I’m sharing my budget a little earlier this month than normal… I guess that’s a good thing considering some of it may get thrown out the window due to the fun shopping fiasco that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The funny thing about the holidays that I’ve noticed since blogging? In real life and in blog life, things at the end of the month get a little hectic.
I’m going to do a bit of a different breakdown this month. Inspired by some other budgeting bloggers, and after my co-worker mentioned being curious why I didn’t share the things I bought that I didn’t keep, I figured I’d add a few new categories.
What I Bought
Ann Taylor: I had to find a dress the night before the Goodwill Gala after winning some tickets from their Facebook page! I had a heck of a time finding a classy “glitter” dress, but I ended up really loving the Beaded Ponte Sheath Dress. If you’re petite like me, I highly recommend their petite section for tailor-free dresses in a pinch. I purchased this in a 2P. After trying on the 4P, it was just a better fit around the waist and hip area.
Swap Group: I purchased a couple of dresses from a swap group I’m in. Unfortunately neither worked out, which is the risk you take while swapping, but I paid $19 for both so I can’t complain too much. I’ll probably make a few bucks back from ThredUp for next month. ;)
Goodwill Glitter Sale: I had ridiculous good fortune at the Goodwill Glitter sale. Seriously, if you’re in Seattle, go go go next year. I picked up these Christian Louboutin Very Prive Snakeskin Peep Toe for $25, these Christian Louboutin Fox Trot Slingbacks for $15, a 70s vintage reversible fur/leather vest for $40, some art deco costume jewelry for about $15, and a pair of Vintage Frye slouch booties for $25 that you’ve seen me wear a few times here and here.
Sephora: I ran out of Benefit Gimme Brow (my favorite, despite trying a few other products over the last few months) and I picked up a new moisturizer for winter, Clinique Moisture Surge with a gift card.
Etsy: I ordered Dave and I “ugly” Christmas sweaters from Dentz Design this year. I picked up a Chirstmas Story themed one for me, and a Home Alone themed one for Dave, at $19 each. They aren’t here yet… shipping so far seems to be a little slow, but fingers crossed they show up soon!
Nordstrom: I picked up a few items during the Nordstrom Clearance sale, but this Kut From the Kloth Lincoln Jacket is the only thing I kept. I loveee it. See it in action here.
What I Returned
ModCloth: I fell in love with the Deco with the Flow Dress. It’s gorgeous, but it was too long and too wide on my petite (read: short) frame. It’s too detailed to have hemmed, so back it went.
Nordstrom: Okay, so yes, these Zella Reversible Live In Leggings are really comfortable, but they’re too long on me. I wish they came in petite lengths, because they pool at my ankles (you can see this happens on the model too, but it’s worse on me). I may actually try the Big Girls for a better fit in length. ;)
DSW: I’ve been obsessed with these Crown Vintage Lacy Booties, so I bought them. If only they came in half sizes… the 37 is too big, and no doubt the 36 would be too small. They’re not carried in store, otherwise I would try them. Boo.
What I Received
I feel really fortunate to be able to work with companies and small business owners who have really, really awesome products!
Henry Pete’s Pasture: This funky fringe triangle scarf came from my friend Stef. Do me a favor and check out her shop – she’s got a ton of scarves and beanies that would make perfect holiday gifts!
Kiss: I received the Instawave Automatic Curling Wand for review… demo and tutorial coming soon!
Chloe & Isabel: Alysia reached out to me about the new holiday collection from Chloe & Isabel, and the pieces are just gorgeous. She sent me their Pave Ball Stud Earrings and the Celestial Frost Hair Pin Duo. Styling and giveaway is coming soon!
Firmoo: I also scored a new pair of glasses for review from Firmoo. These are great, and you can win frames of your own for just a couple more days here!
This is the first month in a while that I actually didn’t sell any clothes. I have a few bags to send to ThredUp and I’m also going to send one to Twice soon as well, so hopefully that will help off-set any damage done during Black Friday! I can’t believe that’s almost here… and luckily, I really don’t have any big shopping plans. Here’s to keeping my personal shopping in check this next month! ;)
What did you buy last month? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Um, what is this Goodwill Glitter Sale you speak of and why did I not know anything about it! I totes would’ve been there!
