25 towards my next Fix!

So I was really tired when I was trying to take screenshots of all my Stitch Fix items while I was in checkout in the app (and possibly tipsy) so I didn't get screenshots of all the items in a pretty way.  Sorry!  But I did take photos of the styling card that hopefully will suffice.

I asked for jackets in my Fix, and my stylist totally delivered.  THREE!  And I loved or liked them all.  But did I keep them?

The Bande Knit Blazer was comfy, but when I buttoned it I didn't like how it fell in the back.  I decided I'd keep it if I kept the whole box, but (spoiler alert) I did not.  I wasn't sure about horizontal striping doing me any favors either.  RETURNED.

I loves the Karlstad Textured Moto Jacket.  It was soft comfortable, and cool.  It looked good both zipped and unzipped, even though I only showed unzipped photos.  Dan even liked how it looked.  But I wasn't sure how often I'd wear it, and with which other items in my closet given the pattern.  I wanted to keep it very much... but I have a white denim jacket that I pretty much wear rarely and didn't want to risk another piece I don't use much.RETURNED.

I loved everything about the Shelle Stretch Moto Jacket.  So soft and comfy, both zipped and unzipped.  I've worn it multiple times already, way more than an olive Army-style jacket I used to have from J. Crew.  Perfect.  KEPT.

Sigh.  This Strut & Bolt top was a fit fail on me.  It was like a tent, and too short for my torso.  Meh.  RETURNED.

This Blu Pepper top was definitely my style, but the fabric was too sheer. I loved the details, softness, and open back.  If it had been opaque, I would have been tempted to keep it!  RETURNED.

In the end, I wanted to keep all the jackets, but I didn't like the blouses enough to keep the whole Fix.  The white jacket was almost kept, but in the end on the frugal side of things I decided to only keep one jacket.  Womp womp.  But the good news is, I've already worn the olive moto jacket multiple times!  Winner winner.  I also moved up my next fix to early March, because I haven't been shopping online that much and like the convenience of the stylist.

Past Stitch Fix Reviews

(all reviews, in reverse order)

#12 - November 2016

#11 - August 2016

#10 - May 2016

#9 - April 2016

#8 - February 2016

#7 - November 2015

#6 - September 2015

#5 - July 2015

#4 - June 2015

#3 - May 2015

#2 - April 2015

#1 - March 2015

Disclosure:  I paid for my own Stitch Fix; all opinions are my own.  If you're interested in trying Stitch Fix, I'd love for you to use my referral link so I can get $25 towards my next Fix!

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