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May 30, 2014

May Budget


Happy Friday, lovelies!  I'm back with round two of my monthly budget posts.  I splurged a little bit this month but with good reason: my birthday was on Wednesday!  Now you know, with birthdays come lots of lovely little birthday coupons...and it would be a shame to let them go to waste.

Each year I am most excited for my 15% off birthday coupon to Anthropologie.  With its feminine and unique pieces, Anthro is one of my favorite stores...but it is usually out of my price range.  That being said, each May I allow myself to splurge on a couple of Anthropologie items with my birthday coupon.  Cue this adorable little peplum and the cute scalloped shorts!  I have to say that what I ended-up buying at Anthro is not at all what I expected to choose.  I am not a frequent shorts wearer (I sometimes struggle with my body image, especially when it comes to my legs) but I just couldn't pass-up on high-waisted shorts with scallops...I mean, come on, scallops!  I'm really excited to wear them with my new peplum and to pair them with other tops all summer long.  I also think they will look cute with tights and boots this fall!

While I splurged on the two Anthropologie items, I super-saved on the other things!  I've already mentioned the deal I got on the top pair of Target shoes...and I purchased the other pair for only $6!  I think it's okay to indulge in a couple pairs of shoes when they cost $11 total, right?  Also, I had been looking for a pair of replacement sunglasses for my faves that broke last summer when I happened upon this clearance pair at LOFT!

Not pictured are a graphic tee that I purchased at an art festival featuring my favorite state, Michigan, as well as the items that I rented through Rocks Box that I will be reviewing on the blog shortly.  Also, my parents gifted me with another graphic tee from a wonderful new East Lansing restaurant called Hop Cat and a beautiful ring made with an antique button from Paris (I'm sure you will see pictures of it soon).

Now it's time to talk moola:

Peplum Top: Anthropologie- $61
Shorts: Anthropologie- $70
Espadrille Shoes: Target- $6
Patterned Shoes: Target- $5
Sunglasses (plus case): LOFT- $13
Michigan Tee: EL Art Festival- $24
Rocks Box Subscription- $10
Hop Cat Tee: $0
Paris Button Ring: EL Art Festival- $0

April Total: $68
May Total: $189

Total Remaining for April-June: -$7

Now you may have noticed that I already messed-up my first ever quarterly budget.  I'm feeling a bit guilty, but at the same time, this was my first try and I'm still learning a lot about my spending habits.  I can't imagine how much I would have spent if I didn't have this budget in mind!

I also have one more month left for this quarter and am already in the hole by $7.  Fortunately, for my birthday, my friends and family gave me some fun new accessories and my parents gave me a generous amount of money to be spent on a few fun things.  I won't be counting those purchases towards my budget since they were gifts (is that cheating?  I'm going to go ahead and say "no").  Since I won't have any budget purchases next month, I will feature those things in my June budget round-up.

Linking-up with Fran and a few other budgeting bloggers!

By the way, don't forget that today is the last day to enter the giveaway for a $250 gift card to LOFT!  Click the button below for a chance to win!

14 comments:

  1. Happy belated birthday, Whitney! You got some great things this month - I can't wait to see those shorts on you!!!

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    1. Thanks, Brynn! I can't believe how much I'm loving these shorts!

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  2. That top is so adorable! I can't wait to see how you style it! Also... happy belated birthday!!

    Kate @ A Journey in Style

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    1. Thanks, Kate! I can tell that it is going to be a favorite top this summer!

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  3. Happy belated birthday! I never count items purchased with birthday money or gift cards against my budget, since I'm not spending my own money. I love that pretty peplum top!

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    1. Thanks, Inge! And I'm glad that you don't count birthday money towards your budget either! I feel less guilty already. Haha.

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  4. Happy belated birthday Whit!! OMG those scalloped pieces from Anthro are gorgeous. And I love both slip-ons from Target - great price on those. Gifted money and gift cards don't count IMO either. =))

    Hope your weekend was lovely!! <3 Ada.

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    1. Thanks, Ada! I'm glad that you are on my side in terms of birthday money! I don't feel so guilty anymore :)

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  5. I LOVE the Anthro top! I totally should have tried it on when I was in store.

    xo Kimi

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    1. It's not too late...it was still there last I checked :) There is a really pretty floral version, too!

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  6. ohhh those shorts are to die for!

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    1. Thanks! It's rare that I fall in love with shorts but I really adore these!

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  7. Happy Belated Birthday! That peplum top is SO lovely!!
    Sam
    http://beautifuldreamerami.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you! I haven't worn it yet. I feel like I'm saving it for something special :)

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