Reflections on 90 Days of No Shopping…

Good Morning!

So I made it 90 days without shopping for a darn thing. I'm proud of myself; because there were times when I really felt like I needed to shop. Last week on Day 90 I rejoiced a bit on Twitter and the main question I got back was "So when's the shopping spree?" - and to be honest I have no clue. I learned some things along the way and I'd like to share them with you:

1. I need a new hobby.
With no shopping,I found myself incredibly bored. Is this all I do? I questioned myself plenty of times as to how I exactly spent my time.

2. I saved money. The money I saved I applied to credit cards and student loans - it felt nice... sometimes. I also started to put some money away for a small vacation this summer :)

3. I wasted money.
I spoke on this when I reached the halfway mark. (read here)- but I can't stop thinking of how much money I've really spent on clothes.

4. I need to clean out my closets.
No seriously!

5. I AM able to pack for a 2 week trip overseas without shopping.
I've NEVER been able to do this before - I would go on a shopping frenzy before I left because I thought that I didn't have enough. By restricting myself this time around, I saw that I had more than enough to get through the trip.

6. I got creative.
By not being able to just go and get what I just knew I needed at the moment, I was forced to look through my closet to complete my outfits. I found things - as in I didn't know I had them, and I started putting pieces together that I hadn't thought of. I got so into making new outfits that I started taking pictures so that I wouldn't forget. Now that the 90 days are over, I will be extra vigilant in making sure I stay creative with my clothes - why keep buying if I know there's a gem in my closet waiting to be worn and used creatively, it's fun!

7. I appreciate all that I have.
And going back to South Africa definitely drove the point home even further. "Nothing is by chance"... I stop shopping, I go to South Africa and once again see the disparity between the have's and the have nots- I come back stateside and go into a state of deep reflection as to just HOW MUCH I have in all aspects of my life.

I'm shocked that I am not itching to shop now that I can - I have a better assessment of what's really in my closet so when I think of purchasing an item I think of what I already have. Besides for certain events on the horizon, anything I buy at this point will strictly be a desire. I'm hesitant to impulsively jump back into my old habits; as this challenge has made me realize so much more than I thought it would. Thanks for going along for the ride, I appreciated your encouragement!

Fulani Earrings, $17, Gold Coast Africa

How about these for my 1st post-90 days purchase?

What did you all think of my challenge? Did you think I went nuts? Do you think it's something you could do?

Jet lag is no joke! 1 More day of No shopping to go..

If I could spend all my time in Cape Town I would... BUT bills are due, and work calls.. fantasy done!

I'm having a serious case of jetlag (21 hours will do it to you!), and a love hangover from Cape Town- it was a wonderful trip; we did alot of service-learning, a good amount of tourism and the students I took with me had the experience of a lifetime.

As promised, here are some pics for your viewing pleasure:

I know some of you would like to know if I shopped... well I'm proud to say that today is 89 Days of No Shopping. Some of you suggested that I take a break from the challenge because going overseas is an exception but I really wanted to see if I could stick to my challenge. (stay tuned for my post 90 day recap)

With that said... it was hard... so very, very hard! I'm at the Artisans Market purchasing beautiful jewelry, paintings and such for family and colleagues who made the trip possible for my students and I didn't buy a thing for myself. DO YOU KNOW HOW EXCRUCIATING THAT IS? It's always great to give to others, but when you're surrounded by beautiful items it's tough to not pick up a trinket or two for yourself.


I hope you all are well, enjoy the pics!

Totsiens! A word before I leave...

Totsiens means "See you later" or "Goodbye" in Afrikaans... ;)

As you know I'm off to Cape Town, South Africa for the next two weeks! I am beyond excited to go back to this beautiful city! The flight is long (about 21 hours) but the experience is so worth it, trust me.

I will make sure to channel an appropriate, transcontinental Airport Style - as I learned my lesson when I looked like garbage and saw LL Cool J and Kevin Liles in the D.C airport. I made that vow to never again walk into the airport with a headscarf and cap on- I can at least comb my hair out!


