the damage: may & june!

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 didn't post a "damage" post for May because when I sat down to write posts I realized I hadn't shopped all month… then on the last day of the month I found myself randomly (the closest one is an hour and a half from my house) in a J.Crew Factory store - oops.  So that happened.  I only bought a few things there and just a few things more this month and decided to just put the two months together.  Technically I purchased three pieces in May and five in June and because I was way OVER budget in April (seen here) I was way UNDER budget for both May and June.  Also, summer shopping tends to be a little cheaper this time of year as tees, tanks and shorts are generally less expensive than jeans and sweaters, etc. so that helps the budget a ton.

J.Crew Factory, striped peplum top, $78 with discounts was $15.99

J.Crew Factory, red striped top, $42.50 with discounts was $19.99

J.Crew Factory, chambray popover, $68 with discounts was $34

J.Crew, eyelet front linen blend top, $59.50 with discounts was $26.99

Gap, distressed denim shorts, $49.95 with discounts was $29.97

Gap, boyfriend roll up shorts, $39.95 with discounts was $23.97

J.Crew, new balance 620 sneakers, $80.00

J.Crew, une belle vie tee, $49.50 with discounts was $ 23.99

Total Spent: $254.90 (total saved: $212.50)

Some thoughts on the budget: Like I mentioned, after going WAY over budget in April I knew I needed to rein it in these past couple of months - and that I did! Trying to not shop these past couple of months was easier than I thought it would be with the busy-ness of summer and warmer temps that make you want to be outside and not shopping!  For the year I am probably right on track for averaging $300 a month even with the gross overages of April. So I am feeling good about that.

Some thoughts on the pieces: I needed some new summer pieces that would be super versatile for time with the kids, vacations and everyday wear.  These pieces totally fit those needs.  I will say I am a terrible summer shopper. I almost have to force myself to buy tees and tank and shorts… I always tend towards jeans and long sleeve shirts - I even got two longer sleeved type tops this month! Which is admittedly kind of crazy to wear on 80 degree days but as much as I love shorts and tanks I will be the first to admit I don't always feel super comfortable in them.  So my closet always needs more because I don't find buying them very "fun".  June usually marks the end of my "summer shopping" season because next month I usually start thinking about fall (crazy, right!?!) so I'm glad I did squeeze a few new pairs of shorts and tees this month.  

Remember if you want to see all the past months of shopping budgets… those posts are here!