> Budget Recap - Doused in Pink | Chicago Style Blog

Budget Recap

The last several months have flown by and I realized my last budget recap post was back in September. If you have visited my blog before, you know that while I love fashion, I have a limited budget, and only allow myself $50/month to spend. Luckily, paying for groceries, gas, etc with my BR rewards card and then paying it off, I rack up the rewards dollars. You'll see that the majority of my wardrobe comes from one of the Gap brands. Here's how I did in October, November and December.

Untitled #27



October Budget $50/Spent $47 
Hue Leggings On sale $32
ON Boyfriend Cardigan On sale $15

 I stayed under budget in October and my biggest splurge were the Hue Leatherette leggings. I was reluctant to take the plunge with these, and after finding them on sale I was so glad I did. They are really comfortable and can be dressed up or down.

November Budget $50 + Birthday Cash & Gift Cards $200 = $250/Spent $204.47
Express London Sweater Pre-black Friday sale $24.50
Express Barcelona Cami's Pre-black Friday sale $22 each
Gap Marled Stripe Sweater On sale & BR rewards $8.29
Gap Cozy Turtleneck Sweater On sale & BR rewards $8.51
ON Poncho On sale & BR rewards $7.27
J. Crew Pocket Tunic - Returned
Anthropologie Tiny Catamarca Tee Black Friday Sale $31.45
Anthropologie Camac Cardigan Black Friday Sale $31.45
Anthropologie Holding Horses Dress Black Friday Sale $51

I had not shopped at Express in years but since following Gina's blog, On the Daily Express, I have been adding Express items to my wishlist. I took advantage of the pre-Black Friday sale and purchased the Barcelona Cami's, which are great wardrobe staples. I love the look of the London Sweater but am still not sure if I like how it looks on me.

 I purchased the J.Crew Factory tunic and statement necklace during a shopping excursion with Laura from I do deClaire. After trying on the tunic at home I decided it was not for me and it went back.

The Anthropologie haul were part of Black Friday deals, and I was able to pick up a few winter sweaters using BR rewards that were expiring. Thanks to having birthday cash and gift cards, I was under this month!

December Budget $50/Spent $6.72
Gap Colorblock Raglan Sweater On sale & BR rewards $3.91
Gap Cable Knit Sweater On sale & BR rewards $2.81

Once again, I'm lucky for those BR rewards! 

How did your budget work out during the holiday season? Did you take advantage of Black Friday deals like I did?

Thanks for stopping by and reading today! I'd love it if you followed along 
with me on Facebook, Bloglovin or GFC. 
Linking up with these fabulous bloggers here and Franish.


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98 comments

  1. Melisa A.December 29, 2014 at 5:51 AM

    Oh Jill, I am so envious that you know how to smart shopping and have a budget that works for you. Will have to try this month budget for myself as well. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day. Mel
    www.livingoncloude9.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. RachelleDecember 29, 2014 at 6:16 AM

    get ready to be addicted to the barcelona cami, it is seriously the best!

    xo
    PinkSole

    ReplyDelete
  3. Julie @ Artwork by JMDecember 29, 2014 at 6:23 AM

    I did not do well with my budget these past two months. I WAY overspent...now I'm making up for it. I'm on a spending strike from now until the end of January. Unless I use gift cards! ;-) I've got a serious shopping problem

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  4. Jill GDecember 29, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    I know! I just love how it fits perfectly!

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  5. Jill GDecember 29, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    Thanks Mel! Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jill GDecember 29, 2014 at 6:53 AM

    It's so hard not to do the one for you, one for me when holiday shopping!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AudreyDecember 29, 2014 at 7:38 AM

    Yeah!!! Not only did you stay on budget but found some amazing deals too:) Love the prices of those Anthro sweaters:) I struggle with a budget but always try to wait it out until something I want/need goes on sale. I feel so much better about our family's budget if I stick to that rule:)

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  8. RedTagChicLADecember 29, 2014 at 7:41 AM

    Wow that was great Jill - staying on course and being stylish all at the same time!!! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!!!

    Rebecca
    http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Real ArnoldsDecember 29, 2014 at 7:48 AM

    Gina is dangerous!! LOL I am impressed you have stuck so well to your budget. You've made some great purchases. I have a $75/month budget. I am able to stick to it because I usually get some free things which helps curb my shopping desires. I may need to look into this BR rewards thing... :)

    Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

    ReplyDelete
  10. SamanthaDecember 29, 2014 at 7:57 AM

    Okay I definitely need to learn how to shop like this (especially being a college student!) Such great purchases and your blog is too cute :) Hope you have a great Monday Jill!

