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February Budget

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Feb Budget

Old Navy camisole, $3.50 (originally $4.50)
Old Navy hair ties, $4.00
Print Button-down (Burlington Coat Factory), $10.98
Nude Flats (Burlington Coat Factory), $9.99

Total: $28.48 ($10.40 over my budget of $18.08, after going over in January by $41.92)

News flash: it’s still cold and miserable here in Philadelphia, so I guess it was a good thing I don’t have all that much money to spend on clothing right now. I swear I shop at other stores besides Old Navy and Burlington, but my office is attached to a mall and these are by far the best managed stores there.

Like last month, there were the practical purchases and the fun ones. I went into ON after work one day because I desperately needed hair ties and found this cheap camisole, perfect for a base layer during this eternal winter (though it is a little too sheer to wear alone in the summer).

As for my fun purchases, they came out of sheer boredom but I’m pretty happy with them. I haven’t worn either the button-down or flats yet because of the weather, though hopefully that changes soon. The flats are a tad too girly for me, but I’ve been looking for nude flats for ages, and you can’t beat the quality and price.

I’m really excited about the button-down though, and it’s easily my favorite purchase in a while. The splotchy dot print is fun but still dressy, and it can be worn cuffed or uncuffed (and the button tab is camouflaged perfectly in the print). So it’s pretty well-made and the original tag listed the price at $59.00, so it was a definite score from the clearance racks.

For March, I’m happy I’ll have a little more wiggle room budget-wise (just shy of $50 set aside), but I’m hoping to take sometime before shopping for any spring pieces. I’ll be too happy to reunite with my old favorites before wanting to add more to the mix.

~ Sarah

Linking up with Fran and other budgeting bloggers.

January Budget

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January Purchases
Nautica Puffer Jacket (Burlington Coat Factory), $69.99 (similar pictured)
Anne Klein Knee Socks (Burlington Coat Factory), $4.99 (not pictured)
Fleece-lined Tights (Burlington Coat Factory), $4.99 (not pictured)
Old Navy Yoga Pants, $17.00*
Old Navy Sports Bra (2), $8.00*
InPink Earrings, $16.00 ($0 with promo code) + $6.95 shipping

*Old Navy purchases included $7.00 shipping total, coming out to $40.00 – $25.00 gift card = $15.00 out of pocket

Total: $101.92 ($41.92 over my $60 budget)

As I mentioned in my shopping post last week, I’m making more of a conscious effort to shop smart. One way to hold myself accountable is joining a Budgeting Bloggers linkup hosted by Fran. I definitely went over budget this time around, but that’s due to my largest purchase: a Nautica puffer jacket, which is a necessity in the polar vortex. Since I bought it at Burlington, it was already discounted, and it’s reversible which is a nice bonus. (The only bad thing is that due to a couple scratches from my dog, I now need to take it to a tailor for a couple fixes.)

With the exception of some rose gold studs (I think statement earrings are making a comeback), everything I bought was pretty practical. Along with the jacket, the tights and socks were used for layering during the coldest days. I’ve also realized fitted black yoga pants are better alternative to leggings: thicker with an actual waist so they don’t ride down. And more appropriate for dog walking. (They do run long, but I wear them with boots.)

Next month I hope to come in way wonder my budget, with the exception of any birthday gifts I buy for Nick. If you’re keeping a shopping budget, how did you do this month?

~ Sarah

Linking up with Fran and other budgeting bloggers.

Shop ‘Til You Drop?

- Sarah 11 Comments
On Shopping and Blogging
A peek into my messy closet.

It’s clearance season, and I love a good sale — it’s sort of my thing. So far this month, though, I’m not really into it. And I think this is a very good thing.

From the past two clearance sale, I have been noticing that many online websites and applications are all relying on the use of AI to improve customer service. On further reading about it on the salesforce website, I realised that it’s an exceptional strategy to build goodwill with potential customers.

Before I dive into my personal nitty-gritty, let’s make one thing clear: fashion blogging is materialistic. Whether you’re a consumer or creator or both, at one point or another, you have been focused on these material objects, whether they be clothing, accessories or beauty products. And that’s okay — it’s inherent in the subject, no matter your budget. And while it’s nothing to feel guilty over (fashion and shopping are fun!), it is important to be aware of it.

When I was in college, I was pretty frugal because I had no other choice. I was living in New York City, and starting my junior year, I no longer had a meal plan and was commuting at least 2 times a week to an unpaid internship without a part-time job on the side. I got by with a $400 stipend each semester, as well as help from my parents, who were also awesome enough to take care of my room and board and book expenses.  (Tuition was covered by an academic scholarship, but I still have over $25,000 in government student loans.)

Once I graduated and started working, my money habits understandably changed. For the first time, I could expect a weekly paycheck. I started paying about $300 a month on my loans before my grace period expired. And I started shopping, a lot. Well at least “a lot” by my standards.

On Shopping and Blogging
A screenshot of my “clothing” transactions on Mint. I think we can see a pattern.

I had good reason for this: my wardrobe needed a serious upgrade. I needed clothing that was a bit more professional (though my current workplace has a pretty relaxed dress code), and my style had also slowly evolved. A few months ago, I also slowly started purging my closet, something I haven’t done in years. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m at a point where I like and wear most of my closet. I think.

Which leads me to my current lack of clearance rack perusing. I have a (slightly) better understanding of what I like to wear and what I want to wear than I did even 6 months ago. With this, I’ve realized I don’t need a lot of the clothing I already have, and I certainly don’t need to buy more. Do I still have holes in my closet? Of course. But now I’m more inspired to pare down my closet than add to it. And when you read over 70 blogs on a regular basis — with this blogger and that blogger touting their most recent, remixable purchase — that’s not an easy place to get to.

So while it does feel a bit strange to not be shopping all these great end-of-season sales, it’s a bit rewarding too. I’ve still shopped for clothes, but it’s been for very practical items — which you’ll see next Friday when I post my January clothing budget and purchases in a Budgeting Bloggers linkup. Shopping smart isn’t just about saving money, and fashion blogging isn’t just about sharing your favorite “it” items. I think it’s a totally cool way to share your individuality and creativity with others, or else I wouldn’t be a participant.

Has this ever been something you’ve experienced — being more drawn to shopping after reading blogs (or similar mediums like fashion magazines), even though you already have more stuff than you know what to do with? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

~ Sarah