Purchases and Acquisitions: November 2011

I didn't forget about November purchases! There have just been lots of other things to focus on at the moment. Also, I was finding it difficult to own up to the fact that I purchased something this month when I was at Re/Dress NYC for the last time. It's crazy, I'm not necessarily trying not to shop I'm just trying to be aware of my shopping so I don't go overboard. The idea of buying something for no real reason other than that I liked it and I wanted it doesn't fit in with that thought process. During this overall experience I have become so stringent about my shopping ban that it was a hard thing to reconcile the $36.00 expense but, in the end I love dress so, it all worked out!

I also got a great Missoni shirt that I found buried in the sale rack at Target and the leopard Albertus Swanepole hat that lots of bloggers have. It's super stylish and I love it but, at the same time I feel like I should be a pimp, I digress...I'm still milking a Target gift card that my parents got me for my birthday so technically these were gifts!!

This month BF bought me some emergency pants from the GAP... it's a long story but, I needed them and the only option was the GAP. Don't get me wrong, I love their pants they just tend to be on the more expensive side of things when you don't have coupons of time to browse the sales rack. BF came to the rescue! He also got me some pants which I have already worn a few times and a fab dress which I am saving for a special occasion. No worries, you'll see it soon, like next week.

Don't forget to enter the $100 Shopbop Gift Card Giveaway!

Don't forget to enter to win the Spanish Steps dress from Shabby Apple!

eShakti Holiday Newbies

I know we've talked about this already but,remember that awesome eShakti.com coupon code that I had given you guys a little while back? Well, the deals are still going strong! You can get $20 off of a purchases of $20 or more with code: 260DAYS0811 until 12/31/11! That's enough time to have all your upcoming special occasions covered or even finding gifts for the loved ones! It is not valid on overstocks but, that's ok most of the good stuff is brand new anyway. One of the things that I love about eShakti.com is that they are constantly making new new items available and there are always fresh picks! You can stylishly navigate all the social engagments that you will have on our plates and be the perfect stylin' guest or lovely gracious hostess!

Office Holiday Party

Cherry Blossoms Illusion Bodice Dress

La Dolce Vita Dress

Hanukkah

Pretty Woman Dress

Grecian Drape Dress

Christmas

Dzilla Brass Rings Dress

Butterscotch Dress



Kwanzaa

Frost Lit Drape Dress

Graphic Satin Print Dress

New Years Eve

Silk Soiree Sheath Dress

Scalloped Sequin Shift Dress

Wicked Weekend

I had so much fun last week at A Little Wicked and am thrilled to share this invite with you! If you are going to be in the area stop by, browse select vintage pieces, sip some bubbly, be styled by Sammy, save 20% on your purchases and hang out with other fashionable ladies and blogger guests! Hopefully, I'll see you there...  

Purchases and Acquisitions: October 2011

I did not buy anything this past month, woo hoo! While BF and I were in Chicago he did buy me some moccasins because of the cold rain. I was 100% ready for wind but, not for the wetness as much as I thought. While we were at Target picking up umbrellas and a toothbrush (I always forget something) I saw them hanging on the wall and they looked unbelievably comfy and warm. I tried them on and I was hooked! They were my go to shoes for the rest of the trip.

Purchases and Acquisitions: September 2011

Ok, so I'm back for now on the regular on the regular for now. Expect a bunch of posts this week especially. Moving on...

I did actually buy something this month, a fantastic pair of shoes. Do I really need more shoes? I suppose not but, when these presented themselves to me I could not resist. I have been lusting over the Urban Outfitter's Suede Pump for months possibly even a year since I saw them on other blogs but, I couldn't justify the $49.00 impulse purchase for something that wasn't an immediate need.

I could however justify $5.19! I found a unicorn almost identical pair of Seychelles hidden in the sale section of DSW. Honestly, when I slipped them on and they fit I was so excited! They were 50% off the already reduced price and with some coupons that I had been holding on to they came out to under five dollars before tax, how could I resist? 

Have you come across any good deals like this lately? Were you able to resist?

     

Purchases and Acquisitions: August 2011

I am continuing to stay on track with purchases or, the lack there of. I didn't buy anything this month!

