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Laura's SYC project

taylor

Veteran

Well, One week later and I am hanging in there.

Oddly it is getting easier. As I strolled the Mall today I didn't even venture into some stores...no desire") I am not buying , but I was OK with all that. Looked at other stores but, I am finding the ~frame~ of mind has switched and I am not in shopping mode...today!!! tomorrow my frame of mind may switch back over to shopaholic.....wish me luck:)

How are you all doing?

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62 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Hurray Taylor! Amazing that it is getting easier! Is this all it takes? I wonder if we will start to struggle and at what point? And did you see your namesake OTK Frye boots on the other thread? Hope that's not too too tempting

Yesterday was a little hard - I went downtown to get my hair cut and colored and the kids were at their grandparents and it would have been fun to shop a little. But I returned home to implement my "tranform husband's messy office into cute guest room" plan instead.

But I am still wary of missteps! My friend told me a cautionary tale today. Apparently she knew someone who also stopped buying clothes for herself in a similar plan. Without even being conscious of what she was doing, she started hitting Whole Foods instead and her grocery bills skyrocketed, completely eclipsing any savings. Yikes!!

PalmFronds

I am glad you ladies are hanging in well! I have had a tough week and am hoping next week gets easier. It was worsened by my losing one of my favorite silver hoop earrings, something I wear about twice a week atleast It was all I could do to stop myself from wandering up to the mall to find a replacement.I have been grumbling about the ban all week!
Yes, you do have to be aware of alternative ways to spend and get the buying rush. When I tried shopping bans in the past I ended up filling my daughter's closets with stuff, and buying all kinds of things for the house

taylor

Veteran

Well, you are putting your shopping energy to good use:) Your house and hubby are lucky!!

I wonder where my shopping energy will end up. Will I buy my grandchildren more than I do now? Will i plan a trip...will I clean more? will I stock up on cosmetics? None of these things yet. Hmmm , I love whole foods:0

I tried, but cannot view the boots:(

taylor

Veteran

Oh, PF we posted at the same time.

Sorry you are having a rough time. Can we buy replacement essentials like your earrings? I think this is important because these were in mind when you pledged your ban !!! You wear these too often to be without...I'm rooting for you!!!

Lisa

Veteran

I am so proud of each and everyone of you ladies participating in the shop your closet ban. I wonder if this means more time in your closet, thinking of new outfit options. Maybe that comes after month 1?

If I were doing this, I'd have to stay away from the mall. I would be too tempted so extra kudos for strolling and not buying.

I like the idea of transferring the energy into house projects. I am always desiring but never implementing tidying my place.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Well done Taylor and Laura! You are off to a good start. I see crafting and scrap booking in your future....

chuckling @ PF's.

judy

Veteran

Well, since I'm not on a shopping ban just to save money, but rather so that I can pay my rent for the next two or three months, it's kind of a no brainer! I HAVE to not buy things now. The money won't be spent somewhere else. It's got to stay in my account. And in a way, that makes it easier. So does the fact that it is overlapping with your SYC here, Laura and all.

So its almost two full weeks for me. I am finding the urge to buy diminishing too. In fact, at times it is non existent. I haven't been to any stores in person and I probably would have if I wasn't on the ban. That hasn't felt like a hardship to me.

I've noticed that in the past I stayed away from the forum at times because I knew I would find out about great new items...and then buy them. So I've been reading and posting here more often because I am not tempted. Not AS tempted :).

I've dug out a couple of things I hadn't worn before or for a long time too. It's ironic that I feel a bit more satisfied with what I already own.

bj1111

Veteran

it's so funny being in the syc mindset that when the dribs and drabs of nas orders finally showed up, my first instinct was the just return the whole kit! i still have a few items that i *felt i needed and would DIE without*, that after committing to syc, am itching to return to the store.

on the plus side, i did finish my knitted legwarmers and tried them out with the sendra knee-high boots that angie recommended. sweeeeet! and way to young to wear without irony.

i'm hoping my downfall does not turn out to be joann's or michaels'. ohhh the shame...

taylor

Veteran

Oh, Judy, thanks for chiming in. I do understand the need for shopping bans, as I have been there myself. Actually it was never a ban, just a way of life...something about diapers and formula , food comes to mind.

Congrats on 2 full weeks...we are right behind you....holding steady!!

I find I play in my closet more these days too:)

Lisa, Thanks for your support:)

taylor

Veteran

bj1111
You are truly committed!! Don't return the things you love...your last hurrah for 5 months!!

Michaels and Joanna's could definitely have special appeal about now!!

Queen Mum

Veteran

well, since I just spent the last 3 days away from any form of modern convenience, I have done pretty well myself.

taylor

Veteran

Angie, You will never see me craft , or scrapbook!! Talents that I admire and respect, but that would require sitting for way too long for me:) The only time I sit for any length of time is when I am on YLF...or shopping via the net:)

Kim, been camping have ya?

