Friday 30 December 2016

Festive Outfits: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and 2016 Budget

Although there is a fairly large pile of outfit photos waiting to be posted I figured I'd best share my festive outfits before 2017 arrives. Also wanted to share the spending total for 2016 as my last post for the year too.

My 5 year blogaversary is this weekend, so come back Monday for a special post to celebrate. You can enter my Charlotte Tilbury giveaway on youtube in the meantime.

What I wore:

Summer festive Christmas Eve outfit Santa glitter tee and shorts metallic bag | Away From Blue

Mulberry Lily bag in maroon metallic suede leopard | Away From The Blue
Dress: festive glitter Santa tee
ShortsJeanswest Trinity Bermuda denim shorts (currently on sale, 40% off!)
Shoesblack slim Havaianas thongs
BagMulberry Lily in maroon metallic suede leopard (get it in pink!)

Why I wore it:

The traditional Christmas tee for our family Christmas eve celebrations. I've worn this tee every year since we started the novelty Christmas tee tradition. Even while pregnant!

I have been playing along with two December style challenges on instagram so brought out this pretty but rarely used Mulberry Lily bag to meet the December Wear What Where challenge. It was last worn 3 years ago! I wear it so sparingly as it's so delicate being metallic suede, and it's so special to me. The glitter in the tee was perfect for the DAREcember challenge too.

A nice casual and comfortable outfit for a day down the coast listening to Christmas music, doing Christmas craft and of course making Christmas cookies! One of which toddler T left out for Santa that night.


Last worn: Santa tee, Bermuda denim shorts, Havaianas, Mulberry leopard print Lily bag

Other ways to wearChristmas tee trio, Bermuda denim shorts and khaki tank, Mulberry leopard print Lily bag and maxi dress






What I wore:

Kmart Tropicana sleeveless tiered maxi dress Christmas Day casual summer outfit Chanel bag | AwayFromBlue

Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap bag | AwayFromTheBlue
Shoesslim gold Havaianas
Bracelets: the usual plus gifted Tous pink and cream bracelet
BagChanel vintage quilted lambskin flap (same in pinkand beige)

Why I wore it:

This was my outfit for Christmas day. After present opening and lunch and naps for the boys we headed over to the in-laws for the afternoon and dinner.

I got this dress after seeing it on two people on Instagram in quick succession. My sister called as I was scrolling through and she had just left Kmart, so I asked her to go back and get it, ha! I wasn't sure how practical it would be for breastfeeding in, but the adjustable straps kept coming undone and sliding off my shoulders unprompted anyway! I spent more time pulling it up than pulling it down for feeding. I'm hoping it behaves a little more and the straps stay in place next time I wear it, as it really is such a pretty dress.

Last worn: Havaianas, vintage Chanel bag. First time I've worn the dress as it's a new purchase.

Other ways to wearvintage Chanel bag at 39 weeks pregnant.



2016 Budget



As this is my final post for the year, an update on my spending budget.

In 2014 I set myself a goal to wear everything I buy at least twice in a month after buying it. I was frustrated by how many items I was discovering in my wardrobe with tags on! Earlier this year I changed the goal to wear things twice in the month I buy them. It meant I spent less near the end of the month as I had to be really sure I was going to wear things twice in quick succession. It was a good tool to slow my spending even more.

There were some exceptions to the wear twice in a month rule. Most recently, a stunning trench coat I picked up for over $100 off in the Cyber Monday sales that is not going to get worn in a Queensland summer!
The items I bought early in December weren't worn as much as they could have been after staying in hospital with baby boy for two weeks. I have bought a lot at the end of December in the boxing day sales that probably won't even arrive until January so anything I keep from those orders will fail that test too. I'm still pleased with how this rule has helped me think more critically about what I've bought over the year though, and will be continuing to use it.


What I bought in December:







Some of the above might be returned if it doesn't fit or work as well in my wardrobe as I imagined, but I've included it in the total spend in case I keep it all.

What I Bought in 2016

My monthly spending posts for the year: January, nothing in February or March, AprilMayJuneNo buy JulyAugustNo Spender SeptemberOctoberNovember.

Over 2016, I spent $1,824.11. The majority of that was in the first 6 months of the year, but it works out as an average of $152 a month. Doesn't sound a lot, but when you add it up it looks pretty large! For 2017, my goal is to spend less. I'm pleased I spent less in the second half of the year. January (post-Christmas sales!) and June (start of winter) were my biggest spending months in 2016.


Did you track your spending for the year? How did you go?


Linking up with Weekend Wear, Passion for Fashion, Budget Bloggers, Friday Faves, Let It Shine.


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38 comments:

  1. Cute outfits for the holidays! Hope you had a nice holiday and Happy New Year!!!

    Sarah Bell
    Trendy & Tidy

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  2. I didnt track my soending, but I guess I should start. Not tracking my clothing expenses, but my red lipstock investments.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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    Replies
    1. haha yes everyone has something they like to splurge on! :)

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  3. Great looks, I love your Mulberry Lily bag so much. I've really enjoyed your blog this year and really look forward to 2017. I wish you all the best and a Happy New Year!


    Gemma x
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  4. That maxi dress is perfection on you. I love the color. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas and that the New Year is great to you!

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  5. I would love it to be warm on Christmas! Love these fun looks, especially the santa shirt.

