So, after a year of NO SHOPPING-it was time to freshen up my wardrobe and end the challenge. I was a bit anxious about the whole thing because I was afraid that I would go crazy and buy too much (I kind of did). I also was concerned about staying true to the values that I had identified during the year:
- American Made-I want to support companies that are manufacturing products in the United States. I was able to purchase several new items that made that criteria.
- Used Clothing-There are a number of wonderful thrift stores in Denver/Boulder. I purchased almost 1/2 of my items from either Goodwill or The Buffalo Exchange. These items include: shoes/jewelry/and a cocktail dress!
- Rock the deals-Every single item with the exception of the deep pink blouse was purchased: used/on sale/or on sale plus coupons (Express)
- Avoiding Chinese Made Items-Well, unfortunately the jeans, coach shoes, and the sweater were made in China. But, given the amount of items that I purchased I feel very good about everything.
- Sticking With My Budget-Ahem-I wanted to spend around $350. Sadly, I spent almost $700. Given that I purchased around 20 items including: dresses/shoes/pants/blouses/and jewelry I think I did a great job. However, the budget that I’ve set for the year is between $1500-$1800. This is around $1500 less than what I was in the habit of spending before the fast.
I found myself kind of exhausted from shopping again. I had a list of items that I was looking for and basically got most of the items that I had on my list for the year.
Going into Fall/Winter I will purchase the following items:
- 1 periwinkle blue coat (wool)
- 1 black coat (wool)
- Riding boots-FRYE on sale through 6pm.com
- Aviator glasses
- A cute white dinner jacket
- Maybe another cream sweater-I never want to run out again!
- A cute pair of shoes? Maybe 2!
That’s about it. I pretty much have what I need. I really don’t feel like going shopping again for awhile. I just have other things to do.
The items I purchased are pictured below. What do you think?
Used!
Used !
Used!
Used!
Used!
Used!
New!
New!
Used!
Used!
Used!
New! Made in the USA!
New!
New!
Used!
New!
New!
Used!
New!
New!
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firast of all compliment I’d not be able to have ano shoppng for entire year, and all items you bought are really really nice!!!
Thanks! One year was really challenging but I did it. Feeling really proud 🙂 I had a lot of fun buying my new things too!
I think you did well! 🙂 I feel like I really know your style now.
I feel prety good about my shopping haul…I DID overspend as I think I got a little excited. But, overall I feel really good about the items that I purchased.
Nice job! You did amazing! I’ve tried to purchase items from consignment stores in my area and I haven’t been able to find anything good. Items I’ve found have had excessive wear or I see them one week and come back and it’s gone. Apparently there’s an awesome Goodwill in the Toronto area that has some great items…haven’t had a chance to check it out yet.
I love the lace tunic and the blue blouse!
Michelle, I actually call this Goodwill “Magical Goodwill” and it’s amazing how many great quality items I am always able to find. Buffalo Exchange is also a great thrift store-a little more expensive and filled with hipsters but it has some great stuff. Am super excited to wear the Lace Tunic.
Now I want to go shopping with you! We have very similar fashion tastes. I am dying over that blouse with the birds on it. And the yellow! I wish I could wear yellow! You did good!
You’re cool!! I love yellow and am totally over not having enough color in my wardrobe. I did forget to take a picture of a red blouse that I also purchased-and am wearing today!
Cute stuff. It’s so easy to spend $700 on clothes. It’s amazing how it all adds up. I love the cocktail dress! I wish I could get away with wearing yellow but I look horrible in that color. Enjoy your new threads.
I was super shocked when I found that dress. There are some teeny tiny discolorations so instead of having the dress dry-cleaned, she gave it away!! I’ve begun wearing my new things and I feel a lot more “fresh” if you know what I mean. I’m slowly feeling a lot more like myself again. It’s amazing how a couple of well-thought out purchases can make such a big difference.
I recently discovered 6pm.com and my eyes nearly bulged out of my face at the prices for Frye boots. I could buy 3 pairs of boots for what I pay on their retail site! Loved your purchases!
I spent a lot of time looking for American made items and items that were discounted. I hate to say it but 6pm.com is like a drug to me. I have to stay off the website 🙂
You did great! I am jealous of some if these deals you scored! 🙂
I won’t lie-I had so much fun switching up my wardrobe! I can’t wait to wear the cocktail dress. In 2 weeks for Derby Day!!
So many cute things!! I love the black & white tunic and pink blouse from Buffalo Exchange, and the $4 blue blouse and the BCBG tunic from Goodwill, and…well I loved a lot of them! Can I shop YOUR closet now?? 😀 I will say, I was surprised you had such a big shopping binge instead of trying to spread out the shopping fun over the next year. But you have an annual budget, so you can adjust accordingly!
I don’t really like summer clothing and most of the items I bought will be layered throughout the year. Summer is such a quick season that I don’t need to update my summer stuff. I actually don’t need that much after this shop. At this point I need for winter: a couple of sweaters, a good pair of riding boots, and probably another pair of jeans. I’ll also be replacing my coats. I would like to get a black coat and a periwinkle blue coat. Fortunately, most of the items that are currently in my closet are still in really good shape. My budget range for fashion is $1500-$1800 so I think I’ll be ok!
You did great only spending $700 after a 12 month spending fast – love all your purchases 🙂
Thanks Laura! I’m kind of tired out from the whole ordeal. I’ll admit that I ordered 2 pairs of shoes for $50 the other day. That’s all she wrote.
You found some great pieces! I love the pair of Frye boots too. I completed a 3 month no unnecessary shopping challenge at the end of March 2014 and it felt great. After the challenge was done I did visit DSW and buy a pair of ballet flats and another pair of walking shoes, You may have spent $700 in one fell swoop but you’re still under your annual spending budget 🙂
I love,love,love the boots! For fall I’m looking for a pair of riding boots. Unfortunately, 6pm.com is a bit addictive so I am working off the list that wrote so that I don’t over shop!I really feel pretty good about the pieces that I bought and I’ve received a lot of compliments so I think I chose well!