Wednesday, May 1, 2019

April 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 2018 budget here.


Can you believe it's freaking MAY?!?? I mean, after the snowstorm we got over the weekend, I kind of can't. It also means my baby is going to be two months old in two days. I don't know what's happening in the world.

I clearly overshopped this month. But, if you can believe this is how many things I decided to keep, just wait until you see the number of things I'm still deciding on / bought and returned. I decided I'll start sharing those too in case you're curious - I always am!

Here's what I bought this month:


LOFT Striped Shirtdress - originally $79.50, on sale $42.93. I obviously targeted this because of the buttons for nursing, but it's really cute on and a nice length, not too short!
Daily Ritual Tank - $12.00. I have a tee from this same brand that I've been wearing nonstop, so I decided to snag a tank too for layering. It's a great length, and I've been loving these stretchy jersey tops lately since they're super soft and easy to nurse in. 
Old Navy Leopard Espadrille Sandals - originally $34.99, on sale $17.49. I bought these on a whim not really thinking they'd work, but I'm suprised by how much I like them! The sole is really cushy and padded, which is something I require in a sandal these days. The fabric is canvas, not calf hair like many leopard printed shoes, which means they'll be a lot more durable for summer. 
Old Navy Button Front Jeans - originally $39.99, on sale $20. I've been on the hunt for a pair of lighter wash jeans basically since last spring, and found some winners in this pair! The rise is a mid-rise, 8" which is basically the lowest you can find these days. They are a lot sturdier / less stretchy than the other denim in my closet. They also have a raw hem which I personally love. I mostly targeted them for the button-fly though, such a cute and on-trend detail! 
Universal Thread Slide Sandals - $19.99. I bought these today (as I'm typing this, not publishing ;) after considering them for a while. I have been wanting the more expensive Steven Greece sandals for a while but the color I want doesn't come in my size. I wasn't going to get these, until I tried them on in stores. The top is so comfortable!! I can tell these are going to mold right to my feet and be something I'll reach for daily this summer. 
J.Crew Sophie Sweater Blazer - originally $138.00, on sale $82.80. My mom bought this for me in camel for Christmas, and I loved it so much I decided to snag it in white as an easy layer for spring and summer. It definitely runs big, I got it in a large. You can see it here.
J.Crew Factory Earrings - originally $39.50, on sale $23.50. I thought I was done with statement earrings, and then I got two pairs for my birthday and bought these (and another pair last month) so I guess they're here to stay! I'm loving that in navy, this pair feels a lot more subdued than some of my others and goes with a wider variety of outfits.
Old Navy Tank (bought in stripes and plain white): originally $16.99, on sale $8.50 x2. Another great staple, perfect for layering or on their own. These are also that soft, stretchy jersey material I'm loving.
Old Navy Striped Shorts: originally $26.99, on sale $13.49. After finding out I was pregnant I basically only wore comfy shorts with stretch waistbands for the rest of last summer, and now I don't want to go back to denim! This pair is super cute and the red will be perfect for all of my patriotic combos around the Fourth of July.
Daily Ritual Maxi Dress: $24.00. We had one really warm day last week, and I realized I only own one maxi dress anymore! Which really is unfortunate for me, because I've been battling a crazy allergic reaction since Mia was born and have a bad rash on my legs - it looks like I'm diseased! (Don't worry, I'm not diseased, I got a biopsy done and it really is basically just long-lasting hives.) So I added this maxi to my cart immediately. It's the same soft, stretchy fabric as the tank and tee I own, and is surprisingly flattering and long enough for me (I'm 5'9"). Winner!
LOFT Embroidered Blouse: originally $59.50, on sale $32.13. This is already sold out, noooo!! So sad because it's really beautiful in person, hoping it comes back in stock - I'll let you know!
Old Navy Distressed Denim Jacket: originally $44.99, on sale $24.29. I've wanted this since last year so I decided to finally spring for it. I like it because this jacket comes in a tall, so the sleeves are actually long enough for me! This is an example of how you might need two of a particular item in your closet - I already owned a denim jacket but it's a little cropped so I can't wear it with most pants. This one is full length so it goes great with dark-wash jeans or leggings.
Amazon Tie-Front Henley - $18.99. I bought this in purple right after Mia was born, and wore it so much I decided I needed another color! It's really cute and on-trend but at a good price, plus it has those buttons I need these days. Definitely size up in this, I got an XXL.

Total Spent: $348.61
Total Saved: $223.81


And some things I bought that didn't work out or I'm unsure of:

Gap Woven Tote: I liked this, but ended up deciding to keep the one I bought last month instead.
Vince Camuto Espadrilles: I love these on other people, but thought they made my (already large) feet look huge! They were decently comfortable though, and I think would break in well.
J.Crew Factory Button Front Mini: I like the fit of this, but from the pictures online I thought it would be white. It's really more of a light khaki which I couldn't really see wearing. I actually haven't really worn khakis since middle school when they were a part of our uniform!
J.Crew White Toothpick Jean: These were okay with a good rise and inseam length, but a little baggy on me around the knees and ankles. I like the Rockstar white jeans from Old Navy I've had for years so much better (and at a much better price point!).
J.Crew Button Fly Jean: I tried these before trying the Old Navy pair, but the rise was just too high on me - 9" hits way over my belly button! They are cute, but I'd go with Old Navy on these too.
Hinge Floral Mini Dress: This is so cute and such a flattering cut, but there's a seam across the bust that looked awkward on my chest. There isn't any stretch to the fabric so definitely go with your standard dress size, no vanity sizing!
Vero Moda Button Front Dress: This is super cute but the XL was too small on me, and it doesn't come in a bigger size.
Sole Society Tenlyn Sandals: So cute but the straps around your foot are HUGE. Like, even with the ankle strap tightened I still felt like I was going to step right out of them.
J.Crew Stripe Sneakers: These are so adorable!! I need to walk around the house in them a little before I decide whether or not to keep them - leaning towards a return but I'll let you know.
J.Crew Striped Bow Mules: Unsure on these too - they're a tiny bit narrow in the toe for me so I'm trying to decide if they'll be comfortable enough that I'll actually wear them.
J.Crew Denim Shorts: Cute enough, but I sized up for a slouchy fit and they just look way too big.  You can see them here.
Ann Taylor Floral Drop Waist Dress: Haven't gotten this yet, hoping it's a keeper! Seems like it would be great to dress up or down.



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