HELLO! It is already January 31st. Although it has felt like a long month (thanks to the lovely weather), it also flew by. Got back from Vegas late Tuesday night and have literally just been trying to catch up on life. Honestly, we didn’t really take many pictures, just some I captured on Instagram, so I probably won’t have much to share here! I didn’t even get a full picture in my gold sequin dress! FAIL. Epic fail. Oh well, my boyfriend and I had good time and that’s all that matters!
Onto the January budget. I didn’t do much shopping this month because I am really really focused on my finances this year and was saving most of my money for our trip. We did so much partying, we didn’t even shop while in Vegas haha! I had a bunch of money saved up in my ShoeDazzle VIP account, so that’s where most of my purchases were made this month.
Technically I spent money from months before, but I will include it in this post because I never shared that I was storing up $9.99 each month towards shoes (the VIP account charges $9.99 a month and at any time you can choose to use it). That’s also changing now that JustFab and ShoeDazzle are under the same company. ShoeDazzle will be changing to JustFab’s VIP membership in which you choose to skip a month, or get charged automatically on your account. I honestly don’t know what the price is going to be charged on ShoeDazzle because pricing has always been different, ranging from $32 all the way up to over $80, whereas everything, except the LUXE brand, is $39.95 at JustFab. Anyway, blah blah blah, sorry for that, just thought some who buy from JustFab or ShoeDazzle might want to know that if you don’t already!
Betsey Johnson Aviators (Not actually shown in the image, just a similar pair… see them here)- Nordstrom Rack $18 (Similar)
Colorblock Sweater (Not actually shown in the image, just a similar sweater) – Nordstrom Rack $25 (Similar here and here)
Wedged Sneakers – ShoeDazzle $15 (Sold Out, Similar)
Leopard Flats – ShoeDazzle $26
Brown Booties (I also have these in black and LOVE them so I had to get them in brown) – ShoeDazzle $19
Gold Heels – (bought for my golden birthday!) JustFab $40
Grey Boots – ShoeDazzle $25
Total: $168
Not too shabby! Although, I really want to keep my spending down to $100/month, but I decided to cash in on my VIP money at ShoeDazzle right now because they are having amazing sales on their boots, definitely check it out if you are in need of some new boots.
Actually, let’s be honest. I am reconsidering how I shop. I have been really happy with my purchases the past few months, but I’m still in the process of a closet purge. I do want to start spending more on certain pieces that I wear a lot. For example, the black skinny jeans I bought in November are already wearing out/fading because I wear them almost every weekend and during the week. They fit great and everything, but I want a pair that is REALLY going to last me. Sometimes it is hard for me to know when and where to spend my money on something. Anyway, just a random thought, but it would be nice to have a month where maybe I spend $200 and the next, maybe I only spend $30, you know? I’m going to have to put some thought into this!
Franish started sharing what she received through sponsorship each month, and I think it is a great idea! I want to share how I really feel about the items I received and how I would wear them/how they fit into my wardrobe. This month I had the opportunity to work with Aupie again. I really loved the first blouse (style and quality) they sent to me, so this time I got to pick a few items that I will share on the blog. I placed the order but haven’t received them, so once they arrive I will make sure to do a review ASAP!
Linking up with Franish for Budgeting Bloggers!
aviators blouse boots coat heels JustFab military green coat necklace ShoeDazzle shoes sunglasses sweaters wedged sneakers
In love with those brown booties! And I enjoy when bloggers share their sponsored items because hey, they are part of the wardrobe right!?
Exactly! And if/when I accept sponsored items, I always try to think of items I can easily incorporate into my wardrobe rather than just one-time wear items, what would be the point you know?!
The boots are amazing doll, have a wonderful weekend xx
you got a lot great stuff this month. Also it look like you had a great time in Vegas. Have a great weekend
I love that you share your clothing budget! It’s so relatable to nearly everyone and shows just how genuine you are. I’m really cutting down my clothing budget this year because I have wedding expenses and am saving for a house, furniture and honeymoon – all of which are great motivation! It’s hard to go from spending $300-$400/month on clothes down to $100-$200 though. But I agree with you…I’m trying to put a lot of thought into each item I purchase (minus my few spontaneous buys at Target), so that I’m getting good value for what I spend. I also need a great pair of black skinnies, so let me know what you find! Keep up these posts girl, they’re great 🙂
~Jacy
PS – awesome score on those sunnies-of-the-moment. And, those leopard flats are insanely chic!