When I think about this trip, I can't help but to think about shopping. This shopping addiction of mine was present even in college, which was the last time I went to Cape Town. I made sure to learn how to say some of the major shopping phrases in Afrikaans (English is spoken in South Africa- but when I was there before I received the craziest discounts when I spoke Afrikaans at the shops !)

I want to buy .. Ek wil ... koop
I’m just looking Ek kyk net ‘n bietjie
How much is it? Hoeveel kos dit?

and my absolute favorite....

Do you accept credit cards? Aanvaar julle kredietkaarte?

The 90 day challenge is going to be really hard as the art markets in Cape Town are drool-worthy and I know that I will want to buy, buy buy! Nevertheless I will only buy souvenirs for friends & family - I've given myself a budget so that I don't go overboard as a means to quell my inner shopper. I'm serious - I'm going to make it to 90 days!


I will do my best to post while abroad! Bon Voyage!

~Luvin' My Curves

What J is Jonesin' For: Can Spring just hurry up and come?

Good Morning!

When outside looks like this...

My mind goes into spring mode, corals, nudes, detailing....this month I'm Jonesin' for better weather and pieces that welcome springtime back into my wardrobe.

Givenchy Peep Toe Sandal $774 ,FarFetch

I will hurt someone for these shoes... seriously!

Lela Rose for Payless Paloma Clutch, $29.99, Payless

Payless and another designer join forces; Lela Rose. So far, I like the Payless collaborations, do you?

Taffeta silk strapless sheath dress $69.95, eShakti

This is a such the perfect frock for a spring wedding or graduation- I would wear this with a cardigan, pearls and simple pumps.



In other news....


Today makes exactly 60 days of No Shopping..... I'm surprising myself everyday. This is not easy, but it's a great challenge to put something back on it's hanger because I made the promise to myself to not buy a thing.

There's alot of work to be done before I fly out next week - but in that rare moment of down time I find myself envisioning outfits in my head. The other day I went to the mail room and the manager told me that she missed seeing packages with my name on it, she liked to see me get excited and oftentimes ripping the package right in front of her.

I'm already making the list for my post 90 day celebration-it's ridiculously long and I know that I won't get all of the items but it's nice to lust in moderation.


What are you jonesin' for this month?

~Luvin' My Curves

90 Day Challenge: The Halfway Mark

Hey Everyone!

Day 45, actually today is day 46.....what was I was thinking?

I just want to shop... this challenge has allowed me to see that at times I can be an emotional shopper. I've been really stressed at work and I've started to notice that I run right to the computer to soothe myself. I've sent numerous emails to my friends with pictures and links to things that I want to buy at that very moment- some gently send me the link to my initial "No Shopping" post and others simply reply back with "NO".

All I know is that I want to swipe the card and get something!

The other day I got into a "What am I wearing closet frenzy" and I realized that I have similar pairs of shoes- which led me to think about my shopping decisions... am I really thinking about what I already have when I make a purchase?

In the same light, I also started to think about the pieces that I do buy which are brimming with outfit possibilities only to be put in the back of my closet. So yes, now that I'm halfway done this challenge is starting to drive me insane ... but it's also opened my eyes as to the psychological effects as to why I shop and my thought process while doing so. Who would have thought that this challenge would be so deep?

So back to my closet frenzy... I don't remember what I was looking for- but I do remember what I found, too many damn similarities and too many things that I bought but don't wear. (Yes, I can argue that having shoes that look similar are not necessarily the same.. but still)

How many pairs of brown flats do I need, yes they look different but the essence is still the same they are brown flats. The same sentiment goes for the grey heels.

Also.. these shoes are the exact same shoe just different colors. All I can say to myself right now is "Seriously?"

