2015 was my second year budgeting, and let me say, it was a lot easier sticking to my budget than last year. It's easier to hold myself back from buying things I don't need, I'm feeling less of an impulse to shop just for the sake of shopping, and I'm not letting sales dictate my purchases. Sure, I still love a good deal, but I'm not buying things just because they're on sale.
Here's a breakdown of what I spent each month:
January: $309.38
February: $256.22
March: $300.33
April: $228.74
May: $196.20
June: $401.28
July: $178.30
August: $275.40
September - $225.15
October - $98.45
November - $314.23
December - $209.67
Total Spent: $2,993.35
Average Monthly Spend: $249.45
That total might seem like a lot for the year, but for me the majority of my clothing budget comes out of my "extra money" that I get from freelancing and affiliate links on this blog (p.s. thanks for clicking!).
While in general I was more thoughtful about my purchases than last year, I did have a few misses in 2015. These are the pieces I should have skipped:
Target Dress - $19.98. I bought this because it was on clearance and I figured I'd have an occasion to wear it. Hint: I didn't find a reason. It's still in my closet though because I'm holding out hope.
SheInside Dress - $14.95. This didn't quite fit, but it would cost so much to return that I didn't bother since it was so cheap.
Old Navy Skirt - $14.30. I tried and tried to find ways to wear this, but it ultimately felt too junior. By the time I figured that out I was past the return window.
Ann Taylor Tank - $37.49. I didn't realize the fit was a bit off until I tore off the tags and wore it on our honeymoon, and then I wore it a couple more times because I was packing light, and by then it felt wrong to return it.
Target Espadrilles - $24.99. Everyone was buying these, so I bought them. I figured I'd break them in and they'd eventually get comfortable. They didn't.
And now here are a few of my favorite purchases for the year:
J.Crew Factory Dress - $45.90. I basically wore this every chance I got this year, and this made me want to wear all of the shift dresses - they're the perfect inbetween of dressy and casual that feel appropriate for any situation.
Kate Spade Bag - $128. I was unsure about this because it's such a small bag, but it turns out that I love it so much I'm willing to barely carry anything. This one is still available!
Sole Society Sandals - $59.95. I wore these basically every day this summer, including all over Italy. There are a couple of sizes still available on clearance.
Zella Leggings - $52. I now realize that every other pair of leggings I ever purchased were terrible. These are amazing and I'm going to wear them every chance I get. Available here.
BaubleBar Earrings - $18.40. I wear these basically every day and get compliments on them everywhere I go. Available here.
Sole Society Booties - $79.95. These are the only heeled item I wear on the reg, they are so comfy and lend a cool vibe to any outfit.
Banana Republic Sweater - $37.70. I wear this as many times in a week as I feel is socially acceptable, plus probably one more. Ponchos are my new favorite thing.
Jessica Simpson Dress - $104.99. It's funny that this was in one of my most popular posts of the year, because when I ordered it I was 99% sure it wouldn't fit and would have to go back. Guess I should step out of my comfort zone more often!
I thought about switching to a quarterly or even annual budget for 2016 since I tend to be way under or way over each month, but ultimately I decided I prefer the structure of the monthly clothing budget. It makes it easier for me to stay on top of my spending and not go crazy every time there's a sale. That means that I will be sticking with a $300 a month budget for 2016.
Did you budget in 2015? Will you start this year?
P.S. Check out my 2014 budget recap here!
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Yes, trying to stick to a budget, but it's not fun!!!!!! I think I need to asses other items and add more to clothing.
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