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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!