My Fast from My Shopping Fast

I confess.  I actually found some cash in my purse that I had received before Christmas and decided to go in to Chico's and look around at the spring fashions.  I really have missed checking out all the styles and colors for spring this year since I have been on this shopping fast (since January 1, 2013.)
Sooooo, I did find a cute top with blue, green and white that I could wear with many pants and shorts and it was just within the cash amount I had in my purse.  So I bought it and love it.  Can't wait to wear it.  Here it is:

 I do intend to continue my shopping fast until the end of Lent, not July 1, as I first promised.  Shopping is fun for me, even if I don't buy anything, and I love helping other ladies find new items for their wardrobes and clearing out items that no longer fit or look good from their closets.  Call me if you'd like some help!

The Shopping Fast

On January 1st, I vowed to not buy any clothes and shoes until July 1, 2013.  After one month, I am doing great.  Haven't bought anything.  Haven't really been tempted.  One day I found myself with a free day and, under different circumstances, I would have cruised through a store or two.  However, I found other things to do (like reading) and other errands to run.

First Week of Shopping Fast for 2013

Well, my first week of my shopping fast (no buying clothing or shoes) for six months went relatively smoothly.  I avoided my usual shopping haunts and kept busy with cleaning up Christmas mess, working at the riding stable and keeping appointments.  However, the second day I went to a yoga class  www.myhalfmoonyoga.com and it was cold and rainy.  I didn't want to take off my warm socks, but I couldn't get any traction on the mat wth them.  So I took my socks off and then my feet were cold.  I looked longingly at the yoga socks with grips on the bottom that a couple of the ladies were wearing and thought, "I am going to get some of those today."  Then I rememebered that I wasn't buying anything new until July 1, 2013. Rats!  Oh, well.  I guess I will survive with what I've got.  Or just have cold feet :-( .  Pep talk to self - You can do this!!  Stay tuned for ideas of how to shop your closet and avoid spending money.  Comments welcomed!

Shop Your Closet in 2013 or a Shopping Fast

In my last post, I talked about setting goals for 2013 and mentioned my goals for 2013 (things I wanted to do or start.)  One thing I did not mention is that I have decided to go on a clothes shopping fast that started January 1, 2013.  I am feeling the need to turn away from wordly things and save some money in the process.  It's not like I don't have plenty of clothes!  With my new business I have been exposed to going shopping more and checking out new styles and stores.  The temptation was always there to buy something for myself.  So I have said, "no new clothes or shoes" until July 1, 2013.

What this means is that I am going to look at my own closet and create some new ways of putting together what I already have and making it look new.  This is a great way to save money and still feel like I am wearing something new.  This is what I do with clients when I help them sort out their closets, get rid of things that no longer look good or fit well, and then coming up with new outfits from the clothes they already own.  This is known as "shopping your closet."

So this is day two of my shopping fast and I am deleting all the notices from stores on my e:mail accounts, so I don't see all the new collections and sales they have going on. Step one - remove the temptation!  Maybe this year would be a good one for you to try doing the same thing - clean out your closets and see what you can come up with from the clothes, shoes and accessories you already own (and save money.)  If you need help or want to share your experience with shopping your closet,  leave a comment.  I am curious about what worked and what didn't if you tried it.

When I was in West Palm Beach, I did go shopping at some fabulous stores that they do not have in Tallahassee.  I made two purchases (alas, my last for 6 months) at Anthropologie www.anthropologie.com, one of which is the blouse I have on in this picture taken on New Year's Eve.  They have some really cute things.  By the way, I am now a huge fan of NYDJ jeans which I have on in the picture - so comfortable and they hold you in (this is a good thing!).