May Madness Check In - end of Week 2 - YouLookFab Forum

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May Madness Check In - end of Week 2

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I for one have had some temptations this past week (Meredith - are you listening?) and have tormented myself a little by looking on line at red pants and dresses. In order to keep myself in check and remind myself of what I'm wanting to achieve, I have spent the last hour going through my entire spring/summer wardrobe. Other than a blouse or two (which I've discussed) and a thrifted light weight vest (thanks for the idea Christieanne), I NEED NOTHING!!!

I did go over my thrifting dollars for May by $3 for a fab little Nic & Zoe blazer but I'm ok with that.

So the rest of you May Madness participants - how are you doing?

General

27 replies

Latest reply was from fashionista

Deborah

Veteran

Well I am finding it challenging. I am very aware that I NEED nothing it's just that I WANT things lol.

I have also gone over my budget by about $15.00 and Im ok with that too.

The good thing is that I am wearing some things that have not come out to play for a while.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Good for you Deborah! If nothing else, we're becoming aware of our shopping habits!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Great job, guys! You are inspiring me to stay the course. I've had temptations, for sure, but I *think* I'm doing well overall.

Good:
- passed on green faux leather cropped jacket from Bebe. I have enough crops and an orphan that should just get dyed if I want a green one.

- passed on a second Nexx blouse... for now. Though that one really hurt - was so tempting to dash into Nordies while I made my Macys return.

- BUT, I did return those Bar III dresses as I said I would when I got my steampunk boots. Yay!

- passed on totally cute floral booties/oxfords... again, for now. Waiting for next month and/or that CC rewards balance to give me a discount.

- passed on a certain pair of Frye boots I've had in my Amazon cart for months, that made it down to $160.

The bad:
- Used sales and Administrative Professionals' Day $$ to get the teal silk blouse that Zap posted from AT. I don't count this as a strike, though, since it's basically a windfall. And I'm going to be firm and definitely return if it isn't 100% perfect in length, wrilkliness, and sleeve style.

All in all, I've been more good than evil... that counts as success, right?? o_0

ironkurtin

Veteran

I really stink at SYC. I realized I had a wardrobe hole with nonfitted linen pants. So now I have some of those. And I already confessed the EF dress and AG denim jacket. But not some of the other stuff.

I need to be HARDCORE! I already gave myself permission to eat (lots more than) 1200 calories a day... I need to be lenient on only a singe front at a time!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Rae - I don't think you did too badly at all. Darn right it counts as success!

IK - are you finding it at least a learning experience and getting some benefit out of it that way?

Sarah A

Veteran

pretty good! I am almost done with both my green and turquoise handbag projects. But I did hurt my back Tuesday and have been in bed a lot so ebay struck. I will call my one $20 purchase my mothers day gift from DH and the kids since they hadn't picked anything up. I am declaring success all considered.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Oh no Sarah - hope your back heals quickly! I think you've done great!

Sarah A

Veteran

it is doing quite a bit better already, thanks

Isabel

Veteran

Sarah, I am sorry about your back but glad to hear you are on the upswing.

I have been doing well. It is really incredible. Part of it is that I don't want to buy anything until I absolutely need it because my weight is so crazy. I will need a bathing suit so I may get one before the end of May. My two don't fit at all. Unless....I wore one on one half of the body and the other on the other half ( they are one pieces ).

There is a huge tent clearance sale coming up next week at the Brahmin bag factory near my town...and that might end up being my achilles heel. Additionally, my husband and children gave me a substantial gift certificate for Boden...but I think that I won't buy anything until June with it.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, no! Injured backs must be going around - Me, Hubs, you, Anna... good to hear you are feeling better, Sarah. Must have been that $20 item. Nothing heals like shopping - or is that just me?

Deborah

Veteran

I think we have all done really well! I told one of my girlfinds I was going on SYC and she looked at me like I was completely insane lol. Master 9 and DH have been excellent for accountability as I have been questioned on "what's on that bag" on arrival home a couple of times and DH has spotted a couple of items I hadn't worn yet and gently enquired if I had just bought them

And Rae, Im with you, shopping is great therapy.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Well, my swap gleaned 2 blouses and a dress, and I wore 2 out of 3 of the items already this week! I also wore my $8 paper bag dress, so I have been satiating the need for newness and variety so I don't feel deprived SYC. I also received bday $$$ that covers my active shorts that are on the way. So I suppose I am still acquiring minimal things, but under budget due to returns or gifts, or whatnot.
I think these little 'loopholes' have made it easy and a sort of false SYC in a way. But, I think the major purging last week of those last niggling 'maybes' made the biggest difference in seeing my wardrobe in a better light.

christieanne

Veteran

You all have to trust when I tell you I am clapping out loud in appreciation of your efforts and learning! This doesn't have to be torture really lol.

I think the thing I am learning is to appreciate what I have. And not miss what I don't have. Sounds kind of new age-y but as my DH says, work whatever works.

I had to run into The GAP (which has been a goldmine for me this last year) on Thursday for DD who needed khaki pants for school and even though I looked for myself, I resisted and just made some mental notes. Nothing was crucial and I know with that chain it is better to wait for discounts in any case. By that time, I may not want the cute shirt anymore.

