Monday, December 29, 2014

Budgeting Bloggers: December 2014

I was a bit out of control with impulse shopping in December, but I ended up returning most things.  In fact, by Christmas I was over $100 *under* budget in spite of myself.  Honestly it's because I was caught up in buying gifts for other people!  I got a ton of stuff for Christmas via gifts, and a bunch of basics, so I must admit it was a great haul this month.

In terms of sales, I sent another bag to thredUP, and I've decided it will be my last.  I sent 8 tops and 1 pair of shoes that yielded only $22 (that's less than $3/item) and a dress they have on consignment for a MAX payout of under $12.  I just don't see the point in waiting for weeks to hear back from them with a payout number, then even more time to cash out, on top of not getting what I could probably make selling on my own via Poshmark.  I also had a Poshmark sale that rounded out my "sold" number for this month.  I'm even hosting my first Poshmark Party on January 1st, so be sure to look it up!


  1. Hearts & Roses London Red & White Dress (originally $80, paid $30 via Zulily):  Insane Zulily sale on H&R London equals impulse buy dress... with no idea as to whether I'd love it or not.  This one was a sassy red, and I really like it!  I just have to figure out how to style it and not look too loud.  It'll be great come summer, or maybe with a white cardigan.
  2. kate spade Branton Square Small Stacy Wallet (originally $98, paid $49):  Cure you, Kate Spade surprise sales!  I was tasked to buy a purse for my Mom, and we found the perfect one in the Surprise Sale... and of course I ended up with something for myself.  The brown/black is perfect for my Madewell tote, and I always use tiny wallet that transfer easily to smaller bags on-the-go.  My one complaint is that the card slots take some breaking in!
  3. Fabletics Workout Outfit (FREE, with credit):  This retro sweatshirt and basic capris filled a hole in my pretty awesome workout wardrobe; even Dan loved this one.  I'm not sure if I will continue purchasing via Fabletics now that my collection is fairly complete, but I will make sure to spend my credits.
  4. Catherine Malandrino Cuffed Ponte Blazers in Black, Red, & Green (similar, $15 each via Sam's Club):  I tore my Forever 21 black ponte blazer and had to pitch it; I literally wore it to shreds.  The first black blazer I bought at Sam's was my replacement effort, for an amazing steal price... so I let my Mom know that if she saw it in other colors at her local store in my size, I'd be interested in other colors to wear to work!  She was successful, and I had her pick me up a couple more. I wear these to work to look business casual, because they're very comfortable and look sharp.

$124 spent - $40 sold = $84 total
$82 savings

Quarterly Budget: $400 - $176 October - $61 November - $84 December$109 below budget

Here are the items that were gifted to me this month, as the people around me are wonderful and lovely and fed this monster lots of goodies for Christmas.



(not pictured)
  • Catherine Malandrino Cuffed Ponte Blazer in Grey (Mom got me ONE MORE!)  from Mom & Dad
  • C9 by Champion® Women's Running Knee Legging from Mom & Dad
  • Fleece-lined black leggings from Mom & Dad
  • Striped blue & black dress from Mom & Dad
  • Indiana University beanie and sweatshirt from Mom & Dad

I've also decided that in 2015, I'm not going to have an actual budget set by month or quarter.  I know, scary thought, but I'm still going to be posting here each month to stay accountable and under some semblance of control.  I feel like these past couple of years in Budgeting Bloggers have taught me to be more conscious of the things I add to my closet, and it's definitely something I want to continue... I just don't know how that looks from year to year!

Check out the rest of this month's Budget Bloggers at the linkup at Franish!

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4 comments:

  1. I haven't had a real budget ever, though I probably should have just to motivate me to show some restraint on some of the months this past year. I spent way too much occasionally. I do think that knowing exactly what you're looking for and refining your taste helps with restraint quite a bit. Also not going to the mall helps a ton too. Your family really knows you! They got you some amazing pieces.

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  2. I need to put some more things on poshmark. My immediate goal is to get my closet cleaned out! It is a wreck and I feel like I only wear 2% of it. I have a serious dress buying disease!

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  3. GIRL, get that stuff listed before 1/1 evening time because that's when my party is on blast on Poshmark! I'm going to be adding a bunch.

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  4. I'll do it tomorrow. I have at least 3 new dresses to add. One I've worn once.

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