    Xo, Sam

    http://sleepinginstilettos.com/

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  11. Candice PetersenDecember 29, 2014 at 8:04 AM

    Stunning


    Candice | Beauty Candy Loves

    ♥♥♥

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  12. Daily ExpressDecember 29, 2014 at 8:12 AM

    Uh oh, I know I'm in trouble when I get called out on your budget post!! ha ha! You do such a great job of tracking your expenses and an even better job of finding AMAZING bargains!! $7.27 on that poncho??! WHAT?!? I'm glad the Barcelona camis are working out for you and I think if you don't LOVE the London sweater (and you're definitely not alone on that) you should probably just return it. For me, it's not worth keeping things that I just don't feel sure about. I'd rather have something that makes me feel fabulous all the time!

    Gina - On the Daily Express

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  13. Blaire BinghamDecember 29, 2014 at 8:37 AM

    This is a great post! I think splurging on leggings is a good call. You definitely don't want a flimsy pair. Good for you for coming in under budget!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  14. Dressed2dNines.ComDecember 29, 2014 at 8:59 AM

    Wow, those rewards really come through! Great post!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Audrey WilliamsDecember 29, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    This is such a timely post for me -- I'm planning on being a more effective budgeter for 2015! This is so helpful!


    Audrey
    www.lululinden.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Shauna CDecember 29, 2014 at 9:46 AM

    Great timing on this post! Hope you had a wonderful holiday!! -xx


    Shauna


    www.lipglossandlace.net

    ReplyDelete
  17. MeganDecember 29, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    You had some great buys with that budget! I really need to start a budget instead of just spending sporadically. Good advice!
    ~~Megan~~
    http://www.poshprime.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Brooke JaneDecember 29, 2014 at 11:34 AM

    Love seeing other people's budgets! It helps give me ideas for what to buy! Thanks for sharing!

    http://www.lifeofbrookeandjane.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-actually-accomplish-your-goals.html

    ReplyDelete
  19. Carrie @ Curly Crafty MomDecember 29, 2014 at 11:37 AM

    I really love Express, too... but, I've forgotten about it lately. I need to revisit them! I love the idea of how some bloggers share their purchases each month. I really should maybe start this for the New Year?? I use a rewards card, too, but it is for Amazon... love that yours is BR!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lana L.December 29, 2014 at 12:31 PM

    I'm always so impressed by the great pieces you get within your budget! I haven't shopped at Express in years either, but I will have to check them out again. Have a wonderful New Year's!

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  21. BrookeDecember 29, 2014 at 2:08 PM

    Oh rewards are the best! I have a GAP card I do the same with, as long as you stay on top of it, it really does work out great since it's apart of a family a fabulous brands!


    Brooke
    Pumps and Push-Ups

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  22. RachelDecember 29, 2014 at 2:31 PM

    Those leggings are amazing - absolutely love them!

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  23. JohannaDecember 29, 2014 at 4:29 PM

    Love your GAP choices...I am on a sweater kick, too!

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousDecember 29, 2014 at 7:49 PM

    Jill I absolutely love this poston budgeting I am terrible with this area and you really have it under control! You are a New Years inspiration! I also love the Anthro dress! http://lachiquitamissi.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. CaryleeDecember 29, 2014 at 8:15 PM

    Oh my November was a scary shopping month! Thankfully my Christmas money will help me ride the wave in January so at least my wallet can recover a bit! Have a great week! Carylee | more pieces of me

    ReplyDelete
  26. Erica KatoDecember 29, 2014 at 8:22 PM

    Great post!!!

    The Fashion Forecast

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  27. melaniekayDecember 29, 2014 at 8:36 PM

    I love the recap! Thanks for sharing!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Christie GeigerDecember 29, 2014 at 8:54 PM

    Great post, Jill! I love how organized you are. I need a budget! I recently rediscovered Express after a long hiatus, too! Love it!

    Christie
    The Closet by Christie

    www.theclosetbychristie.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ashley WhiteDecember 30, 2014 at 6:09 AM

    You did great, lady!
    Hope you're having a good week so far!


