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Musings on spending my budget

anne

Veteran

I have been mulling over this post for a long time and it keeps changing...
So the situation is this. I have spent $150 of my clothing budget, this year, plus about $200 in vouchers. I have bought nearly everything on my list.*
When I set aside money for summer (2 pair of sandals and one fitted tee) and a new bra, I'm still left with about $100 at the very least (that's if I take the lowest possible estimate of my budget).

I don't have to spend it, of course. But keep in mind I'm an underbuyer in general - my default is NOT to buy.
Some options

upgrade my basic leggings and long sleeve black tee collection at somewhere better than Kmart
See if I can find a long sleeve casual dress in a lighter colour in spring
Use it on getting foils in my hair and my eyebrows done (this doesn't usually come out of my clothing budget, so I could get it done in addition to the above)
look for a long sleeve patterned blouse for work in pink or blue

Would love to hear your thoughts on these options, and any other suggestions.

I do realise this question is harder to answer for those who don't know me, so feel free to skip it or to ask explanatory questions.

*Bought so far
Knickers and stockings
Shoe polish
Zara white knit top
Black booties
Pink running top
Blue hoodie (for lounging)
Blue jumper (sweater)
Silver sneakers
Blue skinnies
2 striped 3/4 sleeve tees
Socks

General

40 replies

Latest reply was from Laura G

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I think you're mixing two different things. I hear you that you tend to underbuy, but if you measure your buying in terms of covering your bases, and they are all taken care of, then why is it a problem that you found some bargains? If this gets too into the stuff you wanted to skip over, then you certainly don't have to answer it.

anne

Veteran

Good questions Fashiontern.

I guess my "list" was all what Angie would call either basics or essentials. Pretty much stuff that is just a replacement of something that is worn out (and I really do wear stuff enough to wear it out - eg the leggings I mentioned above have holes in the inner thigh seams) or is a wardrobe hole. There's nothing, or little there that is a "statement" item or particularly fashionable.

And being an underbuyer manifests itself like this

I'l often do without rather than go to the shops again before my designated food shopping day
With clothes, I'll think - I'll just wait til next year
I don't see much that appeals to me in shops and even less that appeals once I try it on. Even looking at catalogues, I might like the look of only 4 things in 90 pages.
I'm not good at making decision making (why YLF is helpful)

As for the other question - is it a problem that I found bargains? Kind of.
I would really like to move to buying higher quality and more ethical things, but the higher cost does make my already difficult decision making even harder.

Tina

Veteran

My vote would be for replacing your leggings and the tee you mentioned. Then I would use what's left for a fun purchase! Something to inject some life into your basics. Some sort of third piece, maybe? I understand under buying in other areas, not clothes! Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to replace things. Other times it's refreshing to just add a little something to change things up. I am this way with home decor.

Tina

Veteran

Chiming in again to say definitely buy a lighter colour long sleeved dress if you find one you like! That sounds like a very worthwhile investment for your climate and lifestyle, from what you have shared.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Are there items that are on their last season? For someone with a small no-waste wardrobe, I could see that you might end up with a serious wardrobe hole is a pivotal piece wore out. I've got a lot of items that have about 20 percent of their wear left in them, including my favorite 2 pairs of white pants. Two pairs of white pants allows me to deal with the laundry, butI bought a third pair when I found a good option. Why? So I have at least one pair that are fresh and ready to go the distance, since it's likely that I'll have to say goodbye to both of of the old pairs before the next crops of white pants appears in the stores next spring!

Joy

Veteran

You might hang onto your budget money for when you need to replace a worn out essential with an upgrade. Do your upgrades where they show, especially with work clothes. Beware of sale blinders.

Runcarla

Veteran

I think you should get something that makes your heart sing! If any of the mentioned items fit that category, go for it. Oh, and get the highlights and brow work too!

Jane

Veteran

May be have a go with looking to buy a statement piece that is outside your comfort zone, that makes your heart sing, as Carla says. And hair and brows. Perhaps harem pants rather than leggings, say...

