This month was a bit different. I normally sell quite a bit of my old items that don't fit, are outdated, or just don't work with my current lifestyle. When I do that, I add that in to my budget as money I'm allowed to spend for the month. Generally, this provides at least $100 extra or so. This month I didn't sell anything. Did I want to? Sure, of course. But it just didn't happen.
I also returned the black Edie bag featured in last month's post. It sat in the wrapping for about 3 weeks after purchasing it, and if there's one thing I've learned about myself, it's that if it's not worn or used within a few days of purchasing, I'm not excited about it, and it needs to go back. I exchanged it for this blouse and this cozy shirt that were in the 30% off sale instead, which I've already worn. If I'm being honest, they're more useful day to day. We're all still learning as we go, right?
I also took advantage of a 30% off Madewell sale and picked up another pair of flats. After doing an inventory of my closet at the beginning of the year, I put a pair of tan, go with everything flats on my list, and felt lucky to find the perfect pair on sale.
I ended up about $50 over my budget, and would have been quite a bit under, if it weren't for my handbag purchase, via Poshmark. A tan satchel is another item I've had on my wishlist, and at over 60% off the retail price, this Rebecca Minkoff was hard to turn down. So while last month I had a surplus, I'm going to be starting April with $50 less to my budget.
Do you have a clothing budget? I am encouraged to maintain mine by linking up with these ladies every month.
Merona Heather Sweatshirt | Merona Chambray Shirt | Madewell Elephant Earrings | Rebecca Minkoff Desire Satchel via Poshmark | J.Crew Copley Bag via eBay | J.Crew Jacquard Stripe Sweatshirt | Madewell Holepunch Sidewalk Skimmers | Madewell Elephant Ring | J.Crew Medallion Blouse
I'm the same way -- if I buy something and don't use/wear it right away, odds are I probably won't. My friend actually clued me in on that little fact and I've been using it since. I can't even tell you how many items have been returned because I haven't touched them.
ReplyDeleteI always feel a little guilty, but at the same time, I know I will feel even more guilty if it's still sitting there, six months later, with tags. Happily, I've pretty much eliminated that habit. Do you feel a little weird when you go to the store? I never know what to tell the salesperson because "just changed my mind" seems so...awkward.
ReplyDeleteI never feel guilty returning stuff. I usually only feel guilty having bought something, haha. When I return things, I just say "I'd like to return this" and that's it. If they ask if I changed my mind, I'll say yes, but they never seem to question me.
ReplyDeleteLove those shoes and that pretty flowing tank. And I agree about the not wearing/using it!
ReplyDeleteI love learning about your clothing budget! Typically, I go for months without buying anything and then, when the next season rolls around, I go on a bit of a spree. That's what happened this month, which was only made worse by Anthropologie's dress sale. Ack! Back on track this month...
ReplyDeleteGood finds! I'm jealous that you found a Rebecca Minkoff on Poshmark! I've been searching through my closet to see if I have anything to sell.
ReplyDeletemy husband and i just set our first budget this weekend (embarrassing considering our age) and it'll be interesting to see how much i actually spend, i have no idea! i think i don't spend much since i thrift a lot, but we'll see... i think i should join this group for accountability!
ReplyDeleteI had NO idea how much I was spending. And at almost 30 I was embarrassed, too. But....better late than never. If you have an iPhone, one of the girls in the group suggested using an app called Cash Flow Free on your phone. I put in my budget at the beginning of each month, and then I deduct from it as soon as I buy something...that way I'm always on track with how much I've spent (or overspent, yikes). The group is excellent for little tips like that!
ReplyDeleteI did the same until I moved here...there's no such thing as "seasons" so I started steady buying year round. I quickly realized that by doing so, I was spending more doing that than I realized! I had a "come to Jesus" chat with myself and prepared the budget. I'll admit, I've bombed it on occasion, but for the most part...it keeps me on the right path!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many Rebecca Minkoff bags on Poshmark! Literally, tons! Especially if you want something like a MAC clutch. The discount on mine was quite high compared to the others, but most are at least 20-30% off retail! Check there!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I have my own private budget but the idea of being accountable to someone other than myself or my boyfriend is a great idea. It encourages you to be thrifty and if you are going to over spend, have it be on a great sale item or an essential. I find Mint.com also really helpful as it emails me every week letting me know how much i'm spending in certain categories. Another little personal reminder :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with the not keeping it if you haven't worn it. I never understand how people have all of these clothes with tags still on because I always want to wear mine right away! In the end you'll get more wear out of those pieces anyway, and now you have a purse you are excited about! I'm so glad we are holding each other accountable. Just think of me and my pointy finger ;)
ReplyDeleteI love your budget posts. I realllllly need to join the budgeting bloggers. Like Joy, I tend to save for a few months and then splurge. You have also inspired me to get onto Poshmark! I have so many things in my closet that I could sell. I love the blouse and the elephant ring and earrings (#rolltide).
ReplyDeleteI don't have a specific clothing budget but I do have a sort of monthly budget. Honestly, I really need to work on my budgeting skills because I know I could be doing better when it comes to how I spend my money!
ReplyDeleteI had it sort of in my head but when I put pen to paper and realized how far off I was...man...it was a wake up call!
ReplyDeleteI am always thinking of you and that pointy finger! I think honestly, people who leave tags on things and forget, may have too much. I used to do the same when I had a giant walk in closet in Atlanta. Things could just disappear and I would forget about them, especially if it was cheaper. Now I have very little space to work with, so it sits and stares me in the face daily until it gets used. If it doesn't, I just know it needs to go back. Or mean Fran will stare me down.
ReplyDeletehaha! sorry! I couldn't help it! All the elephantssssss.
ReplyDeleteGood to know - and also interesting that you buy more in the fall and winter - excited/scared to find out what my patterns are!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed with how you stick to not only your budget but also your super chic color palette! Good work! Do you have any tips for scoring things off eBay?
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Here&Now
Sorry to be so late in responding to your question (see latest post!) but yes! I do have eBay tips! I usually set up a saved search for things I'm interested in like Vince Sweater, Size M. Then it shows them to me in my homefeed and I will "watch" them. I just check it daily and see if anything pops up that I like, and then I wait to bid on it until less than 24 hours left of the auction. I bid the highest amount I'm willing to pay. And then if it gets outbid, I just let it go. The hardest part is not to get sucked in to the bidding frenzy! That strategy keeps me from doing so.
ReplyDeleteI also look for items from individual sellers versus big resellers. They tend to be more affordable.
Thanks lady! I am going to do a blog post with the best shopping advice I have received from blogging friends & I am definitely including this wonderful nugget!
ReplyDeletexx