While I do not possess the discipline necessary for a full on SYC, I have imposed my own little rule:

I'm putting away $20 or so per week from a cash-only play group I run and once I have $300 saved I'm buying myself a pair of Fluevogs or Fryes. Until then, I will do my best not to buy anything, but I am weak. For instance, I bought an $8 tshirt last week (and felt naughty doing so) at Target.

I plan to buy booties or oxfords, probably in black as I realize that I do not own any versatile black shoes! I want something with a heel that will look good with skirts and pants so that I can get maximum wear.

Keep us up to date on your thrifting/saving. I think that's awesome! I went sort of nuts in April buying things and will hopefully have a loot post soon. I got an Allsaints sweater on eBay that I am in love with.

This is intriguing. Are you on SYC if you don't spend any new money, but use up $600 in various credits? Is the point to not spend any cash or is it to make you take stock in what you have and not add any new possessions?

Denise, speaking for myself, I'm doing this to;

1. Prove I can. It's a bit of a self discipline challenge;)
2. Appreciate what is already in my wardrobe, and
3. Take stock and carefully assess any legitimate wardrobe holes

Truth is I have a generous wardrobe so I don't really "need" anything. I am very good at maintaining my budget so that's not a concern here. I plan to save the money budgeted for the month of May and perhaps purchase a special "desired" item at the end of SYC!

I kind of want to be in on this. I ordered nearly $300 worth of stuff on Ezibuy and should I keep it all, I think that will be enough til the end of the financial year (end of June). With the possible exception of a new jumper, as I am not sure the one I bought will be warm enough.
But I am not really the target of the whole SYC thing. I don't enjoy shopping that much, and can easily go a few months without it. Don't like thrifting either.

I do however, look forward to seeing what the rest of you get up to!

I would like to join in, but find it difficult to respect a SYC in the beginning of a season, as it is when all sizes are available. Whenever I miss that mark, (and I have learned the hard way), then I might as well continue the SYC for the rest of the summer because there are so few items left in my size. And what is left is not the best, it's what others have chosen not to buy for a reason. This is true especially for shoes, as I absolutely need to try them through and through before buying (fussy feet), and online shopping is not that convenient.

Yet I don't live in such a small town, granted it's no megalopolis, but still. Passed early season, shopping is limited.

Ask me again in June, July and August, and I'll be in without batting an eye!

Am I the only one in this situation?

Krish - NO! You are not!

Will sit this one out for the same reasons Krishnidoux articulated - I have a terrible habit of waiting for things to go on sale, then end up losing out on things. I do *not* have a good wardrobe for summer. Last summer, I mostly bought stuff on-the-fly (visit home to take care of my Mom who was dealing with a health issue, and didn't pack appropriate clothing for the weather), and then later on that summer, it was sale stuff because it was so hot here and I didn't have the right clothes. I'm not happy with those summer items I bought on sale and/or in a hurry.

However, I can see myself wanting to try something like this in August (leaving me free to get a few things during the NAS for fall if I want).

In the meantime, I'll be cheering you all on - and I especially like the idea of some sort of 'allowance' so you can still have some fun in the process.

Krish- you're not the only one! I have the same problem.

Shannon is such a brilliant planner (and already had such a reasonably well-stocked closet) that she had her spring/summer purchases all done by..oh...I don't know? February? Okay, that is a slight exaggeration, but pretty close.

I am still in the position of needing to fill wardrobe holes, so I will cheer you from the sidelines.

I admire you all. I'm just trying to not buy much before the Nordstrom half-yearly sale starts May 23 (yes, it's in my calendar!). I have a hard hard time with Spring/Summer so I'm shopping now for our late starting season here. I just don't want to find my two week old purchases on sale in May :-).

I had a frustrating experience where three of my Spring purchases had to be trashed or donated: the Lane Bryant skinny jeans bagged uncontrollably and a coral cardigan got an immovable stain on its first wearing. So I feel behind the curve!

Welcome aboard Nicole and Isabel (Isabel your reasons are perfect!). Our new group is:

- Shannon
- Deborah
- Jayne
- Sona
- Zapotee
- MaryK
- Jem
- Christieanne
- Nicole
- Isabel

Denise, my reasons for doing this are pretty much the same as Deborah's. I want to see if I can demonstrate that type of control, stop buying "willy-nilly", work with what I have in my wardrobe to really see if/what holes I have. My spring/summer wardrobe contains many items I purchased last year and some new this year so I really need to merge these together to truly see what I've got. Because I've never had any success at SYC, I only chose one month. At the end of May, if I find I'm still doing well, then I may do it for another month.

The May Madness ladies appreciate all of your support. Personally, I'm kind of excited to see what different combinations I can come up with and maybe even surprise myself with my creativity!

