YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 12:27:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1777520 Sun, 12 Feb 2017 12:50:00 +0000 Anonymous 1777520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for weighing in Approprio.  You developed wonderful strategies to enforce moderation.  This fast has actually damped my shopping compulsion.  I wonder if it will return in full force once I resume shopping this Spring.  I love your idea of stalking high ticket items.  Have a good week.   approprio on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1777499 Sun, 12 Feb 2017 10:53:44 +0000 approprio 1777499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry I'm late to the thread, Sterling! I've been following along and meaning to pitch in, but I had to think about it. I'm interested in what others are saying about moderation, because I hadn't looked at it this way before. I think you're doing great. Maybe your accidental purchase will be a watershed moment when you can examine your motivations and change your habits in a way that suits you. This week's rage and frustration could be next week's funny story.  Here's the thing. I'm a moderator, but I'm not a natural at it. I've built moderation muscles around various impulses over the years and shopping is one of them. I always have to work against its addictive power and I have a few strategies to keep myself in check. First of all, I keep a couple of barriers in place to shopping online. I never use a credit card and I keep debit card purchases to a minimum. I can't shop in a single click because I need to jump through all the security hoops at the checkout. Another favourite strategy is stalking high ticket items to buy in the future. If I see something I like, I have to ask myself if I want it more than the thing I'm stalking. I currently have prescription sunglasses and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.iriarteiriartestore.com/product/D-or">a new handbag</a> in my sights.  I've also raised the bar for quality and provenance over the years, with my own version of Angie's 3P's. This has helped me walk past many an ill-considered purchase, and by now I enjoy the contents of my wardrobe more than I enjoy shopping in most places. Anything I buy has to be at least as good as what I already have. But I still have a massive closet. I love it all, but it's all over the place. The shopping diet/fast is basically to help me focus on my future direction and edit accordingly. And after a spell of (not) shopping, right now I am actually Not Shopping. I suppose what I'm saying is that you shouldn't take too many tips from me, because our lifestyle needs and style goals are not the same. On the other hand, you have my full support. Keep up the good work!  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1777389 Sat, 11 Feb 2017 23:46:42 +0000 Anonymous 1777389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are right, Jenni, I did place the order.  I feel foolish for having done so.  Going to continue to exercise that muscle.  Nice way of thinking of it.   Jenni NZ on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1777343 Sat, 11 Feb 2017 20:14:27 +0000 Jenni NZ 1777343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Um...Sterling, you didn't mean to place the order, but you DID place the order, so the fact you have to return it isn't the retailer's fault? I'm totally supporting you on this shopping fast. Still not bought anything, over 2 months now. But you know as a recovering shopaholic I don't mind going to the mall on a weekend! I went last weekend and looked at clothes, as I had not said that I would not buy anything, I will break the fast whenever I feel ready to. But you know, the fast seems to have helped me to become so-is it patient, picky and practical, Angie's 3 Ps-that I didn't like anything enough or the odd thing I did I already had something similar. Going to the mall is sort of training my brain it seems. I have "different but not really" burning in my thoughts about the stuff that catches my eye. Yes, it must be related to my style since it calls to me. But what's the bet I can wear something of that style tomorrow out of my own closet? So it still sort of trains my eye, like exercising a muscle. Maybe you could look at clothes without buying with that in mind? Cheers Jenni Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1777312 Sat, 11 Feb 2017 18:31:45 +0000 Anonymous 1777312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ An update on my Banana Republic order.   First, I placed this order by mistake.  I still don't know exactly how that happened, but it happened.  Enough said. Second, I cancelled the order.   Third, Banana Republic shipped the order FOUR DAYS after the order was placed.  And when I say shipped, I am lying.  They said they shipped it on a Saturday.  I very much doubt the order was shipped before the following Monday (or even Tuesday).  BUT they charged me on that Saturday. Fourth, and most importantly, the order did not arrive on time.  I thought it got lost or was delivered to the wrong address.  Whatever.  I called. They put me on hold and never came back.  I was furious.  Eventually, the order showed up.  It now sits unopened on the floor of my foyer.  It is going back.  I am not even going to bother opening it.   Fifth, I now have to go to the damn Mall to return this shitty ass order.  It is a waste of my time on a weekend.  I am pretty mad.   Sixth, this will be the last time I will EVER enter a Banana Republic store.   I cannot tell you how mad I am at this retailer.  I am burning with fury.  IF the order had arrived on time OR if that person hadn't put me on hold and never bothered to come back, perhaps things might have gone differently, but they didn't.   Astrid on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775981 Wed, 08 Feb 2017 16:11:47 +0000 Astrid 1775981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Sterling. Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775928 Wed, 08 Feb 2017 12:54:33 +0000 Anonymous 1775928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Karie!!!  Congratulations on your shopping fast!!  It really does get easier, doesn't it?  Thanks, Astrid.  I find moving to be an excellent opportunity to cull possessions and take stock of life.  There was a time in my life when I moved about every three years.  I can't tell you how valuable those moves were to me in terms of evaluating where I had been and where I was going.  Best wishes on the move and finding future employment.  Astrid on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775913 Wed, 08 Feb 2017 11:43:54 +0000 Astrid 1775913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats and keep strong! Sometimes this is necessary to rewire our brains. I didn't do a lot of "fun" shopping since last summer because I was too busy with other things. Stress eating resulted in a bit of a weight gain and I bought two pairs of jeans and new underwear to be comfortable. Thank good I am fan of the slouchy fit when it comes to tees and sweaters. Otherwise I bought some items for my upcoming trip and replaced both my sneakers and my sandals with quite similar versions. All very basic and not at all experimental. I plan to use my move to sort through all my clothes and accessories in April, we'll see how that goes. Further shopping depends a bit on how soon I have a job (and what clothes I need for it) and of course on the weight and if the additional bit is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Karie on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775911 Wed, 08 Feb 2017 11:34:17 +0000 Karie 1775911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats on being successful in your purchasing fast. Counting today, I'm at 39 days. January was the month to set a new goal and February is the month to get into it and stick to it! I have set up a budget and given myself an allowance, which I think will work for me (well I know it will because I am determined to make it work for me). When the allowance is gone, I'm done, and so far the only thing I've purchased is a few sewing patterns and fabric to make DH a shirt.  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775902 Wed, 08 Feb 2017 10:24:36 +0000 Anonymous 1775902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I understand lean budgets, Kiwigal.  There are times in life when that just happens.  The money I didn't spend in December/January was used to fund my traditional IRA, which in turn, benefits me tax wise.  So I had a goal for that money.   On Thursday, I start minor bathroom renovations.  Messy renovations, but hopefully, a small project that will be complete in less than a week.   Sal on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775762 Wed, 08 Feb 2017 00:05:11 +0000 Sal 1775762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Sterling and all!! I am a moderate person and don't last long on total bans - I have done them before (drinking, shopping, buying magazine in the old days). We have had some expected but higher than anticipated expenses come our way which has reinforced a decision to halt summer purchases.  And it is so humid buying winter things is not appealing as yet. Come March I will start looking, but the budget could be quite lean sadly.   Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775756 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 23:53:05 +0000 Anonymous 1775756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations, Lucy, on your decision to limit your purchases to one great item per month in January and February.  Good luck fulfilling the February goal.  I like the idea of shopping twice a year.  It would be a major goal for me (if I thought I could achieve it).   Staysfit -- your system is working for you and I will likely evolve to something very much like it later this year.  I feel I have benefitted already from this purchasing fast.  For one thing, I am not longer in constant shopping mode.  You can't imagine how huge that single accomplishment is for me.   I agree, Style Fan, YLF is amazing.  It took me a while to learn how to use the Finds Section.  I admit to still learning about how to use collections, but I will get there eventually.   Thank you, Smittie. Your posts always encourage me.   Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775067 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 13:55:12 +0000 Anonymous 1775067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling--stay strong! You can do it! The pants are minor setback but you can return them. Catty- thanks for that article! I typed myself as a moderator. I sometimes think life is easier "moderators" than the all-or-nothing abstainors. Very interesting. Style Fan on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775043 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 11:06:18 +0000 Style Fan 1775043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am glad you are posting about your shopping fast and your insights.  Staysfit says what a lot of what I find works for me.  I do not do well with fasts.  Tell me I can't have something and that is all I think about.  Some things are very easy for me to give up or to do in moderation.  I can not have one potato chip.  So I don't have any.  I know that sounds like a restriction on potato chips but it works for me. I have found with shopping for clothes that having a good sense of my style is key.  I thought having a list would be next but that is not working out.  I need some flexibility.  And some emotional organized shopping. I also started using the YLF finds and collections.  I like it better than pinning.  The problem with pinning is that I don't have dates or sources to the items.  