I was, however, gifted with a few clothing items since it was my birthday and I like clothes. My mom gave me a few dresses which I'm sure you will see soon, BF's parents sent me some cardigans, and BF got me a suit so I can up the professional level of my wardrobe. My closet and I are so grateful for their generosity! 

Purchases and Aquisitions: July 2011

At least something haven't changed around here; I am still (successfully) trying not to shop! There was no real need for shopping. Actually there was a need for some closet cleanout...  Remember in May when my Mom gave me that pile of clothes? Well, that really strained my closet space so I have actually been going through a serious closet clean out! Also, with this weight gain (and no subsequent loss) I'm pretty sure none of my pants are going to fit me. Have you notice that I haven't really been wearing pants? I can blame it on the summer but, it's because they don't fit...

While I didn't purchase anything I did get two new dresses.The first one was from my mom which you got to see here because I already wore it to work. The other dress was a hand me down from my friend Caroline which I also wore to work but, you didn't get to see. No, I don't wonder how my closet gets so full but, I know it't not necessarily my fault. Would you say no to awesome free clothes? Would you find a way to make it work or would you get rid of things?

Purchases and Aquisitions: June 2011

I will start out by saying that this month was a bit bonkers when it came to shopping and wardrobe additions in general! I know that might come as a shock to you considering the small amount of money I spent last year and all the months where I didn't shop at all but, it is the truth.

How? Well, it's a two fold story... First of all, remember when I was lamenting my need for office appropriate summer shoes? Well if not click that link and get up to speed! If so, you will be happy to know that BF really came through for our anniversary on the 25th. Not only did we go eat at a nice restaurant and spend some time together but, he took me shopping for (yeah, you guessed it) office appropriate summer shoes and some work wardrobe things as well. Four cardigans and six pairs of peep toes later I am feeling pretty confident about my ability to fulfill all my work wardrobe needs.

After all the fun gift stuff I still felt the need for more shoes if you can believe that and this is where things got really crazy. I have been wearing some of my shoes to death, literally and they have been overdue for replacements. They were all from the same shopping trip to Target in the summer of 2008. If I'm doing the math right that was three years and a few tubes of Krazy Glue ago! Yup, Krazy Glue; I'm allowed to get new shoes, right?  Check out the pictures and let me know if you saw that same need I did...

Now that we have established that I will admit that when I went looking for new shoes I was searching for something that would last just as long if not longer than my old shoes. When I hit the mall I experienced a bit of sticker shock after I found these three pairs of shoes (which I think fit the bill) and finally checked out. The grand total was $156.84!! That's more than I spent on everything last year in total! Let's just say after that shopping trip I had a freak out moment or two/ten. Was I really justified in spending all that money on shoes?

In the end I think yes and I have to keep reminding myself of that! Here's how I came to that conclusion:

• Even though I spent a good chunk of change I shopped smart and saved over $100.00 compared to the original retail prices.
• I hadn't purchased shoes like this since 2008, it's not like I had tons of replacements waiting in the wings.
• I wore the old ones so much that they literally fell apart and I had to glue them back together. I will probably get the same use out of these.
• I did some math and realized that even with this "crazy" expense I have spent an average of $20 per month in total since I started this blog and my personal style challenge.

Pre-blog Iris wouldn't have needed this justification, she wouldn't have given it a second thought... I reference pre-blog Iris everyone once and a while here on 260 Days, No Repeats but,  I don't think that anyone who didn't know me in person can completely grasp it. Would I consider myself a shopaholic? No, not really. Would I have considered myself one of these young people? No, my self confidence is pretty solid. When reflecting on my past shopping habits I would say that I was unconcerned with consequences, let me explain; I wasn't going to die if I didn't have "it" (whatever "it" was at the time) but, if I wanted "it" why not just get "it"? I could pay my bills and afford "it" (at least that's what I thought) so there was nothing to hold me back. Then reality set in...

