Budgeting Bloggers - July

I'm linking up with Frannish again for Budgeting Bloggers!  Now that it's the end of July we're evaluating out July budgets and how we spent out money this month.  

I started out July determined to not spend any extra money because I was hoping to go out of town at the end of the month before school started.  That didn't really end up working out, so I allowed myself a little shopping in town after all.  I didn't spend near as much as I had budgeted if I had gone out of town, so I still have some of that money set aside for a future trip.  But, with school coming up and sales in full force, I decided it was okay to get a few goodies and essentials without going too crazy.

My first purchase was this dress from Banana Republic.  It's pretty much a long t-shirt and I totally have the 3/4 sleeved version from the spring.  It was kind of an impulse buy the night before I had to attend a rehearsal dinner and another wedding reception, but I'm super happy that this was what I found.  It's super versatile, comfy, and has already gotten a good amount of wear.  I was also able to get it with 2 coupons making the impulse less guilt-ridden.

A Few Recent Buys  featuring china glaze nail polish

I wandered into Old Navy the other day and found this dress.  I love the colors (and how many different cardigans I can wear with it) and it totally reminds me of a paisley print that J.Crew carried a while back.  I ended up returning it and rebuying it online the next day and saved $8!  Yay!  I'm thinking this is going to be my dress for our open house a school in a couple weeks.  

Finally, I hit American Eagle's jeans sale!  I'm a pretty hard-core fan of AE jeans and they're super affordable.  (I honestly can't imagine dropping $100 or more for jeans.)  I tried a couple styles, but I went back to my tried-and-true Favorite Boyfriends.  I also got the Pleated Chiffon Blouse in black and hit the clearance jewelry which was 3 for $10.  I also had a $10 off coupon, so in all I ended up with a pair of jeans, a shirt, 2 necklaces, and a pair of earrings for just over $60.  Not too bad, in my opinion.  

My makeup and beauty purchases were pretty limited this month, but I did pick up 3 items before my friend's wedding.  I picked up some L'Oreal False Fiber Lashes waterproof mascara, a sample size of the Urban Decay De Slick Makeup Setting Spray, and the  ELF blush and bronzer duo (that's frequently compared to the Orgasm / Laguna duo from Nars).  In all, about $20, but it was great to have these on hand to share when we were getting ready for the wedding.

I did break my no nail polish goal and picked up 2 from Sally Beauty.  With a coupon and Beauty Club discount, I got 2 China Glaze polishes for less than $5!  Wayyyyyyy cheaper than Ulta!  I didn't break the bank, so I think it's okay, but now it's back to no new nail polish 'til the fall!

And my August budget?  Well, since I don't have any income 'til September, my August budget is going to be quite slim.  (I prefer to end the summer with money in savings, ya know?)  I'm pretty well stocked up on everything, so my goal is not to really buy any unnecessary items.  I'm nearing 300 points in the Birchbox store, so I'm thinking when I reach that point I'll get some fun makeup items from there.  I also reached 500 points at Sephora, so I'm due for my gift from there whenever.    I always like getting new stuff if it's free, so that will probably satisfy a craving to get new goodies!  I know there will be some items I'll want once fall rolls around, so now is a pretty good time to take a little break and focus on the beginning of the school year.

Alright, now it's your turn to link up and share how you did with your July budget!  Click here to head over and see how other bloggers shopping within their July budgets!