Day 129: Totally Off the Wagon

As you may have noticed from my "Wayward Purchases Tally" to the right, I have been making little purchases here and there. That shopping itch just keeps creeping in and needs to be scratched!

Maybe I didn't really NEED the plaid shirt, but I was going to a rodeo (no joke), and what does one wear to watch bulls and cowboys? I certainly had nothing appropriate in my wardrobe, and the shirt is kinda cute. I'll wear it again. On the weekends.

As for the other purchases, I really have no good explanation, although I have been coveting over-the-knee socks since October. And the stuff from Levi's was so on sale, how could I resist?? This recession, while scary, is driving retail prices so low that I'm having a VERY hard time avoiding sales (obviously). In fact, I was thisclose to buying a pair of lace-up oxford booties from Top Shop last night that were $40, marked down from $200. I refrained because I'm not sure about the front sole, and I don't know if I have the wardrobe to support these babies. Plus, I hate buying things online if I have to pay for the return shipping.

Day 116: Wary Christmas

A USA Today article points out that November-December sales of women's clothing fell 23% over last year as people worry about their financial futures. I estimate that my shopping last year probably accounted for at least 1% of sales locally (kidding!... sort of; except maybe the sales for my local J.Crew and Ann Taylor). Should I abandon The Challenge and do my part to bolster the flailing economy?

Read the USA Today article here.

Day 111: Cranberry Bog, er, Blog

I've been on a huge cranberry and wine kick for a little while now, and I'm not talking about fruit or beverages.  In my opinion, these rich reds are sexy and sophisticated.  I'm thinking deep red may be the new purple.  My new preference started out small, with a shade of nail polish, and grew from there.

             

Maybelline Forever Strong nail polish in "Time for Wine"

Victoria's Secret dream angels demi bra in "wine"

Yankee Candle housewarmer candle in "Cranberry Chutney"

IKEA Sanela curtain in "dark red"

Barefoot Merlot

Day 107: Playing Pretend

I guess some may refer to it as "window shopping," but I've really been enjoying "pretend shopping" online as of late. J.Crew sent me an email yesterday that it was the final day to receive 30% off an order totaling $150 or more. I spent more time than I would like to admit trolling the sale section of their website and putting everything my heart desired into my "shopping bag." Hello, the stuff was already on sale with an ADDITIONAL 30% off! So in the end, I had over $400-worth of stuff in my shopping bag, then I wittled it down to less than $300... I could have gotten SO MUCH for like $200. One great thing about J.Crew is that even though they try to pretend a camisole is worth $195, eventually they mark it down to like $20. Why would anyone buy anything full-price there?

Anyway, I was wicked tempted to just throw my CC number in there and snatch up those steals. I even saved my order. But then the BF and I went out to dinner, came home and started watching tv... and I just kind of forgot about all that great stuff. Moral of the story? I guess I don't really NEED any of it, and once again was almost carried away by some enticing marketing.

Day 101: Aaarrgghhh!!!

One little slip, and it seems I've opened the floodgates! As you will recall from my last post, I just could not resist slipping some workout clothes for myself in with an order of Christmas presents online. Well yesterday, I wasn't even shopping for anyone else, and I spent $118.05 on new under-things at VictoriasSecret.com. Before I hit the "Purchase" button, the angel on my shoulder asked, "Do you really need any of this?" and I replied, "No.... But...." and the rest is history.

My reasoning: I had so many offer codes and a $10 gift card, I ended up getting a free pair of underwear, 20% off my entire purchase, free shipping AND the $10 applied to my order. I COULD have spent almost $190 for the exact same order. Oh, AND I linked to the website through my Visa card page, so I got double rewards points for the purchase (it's like an additional 2% off!). See? I'm actually SAVING money.

Believe me, I even sound lame to myself right now. Bottom line: Victoria's Secret marketing team, YOU GOT ME!

Day 94: Confession

Ok, I am feeling huge pangs of guilt, so I need to confess. My BF requested some very specific items from Nike.com for Christmas, and the website is running a promotion right now. If you spend $125 or more, you receive 20% off of your entire purchase (use code NIKEGIFTS at checkout). Being a sucker for a discount, and only buying $78-worth of merch for the BF, I threw in a couple of items for myself: a pair of workout pants and a tank top. They were both already on sale and I got the additional 20% discount. If I return them, I think I forfeit the discount on the gifts. I really really think I'm going to keep them for myself. I feel terrible though!

Day 93: Celebrate!

I've made it past the three-month mark! For me, this is a huge accomplishment, and I'm really getting used to my situation. I'll admit to the occasional wayward thought ("Hmmm... would I really need to tell anyone that I bought myself ONE pair of shoes? I've been so good; I deserve a treat!"), but I've held strong. Even with my company holiday party tomorrow night, I haven't even thought of buying a new outfit.

Part of the reason I am feeling so good about The Challenge is that it is so much easier to stay within my budget now. I haven't had to change anything else about my lifestyle; I've gone to Puerto Rico and Boston, done a good chunk of my Christmas shopping and have been buying WAY too many beauty products, but I've still had money leftover at the end of each month to put into savings. Now I feel secure enough financially that the BF and I are replacing the HORRIBLE futon with a real, honest-to-goodness sofa. We've shopped around some and have decided what we want; all that there is left to do is go buy it!