Oof. I don't know if it was a combination of stress and lack of sleep, buying for the sake of buying or because I actually loved the article of clothing; all I know is I bought quite a lot this past month. Shall we have a look at the damage?
From Anthro:
Emaline Pullover - $29.95
JBrand 29" Skinny - $158
Collared Cowlneck - $29.95
Ombre Polka Scarf - $29.95
Painted V-neck - $29.95
Catalan Tee - $39.95
Amrita Cardigan - $49.95
Pieced Column Dress - $178
From Nordstrom:
BP Ginger Boot - $64.90
Stuart Weitzman Cadet Boot - $199.90
Final Tally: $780.55 (!!??!) and that doesn't include taxes and some shipping fees.
OMG that total is so ridiculous. I don't think I realized how much I spent because I did it in little chunks. Each transaction wasn't too much but altogether is out of control. I will admit I held off on publishing this post because of the amount I spent. I know some people have larger budgets and some smaller but this is more than I personally care to spend. I don't enjoy posting this for all to see and it's certainly not to encourage anyone else to shop but I think it's a good balance check for me to see what I'm buying and how much I'm actually spending. My mindset was mostly "oh it's on sale and it's not too much" but it definitely adds up quick. Looking at the list, I don't know that I love any of it. I definitely LIKE some of the stuff I bought but do I need it?
I can tell you right now a few things are most definitely going back so my March tally isn't as steep as I posted above and there are also some items that I'm on the fence about. Perhaps my next post will be a quick review of each item and I can get your opinions on what to keep and what to return. How was your shopping month? Did you stay on budget or fall off like I did?
A peek into our lives, our wardrobes and all the little things we keep in the closet.
Thanks for your honest post. It does suck how things add up so quickly. A couple of thoughts...
ReplyDeleteAny chance you could wait and get the jeans on sale? I see that they're sold out online but that often doesn't mean much. There still may be plenty in stores. I always get such great deals on jeans when I buy them through Anthro because I always wait and buy them on sale.
Maybe only get one pair of boots?
I see that you bought the Pieced Column Dress even though you thought it was thin and you'd wait to get it on sale if at all. Are you having second thoughts now that you have it?
Also, if there's anything you don't really really like, I'd say return it because those are the items that I often regret purchasing.
Hope this helps a little.
I know what you mean- those little things add up quickly! I try and keep track over the course of the month, but I was pretty `bad`in March as well...
ReplyDeleteI sometimes try and focus on the bigger things that I really want, and let the sale items go if they aren`t as special...
Lisa: The jeans are actually one of the items going back. I think I bought them because I saw "29" inseam!" and got excited at the idea of not having to hem a pair of jeans for once. They ended up still being too long but as you'll read in my next post, JBrands just don't fit me well so money saved there. Like you, I tend to wait and get my jeans on sale...except in this instance.
ReplyDeleteI still don't think the Pieced Column Dress is worth it and it's still not something I'm totally comfortable about wearing but I figure it's better to get it now and mull it over than have it go on sale and spend time trying to track it down.
Sarah (I hope I got your name right!): It's amazing how $30 here and there absolutely add up. I think back to last year when I bought lots on sale thinking it "wasn't much" but my year end total was more than I had expected hence my monthly shopping roundup for 2012. I find it's really keeping me in check. I like your idea of focusing on bigger things - initially I thought there's nothing big I want (material-wise) but I realize I'd really like to do some travelling this year. I really haven't at all since I had my daughter.
I totally understand about the Pieced Column Dress. I often buy clothes that I have to mull over. In fact I bought the Pieced Column Dress too but am returning it this week. One thing about reading fashion blogs is that it's difficult not to get sucked into the hype of a particular dress, top, etc. This is definitely the case with the Pieced Column Dress, but I've realized that I'm just not that comfortable in it. I'm tall and in my 40's so it's a little bit too much....like I'm trying too hard. I admit that an Anthro SA also had an impact on me when she said that the dress was made for my figure. Really? hmmm, I'm not so sure. I have to listen to my inner voice which is telling me that I would've worn it in my 20's and early 30's but unfortunately those days are over. So I guess I'm saying that you should try to listen to your own thoughts about the dress and try to block out all the noise around you.
ReplyDeleteI think we're very similar in that respect. I buy and think it over but sometimes I'm so indecisive. It's why I'm so appreciative of return policies like Anthro's and Nordstrom and it's why they get the bulk of my clothing/shoe budget.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on getting sucked in by fashion blogs. I've been a bit terrible the last 2 years; buying things that I thought I had to have, only to realize those items weren't for me (Laced with Grace dress, Dog Trot cardigan and Tria sweater skirt instantly come to mind - ugh). I've gotten a lot better but still have to watch the hype. I think I'm in the same quandry as you were in. I'm in my mid-30s but wonder if I'm slightly past the age to wear the Pieced Column Dress. Is it too much and too tight? Last thing I want is to be "mutton dressed as lamb".
I'm insanely indecisive. It's totally annoying. That's exactly why I shop at Anthro and Nordstroms too because I can return an item if I change my mind. Honestly, I'd probably do better if shops were all like Lululemon.....where I'd be forced to make up my mind in 2 weeks.
DeleteAnyhow, I thought the Pieced Column Dress looked flattering on you. However, I'm looking at your photos online, so it's hard to know how it looks in real life. If you took them while standing in front of a mirror, for instance, that might alter how it actually looks in real life. But I think because you are alot shorter than me, it does not look "too much" on you or that you're trying too hard because it's a good length on you, while it was really short on me. The long sleeveless version suits my height and looks alot more sophisticated on me than the shorter version did. Do you have some girlfriends (or male friends) who could give you an honest opinion? I think it's much better than getting the opinion of strangers online who don't know you and your style and who might not even have the same taste as you.