Tag Archives: Temptation

Went shopping today and didn’t buy anything

By thebudgetingtool | Published June 8, 2012

You must be shaking your head thinking: HOW!? This girl is a crazy shopaholic, and she is living in NYC for goodness!!

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME.. EVER!

This is the first time I’ve ever gone out to window shop and came back with nothing.

No. Joke.

Well, before you think that I didn’t go into any stores where I’d be tempted, I went into plenty around Soho including high-end, low-end and consignment shops.

Nada.

I saw a lot of things I immediately wanted, but thought all the way through:

  • Price is too high for what it is
  • Meh. A striped shirt. It’s not EXACTLY what I wanted (dark navy blue with white stripes)
  • Do I really need another dress/top/pair of pants?

I HAD A WISH LIST

I had originally planned to go out and just browse, keeping in mind 3 items on my Wish List:

  • Men’s Watch — I returned the Skagen; it needed to be slightly smaller-faced
  • White Soft Jersey Blazer
  • Dark Navy Blue with Thin White Stripes Top

Since I couldn’t find ANY of those three items, I didn’t buy anything.

I steeled myself, and exercised my willpower, which felt pretty damn good.

I even went into some consignment stores and almost bought an Alice + Olivia Beige Shirtdress for $90  but felt as though it was too short and sheer to be wearable for the long-term.

*pats self on back*

ULTIMATELY, MY OUTFIT WAS MORE INTERESTING

Surprisingly, I also got complimented a lot on my outfit.

They liked the color of my skirt:

..and that my shoes were actually woven ribbons, not a printed pattern:

Naturally, I took a lot of it with a huge grain of salt because they had hungry salesperson eyes… but it was still nice of them.

Funny enough, I got the skirt at Forever 21 for $20 (?) and the shoes were from Singapore for $90, with a plain t-shirt.

Goes to show that money can’t buy style.

 

 

 

 

Posted in Money, Shopping, Style & Beauty | Also tagged , , , 7 Comments

The case of the ME TOO spending

By thebudgetingtool | Published May 9, 2012

Ever feel like you get into this trap?

You go out with a friend, read an enabling blog you shouldn’t (*cough*), see something on TV or in a magazine and suddenly feel the need to buy it?

Yeah.

I’ve been sort of feeling like that, working in NYC.

There are some CUTE outfits out there, and I keep walking by these awesome-looking, independent clothing shops that look like they have the nicest things.

Then I read blogs while waiting for the plane, or .. well, I just browse online.

The only thing that saves me is I’ve felt too busy and fatigued to even think about shopping (even in NYC), which had done wonders for me seeing as I only bought a uber expensive leather jacket I’ve been eying for years (on sale no less!!) last month and NOTHING ELSE!!

I still get the ME TOO itch when I read beauty or fashion blogs, but this is what helps right now:

  • Being tired from 11+ hour days (damn project)
  • Traveling a lot between 3 cities
  • Thinking about whether I really need it
  • Asking if I actually want it
  • Thinking about my money goals ($250k!!)
  • Looking at what I’ve spent this month
  • Looking at my upcoming expenses

After I go through that thought process, I flop on the bed and pass out into a deep, relaxing 3-hour nap which eliminates any chance of my spending money, unless it’s online.

Temptation vanquished.

(Umm.. did I mention that I am only considering venturing into a store just because I have a J. Crew gift card I have to use up?

It has $9 on it and I am trying to figure out what I can buy for $9 at J. Crew.

Maybe a broken headband or something. Or a piece of a belt. On sale.)

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