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.

17 comments:

  1. I love the GAP legging jeans. They are totally worth the money because they are stretchy but don't stretch out! I love your skinny work pants from Limited, too. I've been thinking about purchasing some since I've heard so many good things! Amazing finds this month!

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    1. Laura, I definitely recommend you try on the Limited pants in store. It helps a lot with fit, and they have a bunch of different styles within the Exact Stretch line. I have a $25 coupon for October so I will be buying at least one more pair for sure! I do have to iron them after they air dry, but still pretty low maintenance.

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  2. Ah how cute is that sweater and those earrings?! I love the animal theme you had going on this month!

    You really did get some great items for great deals - great job this month!

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    1. It is hard not to buy all kinds of animal stuff all the time, since I work in the pet industry. :) I have to resist all the time! The dog sweater is just too cute and soft, and in my line of work I got a bunch of compliments from coworkers immediately! :)

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  3. I love that we now have lots of the same items, like the polka dot shirt and maroon pants, so I can get some inspiration on how to wear mine! I'm so glad you joined us for budgeting bloggers :)

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    1. I was getting tired of stripes (which I have in spades), and you and Caroline got me into the polka dots as an alternative. I can't wait to layer it as the weather cools down!

      The maroon pants are challenging for me, I kind of stick to black/white right now. But grey and mustard I'm thinking might work too.

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  4. Well, we know that I absolutely love those Gap jeans. But my favourite of all your buys has to be those giraffe earrings. Gorgeous and I totally want them. May have to hunt these down for myself.

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    1. I'm telling you, Charming Charlie for $5! And since they are small and gold, they actually look office-appropriate and you don't see the giraffes until you're up close. Adorable surprise, right? :)

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  5. I am eager to read your review of Elizabeth & James! Sounds cool. Even though I have vowed to take a break from online shopping for now!

    I have two Everlane Ts from about a year ago. One, the V-Neck, is great. The other, the Ryan, got pilly pretty quick. Do you have any Ryan fit shirts? They say they changed the material for this year, so I'm wondering if it's really better.

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    1. I think I'll be ready to post that review on Friday! :) (And it's on my list to work on that LGRAB post in the next week or two as well...)

      I don't have any Ryan fit tees, just the V-neck. Ryan fit didn't seem my style; I'm a bit too hourglass-shaped for a loose neckline. But Fran reviewed the shirt recently, so I'd ask her what she thinks! http://franish.blogspot.com/2013/09/everlane-ryan-tee-review.html

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  6. The sweater and the giraffe earrings are so pretty! Great finds!

    shesaidjm.blogspot.com

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    1. I love when the Internet helps me justify my purchases. :) Thanks for stopping by! I love your blog title by the way. I was a French major in college.

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  7. You did great for everything you bought. I am looking for a pair of oxfords also and I think that Naturalizer pair you linked to are really cute!

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    1. I love that oxfords can be worn with dresses, pants, the works! :) I wanted some all summer, but didn't find the right pair at the right price. Now I think I'm ready to invest.

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  8. That dog sweater is too adorable! Love it!

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    1. I'm so tempted to wear it all the time! Super soft and comfy, I promise. I find some great things at JCPenney.

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  9. Oh, wow! You got some fantastic pieces this month, Aubrey! I'd love to check out those Limited dress pants - between your positive reviews and Fran's, they sound really appealing, and like they'd work nicely for my body as well. I'm happy to hear you like the Gap legging jeans as well. I'm looking for a pair of jeans that are super skinny so that they'll fit into boots and won't get all saggy in the butt or knees...and are mid-rise to hold my stomach in, haha. These look promising!! I LOVE your dog sweater as well! I'm a massive dog lover but most dogs on clothing are little dogs like Boston Terriers and Scotties...and I have a lab mix and a heeler/beagle mix (I like big dogs...). That sweater is so cute and I love that it has a big dog silhouette pattern :)

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