October 2014 Purchases

Budget Info
Starting this month, I am changing the way that I budget! Previously I had set an amount of $300 for most months and $350 for the months of July and December/January. My goal was to eventually reduce this number to $200 per month. Now that we're planning a big trip for next year, I am revising the monthly amount to $300 for the rest of this year and converting from a monthly budget to an annual one. Hence I get a total of $1850 from July through December 2014. So far I've already spent $569.55 in July + $228.33 in August + $167.86 in September = $965.74.

October Purchases

October was a dangerous time for budgets, because temptation was everywhere. I couldn't resist the Columbus Day sales or the Shopbop Friends and Family sale, so I ended up ordering too much. Luckily most of my purchases didn't work out. If you haven't noticed by now, I'm primarily an online shopper. It's so much easier to browse through a store's selection from the comfort of your own home than to trudge out to the mall every time there's a good sale. Of course, the downside to online shopping is that most purchases need to be returned. Either the fit is off or the fabric is sub-par or the color looks different in real life. So that's why despite ordering so much, I was able to come in under budget this month. Here's the breakdown.

1. Madewell transport tote (English saddle) - I can finally cross this bag off my list! I've been watching it for years, but it never seemed to go on sale, and I couldn't bear to buy it at only 15% off using my student discount. Clearly an additional 10% off was all the incentive I needed. When I saw that it was included in the Shopbop F&F sale, I couldn't resist ordering one. Just to try on, I told myself. Well, we know how these things go. Of course I fell in love with it immediately, and the rest is history. Originally $168. Paid $168 - 25% off - 3% off ebates = $122.22.

2. J.Crew Factory classic button-down shirt in flannel (cape gingham XXS) - I love the buffalo plaid trend this season, and I've been looking for a shirt of my own in that pattern to no avail. Until the day I saw this shirt in the J.Crew Factory new arrivals and placed an order right away. Technically it's not really buffalo plaid since the checks are too small, but the color combo is exactly what I was looking for. See my review here, and see it on me here. Originally $69.50. Paid $34.50 - 1.5% off ebates = $33.98.

3-5. J.Crew vintage cotton v-neck tee (heather graphite, black, pink clay XXS) - I needed more tees, so I bought my favorite J.Crew v-neck in 3 new colors. A little pricey, but they drape so nicely and I know I'll wear them all the time. Originally $29.50 each. Paid $12.50, $14.41, and $10.19 respectively.

6. AG Stilt skinny jean (sienna 25) - I've mentioned before that Amazon is my go-to for designer jeans and shoes (also Nordstrom Rack). Since I have Amazon Prime, it's so easy to place a big order, try on everything at home, and send back the things I don't want. I ordered 5 pairs of jeans this time, but only these worked out. They run a little larger than other AG size 25 jeans, but the wash is one I don't already have, and the length is perfect. Originally $172. Paid $63.38.

7. J.Crew sleep short in gingham flannel (navy XXS) - I love changing into pajamas the moment I get home, and I noticed I was missing pajama shorts. These were an old popback that I decided to snatch up. Originally $36.50. Paid $19.99 - 40% - 2% off ebates = $11.75.

So my total for the month comes to...

RETAIL: $534.50
SPENT: $268.43 (50% of MSRP)

I think I did pretty well, considering I got a new bag. Linking up with Franish and the Budgeting Bloggers!

What did you buy this month? Are you an online or in-store shopper?