I’m sitting here working on this post and watching Parks & Recreation, which is LIT-RALLY the greatest show in the universe. If you don’t watch it, you should start immediately and don’t stop until you’ve caught up on the first 6 seasons. Done? OK, great. So now you understand the concept behind “Treat Yo Self.” That’s what Tom and Donna are doing in tonight’s episode, and it’s what I did for myself this whole month. I opted not to bedazzle my elbows because it’s just not practical in the winter. Instead I stocked up on sweaters, coats, and jewelry.
As you probably remember, I use my blogging income to supplement my shopping budget, and January was a good month so I had plenty to work with. I would have spent the rest of my budget, but I had to hold back thanks to good ol’ vehicle troubles. It’s a little too cold to walk 15 miles to work, and I have exactly zero pairs of shoes appropriate for such distances. So. New tire thingamajig for me. #TreatYoself
My Budget
- ~$335 ($150 starting budget plus $185 leftover from December)
- ~$479 (blog income)
- ~$18 (sold old clothes)
= $832
What I Spent
- ~$167 on a black dress, sequin stripe sweater, red sweater, gray beanie (seen here), and polka dot faux fur scarf (seen here) from Ann Taylor (total orig. $399)
- ~$74 on black loafers from DSW (retail $98)
- ~$57 on a plum silk dress from Madewell (orig. $150)
- ~$106 on a green ponte tee and polka dot clutch from Kate Spade Saturday (total orig. $135)
- ~$61 on a crystal X ring, gray double-sided pearl earrings, and rose gold dog tag bracelet from Bauble Bar (total orig. $88)
- ~$130 on a bucket bag, plaid coat, white shaggy coat, and camel coat from Forever 21 (total orig. $196)
- ~$49 on my Le Tote subscription (I borrowed several items throughout the month, including the blue pleated top above, seen here)
= $644 (total retail value: $1,115!)
Look at that, $188 under budget. That almost makes up for my bill at the mechanic. There were only a couple things I bought at full price. I definitely took advantage of all the post-holiday sales.
What I Received
- ~Kate Spade flats and crystal & pearl cuff, courtesy of Shopbop
See how the rest of the budgeting bloggers treated themselves this month – linking up with Franish!
Lol, you have almost the exact same amount of money left over this month as you had last month! Love that polkadot clutch you picked up 🙂
Good catch, I noticed that too! I’m thinking of just not carrying it forward…I need to save more money anyway!
Ooo I’ve been on the hunt for a bucket bag. How do you like the one you got?
I like it a lot, especially for the price! It’s faux leather but it’s a pretty decent quality. I don’t think I’ll be a bucket bag user for life though, because they do make it kind of annoying to get to your stuff.
I totally eyed that coat on F21’s website – it’s so pretty! You got a lot of great deals this month!
That bucket bag is from F21? Well, that little beauty might be a part of my Feb. budget post;) You got some great stuff!
Cheers,
Joanne
FabulouslyAverage
That Crystal Mason ring from Bauble Bar is an EXCELLENT purchase. I get comments on mine all the time, including many who think it is real gold/gemstones.
I was also considering that bucket bag but ultimately passed — I like the look of them, but I fear I’ll just turn it into a black hole of frustration. But I do think this is a good one to test drive if you’re in the market!