Queen Mum

Veteran

oh, camping would have been the luxury version... backpacking. carried everything on my back for 10 miles in and out. fun...but oh my am I sore

I do have to confess that I spent many of those 10 miles today compiling my mental list of what I might need come January.

taylor

Veteran

I am in AWE of you!!!

This sort of activity may actually require sweating right?

Seriously...10 miles with a backpack on.!!! Now that deserves a special medal at the end, and my utmost respect!! Wonderful !!

AJ

Veteran

Already easier at the 1 week mark?! Kudos to you and all the other gals who are participating!

rute

Veteran

eh eh queenie you made me laugh!

Ladies, I admire you all!
I couldn't do that! I don't spend a lot on clothes but I MUST buy something for me at least once a month.. it's therapeutical!

Louise

Veteran

I think of need to be wary of not just buying non clothes items instead! x

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

Ohh, Taylor - I think that you should devote your energy on planning a trip so that you can join us next time we have a UK YFL meet up! Louise - your energy could be directed in that direction too...

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Well I *do* have a family photo wall planned ... currently it is residing in a bunch of boxes in front of said wall.

Angie has me pegged. Maybe not scrapbooking, but close!

Queenie, impressive all around! And everyone, hurray for week one! I would count how many more to go but that might be too much for us to handle

Queen Mum

Veteran

Yes, Taylor... there was a bit of sweat (as well as blood and tears) involved And my reward at the end was a nice long hot bath and a glass of wine. We only do this once a year and 10 miles was our most ambitious hike so far. I think next year we'll knock a couple miles off.

Anyhow... back to shopping (or the lack thereof) I think in my case I will do fine until the weather cools down. I have plenty of summer stuff to get me through. But come October and seeing everyone model their new fall wear is going to be tough. Luckily I scored a great pair of skinnies and a couple tops (still need to post for appoval) at the NAS.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm not techinically in the challenge, since I don't have any winter wear and will need to buy some. But I am trying to cut down, and I haven't bought anything this week. I actually "made" some money, since the jacket that I had bought at Target went on sale and I went back and got a price adjustment. If it's your hobby, then it really is smart to plan other projects to keep your interest. I am knitting away on a legwarmer

Laura

(website)

Veteran

That's a good point, Khris. I never would have considered style to be a hobby but clearly it was.

Legwarmers are fab! What color?

I am making my house my hobby at the moment although it might just be another way to procrastinate from writing my novel. I was so proud that everything I am doing in the house wasn't going to cost a cent, until I discovered that the mattress I had stored for the guest room smelled dusty. Now we need to buy a new mattress. Isn't that the way it goes?

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

A whole new guest room for just the price of a mattress isn't bad, though- think about it that way. Plus- you could sell the old one on Craigslist or something. Not everyone is as sensitive to dust.
My legwarmers are from some yarn that I hand dyed as a special project. Actually- it was a sock club yarn for a knitting store in Chicago, and it's inspired by Tony Packo's pickles (which they sent me- and I love!) It's called 'Pickled'. and it's olive green with a chartreuse undertone and flecks of reddish/orange (like the peppers in some of the pickles). Very fun color, so I ended up saving a couple of skeins for myself. I'm planning to let these peek out of the tops of boots this winter.

taylor

Veteran

Cute idea with the leg warmers Khris.
I used to watch my Mom knit and crochet...should have learned when she was willing to teach me.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

LAURA!! Go work on your novel!!

I am doing the shopping for the lot of you.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

LOL Kristen! When I take up crocheting you'll know I have become the master procrastinator

Ruchi

Way to go ladies.I am also hanging in there.I have made a few visits to the stores to shop for relatives in India.The spring cleaning is also in full swing.The other day,SO remarked that all of us have so many clothes that we should have a shopping ban for the next three months.Come summer,I will be ready to hit Osh-Kosh and Gap.My older son is starting early preschool this week and I didnt have to buy any school stuff.That explains how much stuff I already have.
Hats off to u,Queenie.You are an inspiration.
PF,I also feel that since you wear those earrings on a regular basis,u should be able to replace them.
bj111,dont return the things if u like them.
My computer time for today is up.will chime in later.

Joy

Veteran

I'm doing well and not being too tempted...yet. I've saved lots of time not looking at 6pm.com's daily deals as well as other retail emails. It needs to be used on the house before school starts. I went thrifting with my SIL and only looked at non-clothing items or ties for an aunt who uses them in crafts. So far, so good.

taylor

Veteran

Joy, You have a will of Iron!!
Kristen...you are hysterical
Ruchi, You seem to be holding up well, you must check in more often!!

OK, today I am having a rough time...I actually put something on hold. I did NOT buy it, but it is simmering in the back. The photo does not even come close to how ADORABLE this is in person on...with the popped collar and cuffed sleeve scrunched with a contrasting lining...well I just fell in LOVE..and so did everyone else who saw it...I sold one just by wearing it today around the store.....HELP...I am really ready to buy this:(

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....Color=Iron Grey&defaultSizeType=Regular

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