new in for fall…

A lot of you loved 'the damage' posts that I used to post each month… those posts would outline how and where I spent my monthly shopping budget.  For me, they no longer seemed like a natural fit for the blog anymore… But I get it, you gals loved those posts.  So I am hoping for some middle ground between what those posts were about and something that seems to fit the blog more these days.

With that in mind I thought I would round up a few of my recent fall purchases.  These purchases were made over the course of late July & August with the goal of them being for the upcoming fall season.  I am not keeping super close track of what I am spending each month like I used to. Instead I am trying to focus more on the season as a whole, and of course, always spend within my means. This will probably be about it for my "fall" shopping.  I have a lot of pieces from last fall and winter that I am excited to wear again.  I do have a new pair of riding boots and a blazer on my wish list… but  I don't really 'need' those pieces…

Most of these pieces were purchased on sale or promotion… with the exception of a few pieces.  I'm still a budget-minded kind of gal when shopping.  Unless there is an item that I really want and don't mind splurging a bit - usually this is accompanied by knowing it won't likely EVER go on sale. So I might as well just bite the bullet.  Many of these items will be showing up on the blog in outfits soon… but some have already debuted on Instagram… so follow me there! (user: jillgg)

top row, from left: black top (40% off with code: BRFALL), tux-collar tunic (40% off with code: BRFALL), striped top (less than $20!), linen pocket henley (40% off with code: BRFALL), pink sweatshirt (50% off!), grey cardigan (only $35)

bottom row, from left: burgundy dress (only $14!!!), army green pants, jeans* (only $80!), black drapey pants (50% off!), boots, flats 

(mini rant: okay, I am LOVING Banana Republic lately, but they are doing this weird thing where they are putting new pieces out in my local store that aren't online - as a blogger, it's frustrating because I want to be able to share exact links to items with you! The same thing happened last spring.  So the jeans I got are actually from Banana Republic, but there is nothing online even close to them… so I found these that are closer. So the "shown" jeans aren't exactly what I got… but close!)

Or shop the pieces below… 

(keep in mind, some items are available in multiple colors, so thumbnails may reflect that)

One other little note… for my fellow bloggers and business owners!  I am now on Periscope! If you haven't downloaded this awesome app to your phone yet… do it! It's basically a streaming video app.  I post LIVE videos there that you can join me live on and interact via questions and comments or playback for 24 hours.  For right now, I am trying it out as a platform to sharing business and blogging tips on the regular!  I think you will like it! My user name is JillGG!!

the damage: february 2015!

For the past few years I have paused at the end of each month to review my clothing purchases for the previous month. I call these posts the damage.  I have given myself the monthly budget of $300 and while for some this may seem like a lot or others it may not seem like much at all, I have found it is the perfect amount for me personally.  I share these purchases here on the blog to show you how I use my budget to create a well curated and classic closet while stretching the budget the best I can.

For 2015 I really want my purchases to be a good balance of investments and budget buys.  Let's admit it, the thrill of finding a good deal is always, well - just that… a thrill.  But if my closet is only full of
"thrills" I have a feeling I won't be happy in the end.  Investing in the big stuff is harder to do - I'll admit it, it's hard to see that big chunk of money come out of your bank account.  But those are often the most rewarding purchases in the long run.

This month I think I did okay on balancing the investments with the "fun" pieces.  There are still quite a few big ticket items on my wish list for spring, so my challenge for next month will be to balance those a little better.  Until then, let's take a look at what I bought this month.

Gap, Fluid Tee, $34.95 with discounts was $12.20 - on sale now!

J.Crew, Suckered Dot Peasant Top, $78 with discounts was $29.99 - on sale now!

J.Crew, Vivez le Reve Tee, $39.50 with discounts was $11.99 

Gap, Striped Bell Sleeve Tee, $34.95 with discounts was $17.79

Forever 21, Double Strap Sandals, $12.90

Piperlime, Sam Edelman Flats, $120 with discounts $90 

Sole Society, Pointed Pumps, $69.95

Piperlime, Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC, $195 with discounts $146.25

J.Crew, Shoulder Tie Maxi Dress, $118 with discounts, $53.99 - on sale now!