I don't really have the money to spend like that. I'm still paying for things that I purchased back then (approx 4 years ago) not even thinking that it might be something that of concern years down the road. After a year of keeping my metaphorical purse strings tight, I had alot of trouble incorporating the real need/the money I needed to spend to fulfill it with my new "shop your closet/no shopping" mentality. In the end it worked out but, I'm just hoping I don't need to do it again anytime soon! Do you ever find yourself having difficulty justifying the cost of something you need? How do you work that out in the end?

Purchases and Aquisitions: May 2011

I went shopping this month again which might seen crazy to you since I broke the bank last month but, I had a good reason: $20 vintage dress sale at Re/Dress NYC. Say it with me, "$20 vintage dress." You know you would at least go look and when I did I found something that I liked. You'll see it when the time is right... probably really soon!

May is one of those months where it might be challenging to avoid shopping, $20 vintage dresses aside. All retailers are looking to unload the last of the spring wares to make room for the fresh summer stuff and Memorial Day gives them the perfect boost. I avoided the mall like the plague, it was much more fun to be outside anyway... 

I have also inherited alot of hand me downs from my Mom this month. She is going through a major wardrobe change and getting rid of things she doesn't want or can't wear right now. I will be specific about them when I wear them in outfits but, at this point I'm just going to show them to you in pile form since there's a whole lot of stuff going on and it's easier. How was your May? Did you find any great deals or avoid shopping all together? 

Purchases: April 2011

This past month I found myself in an interesting position in terms of the blog and my closet. I had completed my one year and spent a startlingly small sum of money on clothes in that time. I thought, what a better way to reward myself then to go shopping for more clothes... No wait, that's wrong! That's my old mentality rearing it's ugly head. But, after thinking about what I might need I decided to venture out to LOFT and see what they had on the sale rack during that ridiculous 40% off already reduced clearance/30% off all items promotion because I still had a gift card from Christmas returns. I got 2 sweaters and 2 shirts and with all the crazy discounts and after the store credit I only ended up spending $15.20! I'm ok with that... Did you take advantage of any of the crazy sales this month while retailers were trying to make room for all the warm weather fare?

Purchases: March 2011

Wow guys I did it again, that makes five months in a row! Given my recent dental plight I don't think I will have any problems not shopping since the bill for the the whole debacle is a pretty penny and then some...

February 28, 2011-March 4, 2011: A Week In Retrospect

I did not completely drop of the earth last week, just the blogosphere. The "catching up as quickly as I can" thing got sidetracked by life but, I promise you I did wear clothes last week and thankfully someone (aka BF) was there with a camera to snap some shots. This week I am going to try something a little different, we'll see how it goes...

Monday was just like any other Monday, getting back to work. I mean who is excited about Monday? You would be absolutely wrong if you guessed me...

• Top: black faux wrap shirt, New York & Company (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray wool blazer, Isaac Mizrahi for Target
• Bottom: brown and red pinstripe pants, New York & Company (these are one of the pairs of pants that I needed to lengthen and let the cuffs down, how do you think they came out?) 
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen here.

Tuesday was bingo night and this August I will be turning 88... just kidding! There is a bar downtown that does bingo on Monday and Tuesday nights so a bunch of friends decided to go and check it out. Since I knew I was going out after work I wanted to be comfortable, although for a night out I probably could have stepped up the glam factor a little bit. I wasn't a big winner but, it was a good time.

• Top: red long sleeved shirt, Van Heusen; brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT
• Bottom: gray pants, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: brown/black snake embossed ballet flats, Xhiliration for Target; rainbow beaded earrings, Moxie Bee; Rainbow beaded necklace, Moxie Bee (not pictured); black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Wednesday was a sad day. I got an email from my high school alumni office stating that a classmate's mother had passed away. Since the graduating class my year was only about 48 people this was definitely someone I knew so I decided to pay my respects at the wake after work. Thankfully I didn't have to go alone, one of my other classmates and close friends came with. It was a very surreal experience and really makes you grateful for the things that you have.

