Budgeting Bloggers: October 2014

If I had to pick a shopping theme for October, it would have to be BASICS.  Everything I got could fall into that category!  This was also the first month of the quarter, with a lower-than-ever total budget, so I was hoping to pace myself well given the big sales coming in November/December.  I spent a little more than I'd hoped to, but I love everything I got.  I even returned some things that didn't work out, which is something I used to be really bad about.

1. Old Navy Plaid Flannel Boyfriend Shirt in Blue/Green Plaid (originally $27, paid $19):  This reminded me of a J. Crew shirt that I missed out on buying.  I am thinking fall now, so I wanted a great layering piece that also kept me warm!  I love how soft it is, and that the Old Navy tops I bought were an additional 30% off!
2. Old Navy Quilted Zip-Front Vest in Blackjack (originally $35, paid $25):  I wanted to jump on board the vest wagon, but in a safe way... black is very safe!  This fit well, and I see it as a great layering piece.  I like some of the herringbone vests out there, but I don't think I'd wear them as much as a black basic for now.  This vest was worn twice in one weekend already!
3. Old Navy Sweetheart Boot-Cut Jeans in New Rinse (originally $30, paid $22):  The only jeans in my closet are skinny jeans, because I've gotten rid of pairs that didn't fit anymore.  Since I am in between sizes, I prefer to pay for a cheaper (but good!) pair of in-between jeans like these.  I love the dark rinse and thick denim.  They'll be well-worn this fall.
4. eShakti Retro Poplin Shirtdress in Loden green  (originally $70, paid $35 including shipping):  I know... eShakti.  And this dress that I already have in chambray.  But the chambray is my favorite everyday dress that yields tons of compliments, perfect for work and play, and this green color felt like another way I could wear it frequently.  I had $30 in eShakti gift coupons/codes, then received a 25% off code from them to boot.  I'd considered a more unique dress, but given I want to be able to wear it more as a classic piece, I opted for this instead.
5. Payless Flats (originally $85 total for three pairs, paid $45 w/tax):  All my flats come from Payless.  Period.  I wear them for about a year or so, until they smell bad and I want to toss them.  So every year I get some new basic flats and toss the old ones.  I just can't justify spending more money on flats when the American Eagle line there is so comfy and I know every pair will fit well without issue.  This round, I got the Bayley Twist flat in cognac, Cent Penny flat in black, and the Boulevard Brogue in black.  I'll wear them all to bits!  They were on sale plus 20% off and free shipping.
6. MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Saffiano Leather Crossbody in Luggage (originally $148, paid $70 with tax):  I've been looking for a brown cross-body bag, but I wasn't finding one in the price range I liked.  I randomly was searching, and this bag popped up on the MK site listed at $64... what?!  I thought it might have been an error, but I snatched it up anyways because it was perfect and a STEAL!  There are card pockets on the inside too.

$216 spent - $40 sold = $176 total $179 savings
Quarterly Budget: $400 - $176 October= $224 remaining
Overall, the piece I wear the most is the black quilted vest.  Who'd have thought?  The last vest I had that I wore much was one of those Old Navy Performance Fleece vests from back in the day.  I'm tempted to get another, because it's like wearing a warm hug in the cooler weather!  I also really love the Old Navy jeans I got.  I may get a pair of skinnies too, as I had to get rid of some jeans recently due to wear & tear.
While I spent more than I intended to this month, I'm happy with what I got.  I don't feel like there are any NEEDS in my closet right now, only WANTS.
Check out the rest of this month's Budget Bloggers at the linkup at Franish!