April 2016 Purchases

This month I tried to focus on buying basic essentials (tees, tanks, and shorts), but I sort of got sidetracked when I rediscovered the joy of buying clothes second-hand. Overall, I bought a lot of stuff but came in almost exactly on budget, thanks to another month of selling. Without further ado, let's take a look at what I bought in April.

1. Everlane women's cotton tank (black XXS) - I reviewed this simple cotton tank in my last post. I've already worn it three times, so it was definitely a good buy. Originally $14. Paid $14 - $14 Everlane credit = $0.

2. Everlane women's linen tank (black XS) - I also reviewed this linen tank in my last post, but I haven't worn it outside the house yet. I'm not sure why, but I tend to reach for the cotton one first. Originally $30. Paid $21 - $11 Everlane credit = $10.

3. J.Crew Factory piece-dyed tank top (navy XXS) - This tank is lightweight without being sheer, but it hasn't held up well. The first time I washed it, it developed a tiny hole. Would not recommend. Originally $26.50. Paid $15.50 + 25% off sale + 1.5% off ebates = $11.45.

4. J.Crew trouser in super 120s wool (heather flannel 2P) - I hardly own any business casual clothes anymore, so I thought it would be good to add another pair of lightweight wool dress pants to the mix for a conference I'm attending in July. Originally $148. Paid $49.99 + 30% off + 1.5% off ebates = $34.47.

5. Kat Von D tattoo liner (trooper) - This liquid eyeliner has been on my wishlist for a year, so I'm glad I picked it up during Sephora's recent sale. I already own the black Stila Stay All Day liquid liner but wanted this one for comparison. The Kat Von D liner seems to have a finer point (making it harder to apply for those of us who don't have the steadiest hand), and sometimes I have to test it on the back of my hand first to get the ink flowing. However, once it works, I feel like the liner stays put better than the Stila one (for some reason, the Stila liner always flakes off after a few hours). Originally $19. Paid $19 + 10% off sale + 4% off ebates = $16.42.

6. J.Crew 4" chino short (navy 0) - I'm slowly replacing all of my 3" shorts with 4" ones. I still like the way a 3" inseam looks, but they're too short when I sit down, which makes me feel self-conscious. Navy is the color I tend to reach for the most in the summer, so this should get plenty of wear. Originally $39.50. Paid $39.50 + 40% off sale + 2% off ebates = $23.22. EDIT: Returned. This particular pair was a little too tight in the waist.

7. J.Crew 4" chino short (storm grey 0) - Same exact short, but in grey. This is the first pair of grey shorts I've owned. Hopefully the color will prove to be as versatile as navy. Originally $39.50. Paid $39.50 + 40% off sale + 2% off ebates = $23.22.

8. J.Crew excursion quilted vest in buffalo check (navy ivory XXXS) - With summer just around the corner, it's a bit ridiculous to be buying a puffer vest. However, I love the clean print, and the price just can't be beat. I can't wait to wear it next fall. Originally $138. Paid $39.99 + 40% off + 2% off ebates = $23.51.

(Preowned) 9. Me Too Patty flats (nude 6) - If you've been reading my blog for a while, then these shoes might look familiar. That's because they're identical to a pair that I literally loved to pieces. They were so comfortable and flattering (relative to their comfort anyway) that I wore them all the time, and I was heartbroken when I finally had to throw them away. When I found these in like-new condition, I immediately bought them, and I've been wearing them almost everyday ever since! Originally $99.95. Paid $24.46.

(Preowned) 10. J.Crew Ella dress in porcelain paisley (blue/white) - I've always loved the porcelain paisley print from J.Crew, but I missed out on it long ago (~2012) because it was too expensive at the time. I've been looking for it ever since, and I'm glad I found this one in my size. It runs small in the bust, so I sized up from my usual 00, but sadly that makes the bottom too large. I'm planning to get the skirt slimmed by my tailor, so that will probably cost another $45. It's totally worth it though for a piece that I've been hunting forever. If all turns out well, then I'll wear it for one of the upcoming weddings I'm attending this summer. Originally $298. Paid $64.75.

(Preowned) 11. J.Crew Liberty classic schoolboy blazer in june's meadow floral (june's meadow 00) - This blazer is another one of those pieces that I loved at first sight but passed on at the time due to its high price point. I've been kicking myself lately after seeing Adina and Jess wear it beautifully. Then this one serendipitously showed up online in my size, so I took it as a sign from the universe that I had to buy it. I got it yesterday, and the print is awesome! I was a little surprised by how lightweight it is (more like a shirt than a blazer), but that means I can still wear it in the summer without being too hot. Originally $225. Paid $44.98.

So that's it for the stuff I bought this month. On the selling front, I sent a big bag of clothes (my second one ever) to Thredup after my big closet clean-out in February, and it finally got processed. I'm a little disappointed, because I sent in a lot of stuff (including a bag and some shoes) but I only got $29.60 as my cash payout. I probably won't be using them again unless I'm trying to get rid of clothes I can't sell in other ways. I also sold 2 skirts on eBay for $46.28 after shipping and fees.

The total for this month comes to...
RETAIL: $1037.95
SPENT: $253.26 (24.4% of MSRP)
SOLD: $75.88
NET: $177.38

My goal for the year is to spend no more than $2400, which equates to $200 per month. Right now I'm at $2400 - $447.87 for 2016Q1 - $177.38 for April  = $1774.75 for the next 8 months, which is an average of $221.84 per month.

How did you do on your budget this month? As always, I'm linking up with Franish and the other budgeting bloggers!