July Budget Recap

I'm linking up with Franish for Budgeting Bloggers! After not doing that great last month, I stayed more on track this month (although still slightly over budget) despite Ann Taylor's mega sale (extra 60% off sale, plus an extra 10% off for the semi annual sale). Here's what I bought:

1) Ann Taylor Paisley Border Shift Dress - $36
I already talked about my reasons for keeping the dress here.

2) Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps - $43 (returned because I didn't take them out of the box in over 4 weeks!)
The Perfect Pumps from AT are some of the most comfortable shoes I own, as with all their shoes, really. I didn't really need another pair of black pumps, but I don't have patent ones and the price was too good for these workhorse shoes not to buy them.  (FYI, it appears Ann Taylor has changed the style of their perfect pumps to have a slightly thicker heel, so I anticipate they are phasing out all the old ones and you can probably get them on sale until they are all sold out!)

3) Ann Taylor Dashing Dots Tunic - $23
LOVE THIS TOP! I can't say enough good things. I love it, the end.

4) Ann Taylor Chain Mesh and Bar Necklace - $11
It's simple, it's pretty, it's a good replacement for my other dainty gold necklace which broke, and it was cheap.

5) Ann Taylor Cutout Back Crepe Top (2 colors) - $18 each
Love these tops too. Business in the front, party in the back! I've worn them casually and to work already. Love that the high neckline in the front is perfect to show off necklaces. The material is easy to iron - wrinkles just melt away.

6) Ann Taylor Twist Wrap Jersey Dress - $29
I decided to keep the dress when the mega sale hit. The original sale price of $45 was a bit too much for me, but you can't beat the $29 price. I love the turquoise color and the fit. The only worry I have is the rayon material, which I just found out is prone to pilling, according to one of Jean's recent posts. No pilling problems yet, though!

7) Lulu's Dresses - $51 (for 2)

8) Rebecca Minkoff "MAC Daddy" (different color) (from TJ Maxx) - $99 - gift card = $10

TOTAL: $231 $188 (adjusted after return of shoes)
I'm a little over budget this month. If I don't wear the patent pumps in the next week or so I'm going to return them (or if you want to buy (they are size 7) them I'll ship them to you - $43 plus shipping - just email me). I think I had sale goggles on when I bought them (don't need a pair of black pumps but then again I'll definitely use them if I ever get around to taking them out of the box). Did you stick to your budget this month? Did you pick up anything great?!