• Top: gray and black dress, Pretty Girl; black blazer, Ann Taylor via Melissa
• Shoes & Accessories: black vintage patent leather pumps, Evan Picone via Unique Thrift Store; purple tights, Kushyfoot via Duane Reade; black patent leather belt, Apt. 9 via Mom/Kohl's (came with this top); silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black Spy Bag, Fendi (not pictured)

On Thursday I wanted to brighten up my mood so I pulled out this brand new sweater that my Mom got me. It was one of the first things I saw when we walked into New York & Company and I fell instantly in love. Do you know what I'm talking about? That feeling like, I cannot leave this store without at least trying this shirt, skirt, whatever on! This is why I try to avoid the mall like the plague, it helps me stick with the whole no purchases thing. Unfortunately there are still a few things I would like to add to my new work wardrobe so, I'll have to suffer through...

• Top: orange ballet neck chiffon flower top, New York & Company
• Bottom: beige pinstripe pencil skirt, New York & Company
• Shoes & Accessories: black pumps, Nine West; blue goldstone earrings, mall kiosk in California; beige pantyhose, No Nonsense via Stop and Shop; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Friday I was just happy for the weekend! This would have been a great time to wear jeans and get into the spirit of the weekend but, charity day isn't until later this month... I settled for skinny pants, it was ok!

• Top: yellow ruffle collar shirt, LOFT; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP 
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach (not pictured)

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Don't forget to enter the Perricone MD Product Giveaway!

Purchases: February 2011

Wow guys I did it again, that makes four whole months in a row! As much as I would love to attribute it to my unwavering self control I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the fact that this was a fiscally tricky month for me. Changing jobs combined with our proximity to tax season (where I generally get a decent refund that acts as a safety net) didn't allow me enough wiggle room in my budget to even consider shopping. Thankfully Mom and BF came to the rescue to fill in the wardrobe gaps that needed plugging in this new office. 

The Roundup: 9 Months, 3 Months Left

Wow, today is a day of revelations! I just realized that I am nearing the end of my one year of wearing no repeated outfits to work, time flies... With everything that has happened in recent weeks I don't have a cool summary for you of the past nine months like I did at three months or six months but, I will say this: there were no purchases, no repeats, and February is shaping up to be a month of surprises/good things for everyone, including you!

Purchases: January 2011

Wow guys I did it again and that makes three months in a row! I don't want to talk about it anymore I might jinx this streak I have going...

January 19, 2011: She Paints Me Blue

I have a confession to make, I didn't get to work yesterday. The rain/ice/snow/sleet that was falling out of the sky encased my car in a sheet of weather stuff. I should have taken a picture it probably looked pretty but, I digress... I spent forever cracking the ice with my trusty scraper and cleaning it off only to start slipping and sliding and I tried to drive to work. I made it about two blocks and decided it would be better to head home. All while wearing my leopard print flats... Crazy? Definitely! I couldn't feel my feet. I guess that outfit can be saved for another day since I didn't actually wear it to work; one when it's not "weathering". After checking the forecast I am sad to say it is a week of boots, except for maybe tomorrow. It's supposed to be sunny with snow again on Friday. Yes, style blogger and meteorologist.... eat your heart out Bill Evans.

Can we just talk about this skirt for a minute? I had spotted it in the GAP while shopping at full price ($46.50) and instantly fell in love. I am a sucker for anything ombre. For a bunch of reasons (my poorness, it's expensiveness, acheiving another month of no purchases) it didn't come home with me that day. But, many weeks later while actually Christmas shopping  I found one left in my size on sale for $13.00. BF told me to throw it on the pile of Christmas goodies for everyone else... love him! How else would you style this fab skirt?

• Top: yellow short sleeved sweater, GAP outlet; white polka dot button down, Merona for Target
• Bottom: blue and gray ombre skirt, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black Madison Heights Tall Boots, Timberland via Zappos (not orginally pictured); black tights, Just My Size via CVS; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, and here:

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Purchases: December 2010

That's right people, I did it AGAIN! Two months in a row must be some sort of record... December was full of different types of frustration in terms of shopping. The majority of the month I spent shopping like crazy for everyone that BF and I had on our list, naughty or nice. We had created a budget, been saving throughout the year, and had a snazzy spreadsheet to track everything so, there was some semblance of order. But, even with all that we still had to find great gift options that fit in with what we had ascribed monetarily for each person. That was no easy task! Thank goodness I am a coupon monger and BF and I also created some sort of shopping plan.

