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Monday, January 28, 2013

First Time Budgeting Blogger


January 2013

January 2013

You may remember that one of my goals for 2013 is to actually stick to a clothing budget.  A few of you mentioned that I should link up with Franziska each month for the budgeting bloggers, to keep myself accountable.  I'll be honest, sharing details of how much money I spend on clothes freaks me out a little bit, but I suppose it's a good way to keep myself on track.  My budget is $100 per month.        

I hadn't done much shopping in January until this weekend, when I met up with a friend at the mall, and happened to find some great deals.  As pictured above, here are the items I purchased in January:
  1. Old Navy Polka Dot shirtdress - $19
  2. Gap Striped Scoop-neck Tee -  $9
  3. Gap Always Skinny Mint Jeans - $13
  4. J.Crew Factory Classic Cardigan in Vibrant Flame - $14
  5. Mossimo Lady Satchel - $12
  6. Gap Boyfriend Fitted Shirt - $12
  7. J.Crew Factory Tissue V-Neck Tee  - $5
  8. Old Navy Striped dress - $10  (Update: I had to return this, due to a giant hole appearing!)
  9. Merona Kylan Fur Ankle Boot - $10
  10. Gap Boyfriend sweater - $6
Grand total - $100 

I feel pretty good about these items.  I do think I bought the J.Crew factory things just because they were so cheap, but I think they will be good staple pieces.  I probably feel the worst about the purse and boots from Target.  I shouldn't even walk over to the non-grocery side of the store, because I always find something and talk myself into it!  Since I came in $10 over budget, I am tempted to return one or both of those things.  What do you think?   

For February and March, I'm going to limit myself to thrift shopping, and the gift cards I got for Christmas.  I am going to Phoenix in April and want to save up for shopping out there, so a little two-month pseudo-ban seems like a good idea.

How did you do on shopping in January?  Did you get any good deals on after Christmas sales?  

10 comments:

  1. I was a little intimidated by posting what I spend, but yes, it does keep you accountable. I've even started working on my post throughout the month and adding to it as I go along. That alone helps me a lot!

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    1. That is a good idea! Then I won't be surprised at the end of the month on how much I spent.

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  2. Wow! I can't believe you scored everything for (an avg. of) $11! My favorite price range is $7-12 :P I keep a spreadsheet of my budget and update it every time I make a purchase, but I love the visual aspect of seeing what you bought.

    Kate @ A Journey in Style

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  3. Now this is my kind of shopping!! I love finding deals! Sounds like you did a great job!!

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  4. You did great! I love everything you found. I think they are all really nice, versatile pieces!

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  5. Wow, amazing deals you found this month! $10 over is not bad at all - I'd definitely keep the purse from Target (if you end up deciding to return anything at all), it's such a cute classic shape and a gorgeous color, it will be so great for spring! :)

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  6. we're dress twins! I can't wait to see how you wear yours so I can get some more inspiration for my own. I think, like everyone above, you got some really great (and versatile) pieces this month. I see my budget as more of a blurry guide rather than a hard and fast rule, so I think $10 over is fine ;)

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  7. Wow, what amazing deals! January is a great month to take advantage of clothing sales, isn't it? I don't think $10 over is anything to be too worried about - it looks like you were really careful with how you spent your money!

    P.S. Visiting from Franziska's link-up!

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  8. Fran has totally got me thinking of polka dots all the time and I am LOVING your polka dot shirt dress! I have the white boyfriend shirt on my list so I might have to head to the GAP to see if I can scoop one of these up for next month. My budget was GREAT for January, but only because I absolutely cheated and bought a boatload of stuff in December. Like you, the thought of publishing my spending habits induces panic and nausea. So glad I found you on the Budgeting Bloggers link-up!

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  9. You did awesome on your first month's budget! I can't believe the prices you scored all those items at! The striped dress & mint jeans are awesome pieces! I am doing a YEARLY budget this year, and so far so good, although the amazing sales this month were. so. tempting.
    xx

    Here&Now
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