Stick To Your Holiday Budget

Adulting today! I had mentioned this topic on social media and your responses were so great I wanted to make sure I put the message on the blog for those who may have missed it. It’s something that has been weighing on me as an “influencer”. With the holidays here it seems like the messaging is BUY BUY BUY. But I love you guys, and I don’t want you heading into 2020 paying off 2019.

I want to remind you of your budget because today I’m sharing a pair of Sole Society booties that are so fabulous (and on SALE) that I grabbed them in 2 colors. Do either of us NEED wardrobe items in 2 colors? Probably not.

I love the color, the shape of the toe, and the height of the heel, of these SIMEONA block heel booties so much. I’m actually tempted to get the black while they’re on sale because I think the quality is so good for the price. But alas….my budget.

I’m reeling myself back in because even though I could find ways to convince myself I “need” the black, I don’t really need for anything at all. It’s so important to balance dressing to feel confident and saving for the future.

A few things I’m saving for include retirement (I set aside 15% or more each year), my kids’ college, a kitchen renovation, and a vacation or two each year. So while the black Simeona booties (true to size, I always size up .5 in booties) would be a gorgeous, well loved addition to my wardrobe, I’m resisting. When you’re thinking about a new purchase, look not only at your budget, but assess your current wardrobe. For me, I wear browns WAY more than black, so I knew I’d get much more use out of the “walnut” and “wiskey multi” (leopard) booties than straight black, but your closet may be different.

SHOP THE LOOK

I also wanted to point out that I am a fashion blogger. I’m in the business of buying clothes. Most of you are not…so don’t try to keep up with everything I love. There are lots of great clothes out there, too many for any one person to house. As I get older I really can appreciate buying less, but higher quality pieces that will last several seasons. I always find my Sole Society shoes withstand the test of time.

Have you heard the saying, “you have to spend money, to make money”….there is some truth to that. As pieces I love go out of stock I sell them on Poshmark to make room for new outfit ideas for you guys. This is not a realistic wardrobe strategy for someone with a full time job. I spend MANY hours a week shopping, opening packages, and looking for what’s out of stock that I can pass on. I’m grateful for what I do, but I had to give up my job as a nurse practitioner in order to juggle being a full time blogger and mom.

If you’re on a limited budget, consider a capsule wardrobe. I have a whole section of my blog with seasonal capsule wardrobes, even workwear options! I’m working on one for this winter that will go live within the next week. If you don’t want to miss it, you can sign up for my weekly newsletter here. These Simeona booties are a great addition to a seasonal capsule wardrobe.

The style of these booties is perfect to pair with jeans, leggings, tights, or bare legs (no bare legs from this New Englander any time soon!). The Nayah bag is also a great wardrobe staple as well. A great everyday shape and color to coordinate with almost any outfit.

SHOP THE LOOK

I saw the only review for this fringe kimono mentioned it shedding all over black pants. I actually almost never wear black pants because the second I sit on my sofa my pants are covered in white fuzz from pillows, blankets, etc. I did not find that this kimono shed on my jeans the two times I have worn it since receiving it last week.

If you’re interested in getting your budget straightened out listening to The Dave Ramsey podcast, it was tremendously helpful to me. I’m happy to share more ways I mindfully avoid debt. If you’re interested in that type of post please let me know in the comments below. While it’s sort of a dry topic, it’s a great way to get ahead in 2020!