Join us and go for as long as you can - share with us your most amazing/appalling experiences by commenting on this post throughout your experience. We will pick the winners on May 25th and post their stories on the blog, which we are happy to say, will not spontaneously combust come May 15th!
Do you have what it takes? Go to our "No-Shop Challenge" page (now) to learn more and help a Rehab Sister out - show us your love by signing up (now).We have suffered through almost 11 months of this... how long can you go?
Love, A&P
P.S. Don't go it alone! Bring along a buddy (or two or three) for support - we did!
P.P.S. If you really don't want to give up shopping or if you're not a big shopper (huh?), show us your love anyway by registering in the box to the right. The more support we have (men and women, boys and girls!), the easier it will be to make it to the end.
56 comments:
Welcome to the No-Shop Challenge! Can you do it? We know you can! Don't forget to share your stories of survival and defeat. We know how hard it is! Love, A&P
First off let me say that I think that it awesome that you two are allowing the readers to become involved, and it is something I have been considering doing for some time.
well, actually it something I kind-of-almost have been doing for some time. In order to pay off my credit cards I have been on a very stringent shopping diet for over a year now. However, having the opportunity am now going to tighten the leash and get a little more serious about it. A large motivator for me is that I am graduating from university and am planning a 2 month long road trip with the boyfriend. One of my big goals has been to graduate debt free. I have never taken out a student loan however, racked up large amounts of credit card debt on useless stuff and am still digging myself out of that hole.
Anyways, that my story in a nut shell. In addition to following the rules of Rehab I am also going to be cutting out (or trying to cut out) the vast majority of spending I do on eating out.
Thank you so much for providing me with this amazing opportunity...here's hoping!
Way to go, ShoeGal! Where are you headed on your road trip? Being debt-free is an amazing feeling! Congrats on your goal - hang in there!
Love, A&P
Way to go girls! Can't wait to try this out and to get a small sense of what you two have been enduring over the past YEAR!
Here are some amazing comments that were left yesterday:
SUSAN C said:
I started November 1st, 2009. I am in month 6 and never thought I could go this long. Shoes are the bane of my existence. Tempting? Yes. But I haven't caved...yet.
If you want to start but have something special you are waiting for, I found an option. I am in Month 6 and have an event this July. I found a website that "rents" dresses. Renting isn't buying, right? Check out RentTheRunway.com. I haven't rented from them yet, but will probably do a test rent before July.
SABINA said:
I'v been on my own "no shopping" journey since March 10th, and let me tell you, it is frustrating. I was in Chicago for the weekend and there was nice vintage and designer stores that I wanted to go in.I honestly contained myself. I kept my money in my wallet & my self-control in tact.It was f*n hard, but I managed to survive.
Tamyra (Young Mogul) said:
I can start this weekend, but I need to get work shoes for summer first. I was gonna start this anyway, so I am happy to join. It coincides with my huge garage sale to get rid of all of my excess "stuff".
Fiona Highet:
Started April1 and nearly caved on the fourth day over a lip balm. Interesting packaging the promise of turmeric, what can I say.
Jazz said:
Cant go until may 15 ... i am about to be a college grad and I need two new dresses and shoes too .With that said , I have been on a no buy since march 31st
Hey ladies! Good luck with your last 30 days! I started my own version of fashion rehab on April 1 and let me tell you... it's been tough! I have these strange moments of weakness that creep up out of nowhere. My biggest challenge is NOT shopping online! It's a lot easier not to shop for things in person, since you have to actually go to a store/mall... but it's way too easy to shop online. Especially when there are great sales to take advantage of. You don't blink an eye when you put down $40 for a new sweater, but it adds up if you do that four times over the course of a month!
I still enjoy looking at clothes/outfits online for inspiration. Instead of buying new pieces that are featured, I've started to shop out of my own closet like you gals were doing. It usually works because I have pieces that are similar to those I see in lookbooks/fashion spreads, and I feel like I have a "new" outfit. :)
Shoe.Gal - I am in a similar boat. I finished my undergraduate degree 4 years ago and I'll be starting graduate studies this fall, so money is going to be tight! I unfortunately had a student loan as well as credit card debt that I racked up during school. When I graduated and got my first job, I did everything that you shouldn't do. I moved out without saving first, bought a bunch of new clothes for work, etc... it added up way to fast and I dug myself in a pretty deep hole that I'm still getting out of. Paying off my student loan and credit card debt has been hard; I'm still not done, and I have a ways to go. But things like Fashion Rehab definitely help. I know that making my last payments on my credit card debt and loan will be far more satisfying than anything I could buy.
Can't wait to hear from everyone else!
Alicia ~
Congrats on taking up one of our tried & true tricks! Learning to "shop" in your closet for something "new" is paramount to Fashion Rehab survival!