    Annessa
    www.seekingsunshine.com

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  6. Hm, I actually don't think your overall yearly spending was too bad! You got a lot of great things and with your wear twice in one month rule, it looks like you made the most of your purchases! Can't wait for another year of outfit posts!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Kiki! I'd love to spend less in 2017, we will see how I go with my spending ban!

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  7. Happy holidays gorgeous! I really love your maxi dress!

    XoXo,

    Tamara - LoveofMode.com

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  8. Happy blog anniversary!!
    That maxi dress is my cup of tee, you look lovely

    xo
    Mel

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  9. Such festive outfits! I seriously wish that I could wear shorts for Christmas haha (I mean I could, but it would be hella cold!)

    Such a good idea to keep track of your spending like that. It's somewhat depressing, but very important! Good luck for 2017!

    Lindsey Elyse | lindseyginge

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    Replies
    1. Yes it's shocking seeing the number at the end! I'm hoping to buy less in 2017.

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  10. I'm loving these holiday looks, especially that floral dress! Wising you a very Happy New Year!
    Rachael
    www.threadsforthomasblog.com

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  11. Wow, I'm amazed at how you've kept track of your spending! I personally haven't, although I do have very good self-control. Lol. But congrats on achieving what you aimed for!

    www.jeannieinabottleblog.com

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    Replies
    1. It's easy to spend a lot without thinking of it so I've gained a lot from tracking my spending :)

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  12. Dear Mica, I think you spend already not too much money - but you are always dressed perfectly! Love the looks again you show here, your really know how to wear and look always beautifully <3
    Have a happy start into the new year!
    xx Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! It's possible to look good on a budget! :)

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  13. I love the festive outfits!! The green top is adorable! Happy new year!

    Darriyan xo
    www.darriyancateland.co.uk

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  14. Ooh I love that maxi dress--the print and colors are so pretty! I'm not used to seeing shorts and sundresses combined with Christmas decorations, but I wouldn't mind that right about now. I'm cold! :)

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  15. I don't track my spending - shopping is my hobby and I won't feel guilty about that. I do like that you made the vow to wear things twice right away, Mica - I think that is a better indicator of success in one's wardrobe than how much you spent on it. Because no matter how much it cost, if you love it, it's always worth it!

    A very Happy New Year to you, my dear! Happy 5 years blogging! Wow!

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    Replies
    1. You score such bargains I don't think you'd spend anywhere near as much either Sheila! :) I agree that how many times something is worn is the best indicator of a successful purchase! :)

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  16. Hi Mica! You look lovely in these images and I adore the Christmas tee and maxi dress on you. The dress is so feminine and suits you a lot. I'm sorry to hear you spent part of December in hospital with your baby boy. I sincerely hope he's feeling better now.

    As for the fashion, you look delightful as always.

    I hope you have a very Happy New Year and all your dreams come true in 2017.

    Love Saba xx

    www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com

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  17. I really love your green festive tee! The pair you paired it with those shorts is really cute. I like to wear something Christmasy for Christmas too. This year I wore an orange dress, usually I wear red or something indicative of the season, but this year I broke my own rules.

    The second outfit, the one with the maxi dress is also lovely. Have a fantastic 2017!!!!!!!!

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    Replies
    1. It's fun to break with the rules now and then! :) I'm sure your orange dress was beautiful.

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  18. Honestly I think you did a great job with your budget. That dress you got is gorgeous and I can't wait to see how you wear your new floral skirt. I hope your son is feeling better now! Praying for you all!

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  19. I actually think you did okay with spending for an entire year, but yes, spending less is a good thing too. For soome reason I spent more in 2016 but this includes accessories and a few miscl. necessary investments like a new quality coat and work attire. What a festive and fun outfit as well. I really loved your maxi dress in the coral print. Happy blog anniversary and thanks always for your lovely visits and comments. Happy New Year! <3 /Madison

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    Replies
    1. It is interesting tracking your spending year to year, I'll be curious what the figure will be for 2017 for me! :)

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  20. These looks are so cute! Gosh I keep forgetting that it is a totally opposite season there! I love that pretty dress! You did so awesome with the budget!

    Denise | Fashion Love Letters

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  21. Hi Mica,

    I have to ask... where do you live that you can wear shorts and sleeveless maxi dresses in December?? It's obvious I need to relocate :)

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    Replies
    1. haha! As it says on the top right, I'm Australian and live in Brisbane so it's summer here at the moment :)

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  22. I love your christmas day dress! The colours are so lovely :) I love that you set yourself a goal to wear everything I buy at least twice in a month after buying it - I really want to do this now! Thanks for sharing xxx

    findyourownhope.blogspot.com.au

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad I could inspire you - hope you do put the rule into practice!

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  23. I had some months that were spendier than others, but at the end of the year I came in under budget. I'm curious to see how that trench coat works out for you!

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    Replies
    1. I am really looking forward to wearing the trench coat! Just been far too warm for it in summer.

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  24. I've actually set myself a similar goal this year, to not buy hardly anything and to wear the clothes I do have. I'm only allowing myself 3 bags this year and if there's anything else, I need to wait to make sure I'm completely certain about buying it and that I would wear it. I LOVE your Chanel and Mulberry here!

    Raindrops of Sapphire

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    Replies
    1. I like the sound of your goal! :) I've decided no bags or clothes or accessories for 6 months so I can use and enjoy what I own :) I like the idea of waiting for things too before buying.

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  25. Thank you all for your lovely comments - hope you had a wonderful Christmas and new year. We are so blessed to have baby boy doing better and home from hospital for it.

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  26. That maxi dress looks great on you.

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