Day #14 - 30 Day No Shopping Challenge - Eye Of The Tiger

Just about half way through the No Shopping Challenge - and I'm sad to say I failed...

... to update the blog last Friday, that is. 

I guess in between watching the Royal Wedding and work, I forgot. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention something about William and Kate (as my husband is from England) - loved her dress. But I think Pippa stole the show.

Welcome to my little slice of Great Britain - the door mat in front of my apartment.

Nope, I still haven't shopped! That's not to say the urge has not been strong. No trips to the mall either. My friends have been really shocked to hear this as they know how much of a shopping junkie I am.

On Friday, my job was getting rid of some samples during spring cleaning. So, a bunch of stuff was up for grabs - for free. I ended up snatching up a brown bag and three scarves. 

However, the weather is working against me. With warmer temps brings a need for replenishing my wardrobe. Sick of wearing the same duds for the past 4 months, I want shoes, dresses and skirts - shed some skin if you will. So the fact that everyone around me is wearing their new finds to work and for a night out - is making me very jealous. 

I did end up making a trip to the park (affectionately known as The Mud Hole in Nutley, NJ) for a little quality time with Harley and my favorite Brit. Another perk of this conquest is finding hidden treasures, like the shoes I'm wearing below, in my closet. They hurt like hell, but I'll sacrifice my feet for fashion.

Outfit:

Cardigan - Express

Striped Tee - Mandee

Belt - H&M

Jeans - Forever 21

Peep Toe Butterfly Shoes - BCBG

Murano Glass ring - gift from my bestie

Necklace - Harajuku Lovers

Day #7 - 30 Day No Shopping Challenge

Outfit:

Cardigan - Gap

Leopard print shirt - Mandee

Skinny cigarette ankle jeans - Urban Oufitters

Patent leather flats and leather bag - Zara

Tortoise shell sunglasses - Mandee

Leather cuff - Craftacular (purchased last year).

Seven full days of no shopping!!! And my wallet is thanking me. Also, I'm relying on the warm weather to allow me to break out some of my prior purchases I've been holding onto.

Being that gas prices have gone up within the last two weeks, I've been using the money I would have been spending on clothes to fill my tank up.

The weekend was rough, however. I usually hit the mall once during the weekend, and Saturday I was especially antsy. It was raining, and it would have been the perfect opportunity to kill time as my husband was at work. While the idea of window shopping crossed my mine, I knew if I went I'd be too tempted to spend... or at the very least, torture myself with seeing things I want but can't buy... and then feel underwhelmed by the whole experience. So I just avoided it.

I'm not a nun - I have been online browsing. Reading other blogs and finding inspiration from other bloggers and what they wear does make me curious to visit other sites and shop. I keep telling myself that I don't want to have to write a blog post about how I shopped when so many of you have expressed how you're reading and following my trials and tribulations. So I'm sticking it out.

The other hobby I've taken up is going through my clothes and sorting what I'll keep and what I'll donate. Perhaps this is my way of "refreshing" my closet by finding pieces I haven't worn in a while.

Ah the things one will do to obtain a goal.

In-betweeners

 Outfit:

Jacket - H&M

Chambray shirt - Old Navy

Pleather vest - Mandee 

Tights - Forever 21

Shoes - DSW 

Messenger Bag - Macys 

Yes, the In-Betweeners is a hysterical show on BBC (not sure if it's still on in the U.S), but it is also a reference to wardrobe items that can be worn in the winter and transition into spring. But not all items have this versatility.

Take, for instance, winter coats. I hate the bulky jackets. Most of em are not fashionable at all. I try to buy coats that don't make me look like Randy from A Christmas Story (Ralphy's brother). This happened to me as a child (thanks, Mom), and I'm definitely not trying to recreate looking like a line backer.

Plus, you get hot in em indoors. Finding that balance between practical coat and stylish outerwear can be hard. No wonder I like in-between coats - warm enough to wear when it's cold, but light enough for spring weather.

Trenches are good as long as they have lining. I'm constantly cold, so in order to off-set my shivering, I dress in layers under lighter jackets. Yesterday was a bit windy, but I was going to the mall with my hubby, and didn't feel like wearing a heavy coat that I'd more than likely take off and have to lug around. The trip itself was a little disappointing as retail is in the in-between phase where there's a lot of solids and knits... I'm waiting for prints and summer sandals. But in the meantime, this jacket suffices to cloak my bones.

Uncharted Territory

When it comes to shopping, there are stores I'm loyal to as I've spent years and time building my wardrobe with their apparel. H&M, Forever21, Zara, Urban Outfitters to name a few.

It's a comfort thing - familiar grounds, in a place you know like the back of your hand... and you're rarely disappointed because you have a general idea of what you'll encounter.

During a trip to the mall this weekend with a friend, I entered uncharted territory. Stores that in my eyes have a different style aesthetic than myself such as Banana Republic, Club Monaco and Loft.

I've been in these stores before, but never really put an effort into finding clothes in them. I usually walk through just to get a general idea of what they carry or just for accessories. I was shopping with blinders on as I had pigeonholed these stores as not being "me".  However, I was proven wrong.

"Oh gee, you don't carry black velvet leggings? Gotta go."  

I gotta stop doing that as I've evidently been missing out on floor displays that really inspire you to take a closer look at the clothes and perhaps try something different. And besides, displays are gearing up for summer - with warmer colors - which happens to be my favorite wardrobe season.

A display in Banana Republic. Loved the hourglasses... and this color scheme.

Admittingly, I felt a little foolish about my outfit in some of the stores, but I take it all in stride. Not everyone dresses like they are ready for battle or a motorcycle run.

Outfit:

Leather jacket - Zara

Scarf - H&M

Plaid tunic - Forever21

Knit tights - Mandee

Boots - Mandee