| month | amount spent |
| January | $147 |
| February | $67 |
| March | $280 |
| April | $129 |
| May | $116 |
| June | $218 |
| July | $120 |
| August | $204 |
| September | $118 |
| October | $220 |
| November | $173 |
| December | $182 |
TOTAL FOR THE YEAR: $1,974
AVERAGE PER MONTH: $164.50
I didn't reach my goal of $150/month average, but I was only $14.50/month over! I'm fairly proud of that!
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J. Crew Spending
From J. Crew (and Factory) I bought 12 pencil skirts, 4 colored bottoms (2 cords/2 jeans), 1 pair of shorts, 2 button up shirts, 1 sweater, 2 tops, 4 belts, 1 bracelet, and 1 pair of tights. All of my purchases were on sale, I applied 2 gift cards worth a total of $70, and my educator discount was applied when eligible in store, and my final total was......
J.CREW SPENDING FOR 2012: $714, which is about 36% of my total budget spent for the year.
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General Shopping Goals for 2013:
1. Keep to the $150/month, and this time be more aware of how much under/over I am per month so that I stick to my budget.
2. I invested a lot into skirts in 2012, so this year I'm on the look out for dresses and work pants.
3. I made a lot of purchases with color last year, so I would like to add more neutrals into my closet.
4. Invest in quality handbags and shoes this year.
5. Don't buy anything unless I love it, it fits right, and the price is right.
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Thanks so much for stopping by! Do you have a favorite purchase that you made in 2012 or have you made shopping goals for 2013?
Great post! You have inspired me to keep a shopping budget this year. My goal is $200/month. I returned to work in June after being on maternity leave for a year and before that while pregnant, I didn't buy anything. I did some major spending last year, so this year I hope to scale back as I think I've fleshed my wardrobe out quite nicely. Keep up the good work! All the best to you in 2013.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope that you find keeping a shopping budget to be useful this year! Keeping track of my purchases definitely helped to keep me more aware of what I was buying and how much I was spending. Happy New Year to you and thanks for leaving a comment!
Delete2013 will be the year you finally buy some amazing high heel pumps. Not just ehh ones. Some pointy toe 3 or 3 1/2 inch beauties.
ReplyDeleteAlso 2013 will be the year of the dark wash trouser jean and perfect wool trouser pant for you.
Wonderful post. I need to get on a budget this year and now have renewed inspiration. In reality I don't need anything so I want to keep that as part of my motivation as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad that it gave you some inspiration! I feel the same way that you do about not really needing anything, and I think that is a great motivator.
DeleteYou've been an amazingly good shopper this year. Don't buy high heels unless you want to -- the toll they take on your feet will catch up with you sooner or later -- plus you have mile long legs without even trying.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I definitely know what you mean about heels. I get back pain if I wear heels too many days in a row because I'm always on my feet, so I really try to wear them sparingly. I bought a low pair of Ferragamo heels that are about 1.5", and that seems to be a nice compromise! Happy New Year to you!
DeleteJ.Crew's final sale keeps me in check and from buying:) or :(
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I have not bought as much clothing this whole year b?/ JCrew's online prices were so high compared to what I read others paid in store...Until December that is...I am glad I bought and tried a few things before Christmas.
Talbots has amazing sales prices right now. I watched a jacket that I wanted go from $189 (original price) to $139 to $89 and I finally bought it last night for $51.
I also got the Talbots red herringbone moto jacket on sale. I tried on the black white combo last year and it did nothing for me. This year the red/white combo looked great. So glad I waited.
So, basically December and early January I did most of my shopping for the "year"
OK. Went against my no final sale at JCrew rule but got a rep to make notes in my order that I could return if things don't fit. Never asked for this before but since I don't have a store close by I though worth a shot and it worked!
DeleteI wouldn't buy anything FS either online from JC, esp. when the prices are so much different in store vs online--way to go on that! I looked through the Talbots selection yesterday and I saw lots of goodies I wouldn't mind having. I wish there was free shipping though! I'm glad that the JC rep came through. It never hurts to ask! I hope that it works out. Happy New Year to you!
DeleteHappy New Year! I am lucky enough to have a Talbots black charge card so shipping is ALWAYS free for me! When they had the 50% off everything day (on new years eve maybe??) I did order a couple of things. I was at the store last night and they did some further markdowns plus 40% off the ticket price. Plus, with any Talbots charge you get extra 5% off. (Makes the JC charge card rather sad when Talbots has great perks.) Anyway, I tend to charge the few things I do get at Talbots and then right then and there pay it off. They clerks are very nice and happy to do it that way too. Hope you have a great New Year:)
DeleteIf you use the red phone in a Talbots store shipping is free too:) even on sale items I believe!
DeleteOh wow, that's good to know! There is an outlet somewhat near me, so most of my Talbots shopping is done there.
DeleteI just discovered your blog and I love your style! I think your organization and commitment to your budget is very inspiring. I am also envious of your fabulous thrift shop finds. I need to start trying this!
ReplyDeleteHi there! I responded back on your blog. Glad that you stopped by. Tracking my spending is something that I'll continue to do, it was interesting to look back upon a whole year of spending! It is also definitely amazing what you can find at the thrift store! I hope you give it a try!
DeleteYou keep an awesome budget - I need to start doing that. I am afraid to see how much I spend at J.Crew each year though ...
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean! It is interesting though to keep track of purchases and to see everything for the year!
DeleteYou did amazing, M! You're a wonderful inspiration for me to do better in 2013.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!
Aww, thanks! Here's to a wonderful 2013!
DeleteWow! I think it's awesome that you tracked your spending for an entire year! And you did a great job of coming close to your goal.
ReplyDeleteThank you--I appreciate your comment! I'm hoping in 2013 I meet my goal!
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