Also was disciplined at the bead store and then rewarded today with a "gift card" to the bead store by my family so that was nice treat.
My mom wants me to shop with her week after next and I may allow myself some leverage during that trip for some Arizona items.

MNsara

Veteran

I missed the Week 1 check-in (some crazy days around here!), but that week I totally FORGOT about SYC when I put in an Ebay offer on a Brooks Brothers shirt!! It wasn't until they accepted my offer that SYC dawned on me. Is that Freudian, or what? The grand total of it was only $20, so I'm not going to beat myself up over it

Week 2, I stopped after work to unwind at a Goodwill (yes, mindless shopping is relaxing) and what did I find but a Burberry Prorsum trench for $8.99! It is vintage and the sleeves ends aren't pristine, but worth a trip to the tailor for ideas. . . I doubted if it was authentic because there were Chinese/Japanese symbols on the side seam tag, but the fabric and construction were so awesome that I couldn't leave it there. At home, I checked online and the symbols are Japanese and that's consistent with who made Burberry back 'then'.

So, my May total stands at $29. Not too bad considering I forgot all about SYC at first

I have been putting interesting things in my Nordstrom shopping bag, and they have been selling out, but that's okay. I NEED to internalize the mantra that there will always be another ________________ down the road.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Whoo hoo!!!! I think these are ALL great successes ladies! We're learning, we're purging, we're being pickier....WE'RE ROCKIN'!

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

We got a new Nordstroms Rack in my neighborhood this weekend. After all the mothers day festivities were over I snuck over there. The store was so picked over, I wasnt even tempted by anything. Since I was at the mall, I ran to the whbm and found the perfect Russian restaurant dress for my party in June. I guess this was a "need" since I really didn't have anything else to wear. While I was checking out I asked if they has any coupons lying around. The sa gave me a $50 off $200 coupon. I got two perfect silk button downs and a red leather clutch for the cost of the dress alone. Then I used some gift money to get the jny leaf lookalike dress. Also asked if they could give me a promotion and the sa knocked off 25%. It never hurts to ask! I'm not going to beat myself up about this, the last time I got to shop at an actual mall was prob 6 months ago so I have to take advantage of the opportunity when I have it. Next month will start again on syb

Isabel

Veteran

Everyone is doing so well !!!!! I am so glad.

Deborah, isn't it funny how other non-Fabbers react ? But my husband takes it VERY seriously, LOL !

jayne

Veteran

Jayne bad, very bad. Not even gonna tell how bad. Me and IK gonna go hide together! huh, IK, we hide??

I blame it all on new job and will have to fess up and post it all (3 things altogether now) later.

Too bummed about other stuff right now. New job good, tenant making me miserable.

Anonymous

I fell so off the friggin' wagon it's not even funny ... I'm so ashamed

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Oh no - I hate to admit, but I fell off the wagon, and bought a black/white graphic print cotton skirt for $24.99 at Winners last week (when I popped in to see the Violence against Women t-shirt/other fundraising items - I swear!!!) I had planned to wear a SYC item to my daughter's graduation (elementary school) but panicked that it looked too casual (shiny denim midi with flare). Little bit of Fail right there. Back on now!!!

christieanne

Veteran

MnSara - your thrifting find sounds AMAZING. That's the time when all thoughts of SYC need to be blocked out. It would be ridiculous to leave something behind like that.

Shopping with a plan is a good lesson I think but always being open minded to a really perfect one-off (within boundaries -otherwise I guess that's how you create all closet orphans with no cohesion right) is good too. How do you balance that to create good long term habits?

Meredith1953

Veteran

@Shannon,
I hear you! Kudos to you for staying on the straight and narrow and ignoring (for the most part) the siren song of beautiful items just pleading to be purchased! I really only was teasing as you know.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Uh oh....sounds like we have a few who are struggling...hang in there ladies!

Christieanne - you are right in that we need to balance both having a plan but being open as well. I have no idea how we put that together into a long term plan - I've never been successful at it!

Meredith - oh goodness, I know you were kidding. It was so much fun!

Now I have a question of all of you: I've going to be re-thrifting the white denim jacket I thrifted a couple of weeks ago. The fit really isn't perfect and I don't feel great in it but I can't return it for a refund since it's past the return date. I would like to find "the one" though - would buying it before the end of May be breaking SYC since it is replacing an item but without credit so I would be spending?

rae

(website)

Veteran

Rita, can you tell more about the jny leaf lookalike dress? I've been kicking myself over that jny leaf dress for oh about 6 months now...

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Rae, the dress is amazing. It is a royal blue kaleidoscope pattern with a high neck, short sleeves and some flattering side rouching. I am going to get it shortened because it is quite long on me. Macy's is having a 25% off sale as of wed but they extended it to me now. I posted a picture of it yesterday ("for fans of the jones ny leaf dress"). Sorry I can't link to it now, I am on my phone.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Um, the good news is I met my other wardrobe again (after two years) this weekend, as I'm moving house, and purged half of it.

Bad news: The good news ended there I'm having a shoe crisis, and the purchase I'd hoped to put off until June has become urgent and might even end up as a plural purchase. ::blush:: My May budget is *done* and I have other unexpected expenses from the move; which puts me firmly in the red for the next two or even three months as soon as I get myself shod!

Overall:. Uh...F-A-I-L...!

fashionista

Veteran

Great going Shannon, but I could not stick to my resolution as you.