window shop, instead of shop

I don’t know what happened, but the Christmas season came and it was like I went wild. I bought about $75 (8 items) from Tilly’s. $200 from Victoria’s secret and $10 from Goodwill, $40 at target for Wii accessories, and $30 at payless. In the past I would have done worse, but luckily everything is paid off. No credit cards here! I think I need to stop all the Victoria’s secret coupons from coming to my house and to clear all of my credit cards (even though I pay them off! I also got another bunch of hand-me-downs. They are not the best items but there were a few treasures and comfortable long sleeves for winter.

Payless was having a buy 1 get 1 half off and I bought my sister a purse and shoes and myself the same items (different styles) and spent $60! Great deal, I know right? So I’m guilty, but I’m pretty happy for falling only in 3 months! got to start all over, 2009 is a year of no shopping :(

I have not bought any clothes or shoes since I started this goal. My PT told me to get new tennis shoes because the ones I had were 5 years old! So I did buy those, but aside from that I haven’t bought anything else. I have focused on accessories, which are cheaper. They do help pull an outfit together or to re-make an old one.

In terms of clothing and shoes, I’ve yet to buy something for myself. I’m pretty happy about accomplishing this. I have spent in other areas, but I’m glad this is good. My FMIL bought me 2 pairs of underwear from Victoria’s Secret that I didn’t need, but you can always use new chonies. Luckily my mom brought me some of my clothes from home so I feel like I went shopping!

I haven’t gone clothes shopping. I was tempted with this shirt that said Obama for your Mama. I really wanted it, but oh well.

I’m not missing shopping right now. At moments I do, but I just got a huge bag of hand-me-downs from my boyfriend’s stylish cousin and I got about 5 pairs of practically new jeans 7 shirts. Luckily, she’s my size and stylish. So I feel like I went shopping, but didn’t actually spend anything. I am happy.

I just bought 3 pashmina scarves for fall. Does that count as shopping for clothes or shoes? I see it as more of an accessory. I spent $35.

I’ve gone another week without purchasing clothing or shoes. There was a HUGE temptation this weekend because my co-worker gave me 2 tickets to a ROXY sale in Huntington. They sell clothing for $8/pound, wetsuits, and all kinds of great last-season items. I gave the tickets up to my FSIL and her friend. I’m glad I had the will power to do it and that someone else could enjoy it. I don’t yet have the willpower to just window shop. I’ve allowed myself to buy accessories, but I need to set a budget so I don’t compensate. So hair accessories, jewelry, and hats are OK, but I need to be careful about how much. I’m thinking $10 a month. This months allowance was spent on headbands, hairclips, and special curly hair products. I think that was more like $20, but next month will be better.

So I was sick so I didn’t go out and buy anything. I’ve been watching TLC’s What Not To Wear and I realize I’m not doing the right kind of shopping. I need to buy quality outfits instead of inexpensive individual clothes. I will buy cute shirts/pants/dresses/skirts, but not even think about how they will go with what I currently own in shoes/accessories/bags. This means that I then go out to buy things to match my new things instead of keeping to the things I already own. I make up excuses instead of just controlling my spending. I tend to buy things on clearance or sale. This minimizes my options. Instead of buying what fits me or is best for my figure. I will be a lesser quality material, style, or size because of the price. I should buy better quality items even if they are fewer instead of lots cheaper quality items. Although I must say that I am tempted to shop! Although having recently done a few $100 shopping sprees, I don’t NEED it! I just need to constantly remind myself of that and think of others who don’t have as much as I do.

I’ve decided that I need a reward to this goal. If I can go without shopping for 1 year, I will give myself a $600 shopping spree on anything I want. Yesterday was my last day of shopping. I went to target and bought 3 new shirts and 1 pair of pajama pants. I feel so comfortable! My goal is to wear everything in my closet throughout the whole year. This weekend I’m going to go through my closet and dump things I don’t wear, haven’t worn, with a price tag, rarely wear and only keep the things I really wear, feel comfortable wearing and love to wear. I think I’m also going to switch up my summer clothes for my fall clothes. I need to let go of things I haven’t worn out in a year. I think I’m going to clean out 10 things. I think it’s starting to get cooler at night. So that’s my plan. We’re having a garage sale this weekend so hopefully I’ll make some money to add to my final shopping spree!