At the beginning of the summer, Jennifer and I created wishlists and set budgets for our summer shopping.  Now that’s it’s already August (!), it’s time to see how we fared in our July shopping. I’m sharing my update today, and be sure to check back later this week to see how Jennifer did.

After a whirlwind of a June, things slowed down considerably in July. I focused on indoor activities to attempt to beat the heat, but tried not to go overboard on the shopping, after blowing my budget last month. How did I do? I’ll break down my July spending right after this reminder of my wishlist items…

After picking up several items on my list in June (and a whole lot more), I crossed off a few more in July. My purchase of some new sunglasses was prompted by one of the great tragedies of the summer — my beloved Ray-Ban aviators were left behind at the game lodge in South Africa. I wasn’t ready to replace them with another expensive pair, so I jumped on a functional pair from LOFT that cost me $13 during an all-store 50% off sale. It was during that same fantastic sale that I picked up another pair of shorts and a couple short-sleeved sweaters (click on the picture below for details).  Although the sweaters weren’t on my wishlist, they have already proven to be great purchases, and will continue to feature prominently in my wardrobe throughout the fall.

The Madewell Private Shopping Party we hosted in July was not only a great opportunity for us to help our friends pick out some fun styles (Madewell is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to shop), but it also allowed us to do some shopping for ourselves. Thanks to a great sale, I picked up two woven belts and a striped tank top for about $60.

Instead of the statement earrings on my list, I was moved to buy a statement ring when I visited the adorable local boutique Frances. The beaded turquoise stunner is now permanently attached to my hand. I also picked up a sweet Peter Pan collar blouse that is lightweight for summer but will be a great layering piece come fall. And thanks to a Local First Arizona promotion, these items were 20% off.

My one summer shoe purchase didn’t exactly fit the parameters I’d set, but they were too cute — and from too surprising of a retailer — to pass up. I stopped in Talbot’s for the first time, well, maybe ever, to buy a birthday gift for my grandma. I happened to visit them in the middle of a huge sale, so I thought I’d look around. Much to my surprise, the store had some pretty cute items. I was drawn to the fun zebra print on the linen peep-toe wedges, and the price ($65.99, after a 50% off discount) was nice. This is another summer purchase that will take me well into the fall.

Finally, I picked up a pair of white jeans at J. Crew that were 40% off. While the fashion etiquette books might say to pack away your whites after Labor Day, here in Arizona, white denim remains a workhorse well into October (hey, it’s still over 100 degrees outside!). They weren’t on my list, but I knew I’d get a lot of wear out of them.

I’m pleased with my July purchases, and with my summer haul overall. I picked up five of the items from my wishlist (seven if you accept the ring as a replacement to the earrings and the wedges in place of the sandals) and took advantage of several amazing summer sales. But I’m most pleased with the fact that many of the items I bought this summer have served me well under the blistering Arizona sun and will continue to be go-to items throughout the fall. To me, that’s what strategic shopping is all about.

So did all my great July loot fit in my July budget? It did … almost. My grand total was $354. I’ll take that as a victory, considering the diversity and longevity of my purchases. I think I can sacrifice one trip to the coffee shop to make up for the overage!