It happened. Fell off the wagon. Commence floggings.

I've been looking for a utility jacket for many moons now - from even before the look was "in," because military-inspired is always part of my style. I also wanted a fashionable red jacket ever since I got my red fleece one and realized what a red topper could do. Lo and behold, I found a red utility jacket on the Abercrombie site... I'm supposed to be on SYC, but I considered:

- the color/proportions seem to be just what I wanted (fingers crossed for arrival)
- essentially would fill two desires w/one item
- it was on sale
- it was a flagship/online exclusive
- I had more than enough $ in my Paypal account from selling purged closet items
- it should cross over into LA Fall and Winter, so I'm not *really* buying more for Spring...

Based on this, I took a chance... and I just went back to the site this morning to show you guys a picture, but the item is no longer available - not even a picture to pull off! Now I'm almost sorry I didn't get two sizes, just in case...

Yet I still feel sort of guilty for deviating from my goal. This whole knowing-when-to-pounce thing is complicated... did I do the right thing?

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

argh! I was about to say,"hey, me too! Where is the pic?" but you answered that. I fully agree that long sought for items are above and beyond SYC. To me, anyway, SYC is more about making yourself utilize what you have rather than always looking for a new treat. It's about limiting consumption and making you stop to think about what and why you're buying, not denying yourself merely for the sake of denial.

modgrl

Carpe diem! Can't wait to see it!!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'm hugging you instead of flogging you. I like a gal with a contingency plan

Hope the jacket works out!

Aunty

Sorry but you have to do what you have to do
Just think how you would kick yourself later if you missed it!!!

Heather

Rae, I fully believe that the purpose of SYC is to provide a different outlook on shopping/dressing; and it helps us discover better ways to spend our money on our wardrobe.

SYC aids in editing, remixing and wallet fattening. But when you do find the perfect piece for your wardrobe at a fabulous price, then you know to pull the trigger! I don't feel this is a frivolous purchase and no floggings for smart shopping are ever administered. ;D

And clever girl, you had purged enough to have spending monies in your PayPal account. Done and done. I cannot wait to see photos of it.

Carole

We forgive you! How can you resist when all the stars line up like that?!?

suzanne

Active Member

Oh, one should be rewarded for living so frugally

nancylee

No flogging from me. You are brave to even have attempted SYC. And you used cash not credit to fill a legitimate wardrobe hole. All is forgiven.

Um . . . I am now down to only $10 left of my June budget. An offer on a belt I've been ogling for over 6 months got accepted on eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA.....500wt_1069 So you have company

Charmian

Oh, Rae! I've been quietly lurking the forum for several months, but I felt so strongly about this post that I opened an account just so I could respond.

For me, the core idea behind SYC is to raise consciousness of one's spending habits. By being temporarily restricted to what you already own, you learn to apply a critical eye to the items that you currently own and the items that you are thinking of acquiring. (for the ladies who already follow getrichslowly.org, weaning oneself off "junk fashion" will look a lot like their discussion of "conscious spending").

I feel so strongly that you should *not* beat yourself up for this purchase that I had to break my silence! You've clearly thought a lot about the purchase and it seems that you've identified a true long-term "need" rather than a short-term "want". You can afford it. And, lastly, fashion is supposed to be fun, not guilt-inducing.

May this jacket be your most-loved purchase ever! And, if it's not, SYC says you should send it back!

rae

You all are such sweethearts -- and wise to boot. I know I've been regretted holding back before, so I'm glad to have your forgiveness for my slip up. Thanks for everyone who stayed the flogging sentence, lol.

Mo, you're right about not always looking for a new treat. I've even slowed way down on my $1 purchases lately, and feel much less of a closet glutton. I think something about the way we both stalked our items for a long time without losing interest helps (I had my eyes on almost the exact belt in tan, BTW!).

Heather, when put like that, I do feel like SYC has been a success. SYC as a tool, and not an end in itself.

catgirl

I sensed a fall coming... It's okay, I learned that SYC is not about denial for denial's sake. Everything I picked up during SYC has been useful and never regretted. We forgive you!

Tessera

Yes, you did the right thing. The more discriminating you are in your wardrobe selections, the harder it becomes to find suitable items. When you do, snap them up! After all, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."* You already know the difference between filling a wardrobe niche and an impulse buy. So enjoy your fabulous find and dump the guilt.

* Ralph Waldo Emerson

Girl X

You're doing way better than I am. DSW clearance bags, 9West sale shoes, Nordstroms 1/2 yearly sale - and now ...

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....sn_results

I had to have it. And then my guy got sick of me whining about and said 'well just get it already.' I blame him, these things are usually his fault.

I regret nothing!

rosee

It's not a failure, if overall you still achieve your goal. Best not to get caught up in small details but remain focused on the overall plan. Hopefully, good jacket for fall and other season use. Cash used, not credit. Back to SYC afterward until something "big" hits again.

charmian, I appreciate you breaking the silence - welcome! And you are right: if it's not perfect, it can always go back. The website says in-store returns are fine, too, so no return shipping cost.

...and Rosee, you are right, too: best to get back on the horse after falling off. No reason to abandon the cause completely.

Una and GirlX, I feel bolstered by your lack of regrets. Sounds like some good decisions come out of SYC - and I can't wait to see your haul, GirlX!!

Tessera, I'll be jotting down that quote!

Aida

YAY for you I say! Heather's words are my feelings too, but said in a much more eloquent manner I hope the jacket works out, and I can't wait to see it at work!

Lisa

I was unable to stick to not shopping during SYC, but it still helped me realize how often I did shop and change my spending habits and impulsive nature. You are forgiven in my book.

cheryl

It wasn't an impulse buy and like you said, it fills two voids, so good for you. You would have regretted not getting it.

The jacket is back up on the site now, but only in size small - maybe they received a return or something... Anyway, here's a belated pic.

Lisa, it is true that it helps with the impulse buying. I have been much more thoughtful.

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What!?! You fell off the wagon for THAT jacket?! Oh Rae, what to do... send it to me and I'll wear if for you. You need not bother putting it in your closet.

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