July 2015 Purchases

Historically July is the worst month for my budget. Is it really any surprise though? I feel like every single retailer had huge blowout sales this month, and every time I couldn't resist the temptation. I bought a lot of stuff, but some items haven't arrived yet so I'll include them in next month's budget.

To begin with, I realized that my closet was missing warm-weather pajamas. I'm one of those people who can't wait to change out of their clothes the moment they get home, and I spend 95% of my time at home in pajamas. However, most of the stuff I own is made of flannel and really more appropriate for fall/winter. Enter two sets of J.Crew Factory pajamas. They're both very lightweight and made of 100% cotton. The blue striped set feels more menswear inspired, while the set with the heart pattern is more feminine. The top for that one has a low neckline, so I've taken to wearing it backwards.

1. J.Crew Factory striped short-sleeve pajama shirt (brilliant blue XXS) - This fits really well! I could see wearing it as an actual top. Originally $39.50. Paid $22.50 + 40% off + 1.5% off = $13.30.

2. J.Crew Factory striped pajama short (brilliant blue XXS) - I like that this doesn't have a waist tie. The inseam is a little short at around 2". Originally $32.50. Originally $15.5 + 20% off + 1.5% off = $12.21.

3. J.Crew Factory tank sleep set in hearts (dark navy XXS) - Originally $69.50. Paid $42.50 + 40% off + 1.5% off ebates = $25.12.

Lounging around in new pajamas

Now onto my haul from the infamous Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. There were a million things on my wishlist initially, but I narrowed them down to only the essentials. Here's what I picked up.

4-5. Zella live in leggings (black XS) - I love these leggings! Since the black color rarely goes on sale, I decided to pick up two pairs during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I bought a pair last year and wore them all the time. They're great for yoga, working out, and/or general lounging. They're closer to yoga pants than regular leggings in terms of how thick and opaque they are. Highly recommend! Originally $52. Paid $33.90 + 6% off ebates = $31.87 x 2.

6. BP stripe crewneck pullover (white breton stripe XS) - I'm constantly on the lookout for a good stripe top, so I just had to pick up this lightweight sweater. The XS fit me with room to spare. Originally $38. Paid $24.90 + 6% off ebates = $23.41.

I'm also keeping these Zella socks but didn't include them in the budget, because socks and underwear are necessary essentials. I ordered these Sperry duck boots too, but they're going back because I'm not in love with the quality.

As I mentioned during my June budget post, I wanted to focus on finding the perfect denim jacket this month. I ended up finding two and compared them in my last post. I asked everyone for feedback, and based on some excellent insight, I decided that I'm going to keep the medium wash one for sure. Thanks, everyone!

7. J.Crew denim jacket in Tyler wash (Tyler was XXS) - Originally $128. Paid $128 + 30% off + 15% off student discount = $76.16.

Now onto the biggest sale (and personal budget fail) of this month, J.Crew ran an unprecedented online sale of 75% off select items last week. At first I tried to stick to my guns and only buy items that I really needed. Hence I picked up 3 of these Tippi cardigans, which I already own and wear all year round. Unfortunately final sale was in effect at the time, which was lifted the following morning. I was a little annoyed about that, but by then all the classic colors had sold out in my size. I guess you win some, you lose some. I ended up placing a second HUGE order later on in the day when none of the items were final sale, but I won't know what I'll keep in the end until my order arrives, so stay tuned for next month.

8. J.Crew merino wool Tippi cardigan sweater (heather smoke XXS) - Originally $85. Paid $59.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $14.77.

Not pictured: J.Crew merino wool Tippi cardigan sweater (black XXS) - Originally $85. Paid $59.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $14.77.

Not pictured: J.Crew merino wool Tippi cardigan sweater (heather acorn XXS) - Originally $85. Paid $59.99 + 75% off + 1.5% off ebates = $14.77.


To atone for ordering so much stuff this month, I cleaned out my closet and listed a bunch of things on eBay. Five of those items sold so far for a profit of $65.96 (after shipping and eBay/PayPal fees).

So the total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $666.50
SPENT: $258.25 (38.8% of MSRP)
SOLD: $65.96
NET: $192.29

That's not too bad! Of course we'll see next month when my big 75% off J.Crew order comes in.

My goal for the year is to spend less than $3000, which translates roughly to $250 per month. Right now I'm at $3000 - $327.20 for 2015Q1 - $801.47 for 2015Q2 - $192.29 for July = $1679.04, which translates to an average of $335.81 per month for the next 5 months.

As always, I'm linking up with Franish and the other Budgeting Bloggers!

How did you do on your budget this month?