Top: Anne Taylor Loft, thrifted
Skirt: Old Navy
Shoes: American Eagle via Payless
Necklace: Claire's?
Earrings: Claire's
Cami: very old
Bracelets: thrifted
Closeup:
With all of the other outfits I have worn so far this week, I seem to have unconsciously created a theme of pairing contrasting colors. It wasn't intentional, but I guess when I try to avoid neutrals, I end up looking like a rainbow threw up on me.
When I put this outfit together, I didn't intentionally dress monochromatically; I just didn't have anything that seemed to want to contrast correctly with this top. (Side note, is it possible to correctly or incorrectly contrast?) All-in-all, I really liked this outfit. I received several compliments, it was figure-friendly, and I was comfortable all day long.
The other night, dear fiance and I had a fun talk about wedding stuff. And by fun, I mean NOT fun. Basically, we realized that we seriously need to stop spending money on non-wedding stuff so we can actually afford the wedding stuff we want!
Inspired by all of the other bloggers out there who I have seen do so, I decided to start writing down some new rules for my spending for at least the next few months. However, instead of naming these practices a "Shopping Ban," as so many of my predecessors have done, I have decided to call my experiment a shopping "diet."
You see, whenever I try to BAN myself from something, my willpower holds for a while, but then it eventually gives out and I gorge. I am hoping that in calling this thing a diet, I will understand that I am still allowed some indulgences, but it's all about portion control. Y'know, just like an actual diet.
Here are the rules I have come up with so far:
(1) No fashion-related purchases that aren't related to the wedding.
(2) Exceptions to rule #1:
(a) Goodwill/thrift/consignment
(b) Items already on my WANT list
(c) I am allotted $50 per month to spend on pretty much anything. However, this money does NOT roll over to the next month if it is not used.
(d) I am allowed one "emergency" purchase over $50 between now and the wedding.
(3) Any non-fashion-related expenses (other than regular bills/expenses) must be discussed and agreed up by dear fiance and myself.
I think I will be able to follow these rules quite easily, and honestly, I think I will be able to not spend my $50 in free money each month.
Do you have any thoughts or suggestions on these rules?
That is a pretty well-planned shopping 'diet'!
ReplyDeleteI would make the Goodwill/thrift/consignment stuff fall under the $50 per month budget. I also would mention that if $ is a little tight, I would include ALL expenses that are not bills under that (do if you need to, increase it a little): ie. coffee, eating out, vending machines, etc. All that money that goes out the window each month can really help with a wedding!
Does your hubby have a $50 budget to spend on what he wants too? That way, you are both spending $100 or less on non-bill items. If either of you have to go over then you have to talk to each other about it :)
Very good idea! I currently do this in a similar way- I have a yearly budget for my shopping habit- when my allotted $ is gone, it's gone. I have around $450 left for the rest of the year. For other expenses, I keep track of them all and try to get the totals lower each month. I am part of Women In Red Racers (msn message board) where we all try to save $, race to pay off debt, and control spending. It's a great community!
You are radiant in red, lady. And you'll kick ass on the shopping "diet." Your rules sound reasonable and wise.
ReplyDeleteI think your rules seem pretty doable!
ReplyDeleteand this outfit is great on you. That top is just awesome for your skin tone and such!!!
Love this outfit! You look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteLove this! I know I've complimented that blouse before. Your rules are very realistic; good luck!
ReplyDeleteThat is gorgeous on you! Red is so your color.
ReplyDeleteThink of this every time you get the urge to buy something that is "off-diet": would you rather have that blouse in your hand, or a gorgeous wedding?