You guys. I ROCKED February shopping-wise. It was a good month: First of all, I had a healthy chunk of extra income to pump up my budget. Second, I managed not to blow it all, which is a miracle for me. Third, I got some really great stuff.
My biggest purchase was a dress from Madewell. I tried it on in the store on Feb. 1 and immediately fell in love, but I knew it was a bad idea for me to spend $130 that early in the month. I decided to wait at least 2 weeks and reassess my budget. I sold some old clothes so I had enough to buy it at full price, but I was hoping there would be a sale. I decided I would wait until Feb. 20 for a sale and if there wasn’t one, I would just take the plunge. I couldn’t risk it selling out! Lo and behold, on the morning of the 20th I woke up to see an email from Madewell: 30% off spring styles and free shipping. Like it was meant to be. It just came in the mail yesterday so you’ll see it on the blog soon!
I also got the final touches for my Barristers’ Ball (aka Law School Prom) outfit. The old Sarah probably would have made some excuse like “well, it’s a special occasion so it doesn’t count toward my budget.” But the new Sarah isn’t making any more excuses! The Ball is this Saturday, and I can’t wait to show off my outfit. If you want a preview before it hits the blog, just stalk me on Instagram this weekend.
Anyway, here’s the breakdown! You might remember from my first Budgeting Bloggers post that my budget is sort of a moving target. For more details on how I come up with my shopping budget, see this post.
February Budget
- +$129 ($150 starting amount minus the $21 I overspent in January)
- +$109 (sold clothes at local consignment and resale shops)
- +$223 (blog income)
= $461
What I Spent
- -$50 on a hat from Anthropologie (you’ve seen me wear it 3x already!)
- -$53 on leopard booties from Nordstrom Rack (orig. price $160, on clearance and I had a $10 gift card)
- -$37 on nude pumps from 6pm.com (retail price $89)
- -$58 on a sequin top and statement necklace from ModCloth (top originally $70, on sale, plus I had a $7 credit and 10% off code)
- -$80 on a Peter Pilotto dress and field jacket from Target
- -$24 on a wool cape from Forever 21 (orig. price $48)
- -$97 on an olive dress from Madewell (orig. price $130)
=$399 (retail value $650)
That’s $62 under budget, people! *pats self on back*
As for gifted items…
What I Received
- Rose gold watch and heart bracelet from Dainty Wrist Jewelry
- Floral bead bib necklace from Fresh Produce
- Wave print infinity scarf from House of Gemmes
So, how did the rest of you do this month? Have you just given up on shopping until the weather gets nicer and you can buy pretty dresses? That’s not a bad idea actually.
Linking up with Fran’s Budgeting Bloggers
I definitely like shopping on a budget. All great picks girl 🙂
xo TJ
http://www.hislittlelady.com
I’m super impressed with your blog income! Is that all from affiliate links?
It’s about half affiliate, half sponsored posts.
wow, you got some great pieces… I went shopping a little but fortunately didn’t overdo it!
http://lucandrob.wordpress.com/
Those nude pumps look perfect – great classic shoes to add to your closet!
http://www.pennypincherfashion.com
Don’t you just love when the budget all lines up to allow you to spend a little more on amazing stuff? 🙂 Awesome haul.
Indeed I do! The bigger my budget is, the easier it is to stay within it. Funny how that works. 😉
What consignment and resale shops do you go to in Indy? I have a ton of stuff to take, but can’t decide where to go!
Butterfly Consignment and Simply Chic Boutique. The latter pays up front. It’s sort of like Plato’s Closet but for grownups 🙂
Love this!
http://jenessasheffield.wordpress.com/
Cute blog! I definitely need to learn to track my shopping budget a little better! Good job on rocking it this month!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
You got some really great pieces. I especially love the dress!
Adorable Madewell dress! I purchased a skirt during that same sale, but there’s a dress I’ve been eyeing and I hope to snag it during another sale. I also love the Forever 21 cape and ModCloth necklace–great buys!
xo Kimi
Girl, you are awesome. Thanks for sharing your budget! It seems that some bloggers spend and spend and spend. But, I really believe living under or within our means. Thanks for the example. Any tips for bloggers that would like a blog income??
Great mix of basic and interest pieces! I especially love the cape, the sparkly peplum, and the Peter Pilotti dress.
I got a cape too! great finds – I love the Madewell dress, it’s a piece that you’ll wear over and over again. I went WAY over budget in February. But I did find an awesome thrifted Coach laptop bag for my new job.
You definitely got some great items for petty good deals. That Madewell dress is STUNNING.