ShoeGal - do you have any paying-down-debt advice?
Love, A&P
You caught me at a difficult moment! I have been coveting a necklace of turquoise stones here in Mexico for the last 2 weeks. Today (our last day) I was going to go and try to barter the price down.
THEN I GOT THE CHALLENGE!!! I sat in agony for awhile, then decided to go a try to get the necklace. BUT I could not get the price down. SO I did not buy it.
I am going to be shop free for the rest of the challenge time, but I admit I got off to a dubious start!!! I love buying shiny stuff.
I have decided to get some of my old necklaces (SHOPPING IN MY CLOSET - which I am encouraged to do from this blog) some of which have interesting stones, and re-string them in new ways. How about that!
Hugs and kisses fashionistas!
Jane!
What a fabulous story! You are already digging deep and learning some valuable Fashion Rehab lessons! Well done!
Love, A&P
You guys, what an awesome blog. I first started reading it after I saw your article in the Star and I'm hooked.
I am nervous about the no shop challenge but I think I will take the plunge. However, I am supposed to me a friend for a big shopping day Downtown in two weeks and I KNOW taht'll be a challenge. The hardest thing for me to give up will be work out gear, specifically Lulu! Eeep!
Thanks for your sharing your journeys with us. Your posts are honest, touching, genuine, and quite funny too! Best wishes and good luck for the home stretch! : )
Hi Sarah!
Thank you so much for all the nice things you wrote! You can do it!!! What is the date of your downtown shopping trip? Let us know and we will send you strength!
Love, A&P
Since I have opened my business in November, I have not shopped. Actually that's not true. purchased a pair of winter boots out of necessity, and on a very long and traffic-laden trip to Buffalo on Good Friday, I bought a DKNY dress...BUT that was a gift from my bf...so technically, not a purchase. other than that...I have been desperately trying to make do with what I have had in my closet for years. It's sad, I know..but I took the plunge and dipped every cent I had into my boutique, leaving me without a disposable income. The payoff? I'm my own boss and I do what I love everyday. The sad reality? I live in my thankfully timeless cowboy boots and a pair of spring flats I bought last summer on sale, alternate the Coach and Kate Spade bags I purchased when I was a rich 9 - 5er, and keep my make-up as simple as can be. I've brought back to life some things I thought I would never wear again for the sake of variety...and have actually surprised myself at the amazing condition they were still in. Although I miss having the latest and greatest trends...I am able to pay my bills with my very own hard work. That's more satisfying than any shopping spree. Although, going on one would be pretty nice.
xoxo
Natalie
iheartaccessories.ca
All that being said. I've joined the challenge. What's another month?
Natalie
Natalie~
You are a superstar! And such a hard worker bee! We wish you much success - and hopefully a hopping spree - in your future!
Love, A&P
Forgive me Father, for I have shopped. Oh, how I have shopped.
Not lately, and not for myself, but over the years I’ve shopped plenty. Just ask my ex-art director. I ran into him recently, and he introduced me to some friends.
“May I tell an embarrassing story about you?” he asked.
“Which one?” I replied.
“When Sally and I worked together, she had so many handbags she had to keep some at work, so she could ease Cameron [my husband] into each new purchase.”
“Not true,” I protested. “I didn’t have room in our closet.”
“It’s probably true,” Cameron said when I told him the story.
OK, so I’m still in a bit of denial. If Fashion Rehab had existed five years ago, I would’ve been Jeff Conaway to Perdy and Alison’s Dr Drew.
Back then I shopped morning, noon and night. Online, on the street, and even (horrors) on TV, from the home shopping network.
I’d always been a fashion fanatic. In my first year as a copywriter, I came to work dressed like Mozart, Madonna, the Cat in the Hat, and a Victorian wench, among other things. Luckily my boss had a sense of humour. In fact he loved showing me off to clients, no doubt to prove what a crazy, creative ad agency it was.
By my 30s, my fashion schizophrenia had settled down, but my disposable income had shot up. What to do, what to do?
I developed an interest in vintage clothing that quickly became an obsession. Halston, Lanvin, Pucci and Gucci quickly entered my vocabulary. I dropped casual references to Castelbajac and Jacques Fath into the most mundane conversations.
At the height of my powers I could scan an Ebay page faster than you can say “Buy It Now.” It was a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that I didn’t own a computer.
For a couple of years I went on a tear, amassing a small museum of vintage gems. But just as quickly as I’d gotten hooked, I started to lose interest.
A vintage crocodile bag that was perfect when I bought it would disintegrate when exposed to sunlight. And that darling ‘60s Pucci shift started coming apart at the seams when I wore it to an awards show.
I sold or gave away most of my pieces, and as time went on I found myself less and less interested in dressing myself. Instead, I focused on building my man’s wardrobe.
