I'm doing something a little different today and sharing my clothing purchases from the first four months of the year. I'm calling it the first quarter shopping because that shortens to Q1 and there is no clever way to shorten "the first third of the year".
A fashion blogger I am not, but I thought it would be fun to share what clothes I am spending my money on this year and to show you what kind of things I wear. I've been following a budget on and off now for about 5 years (since I moved to the Chicago suburbs!). Last year, Matt and I started using Mint to track our spending and keep our budget.
At the beginning of the year I set a budget for $80 a month for clothing. That money needs to cover both clothing for Matt and myself. Since Matt started a new job late last year that required a bit more business casual clothes than he has needed at previous jobs so more of the budget has gone towards his clothes than mine. I'm trying to hold myself to a total of $600 for the year. So let's see how I did!
(L to R): Top:Kohl's AB Studio Dolman Striped Tee: $6Kohl's Simply Vera Windy Jacquard Tee: $4Kohl's Levi's High Rise Skinny Jeans: $33Kohl's Apt. 9 Striped Dolman Tee: $14Bottom:
Kohl's Apt. 9 Pleated Crepe Tank: $10Old Navy Mesh Panel Leggings: $20Macy's 143 Girl Owanda Pumps: $33
Coeur Triathlon Shorts in Checkmate: $20 (available on Amazon)
Total: $140 - $50 Kohl's gift card from Christmas = $90
Annual allowance: $600 - $90 = $510 remaining for the year
I buy a lot of my clothes from Kohl's and since I have a Kohl's charge card and am part of the rewards program I am able to get really good deals there! Two of the shirts replaced items in my closet that were worn out. The jeans were a replacement for my pair of skinny jeans because mine were starting to look like baggy baggy pants.
The pumps were purchased for a wedding for which I was a bridesmaid so they were a required purchase. I am always in the market for new workout clothes and since the triathlon shorts and leggings were on sale and I splurged.
I did also purchase a bridesmaid dress for another wedding but I can't share yet ;) I am not counting that towards my budget since it's doubtful I will wear it again.
My birthday was in April and Matt did get me 2 new pairs of shoes from Bucketfeet. I love both of them and I've been wearing them quite a lot!
In the next quarter I am hoping to buy a new dress or two to wear to weddings and wedding-related activities I have coming up in the next several months!
