This month I thought I was doing really great - I took advantage of Banana Republic's amazing clearance sales and scored the bracelet and necklace for a total of $16.50, then I received an elusive 40% off no restrictions coupon code which I was able to use on the cashmere scarf, and in combination with a rewards certificate only paid $30.
I picked up two more knit hats from the clearance section of TJMaxx, a cashmere beanie for $15, and a pom-pom hat for $7.
At this point, I'm doing okay, with a total of $68.50, but then I decided to take another chance on a pair of black booties from DSW...which are $70. They are very similar to the brown pair I have, so I'm hoping for the best, however if I keep them, it will totally kill my budget.
My first impulse is to acknowledge that I might have an unreasonable shopping budget, but I set that budget up with the knowledge of all my other monthly expenses, and if I don't cutback on sartorial purchases, then other things like my $5 cup of coffee and my penchant for buying housewares for a home I do not yet have, need to stop.
I'd like to start adding money back into my poor, neglected savings account. I'd like to have a closet full of quality, versatile items. I would really like to completely overhaul my lingerie drawer (and that adds up fast!) I would like to stop making impulse purchases... but I know I can't have it all. For now, I'm just going abolish my lackadaisical attitude towards my budget. So if I want to spend it all on a pair of boots, then that means no more shopping for the rest of the month!
Click image to shop!
I've really done minimal shopping this month. It's almost shocking because I am on more of a savings mode than spending. Perhaps this also had to do with the stores just not having a ton of new and exciting items?
ReplyDeleteOoh, I hope those black booties work out for you. They're so cute.
ReplyDeleteYour purchases are wonderful.I can so relate to you. There are so many temptations and it's hard to resist especially if you find great bargains. Since I have done my wardrobe clearance I can now more clearly see what I love, what I need and it means it's less impulse buys and more enjoying what I have.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Ramona
http://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie
It's always a good idea to spend on great accessories, because with them one can create a lot of new outfits with old clothes :)))
ReplyDeleteRosa
Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com
Oh no! Where did my comment go? Sigh. I guess that happens every once in a while. All I was trying to say was that really, we all blow our budgets. All the time. But setting boundaries means we might stick to them at least sometimes, which is important. And also, I strongly approve of your black toque because I have pretty much the same one ;)
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
good accesories make us feel better !
ReplyDeletewww.madamedaria.blogspot.com
Such cute accessories! love the bracelet!
ReplyDelete~Pau
www.lilbitsofchic.com
I have a hard time sticking to my budget when there are good sales. You scored some great accessories :)
ReplyDeleteGood deals are so hard to pass up. There are months I can buy and buy and buy. You got some high quality, classic pieces that will last you a long time even if you possibly went over budget!
ReplyDeleteIt is tough sticking to a budget but you usually do great!
ReplyDeleteHaha I STILL have boxes of housewares at my parents place and we have a place here. I'm keeping them there in anticipation of our future place in NY ;)
Happy weekend dear!
xoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living
Yes, I know what you mean, those daily coffee stops are a treat, but certainly add up, hehe. I love the cashmere scarf and those boots will be perfect to wear any time of the season. <3
ReplyDeleteStyle Files Foodie Inspired
Great pieces!
ReplyDeletexo,
http://yaudycristinafashionista.blogspot.com/
great post! xoxoo
ReplyDeleteLyddie, your purchases are always interesting. LOVE that bangle!
ReplyDeletexo, tasha
twenty-something blog
The accessories are so beautiful! Can't believe they were only $16.50!
ReplyDeletewww.dressed2dnines.com
Sounds like some great purchases!
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ meandmr.com
Love the bracelet, so chic!
ReplyDeleteNew follower!
Louise x
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
Sticking to a budget can be incredibly difficult, but the feeling of staying on or under budget is totally worth it. I know the black booties might kill your budget this month, but it's an item you've wanted for so long and you know you'd wear them a ton. That's a purchase that's worth forgoing your Starbucks fix for a few weeks. :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://bedknobsandbaubles.com/
classic black booties!!! i love it!! :D
ReplyDeletehappy february!
Animated Confessions
Aww good luck with your shopping budget! If you do keep the boots, you can always not shop next month so you've used that budget with the boots!
ReplyDeleteI didn't have any time to shop this month, ha! Which was a great way for me to avoid the sales and not buy anything. We will see how I do in February hehe. It's so hard to resist the sales. I find unsubscribing from all but a few sale emails helps.
There is always next month, next month is a new month and you can do it! :)
Away From The Blue
Ugh, I totally feel you on this. I can never stick to a budget, so this year I'm not actually going to set one. I have such a bad habit of buying five of pretty much the same thing with slight differences. I'm planning to make a list of things that I have too many of already and put them on a banned list. Good luck with your shopping budget!
ReplyDeleteThose boots! yes it enough to take me away from saving :)
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, hope to see you soon on my blog
xx
http://liveitcolorfully.blogspot.com
Ugh I'm the worst at budgeting when it comes to shopping!! I've been on the eatch for the perfect classic black Bootie too! I finally found some this weekend at Dillards that were on sale with an additional 30% off! Woo!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
those boots are fantastic.
ReplyDeletexoxo...beth
www.fashiondotnow.com
All the accessories you picked up last month are gorgeous. You have such a great eye for jewelry. Those two pieces are beautiful and I love the beanie hats. I also need those booties lol!
ReplyDeleteHappy February, Lydia!
I am in love with that beanie hat! It looks lovely - I love the colour xx
ReplyDeletewww.lulabelloves.com/blog
Well, what can I say Lydia. I totally get it. Although I must admit that in January I did quite well.
ReplyDeleteHowever I cannot be too confident as February includes traveling and you know how those trips turn out...
I really enjoy reading these types of posts- I find them fascinating. Once I get my finances in order (hopefully in the next few months), I'd really like to stick to my budget. I think I'll need to set a spending limit for clothes and for books too.
ReplyDelete