My reasons are :
Need to force myself to wear what I already have in a new and creative way. Obviously if something is ill fitting then I won't be wearing but I do have a lot of clothes to chose from.

Still feeling like until I have a job, I don't want to shop for wishlist things when those are truly fun and not needs. My family is not complaining and we are on the right track financially but it would be an easy habit to start shopping to fill some boredom time and I don't want to do that.

My only concern (and since I am not a rule follower in general) is a trip to Arizona in June. Right now it's on the books but I may not have the proper summer things - I need to hit up Claire for advice. I think I can use my $20 month $ and consignment cash to fill any holes though. Again, it's more a question of using what I have.

I totally think this isn't right for everyone and all the participants should not be overly hard on themselves for breaking the "pact" in my mind. Take the lessons you find for what they are right?

Good luck to all of you! After almost 2 years of SYC, there is no way I am doing it soon again. On the other hand, I am on a very small SYB, smaller than some of your SYC budgets

Count me in although I might allow myself a budget especially since I'm heading out to NYC next weekend for a long weekend and the 5 Boro's Bike tour with hubby.

Welcome aboard DC!

DC the more the merrier!

I am attending a YLF mini meet with BJ1111 who is visiting our shores and Fruitful
in Melbourne next Tuesday!!! But I am sticking to SYC:). And I'm posting this to keep myself accountable.

Well done Deborah! You'll be fine - enjoy your meet up!

count me in! my reasons...

i have just added up my purchases since starting YLF and it is sizeable (to me at least)
i feel like i have "enough" to make getting ready for most any event/day easy and leave me feeling i look good
i really dont have closet space for any "more"
i want to see if i can do it

before YLF i would maybe purchase 4 or 5 times a year, so 1x (or more) a week as i have been doing lately is a lot for me. i need to spend this time finishing up hemming some purchases, and doing some other alterations (buttons and such) and i have taken on the challenge of sewing myself 2 new leather handbags... (supplies already purchased) so i want to work to find other outlets for my new fashion love that dont involve shopping.

Me! Me! Me!

For the record: Shoe repair doesn't count, because I need some stuff reheeled.

Otherwise, barring disaster, hellyeah!

Yay - more members!

I think I am also in by default. I spent my May budget on blue boots and an interview capsule. Barring any birthday money, I am already over budget by $30 into June! Oops. But I have plugged holes - hallelujah!!
So count me in - but any possible birthday cash above and beyond the $30 I owe towards June's budget is fair game

The May Madness group is expanding (yay - the more the merrier they say!) and now includes:

- Shannon
- Deborah
- Jayne
- Sona
- Zapotee
- MaryK
- Jem
- Christieanne
- Nicole
- Isabel
- citygirldc
- SarahA
- ironkurtin
- Mo

Other than Deborah (who started today thanks to the time difference), we all start tomorrow. Here's wishing everyone all sorts of luck, check in as frequently as you need for support (or a shoulder to cry on as you walk by the "perfect" pair of shoes...maybe that's just me!). I'll post each Monday for an official May Madness check in!

I'm with you in spirit ladies, but know I would never make it. I have a few specific things I need for spring/summer.

Confessions - how many are burning up the internet tonight ordering before May 1? Just kidding (but that's what I'd be doing and regret most of those panic purchases)

Good luck to y ou all - wishing much success and inspired creativity within your budgets and closets.

I'm not burning up the internet tonight, but I did stop at the Rack on my lunch hour and scored this sweet colorblocked handbag! That ought to hold me over until June!

Just discovering this thread, oh well. I will wish you luck and catch SYC another time. But it sounds very doable.

Jeanne - too funny!

MaryK - gorgeous bag!

Carole - it's not too late to join us if you'd like?

Oooo burning up the internet tonight lol. I *may* just sneak on over to Ebay and order two accessories real quick. >.>

I still have 5 hours before it's officially May 1st...

Lol @ last minute shopping. I did peek at red shirts on my trip to town to drop off bags of donations. Luckily (?) none of them fit the bill. Must remember, red tops will be there come June.

Oh my, I've been more absent than present lately and I missed all this May Madness talk! I sure should do this, as my shopping has been slow, but steady all spring and I'm quite positive I have more than enough to take a month hiatus . . .

Hmm, it's only 8:00 pm here, so I technically have a few more hours of April to decide, but I ordered a new watch (actually two and I'll only keep one, or none) for my birthday in May and they won't be here until tomorrow. . .I suppose that doesn't really count?

I have been donating, consigning, and returning a lot lately to beat back the excess since I just watched my very first episode ever of 'Hoarders'. I'd love to feel more orderly and in control in my closet. . .

Do you think I can still be in if I set a $$ budget for my May shopping trip with my sister? I hate to NOT SYC for the month just because of a couple days in Chicago. . .?

Of course you can, Sara!!