When I did my last "Budgeting Bloggers" post I hadn't had much luck with after Christmas shopping. About 2 days later, though, my luck took a turn and the after Christmas shopping began! I worked all but about 3 days of my Christmas "break", so I allotted a chunk of that money to shopping. I went out of town last weekend and was able to hit some outlets and stores that I don't normally get to shop at. I bought A LOT this month, but I'm really happy with my purchases and I plan to really tighten the wallet next month!
It's probably been years since I've been in Abercrombie, but I stopped in to check out their sales in hopes of getting my brother some clothes and ended up with this hoodie for myself. Oops! I totally love the neon coral color! I don't buy too many hoodies these days, but I thought this one would be great as we move to spring.
Yup, you read that right... $3! I found these in my size a few days after Christmas marked down to $4.95 with an additional 40% off. They're totally out of my element, but surprisingly work. (They're totally a dark neon fuchsia.) I've already worn them to work once and got lots of compliments on my cute hot pink pants!
I love my Tippi sweaters and decided that the sale and free shipping was enough to justify another purchase. These sweaters have become one of my closet basics in the past year. I bought this one in "neon fuchsia" since I've been loving brights lately!
Target Ruffle Shirt - $6 (after gift card)
I'd been eyeing this top since Whitney at Along the Lines of Style bought it in several colors. I patiently waiting for it to go on sale (and then even more sale) and finally snagged it on clearance after Christmas! I bought the white (which appears to be sold out online) as a wardrobe basic.
Revlon Lip Butter (Creme Brulee) - $6 (purchased with gift card)
I've wanted this Lip Butter for a while, so when I had a few Wal-Mart gift cards I decided to get a few makeup items before my makeup shopping ban.
NYX Lip Gloss (Beautiful) - $3 (with coupon)
This was another final makeup purchase before the ban. With all of the bright clothing items I've been buying I'd wanted to get a pink lip gloss that wasn't over-the-top bright.
Forever 21 Spike Necklace - $9
I've wanted to join in on the spike trend for a while, but I didn't want anything that was "too much." I love Forever 21 for their accessories and fell in love with this necklace. I love that it's a teensy bit edgy, but still cute and sparkly!
Groop Dealz Arrow Necklace - $6
This thing is so freakin' cute! I'm kind of obsessed with Groop Dealz right now (a whole post on that coming soon).
Groop Dealz Daisy Bib Necklace - $7
This one had popped up on Groop Dealz a few times and I finally decided on the mint color. Can you tell I'm kind of a sucker for inexpensive accessories?
VS Pink Long Sleeve V-Neck Tees - $15 each (with birthday coupon)
I went in to VS with my birthday coupon planning to get something cheap from their semi-annual and ended up getting two casual tees. I'm not saying they're completely useless (I'm quite a fan actually), but they weren't really a need for me. I bought mint and purple (for K-State) and love them for their comfy, slightly slouchy fit.
Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Pouch - $21 (purchased with gift card)
This was from Target's collaboration with Neiman Marcus. I'd really liked this, but wasn't going to drop $70 on it, so when it went down to $21 I started considering it more. Then I saw (on a blog, of course) that it was the perfect size for an iPad Mini and decided that it would be a perfect purchase with my gift card. I love Marc Jacobs, but can't afford most of what I want, so this totally satisfies that craving as well.
J.Crew Factory Charley Sweater - $39
This is the factory version of the Tippi and they're practically identical. I don't buy much blue at all, but I found myself very drawn to this color and loved how it looked paired with yellow.
J.Crew Factory Scarf - $6
I grabbed this scarf off a display thinking it was 30% off the full price and was pleasantly surprised to find it was on clearance with 50% off plus my 15% teacher discount! It's so bright and fun for when I want to add a pop of color.
Loft Outlet Earrings - $15
These were buy one get one half and I was so attracted to the colors. And of course, I had to get two pair that go with my new sweaters... One pink pair and one blue pair!
Loft Outlet Sequin Stripe Tank - $7
I've been loving the sequin tanks, but didn't love the prices that many of them came with. Not true with this lovely in navy and cream! (Even better it was originally $40!)
Gap Outlet Aubrey Skinny Crop Pants - $34
I've found I wear my skinnies to work a lot more than my wider-legged black pants, so I was super happy to find these that fit so well. Unfortunately my phone didn't want to load my $10 reward coupon, but I still saved 30% and I've still got the coupon for later.
J.Crew Colorblock Stripe Tee - $25
Image via J.Crew / Polyvore
I mentioned that I bought the JCP version of this tee, but when I saw this year's one at J.Crew I thought I'd give theirs another try. I liked the fit a lot more than the one I tried last year and I fell for the orange and blue combo. My friend and I both ended up buying this, so it's probably good we don't live near each other!
