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Row 1: Skirt // Top (c/o Shopbop) // Earrings // Bag (c/o Shopbop)
Row 2: Bracelet // Booties (on sale) // Necklace (under $20) // Pumps (on sale)
Row 3: Maxi Dress // Duster // Pants // LBD
Row 4: Scarf // Slides (on sale, c/o Shopbop) // Dress // Sweater (on sale)
August tends to be a good month for my closet because it’s my birthday month! I always get birthday money and gift cards and coupons, so I get to do lots of shopping without spending too much of my “real” money.
August’s Budget: $606
($150 starting budget – $69 overspent in July + $300 birthday moolah + $225 blog income minus taxes)
August’s Spending: $533
Let’s talk b’day goodies first, shall we? Kristin helped me pick out a fun and colorful skirt at J. Crew (she also got me an adorable “PARIS” t-shirt, but my size is on backorder so I’ll get a surprise in the mail in a few weeks). My grandparents-in-law got me a DSW gift card, which I used to buy what I call my “scandalous Victorian booties.” My in-laws gave me a Target gift card, which I used on new skinny jeans and a gray duster cardigan. My parents, being the thoughtful and generous people that they are, gave me my very favorite gift – a check – and I spent it on two dresses from Loft and jewelry from Kendra Scott (the earrings above, plus a ring I designed myself). I made my birthday moolah go the extra mile by using my birthday coupon from Loft and shopping during a sale. Oh, and Kendra Scott gives a birthday month discount, PLUS I got a free gift with purchase because the new KS store just happened to open on my birthday. Basically, it was an epic birthday shopping trip.
I also saved up a couple months’ worth of Shopbop credits (they’re a sponsor, FYI) and got an off-the-shoulder top, leather slides, a bee-yoo-tiful suede fringe bag, and a plaid button-up (not pictured).
A responsible person would have been satisfied with all her gifts and not spent her own money on more stuff she doesn’t need, but I can’t be responsible all the time. That would be boring, and who needs to retire, anyway? There were so many good end-of-summer sales going on, so I ordered another pair of culottes from Madewell, along with a t-shirt and cotton sweater (both still on sale). My final purchase of the month was during the last Ann Taylor sale, when I got a silk neck scarf (I really think I can pull it off), suede pumps, and a blush shirtdress.
I’m actually pretty proud of myself, because a lot of what I got is going to transition really well to fall (go ahead and judge me for my style blogger cliche – I can take it). AND not only did I make up for last month’s overspending, but I stayed under budget for this month!
Be sure to visit the other budgeting bloggers who link up with Franish! Those ladies keep me in check.
DYING over basically everything here — the J.Crew skirt, the Madewell bag, the scarf, the slides, the maxi! Curious: does the Madewell sweater shirt fit like the “rorange” top with the buttons on the back? I have that top too and love it, so if this fits the same I might need it!
xo nicole
writeslikeagirlblog.com
I’d say the sweater fits a little more snug-ly in the shoulders. Not by a lot though. Overall the shape is similar, just roomier in the rorange top. Glad rorange is catching on, btw.
Your budget posts are seriously my favorite ones to read every month. Not only do you find a way to make your money really stretch, but I love how your family knows you so well that they get you exactly what you love! happy birthday lady, here’s to another wonderful year
Haha, or maybe my family thinks I’m ridiculously picky so they’d rather not even try to pick out something for me. Either way, I’m happy with their choices.
I LOVE how you spend your money – such a great mix of basic, work horse pieces and fun statements. Can’t wait to see how you style everything!
Thanks for being an enabler!
Love that skirt! Such pretty palette. I eyeballed it but high waisted skirts don’t fit me well. Great picks!