Once again YLF proves to be amazing. Staysfit on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775035 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 10:35:00 +0000 Staysfit 1775035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations on your shopping fast. As you know, I am a skeptic about the benefits of this process as well. I tried it a few years ago, and it was easy to stop shopping, but had no lasting effect. I find what Gretchen Rubin says to be very instructive in certain situations. When I think about what she says however, I don't think it applies across the board. For example, I am definitely a moderate drinker, and I have other things I have no problem doing in moderation, but put something salty and crunchy in front of me like chips or anything fried, and I'm a non-stop eater. The same goes for certain other foods, like chocolate. However, if I decide to abstain, and not eat any chips or chocolate, I can easily do it as long as I don't take that first bite. I find first bites easy to resist, no problem. It's moderation I struggle with here. My take on life is that moderation would work better for me in certain circumstances if I could manage it. My shopping plan for 2017 is an attempt to create moderation without abstention. My thinking is that if I abstain and don't have a plan for moderation, I will eventually want or need to update my wardrobe, and that could be a trigger to let loose with my spending on clothes, kind of like a single potato chip when I'm holding the rest of the bag. So far my plan is working out. It includes multiple steps. 1. I don't Internet shop every day. 2. I stick to my color scheme. 3. I stick to my style descriptors and what I know works. 4. I check my closet to make sure something I already own isn't too similar and cannot substitute. 5. I stick to a strict budget. 6. I have a one in one or two out policy. 7. I keep a spreadsheet of what I spend. It seems like a lot of steps but it is working. So far this year I have purchased socks, a necklace, earrings, and one new dress. For me, that is a big reduction over last year, and successful moderation. It's only February, but I believe that moderation in shopping is going to be an important part of my wardrobe management. Without it I don't see how my style will remain fresh. Lucy on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775033 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 10:33:55 +0000 Lucy 1775033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I too love reading your musings. Thank you for sharing.  It sounds like this is really working for you, which is so great.  I've never been a compulsive shopper, nor do I spend over budget. But when I moved two years ago, I suddenly had to buy a whole lot of stuff, in part because the climate was so different (and a lot more different than I had expected!) and in part because my new workplace is quite a bit dressier than my old. I had almost no summer work clothes, because at my previous academic post, we had all worked from home all summer - no aircon in the offices. By the time teaching started, it had cooled off and only a few weeks of warm weather clothes were needed. And then the boat - and the need for shirts for that! So for these reasons, I had shopped more than usual since the move.  Then I found late last year I had my wardrobe in shape, and I was feeling good. But shopping had become a bit more of a habit than it had ever been before! I used to shop in two big batches, one for Christmas, and one for my July birthday, and then I just picked up the odd thing here and there. I had found it was becoming much more of a habit to pick up something far more regularly however!  So this year, inspired by you all, I have been thinking aside from my usual splurge twice a year, I am aiming for not more than one thing a month. Maybe less if I don't find something I adore. I might make an exception for a khaki jean jacket or a good stretchy black work jacket with one button, both of which have been HEWIs for me. But other than that, much less needs to come in.  So far so good: the January purchase was a Metalicus navy cowl neck singlet top, which has already been put to good use. Let's see if I can reign it in again in February. I don't need a full shopping ban, but really I need to go back to older habits.  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1775025 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 09:58:00 +0000 Anonymous 1775025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ RunCarla -- I just started working from home a couple of days a week in the past two years.  What I wear at home and what I wear to work are two unique sets of clothing (with no overlap whatsoever).  I have been struggling to figure out a plan going forward.  I have ideas, but they are very vague ideas, and nothing is concrete.  Having no plan worries me.  Thank you, Shevia.  I agree.  The no purchasing challenging will transition to a shop style maintenance plan because I never intended to give up shopping for any great length of time.  I merely wanted to get a grip on my sales shopping obsession.  One interesting thing that was pointed out to me is that I am no longer on a treadmill .... looking for the next thing to buy without enjoying what I already have.  This was an unexpected benefit.   I have long admired your five-piece wardrobe plan, Shedev.  You are at the point that I would like to achieve going forward.  I had to achieve the right foundation before I could successfully implement that plan.  I feel I am very, very close now.  And I do believe people can change.   Barbara Diane -- this thread was for you as much as it was for me.  I loved reading about your plans.  I still remember the lessons I learned during the Orphan Challenge.  I wish with all my heart, I had thought to collect them in a single file to reference back.   Thanks Suz, Joy, and Irina.  