12 Days of Shopping

Here I am, 12 Days into my new reformed shopping life.  Here's what I have to show for it with notes about whether it was on my Must Have - First Purchase list.

• 1 pair of black Whitney Pants / Nordstrom on my list and pictured last month
• 1 3/4 sleeve Black Cotton Cashmere Cardigan with sparkle buttons / not on the list
• 1 Dark Teal Straight Lace Tank top / not on the list
• 1 Black Chiffon Cascade Ruffle Tank / not specifically on the list but similar ones pictured earlier in the year
• 3 pairs Hanky Panky underwear / Nordstrom Sale and on the list.  (These suckers are comfortable. I can't find it in my consciousness to pay $18 - $22 for a pair of underwear, but these were ON SALE for $12 and I could justify it)
• 3 pairs traditional Felina boy leg underwear / On the list and ones I have been wearing for several years.
• 2 Ann Taylor Dresses / not on the list but oh, so cute and wearable.
• 3 Bandeau tops to wear under lowcut tops / Not on the list but a basic wardrobe item and they were Buy Two get the Third One Free and only $6.
• 1 Black Lace Teddy / Also not on the list but no apologies there.
• 1 pair of Black Birkenstock sandals / not on the list but a much needed item.

Total damage for my first 12 days:  $590.08.  I had a budget of $600 and came right within the limit. I got a few things I desperately needed and will wait on all the others.  The rest of my must have list I haven't been able to find.  I have searched high and low for the perfect pair of black flats.  I have been to both Zappo's and Endless.Com, neither of which were satisfactory.  I have searched Nordstrom, Macy's, Cole Haan, Bloomingdales, JC Penney's, Ann Taylor, J. Crew (I don't think they know what flats are anymore), and several other shoe boutiques.  I did see a pair in the Tod's store at South Coast Plaza, but I couldn't justify trying on a pair of $495 flats.  That was just a little bit outside my price range!  I also kept my eye's open for a good basic white shirt, which I didn't find but will continue to look and wait for sales. 

I am satisfied with what I have, know I don't really need much else and don't have the urge to look for anything else until next spring.  My old black Coach backpack is surviving well and I have a fall back, red leather bag from Sundance that is still hip and young looking.  I am doing all right. 

Love,
S

Shoes - I've been trying to find them

Here it is, Day 7 of my new shopping freedom and I haven't come up with a decent pair of black flats.  True, I haven't been to a store.  I have been shopping on-line with limited results.  I am heading to Nordstrom today, to see if I can finally find a pair of shoes that are not too narrow, not too clunky, not too high, and not too casual.

All these requirements are here for a reason.  I have been shopping on line and nothing has been right...except the fab new Birkenstocks I received from Endless.com.  Birks were not on my "first purchase" list but I had a great pair of Thinks that I wore for years. They blew out early in my year of Cold Turkey and I really did "need" something more substantial than flip flops for walking around in, the house, the store or for casual outings.  So when I saw these great Birks on sale on Endless, I bought them. 

I have had 4 pairs of black flats come to the house and leave the house within hours this past week.  Therefore, a trip to the actual store is in order.  And maybe I will get a few pairs of underwear while I am there.

Love,
S

November 3 and oh so relieved

I made it through my last weekend with flying colors!  I spent October 28th through November 1st in Palm Springs with my GF's and held strong.  We mostly spent our time laughing, talking, eating and drinking but we did have a few moments of PSP shopping time.  We found a cute boutique, Ooh La La, where both J & K found a couple of darling things to take home. I helped find things, ran sizes but didn't try anything on.  It would have been hard, being so close to the end of the year, but I held strong.

On Monday morning I took a shower and used my Morroccan Hair Oil for the first time.  A big Thank YOU to my friend A that so generously parted with her supply to help me out.  I love the stuff, and it's just as great when I use it as my hairdresser.

When I came home, I immediately went on-line and purchased the shoes I had in my shopping cart at Endless.com.  The first pair came yesterday and are going back today.  Turns out the Shadow Shea booties are not the best fit for my feet, BUT, they are free shipping both ways and no sales tax, so how could I go wrong?  Today the next two pairs are coming and will go right back if they aren't exactly right either. 

When R came home from work, he brought out the black knit DKNY dress I had lusted for in August.  He DID go buy it and held onto it until Monday!  What a guy!!

My mail was a big surprise.  My sweet and uber supportive sister P sent me the cutest congratulations card with a $25 gift card for Target and a note about the cute hats and scarves they have right now.  I tried on her hat while in SFO for the marathon and loved it!  I actually tried one on very similar in a haberdashery in PSP and told the gals it would be one of my first purchases.  Great for bad hair days and Santa Ana wind days.  Can't wait to make the trip!

I must get to a shop today for new underwear however.  That will make my week.  I am holding off on any other purchases or must haves for now.  Not only am I extremely busy and don't have time to get to the Mall, but it is a little anti-climatic.  I don't feel the 'need' to run out and buy.  But knowing I can if I DO need to makes all the difference in the world.  I love the new freedom. 

I am wary of the stores, and I am still in shock that I held out for the entire 365 days.  For some, it may not seem like a big deal, but for me, well I can honestly say it was very difficult.  I am glad I began and finished during this time of year.  There are not as many temptations during Southern CA winters as there are in the spring and summer. 

I will post when I actually buy something, hopefully this week.

Love,
S