January 2016 Clothing Budget
J. Crew Factory gingham navy button up: $31.50, plus 3% cash back with Splender
JC Penney cream quilted vest: $20, plus 12% cash back with Splender
Target black and white striped tunic: originally $28, on clearance plus extra 20% off–>$15
January total: $66.50
Annual clothing allotment: $600 ($50 a month) = $533.50 remaining for the year
Not bad for my first month with my new clothing goals! You know what helps? A job where you don’t have to dress up because you work in your basement. It’s definitely helped me cut down, but at the same time- I love to “collect” clothes and curate a nice wardrobe if that makes sense. Making outfits is really fun to me, and although I am not doing it as often as I used to, I still have fun making outfits when I go out on weekends or other random occasions :-)
Also really starting to work on that whole notion of “quality over quantity” and buying with intention. Case in point- in December, I bought a whopping 15 items. Fifteen! I bought three things this month, and feel really good about it. I’m starting to settle on my closet color pallette- which consists of lots of neutrals like black, white/cream…and add in navy. Still working on the “pop of color” since my closet has about one of each color and not a real theme popping out yet. And the three items I did purchase? Neutral and in my color pallete and as a result- super remixable and fit my current casual-dress lifestyle. Win! (And by the way- how cute is that vest?! It’s a much cheaper dupe to the J. Crew..and even JCF vest out now. I’m still waiting for mine to arrive, but hoping it’s a keeper.)
In the coming months, I’m on the hunt for the following things (although it will be interesting to see how this list might change over time):
-Classic cream knit sweater: willing to spend on quality…any suggestions?
–Hunter Tour Packable Boots: not a need, but would love the version that packs easily over my current ones!
-D’orsay flats: have always been curious about these. Ordered this pair this month actually but after trying the 9 and 10, I need a 9.5 and they don’t have it. Oh well- meant to be! Thought they’d be nice support and flattering look for some work travel coming up and a baptism that T and I will be godparents for (so exciting!)
–Cashmere black sweater: timeless, classic, long lasting (I hope!) and a current void in my closet.
-Long sleeve white tee: I have some Old Navy SuperCash for February, so hoping I can find something then.
–Neutral cocoon wrap sweater: very remixable and cozy, and loved seeing it on Fran, along with this forest cardigan, which would go with all my navy…and Green hunters. Why is Medium out of stock in both?!?
–Black maxi dress:already planning ahead for warmer temps :-)
–Ivory or cream blazer: would be a nice addition for said upcoming work travel/baptism, and would complete many of the dresses/skirts I still own
–Fossil Ivy Tote: it’s an old style, but I love the look/design of it…and because I have a thing for bags. #treatyoself
Lastly, and in full disclosure, I received the following items from my generous sponsors:
Luna Pullover Hood, Solstice Bra, Satellite Pieced Leggings c/o Lukka Lux (worn here)
Live, Love Barre Tank and Tuck, Pulse and Be Merry Tank c/o Edje Activ (worn here)
How did you do this month? What’s on your wishlist? Any suggestions on where to find some of the stuff I’m looking for?
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I’ve been on the hunt for dressy and casual tunic tops. As a new mom myself, I’ve found leggings are often the easiest thing to wear while playing around the house with a crawling baby, but I also feel that as a mom, I’m past the stage where my hiney should be sticking out. Thus, tunics (theoretically) let me stay comfy but also age appropriate.
Problem is, I have a hard time finding styles that are in my working-from-home-part-time budget (read: cheap, lol) and aren’t billowing sheets of material. I don’t need skin-tight pieces, but something that shows a little silhouette would be nice, lol. Any ideas?
Steph- I totally get you on the leggings! And tunics are a great option to still look put together! It’s tough because you want them semi-fitted so you don’t look like you are residing in a tent (to your point) but want the looseness to cover the bootie. I found one on sale at Nordstrom that you might like– they have free shipping and returns, and they price match!
Check it out: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lush-perfect-roll-tab-sleeve-tunic/4014220?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=IVORY
And be sure to set up a free Ebates account first and get another 3% back, plus $10 as a new member…I use it all.the.time. http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=Cl71%2FKzTGkapMMlW7CfIRA%3D%3D&eeid=28187
That striped tunic is super cute! I love that it will keep your neck warm without all the bulk of a hood!
Thanks Laura! Exactly..and the pockets are an added bonus!
I’m loving the gingham shirt and white vest you picked up this month! I only went 40 cents over budget, so I’m counting that as being on budget ;) I don’t really have a solid wishlist on the go right now because my body is changing rapidly (22 weeks pregnant does that to a person), but this summer I’ll probably start putting one together once things start going back down and settling out.
Have you tried consignment or thrifting shopping? At $50 a month it may be a little harder to buy nice quality versions of your wishlist at retail shops, but I’ve had some luck in consignment shops. I found a brand new 100% cashmere sweater for $25 last year. Could be worth a shot?
Thanks for reading Cassie! And well done on your budget..I wouldn’t say that is over, I’d round down :-) And congrats on the baby- I bet you are having fun dressing the bump!
I have tried consignment shopping- it’s pretty hit or miss but I’ve gotten some nice pieces like my Loft cargo jacket which I love! But I’m cool with spending over $50 a month, it’s more of an annual budget of $600 to spend however I want throughout the year so I can buy those pricier quality pieces. I just hope I can be as lucky as you with that sweater- amazing!!
If you find the perfect cream sweater you have to share! I have one from Loft but I’m not totally in love with it.
Also, that striped tunic sweatshirt is perfect! I wish I’d found that one on the clearance rack at my Target. I’ve been looking for something with a slight cowl neck but not a full hood but haven’t found the perfect item.
I definitely will! Right now, this one is on my list.
And I hope you can find the tunic- I love it! Just take a peek at inventory at other stores- I did that and had them hold it, otherwise I wouldn’t have found it.