You have no idea how your support helps me.   Carla on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36/page/2#post-1774964 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 02:53:28 +0000 Carla 1774964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I take vacations from work, and a break after the competitive part of my sports season is over. It doesn't mean I won't eventually return to work, or to the gym! Same with shopping! I was going to start my fast in February, but inadvertently didn't make any purchases in January. I have been using the month to do some 'deep' work on figuring out my style going forward. Like some others, I am feeling a style shift but was having trouble understanding and interpreting my 'feelings' and articulating how I want to evolve my style. During this month long pause, reading your thoughts and those of other forum members, as well as doing some work (thanks SF for the info about the 'Unfancy' worksheets), and studying my Pinterest Style Aspiration page, I feel better about moving forward. Though I wanted to wait for some Angie trend reports for S/S before starting up again, I have an opportunity coming up next week - a few overnights in The Big City, with several hours to crawl through the shops. I have a list that I plan to stick to. I will also use the opportunity to recon what is in store. I want to take DH to the new Nordstrom's also! Jaime on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774963 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 02:48:50 +0000 Jaime 1774963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I checked back on the other thread and see I also mentioned shopping diets rather than bans, but that was in the context of Liz's thread and in reference to her particular situation. As others have said above, in terms of all sorts of diets and habit controls, each of us is different and what works wonderfully for one person is a miserable fail for another. It sounds like your fast is a great success for you and I have been very interested in reading about it and also the comments. It seems now the challenge will be to transition to a shopstyle maintenance plan - which has its own challenges. Will be following! shedev on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774961 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 02:39:38 +0000 shedev 1774961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It took me the first year of doing the 5 piece before I became a good moderator. Now I'm where I thought I would be, the 5 and a few well chosen essentials to go with them. I'm more of a natural abstainer. But they are both behavior, and behavior can be changed. But then again, I'm a psych major and my whole career is based on one's ability to change. The flip side is why go against your nature. I don't really think that one is better than the other. I've saved a couple things to finds, but I haven't been too tempted by any of the clothes I've seen. I have been a little beauty product obsessed lately and bought a few things. Barbara Diane on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774944 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 02:12:10 +0000 Barbara Diane 1774944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a wonderful process this has been, for you, and for me reading about it. The idea that complete bans work for some of us, and diets for others, was very instructive. I was going to say if the pants you ordered by mistake fit well and are useful, keep them. But from reading that, I guess if it would get you off track, that would be bad advice. I went on a ban? diet? a few years ago and it really helped. Now I know I can get by with less. And the using your orphans challenge a while ago was eye opening.  I didn't purchase anything in January, but I have holes that I'd be happy to fill if I can find the right items without too much effort. If not, I've made it this far without them this winter. And I do want to add some new spring items, and I'll be traveling where I have better luck, so I may do some shopping.  The goal will be to really purchase judiciously. I realized that except for extreme heat I want to wear sleeves that cover my upper arms. The question is whether to pull out my S/S tops to eliminate them now so I can have a clearer picture of what I'll need to purchase. So not in the mood for the mess, but probably worth doing. Sorry if I went on too much about me and possible purchases on a post about a shopping fast. Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774929 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 01:37:22 +0000 Anonymous 1774929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I completely understand your shopping ban mentality. The first time I did this I was surprised at what I learned. I thought that I would go nuts shopping when it was over. Instead I learned that there are always sales and often, what I thought I was desperate to buy was something that I later lost interest in having. Things I owned could often fill in very nicely. Right now I keep thinking that I could really use some navy booties. Then I see that I am wearing my metallic booties or even light off-white booties instead and realize that navy is a want, not a need. The want may transfer to something else if I put off buying it, if that makes sense. Irina on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774904 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 00:28:35 +0000 Irina 1774904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Sterling! Missing out is a big part for me. Well, kind of expected - I'm a Soviet Union child :) Good luck and stay strong! Suz on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774902 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 00:28:30 +0000 Suz 1774902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think what Gretchen Rubin says is true -- some of us are moderators and for us a "ban" sets up the rebellion; whereas for abstainers it is quite the reverse.  