So what I'm learning is this - I'm ridiculous. And buying something that looks like or is in general the same as something I have already is not a good look and not a smart purchase. When I think about my students loans I think about if the shopping decisions I've made could have amounted to smarter financial decisions- it's not to beat myself up, it's just making smarter decisions. If I take into consideration what I have in my closet already, then that's more money in my account.

Don't get me wrong, we all deserve the occasional splurge.. but let's be real too many "special occasion splurges" eventually turn into poor excuses.

As for the clothes that I bought but have yet to wear ... I think we all have a dose of this. But I can remember that some of these things are items I bought as recently as during the holidays... so I just need to wear them!!

this looks waaaaay better on me than it does on the rack!

Are any of you challenging yourself to not shop? Have you ever really looked at your shopping thought process, do you shop because you need, want or just to get your mind off of something else?


~Luvin' My Curves


P.S: In about 3 weeks I will be heading off to Capetown, South Africa! Some of you have asked what I did about the shorts situation. Well, one of my friends without me even asking sent three pairs of her shorts -2 of which still have the tag on them because she shops without thinking (birds of a feather ....). The shorts fit just fine and I am eternally grateful to her for not making me break my pact with the No-Shopping Devil.

90 Days of No Shopping.. Day 29

29 Days and I havn't shopped...

I'm pretty proud of myself actually- I thought that I would have subconsciously "slipped" by now. I'm doing a good job of deleting the sale emails that litter my inbox; the sweet nothings of "free shipping" tempt me. I still look at catalogs and my favorite sites, thinking of what the item would look like on me, especially with the launch of ASOS Curve and the fab Monif C's Swim 2010 line - but these are all wants not needs .. and what I need most of all is to get my shopping and financial act together.

Student loans have also been getting on my last nerve; they depress me because they are just way too high. Student loans should NOT be equivalent with a mortgage!! That stark realization about my student loans has forced me to find other ways besides shopping to pass the time and make me happy; I've been getting more involved with the campus life here and putting more energy into improving my apartment. All of these things have been easy on the pockets (the maintenance department here gave me all the painting supplies I needed and I was able to print pictures in the campus photo lab) My mentor came up for a visit and took me on a mini housewarming trip, so my pockets have been ok.

I still want clothes- but I've also been thinking less about my wants and more about others needs. Which is why I donated money to the Haitian earthquake relief - it's easy to not think about getting new shoes when you know that others are in desperate need for the basics. In my position, I teach kids that serving others allows one to learn so much more about themselves - and they've ramped up their efforts to give because it makes them feel good. In hindsight I think of how not shopping has allowed me to give more to others and in the process I'm learning that what I thought I needed before (clothes, shoes) isn't that serious.


But now I'm faced with a slight dilemma; I am taking a group of students to Cape Town, South Africa in March and I might need to get some clothes.

I asked the question on twitter and facebook "Is this considered an exception?"

Some said no, while others said an international trip for work is considered a valid excuse to shop. Others gave me a compromise- get what you need but set a small budget.

I went through my clothes- lots of sundresses, lots of tees, but no shorts. With temperatures in Cape Town at 92 degrees and I know we'll be working/building I think shorts would be appropriate. (I'm not really trying to climb a ladder or the side of a mountain in a dress). I've already started to throw clothes in my suitcase because it will help me to assess what I do have and what I might need.



What do you all think I should do? Grin and bear it? Make an exception and shop? Give myself a limit and get only what I need? What would you do?

~Luvin' My Curves

Lesson Learned: The last box & giving makes you feel good

Good Morning!

the last box...

I ordered this BEFORE my challenge but it just arrived yesterday, so I had to take a picture of it. Dramatic yes, but a monumental moment because there will be no more boxes for awhile. I'm not even 100% sure if I will keep them; rain boots tend to fit my legs funny, but with the rain that comes down here I might have to grin and bear it.

In other new, today is payday.... otherwise known as "Happy-Dance & Buy Day".

