Budgeting Space- One In, One Out

My new apartment is really small. I guessed when we signed the lease back in March that our biggest challenge was going to be clothing storage, so I started brainstorming, googling, apartment therapy-ing, and pinterest-ing storage options. During a trip to ikea a few months ago Mike and I discovered a brilliant storage solution- a bed frame with four giant drawers underneath! After checking craigslist religiously for a month, I found a slightly used Brimnes storage bedframe for less than half the price it sells for at ikea!

Image via ikea.com

With the help of those 4 deep drawers, a six drawer dresser used as a tv stand in the living room, and some closet organizers we got all of our clothes and shoes to fit! The only issue is there isn't room for any more. As a result, I'm instituting a one in, one out policy for my wardrobe.If I buy something it has to be replacing an item that is no longer wearable OR I have to be willing to donate or sell an item to make room.

I am actually really excited about this philosophy. It will keep me from making too many impulse purchase, thus saving me money. It is also challenges me to pick pieces I will get a lot of wear out of. If it's going to take up space in my closet/ drawers the I better wear it!

The only items on my "must buy for fall" list are black riding boots, and black flats. Yesterday I went to DSW to see if they had any wide calf boots in stock. They did! I used my $10 off coupon and bought a great pair of wide calf, black leather riding boots. I'll be throwing out an old pair of faux suede black boots to make room for them:)

How do you store/ organize your wardrobe? Any tips for sharing closet space with your significant other?

Black Skinnies (again) and an April recap

I just can't get enough of these black skinnies! I've worn them to work almost every Friday this month. They fit me perfectly in the waist and legs. That's a really hard thing for me to find in a pair of pants. Most of the pants I have in my closet start to fall down a bit as the day wears on, even if I wear a belt!

Outfit:

Plaid Tank: ? it's really old

Cardigan: ? again, really old

Black skinnies: Old Navy

Peep toe flats: Payless, old

I can't believe April is already over. I did not do a very good job of sticking to the $100 budget I set for myself this month. In fact, at $174 spent, I didn't even come close to sticking to budget! Reasons for going over? BOGO, and coupons that were set to expire before the end of the month. 

As a result of my over spending, I'm going to set a very small budget for myself for the month of May ($50). It should be easy for me to stick to it, since it's my birthday month:)

Stripes and shopping limits

This shirt is another Old Navy clearance find. I only paid $5.50 for it and I've already worn it twice! The stripes look like they were hand painted with water colors, and I really love the twisted neckline. Who says curvy girls can't wear horizontal stripes? 

My beau and I are moving in together in September. I'm super excited, but moving is super expensive! Moving related expenses are making my already tight budget tighter than usual, so I am going to start to institute a strict shopping budget. For March I'm allotting $125 for clothing, accessories and cosmetics. Check my progress on the side bar --->

Outfit:

Shirt: Old Navy

Pants: Target

Boots: Coconuts via DSW