Let me just start off by saying that I don't like to shop for myself during the month of December. I hope that Santa (AKA friends and family) gets me the things on my list of needs and wants. But, while BF and I shopped for gifts I kept coming across lots of things (some practical, some fun) that would have been perfect for me, most of the time at some crazy discount! It could not have been more aggravating. Normally I find it less difficult to limit my spending because I am not in the mall or browsing the web but, during December procuring copious amount of things took up a large chunk of my free time. Thankfully I have survived! Were you more or less tempted to shop for yourself during the holiday season? Why or why not?

Friend Friday: Holiday Party Attire

1. Which holiday party are you looking forward to attending this year?

I love visiting the families (meaning BF's and my own) We only see some of these people once or twice a year and it's always a good time!

2. What is your go-to holiday party outfit?

Well Danie from No Guilt Fashion and I talked about this before. See here for what I said and you can check out what she said here. My short answer was black pants and a nice sweater with some sparkly jewelry for fun if it's more casual but, a simple and elegant dress for a fancier affair.

3. Do you go dressed in something that would be impractical to wear at any other time of the year?

Not really, I'm all about comfort plus, I like to get lots of use out of my clothing items. 90% of my wardrobe can be worn to work and/or in a more casual way. There are things in my closet now though that I tend to only break out for the holidays... velvet pants anyone?

4. If you are going to a house-party what gift will you bring to the host/hostess?

I generally bring some sort of non-perishable treat that can be shared with all the guests or by them on their own at a later time.

5. If you could buy only one trendy piece to update your holiday party wardrobe, what would you get this year?

I would get something with sequins for sure! I have been eyeing pieces while Christmas shopping but, with no purchases... I make an even bigger effort to not shop for myself in December since people will be buying me gifts.

Purchases: November 2010

That's right people, I did it again! Normally as hard as I try not to shop there is always something that piques my interests but, not this time around. It's comforting to know that this is a possibility even though the last time I had a no purchase month was in July. Every few months sounds feasable to me!

Night Out: Gala

I got an invite to the very exclusive gala for my company about a week ago. Last minute, I know but, I was more than happy to oblige. I mean who wouldn't be excited for free dinner in a fancy hotel on Fifth Avenue?! Plus, this was a low stress situation; I already had a dress to wear, or so I thought... This unfortunate weight gain made that prospect null and void (maybe next year) and I was all of a sudden dress-less.

I resigned myself to try and make my Monif C. Marilyn Convertible dress work for the event; With 22+ different ways to tie it there had to be something that worked for this occasion, right? Not so much... Even though the event was not black tie the dress was too plain for evening wear. Now I was really in a tight spot, let the stress commence.

Enter my local Loehmann's! I got a coupon in the mail and thought, "Why not?" It was a good move because they saved me with a nice selection of modest pieces (it was a work event after all) and this lovely Calvin Klein dress was the winner. Seriously, if you are ever in need of a dress for a fancy occasion head to Loehmann's, if you can, they have an awesome selection! What do you think of the final ensemble?

The best part of this dress is that I don't have to count it in my purchases for November! Why, you ask? Because it was free! BF had gotten a rebate on our new cell phones and he gave it to me to get the dress (what a sweetie.) Still, I didn't want to squander all our free money so I was a discount ninja when it came time to check out. Let me break it down for you: Original cost of the dress $128.00, Loehmann's price $59.99, Gold member discount: $6.00, 15% off coupon discount: $8.10, Price after discounts, $47.90 (w/ tax) minus a gift card: $15.00, Final price: 32.90. I was honestly impressed with all that and still had money to give back to BF! I love it when things work out like this... What's your favorite discount ninja memory?

• Top: gray sheath dress with pearl embellishment, Calvin Klein via Loehmann's
• Shoes & Accessories: black and gray leopard print peep toe pumps, Hollywould for Target. Does anyone else remember that line?; pearl earrings, gift from Mom; black satin clutch, Old Navy (not pictured)