    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Stephanie KastelanDecember 30, 2014 at 7:21 AM

    Great job on the budget! Have a wonderful new year!
    Stephanie
    http://positivelystephanie.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  31. L FranklinDecember 30, 2014 at 7:24 AM

    Great job! I need to do better with my budget in the new year. The $50 a month limit is a great idea. I'm stopping by via Fran's page but also follow you on IG as well, as @hersoulsociety.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Shannon JenkinsDecember 30, 2014 at 7:34 AM

    Great job on your budget! I really need to start doing this! Such a great way to help to not over spend!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

    ReplyDelete
  33. Cynthia @ MyRoseColoredShadesDecember 30, 2014 at 9:04 AM

    You are so good at tracking your budget! I'm actually scared to do a breakdown of my shopping habits. But I definitely need to do it. Another item on my to-do list. Have a Happy New Year, Jill! ~Cynthia

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  34. Maria GDecember 30, 2014 at 10:24 AM

    You found some great things at great deals! I always love combining my rewards $ with super sales- you can get great things without spending a ton!

    ReplyDelete
  35. ElleSees.blogspot.comDecember 30, 2014 at 3:39 PM

    good for you! i need all the help i can get!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Charnele MichelDecember 30, 2014 at 5:13 PM

    Great buys! Especially the Barcelona Camis and the leather leggings! I wear both of those so much, great basics

    ReplyDelete
  37. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:28 AM

    Thanks Charnele! I'm wearing my leggings all of the time too!

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  38. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:28 AM

    Thanks Elle!

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  39. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:28 AM

    Thanks Shannon! Posting it helps hold me accountable to sticking to it!

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  40. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:29 AM

    You really can! I always hold out for the 40% - 50% off deals,

    ReplyDelete
  41. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:29 AM

    Thanks! I see so many things I want on other bloggers, this helps me stick to it!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:32 AM

    Thanks Lindsey! So glad you stopped by!

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  43. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:37 AM

    Thanks Stephanie! Happy New Year to You!

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  44. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:37 AM

    Thanks Ashley!

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  45. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:40 AM

    Thanks Mel! When I post about it, it helps me stick to it!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:42 AM

    Thanks Christie! Posting my budget helps me stay organized and stick to it!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:44 AM

    Thanks Melanie!

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  48. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:44 AM

    Thanks Erica!

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  49. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:47 AM

    It's so hard not to shop with all those Black Friday deals thrown at you! Have a Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:47 AM

    Thanks Johanna! We definitely need them this time of year!

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  51. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:50 AM

    Thanks Rachel!

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  52. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:50 AM

    I agree, you do have to stay on top of it but those rewards really add up fast!

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  53. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:51 AM

    Thanks Lana! Have a Happy New Year!

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  54. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:51 AM

    Thanks Laura! It's one of my favorites too!

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  55. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:52 AM

    You should try it for the new year! Blogging it helps me stick to it!

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  56. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:55 AM

    Thanks! I love seeing what others are buying too!

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  57. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:57 AM

    Thanks Megan!

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  58. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:58 AM

    Thanks Ada! Have a Happy New Year!

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  59. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 5:58 AM

    Thanks Shauna! Happy New Year!

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  60. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 6:00 AM

    Thanks Audrey!

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  61. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 6:00 AM

    They really do add up fast, you just have to stay on top of it!

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  62. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 6:00 AM

    Thanks! Those leggings are great! Have a Happy New Year!

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  63. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 6:01 AM

    Haha! You're right, I should take it back and get something else I have on my Express wishlist! Have a Happy New Year Gina!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 6:01 AM

    Thanks Candice!

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  65. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 6:02 AM

    Wow, you do great too! You always are wearing amazing things!

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  66. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 6:02 AM

    Thanks Rebecca! Happy New Year!

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  67. Jill GDecember 31, 2014 at 6:03 AM

    I always wait for the sale too and if it's no longer available I go with the "it's not meant to be". There is will always be something else I want. Happy New Year Audrey!

    ReplyDelete
  68. Stefanie MeierDecember 31, 2014 at 9:23 AM

    Love how you're budgeting, great post x

    Wishing you a very very lovely new year.

    Stefanie | Casualllyawkward | Bloglovin

    ReplyDelete
  69. Becky @ bybmgDecember 31, 2014 at 10:04 AM

    Great job with all these finds AND staying under budget! I love our Gap card. Awesome rewards!!

    ReplyDelete
  70. ShaunaceyDecember 31, 2014 at 10:49 AM

    I'm so impressed! From your pics, you'd NEVER know what a budget shopper you are!

    ReplyDelete
  71. ≈ CARMEN ≈December 31, 2014 at 12:09 PM

    Wow, I'm pretty impressed with your non-spending abilities. That's shockingly cool. Hooray for gift cards. Have a wonderful New Year! :] // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

    ReplyDelete
  72. Kaley MargaretDecember 31, 2014 at 1:28 PM

    I'm so bad - can NEVER turn down a good deal - great picks, great finds you made :)

    xoxo



    Kaley



    My Closet Life Blog

    ReplyDelete
  73. Mlle CoconathJanuary 1, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    Such a great post! Very inspiring, I'm such a mess when it comes to finance.