Cameron is built like a Tom Ford mannequin: tall and slim, with sculpted cheekbones and piercing blue eyes. When I realized clothes looked better on him than the hanger, I had a fashion epiphany.
Shopping for men is so damn civilized. It’s all “free alterations” this, and “Which side does sir dress?” that.
In all my years of shopping for myself, I can’t remember someone asking me which boob is bigger, or whether I’d like a little more room in “the seat.”
I began collecting business cards from all the toniest men’s boutiques. Where once I was on a first-name basis with Stella, Proenza and Miuccia, I now began favouring labels whose blokey names belied their hefty price tags: designers like Paul Smith, Ben Sherman and Ted Baker.
Last year I fulfilled a long-time dream of custom closet organizers. But when I open the door, it’s my husband’s shirt collection that catches my eye, not my side of the closet. And you know what? I’m fine with that.
While I still have a thing for designer purses, my bag addiction’s under control.
As Dorothy Parker said, “You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?”
I’ll give you a hint: not at work.
Amazing story! Is it wrong that it makes me want to shop? Love, A
Hello,
Natalie, that is a fantastic story...that suddently makes me want to browse EBay....
Well I am back for an update. Day 2, but whos counting?
Thus have not spent any money except 4.47 on a folder that I needed to submit a report because I forgot to bring one from home.
And although I am proud of myself for only spending $4.47, on something that was necessary and I can honestly say did not bring me any joy, I still feel bad.
Let me explain. It is stupid little purchases such as this that old me would let run wild. Now I feel that it is just simply a complete waste! It's still money, money that I had to earn (I make $15.30 an hour so that is 20 minutes of work). And the thing that really gets me is that it is money I could have saved if I wasn't always running late and as a result forgetting things...such as folders.
Well that is my rant on that.
In terms of paying down debt, the biggest word of wisdom I can think of is dont get into it in the first place. A total pot and kettle situation I know. I am totally embarrassed to admit this, but it took me a while to figure this out. It was always a coffee here, a pair of shoes there without really coming to peace with having to pay the money back.
That is the problem with credit cards they give you a false sense of security. In the last little bit I have canceled all but two. An Amex charge card that gives me fantastic points, but that I have to pay back in full monthly. And am MC that is a backup in case the Amex is not accepted, but this one has the absolute min limit of $500.
It took me a long time to accept the fact that I may not have amazing self control when it comes to my own lust-haves. But by lowering me spending power I have also lowered the temptation.
And as far as paying off the debt, look at the interest. That was a big motivator when I realized that I was paying $100+ in just interest expense. And put everything you can towards paying it off, it adds up!
Thanks for listening!
Waaah, I was in my hometown this past week visiting the folks and made a trip to an old fav store of mine. I have been going Cold Turkey since November 1st and the trip home about did me in. Walking into my old 'store of choice' was a BIG mistake.
But I prevailed. When I got back to my happy place, I visited 365 Rehab and reread some of the temptations therein and immediately felt better.
Thanks for keeping me sane!
Well, we're now into week two; how are we all doing? I now know why this is called a "challenge"... it's incredibly difficult! I've had several moments of weakness that were brought on by my current wardrobe.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to sensibly (i.e. save up for each piece before you buy it) purchase quality wardrobe basics. It's finally spring where I live in Canada, and let me tell you... not having a pair of black trousers that aren't made out of wool is tough. I was sorely tempted to go out and buy myself a proper pair of spring/summer black trousers. It occurred to me that I have this problem because I didn't shop for work clothes sensibly in the past. How many pairs of lightweight grey trousers does a girl need? One with white stripes, one with pink stripes, a lighter grey blend, a darker grey blend... I've made way too many impulse purchases in the past for silly reasons. "These pants are 50% off! For a limited time only! This eBay auction is priced so low, I simply have to bid!" The ironic thing is that I've studied these same marketing techniques that stores use... yet I still fell for them!
At any rate, I equate getting the wardrobe basics to food cravings. If you want something salty, you can eat as many sweet things as you want but you still won't have satisfied that craving -- you'll just have wasted a bunch of calories when you could have eaten far less to satisfy that salty craving. Same with shopping! If you need that pair of black trousers, don't fall for the sales/incentives/whatever on 10 pairs of grey trousers that you buy instead -- you will still need to get that pair of black trousers at the end of the day. And you would have likely spent far less by just buying the black trousers in the first place.
However, this wouldn't be a challenge if I allowed myself to cheat. I also theoretically don't need those black trousers right now, as I can create several outfits out of what I have right now.