Banana Republic Polka Dot Tank - $12
I've been eyeing this for months and finally found it on clearance when I was out of town. I don't usually go to stores I have at home, but that particular BR just remodeled / relocated so I went in to check it out. I'm so happy I did because I think my local BR was sold out of these! (Check it and a few of my other buy out in this photo.)
H&M Gray Tee - $10
This was a cute, casual tee perfect for layering or for warm weather. You can't really see it, but there are little flecks of bright colors in the fabric. It's better than a plain gray tee!
H&M Stripe Sweater - $18
I've been on the hunt for the perfect black and white striped tops this season and have come up short. H&M to the rescue!
Forever 21 Necklace - $2
Another item I've considered for a while, so of course I said yes when I found it on clearance for 2 bucks!
TOTAL = $310
Minus Extra Income (selling clothes and textbook as well as part-time work) - $216
= $94
It's not so bad when I consider that only $94 came from my regular income / clothing budget.
***
Yes, I bought a lot and spent a lot, but I'm actually really happy with all of my purchases this month. I definitely wouldn't have bought that much if it hadn't been for my extra income and going out of town. Other than the 2 items for H&M and the spiked necklace, nothing was full-price! If I added correctly my full-price total would have been well over $600! Crazy, huh?!?
February Budget Plan
Since a lot of my recent purchases are things that will transition into spring, I'm going to take a pretty easy on the shopping in February.
Sorry that this is a ridiculously looooooong post. That's what happens when I do a lot of shopping in one month! I promise next month will be a lot shorter!
What did you get this past month? Link up with the rest of us Budgeting Bloggers over at Franish to share and see what others purchased!
 |
| image via j.crew.com |
Target Ruffle Shirt - $6 (after gift card)
I'd been eyeing this top since Whitney at Along the Lines of Style bought it in several colors. I patiently waiting for it to go on sale (and then even more sale) and finally snagged it on clearance after Christmas! I bought the white (which appears to be sold out online) as a wardrobe basic.
Revlon Lip Butter (Creme Brulee) - $6 (purchased with gift card)
I've wanted this Lip Butter for a while, so when I had a few Wal-Mart gift cards I decided to get a few makeup items before my makeup shopping ban.
NYX Lip Gloss (Beautiful) - $3 (with coupon)
This was another final makeup purchase before the ban. With all of the bright clothing items I've been buying I'd wanted to get a pink lip gloss that wasn't over-the-top bright.
Forever 21 Spike Necklace - $9
 |
| Image via forever21.com |
I've wanted to join in on the spike trend for a while, but I didn't want anything that was "too much." I love Forever 21 for their accessories and fell in love with this necklace. I love that it's a teensy bit edgy, but still cute and sparkly!
Groop Dealz Arrow Necklace - $6
This thing is so freakin' cute! I'm kind of obsessed with Groop Dealz right now (a whole post on that coming soon).
Groop Dealz Daisy Bib Necklace - $7
This one had popped up on Groop Dealz a few times and I finally decided on the mint color. Can you tell I'm kind of a sucker for inexpensive accessories?
VS Pink Long Sleeve V-Neck Tees - $15 each (with birthday coupon)
I went in to VS with my birthday coupon planning to get something cheap from their semi-annual and ended up getting two casual tees. I'm not saying they're completely useless (I'm quite a fan actually), but they weren't really a need for me. I bought mint and purple (for K-State) and love them for their comfy, slightly slouchy fit.
Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Pouch - $21 (purchased with gift card)
This was from Target's collaboration with Neiman Marcus. I'd really liked this, but wasn't going to drop $70 on it, so when it went down to $21 I started considering it more. Then I saw (on a blog, of course) that it was the perfect size for an iPad Mini and decided that it would be a perfect purchase with my gift card. I love Marc Jacobs, but can't afford most of what I want, so this totally satisfies that craving as well.
J.Crew Factory Charley Sweater - $39
 |
| Image via J.Crew Factory |
J.Crew Factory Scarf - $6
 |
| Image via J.Crew Factory |
Loft Outlet Earrings - $15
These were buy one get one half and I was so attracted to the colors. And of course, I had to get two pair that go with my new sweaters... One pink pair and one blue pair!
Loft Outlet Sequin Stripe Tank - $7
I've been loving the sequin tanks, but didn't love the prices that many of them came with. Not true with this lovely in navy and cream! (Even better it was originally $40!)
Gap Outlet Aubrey Skinny Crop Pants - $34
I've found I wear my skinnies to work a lot more than my wider-legged black pants, so I was super happy to find these that fit so well. Unfortunately my phone didn't want to load my $10 reward coupon, but I still saved 30% and I've still got the coupon for later.