Gap, Striped Dress, $59.95 with discounts $21.36

Forever 21, Asymetrical Zip Sweater, $29.80

Total Spent: $496.22

Thoughts on the budget: One thing I have noticed about my budget over the years is that there are quite a few months that I go over (and end up feeling guilty) but in the end I always average out to the desired $300 over the year.  So it's not worth worrying over.  Last month I was under, this month over and the cycle continues.  Somehow I know subconsciously when I can spend and when I can't and do a pretty good job sticking to that inner compass.  For this month I will say that I got quite a bit of clothes for the $500 I spent.  I would call it a job well done, but I am going to try and reign it in for next month.  Stay tuned I suppose!

Thoughts on the pieces: I mostly focused on spring pieces. Even the winter sales of coats and sweaters couldn't really tempt me, I am so over winter!  Plus with some warm weather travel this past month and and next month it was fun to focus on spring clothes this month. Overall I think I did a good job of including a few wish list/investment pieces in with the fun and simple tops.

*one note about final prices from Gap purchases (a lot of you have asked about these low, low prices in the past): I use a Banana Republic card to shop at Gap/Piperlime/Banana Republic/Old Navy. I use this card for myself, my kids and my husband uses it for his clothes as well. We pay off the balance each month and benefit from the rewards the card offers.  That is how I get some really great prices on purchases from those stores - those are often not the sticker price.  But when you use rewards they take a little of the reward off each individual item.  SO that is how I get those super low prices.

the damage… January 2015!

For the past couple of years I have paused at the end of the month to take stock of my clothing spending for the month.  I call these posts here on the blog 'the damage'.  I am happy to say that after a lot of humming and hawing I have decided to bring this blog series back for 2015!

Up until now I have set my budget at $300 a month and for the past two years I have averaged around $325 a month.  I have been debating what my budget will be this year and I think for now I will stay at $300.  I don't really feel the need to spend much more seeing as this budget has served me well up until now and also my wardrobe is super solid right now, so even if I have a few investment pieces I want to buy this year I also have a lot of staples on hand so it should all work out.  I've said this before and I will say it again… everyone's individual shopping budget is a personal decision. For some $300 may seem like a lot and for others it may seem like not enough. For me it is just right and I share my purchases here to hopefully be an inspiration on how to build a versatile wardrobe within boundaries.

January was mostly a non-shopping month for me… I ordered these few items online during the after Christmas sales but besides that I mostly abstained.  A few exceptions include items I bought recently for vacation and with some sales - but they were all ordered online and haven't arrived yet so it's still TBD if they will fit, etc so I will update you all on those in February!

Cable Knit Sweater, Banana Republic, $89.50 with discounts & coupons was $8.81

Hacking Jacket Blazer, Banana Republic, $150 with discounts & coupons was $18.87

Leather Jacket, Zara, $199 with discount was $119.99 (sold out but similar or similar)

Total Spent: $147.67

Thoughts on the pieces: With my 2015 Style Resolutions in mind, the cabled sweater and black blazer were re-investing in the basics.  I have/had versions of these that needed upgrading so the old ones will get either donated or sold (stay tuned for a way to shop my closet soon!).  The leather jacket has long been on my wish list so I was thrilled to check this one off - and on sale even!

Thoughts on the budget: Can't complain about being under budget! I'll need to use the leftovers in future months… I'm getting really excited to start shopping for spring!

Do you budget your clothing purchases? If so, leave a link below, I would love to check it out!

the damage, december 2014! (plus a rundown of the entire 2014)

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." For 2015 I am brainstorming on how I will be shopping and budgeting for the year and how I will share that information here on the blog.  I am thinking I would like to switch it up somehow, but I am not really sure how yet.  So stay tuned!

This month I had some fun shopping the sales (whoa were there some good sales!), picking up some fun holiday pieces and also some staples.

zip neck sweater, banana republic, $98 with 40% discount was $58.80 - on sale now!

fringe tank, j.crew, $68 with discount was $47.60 - on sale now!

beaded pocket oxford, j.crew, $98 with discount was $41.99 - on sale now!

lace peplum top, loft, $79.50 with discount was $38.75 - on sale now!

jeweled sweatshirt, loft, $69.50 with discount was $34.75 - on sale now!

distressed skinny ankle jeans, banana republic, $89.50 with 40% discount was $53.70 - on sale now!

sequined blue oxford, j.crew, $89.50 with discount was $47.70 - on sale now!