Back to that marketing thought for a moment: I've also recently found myself itching to purchase things that are available for limited sale. For example, things that are in limited quantity, or 75% of for 75 hours only. I'll find myself sitting there thinking, "but I'll miss out if I don't buy it now!" This has been a huge weakness for me. It's taken me many years of practice to realise that 1. things eventually always go on sale, and 2. I'll probably find something else that I like equally as much when I have the money to spend. It's all about practicing restraint, right?
I'm enjoying reading the comments & advice that everyone else has been posting. Your words ring too true!
Susan C ~
Congrats on sticking to it! It's tough, but like The Mater says, "Ain't called Fashion Rehab for nothin'"!
And Alicia ~ Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. I know how you feel about the panic a deeply discounted or limited-time-only sale can induce. But you are right; things do always go on sale and there are many, many things out there that you will no doubt love! Getting rid of that kind of panic (hopefully for good) is one of the reasons I entered Fashion Rehab in the first place.
Keep commenting, ladies, and keep up the fabulous work!
Love, P
ladies,
as a huge fan (& friend) i signed up for your no-shop challenge.
bad news:
i failed miserably. i lasted THREE DAYS, before purchasing a new pair of leopard-print/gold ballet-flats, tight black pants, & black & gold jumper.
in my defense, i'm newly single. i was going to a party that night & it was very important for me to make one particular dude eat his heart out. i'm sure if i'd stayed focused & centered (& self-confident!) i needn't have bought the new outfit. but it DID make me feel good to know that i looked smokin'.
signed,
bad example.
I wanted to throw a shout-out to Shoe Gal with her wise words about not getting into debt in the first place! If there had been some kind of proper money management class in high school I think we all would have been better off. A credit card was such an "adult" thing to have that when I got one I couldn't control myself! Oh to turn back time. But since we can't do that, it is best that we just try to do better for the future!
Also to "Ms. Bad Example", we know these things happen. Please don't think that we weren't going to throw in the towel more than a million times ourselves. I hope that the dude melted over you in what sounds a like a killer outfit!
Love, A
I stopped all personal shopping about three weeks ago, and just haven't had the chance to post on your blog yet. My husband and I just bought our first car, and between that and other miscellaneous expenses (plus student loan payments) money is extremely tight. Usually my destress, fun activity is shopping--but we simply do not have money for it right now! I've been trying to shop my closet but there are so many cute things I want to buy! :P To cope, I've decided to turn my energy from focusing on my clothing to focusing on my grooming. I've been researching plenty of new ways to do my hair, new makeup styles, and I've been painting my nails all the time to keep up a cute, groomed appearance. :) Plus, trying to remix my wardrobe and wear clothing that I don't usually, or find new ways to wear old favorites. I've definitely come to the same conclusion as you guys concerning the matter of quality, though. When I can buy again, I definitely will be choosing quality over quantity! Having a wardrobe full of non-wearable clothing because of one reason or another is no way to do it. :P Good luck with your last few days! You are so close!
Hey Plummy! I love that you are pepping up your days with your creativity and not your credit card! It is true how a little bit of makeup and hot rollers can go a long way. I did that a lot, too, this year. I actually tore pages out of In Style with makeup styles I liked and tried to do my own version (something I hadn't done since me teens!). YouTube also has great demo videos, too, don't know if you ever check them out. Congrats on your success so far! Love, A
Thanks for the support, A! I've definitely been checking out YouTube videos and various websites with cute hairstyle ideas. Of course, I keep finding things that would be nice to have, even here (a hair curler, especially! plus, the usual slew of hair accessories, amazing-looking makeup products, etc) but sadly it's a no-go. I'm hoping that money will pick up soon, but until then at least I know others are also on a no shopping diet. :P Like everyone else, I'm very excited to see you guys' first weeks back with shopping! So close! :D
So like many other strong willed friends/followers of this blog, I also signed up for the 1 month no shopping challenge. I actually started slightly earlier than the April 15th start...I made my last purchase over the Easter Weekend and scooped up a beautiful hot pink silk dress from Banana Republic.
The weird thing is though, by the time I heard about this no shopping challenge, I had already not shopped for 10 whole days....AND...I wasn't even trying! However, the very moment I knew I COULDN'T shop for another 20 more, I instantly felt so weak.
So the good news is, I lasted 3 full weeks without shopping...bad news: my streak ended on Saturday. I innocently popped into "Biscuit", my favorite downtown boutique in Halifax to check out their buy one get one half off sale. I should have know I was doomed from the moment I walked through the door but I somehow convinced myself I would just "pop in" and "look". Well I left with a super cute grey 2-fer tank top and a fresh new pair of gold Havaiana flip flops.
Soooooo... being the guilty person that I am, I figure the only fair thing to do is punish myself. I have a party to go to this Saturday night and I WILL NOT buy myself a hot new party dress!
