Post No Shopping Challenge
Author: Michelle
Description: My Post No Shopping Challenge Haul-Did I stay true to my New Values?
Date: 2014-04-18T10:00:00+00:00

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# My Post No Shopping Challenge Haul-Did I stay true to my New Values?

posted on 18 April, 2014

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So, after a year of NO SHOPPING-it was time to freshen up my wardrobe and end the challenge. I was a bit anxious about the whole thing because I was afraid that I would go crazy and buy too much (I kind of did). I also was concerned about staying true to the values that I had identified during the year:

- American Made-I want to support companies that are manufacturing products in the United States. I was able to purchase several new items that made that criteria.

- Used Clothing-There are a number of wonderful thrift stores in Denver/Boulder. I purchased almost 1/2 of my items from either Goodwill or The Buffalo Exchange. These items include: shoes/jewelry/and a cocktail dress!

- Rock the deals-Every single item with the exception of the deep pink blouse was purchased: used/on sale/or on sale plus coupons (Express)

- Avoiding Chinese Made Items-Well, unfortunately the jeans, coach shoes, and the sweater were made in China. But, given the amount of items that I purchased I feel very good about everything.

- Sticking With My Budget-Ahem-I wanted to spend around $350. Sadly, I spent almost $700. Given that I purchased around 20 items including: dresses/shoes/pants/blouses/and jewelry I think I did a great job. However, the budget that I’ve set for the year is between $1500-$1800. This is around $1500 less than what I was in the habit of spending before the fast.

I found myself kind of exhausted from shopping again. I had a list of items that I was looking for and basically got most of the items that I had on my list for the year.

Going into Fall/Winter I will purchase the following items:

- 1 periwinkle blue coat (wool)
- 1 black coat (wool)
- Riding boots-FRYE on sale through 6pm.com
- Aviator glasses
- A cute white dinner jacket
- Maybe another cream sweater-I never want to run out again!
- A cute pair of shoes? Maybe 2!

That’s about it. I pretty much have what I need. I really don’t feel like going shopping again for awhile. I just have other things to do.

The items I purchased are pictured below. What do you think?

Used!

Used !

Used!

Used!

Used!

Used!

New!

New!

Used!

Used!

Used!

Used!

New! Made in the USA!

New!

New!

Used!

New!

New!

Used!

New!

New!

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#### Michelle

I am an obsessive foodie, but not self-righteous with it, love travel, meeting new people, helping you look good, and am freaked out by people who don't enjoying reading...something! Grab a Perrier, read my blog, feel free to drop me a line! Hope to hear from you soon.

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### Comments

1. Giulia says

   18 April, 2014 at 4:24 am

   firast of all compliment I’d not be able to have ano shoppng for entire year, and all items you bought are really really nice!!!

   Reply

   - Michelle says

     18 April, 2014 at 9:49 am

     Thanks! One year was really challenging but I did it. Feeling really proud 🙂 I had a lot of fun buying my new things too!

     Reply

2. save. spend. splurge. says

   18 April, 2014 at 5:12 am

   I think you did well! 🙂 I feel like I really know your style now.

   Reply

   - Michelle says

     18 April, 2014 at 9:49 am

     I feel prety good about my shopping haul…I DID overspend as I think I got a little excited. But, overall I feel really good about the items that I purchased.

     Reply

3. Michelle (@BudgetBloggess) says

   18 April, 2014 at 7:24 am

   Nice job! You did amazing! I’ve tried to purchase items from consignment stores in my area and I haven’t been able to find anything good. Items I’ve found have had excessive wear or I see them one week and come back and it’s gone. Apparently there’s an awesome Goodwill in the Toronto area that has some great items…haven’t had a chance to check it out yet.
   I love the lace tunic and the blue blouse!

   Reply

   - Michelle says

     18 April, 2014 at 9:57 am

     Michelle, I actually call this Goodwill “Magical Goodwill” and it’s amazing how many great quality items I am always able to find. Buffalo Exchange is also a great thrift store-a little more expensive and filled with hipsters but it has some great stuff. Am super excited to wear the Lace Tunic.