Total Spent: $323.29 (saved $268.71)

Thoughts on the budget: Thanks to some awesome sales I got my cake and could eat it too this month! There are a few things I ordered online with after Christmas sales/money that I didn't included here.  Reason: they won't arrive until the New Year and I want to try them all on first.  So maybe that is a bit of a cheat… but no biggie.  I don't plan on doing much shopping in January any way. 

Thoughts on the pieces: I had fun shopping for some fun sparkly and fancy pieces for the holidays!  The lace peplum top and fringe tank were awesome to have on hand for Christmas parties.  It's always fun to add a few girly pieces into the mix.  And I plan to make these fun "party" pieces mix into my everyday wardrobe by layering with blazers and cardigans throughout the year.  I'm also on a serious oxford kick… these two from J.Crew are super crisp and the perfect length (I've been wearing them with leggings endlessly).  And lastly I am seriously crushing on the new denim line at Banana Republic.  These skinny jeans are puurrrrrfect!

Now should we run down the entire year!?!? Let's.

January $248.79

February $291.44

March $243.85

April $710.08

May & June (combined) $254.90

July $402.79

August $509.63

September $169.70

October $534.06

November $295.62

December $323.29

Total for the year: $3,984.15

Average per month: $332.01

The average monthly spend was very close to last year (seen here)… like within $8!  Isn't that crazy?

So there we have it… this year's damage in it's entirety.

the damage - november!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. I haven't even really tried to keep to the 5 pieces lately… it just wasn't working for me. This "goal" will for sure be revised for 2015.

For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

 Let's take a look at the pieces I purchased this month…

Gap, Chevron Knit Funnel Neck Sweater, $59.95 with discount $27.00

Banana Republic, Fit & Flare Dress, $130 with discount $78.00

Gap, Fair Isle Sweater, $49.95 with discount $29.97

Banana Republic, Cable Knit Tunic Sweater, $98 with discount $49

Banana Republic, Chunky Ribbed Infinity Scarf, $69.50 with discount $41.70

Sole Society, Bow Pumps, $69.95

Total Spent: $295.62 (saved $181.73)

Thoughts on the budget:

While the pieces I bought aren't super exciting… I was on budget! It always feels good to get to the end of the month and know that I didn't overspend. I took advantage of as many discounts and promotions that I could - and Gap and Banana Republic always deliver in that category.  Surprisingly I didn't shop Black Friday this year (at least for myself!)… but there are plenty more deals to be had!

Thoughts on the pieces:

I needed a new dress for winter events and this one with sleeves was perfect! I've already worn it twice - I love it and I was so pleased to find a dress with sleeves.  I know I will wear this ton over the coming years.  Otherwise I just stocked up on a few new sweaters for winter.  Not my most exciting month of shopping, but November and December are mostly focused on buying gifts for others! :)

What good buys did you have this month?

the damage: october!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. I haven't even really tried to keep to the 5 pieces lately… it just wasn't working for me.  This "goal" will for sure be revised for 2015.

 For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

Let's take a look at the pieces I purchased this month…

J.Crew, Buffalo Flannel Top, $89.50 paid $62.65 (seen here)

Old Navy, Cable Knit Sweater, $49.95 paid $44.95

Old Navy, Distressed Black Skinny Jeans, $34.50 paid $25

J.Crew, Side Zip Sweatshirt, $78 paid $54.60 (seen here)

Old Navy, Boxy Dress, $29.94 (seen here)

Gap, Legging Jean, $69.95 paid $34.97 (seen here)

Gap, Always Skinny Jean, $69.95 paid $34.97 (seen here)

J.Crew, Striped Turtleneck Top, $55

Coach, Black Ankle Boots via TJMaxx (similar to shown), $119.99 (seen here)

Piperlime, Dolce Vita Flats, $129 paid $71.99 (seen here)

Total Spent: $534.06 (saved: $191.72)

Thoughts on the budget: For the month of September I was way under budget and October way over. Everything evens out right!?!? As 2014 comes to a close (hard to believe) I am already thinking of how I will budget for 2015.  Or if I will.  I need a plan and I will definitely work to figure that out over the coming months.  This month there were a few things that I bought in the stores that I could have gotten a better deal online. I hate when that happens and it reminds me why I love to shop online. But a good find like those Coach boots couldn't have been found online. So smart shoppers always have to do a little of both.  Overall I think I got ALOT for my money this month.  Three pairs of jeans, two pairs of shoes, a dress, two sweaters and two tops.  That's a lot of clothes for $500.

