The 30-Day No Shopping Challenge Is Back!

I've been bad.

I  might have went a little nuts and accidentally bought more shoes than I really needed within the last two weeks. Three to be exact. And... I also might have treated myself to something I've had my eye on for a while...

It started when I needed a pair of transitional winter/spring shoes for when the weather is too cold for flats, but warm enough not to need boots. Eventually, I found em...

These grey booties by Mia Shoes haven't left my feet since I bought em! They're beyond comfortable, look great with everything and are just adorable!

Outfit:

Blush Blazer - Gap

Striped Pop Art Tunic - Forever 21

Grey Stretch Leggings - Zara

Pampa Wedge Booties - Mia Shoes

Urban Expressions Bag - c/o

Rivet Wrap Bracelet - Henri Bendel

Purple Braided Friendship Bracelet - Madewell

Sterling Heart Bracelet - ?... a craft fair

So, to counteract my spending, I'm bringing back the 30-Day No Shopping Challenge! Last year, I was successful... but barely made it. This year, I'm upping the ante!

The rules are as follows:
1. Starting March 12, I can not shop for 30 days, or until April 12.
2. At any point, if I buy anything non-essential needed (toiletries, household cleaning items, food, etc.) I must write a post on my blog displaying my shame.
3. I can't buy beauty products that are not essential to my daily grooming and upkeep - This rule is new as I am a nail polish junkie.
4. I cannot convince Mike or anyone else to buy something for me and hold on to it for the remainder of my shopping ban - I tried this on Mike last year, and it sorta worked (he bought me a shirt I was coveting after the 30 days).

And, I'm challenging YOU! Think you can last 30 days without buying anything? I'd love to hear your progress if you take the challenge!

Let the madness begin!

Hearts and The Arts

Fall isn't my favorite season, but when the temperature abruptly changes to 88 in the middle of October, you adapt. Besides, any signs of a sun-kissed glow on my skin are gone. Enter pasty white legs.

And no, this isn't the normal brick wall I take my pictures in front of. This mural happens to be located in a walkway in Montclair, one of my favorite towns in New Jersey. It's filled with adorable shops, great restaurants, and the bar I met my husband at... Egans. Plus, this alleyway leads to my latest obsession: The Gap.

So as the weather turns cold, I still wear my summer clothes and accessories, especially this dress. Perhaps it's not so age appropriate for a lady of my age (am I too old to be wearing a dress with hearts?), but I still love it. Plus, that's what my big girl bag is for aka. my coveted Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel - the first major designer piece I ever bought!

Outfit:

Heart print dress - Forever 21

Bombay Satchel - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Patent leather tassel loafers - Zara

Arm Party - studded bracelet from Forever 21/ my grandmother's vintage watch

Tortoise shell wayfarer sunnies - Forever 21

Dare To Be Different

Ever get that rush of excitement from getting a new dress or accessory? In this case, this handbag courtesy of Urban Expressions made me giddy!

Outfit:

Blush blazer - The Gap

Dolman sleeve top - Bloomingdales

Jeans - Forever 21

Quinn satchel - c/o of Urban Expressions (available at Lulus.com)

Granny shoes - Bakers

Turquoise and brass statement necklace - Forever 21

Arm Party - Spiked Bracelet from Forever 21; leather bracelet from The Gap

Quinn immediately struck me - as I own nothing of the color sort. I usually stick to basic black, but being that I'm trying to step outside my fashion box, I went with something a bit different. Okay, I know it's Fall, but I'm not waiting another season to rock this color. It's got a slue of compartments, doesn't get heavy when you load it up and is vegan friendly and PETA approved! 

While I might have gone a little overboard with the pink for this look, I had to wear my new blazer with it. Cost me $20 on sale at the Gap! I normally don't brag about my bargains, but seriously, major score!

Inamorata

Although it is a highly commercialized holiday, I have a soft spot for Valentine's Day.
And this little dude....

I also dig the idea of giving someone cheesy gifts to show your love. Plus, it's an excuse to buy another outfit.

And while yes, those activities can be done any day, I think there's something to be said of holding the tradition of spending quality, facetime with your main squeeze - and I'm not referring to the app. With all the social media around us, I'm all about being with the one you love... or lust (depending on your situation).

Here's my three things about VD that don't sting:

1. Free dinner or not having to cook. If you're a lady, score. Dudes get a raw deal with having to pay for dinner. But then again, women burned their bras in liberation... However, on this day, the ladies get to rely on their femininity for a practically guaranteed meal. So yes, I'll have the lobster, please.

2. Buying embarrassing love paraphernalia at Spencer's with your friends and laughing your asses off. When else are you going to have an excuse for buying penis spaghetti...

3. If you're single, go out and use bad pick-up lines on people... and hopefully get away with it. Try that ish on any other day and see what happens.

No pick up lines for me... just a pair of obligatory heart tights (my most recent favorite purchase) to celebrate the day cupid became a commercialized pimp. Play on, playa.

Outfit:

Top - H&M

Belt - recycled throughout the years

Ruffled Skirt - Forever 21

Heart Embroidered Tights - H&M

Oxfords - Forever 21

Jacket - The Gap

Heart locket - Gift from my mother