My Monthly Purchases : August 2015

Every month, I break down my clothing expenses and share them. I used to have a monthly budget, but partway through 2014, I switched to a quarterly budget of $500. This can be rolled into the next quarter if it's not all spent. My goal is to keep my out of pocket expenses within $2000 a year. Gifts and gift cards don't count towards my budget.

August is generally a high spending month for me (you know, "back to school shopping"...) but this year I restrained myself.

Top: Lucy & Laurel via Winners

Reg $55 on sale for $16

My closet is lacking in navy shirts. This is simple yet really feminine and pretty. My only beef about it is that I wore it outside one evening and mosquitos flew in the holes and bit my upper arms. Oww. Totally my fault. Should have predicted that! Sorry for the wrinkles - fresh out of the wash!

Tops: Gap

Reg $66 for the three, on sale for $25 for three
I usually buy a few Gap tees late in the summer when they're on sale. They wash well and have a soft and stretchy vibe. The third one is in the wash, but it's a black and white striped crew neck.

Skirt: Club Monaco

Reg $150 on sale for $17.50
A black skirt wasn't on my wish list (I have a few) but this is one of those buys that will definitely get playing time in my wardrobe. Too well-priced to leave in the store! Club Monaco tends to carry timeless stuff, so if you see a great basic, nab it, you'll wear it for years!

Culottes: Envy
Reg $60 on sale for $20
Check out my post on these!

T-shirt: Wilfred Free at Aritzia
Reg $45 on sale for $15
What a pretty color. I can see this being layered under a chunky sweater or blazer this fall. Or.... lounging around the house because it's so darn comfy!

Total value of items: $376
I paid $94.
I saved 75%

That leaves me $298 to spend this quarter, as I'm still dragging out some birthday money. This quarter technically ends at the end of September, but if I don't spend it, I can roll it ahead to the next quarter.

I've been stretching my Joe Fresh birthday gift card to the max! For those of who who haven't wandered in lately, I was there this week... and they have the fall clothing in! Gorgeous stuff this season. I was good and only bought two pieces on Sept 1st (which is the magical day in my head that my budget "re-sets" LOL). I'll share the fall stuff with you next time, but here are the buys I snagged in August.

Shorts: Joe Fresh

Reg $19 on sale for $13
I've weeded a lot of shorts out of my closet lately, therefore needing new ones. These are a nice color and looser fit.

Top: Joe Fresh 

Reg $29 on sale for $9
I hope to get a few wears out of this pretty white short sleeve sweater before I spill pasta or something on it....

Did you find any amazing wardrobe additions this month? Do share!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Mrs Picky Pants

Sometimes it's just necessary to be picky about certain things - like life partners,  ketchup, and culottes. After ordering and returning a laughable pair of the cropped wide leg bottoms from Zara, I happened upon these on sale at Envy. They are so roomy and comfortable.

Details

Top and Bracelet: Banana Republic

Culottes: Envy

Sandals: Old Navy: 

Earrings: What on Earth

I'm still thinking about getting them hemmed a few inches higher. What do you think? For those of you who don't know, I'm only 5'3''.

This fall, I plan on wearing these a lot with heeled boots or booties and maybe adding a bold sock.

XOXO

Glitterary Girl