Its official i am 50 days in to the self-inflicted
100 day no spend, so i thought i'd do a little half way update to let you know how i'm getting on.
First things first, i have not enjoyed this past 50 days per-se, however it has not been as difficult as i thought it would be.
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that i was finding it hard, which at that point was tough, it seems i have difficult times and plane sailing- easy going times, but mostly..it's actually ok.
I guess the main thing i have learnt is how fleeting feelings and cravings can be.
I was crushing on, like you wouldn't believe(!!), a light pink fluffy boyfriend style jacket, as seen on lots of bloggers at the moment.
I wanted it so badly, i pinned it on Pintrest, i sent links to the support group on twitter and i gazed lovingly at it in New Look.
As much as i craved it i haven't bought it (because of the no-spend) and it seems my life, the blog and me getting dressed every morning continues to go on...without the pink jacket. Its been a couple of weeks since i was craving it and each day i thought about my crush less and less until i realised, i didnt actually
need that pink coat. As lovely as it is my life still continues to go on and my style isn't compromised by me not having it.
See, fleeting.
Secondly I've learnt so far is that i shop when i feel down. It's like a comforter to me a little pick me up when i feel down. Like i previously mentioned, i was having a rough week and normally in those times i would most definitely hit the shops and get myself a few bits that would momentarily make me happier, but again, that goes back to the fleeting thing, as any buzz is normally short lived and in actuality it is just another dress to add to the collection of many other dresses, or yet another unneeded scarf that will probably end up having very little wear, as after all i only have one neck.
Thirdly, as it is very much a hobby to me, i find myself with more time and just 'popping down to the shops' has become non-existent. Normally I could easily kill a couple of hours grabbing a starbucks and then wandering around the local shops, but with the no-spend there is no point (as previously mentioned). So i have extra time on my hands occasionally which is sometimes good sometimes bad. Its made me a little more of a hermit, which could also be to do with the terrible weather we've been having as shopping is a great rainy day activity with it being indoors and all. But i do find myself not getting up and out as quickly as i would have when the shops were beckoning. Plus i've drunk a lot less Starbucks.. (again my purse is pleased)
So that sounds all pretty positive in the whole non shopping thing, and i am so pleased with how well i have done thus far.
But
It doesn't totally negate from the fact that i do enjoy shopping. I love to find new pieces and integrating them in to my wardrobe, i love the buzz of wearing new items and getting compliments from nice people.
Shopping is my thing, its a pass time i thoroughly enjoy (It's like cardio with all that walking around laden with bags;) and, its also my me time.
I rarely shop with anyone else (other than my step daughter), its actually something i love to do on my own, just me and the shops.
I love taking my time perusing the rails, trying out shoes and weighing up bags.
That, i miss.
I miss walking around the shops and looking through the rails and admiring the mannequins and window displays. Of course i could still do that and i have on occasion with Mia, but the thought of not being able to buy anything is slightly dis-concerting to say the least.
Finding a hidden gem whilst scouring the rails is all part of the fun, and well lets face it, not being able to take home your new-found treasure is slightly like torture.
Recent research shows that in actual fact (like real science fact) women who shop are less likely to suffer serious depression. In accordance with sciencey people, the endorphins that are released when women shop and make purchases helps to overcome the stress and strain of day to day life.. this can only be a good thing, amiright?!
But just like the devil on once shoulder and the angel on the other, i go through the internal argument of 'Do you really need another dress?'
When does it become wasteful?
Being a 'Style Blogger' i feel i probably buy more clothes than a non-style blogger. The pressure i guess to keep things fresh and current, but remixing can make for great style too, which i have been embracing more. And, even with my hoards of clothes, i often go back to my tried and tested favourites anyway.
I do not pose to have the answers to these things, hell all i know is i miss shopping and the wonderful buzz that's goes with it.
So to summarize what i have learnt this past 50 days;
I
can do without, all cravings pass and when i do shop then maybe i should be more aware of my purchases rather than that rash purchase where you find yourself stood at the checkout with another floral dress *ahem totally guilty*.
Perhaps when the next 50 days come to an end i will go forward purchasing less often, but more quality.
What are you're thoughts, do you love to shop or shop for essentials?
Ps. Random photos are just little tid-bits of life lately, 'cos lets face it a post with photos is always nicer than a big long rambly rant from me, yes?
If you've skipped the rambly bit here's the whole post in 3 words:
i miss shopping.
Simple.
Also, since the shopping ban i have re visted nail polishs and make up. I'm trying my hand at better makeup and love painting my nails (always have), so when in need and feeling desperate i've treated myself to a new nail colour.(Having said that not all the above polish's are new but some, like the baby blue, are)