J.Crew Colorblock Stripe Tee - $25
Banana Republic Polka Dot Tank - $12
I've been eyeing this for months and finally found it on clearance when I was out of town. I don't usually go to stores I have at home, but that particular BR just remodeled / relocated so I went in to check it out. I'm so happy I did because I think my local BR was sold out of these! (Check it and a few of my other buy out in this photo.)
H&M Gray Tee - $10
Image via H&M / Polyvore
H&M Stripe Sweater - $18
 |
| Silly pic of myself... |
Forever 21 Necklace - $2
Another item I've considered for a while, so of course I said yes when I found it on clearance for 2 bucks!
TOTAL = $310
Minus Extra Income (selling clothes and textbook as well as part-time work) - $216
= $94
It's not so bad when I consider that only $94 came from my regular income / clothing budget.
***
Yes, I bought a lot and spent a lot, but I'm actually really happy with all of my purchases this month. I definitely wouldn't have bought that much if it hadn't been for my extra income and going out of town. Other than the 2 items for H&M and the spiked necklace, nothing was full-price! If I added correctly my full-price total would have been well over $600! Crazy, huh?!?
February Budget Plan
Since a lot of my recent purchases are things that will transition into spring, I'm going to take a pretty easy on the shopping in February.
- No shirts / sweaters! This is a hard one for me, but I'm going to try not buying any new tops for a month. I did it last April-ish, so I know I can do it again.
- No non-essential makeup. I'm doing another month without makeup purchases. I'm one month strong! I've had a few moments of temptation, but I'm kind of liking this challenge for myself.
- No nail polish. I think this one is going to continue to be fairly easy because I already have a great selection to choose from!
- Limited accessory purchases. I've gone a little accessory crazy lately and I did get a few goodies for Christmas. I'm not going to say "no" on this one, but I'm definitely not going to try to limit this one.
- Focus on the bottom half. By this I mean pants and shoes. I don't need jeans, but I'd love to find work pants that aren't black. I wouldn't mind finding work-appropriate skirts either. I also still need workout shoes and other shoes that I could wear to work.
Sorry that this is a ridiculously looooooong post. That's what happens when I do a lot of shopping in one month! I promise next month will be a lot shorter!
What did you get this past month? Link up with the rest of us Budgeting Bloggers over at Franish to share and see what others purchased!
you did a great job this month. Good Luck with next month
ReplyDeleteThanks! I feel like I have some great items to transition into spring with, so hopefully I'm able to exercise some strong self-control next month.
DeleteYeah, I'd like to have most of these purchases in my closet. Way a deal I'm those Gap pants too!
ReplyDeleteGinny
mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com
I can truly say I was excited about pretty much all of my purchases this month. I've been having a lot of fun playing dress up with my new goodies!
DeleteWow - amazing haul at unbeatable prices. I also have a weakness for inexpensive accessories ... :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, this month was a big success. I love switching up my accessories with the trends, so I go for inexpensive ones so I can have more!
DeleteI'm so glad I'm not the only one who loves those ruffle tops! I wish I had them in all of the colors, but I thought the white and orange added a fun, but basic, dimension to my wardrobe! I think you did a great job this month!
ReplyDeleteI love living vicariously through all of you who are allowed to shop! ;)
That bright sweater is fabulous - love a pop of neon in winter!
ReplyDeleteXO
Pearls & Paws
Wow, you got a lot of great items! Especially after selling other clothes, you did amazing! Love the bright pieces you got!
ReplyDeleteThanks! This was one of those months when I feel like I got some great items and not just so-so items. The extra money helped me justify it a little more!
DeleteI think you have some really great purchase for this month. I'm weary of looking at things from the "regular income/clothing budget" aspect. I used to do that, and then I realized that all my money from my second (part-time) job was going to clothing. (Which kind of defeated the point of having that second job.) I think everyone has a different system, so as long as it works for you, it's great!
ReplyDeleteYeah, from the start I had to give myself a certain percentage of my extra income to fun money and other expenses. I split it about 50/50 during the holiday season but am planning on going 75 savings / 25 fun money starting in February. (I'm really not even working there right now anyway.)
DeleteWow! You got an amazing haul for January! I hadn't spent much in December, but then I committed to the tracking my spending on my blog and the last week or so of December blew up because I didn't want it to count against my 2013 budget! Congrats on all your purchases, you got some really great stuff and I am so jealous of your $3 Gap pants!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm definitely happy with my purchases and plan on February being lot less exciting with my shopping. I've banned myself from buying shirts starting tomorrow, so that's definitely going to be a challenge for me!
Delete