Ironically, but not setting a "ban" I actually forego shopping quite naturally for several months a year. I turn my mind to my work, community volunteer efforts, family and friends, and other pleasures - and rarely even think about shopping— even while being a frequent contributor on YLF!! Yet if i told myself: Suz, you can't shop! I am 100% convinced that I'd shop rabidly. (Yup. I'm that bad.) Horses for courses, as Angie says. It's so great that you have done this and shown others how valuable it can be.  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774888 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 22:44:40 +0000 Anonymous 1774888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Irina -- I could have written your post word for word.  It felt very much like I was on a never-ending treadmill.  Before I started my purchasing fast, I did some reading on compulsive behaviors and I spent time identifying my personal triggers and behaviors to combat those triggers.  In my case, boredom was a huge factor. Other factors were (1) shopping as a "reward" for having accomplished some other goal (if-then shopping), and (2) fear of missing out.  I have several links that I want to share with you.  It is very important that you don't pressure yourself.  Everything happens in due time.  My recommendation is to be gentle with yourself.   <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/5-ways-to-beat-your-shopping-addiction/">http://www.cbsnews.com/news/5-.....addiction/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://recoveringshopaholic.com/shopaholic-signs-reasons-recovery/">http://recoveringshopaholic.co.....-recovery/</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://recoveringshopaholic.com/reasons-we-shop-too-much/">http://recoveringshopaholic.co.....-too-much/</a> Thank you Summer.  Your comments are so very welcome.   Every single challenge I have undertaken on this Forum has been a huge learning experience for me.  I have learned from challenges like wear 30 items for 30 days; love it, then why aren't you wearing it; and this purchasing fast.  The social support has been stupendous.  The knowledge base is amazing.  If I feel weak, someone always bolsters me back up.  Use the power of the group to achieve your goals.   Irina on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774883 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 22:16:09 +0000 Irina 1774883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm so glad you are successful in your fast. I wanted to try to cut down my shopping and solemnly swore to buy only one well thought, needed item per month. Failed miserably. January sales are hard for me to resist. I console myself with the argument that all purchased items (4) were from my list of "wardrobe holes " but still. I'm trying to understand my desire to buy, buy, buy. I am thinking too much about clothes and in never ending process of identifying more "needed" pieces. Shopping gives me pleasure. But I suspect it also gives me hope. The worst I feel about myself the more I shop. Every new article of clothing is a ray of hope of "fixing" myself. But it doesn't work, of course. New silk pants are fabulous but they will not hide the fact that my face looks tired and older. I'm slowly coming to realization that I must start with loving "naked" me. And may then I will enjoy what I have first. Yeh, I am slow that way Summer on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774858 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 21:47:59 +0000 Summer 1774858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations on your shopping fast, Sterling.  Evidently it worked perfectly for you. I found Catty's comment, and the link she posted, to be absolutely spot on: we each have to work with the strategies that suit us best, and which will be most successful in achieving our own goals. It turns out I'm a moderator.  I find that denying myself anything only makes me focus even more on the "forbidden" fruit! Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774849 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 21:27:16 +0000 Anonymous 1774849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rambling Ann -- I just learned how to use collections in the Finds Section!!!  You're right.  It is very valuable tool.  I'll have to go back and find your Ocean Park Project posts.  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774839 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 21:11:27 +0000 Anonymous 1774839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I KNOW those dutch ovens, JAileen.  I've wanted one for the longest time!!!!!  My concern was I wasn't certain how I would use it.   By the way, when the merchant has your credit card number already stored away, buying without realizing it is really, really, really easy.  I too have bought things that I hadn't even realized were in my cart.  Lesson learned.  I am a lot more careful.  And like Joyce, I will use the "save for later option."   Rambling Ann on "Progress Report on Purchasing Fast (Day 36)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/progress-report-on-purchasing-fast-day-36#post-1774837 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 21:10:46 +0000 Rambling Ann 1774837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Instead of putting things in a shopping cart, I like to put them in the YLF Finds. If I were in your shoes right now, I'd make a Collection of "Deferred Until After the Fast" and see what it looks like when you are ready to make a deliberate purchase. That's sort of what I'm doing with the Ocean Park Project. I really want some of the items, but I'm trying to wait as I put together a bigger style statement first.