Budgeting Bloggers: *hangs head in shame*

It's time for Budgeting Bloggers!

It's really hard to break down this month's budget because I received my bonus check from work and was called to work part-time at Aerie again this Christmas season, which accounts for a pretty good chunk of extra money for me.  I allotted some of that for some personal splurges as well as Christmas gifts for family and friends.  I've kind of let myself go a bit spend-crazy lately and then will reel things in and tighten up the budget after the holidays.  I think come January I'm going to get back to doing monthly shopping bans on certain items.

Shockingly enough, most of this damage was done before Black Friday.  My damage during the Thanksgiving weekend has actually been quite minimal.

Okay, here goes...  I tried to sort out my purchases, so these are the things that would have come out of my regular monthly budget.  

Gap Colorblock Stripe Sweater - $27

I saw this sweater in a magazine and anxiously awaited its arrival at Gap.  I believe I used my 50% off one item coupon for this one.  

Gap Studio Sweater - $29

I bought this at the same time as the striped sweater.  It's kind of a crazy bright pink, but I'm loving those bright colors for the winter.  I think there's nothing better on a cold gloomy day than a bright cozy sweater!

Gap Bowery Supersoft Crew - $11

This was one of my few Black Friday purchases.  I popped into Gap on my way home from working at the mall, but didn't see much there that I liked that I didn't already have.  (Sad fact.)  Yes, another bright top, but it's a good comfy tee for wearing alone or layering.

Gap Tartan Plaid Scarf - $8

This one isn't online anymore, but I snagged it on sale and when redeeming some rewards.  

It's very soft navy and dark green plaid with a stripe of hot pink in there as well!

JCP Colorblock Boatneck Tee - $16

This is a total J.Crew knockoff.  I actually tried the J.Crew version on last winter, but didn't like the fit or the $45 price.  This JCP version is a flattering fit and a great price!  I picked mine up in neon yellow, navy, and cream version.

Loft Sequin Detail Striped Cotton Tee - $25

Source: loft.com via Conolley on Pinterest

Yet another item that was love at first sight.  I saw it in a magazine a while back and then kinda forgot about it until I got an e-mail from Loft a few weeks ago.  I snatched it up the day it went online out of fear it would disappear.  (I've had that happen with a few Loft items and we don't have a store nearby.)  Thankfully, they were having a promo so I was able to get it at about half price!  This one is already making a splash in the blogger world!

Loft Cotton Zip Back Cotton Tee - $19

I got this tee in one of the purple colors and really like the weight and the zipper detail in the back.  It's another nice basic that will be very versatile for work and play.

Loft Wide Stone Stretch Bracelet - $9

I got this in the blue version (no longer online it appears).  I've been really drawn to bracelets, but don't really  buy them very often.  I've only worn this one once, but got a lot of compliments on it.

Princess Vera Wang Earring Set - $0

These were on clearance and after my coupon my grand total for these earrings and an Essie nail polish was $0.00!  Not bad, huh?  I actually really like these and had wanted some tortoise earrings to go with a couple necklaces.  

Francesca's Neon Stud Earrings - $6

I picked these up on clearance to go with some of my bright tops.  They're neon yellow pyramid studs that are a fun pop of color!

Chunky Gold Chain Bracelet (via Groop Dealz) - $0 (only had to pay shipping)

Source: etsy.com via Cecile on Pinterest

I was a totally sucked into this deal.  It's no longer on Groop Dealz, but there are quite a few on Etsy.  It's a very lightweight bracelet with chunky gold links.  Very cute and I'm pretty sure it's going to get a lot of wear.  

Hot Pink Bubble Necklace (via Groop Dealz) - $10

I'd wanted another bubble necklace and found some at Charlotte Russe, but this deal on Groop Dealz ended up being cheaper even when I added in shipping.  I went with the hot pink one.  I'm still waiting for this one to arrive, but I'm sure I'll love it!

If you haven't heard of Groop Dealz it's a website that is basically what would happen if Groupon and Etsy had a website baby.  They have daily deals that are more along the lines of things that you would find on Etsy, but discounted for a short period of time to spur "group" purchases.

= $160

This is pretty much within what I try to keep my normal budget around, but like I said, I didn't include a few extra purchases that come out of other pots of money.  I feel like for the money 6 shirts, 2 bracelets, 4 pairs of earrings, a scarf, and a necklace are a lot.  One of my biggest rules of shopping is to not pay full price and in all I paid about half of the full retail cost.  

I'm not sure what next month's budget is going to look like, but I don't think I'm going to really crack down until after the new year.  Sometimes you've just got to take advantage of great sales and treat yourself to some goodies!  I think the first things on my ban list for January will be shirts / sweaters, makeup (I've been pretty good with not buying that), and nail polish.  

Now it's time for you to go over to Franish and link up for this month's Budgeting Bloggers feature.  It's a great way to see how other bloggers spend their money and what bargains they've snagged this month!