Haha, I try to be! But honestly I USED to spend $300-400 a month as well but wasn’t getting anything out of it, if that makes sense. I was just adding and adding to my closet but never wearing any of it. Also, when Franish came along with the idea of this link up I was totally on board! It has helped me keep my spending in check and even though I haven’t been perfect or kept everything I’ve purchased, it definitely has helped me save more money for other things, like traveling, weddings, trying new restaurants, etc. etc.!
I enjoyed reading about your thoughts behind your wardrobe and how you are planning on spending your money. It’s so inspiring when I hear that people are trying to be thoughtful about it (instead of just throwing money at random things). It can be tough to budget, but it’s totally worth it! Thanks for sharing, Rachel! And all those shoes you got are gorgeous! I can’t wait to see you wear them 🙂
Your shoes collection probably is bigger than my purse collection! I think you made some smart purchases. As for the black jeans, I’ve heard Joe’s Jeans are very good, and I have a very dark blue pair from Calvin Klein that have never faded, and I’ve had them since 2006! You only need to wash them if they really need it, otherwise febreeze em and lay them flat to air dry. Wash on cold and inside out when you do!
I got a pair of knock off ray bans too but I’m dyingggggggg for the real thing!
http://www.asequinloveaffair.com
you are so good at this and for the past few months I have been extremely careful with my spendings. Keep up the good work, Love those leopard flats.
xo
http://pinksole.com
I’ve really been wanting to try aviators, but I am not sure how they would look on me. love love those leopard d’Orsay flats. ps. Looks like I’m going to need budgeting tips from you. I probably spend all my shopping money at starbucks. hahha
XO,
Jewel
http://www.thestyleoptimist.com
I love reading about how people are deciding on budgets – and how that changes how they shop! A lot of people seem to be leaning toward quarterly budgets…
Oh, and very excited to see how you style the wedge sneakers!
Love the stunner shades lady!
xx
Here&Now
Enter to win a $500 shopping spree!
I wish I was able to spend so much in a month on clothes or other things! 😉 I really don’t earn enough to spend 100 a month on clothes! Though it’s a good thing to set up budgets for yourself 🙂 I really love your picks by the way!
OK Rachel, that color-blocked sweater is really nice but truly you got some amazing shoes & boots last month. WOW!! Loving the Tall Camel Boots, the Black Wedge Booties & the Leopard Loafers the most.
I did a review of January in my latest post and will post all of my January Purchases on Monday Feb 3rd.
I wanted to let you know also that for the first time ever on Wed Jan 29th I hosted my first ever link up. The link will stay open until midnight on Tue Feb 4th. I’d love for you to join it. Thanks so much.
OMG HOLY SHOES! I love it! I’m on the fence about wedged sneakers in general, so I’d love to see how you style them. I am a wedge addict because heels just cause me pain.
Also, how awesome that you get to work with great sponsors!
I love that you keep a detailed account of what you spend each month and post it here. It’s a great way to stay accountable! Those leopard flats are really cute. I’ve never bought anything from ShoeDazzle before, but I will have to check out their site!
I am really focusing on staple pieces this year…trying to stay away from items that I might now wear in a few months. I need to check out Franish’s new feature. Love that idea too! Glad you guys had fun in Vegas!
Those reflective blue sunnies are awesome! I love taking photos in the reflection of the lenses with my pair! xx
http://www.rachelsfashionpatch.blogspot.com
Love those leopard flats!
http://kacieskloset.blogspot.com/
Everytime you post your budget I think about how i need to get on this train! I’m writing a note to myself right now so I stop shopping like woah. Love thos cheetah flats – good call on those 🙂
LOVE those sunnies! I have a similar pair. Makes me crave summer.
I’ve been dying for some aviators like that! Love yours 🙂
xo Amy
So many of us blogger girls are re-thinking how they structure their shopping habits + closets. I am, also. I’ve got the urge to get rid of stuff I don’t wear/don’t like and start fresh- but without breaking the bank! 🙂
Great post, babe!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Yep, I’m smitten with those brown booties!!!!