Staysfit

Veteran

I would save the money and wait until you have a solid inspiration. You will know when you find the right item.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

What strikes me about this post Anne is that I can't see you giving yourself permission to have any fun or get something you really love? Something that, as Carla says, really makes your heart sing? Or do clothes not do that for you? To me this is a philosophical/psychological question rather than my being that bothered as to whether you've spent your budget or not.
I have a horrible feeling of recognition of my religious days ( ex-Baptist) when I was consumed by all kinds of guilt about spending money on myself when people were starving in the world etc etc. Now I seem to have managed to see it as a both-and ( donating to good causes and also pleasing myself and taking joy in my clothing.) That joy was innately there from when I was younger but it got sort of buried with adult responsibilities I think. Now it's back!
Of course I could be wide of the mark here but am interested in the line of thought.

Lucy

Veteran

Hmmmm, I suspect we are not being of much help as we all have such different ideas !
My thought would be that so far you have bought really practical and functional items . This is something we should all aspire to, so well done there ! But maybe it would be worth spending a couple of hours at the shops to see if anything strikes your fancy. You often post on dressing for work or church' activities - but none of this years purchases talk much to these . Why not try find something lovely for one or the other or both. And if nothing makes you happy, I'd roll that money over to the next season

Traci

Veteran

If you really, truly have everything you need, I'd hold off on spending the money just to get it spent. If you can find, anywhere in your mind, an item that you've longed for but thought "eh, I can wait longer..." go ahead and get it and see how that feels after some time passes.

I like the idea of upgrading your essentials, but I also like Angie's wildcard idea for you. Maybe you could even do both!

kkards

Veteran

Anne--i'm remembering that some time ago you posted on a similar topic, and i think running shoes where on your list of potental spends....did you ever get a new pair? not seeing them on this list, if you haven't bought a new pair in the last year, that's what i'd spend on.

Anonymous

As always, I second Joy. Save your money for when you need to replace or upgrade. No. It is not always the fun way to live life, but it is smart and responsible. So many people in life could learn from your example (myself included).

I want to commend you for having a budget, thinking about that budget, and adhering to that budget. You are a ROCKSTAR when it comes to responsibility.

And to Jenni -- I grew up with Catholic guilt. A lot of it. So I know exactly from where you are coming from.

Best wishes.

unfrumped

Veteran

This is totally no specific help, but I can see you rocking the "minimalist" wardrobe but have each piece be great( not " super- expensive" great, but a brand that fits you well). You have a great figure and wear modern classic styles so well. Use your retail research to see if say, there's a pencil skirt or classic work dress that you would budget for, or try on and use as a guide to finding similar at lower price points( you are already a savvy shopper). A top that has your favorite proportions and add some when you find your fave colors. With a small wardrobe, as Beth Ann says, you do have to keep tabs on replacing the " essentials" but in ways that make you feel like you're having fun, too. A " love" item might be a " statement essential"- like finding a pencil skirt in red or cobalt, or comfortable " basic" shoes in a pop of color that still works with your wardrobe. Classic minimalist advice is to stay very neutral and only add color via accessories. That can be true so that outfits are less " memorable " to others but has to work for you. Or, have basic neutrals in place FIRST and add something more zingy when looking for a refresher. Prints I do think are harder but if someone loves prints then go for it.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Anne --

With your summer season coming up I'd start forcing yourself to look for items that fit into your current wardrobe for all the reasons mentioned upthread.

No, you don't have to spend all you have budgeted but you don't have to not-spend it either!

If you find something super-practical for work or personal time, buy it. If you find something that you think you'd really enjoy wearing, buy it.

A small wardrobe does wear out faster than a larger one. Having a few new pieces in rotation is rarely a bad idea, especially for work.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Thanks for the answer. Definitely replace things that have holes in them. The hair/eyebrow things sound like they'd require ongoing refreshments, and thus go over budget, all told.

As for 'bargains"--I think we define the word differently. When I use it, I don't mean "inexpensive". I use it for something of higher quality than is usually available at a certain price point. Why buy basics at Kmart if you know you're going to have to endure shopping, which you don't enjoy, more frequently? I don't know how pricing works where you are, but you might be able to get good quality, long-lasting items for low prices in season-end sales. I tend to shop too much, so I know for a fact (from last night's browsing) that I could get the blouse, black l/s T and two pairs of leggings for under $100 US at Sundance, which I think (not sure) is good quality clothing, right now.

