September Budget

Every month I post about my clothing budget. My budget per month is $350, which may seem like a lot to some and a little to others, but feels just right for me. You can read my thoughts on my 2016 budget here.

Another month has come and gone, except now I'm in full sweater mode. Thank goodness the weather has finally cooled down to allow for that!

This was another month where I was 100% sure I was going to go over budget, and ended up returning so many things that my Nordstrom card now has a negative $200 balance. I think something about the knowledge that I can return stuff to Nordstrom anytime, and now it's so convenient to go to Nordstrom for returns (just a 10 minute walk from my office!) that I've been ordering a lot of things to try, knowing that they'll likely go back. One of my coworkers jokes now that every time I go into the office I have at least one item to return these days.

So what did I get? Why all of the pretty fall things of course! And I've already ordered next month's budget's worth of more pretty fall things too. In case you haven't been able to tell, this floral dress and this burgundy dress have become fast favorites - I think I've worn both of them at least once a week since I got them. They're both so cute and flow-y, and while they've been a godsend in the 90+ degree temperatures we've had for the past week and a half, they both also layer really well. I also picked up a few things for work and a few basics because, sadly, I gained a few pounds this summer. Stupid turning thirty and that whole metabolism thing shutting down.

So anyways, here's the haul for September:

LOFT Blouse - originally $49.50, on sale $29.70. One of those pieces that's super flattering and really easy to wear. I've been loving it with black leggings!
J. Crew Factory Sweater - originally $64.50, on sale $38.50. This just came in the mail on Monday but I'm so excited to wear it - also perfect for leggings or for layering under a cozy vest. Comes in six colors if millennial pink isn't your thing ;)
Lush Crepe Dress - $46.00. This dress is perfect for so many things (work, or perhaps the weekend) and is starting to sell out - down to just three colors (including this one). Snag it fast!
J. Crew Jeans - originally $125.00, on sale $87.50. I tried J. Crew toothpick jeans a few years ago but remember rejecting them because the inseam was too short even on the talls. I can't tell if the inseams are longer now, or if shorter inseams are just in style, but this is now hands down my favorite pair of jeans - I also own a ripped version. I have this problem where the pockets are always coming out of my jeans, and they did something new where the pocket fabric goes across the whole top of the pants and supposedly slims you down and oh my gosh they are magic.
J. Crew Earrings - originally $24.50, on sale $19.60. I went on a mad hunt for earrings one day and went into every store on Southport. I specifically wanted black or gray statement earrings to wear to my cousin's wedding, and whenever I get something so specific into my head like that I either can't find it, or in this case, find a million options but none of them are "quite right." Thank god J. Crew had these in stock or I might still be looking. I love that these are lightweight, and while they are technically a statement earring they are really easy to wear and go with everything.
BP Striped Peplum Tee (sold out) - $29.00. I mentioned that I've gained a few L.B.s, and I am so no longer into tight fitting shirts. This one is flattering and comfortable, and will look great under all of my cardigans this fall. It sold out really fast, but here's the long sleeve version.
J. Crew Factory Pencil Skirt - originally $79.50, on sale $29.32. I weirdly bought this in a couple of colors but only liked the black. I've owned a few Factory pencil skirts over the years and always love them. This one will come in handy for the infrequent occasions when I need to dress up for work and then realize I still don't own any dress clothes.
LOFT Floral Dress - originally $89.50, on sale $53.70. This dress is the epitome of a wear-anywhere dress, because I've already worn it on a date, to a wedding, on a weekend adventure, and to work, and have worn it with booties, flats, OTK boots, and sandals. Oh, and it's currently on clearance for even less than I paid for it! Win win win win win. That's five wins.

Total Spent: $333.32
Total Saved: $174.18

So what am I shopping for in October? All of the fall clothes of course! I'd love to find another field jacket as mine is from Forever 21 from years ago and has faux leather on the shoulders that sticks to my body if I wear it with a tank. And also a serious winter coat for when it get's seriously cold. I already tried one that looked promising, but as per the usual, it was too short in the arms and too narrow in the shoulders. Sigh. The search continues.

So tell me, did you budget in September? What did you get?

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Bloglovin!