     Reply

4. Chelles says

   18 April, 2014 at 7:29 am

   Now I want to go shopping with you! We have very similar fashion tastes. I am dying over that blouse with the birds on it. And the yellow! I wish I could wear yellow! You did good!

   Reply

   - Michelle says

     18 April, 2014 at 9:58 am

     You’re cool!! I love yellow and am totally over not having enough color in my wardrobe. I did forget to take a picture of a red blouse that I also purchased-and am wearing today!

     Reply

5. Tonya@Budget and the Beach says

   18 April, 2014 at 1:42 pm

   Cute stuff. It’s so easy to spend $700 on clothes. It’s amazing how it all adds up. I love the cocktail dress! I wish I could get away with wearing yellow but I look horrible in that color. Enjoy your new threads.

   Reply

   - Michelle says

     18 April, 2014 at 7:37 pm

     I was super shocked when I found that dress. There are some teeny tiny discolorations so instead of having the dress dry-cleaned, she gave it away!! I’ve begun wearing my new things and I feel a lot more “fresh” if you know what I mean. I’m slowly feeling a lot more like myself again. It’s amazing how a couple of well-thought out purchases can make such a big difference.

     Reply

6. Melissa says

   18 April, 2014 at 1:55 pm

   I recently discovered 6pm.com and my eyes nearly bulged out of my face at the prices for Frye boots. I could buy 3 pairs of boots for what I pay on their retail site! Loved your purchases!

   Reply

   - Michelle says

     18 April, 2014 at 7:41 pm

     I spent a lot of time looking for American made items and items that were discounted. I hate to say it but 6pm.com is like a drug to me. I have to stay off the website 🙂

     Reply

7. Athena says

   20 April, 2014 at 8:00 pm

   You did great! I am jealous of some if these deals you scored! 🙂

   Reply

   - Michelle says

     20 April, 2014 at 8:56 pm

     I won’t lie-I had so much fun switching up my wardrobe! I can’t wait to wear the cocktail dress. In 2 weeks for Derby Day!!

     Reply

8. Jocelyn says

   20 April, 2014 at 8:23 pm

   So many cute things!! I love the black & white tunic and pink blouse from Buffalo Exchange, and the $4 blue blouse and the BCBG tunic from Goodwill, and…well I loved a lot of them! Can I shop YOUR closet now?? 😀 I will say, I was surprised you had such a big shopping binge instead of trying to spread out the shopping fun over the next year. But you have an annual budget, so you can adjust accordingly!

   Reply

   - Michelle says

     20 April, 2014 at 8:54 pm

     I don’t really like summer clothing and most of the items I bought will be layered throughout the year. Summer is such a quick season that I don’t need to update my summer stuff. I actually don’t need that much after this shop. At this point I need for winter: a couple of sweaters, a good pair of riding boots, and probably another pair of jeans. I’ll also be replacing my coats. I would like to get a black coat and a periwinkle blue coat. Fortunately, most of the items that are currently in my closet are still in really good shape. My budget range for fashion is $1500-$1800 so I think I’ll be ok!

     Reply

9. Laura / No More Spending says

   21 April, 2014 at 8:24 am

   You did great only spending $700 after a 12 month spending fast – love all your purchases 🙂

   Reply

   - Michelle says

     21 April, 2014 at 7:44 pm

     Thanks Laura! I’m kind of tired out from the whole ordeal. I’ll admit that I ordered 2 pairs of shoes for $50 the other day. That’s all she wrote.

     Reply

10. Kassandra (@MoreThanJusMony) says

    25 April, 2014 at 10:33 am

    You found some great pieces! I love the pair of Frye boots too. I completed a 3 month no unnecessary shopping challenge at the end of March 2014 and it felt great. After the challenge was done I did visit DSW and buy a pair of ballet flats and another pair of walking shoes, You may have spent $700 in one fell swoop but you’re still under your annual spending budget 🙂

    Reply

    - Michelle says

      26 April, 2014 at 10:38 am

      I love,love,love the boots! For fall I’m looking for a pair of riding boots. Unfortunately, 6pm.com is a bit addictive so I am working off the list that wrote so that I don’t over shop!I really feel pretty good about the pieces that I bought and I’ve received a lot of compliments so I think I chose well!

      Reply

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