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| Old Navy / Old Navy / Limited / Limited Banana / Limited / Banana Gap / Limited / Marshall's Banana / Old Navy / Target / Gap / Limited |
It's my favorite time of year for shopping! You simply can't beat the post-Christmas deals in stores. Here's how I spent my December budget - most items I picked up yesterday, and some I grabbed during Christmas shopping last week. Not everything is 100% final, but pretty close! Here's what I got:
1. Old Navy plaid, $17 - I can't get enough plaid lately and this top was perfect to wear on Christmas Day. I also love this red plaid shirt from Banana.
2. Old Navy fox sweater, $16 - A reader helped me track this sweater down a couple weeks ago. Using the style # (see link for it), I called the store and had one shipped to me from another city.
3. Limited bow sweater, $25 - I'm trying not to go overboard with the graphic sweater trend, but I couldn't resist this blush pink sweater on sale yesterday. I also love this bow sweater from Forever 21.
4. Limited sequin cardigan, $20 - I was crushing on this sweater last month but couldn't bring myself to spend $40 on it. I found it for half that yesterday (75% off original price) and happily scooped it up.
5. Banana burgundy cardigan, $22 - You may recall that I bought a burgundy cardigan from Banana last month for $19 - a button popped off and I don't have a replacement button so I decided to pick up a replacement sweater. Still hoping to fix the other one, but I also love the four front pockets on this version.
6. Limited striped skirt, $25 - I bought this on Black Friday and only recently decided to keep it. It's soft and comfy and I can't wait to pair it with boots.
7. Banana navy top, $20 - A classic piece that I will wear for years, and grabbed on sale yesterday.
8. Gap hat, $10 - I immediately regretted this purchase. No idea how I'm going to pull this hat off, but I just might try!
9. Limited necklace, $20 - I used a $15-off coupon they were handing out in the store yesterday for this price. Not entirely sure I'm keeping it yet.
10. Marshall's shoes, $28 - The Me Too shoes pictured are very similar to the ones I picked up at Marshall's on clearance yesterday, but mine have a slight wedge. I need more practical almost-flat shoes in my closet and I love the cap toe.
11. Banana white dress, $24 - I fell in love with this dress a couple months ago and am beyond psyched I found one at this price! I need to have it altered (none of the sizes fit perfectly), however, the tailoring cost is worth it with that price.
12. Old Navy pink dress, $9 - This dress is much more neon than pictured, and will be perfect this spring. It was on clearance in the store, no coupon.
13. Target pink jeans, $22 - I tried on these blush pink jeans on a whim and fell in love. They also come in mint and tons of other colors online.
14. Gap velvet jeans, $24 - I ordered these from another store (my store didn't have my size). Can't wait for them to arrive.
15. Limited plaid jeans, $20 - I never would've given these jeans a second thought if they hadn't been on the clearance rack, but now that I tried them on, I love them.
Grand Total = $302
My budget is $250 per month. I had $26 left from last month's budget and will either carry over the remaining $30 into January's budget, or return an item. To learn more see "How To Set a Clothing Budget."
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| LOFT / Ann Taylor / Gap |
Also, an update on mint skinnies. I tried on all three of these while Christmas shopping and loved all of them. The Gap ones are my favorite color-wise, but I liked the length of the LOFT ones better. I'm waiting for a good sale/promo on the Gap ones and will likely scoop them up. All three are good options though!
What deals did you score in December? What items are on your January wish list?
I have been on the hunt for a pair of mint green skinnies too. I like the Ann Taylor ones, thanks for the info on where to find some. My deal in December was the Rock and Republic cobalt blue tuxedo blazer from Kohls. I scored it for $9.60! Happy New Year :)
ReplyDeleteI have that Limited bow sweater in black and I absolutely love it! Great picks!
ReplyDeletexo
Sam
www.lepetitepear.com
Just wanted to say I love your blog! My goal for 2013 is to get my spending under control, and you're clothing budget advice is just what I needed. Can't wait to see what you share in 2013!