Love Kate
xoxoxo
So I haven't been shopping in three weeks (sounds shocking, but I live in a college town and have been immersed in final projects, thesis and studying for finals, so it hasn't been *that* bad, really) and I just joined your fashion challenge...and now it's starting to rankle me. I mean, it's only a month more. Good grief. But I think I figured it out--it's that the POWER to buy things has been 'taken' away from me. Even when I do not have money to buy anything, the thought that I could, if I really decided it was worth it, made it alright. Now that I 'can't,' well, it's a whole different story. Hm. Anyways. Back to online shopping for things I can't buy with money I don't have...
Sigh...I can't believe it. Guess what I found? The perfect pair of brown boots. I was visiting my bf in Peterborough and came across the boots in question at an awesome little shoe store called S.O.S. (Save Our Soles). They were/are amazing, if not a little pricey, and I covet them. I think about them everyday. Thanks to my loving and thoughtful bf, I did NOT buy them. He gave me the courage and the strength to remember my pledge and to follow-through with the no-shop challenge. You two were right, it's easier to do the challenge when you have someone to help you along in your weakest moments. I am looking forward to completing the challenge without a blip.
Unfortunately, the boots I tried on were the last in my size. I can only hope they are still there come May 15, otherwise I will be on the hunt!
Good luck to you girls and everyone else doing the challenge. Looking forward to seeing your NYC purchases. : )
Not shopping is really painful when you consider how much I travel.
First, I live in Montreal -- lots of great little boutiques and unique items to be had, right? Not this year.
Second, I always travel back to Toronto -- AGAIN, another mecca for beautiful, fashionable items that I cannot buy
Third, I AM GOING TO EUROPE (Paris, FRANCE no less) FOR A MONTH AND A HALF THIS YEAR.
*cries*
If that isn't enough to make me break, I don't know what will.
The worst part about this whole experience, is that I see all the new lines of my favourite brands coming out (like Bionic wrap dresses at Cat's Cradle in Toronto), or coming in at Banana Republic or Forever 21 and I can't think about buying anything.
The best part is that I am realizing I have a seriously beautiful wardrobe that can mix, match, and see me through 4 months of continuous, different outfits (with different jewellery), without having to do laundry. Learning how to shop my own closet lets me see what I am "missing" and what I previously thought I wanted (trench coat, and grey boots) are not really necessities in my lifestyle any longer.
Plus, I get to save money to eat more in Europe.
Oh, and going through Etsy in times of boredom when you are not working on contract, and seeing all the cute leather totes & beautiful necklaces you can buy... is not helping my resolve.
But I think lasting since mid November 2009 is pretty darn good!!! I'm already at the end of April. I can do this.
Maybe I can focus my attention on creating a "What I want to buy when it's over" list.
Like an "allowed" $200 - $1000 shopping spree, which will probably consist of Etsy items.
Kate! Congrats on going the two weeks, so sorry that you didn't make it! We understand the lure of a cute boutique, especially one like Biscuit! It sounds like that hot pink Banana number could be perfect for your party this Sat?
Plummy-love your words about the POWER to buy something. I was just saying to P yesterday how I couldn't wait to have this "cage" lifted from me. Every time I go anywhere I have to be so conscious not to buy anything or the wrong thing and it can be so frustrating. It is just like being on an insanely long diet and I don't like dieting!
Sarah! The boots sound amazing and you are a BRAVE soul. That sounds like it was a difficult decision! You are so lucky to have your bf with you. After an experience like that we know you will make it for sure!
Love, A
I'm actually not buying clothing for a year but finding ways to cope. Whether its through some generous donations from friends who give me the swappies from their closet. But its WAY hard... way hard...
I've been following your blog for the last month or two, and have really enjoyed hearing about your experiences with your no-shop challenge. This is something that I always hope to accomplish, but I don't think I have the willpower that you two do! (I did manage to not shop for about 5 weeks earlier this year, and then about that long last summer as well.)
After some expensive purchases in the last month or two, I decided to challenge myself to not shop till my birthday (june 5th). Right now, I'm at 7 days! We'll see how that goes - I really want to shop today (mostly out of boredom!) How have you guys combatted the urge to shop because of boredom, stress, etc?
Because of my purchases, I really focused on reselling the clothes I haven't worn recently. So, I've posted tons of stuff on ebay recently and I'm proud of my dedication to that process! Also proud of my major closet editing that I do regularly. I'm really working hard on getting out of the credit card debt I got myself into during college... So I've definitely reworked my whole concept of shopping & spending money over the past year or so. (The Budget Fashionista, Nothing to Wear?, and other personal style books really helped my focus my purchases and spending.)
So, even if I do go shopping today out of boredom, at least I'll have made it 1 week, and at least I make MUCH smarter purchase decisions now. =)
Hope you guys have fun shopping in NYC!
