Day #9 - 30 Day No Shopping Challenge - Stranger Thread

Until now, browsing websites hasn't bothered me... because I didn't see anything I really wanted. That's changed drastically within the last 48 hours. And it came in the form of pleats.

I'm blaming Loft for this spell of retail envy. I spotted a grey pleated top in their lineup that'd look adorable with jeans or shorts this summer... And I'm now fixated on it. I showed Mike, my husband, after he asked what all the fuss was about . All I got was the "Yes, it's nice, hun," obligatory response, and the additional "but I'm not going to buy this for you" look. Mission failed.

Pfft. I bet she's shopping right now. Available at Loft.

That's low-down desperation right there. Not very proud of myself at the moment.

It's ridiculous how hung up I am on something so trivial;  a grey - probably soft to the touch, would fit me in a small, but if that size wasn't in stock, the extra small would suffice - top. Just in case anyone was wondering.

Shopping is all about getting that fix - that you bought something you're excited about, brought it home and get to style it up... And right now, I'm fix-less. I just have to replace that temporarily with something more productive. Oh, I know - Adam Levine of Maroon 5 being on The Voice last night. That helped.

Then again, the money I'm saving is great - and that's what this is really all about. Oh, and will power, too.

I'm gunna have to start listening to more Say Anything and avoiding my computer during these times. Too tempting. Do I smell a new hobby on the horizon?

Friday 5 Day #3 - No Shopping Challenge Edition

I sorta feel like the Bruce Jenner of the No Shopping Olympics. The comments are motivating, so keep 'em coming! When I decided to do this, I figured it was no big deal, but it appears people are really  interested in seeing the outcome.  Either it's because y'all really want me to succeed or would like to see me shop.

And admittingly, the pressure is on to not fail.

Day #3 - No Cravings

So far, so good. Since starting the challenge Tuesday, shopping hasn't crossed my mind. That's probably because I went to the mall Monday and put the challenge into affect that night. And yes, I did buy something - the last hoorah. It was two bath bombs from Lush.

Online browsing hasn't been that heavy. The only sites I viewed were Solestruck.com and LorisShoes.com, after receiving an email about limited edition Jeffrey Campbells....Would I love a pair of his shoes? You bet. But right now (ask me later), I'm not sad that I can't shop. I'll just admire from afar.

The trick that'll carry me the farthest during my shopping exile is my "Reserve Pile." This is collection of clothes, shoes and accessories still sitting in bags in my closet, waiting to be worn. Just think of it as a "Break In Case Of Emergency" type situation.

So, since I'm not spending, here's my Friday 5 of what I would buy if I could. But do me a favor: Don't tell me if you went shopping and snatched up one of my desirables. I might lose it. Especially #4. = P

1. Jeffrey Campbell El-Carmen

Beauties, aren't they? I'm putting this in my "Didn't Shop for 30 Days So Reward Yourself With This" category.

2. The Editor - A Blogging Planner

Photo via http://theeditor.terrablack.com/

I've wanted this planner for some time, and kept putting off getting it. Perhaps one of the most practical purchases a blogger can make, The Editor is ingenious. While I can't purchase, why should I deprive my readers from investing in this life-saving organizational planner? Snatch one up for $25 at http://theeditor.terrablack.com/.

3. A subscription to Nylon

There's nothing like a good read. I've only subscribed to a handful of mags in my time, and Nylon will be next. The way they combine fashion and pop culture in a way that's witty and sometimes urban is just cool. I'd love to work there... <hint hint>.

4. A squirrel monkey

There's a website for everything, and while I think the idea of owning a squirrel monkey is fun, a bit cruel and a little ridiculous, it's obtainable. Proof is in primate - http://www.primatestore.com/forsale.asp.

5.  Hallelu's Must Have Skirt

... Only 27 more days to go....

The 30-Day No Shopping Challenge (God help me)

I always joke that I have a shopping problem. I wouldn't say I spend a lot of money on each individual item, but I do buy multiple pieces at lower prices... which adds up.

On an average, I legit shop at least three times a week which includes during a trip the mall, followed by online shopping, or stopping by a store on the way to do something else. To resist and futile, and I always tell myself,

"I can't go shopping again. I just bought a dress at Urban Outfitters.... and I still didn't receive the order I'm waiting on.... But I did just get paid, and I've worked hard this week, so I'll go and reward myself."

And rewarding oneself is something I firmly believe in. If you work hard and aren't frivolous with your money, why not enjoy the fruits of your labor? Every paycheck. Wait a sec, isn't that called compulsive shopping? Sounds like oniomania to me.

My spending isn't out of control, but I'm starting to notice that what I spend weekly, and in cash, is resulting in more trips to the ATM. I'll buy lunch, put gas in my car... and then get sidetracked by hitting up a store during errands or a lunch break... and spend money I didn't intend to.

Plus, my husband has been giving me "The Look". You know what I'm talking about. It's when you leave your shopping bags out, and he comes home and sees em and asks, "Where'd this come from?" And he gives you this look of "I'm not mad, but I'm starting to notice a gaggle of shopping bags lined up - not to mention all the new s%$# you bought with tags on it hanging in your closet."

So, I'm invoking the No Shopping Challenge for 30 days. I think I can do it <insert fable attempt at lying here>.

Memories... Like the corners of my mind...

The rules for the challenge are as follows.

For the next 30 days, I shall not:
1. Purchase apparel, accessories or clothing of any type for myself. Gifts for family do not count.
2. Use credit cards.
3. Spend money unless it is an absolute necessity - fuel, food, transportation and personal toiletries.
4. Nag my husband into purchasing something for me to get a shopping fix.

Let's see how well this pans out. I'll be blogging throughout the next 30 days about my torture, I mean, progress, so be sure to check back! This should be interesting.