Thoughts on the pieces: I had some stock up to do for jeans this month.  A few old pairs got put in the Goodwill pile that were old and worn out or just didn't fit great.  It definitely felt good to get some new jeans in the rotation.  Besides that I had some fun finding some warm fall and winter pieces now that the cool weather is here to stay.  I also found these amazing boots at TJMaxx (where I should really shop more often!) and am thrilled with them.  For the price and quality they were a steal.  The leather is butter soft and they are really comfortable.  This month was a great month as far as investing in some winter pieces I know will get a lot of wear.

All past "the damage" posts can be found here!

Are you budgeting your clothing purchases each month?

the damage… september, 2014!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. For 2014 I chose 5 items because I am working on making my closet a more curated place and also to try to put an end to the constant closet clean outs where loads of clothes get sent to charity - but I have failed pretty miserably at the 5 things goal. It was a lofty goal I experimented with this year and I guess you win some you lose some, but this was in the "lose" category for sure. Oh well, just keeping it real here for you gals!

 For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

September was a bad month for shopping for me… I came away with a few great pieces but I mostly did my shopping online this month - which isn't necessarily out of character for me - with little to no luck. I returned a TON of stuff that didn't fit or I didn't like - which is very out of character for me.  I hate returning stuff and rarely, rarely do. I like to make final decisions in the fitting room.  Not only is it a huge pain to run to a million stores (again) to return or pack up boxes to return I always just feel disappointed doing it.  I hate to send back a gorgeous jacket or pair of jeans when they don't fit.  So overall it was a weird shopping month. I feel like I am a little behind on my fall wardrobe because of it.

Let's take a look at the pieces I did buy and keep this month…

Black Drapey Sweater, LOFT, $54.50 with coupon $29.50 (worn here)

White Lace Front Sweatshirt, LOFT, $59.50 on promotion for $29.50 (worn here)

Grey Jeweled Sweatshirt, LOFT, $54.50 on promotion for $29.50 (worn here)

Grey Button Back 3/4 Sweater, LOFT, $44.50 on promotion for $29.50 (worn here)

Space-Dye Blouson Tank Dress, LOFT, $54.50 on promotion for $21.80 (worn here)

Scarf, Zara, $29.90

Total Spent: $169.70 (saved: $127.70)

Thoughts on the budget: Obviously when shopping doesn't go as planned and there are returns it can be good to be under budget!  And last month I was quite over budget - so it does even the budget out a bit.  I am thankful for that.  LOFT always has great promotions and I took advantage of them this month for sure!  There are a few stores where it never makes sense to buy an item full price… LOFT is one of those, they have so many great deals.

Thoughts on the pieces: I didn't mean to buy only from LOFT this month (with the exception of the scarf). But I really love their offerings lately.  It's no surprise that I am into neutrals lately and this shopping month proved that as well.  I am sure you gals will ask, so these are the items I returned: these boots, this jacket, these jeans, this jacket.  These items would have definitely put me over budget and for October I am deciding if I should re-order in different sizing or not.  Stay tuned!

Do you share your monthly shopping budget on your blog? I would love to read it - share in the comments!

the damage: August 2014!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. For 2014 I chose 5 items because I am working on making my closet a more curated place and also to try to put an end to the constant closet clean outs where loads of clothes get sent to charity - but I have failed pretty miserably at the 5 things goal. It was a lofty goal I experimented with this year and I guess you win some you lose some, but this was in the "lose" category for sure.  Oh well, just keeping it real here for you gals!

For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

It's hard to believe we are wrapping up August! I am headed out this weekend so I thought I would check in with my August clothing budget before the weekend fun begins.