ReplyDeletegreat idea to budget out... i should really set one for myself :)
ReplyDeletemaybe a 2013 goal!
happy new year!
xo - heather
This Life Is Yours Blog
Wow girl, you do a crazy amount of shopping - I wish I could spend that much all the time - color me green! Between rent, student loans, and groceries if I spent $3000 a month I'd be living in a box (with a bunch of cute clothes!). I feel like I make a decent amount of money, too! That fox sweater is adorable - I've tried on a few different animal sweaters but haven't found my "spirit sweater animal" yet, hehe.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple questions, though - why not just buy new buttons and replace all the buttons on the other burgundy cardigan? A set of six standard buttons shouldn't be more than $5, or even fancy buttons wouldn't be more than $10 - much cheaper than buying a new cardigan, plus you'd save closet space.
That white Banana dress is so cute - I used to have a white shift dress for work, but I had so many problems styling it (basically every iteration was a colored cardigan and nude shoes - boring!) - while I don't have my dress anymore (I lost 20lbs so it's too big), I'm excited to see how you style your version!
That Limited cardigan - am I crazy, or do I remember you wearing it in a post a while back? How are you just now buying it?
Thanks, J - keep up the good work!
I thought I saw her wearing the sweater for a work party outfit. I also thought she said she wasn't sure she was going to keep it. Either way, I love hetty blog!
DeleteMonica
AR: She spent $300 not $3000....
DeleteGreat finds! I bought a pair of mint green skinnies at H&M for less than $20 last spring and they are the lighter color + a great fit/length! :)
ReplyDeletewww.pennypincherfashion.com
Best deals were at the New York Co. Outlet. The sequin skirt you have for $14.99, cropped skinnies in the best Spring colors for $22.47, shorts for $5.99. I can't find the deals at ON because ours is SO picked over in my size (XS). I'm laughing at the ON neon pink dress; the fit was so bad on that dress -- so tight through the shoulders/arms/bust, and the color!!! BR Factory Store also has some great deals too. You are lucky in Orlando w/ so many shopping venues.
ReplyDeleteNow you have me wanting mint skinnies.
ReplyDeleteI really need to set a clothing budget.. and be more patient and vigilant by waiting for stuff I want to go on sale. I can't believe you got that sequin cardigan for $20!
My favorite deals lately: buying jewelry on ebay. I've gotten several jcrew and kate spade bracelets/necklaces for a steal.
Just a day or two ago I got some great deals on tops at the Loft. They were having an awesome extra 50% off sale!
ReplyDeleteThis post as well as others you have written have inspired me to set a strict monthly budget for myself starting in January. I love the idea of rolling over when you spend to much. I tend to go on shopping diets which result in shopping binges. I have found some great deals this month. I got two pairs of Jimmy Choos at their outlet for under $500 bucks. I also bought a ton of dresses from asos for under $20/each and just stocked up on some goodies at Kohl's. This year I have started to branch out a bit when it comes to brands which has both hurt (Jimmy Choo) and helped (Kohls and Asos) my wallet. I definitely think it is time for me to settle down a bit with my shopping and focus on other things.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration as always,
Taima
www.taimata.com
Wow, you got some great stuff this month!! And post Christmas sales really are the best... H&M has been going crazy with sales lately and it's just so hard to resist them!!
ReplyDeleteCassie
thriftthick.blogspot.com
I'm wearing my new mint skinnies today! We have a J Crew Factory nearby and hubs got them for $19! They're very comfy and a great fit. Also, I'm loving those navy velvet pants from Gap. Good find!
ReplyDeleteEmily | Sparkle Meets Pop
$3000 a month?! I think you meant $300, or $250 actually, which is my monthly budget. If you click through the "How to Set a Clothing Budget" article it explains the many factors to consider when setting a budget. I am on the very low end income-wise (my clothing budget is less than 2% of my income). Instead of buying clothes, I'm saving all my money to start a business, and I donate at minimum four times my clothing budget to charity each month.
