October Budget

As I started to put together this post, something dawned on me: I think I forgot to shop this month.

It wasn't intentional, although I suppose it wasn't completely accidental either. And it wasn't because I blew my shopping budget on bags and bags of Halloween candy (although, that totally could have happened). October was kind of a struggle -- so many things caught my eye, I think I ended up with a bit of buying paralysis because I didn't have a strong idea of what I really wanted or needed. I also know November could be spendy month (more on that in a bit...), so I wanted to hold back a little.

Here is the super quick October summary:

Starting Budget: $200

Purchases:

Mossimo Linen V-Neck Tee ($8, on sale) -- this is one of my favorite basics, and I grabbed a chance to pick up a white one when I spotted it on the clearance rack. Last year, I scored a slew of them when I found them marked down to $3.60, but I'm not holding my breath for that kind of price again. I have to note that even after constant wear, the tees I picked up last year are still perfect. Best 4 bucks I've ever spent!

J. Crew Factory Dachshund iPhone Case ($6, on sale) -- I didn't count this towards my shopping budget, but I just wanted to show it off. Isn't it the cutest? You can still grab these online for about the same price.

BCBGeneration Studded Bow Wedge ($60, on sale) -- a cute shoe for the rare occasions when I have to put real work clothes on. Most of those occasions involve travel and running to and from client meetings, so if you can give me a practical, comfortable shoe and put a decently cute bow on it, I'm pretty happy.

Total: $68 ($132 under budget)

My purchases this month are totally boring, and I know you didn't click over to hear about a tee shirt and a pair of shoes. So I thought I'd talk about strategy for spending next month:

- You'll recognize some items from recent posts -- these are on the top of my current wishlist, and I'm planning to pull the trigger on a few in November. I love this cozy wrap sweater, and I can almost begin to imagine temps being cool enough to wear it. These tortoise flats seem amazing, I actually meant to order them a few months ago and I have no idea what I've been waiting for. This bag is finally on sale -- I love the look of it, though I can't ignore the fact that the reviews are very mixed. I'd love to see this frilly blouse in person, but I've rarely been disappointed by black and white and feminine. And these rings are so pretty and versatile, they'd work with just about every outfit in my closet.

- This month will bring Sephora's annual Beauty Insider sale -- if you're a member of their Beauty Insider program (and YOU TOTALLY SHOULD BE -- it is, without a doubt, the best loyalty program I have ever been a part of), you'll get 20% off of purchases for a few days in early November. It's truly the most wonderful time of the year! I don't count cosmetic purchases against my monthly budget, but I'll be happy to have a few extra dollars to throw at Sephora for this very special occasion. I've been sampling new products like crazy, and I'm planning a post in a few days with some shopping suggestions.

- I can't ignore the impending Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales -- they are harried, frantic, exhausting...but also pretty enticing (admission: almost all of my BF/CM purchases are for myself. I'll shop for everyone else in December!). I'm planning to roll over at least $100 of October's budget to have available for November purchases.

Linking up with Franish and the other budgeting bloggers -- go check out what the other ladies bought (or didn't buy) this month!

PS -- new here? Check out some of my most popular posts from this month:

Fall Uniform

Wednesday Wishlist: Muppet Chic

What's In My Bag

September Budget

This month was fun. September is really a full throttle fashion month and I spent a lot of time browsing, dreaming, and actually buying.

Last month was a really light month -- my original total was $78 but I ended up returning the linen blazer, reducing my total to a whopping $33. Luckily I found more than a few things that caught my eye this month, so I was glad to have a little extra to dip into if I needed it.

Here's how this month looked:

Starting budget: $200 (plus $170ish from last month, if needed)

Purchases:

clockwise from l to r:

H&M Lace Top ($25) -- feminine, flirty, in the prettiest shade of green. I'm excited to wear this now but I know I'll love it for casual holiday parties come December.

Kate Spade Francoise Top (birthday gift) -- this pretty top is now sold out, but I snagged it for about $150 as a birthday gift for myself. Every year I treat myself to a special something, so this won't count against my monthly budget.

Mossimo Gold/Black Bracelet Watch ($10, on sale) -- *cue the choir of angels* You know I love me a chunky gold watch with a black dial, and I've been drooling over some pricey versions for months. I was considering splurging on as my birthday gift this year, and the Target came through with a great low-cost option. I've been wearing it non-stop and I LOVE the way it looks -- it doesn't have the heft of an expensive watch, but it's so easy to wear.  I'll admit I'm going to need to exchange this particular one because the clasp doesn't stay closed. I'm not mad (it was ten bucks), but I'm hoping I just got a bad one.

Forever 21 Frayed Striped Scarf ($15) -- this scarf looks so chic in person.

Dr. Scholl's Exercise Sandals ($20) -- super classic sandal with a fun stripe-y twist.

Banana Republic Factory Textured Raglan Top ($17, on sale) -- a sporty, cozy top that's equally perfect for lazy weekends (with leggings) and work (with tailored trousers). Bonus: I'm pretty sure the star of the Lifetime movie I was watching today (a murderous psychopath, no less) was wearing this top.

Target Reagan Platform Loafers ($32) -- these classic penny loafers on steroids have a jolie laide quality that I love.

Banana Republic Factory Cuff-Sleeved Top ($6, on sale) -- snagged this super soft top on a great outlet trip over Labor Day weekend. The photo doesn't really do it justice, this tee is long and perfectly drapey, exactly what I love to wear with leggings while I'm working from home.

Not pictured:

H&M Button-Front Dress ($35) -- a simple little black dress in a flattering style (instantly reminded me of this great Boden dress, minus the awesome retro print).

H&M Knit Sweater ($25) -- I love shoulder buttons, and I was drooling over a rack of these sweaters on Instagram a few weeks ago. I really wanted all of them, but decided on the gray as it fills a little hole in my wardrobe.

Total: $185 ($15 under budget)

Turns out I was still able to stay within budget without dipping into funds from last month. Awesome.

Last month I shared a bit of a wish list for September shopping, and I only ended up with one item (the KS blouse); the Zara top wasn't right in person, and I waited too long on the Old Navy bag as its now sold out. Still thinking about the sexy mermaid swimsuit, but I feel like I'll need to have a fun vacation booked before I pull the trigger.

For October, I don't really have any purchases in mind. I've certainly seen plenty of things that I love, but I need to admit that I have a reaaalllyy stocked closet right now. I'll be on the lookout for a first round of fall price cuts, but tiny sales aren't likely to turn my head. I'm stalking a few items on eBay as well, and might use this opportunity to spend some of my monthly budget on resale deals.

What did you add to your closet this month? Sharing is caring, so let me know what you're loving right now.

As usual, linking up with Fran and the Budget Bloggers -- check out what the ladies bought this month!