Day 9

Since I'm not spending my extra cash on clothes these days, I've been enjoying fantasizing about other things I can spend my money on. One friend suggested revamping my entire apartment, but I feel like that's defeating the no-shopping purpose. When I was in the mall this weekend, though I did not buy anything, I still felt like I was breaking the rules.  Now I know how many men feel when dragged to the mall - annoyed, bored, and moody. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have no desire to step foot in a mall or clothing store anytime soon. Am I cured from my shopping addiction? Doubtful, but at least I'm on the right track.

Any ideas on how I should spend my money, now that I'm not spending it on clothes? Submit your ideas!

Fashion Tip of the Day: Find a pair of nude shoes. They can be worn year-round and go with almost anything. Just make sure to find a shade that compliments your skin tone- not competes with it.

Day 7

Today, my Mother forced me to spend 6+ hours at the mall/shopping. Crazy, I know. I spent the entire day surrounded by temptation and I did not give in! But, I have to admit that it was a lot harder than yesterday. It definitely tested my will-power.  Thank goodness the only shopping on the agenda tomorrow is grocery shopping, I don't think I could take another day of being at the mall. 

Fashion Tip of the Day: After spending 6 hours at the mall you deserve to come home and throw on a comfy pair of sweatpants. However, under no circumstances are you allowed to wear them while shopping. 

Day 6

Today my will power was tested. My Mom is in town for the weekend and she is my shopping buddy. She wanted to venture to Nordstrom today to see what they had in for Spring. I am proud to report that I was able to walk through the entire store, including the shoe section, without being tempted to buy any of the latest and greatest Spring fashions. It be quite honest, it was a lot easier than I thought it would be.

I know there are a lot of people out there that doubt my ability to complete this task, which is only fueling my determination to do so!

Fashion tip of day: Try pairing a casual top and a formal bottom. My current favorite is a denim button down with a pencil skirt.

Day 4

Worked late today and came home to some sort of a police raid at our apartment complex! I'm too tired to write anything significant tonight, but I did manage to come up with a cute outfit this morning. I promise to write a better/longer post tomorrow. 

Fashion Tip of the Day: Embrace the broach. Broaches add a bit of glamour and dimension to any outfit. Spice up a plain cardigan, make an old coat look chic again, or try placing one on a chain and wear it as a necklace. I would definitely recommend hitting up a local thrift/antique store to find great deals on "vintage" styles. 

Day 3

Finding the time to actually write about my experience has been the most challenging part of this project, thus far. I know once I get the Spring jCrew catalog, I will be singing a much different tune. I can just picture the cute sundresses with their pastel patterns, the navy blue and white stripped, boat-neck sailor tees and the jean shorts- a few of my favorite things. Yes, I know the temptation to shop has been minimal over the last few days, but the coming weeks and months of amazing spring/summer wear will be hard to deal with. As I am writing this very blog post fashion week (gasp), the most fabulous week of the year, is happening. Designers are already showcasing their lines for fall, and I haven't even made it through spring fever aka spring shopping! What is a gal to do?


Fashion Tip of the Day: Find yourself a Pewter bag, I am convinced this is the most practical color bag to own. It goes with brown, gray, black, blue, gold, silver and everything in between- clearly something every frugalista should have in her arsenal.

Day 2 of No Shopping

People have asked me where I found inspiration to do this project. I wish I could say it was because I had some sort of selfless epiphany, but to be honest, I really just wanted to save money. I realized that I spend a lot of my time and money shopping, time and money I could be spending doing other things. I live hundreds of miles away from friends, family and my boyfriend. Wouldn't that money be better spent visiting and maintaining close relationships with the people I care about? Do not get me wrong, I love looking put together and fashionable, but at what cost?

I am a firm believer that you should take pride in your outward appearance.  Humans are visual and it would be unreasonable for us not to judge each other by our appearances. By no means am I saying that your physical looks are everything, but when you first meet someone or see them, you automatically form an opinion based on the way they look. The clothes we wear send a message to the people around us, whether we realize it or not. The point of this, is that my goal at the end of this journey is not to stop shopping or become a slob, my goal is to cut-back on my shopping habits and learn to be more creative with what I already have.

Day 2 was easy, let's how I do over the next few days! 

Fashion Tip of the Day: Contrary to popular belief, black and brown do mix and can actually be quite striking together. For the best look pair a light or camel colored brown with black. Think leopard. 

Day 1 of No Shopping

Starting today, February 14th 2011, I am renouncing my faith in shoes. So what does that mean? For the next 365 days, I will not buy any shoes, clothes, purses, jewelry, etc. Basically, I will purchase nothing that I can wear or carry on my person.  The point of this project, or should I say challenge, will be to not only save my money, but also to use what I already have. I will be taking a picture of what I am wearing each day and document my year without shopping.  I will attempt to create different outfits with accessories/shoes, so as to not wear the exact outfit twice.

While for some this may be an easy challenge, for a self-proclaimed fashionista and shoe-a-holic, this will be anything but. Wish me luck!