However, we all know that I'm NOT SHOPPING FOR 3 MONTHS!!!

I must admit it's been slightly painful to look at the sales emails as they come through my phone late at night to greet me 1st thing in the morning. But I know that the money that I'd be spending could be going towards other things...

This week hasn't been that bad lust-wise; work has been ridiculous and by the time I get a free moment I don't even want to get near the computer to swoon over clothes, shoes & accessories. I'm also on a new kick.. HOME IMPROVEMENT!! My living room has just been redone and now I want to paint my bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette & 2nd bedroom... my shopping energy has gone towards improving my apartment, my mom is going to be so proud.

The last reason, but by far the most important... the reason why I'm not in tears about not shopping is because the money I would have spent for clothes... I will donate to one of the many Haiti Earthquake relief funds. I gave a bit the other day and I will give more when the paycheck clears. It feels good to give, even better than new clothes.


~Luvin' My Curves...

The Ulitmate 90 Day Challenge... No Shopping

It had to be done...

Eventually I would challenge myself and it wouldn't be the challenge of wearing a mini dress -I'd go the extra mile and attempt NO SHOPPING FOR A YEAR!!

SIKE!!!

How about we do this safely, say 3 months? We don't need to see me on the news for spending the night in a boutique just to be close to clothes, so starting on Jan. 1st I vowed that I wouldn't shop for 90 days.

Now for those who know me, they know that this is going to be a doozy. No shopping for me, is the equivalent of saying that I might as well give up on the color purple or give up on men. BUT in all seriousness this is going to be a serious challenge, that I'll make sure to give you all updates on periodically.


Since I announced my challenge on Twitter I've gotten some really good questions so I'll address them here:

But WHY???


Law school loans are no joke.
also...
I find myself when doing my yearly major cleaning out my closet finding things that I buy, but don't wear or pieces that are either the same or similar to things that I already own. Like Carrie from "Sex & The City" wondered if her shoe collection was the reason she was the only one of her friends that didn't own their apartment; I think of how much money I spent and then start to wonder what that money could have been used for instead.

What are the rules?

1. Try not to cry.

2. Lust, but don't use the card... any of them.
(there are lessons to be learned from this.. what are they? I have no clue right now.)

and the "simplest" rule of them all...

3. Do not purchase ANY of the following:

CLOTHES

SHOES

ACCESSORIES

MAKEUP

even BOOKS

until April 1st !!!

Are there any exceptions??

Not really, I'll leave any exceptions up to my BFF's. If the decision were left up to me everything would be an exception, including the "70% off" email I got from Dorothy Perkins this morning. There is nothing that I can forecast that I will TRULY need in 3 months - I'm hopeful that I can wait until April 1st to unleash the shopping beast within.

When did you stop shopping?

I'm no fool, like a squirrel is busy collecting food before it hibernates I racked up right before the new year. New Coat, Rain Boots, a few dresses, Cocktail Rings, even things that are not part of the challenge (hair products).

No, but seriously why??That's cruel, if you loved yourself you wouldn't do this.

Ok, so that's the dramatic question I asked myself constantly before committing to this challenge. But I really need to "reign it in" , just because I'm working now doesn't mean I should go nuts. And though the fashion lover in me believes that it's NEVER possible to have too much clothes, I'll admit that when I moved the majority of the mini UHAUL was clothes, shoes & bags. Part of being "grown" is being fiscally responsible- it's knowing that no matter how much I want something and keep the item up on my internet tab for days, that's there's always a bill, student loan or savings deposit that could be made.

What's the reward?

I guess I could treat myself to something nice when this is all over- maybe funnel the money towards a mini-vacay in the summer. Maybe I'll just revel in the satisfaction that I actually got through it.


I'd really love to know what you all think of my challenge? Please feel free to tell me I'm nuts or leave words of encouragement. Do you think 90 days might be too much? Do you think this is something you could do?

~Luvin' My Curves.....missing the shopping bags & packages already.