ReplyDeleteTo fix the old cardigan would be the cost of buttons + the cost of having my tailor put them on, so would probably wind up being about the same ($22) as a new cardigan, plus my old one has a small hole in the elbow, so it's not worth the investment.Here's the post with the Limited cardigan - I indicated that it was too warm to wear it, so I returned it! http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2012/12/todays-everyday-fashion-holiday-party.html (and then bought it again for less yesterday)Hope this helps!
Hi J-- long time reader, first-time commenter here. :-)
DeleteI'm confused, though. If your monthly budget is $250, and that amount is 2% of your income, that would hardly make you on the lower-income scale. Additionally, you donate almost $1,000 to charity each month?
I'm sorry, but I'm confused.
I got that hat from Gap too. I feel the same way, especially I have a short hair. But you still had great finds :)
ReplyDeletewhoops - totally meant $3000 a year (250x12), not a month - I clearly didn't proof-read what I wrote! I agree that not spending a huge chunk of income on clothing is important. Donating, saving, etc, are WAY important, admirable, and something a lot of young women don't do - I was just saying that I don't spend nearly as much as you - I definitely don't mean any offense by it, just observing. I don't have a set budget every month like you do - I just know when I've got more money than normal, but according to my bank statements I only spend about $1000/year. Now...if I had to count up how much money I spent on housewares....well, that'd be another story. I think it's interesting to see how different people spend their money/save/etc - it's cool you're so transparent and forthcoming versus some bloggers who magically have designer clothes, but no job to speak of.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really think about tailor fees, to be honest - a button is an easy fix to DIY. A hole in a sweater is definitely not an easy fix, though - that makes replacing it a good choice :)
Re: the limited cardigan - I didn't realize you didn't wear it out - do you frequently post outfits that you don't wear out? I'll admit I look at your pictures more than I read your text sometimes. I know sometimes you do reviews for boutiques and such and don't get to keep the clothes, so obviously you're not wearing them then, but your regular posts I was under the impression that's what you wear.
Thanks for the reply!
Oh, darn you, Limited Sales! After reading your post, I had to snag both the sequin sweater and the bow sweater. Plus I threw in an ombre cardigan that I'd been lusting after. Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteGotcha, that makes sense! I definitely don't mean any offense when explaining the way I choose to spend my money, either. It's a VERY personal decision and to each their own! I just like to share mine so that I'm being transparent - I think it's important for people to know I'm not overspending or maxing out credit cards, etc. with all this shopping! :-)
ReplyDeleteAs for wearing what I post - check out my About and Q&A sections - in many ways this is not a personal style blog. I do post what I'm wearing often (such as that red ruffle dress! and the cardigan I planned to put with it if it were cold) but I also put together outfits for women in other climates, jobs, etc. I like to think of it as more of a magazine format. Hope that makes sense! :-)
I bought a pair of mint cord skinnies from Old Navy (The Rockstar brand) for about $9.50 a few weeks ago...I love them, and paired them like I believe you posted (camel polka dot sweater, also from Old Navy; silk cream shirt underneath and nude heels.) I also bought that burgandy banana cardigan too...I can't wait to have fun styling it! I bought a cobalt blue aline stretch skirt from Macy's for $6, so I'm also excited about that too...
ReplyDeleteJ, did I miss the post about who won the HCB giveaway?
ReplyDeleteYou did great! I scooped up a bunch of stuff on the JCREW Boxing Day sale. Plus a pair of black waxed denim via Arizia and a pair of wedge sneakers today. I think I am done but I too am waiting for a 30/40% off sale at Gap for a classic white blouse, a sweatshirt for a DIY project and of course more stripes. YIKES GAP need that 40% off ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the plaid shirt as well as the striped skirt and the bow sweater! And I think that bow sweater isn't overboard with the graphics.