You've inspired me to not shop. I started this no shopping business on 3/21 and it is soooooooo hard. I don't know how you did it for so long. I've been trying to shop the closet but I can't resist a good sale. That's for sharing your journey with us. Hopefully I can keep it up.
I have watched A since last July do the rehab and when the "no shop challenge" came about, her man insisted I do it. I reluctantly agreed.
If anyone should be doing it, it is me.
Being unemployed has not slowed my shopping habits in the least. After spending 20 yrs. in the retail environment I was exposed to every kind of shopping and believe me I took full advantage.
My email is full of all kinds of daily shopping opportunities. To name a few....Ideeli, One Kings Lane, Bergine, Remodelista, LivingSocail Deals, Groupon, and just about every major retailer.
Every morning I go to my computer pull up my email to see what is available to me.
I figured I would continue this routine through out "The Challenge" but this morning I became painfully aware that this could no longer happen.
Last summer I purchased a little navy and white dress by Michael Kors.
I loved that dress, that is until I sent it to the dry cleaners and the navy silk bled into the white trim. My perfect little dress was ruined.
As I looked through my emails this morning I found a version of the dress and it was 40% off. It was perfect. A more updated version of what I had. I immediately hit the "Add to my cart" button, retrieved my credit card from my wallet and then.... "No shopping" popped into my head.
What to do?.....Buy it and admit I failed, buy it and lie, or just let it go??
After a 1/2 hour of struggling I put my credit card back into my wallet with much regret.
I made a commitment.
No little navy dress for me.
Going forward I will hit the "delete" button on all my daily shopping opportunities.
A & P I applaud you, you are the strongest women I know.
Cheers to you both!
The cutest rainboots I've had my eye on for a few months just sold out my size...*sigh*
16 days left, right? I suppose at least this is preventing me from spending money until I get a job for the summer lined up, which should be right around when this challenge ends. :P
I *do* seem to be posting quite a bit here, lol. Anyways, this morning I resisted the call of two different sweaters at my University's bi-annual garage sale. I talk about it more in my blog, but suffice it to say that I am already pretty sure my spending habits will be a bit different once I can spend money again.
I also had a question for you two gals...you have talked quite a bit on 'trendy' items verses 'classic' items. Now, I can spot the super trendy items right off, but I'm having a harder time envisioning the classic ones. The stereotypical ones, such as a trench, a wool coat, and black pumps, I understand those. But what about items that will probably have staying power, but fall outside of that box? For example, I've been eyeing these shoes:
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-diamond-color-black-leather?zlfid=111#additionalReviews
I know, as high-heeled oxford booties, they do not fall squarely into the 'classic' box, but as a black leather high heeled shoe, that is not too extravagant, would they really fall into the 'trendy' box? My understanding of trendy is that you will most likely not wear it for more than 6 months or so, and I definitely think I would get a few years of wear out of these (I am going into the field of education, so these are pretty spot-on in terms of what I am hoping my clothing will reflect). Sorry for the long post, I'm just trying to figure out how to parcel out my money more efficiently and wanted to feedback! :)
Hey Fab Broke! First off- congrats on your journey and I can't even believe you have to go to Europe and not shop! Traveling and not shopping is sooooooo hard, it is ridiculous. Shopping spree most def deserved, I love Etsy, too. Can't wait to watch you succeed!
Anonymous, I am so proud of you and so sorry about the dress! Especially because it did seem like a move towards responsible shopping. You really were just trying to replace a damaged item! We are proud to have you in the challenge and karma says that dress (but an even better version) will come around. We can only hope. You are a star!
Joyce! The urge to shop out of boredom or stress (angst and depression, too!) was probably the biggest challenge we faced here at 365 FR. I still allowed myself to go and peruse the stores. Not all of the time, but just if I felt like I needed to be "part of the action". Yes, it would be sad leaving empty handed but it also was rewarding to know I didn't waste any money. Also I "shopped" in my closet and tried to come up with fun outfits and wear things I wouldn't normally wear, like wedges and shorts for example, so fun! Good luck, stay strong!! (and when in doubt go to a movie, have a glass a wine, or donate to/volunteer with your favorite charity!)
Love, A
Plummy! I just checked out the shoes and I think those are a safe purchase (especially considering your field). This is why these work: they are leather (will last awhile), are black (always classic), mid-size heel (easy to wear), and look great with skirts, dresses and pants! Even when the oxford style moves on, a pant leg would cover that detail anyway.
Classics can be subjective. Not every person needs the same thing as others. Lifestyle, climate, etc play a huge factor. I think breaking down your wardrobe, figuring out what a typical week in style looks like for you is important. Then you can pick out your own versions of "the classics". Sounds like pencil skirts, dress pants, cute blouses, boyfriend blazers and cardis wold be perfect for you. You can accessorize with the trendier pieces like lucite bangles, bib necklaces, ad maybe a funky print top here and there. Congrats on your no spending thus far!
