Merona Pineapple Button-down, Target, $17.00 (originally $22.99)
Old Navy Pixi Pants, $29.99 (originally $34.94, on sale)
Old Navy Ponte Dress, $12.00 (originally $34.94, similar pictured)
Old Navy Belt, $6.99 (originally $14.94, clearance)*
Old Navy Cardigan, $19.94*
Old Navy Skirt, $24.94*
Joe Fresh for JCP Blouse, $10.99 (originally $29.00, clearance)
Printed Blouse, Marshall’s, $16.99 ($32.00 MSRP)
Dollhouse Sandals, Ross, $12.99
Nine West Purse, Ross, $29.99 ($64.00 MSRP)
Elephant Ring, Farmer’s Market, $5.00

* “Super Cash” purchase; saved $20 off  with super cash for purchase of $50 or more (clocked in at $51.87)

Total: $181.82 – $20.00* = $166.82 out of pocket
$101.58 over my budget of $60.24 (24¢ carryover from May)
Retail Value ≈ $290.68
Savings ≈ $123.85 (Est. Retail – Out of Pocket)

Yeah…that was a lot of math, but there was a lot of shopping this month! (Obviously, my Polyvore set is not a complete representation of my purchases.) I had a good reason for it though: a new job! After being in a casual workplace for a year, and having interned at places where trendiness was appreciated, I was certainly looking for some more business casual pieces, with an emphasis on business for once. A new wardrobe and budgeting challenge for sure.

The silver lining? I added a few key pieces to my closet (professional-looking satchel, a light summer cardigan, blouses) and I still managed to save over $100. Sometimes I’m not able to avoid paying full-price if I’m on a time crunch, but “Super Cash” (something I usually avoid, since you still have to spend a minimum amount of money first) and shopping at retailers such as Ross and Marshall’s softens the blow.

Anyone else face similar struggles once starting a new job?

~ Sarah

Linking up with Fran and other budgeting bloggers.