One Month In

It's officially been 1 month (and 2 days) since I've started my retail boycott and I'm going strong.  I've encountered a few bumps along the way.  There was the trip to VANS with Kyle (my fave lil hipster <3) where I was sideswiped by these beauties, VANS- Palisades Vulc. 

 

 

 

Fortunately, while I waited for Kyle to try on a pair of shorts to make sure they were just the way he likes them, that is  a.) skinny through the leg and b.) of abnormally short length for men's shorts, I rummaged through the few copies of Teen Vogue that the VANS store so nicely provided.  The magazines diverted my attention long enough to effectively keep me from trying on something for myself. 

 

I admit, I did slip on a pair  sweet wood grain wayfarer ripoffs , but I put them back!  They were men's anyway and way to wide for my face, phew dodged a bullet there!  I was tempted but not persuaded by the BOGO 1/2 OFF offers posted all over the store, though I can't say the same for Kyle... who emerged with shopping bag in hand.

The second brush with danger was at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.

I was palling around with my friend Alisha, a shopping buddy from way back.  I hadn't planned on hitting the shops, but Alisha and her friends were in the mood to spend and I was unwittingly along for the ride.  I allowed myself to browse the junior's section with no intent to buy... a risky decision giving my love of hippyish surf clothing.  A few cute pieces popped out at me, none of which didn't look like something I already had in my closet.  I was very tempted by a mexican blanket inspired Billabong dress, but turned and walked away from it... wiping a tear. 

I even helped Alisha make a wise shopping decision.  She reached for a black cotton sundress with a lacey back.  "Don't you have a few things like that already," I asked?  To which she agreed and left the dress hanging on the clearance rack where it belonged.

The last SNAFU I've encountered so far is that after a month, I'm starting to notice the unnecessary abundances and empty holes in my wardrobe.  Cute cheap tops are my downfall.  I see that now.  I've got dozens, some with tags still on, others that woefully don't match anything else in my wardrobe.  If only I would have said no to endless bargain tops and said yes to a few things I feel I'm missing. 

Like these versatile day or night BDG Gladiator Heels! 

  Uggh... I want them.

Or a pair of comfy and oh so of the moment AE High Waisted Denim Shorts. 

They would be perfect for summer and by next year, they'll be old news.  I guess I'll never know the joy of trying out this trend. Boo!

Though tempted by these two encounters and the running tab of items I'm starting to feel left out on, my wallet has emerged unscathed.  I've also discovered a few ways to ease the pain of this year long endeavor.  The first was a fabulous clothing swap I held at my house, meant to help myself and my friends purge unwanted items and score a few new finds among the rubble.  This event really deserves a blog of it's own... so look for that soon!

I also embarked on a challenge from Lucky Magazine, A Month of Outfits, with the lovely and equally as fashion obsessed Angelyn.  The idea is to create chic outfits for an entire month using only a few key pieces.  You can follow Angelyn's progress at A Dose of Infrequent Thoughts, her adorably refreshing and always entertaining blog.  She's been far more vigilant about chronicling the challenge than I.  Look for a rap up of the first week of outfits from me very soon (tomorrow?)! 

To ease my shopping withdrawals, I've also taken to entering contests for free merch.  Today I entered all of these Incredible Giveaways, from you guessed it, Lucky Mag... in the hopes that the shopping gods will smile on yours truly with a little free swag.  Ironic that a shopping magazine is helping me quell the retail urges!

Lessons learned in the first 1/12 of my journey...

1. I'm pretty sure all my friends think I've lost my mind.
2. Clothing swaps are groovy!  Anyone up for holding the next one?
3. Before you say yes, it's a lot of work to hold a clothing swap (stay tuned for more on this!).
4. It's much harder to say no when temptation is right in front of you. 
5. In stores, I gravitate towards pieces that are very similar to things I already own.
6. I'm a sucker for trends, but will those high waisted shorts actually look good on me?  It's iffy at best.
7. Styling is key to developing a workable wardrobe where pieces inherently intertwine.
8. Bargain shopping is the enemy!!! 
9. It's much more rewarding to spend $50 on a night out with friends or dinner with that cute lil Kyle I told you about than on a new pair of shoes.
10. And most imortanttly... Reusing, repurposing and reducing spending feels pretty darn good!

1 month down, 11 to go.  Wish me luck!

Comments

[Linnea]

You can do it Nicole !!!!

[Angelynpg.wordpress.com]

Great blogpost! I especially appreciated the links to your style crushes...Love the woodgrain wayfarers! No harm in looking right?!

I think that you are doing awesome, and I love that doing this shopping fast has helped you discriminate what your wardrobe has in abundance and what it lacks.

You inspire me!

[Jen-bo in MD]

Beben I loved this! Keep up the good work - you're doing awesome!!!

[Nico]

Thanks for the support! ;)

[Nico]

awww... :)

[Nico]

Thanks Jen! Glad you're doing well recovering from surgery!

[Lchrist500]

I read this to Gmaw... she thinks you rock. I loved the clothing swap! I NEVER would have tried on those shirts... and they really do look good. You are inspiring... Love ya...