ReplyDelete-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
So, let me get this straight,...(cuz I desperately need help w/my closet organizing and purging)....you have a budget every month and get these cool clothes...but what do you do with all your other stuff already in your closet...surely month after month it would end up growing outta control? No? I don't get it...help!!! I've been begging.
ReplyDeleteI'm only using half the hanging space in my closet right now so there's definitely room for growth. However, I don't like having too many things in my closet so I usually purge every few months! See this post for how I decide what to get rid of: http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2011/02/todays-everyday-fashion-what-to-keep.html
ReplyDeleteJ, the limited sequins cardi is $29.99 on the website :( How did u score it for $20?
ReplyDeleteyou should give better explanations of how you get your clothes at these prices. I work for gap inc, and even with my 50% employee discount, those velvet pants (which I've also been eyeing) would cost $35-40.
ReplyDeleteLoving the mint skinnies ... Not a very easy thing to find in my country... Check out my blog you guys ! http://stylewatchtnt.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI'm always happy to clarify if people have questions! The day after Christmas Gap and Banana always run huge promos - this time it was 40% off sale prices. The pants are $40 right now, minus 40% = $24.
ReplyDeleteI got the sequin sweater at 50% off a few weeks ago after seeing it with your red dress. I wore it with a white button down (which I don't normally do but thanks to your blog I was inspired!) and a denim loft pencil skirt for Christmas eve. It was so cute and I can't wait to wear it again somehow! Now I wish I had a pair of mint skinnies but can't find any I like....I'd settle for mint anything right now though!
ReplyDeleteAwesome finds! :)
ReplyDeleteXO Nat
[nat in love]
For living in FL you sure buy lots of pants, sweaters, and blazers. I live in NC and spend more money on clothes for warmer weather. On another note, I think your blog would be accepted more if you rewore clothes you purchased previously. I never see you repeat anything other than your "skinnies". I don't know how your outfits would translate on women not an XS or size 0/2 and not in a certain age demographics. I noticed than when I try on clothes from "junior" stores or wear too bright/trendy items that I look like I am trying too hard. Fashion and style should be timeless and effortless.
ReplyDeleteIf you have to purge your closet every few months, you have too many items that are either cheaply made or too trendy.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, how many pairs of "skinnies" did you buy in the last month?????
ReplyDeleteI love that you don't think I re-wear the same items!! I often feel very limited by my small closet and will wear the same shirt twice in one week on the blog and feel like everyone notices, so I'm glad to hear that is not the case! :-) I also couldn't agree more about different ages and demographics - I'm excited to be opening a full-scale women's magazine soon that will feature all kinds of women! In the meantime, I have some curvy friends that use what I'm wearing and just buy the same colors in a shape that works better for them (a-line skirt vs. pencil, etc.) - a trick that I also do when I re-create inspiration photos!
ReplyDeleteWhat I purge: items that don't fit and things that are 5+ years old. If you are getting rid of items newer than that, or if the items you buy don't last at least 5 years, then I totally agree it would be good to re-examine your shopping strategy!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog and use it for inpiration. I admire you for answering questions even when they sound as if you are being attacked.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see some collages of the many ways you have reworn some of your newer (in the last year) items. I remember you had that one with navy blazers and it was so inspiring! I think we would all get some great ideas if we could see the many ways you wear certain items.
ReplyDeleteCheck out JCrew Factory for the Toothpick Mint Jeans - they were only $20 up here in MA!
ReplyDeleteI snagged the neon pink ON dress, size S, for $7.50 :) and for me its a great fit, as a reference I'm an hourglass shape, with sightly bigger hips. Most reviews says its very tight through the arms and bust and boxy on the bottom, I will probably try it with a belt around the middle to define the shape.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I am dying to know how you plan to wear the red plaid skinnies from Limited! Thinking about grabbing them, but wanted to get an idea from you, J! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBDG Mint high rise skinnies from Urban Outfitters!
ReplyDelete