Love, A
My truly awesome shoes just sold out of my size at Zappos...*tear* 11 more days until No-Buy is over! And then I can go on a massive quest to either find these shoes or other, just as awesome, shoes. There will always be more, right? :) At least it looks like my lack of spending will translate to being able to afford a new camera, as mine is slowly going kaput. I am very excited to go shopping, I can't even imagine how you guys must feel!
I also wanted to say thank you for the feedback on classic clothing! You absolutely nailed the style I am hoping to portray as a teacher and your ideas for how to incorporate trendy pieces were very helpful. I will repeat how excited I am to go shopping for my new, improved work wardrobe!
Is it shopping if you use someone elses credit card? I havent spent my money ,but I did use my grannys card to buy some shoes and this awesome dress for graduation . Oh I did buy some chapstick and some mascara, but that is all I have bought with my money.I need to go on a no spend including other peoples cards
Okay, I am feeling serious temptation to buy dresses for the summer.
Taking pictures of my different outfits makes me curb the temptation, but it doesn't help with catalogues come in the mail, or that I read fashion blogs
Hey Jazz!
It would be pretty hard to resist a new dress for graduation! It is kind of a major event! How nice of your granny to buy it for you. I think if you use someone else's card it is kind of like a gift vs. your own actual spending. I love how you are considering going on a "no-spending" using other people's cards. That requires serious willpower! Good luck : )
Love, A
Last night, I decided that it's embarrassing how my boyfriend's closet and drawers are so neatly organized, while mine is a complete mess of crumpled up clothes that stick out of the sides. I have never really been respectful enough to my clothing and have found many homes for it besides where they should go..i.e. The floor, doorknobs, edge of the bed, chair... I had to put an end to the madness and get organized. He went out, and I popped in the Glee Soundtrack (I know...but it's a sing-a-long album)..and got to it. This is a good thing to do ESPECIALLY when in shopping rehab. I found quite a few things I completely forgot I owned, purged quite a bit of nonsense I was holding on to for nothing...and realized that I too can belt out Journey songs.
This morning, I put on a "found treasure". The bf looked up at me and said "oh, that's cute when did you get that?". "I found it in my drawer" I replied...he laughed.
Moral of the story? Give your drawers and closet a face lift. You'll like the results :)
xoxo
Natalie
www.iheartaccessories.ca
Here I am again. I have gone cold turkey on shopping since November 1st. This week I am seriously hating my closet!
Help me!
Still going at it...I am getting very excited about my work wardrobe. I just graduated from Uni and was able to snag a few items of clothing that people were throwing away (literally! I got some out of dumpsters!) during end-of-school-year moving. As I was pulling them out of the trash, I was trying to consider--do I really want these? Is it worth lugging them through my impending move? Will they integrate into my wardrobe? For many, they did not pass my questions and were put back. Some passed, and a very few merited the 'I'm not sure I love it, but it's interesting and free and I might as well experiment with it a bit before I re-release it to the Goodwill.' Not the best reasoning, I'm sure, but I'm young and a sense of experimentation can only be a good thing, right? Still, they definitely did not fill the holes in my wardrobe and mainly contributed to 'things I have a lot of,' mainly because I get a lot this kind of stuff for free (usually layering tanks or shirts, sweaters for layering--lots of stuff that isn't great on its own, but might make a nice accent). It's interesting to note the lack of choosiness that usually leads to the majority of my wardrobe...
HI 365 Fashion Rehab... ok may 13th and still NO Shopping .! I just completed 2 full months and I am very miserable, unhappy and going through a rough patch. I am really finding it hard to restrain self-control. Anyone that knows me, knows that I love to shop and to spend money, to make me happy, to fill voids or just because, i have the money to spend. I realize now as I am writing this comment and posting it for everyone to see, I feel selfish and very small for writing it, but it's the truth, that's who i was. I truly believe that when this journey of my own ends, I will become a far better person that who I was. There is only one way to go and that is UP!!!
I have seen many furniture, clothing and knick knack stores this past weekend and let me tell you, it was so easy to just whip out the credit card or debit card..BUT luckily I just turned around and left the store grumpily never taking out my wallet.
oh well, i put that behind me and now to live for today...everyday is a new day with a new challenge.
