Thursday, January 28, 2016

Budget Shmudget

So January...was a month. Hard to even know where to begin, but this was a bit of an updside-down, inside out month from hell. I got a promotion and work sort of exploded. There were many days that I worked from the time I got up all the way until I went to bed (one of the downsides of working from home), there were several business trips, there were endless conference calls. On average, I ate lunch about once a week. On top of that, I've had a different set of friends or family in town each week (group #4 arrives on Saturday!) and so I've been trying to squeeze in dinners, late night Shake Shack runs, fireworks viewings. It has been at times fun, at times frustrating, always exhausting. There hasn't been much of a break. I can't remember when I did laundry last. Most of my toiletries are in various 1 quart ziplock bags. My dog is feeling pretty neglected. I have consumed way too much Chipotle.

But, you did not come here for a laundry list of first world problems. Let's talk about pretty clothes and feel better!

So somehow in the midst of all of this busy-ness, I found a little release in the form of stress shopping (January sales + raise = oops). So the theme for this month is budget shmudget. Also, clearly, black and white.

Starting budget: $224 -- $200 monthly + $24 credit for one of my purchases last month (J. Crew sent the wrong color #sadface #andalsoafirstworldproblem)




January Budget
clockwise from l to r:

Limited Striped Trench Coat ($64, on sale) -- I've been eyeing this all month as it is just one of those pieces that feels very "me". I love a good trench (and I don't currently have one), and the stripes are classic but interesting. I haven't received it yet, but I know I'll love it -- The Limited has consistently good quality, and I was happy to snag a 60% off/free shipping deal.

Kate Spade Lace Tee ($51, on sale) -- mine is from the outlet but it is virtually identical to this one. This is one of a few things that I'd fallen in love with at the KS outlet last month and I swung by early on New Year's Eve to find a very happy little 60% off sale. With dark jeans, this is my new weekend go-to outfit.

Banana Republic Geo Lace Ruffle Top ($30 on sale, used gift card) -- my weakness is super pretty, super feminine tops and this one fits the bill. Used a gift card I've had forever when this finally went on a nice sale.

Nordstrom Cashmere Poncho ($100, on sale) -- a super cozy working from home staple (that I can even wear on the few times I interact with other humans).

J. Crew Contrast Lace Floral Skirt ($50, on sale) -- I don't wear a ton of skirts but this one is so pretty, and perfect for work and play.

Gap 1969 Authentic Flare Jeans ($30, on sale) -- an impulse buy, I love a flare jean and these have just a little extra drama.

Kate Spade Striped Bow Shirt ($30, on sale) -- I mean...

Chelsea28 Sequin Pants ($54, on sale) -- this is my second pair of sequin pants in as many months. I guess my New Year's resolution was to have a very sparkly bottom half.

Not pictured:

Anthropologie First Snow Infinity Scarf (multi and dark red, $17 each) -- I really loved this scarf, I couldn't resist picking up two for a song.

Kate Spade Eryn Wool Coat, Navy ($200) -- I can't find a photo of this coat online and that is a damn shame. It. is. gorgeous. A classic navy single-breasted peacoat with an oversized feminine lapel, slightly puffed sleeves, a little sparkle in the form of gold hardware. Similar to this tomato red version. Oh, it is pretty. This is also from the KS outlet -- I'm rarely impressed by the bags, but the clothes can be quite good. I can't wait to wear it with a big blanket scarf and red mittens.

Total: $613 ($389 over budget)

I decided to start tracking my spending as a way to understand my shopping habits and hold myself accountable, but I knew I would have months that were...less than perfect. Next month I'm planning a shopping fast (last year I did it in January), and thus the Libra in me is OK with this kind of balance.

So two quick notes...

One, I'm linking up with Fran and the budget bloggers as usual, because they are bad influences and help me find more things to buy :)

Two, I'm going to be closing up shop here with this post. This blog has been so much fun, but I'm finding that spending so much time looking at and thinking about clothes has brought out a bit of a greedy grabby consumer side of myself. I don't have the income to support my inner shopping demon's habit. But! When one door closes, a window opens and that window will be...a new blog :) It will be a bit more broad in nature -- more food, decor, travel, and cultural stuff (and a little bit of fashion, of course). More details soon...


15 comments:

  1. Whoa, that last note threw me for a loop! At least you will be starting a new one! Yay!

    I love alll your picks. That tomato red KS coat you said is similar to yours is GORGEOUS. I wish you had found pictures of yours online! I also love that lace skirt and those sequin pants! Congrats on the raise!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, you're so sweet! Sorry, I guess it the change does seem pretty sudden -- I'd hoped to just have the new blog up and running right away and make the transition a bit smoother, but that was supposed to happen on Jan 1 and here comes February... :) More soon, promise!!

      Delete
  2. Yeah, I was smiling as I read until I got to the last paragraph then woah! I feel you though, I've cycled through more than a few blogs as my interests have changed. I started a new blog to be more general but I sorta deviated into talking about clothes and shopping.

    Your post is like a wakeup call for me to get back on track. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, I guess I'm not the only one who is learning along the way :) For me, blogging is just a fun outlet so I'm definitely giving myself leeway to make mistakes or changes along the way. Other parts of my life don't have that flexibility, so I'll take what I can get!

      Delete
  3. I love all of the things you bought, and congratulations on the promotion!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, and thank you! Yes, I guess if I'm going to bust the budget it better be for a good reason :)

      Delete
  4. Wow I was also surprised by the conclusion, but I know what you mean about over-consumerism. Congrats on the promotion, and hopefully you'll find more work-life balance soon. Also love the lace blouses you got this month!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks you on both points! Ah, work-life balance sounds lovely...gotta get on that! :)

      Delete
  5. That last note caught me off guard as well. I was admiring the striped trench and lace skirt, and then BANG, no more :(

    I look forward to seeing the new blog at least. Still sad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, don't be sad!!! I guess I could have just tried to shift gears here, but it felt a little easier to try a clean slate. I just don't have the ability (or inclination) for outfit photos, and I was feeling a bit limited in terms of what I could write about. I'll post the new link here and I'll still be writing (and reading) as usual!

      Delete
  6. Congratulations on your promotion!

    Sounds like you got a fabulous deal on the Kate Spade coat. The one you linked is lovely, and I'm sure it's beautiful in navy blue.

    Too bad that you're closing up here, but I definitely understand that shopping-centric blogs are not always a good influence. I look forward to seeing the new blog though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!! And thanks for reading, I am so very grateful!! I think the new blog will be a good change, I'll post the link soon :)

      Delete
  7. I want a nice quality peacoat for winter. I'm a teenager, so i don't want it to but a style for an older woman. It's okay if it costs a bit more, so i can wear it for longer. What are good stores and brands to shop at?
    fur coats for sale

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow!!! I was likewise astonished by the conclusion,Awesome and wonderful collection of women accessories . How nice are the accessories are! Everyone should prefer from your wish list.Thank you very much for information.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Je ne savais pas qu'un trench-coat pouvait être aussi polyvalent avant d'avoir celui-ci. C'est encore plus que ce à quoi je m'attendais, et je suis si heureuse de l'avoir dans ma garde-robe. Le trench rayé Limited est un excellent investissement, tout comme mon ancien trench mais avec une touche plus moderne - il est limité !

    ReplyDelete