J.Crew Factory, Quilted Vest, $98 with $5 off was $93

J.Crew Factory, Warm Spun Elbow Patch Sweater, $78 with promotions was $62.40

J.Crew, Cocoon Coat, $365 with 25% was $273.75

Old Navy, Mid Rise Rockstar Jeans, $36.50 with promotions and coupon was $12.03

Banana Republic, High Low Cardigan, $89.50 with 50% off was $44.75

Banana Republic, Zip Back Cream Sweater, $69.50 with 40% off was $41.70

Banana Republic, Faux Leather Sloan Dress, $150 with 50% off was $75

Total Spent: $509.63 (saved: $376.87)

Thoughts on the budget: I splurged on the Cocoon coat and I'm still undecided about it. It is a GORGEOUS coat, just stunning. But that price isn't messing around.  I'm glad I got it on sale but it really busted the budget and is hands down the most expensive piece of clothing I have ever bought (handbags not included).  The J.Crew Factory pieces have me a little bummed out as I bought them in store hardly on sale - I didn't do my online research before shopping and I really should have because I definitely didn't get the best price for them.  That can be the problem with shopping on vacation sometimes - I wasn't really thinking and I don't have a store near me for a price adjustment or returns.  Oh well, live and learn.

Thoughts on the pieces: My fall shopping is off to a solid start! I'm starting to really get excited for fall (even though it's brutal to say good bye to such a fun summer) and shopping for fall clothes always helps.  I went for a lot of neutrals, which is definitely my style lately - but also the predominant style this season it seems too.  These pieces will be great staples for my fall wardrobe.  The dress is for a fun upcoming event - I can't remember the last time I bought a cocktail dress so I am super excited about that.

Did you blog about your clothing budget this month? Leave a link so I can check it out!

the damage: July!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. I chose 5 items because I am working on making my closet a more curated place and also to try to put an end to the constant closet clean outs where loads of clothes get sent to charity. Not that there is anything wrong with giving clothes to charity, it's just that I hope to make my clothes last longer in general. For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

I have to say that I have pretty miserably failed the "5 pieces" challenge for 2014.  I made the challenge on a whim and to say that I have had a hard time sticking to it is an understatement.  Not sure how I feel about that (okay with it or disappointed in myself) but it is what it is I suppose.  July is always a big shopping month for me with my birthday and with summer sales when summer is hardly over and this year was no exception. Let's take a look at the pieces…

J.Crew, "masterpiece tee", $49.50 on sale $19.99 (sold out, but similar)

J.Crew, Bateau Striped Shirt,  $45 on sale $20.99

Gap, Scalloped Shorts, $39.95 on sale $29.97

J.Crew, White Embroidered Tunic, $98 on sale $ 41.99

J.Crew, Striped Maxi Dress, $110 on sale $53.99

Kendra Scott, Elle Earring, $52

Sam Edelman, Pacific Ankle Boots, $159.95 on sale $99.90

J.Crew, Cleo Loafer, $145 on sale $53.99

Gap, Boyfriend Gingham Top, $49.95 on sale $29.97

Total Spent: $402.79 (saved $346.56)

Birthday Gifts (not counted in the budget…)

*Warby Parker, "Banks" Sunglasses, $95

*J.Crew, Horn Hobo Bag, $268.00

Thoughts on the budget:  For all the pieces I got I think $400 is fair… I actually saved almost 50% across the board. Not bad!  The birthday gifts were from my husband and not included in the budget. But I included them here because otherwise I know you gals will notice these new pieces in outfits and wonder… you gals are on top of it!

Thoughts on the pieces: The sale items from J.Crew were especially good deals… and were on pieces that I had already had my eye on, so getting them on sale is a total bonus.  It's definitely fun to add some new summer pieces mid season to keep things fresh and these pieces have already gotten a lot of wear.  The boots and Kendra Scott earrings were little birthday gifts to myself - boots were too good to pass up with the Nordstrom Sale and I can't wait to wear them this fall.  Then a few random Gap pieces are thrown in there as well - they are pieces I found while shopping for my kids.  The Gap's late summer line was actually quite impressive (they've been a little ho-hum lately) and I love these two pieces… one fun pair of shorts and a gingham top that will be sure to get tons of wear.  Over all a great month for shopping!  Look for all of these pieces in outfit photos soon!

Do you track your shopping budget too? If so, leave a little link in the comments… I would love to see what you snagged this month!