Once all the worn out items (leggings) are replaced, and you have the pieces you need to make the rest work (blouse for work), then I'd go with Joy's advice--set it aside for when something expensive needs to be replaced. Unless Kkards is right and you are running in worn-out shoes. In that case, replacement shoots to the top of the list, because you're risking injury.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What I'd do -- make a list of needs/ wants for your upcoming summer season, which is longer. Add something new there. Aim for something special. "Special" might mean -- a more luxe essential that will complete several outfits -- to replace one that is getting worn. Or it might mean a statement third piece that works with a number of items already in rotation.

Another option -- use that hundred, add it to the fall/ winter budget -- and buy a complete outfit. Either work or casual. But either way -- an outfit that makes you feel fantastic and that fulfills your style aspirations. Something very current. Ensure that one of the pieces (at least) will have closet longevity, but ensure also that it is very current.

Also, get the hair/ brows done also. Not part of clothing budget.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

First of all, I want to acknowledge what you said about food shopping. I think there is a difference between not shopping and making do by eating something nutritious but not what you would normally eat for that meal, and not eating because you literally don't have anything to eat. If it's the former, fine. If it is the later, I would focus on a plan or system to make sure there is always something nutritious to eat. Whether it's something frozen or canned, bars, etc. Or just resolving to shop before you run out of food.

I think I would replace the leggings if they are workhorses, as the holes might get bigger, and because somehow it feels good to have clothing without holes, even if only you know about them. Unless they are supposed to be there. You know, the distressed look. You have many good options already, so I'll stop here.

rachylou

Veteran

So... I think you should replace your leggings, but don't upgrade. I don't think that's really possible - I think you'll get the same quality, but just have spent more for the same. That should leave enough for something nice, like a long sleeve dress. Or another pair of shoes. I believe in shoes

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I think you need to replace the leggings and, since you have the budget, you should upgrade (I disagree with rachylou on this...my Athleta leggings have lasted years longer than my Target ones). Barring that, you have a long summer ahead of you and may want something other than the couple of things you've budgeted for. Does your budget reset with the new year?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Rachylou, you think all leggings are the same quality?

rachylou

Veteran

Yeah, I don't think spending more gets you more when it comes to leggings... if you get more, I tend to think they probably aren't leggings anymore... lol. Stockings yes, leggings no.

rachylou

Veteran

Ok. I admit I don't buy leggings at Target. I get them from Walgreens, lol. Walgreens wear like iron.

Sal

Veteran

On my shopping list right now are sunglasses and a black handbag/tote. Both are relatively expensive items - you could look for something like this that will be worn for several years and give pleasure.

I think all your other suggestions are good - but I also think holding onto it for those wardrobe emergencies that do happen (rip your favourite shorts or stain a tee).

I buy quality leggings for exercise and often cheaper tanks and tees. Most of my sports leggings last four or five years with frequent wear (once a week or more - I have five pairs in total which is perfect for me).

anne

Veteran

I'm very grateful to everyone who has responded, but am lacking time to get back to you just now - Sunday is a busy day for me. I hope to return soon!

Deborah

Veteran

Anne havn't read all the responses but did catch up on your underbuyer manifest.

I can only respond from my own humble opinion, but I think maybe invest in the new legging and long sleeve black tee. I hear you on wanting better quality and ethical. I bought some fab black leggings from Motto. I can wear them to work, or I can wear them with along tunic and sneaks on the weekend. The quality is excellent and I expect them to last a long time. I could even do light exercise in them.

Vigorella has some great long sleeve tees in a nicer fabric than your average tee. Or they have a great asymmetric l/s tee that has a lot of versatility.

I love these types of items, because I find I feel better wearing them than items of lesser quality. If I'm just chilling at home in them and need to pop out, I throw on a long cardi and a scarf and I'm dressed ok to leave the house.

bridgie

Veteran

I would get my hair and brows done aside from your clothing budget.

Next, I would upgrade the leggings and get a nice quality long sleeve black tee.

Relax and enjoy updating your closet so that you feel good with it. Congratulations on being under budget.

Tammyb

Rachylou and Fashiontern- are you talking about the same items?

Leggings in my definition are meant to be worn with a skirt or dress. They are your pants.
Stockings are thick pantyhose and must have a dress or skirt worn over.

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