I am up for it and ready...
thanks, ladies your blogs have helped me through...
haha, I've already started making my list for Saturday. Nothing like what you guys are doing (my budget is still quite limited, and I've only gone 6 weeks besides!) but still...I found a great deal on Hue tights a few days ago. Hopefully they will still be there on Saturday, they were super cheap and Hue is my favorite tights brand by far. I was so proud of myself for waiting and not snatching them up right away! Now I've had a chance to reflect on all the colors available and decide which ones would actually fit into my wardrobe. I'm also planning on taking a cue from you guys and do a closet inventory. I just moved, so everything is rather jumbled, but in putting my clothes away at my new place I noticed that I do NOT need, in any way, summer clothing. Therefore, I am only allowed to buy clothing for my upcoming work year! (Luckily, Hue tights fit perfectly into this proclamation!) On my list I also have some useful items, like bobby pins...it's funny, looking forward to buying bobby pins. :P
I hope you guys are having an AWESOME time in NY! You guys completely deserve it. Congrats on your fun new purchases so far! For me on my first day back shopping...I had a lot of fun, I have to say. Plus, I was very proud of myself for shopping with a plan! Instead of just looking around and buying whatever caught my eye, I had a list of both articles of clothing to look for and color stories to stick to. You can look at my blog for the in-depth description, but I went through my closet and counted up how much I had of everything--that was a shock, lol. Then did editing, then listed what I need for the work year (since summer clothing was not needed at ALL, lol), and last of all picked my color story (bright coral and cranberry, with plentiful neutrals and accents of turquoise).
Today I ended up buying 2 dresses, 2 shirts and 1 pair of tights from Plato's Closet, 1 pair of awesome flats from Naturalizer, and 2 shirts from Banana Republic Outlet (and man, are their prices good!). AND they all are teacher-appropriate and fall within my color range, woohoo! Total damage: about 70$, thanks to amazing sales and a small gift card I had stashed away (which thankfully survived my 6 weeks of No-Buy--at one point I had almost convinced myself that spending a gift card wasn't spending 'real' money and therefore wasn't shopping. Thankfully, that delusional state didn't last).
Now, I'm also going to do something I haven't done before--look at the pieces I just bought in the context of my wardrobe and decide if they function with what I already have, above and beyond how they look on me (it's like a revelation, lol).
I look forward to hearing more about your first days shopping again!
HI there:
Yesterday, my daughter turns to me and asks are you going the "change"? I was mortified... I believe that that's my wake-up call. No amount of miserableness for not being able to shop is worth it when my own children are affected by my challenge.
Time to shift my paradigm and just relax, this too shall pass... this challenge should be a growth experience not a bitching experiencing for me...
ok just 10 more months or longer or shorter to go, (ONE DAY AT A TIME!).
Haha, so I have to admit, I wasn't really thinking that I would get rid of any of my new purchases by looking at how my new items integrated into my wardrobe and what I want to get out of my wardrobe. BUT! I am returning both of the dresses I bought! Despite looking cute on me and following my 'rules,' they don't play nicely with the rest of my wardrobe and aren't as versatile as I had thought (when I actually tried making outfits with them). So that's a bit of extra cash coming my way! I am learning, slowly slowly... ;P
Plummy! Congrats first of all on being so thoughtful with your purchases. It sounds like you could have spent so much more but you went in with a plan and stuck to it. So responsible! It is amazing that you ended up returning those 2 dresses. Recognizing they don't fit with your wardrobe is definitely a mantra we believe in here at 365 FR. Amazing! Love, A&P
Sabina! So sorry to hear about your daughter's comment! I guess it is good to have someone who will keep us in check, right? It is true how not shopping can play on your emotional state. About 2 weeks ago just before the project ended I was feeling so down. I just had a moment where I felt like I had worked so hard and wasn't sure if anyone (in my family) knew how much I had sacrificed. Then I realized that the feelings of accomplishment and success about making it that far were really the only ones that mattered. Now that I am on the other side of this project I have never had more clarity or felt better.
Trying to keep things light with your kids is def a challenge but one worth taking! Maybe you can get them involved and you can do a fashion show in your closet or reminisce about some of the worst purchases you ever made. After all, fashion does have funny moments! Good luck! Love, A
I just want you to know you have been an inspiration to me these past 206 days of the No-Shopping Challenge. Even before you started the contest, I drew strength from your almost daily posts of the "struggles". I have a job where I am in my car on a daily basis and therefore, can hit the shops whenever the mood strikes. This past week has been very hard, but seeing the excitement and the careful consideration you put into your first purchases has been rewarding. Instant gratification and the rush of the buy seem shallow to me today. At least today. Can't say I will feel that way tomorrow.
Thanks for sharing your journey.
SusanC
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your lovely comment. We feel so lucky to have such wonderful people like you supporting us. We know how hard the journey is, whether it is for 30 days or one year, and we are happy to have helped you along the way.
You can be a responsible shopper but still have fun doing it! Look how much fun P had buying her will- last-forever-always-in-style Louboutins?! We are excited to continue the blog and share more about the things we have learned along the way! Stay strong!
Love, A&P
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