March

This month, I was a pretty good at maintaining my budget. One thing I really like about linking up with Budgeting Bloggers each month is the accountability. How could I call myself on a budget if each month I blow through my budget and then some? And slowly but surely, I am learning to stick with it each month. Last month I even had a surplus!

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 I normally sell quite a bit of my old items that don't fit, are outdated, or just don't work with my current lifestyle.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

WHAT TO GET GIRLS

Alright, yesterday we gave a lot of heat to the guys for being hard to shop for. Now that you have some great ideas for them, we have to admit that girls aren't so easy to shop for either. If you're a guy looking for something for your girlfriend, wife, sister, or mother, might we recommend some of these?

This necklace is both edgy and classic - a great piece that she'll have for years that defies trends as they come and go.

I own these booties in a taupe suede, but I've got my eye on this black pair after getting so much wear out of my first pair. These look great with jeans, leggings, or skirts.

The ultimate bag in the perfect shade of grey - she can use this every single season with any outfit.

If a shiny new iPhone is at the top of her Christmas list, make sure she's got a case to keep that precious new possession protected.

Every girl needs a leather jacket in her closet. This one's budget friendly but not lacking in the style department.

And for the girl who has it all, stationary is always a safe bet. We love this black and gold set that comes packaged in a gift ready box - for all you wrapping challenged men out there.

PS - Don't forget to listen to the Seventeenth and Irving Very Merry Holidays playlist while wrapping up your gifts!