    Wishing you a Happy New Year!

    I hope 2015 will be an amazing year for you!

    xx

    Coco

    http://mllecoconath.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Leanne White BlackmonJanuary 1, 2015 at 10:00 AM

    Great budgeting, great picks! You are invited to join the Trendy Wednesday Blog Link Up at: http://www.classyyettrendy.com

    Leanne,

    Classy Yet Trendy

    ReplyDelete
  75. ElleSees.blogspot.comJanuary 1, 2015 at 10:43 AM

    you did better than me with budgeting! hehe

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  76. TheboxqueenJanuary 1, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    Your budget looks great, and you did amazing with your shopping in November. I love gift cards, and rewards. I do the same with Nordstrom notes as I shop there a lot but also have the Gap/Banana Republic cards & their rewards are fab too. Do you ever shop from Piperlime? Gap cards are good there as well. Happy New Year, XOXO, Elif

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  77. Reasons to DressJanuary 2, 2015 at 3:22 AM

    You manage to get so many great deals at such a good price. I also stick to a budget, but in the last little while I've decided to buy fewer things per month and get bigger ticket, high quality items once every three months. I have such a small closet that now I'm finding i have to really evaluate if I'll wear something. you have excellent taste and I find that the tops and those awesome leather pants, are all things I would personally wear.


    Happy New Year!

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  78. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 3:32 PM

    Thanks Stefanie! So glad you stopped by! Happy New Year!

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  79. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 3:33 PM

    Thanks! Those rewards add up fast, don't they?

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  80. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 3:33 PM

    Thanks! I'm always on the hunt for the next great deal!

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  81. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 3:35 PM

    Thanks Carmen! Happy New Year!

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  82. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 3:38 PM

    Thanks! I'm always looking for a deal too!

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  83. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 3:40 PM

    Thanks! So glad you stopped by! Cheers to 2015!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 3:42 PM

    Thanks! I'll stop by on Wednesday!

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  85. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 7:22 PM

    It's so hard but I try to be disciplined!

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  86. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 7:22 PM

    Piperlime is great too! I'm so glad they are a Gap brand! Happy New Year Elif!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 7:29 PM

    Thanks Denise! I try to remix what I have as much as possible!

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  88. Jill GJanuary 3, 2015 at 7:34 PM

    Happy New Year Angie! That's a good plan focusing on higher quality items. I need to try that!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Christina at SWEET HAUTEJanuary 4, 2015 at 9:12 PM

    Hiiiiii! Great, cool budget post I will def use this:) Hey also I wanted to invite you
    to my ‘new’ link up for fridays, Fashion Caché Friday, hope to see you
    there each week!
    http://sweethaute.blogspot.com/2015/01/fashion-cache-friday-1.html

    ~Be Sweet
    Christina at
    SWEET HAUTE

    ReplyDelete
  90. Tif FanninJanuary 5, 2015 at 7:05 PM

    You always do excellent on your budgets! I'm especially jealous of how well you do on your rewards!!!

    Tif
    www.brightonabudget.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Amber DuffeyJanuary 5, 2015 at 7:09 PM

    You did soooo well with your budget!! It is definitely difficult sometimes to get the pieces that you want for $50.00 a month but I am glad that there are others out there who do it too!!!

    Thanks so much for linking up with Tremendous Tuesday! I hope you are able to stop by again tomorrow!

    Hugs! Amber

    ReplyDelete
  92. Jill GJanuary 7, 2015 at 4:35 PM

    Thanks! I'll stop by on Friday!

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  93. Jill GJanuary 7, 2015 at 4:36 PM

    Thanks Tif! I always wait for a great sale with extra off + the points!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Jill GJanuary 7, 2015 at 4:36 PM

    Thanks Amber! It's hard but somehow I manage to come close!

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  96. ADAMarch 8, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    You did so well. I love all the cardigans you got, the crystal necklace and that burgundy-striped sweater.


    Jill, thanks for being such a great blogger and blogging buddy to me in 2014. Here is to a better, healthier, happier 2015!! Cheers to the New Year!




    Hugs <3 Ada.

    ReplyDelete
  97. LauraMarch 8, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    Lots of great items! I like that striped burgundy and navy sweater!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Denise KokinisMarch 8, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    Wow, that's great! Good job for sticking to such a tight budget and still putting together great looks! So admirable.

    Denise

    www.fashionloveletters.com

    ReplyDelete

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