April appears to be a spendy month for me. It's the month that makes me think of lighter, sunnier outfits. I start mentally preparing for sunshine, and then I start buying for it. And I also tend to meet up with Sophie in April and shopping ensues. I'd already purchased seven items before we met up and then bought four items in the first shop we set foot in, and that was just the beginning.

New Look black tunic dress  |  £5.00
I took one look at this, imagined it with tan sandals and a bag and took it to the till.

Red Herring star jumper  |  £5.50
This looks brand new, but it's not staying in my wardrobe. It's listed on ebay, I really like it, I just don't think it's going to get worn.

F&F red floral top  |  £3.25
This is in my May capsule, it's an item that I just knew would slot into my wardrobe and work really well.

Jigsaw scarf  |  £1.50
How could I resist those tassels?

M&Co navy jumper  |  £5.00
Technically I didn't need another navy jumper...

H&M black tee (not pictured)  |  £2.00
I love a tee with a curved hem, this will be a wardrobe staple.

Black and tan shorts  |  £4.00
I think these are cute, but I don't really know why I bought these.


M&S cream top  |  £3.75
Love this but the fit isn't quite right, it's another thing I've listed on ebay.

Zara white tee  |  £1.50
Curved hem tee. Enough said.

Dorothy Perkins jumper  |  £2.25
Love this, the sleeves are really long, covering the backs of my hands, unlike so many of my other jumpers.

Scarf  |  £1.50
I was under dressed for the temperature, I needed warmth. I bought it, I wore it.

F&F jacket  |  £4.50
This had only just been brought into the shop, I saw it on the counter and asked about it. They didn't even get a chance to put a tag on it before I was paying and putting it in my bag.

PJ bottoms  |  £2.99
I had my eye on a similar (new) pair on ASOS, these PJ bottoms from Tu need to be altered so they fit (they're two sizes too big) but I'd rather do that and buy pre-loved than buy new.


Fatface shorts  |  £5.49
These are in really good condition, I doubt they've been worn much.

V-neck tee  |  £1.29
I have one of these already but I wore it a lot last year, and I like the idea of having a back-up, especially at that price.

Next pink jumper  |  £1.00
A cheerful light weight knit, good for slightly chilly summer days, and only £1.00.

Floral midi skirt  |  £4.00
Love it, don't think I'm going to wear it. It'll be listed on ebay soon, maybe, I'm undecided.

All of the items above are pre-loved.


ASOS jumpsuit  |  £32.00
This is my second new purchase of the year and is already in my next capsule wardrobe selection. I'd seen it weeks ago on ASOS and kept going back to look at it. I loved it's simplicity, I knew it would be easy and comfortable to wear. I waited for ages before ordering it to make sure I still liked it as much as the first time I saw it.

I was fully prepared to hate it when I tried it on, which happens so often when some longed for item finally arrives. But this was everything I hoped it would be, sure it's not the most interesting or flattering item in my wardrobe but I really, really like it. If I am going to buy something new then it needs to be something I'm going to wear repeatedly and enjoy, and I think this fits the bill nicely.


LAST YEAR


Floral maxi dress  |  £13.00
I love this, it's only been worn once but it will be coming out of the wardrobe again this year.

Black / navy flip flops  |  90p each
Both of these were worn until they fell apart in early autumn. I'd say they were worn daily from April through to October.

Pre-loved Chatham pink brogues  |  £9.75
I still adore these, they're not something I wear often, but they put a spring in my step when I do.

Pre-loved H&M grey jumper  |  £4.75
This has been worn a lot, it's easy to chuck on over anything when the chill sets in in the evenings, and is a good autumn/winter jumper as it can be layered over other items.


ASOS green dress  |  £15.00
I shortened the sleeves on this and much prefer my version, it feels more summery. I wore this six times last summer.

Pre-loved Phase Eight cardigan  |  £2.49
Only worn once so far.

Pre-loved Monsoon dress  |  £8.00
Worn twice. I thought I'd wear this more, now I'm wondering if it's time it went on ebay. It's very nice but I have other dresses I like a lot more.


Total for April: £54.52

Total so far for 2019: £122.25

Total at this time last year: £147.02

Left of £500.00 budget: £377.75

Items purchased: 26 (pre-loved: 24) (new: 2)


One of my new years resolutions was to spend less, and buy fewer new items. Until this month I'd been quite restrained. This haul prompted a massive wardrobe clear out. I find it very tempting to buy what ever I like in charity shops because everything is so cheap, but what's the point if I don't get to wear the items I buy?


For the fourth year running I'm keeping track of my spending on clothes and accessories with A Buyer's Archive.