Eek, somehow your comment escaped me! So sorry. But anyways, the Goodwill sale happens once a year. It’s always towards the beginning of November, usually the weekend after their Glitter Gala! If you follow them on Facebook or Twitter they usually send out several updates! :)
That Goodwill Glitter Sale sounds AMAZING! I wish I could find deals like that. Maybe I just need to make a game plan cause getting multiple pairs of Loubs for that price in great condition is wonderful! I was on the same wave length with you on the “Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal” – I bought that sweater this month too and am eagerly waiting for it to arrive in the mail.
So I thought I responded to your comment but apparently missed it. So sorry! We just got our sweaters this week and I’m loving them! Can’t wait to wear them for Christmas! :)
You got Louboutins for $15? That’s amazing! Is that the curling wand that does the curling for you? I’ve been wanting to give it a try.
I know right? I was beyond thrilled. It does! I’m going to be filming a video, but basically you hold a strand of hair, press a button, and the wand grabs the hair and wraps it around the barrel. It’s not quite as cool as the other one that sucks up the hair, but you can also do a much larger section of hair which I prefer.
That sounds great! I’m excited for your video! :)
I love the Ann Taylor dress!
Thanks Becca!
that goodwill sale sounds amazing and i want to go! what great deals.
that sucks about the zella leggings, i’m quite tall so i love mine! and i’ve had the worst luck with modcloth :(
You’ll just have to come to Seattle next November and go! :) Modcloth has so many cute things but unfortunately a lot of their dresses just don’t fit me right. Such a bummer!
I recently discovered Benefit’s Gimme Brow and I’m so obsessed! It’s definitely the best brow product I’ve ever tried, although I am finding that I go through a tube pretty quickly. Still, it looks so much more natural than pencil.
Cat
http://oddlylovely.com
It does seem to go fast – my last tube seemed so dry at the bottom. I’m trying to be a little more careful to not “pump” it this time!
That Goodwill Glitter Sale sounds amazing!! Unfortunately I’m on the complete opposite side of the continent, but I’m curious to see if there’s anything like that in my area. I love those Christmas sweaters. Hopefully they arrive soon! I’ve been going through my closet and getting ready to sell a few things. It’s always nice to have a little cash this time of year!
Ah that’s a bummer you’re so far – you’ll definitely have to check with your local Goodwill, I would assume other regions would have their own yearly sales! I finally got a shipping notice on the sweaters, so they’re for sure on their way. And I’m with ya on the cleaning closet… I was holding onto some stuff for awhile for a swap, now it’s time to let go of it all!
I bought too many things this month. :-) I’m hosting some dinner parties where we basically invited too many people, so there was a lot of last minute purchases like chairs/tables.
Ah that’s always a bummer, but I’m sure the dinner party was worth it! :)
How am I a life-long Seattle-ite and I have NO IDEA what the Goodwill Glitter sale is?!!?! I am dumbfounded. And super bummed to have missed out. Also, those Christmas sweaters are amazing.
Johanna
http://www.ourjoyfulhome.com
You’ll definitely have to go next year, it is unreal. It’s always an early weekend in November so definitely keep an eye out!
Ok, but how do I score some free glasses? what a deal!! looks like you did a great job this month. :D
I passed along your blog to Firmoo – thanks, Melissa! :)
I had all plans to budget hard this month … and then it all went out the window with one Michael Kors bag!
Oh no! Well, it happens, and I bet you’re loving your new bag!
That Goodwill Glitter Sale sounds amazing!
It was pretty amazing… I can’t wait for next year’s!
Oh wow, nicely done on the Louboutins and Fryes at the Goodwill sale. I’d say my best find this month was a pair of Ferragamo wedges from Value Village.
Oh that is a great find! Thanks, Cassie! :)
What the heck about the Louboutins! so exciting!!
Haha I know, it was really hard to play it cool about those!
The Goodwill Glitter sale sounds pretty awesome! I wonder if there’s anything like that around here. Probably, but I don’t know what. :P $19 seems very reasonable for a funny Christmas sweater/sweatshirt – I’ve seen ones priced over $70 this year, yipes!
That is crazy – I can’t imagine paying that much! I’m not sure if other Goodwills do it – I would think each region would have at least one large sale a year though!
I am petite too and I hate when I see many cute items at Old Navy or Gap that I know, there is no way they will fit. Thanks for Loft that petits sizing. I totally forgot to tell you about the sizing of the Zella leggings.
You were really lucky at the Good gill sale.
I know, isn’t that a bummer! And all of the petite sizes (when they do have them) sell out the quickest! No worries on the Zella, I’m probably going to try the “Big Girls” sizes next time when I need more leggings ;)
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