July 6, 2011

May & June Budget


Confession: I don't always spend my monthly allowance within that same month. Sometimes I spend into next month, and sometimes I go a whole month without spending anything at all. It's actually part of my budgeting strategy though. I am a big believer in everyone having a clothing budget, no matter what your income level. But just because you have a set amount of $ to spend in a month doesn't mean you should go out and try to spend that whole amount in any given month. What if you don't find anything you like? Or have zero time to go shopping? In that case, I really think it's better to hold onto your allowance and use it later. 

My budget for May and June were both $100. I skipped shopping in May (it was a busy month for me!) and did all my shopping in June (and went a teensy bit over). Another bonus to this strategy: there were amazing sales in June, so my money went further than it would have in May! Here's what I bought:

1. H&M ivory blouse, $18
2. H&M striped shirt, $10
3. Gap shorts, $24*
4. Limited shirt, $33 (purchased online with a coupon code, price includes shipping)
5. American Eagle dress, $20* 
6.  Gap leather belts, $7 and $12*
7. Gap neon belt, $11*
8. Forever 21 earrings, $6
9. H&M necklace, $13
10. JcPenney necklace, $15
11. H&M flower, $4
12. American Eagle feather necklaces, $5 each*
13. Express sandals, $16*
14. Nordstrom Rack sandals, $30                            Grand Total = $234

*Purchased in the store during a sale. No coupon was used. In-store prices are usually much lower than online prices.

22 comments:

  1. I really like the multi-colour necklace you bought for $15!  I agree that a woman should budget for her clothing and nothing wrong with saving up 1 month to shift the funds to the next!  Hope you are feeling better!  

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  2. I looked for that turquoise necklace at my H&M and they didn't have it! Boo :( But looks like you got some great buys, gotta love those June sales! :)

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  3. I really like your Gap neon belt and the Forever 21 earrings.  You are right, every woman should have a budget.  It really makes you think twice about your purchases and to see if you really love something enough to purchase. 

    http://www.hkstylejourney.blogspot.com/

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  4. You are so right- a budget is essential when it comes to clothes/shoes/accessories. I used to just assume I was spending an okay amount, but I stay within a set amount now. It's way too easy to order some stuff online and not notice how it totals up. I love those earrings!!

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  5. Great buys! I did have a question...when you shop, do you usually have what you want to get in mind or do you see something cute and try it on and get it if it's reasonable? And...do you usually visualize it going with something else you already have? Lately I've been buying stuff based on some of the things I see on your blog bc they look cute but I also have a little bit of an eclectic/detail taste so I also get stuff that are representations of my personality...but again, your blog has helped so much with my shopping.

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  6. $200 just isn't what it used to be, even shopping as frugal/savvy as you are. :)

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  7. I LOVE that you layed this out for us!!! I need to STICK to a budget! Love those sandals :)

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  8. jseverydayfashionJuly 6, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Rachel, it's both. I always have a few items on my wish list but I also just shop to see what's out there. This month, I am loving neon - so many of the items reflect that. I also needed flat sandals so I bought two pair of those which was a huge chunk of my budget. The other items (belts, H&M tops) were not planned though.

    As for visualizing something before I buy it. I do try to think of some different ways I can wear an item, but sometimes I can't imagine at all how I'm going to wear it as I'm buying it. I'll take it home based purely on the fact that I love it, have confidence in myself that I can figure it out, and usually a month later I'll get an idea and will be very thankful I went with my gut. :-)

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  9. jseverydayfashionJuly 6, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    Thanks Michelle! If you'd like to see other budget posts they are all archived under the "How To Articles" tab! :-)

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  10. jseverydayfashionJuly 6, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Thank you! Feeling much better today and hoping to have an outfit post for you guys tomorrow! :-)

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  11. I have the blue limited shirt that you listed.  It is WAY more beautiful in person than on that pic.  It is a vibrant blue and I got so many compliments when I wore it the other day.  I think you are going to love it!

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  12. jseverydayfashionJuly 6, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    I agree Jan, way better in person! I saw it in the store, but had to order it since no one in Orlando had my size. Can't wait to wear it!

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  13. Gaelle Nicloux-BarnettJuly 6, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    What a fresh summer palette you have there!

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  14. I don't have a shopping budget per se, but I typically shop in sprees. I usually get a fix for something and then go on a spree buying a lot of that item all at once (i.e. blazers, skirts etc.) and then not shopping for that item for a while. I recently spent over $150 just on accessories...but then I probably wont accessory shop again until the end of the season or so. So, in a way, I do something close to what you do. But I think I will hammer out an official shopping budget. That will make my hubby happy! :-)

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  15. i like your budget theory!
    brett

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  16. Gorgeous picks! I love the colorful jewelry and your prices are amazing. A girl after my own heart!
    xo
    Sharon
    www.fashion-isha.com

    Hope you stop by to say hi...I'm giving one of my fab followers $100 in honor of my upcoming birthday!

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  17. BrazenbeautyeditorJuly 7, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Love that you have a shopping strategy- so do I.

    brazenbeautyeditor.blogspot.com

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  18. You got the JCP necklace I've been eyeing. It's so pretty and a great price. You made some great selections for your wardrobe!
     

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  19. I really love those sandals from Nordstrom, I can't find it online :-( I have been searching for nude colored sandals for awhile.

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  20. I just saw the cutest necklace today at Forever 21. They're a great spot for fun, funky jewelry. I recently bought a new top that's a bit of a departure from my normal style, I worn it this week and it was fun, but I really need a long chain to pull it all together. I found an adorable owl on a chain for $3.80! When I saw the pic you have of the earrings, it reminded me that I better run back and get it!

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  21. I love this post - shows us all that you can buy really amazing items for practically nothing and look fab everyday :)

    xo Teresa
    www.teresalifeandstyle.blogspot.com

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  22. jseverydayfashionJuly 9, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    They didn't come with their box so I have no idea what the style name is. A reader told me they found these same sandals at DSW, so you could try going there!

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