This is everything I purchased with my clothing budget since my last update on August 2nd! I haven't been posting about my budget as frequently, however, I've definitely still been keeping up with it. I find that having a budget is the most helpful tool in making purchasing decisions! It encourages me to plan ahead and consider the big picture. And knowing that I've earmarked money to be spent on clothes gives me the peace to pursue creative expression through fashion, because I feel confident I'm staying well within my overall finances and personal values. (Also see: "How to Set a Clothing Budget.")

These recaps are also an essential part of the process for me - because it's a way to reflect on what I I bought and to find ways to make improvements. Lately I've been making a concerted effort to buy a much smaller number of items overall, and to make thoughtful purchases that I will want to wear for many years to come. Doing the math on this recap, approx. 40% of my budget was used for a small number of big purchases (like the leather jacket, handbag and several special occasion dresses). There's plenty of room for improvement, too. Like the purchases that didn't turn out as well as I had hoped and haven't worn much or at all: #6-7 above, #8 and 12 below, and #2, 7 and 11 at the end.

Overall, I averaged 6.5 items and $318 per month. That's slightly over my $250 monthly clothing budget, but I had 4-5 months of budget saved up and still have a positive balance of $1035. (I treat my budget like an allowance and at the start of each month I deposit $250 into an "account" and then spend as I go.)

Also - important to note that these budget posts only include things that I purchased myself, that fall into the "clothing" category of my budget, and do not include:
- Stella & Dot items. I'm a 1099 employee and earn products and discounts.
- Items that were returned.  
- Any free items I get from working in the fashion industry. (Although I do return items from sponsors whenever possible - see Disclosure for more info - I also wind up keeping some for personal use.)
- Several athleisure items I received as Christmas gifts this year.

Have you ever set a clothing budget? What are your current clothing budget goals?

My two goals for next time are to keep buying fewer items, and to have an even fewer "regret" purchases!