september budget

Okay, I shopped a lot this month.  E landed a job (in St. Louis, whoops) that required professional wear, so he needed a lot more dress pants and shirts, which meant mucho shopping.  We went on one big trip together, and then I picked up more colors and variations of the items he favored.  Of course I also picked him out additional things, because shopping for men's clothing is seriously my favorite thing ever- really- I love shopping for men more than women.  So, since I was at retail stores so frequently this month picking up new things, exchanging, and returning stuff, I accumulated a lot of little "add-on's" from places I don't frequent (or basically don't shop online).  I feel like I got a ton for my money though, and added a few bargain Fall staples to my currently limited Fall wardrobe. (Why did I store all my Fall clothes?!)  

That being said, I still spent more than I'd have liked to.  While I document my "budget" every month, I don't really have a concrete number I'm shooting to stay under.  Or I didn't.  Moving forward I'm going to do better on that front.  I'm going to set a $200/month budget (with leftovers rolling to the next month), and leave an additional $400/year for a splurge like a new handbag, nice pair of boots, or special occasion dress.   Below are the new items I collected this month:

Click below to shop:

Click below to shop:

Read on for details on each item and returns...

KEEPERS

ASOS Longline Peplum Blazer {seen here}

This is really sweatshirt material, so the title 'blazer' is quite a stretch.  I went with a 6 for space in the shoulders and sleeve length.  The sleeves are still a smidgen short, but I liked them best cuffed anyways.

Plaid Skinny Jeans {seen here}

How can you beat $15?!  For reference, I typically wear a 27, and wore a size 5 in these, but I could get the 3 on and zipped.

Trouvé Faux Leather Skirt {seen here}

I bought this on a whim without trying it on while grabbing a couple packs of socks for the husband.  Maybe I should try that approach more often, as I kind of look for every opportunity possible to wear it now.  It's not available online, but there were a lot in-store in the clearance section of my Nordstrom Rack.

House of Harlow Sunburst Studs {seen here}

I'm trying to up my earring game, because I have two pairs I consistently wear and they're both turning a little green on the back :(  I'm also less enamored with statement necklaces than I once was.  Shhh, I don't want to hurt their feelings!

Split Neck Baseball Tee {seen here}

It's borrowed from the boys, drapes perfectly, and adds a new color to my wardrobe.  Oh and it's on mega-sale now.  You might need one (or four).  I went with the small.

Boyfriend Varsity Sweatshirt {wearing as I type this...}

I was on the fence about this one.  It's kind of an unflattering length, but I love how comfy it is.  It narrowly made the cut, but will probably be reserved for loungewear and weekend bagel/doughnut runs.

Floral Print Scuba Leggings

Florals, scuba material, and black and white are a few of my favorite trends this season.  I also got rid of nearly all my leggings last winter, because they were cheap thin cotton so I need a few to fill the gaps.  They're from the juniors dept; I went with the medium, but had the large been in stock that would've probably been my first pick.

Floral Applique Tee {seen here}

I've been looking for a dressy 't-shirt' of sorts for some time, and this fit the bill.  I love the barely pink color, and the stretch ponte sleeves and back.  I went with the small.

Drapey Cream Blouse {seen here}

I had a go-to cream blouse from H&M for years, and post cross country days it got a little snug, and I finally got around to replacing it.  I went with the medium for space in the shoulders and elbows, it drapes beautifully, but also wrinkles terribly.

Slub Knit Sweater {seen here}

Really I just need a few sweaters for Fall (not in storage) and this was a good color and price.  I went with the small.  The sleeves are the dumbest length ever, but I just push them up.  It came in a bunch of other cute colors too.

Striped Slouchy Hoodie {seen here}

This is one of those "I have to have it" items.  I was (again) shopping for the husband and somehow meandered to the ladies section when this caught my eye.  I went with the small, but the x-small worked as well

Lightweight Plaid Button Up {seen here}

There's J.Crew (or Factory, I don't remember) burgundy plaid I was eyeing, and this is a more economical option.  It's quite long, but so soft and perfect for layering.  I opted for the medium so the arms weren't snug.

Denim Joggers {seen here}

I tried these on in-store, and passed.  I was quite proud of myself, then kept thinking of them the following week.  I went back and of course they were gone (or I just couldn't find them because that store gives me anxiety) and immediately ordered them because they were perfect.  I went with the small, which is more like a small and a half.

Heathered Tee (in gray) {seen here}

For $5 it doesn't get much better.  It's super soft and drapey and washed up shockingly well, and I've already worn it.  Like 5 times.

AWAITING

Update-- I made the "awaiting" graphic a couple days before the end of the month, and a few things came earlier than expected, so I have a few verdicts (but for the sake of not re-doing the whole budget I'll add them to my October budget.)

Plaid Infinity Scarf  {Keep}

The colors are gorgeous and it's nice and soft.

Chambray Shirt Dress {Keep}

I have been hunting for a chambray dress for seasons, and I finally found one!  I went with the Small Tall, so it actually hits my knee like I wanted.

Plaid Shirt Dress {Still Awaiting}

Fingers crossed this works, I ordered it over a month ago and it was backordered, so the anticipation has built a very long time.

Mixed Plaid and Jacquard Giant Scarf {Pass}

It felt really strange, definitely not soft and kind of plasticky.  It didn't drape very nice either.  Shucks.

Nike Running Shoes {Still Awaiting}

Cause my current ones hit their max mileage awhile ago, I'm skeptical of the price point (although the were originally $80ish) but I bring my running shoes by my chiropractor and get a yea/nay before I run  outside in them, so I figured they were worth a go.

Old Navy Boyfriend Jeans {Pass}

The wash was a lot bluer and more solid in person, and the destruction was very 'fake' looking (if that makes any sense).  The fit was cute, and they were comfy, but ultimately a pass due to color.

Old Navy Boyfriend Flannel {Pass}

The scale of the print combined with the boxier cut made them feel a little too masculine, and they weren't tremendously flattering.  The 'flannel' also wasn't very flannel-y, nor thick.

J.Crew Toile Skinny Sweats {Exchange}

I ordered these on final sale, but they were HUGE compared to the size chart, so their customer service was willing to allow me to return/exchange them when I called the (800) number.  They also shared that if you call they can provide you with precise measurements, which is very handy.  For reference, I ordered the Small (after much debate) and I need the X-Small.  I'm 5'8" and fluctuate around 130lbs.  

Forever 21 jumpsuit in black (seen here) | Forever 21 scuba knit tribal skirt

I just can't get on board with jumpsuits | It was just ehh.  The medium fit well.

ON Rebel tee | Forever 21 heathered sweatshirt

I can't take myself seriously in t-shirts with words, so the rest of the world probably can't either.  |  I ordered the medium and it was huge.

Subtotal: $255 

Plus:

Stock Photo-less Marshalls items

$18 embroidered tunic

$24 athletic leggings 

$16 athletic leggings

(do I count workout clothes? ... nah)

Less: 

$8 Forever21 store credit

$25 Old Navy rewards

$11 Gap store credit

$40 workout clothes

Total: $229

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