July Budget

When I first started following blogs on the regular, I was in search of sites that shared fashionable looks at a budget-friendly prices. Through various web searches, I eventually stumbled upon Franish and her "Monthly Budget Link-Up".

This link-up was one of those threads that I made note of as a “definite” for when I began my own blog. And now, 4 months into blogging, I am finally joining in on the fun.

After thinking long and hard about a reasonable budget and keeping in mind what I typically spend on clothes each month, I have decided to allow myself $100-150 per month on clothing and accessories. 

I fully anticipate that there will be months where extra funds roll over, as well as months where I go over budget (as you will see here in a moment with July…) but hopefully participating in this link-up will help to make me more aware of my purchases and mindful of what I buy.

And so, here is my very first Monthly Budget Link-Up.

Jewels:

Gorjana "Taner" Small Bar Pendant Necklace: $39.90

Crisscross Hoop Earrings: $15.90 

Kendra Scott "Hazel" Stone Stud Earrings: $29.90

Kendra Scott "Arden" Station Cuff: $32.90

I purchased a few new pieces of jewelry to add a little more spice to my wardrobe beyond funky earrings from travels. I’m excited to see them in person and choose my favorite(s).

Bags:

Street Level Vegan Leather Pocket Tote: $31.90

BP. Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag: $20.90

Oxblood, wine, whatever you want to call it, this red is my favorite fall shade and may even be my favorite color (don't tell orange). Thus, a wine colored purse screamed my name for fall. The vegan leather tote has mixed reviews of an odd smell (fingers crossed nooo), but many notes on how cute it is and how it fits a laptop for school or work. I figured I'd give it a go.

Tops:

BP. Stripe High/Low Tee: $12.90

Treasure & Bond PlaidHigh/Low Popover Top: $44.90

BP. Long Textured Open Cardigan: $31.90

$12 for a striped shirt in a color I don’t often find but love? Sure I’ll try it out. I’m also hoping this plaid shirt in cool tones will be a keeper. We will have to see how it looks layered with the grey cardigan as mine is 8 years old and also falling to bits…

Shoes:

Sam Edelman "Alaine" Scalloped Topline Flat: $64.90

The purchase I am most excited about. My favorite teal flats from Target are literally falling apart so I am hoping these beauties will be able to take their place. Almost $70 for a pair of flats is still steep for my budget, but when you compare them to these, $70 doesn’t seem that bad after all…

Not Pictured:

While in Spain and Italy, I have also purchased an Ignatian Camino T-Shirt (10 euro) and a beach cover-up/skirt (14 euro) which comes to about $26.40 with the conversion rate.

Total: $383.39

Aaaand already I am waaaay over budget. Oy. 

To be fair, July is my birthday month, so I was generously gifted money specifically for shopping from multiple family members.

I blame the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for this one. Please notice that every item pictured is from the sale...

I have a feeling that at least 3 of the items will be returned once I can actually see them at the end of August. I know for a fact I will not keep everything I bought. If I'm online shopping and there are free returns I often spend more than budgeted just so I can try more on as I would in a store. So, even though my heart races every time I say that total number, I know that it will come down substantially once I'm back in the States and can take a closer look. 

For instance, I purchased multiple pieces of jewelry with the intent of choosing my favorite one or two pieces and returning the others. There's no way I could spend $100 on jewelry at one sale. My wallet would combust.

 And after reading reviews, the striped top is likely to be too tight in the arms which is a no-go for me, but we’ll just have to wait and see… 

What did your shopping basket look like this month? Did you practice more self control at the Anniversary Sale than I did? 

Peace,
Sarah

Linking up with Franish.