I am publicly admitting that I kind of have a shopping problem. And from that shopping problem stems a rationalizing problem. Both of which could eventually lead to me being that crazy lady on TV that is $500,000 in debt and going to therapy for a shopping addiction.
But, since admitting you have a problem is the first step, I’d consider myself well on my way to recovery.
This problem has developed over the past 1.5/2 years; in part due to the blog and also in part to the fact that I can’t say no to pretty things. (and I’m a great rationalizer).
Example: Just purchased a neon pink jumpsuit because..well..umm..everyone needs a neon pink jumpsuit? Actually I just bought it because I thought it was pretty awesome & I love to stand out in public places. But you see my point. I can rationalize almost every purchase I make to myself, whether others believe it was worth it or not. (PS. it was also on sale, I didn’t pay full price -don’t worry Mom) <– rationalizing
So, in order to curb my problem & save lots of money (because I have to dive into the real world in 6 months…help) I am setting a monthly budget for myself of $125. For those of you non-shoppers, pharmacy no prescription this may seem like a lot. For those of you like myself – you understand that this is not an outrageous number at all. Since I have a good amount of clothing & do not grow at all (still wearing some jeans from 2008, yes, 2008), I am going to be more conscious with what I purchase, and make sure I buy pieces that will be versatile.
Because I can be semi-neurotic & LOVE making lists, I have been keeping a shopping log of clothing/accessoriesย ย have purchased in 2014 thus far (I will not be sharing this, too embarrassing) and have noticed that the items I buy on clearance barely get any usage. I’m pretty sure I just rationalize them because “oh, ill fitting pants for $7 at Target – obviously I need those.“
Seeing as it is June 3 – the June budget is in effect. I will be giving you all a monthly update with the items I bought & how much I spent so you can all hold me accountable! Hope you don’t mind!
Have a terrific Tuesday!
-M
TOP: Gap //// JEANS: Gap //// SCARF: Gap //// WEDGES: Target (old)ย //// WATCH: Guess Mens
PS. this shirt is amazingly comfy
PPS. that employee discount is getting the best of me at Gap ๐
I'm a life + success coach for humans like you who want the support to gain the clarity, confidence, and competence to become the most confident and successful version of yourself.
Good luck with the budget! I’ve never really set myself on one, but I probably should. I kind of don’t want to tally up how much I spend monthly!
You should try tallying it, just to see. Its amazing how much us shopaholics spend sometimes!
I’ve just done the same thing and while it’s hard, I think it’s definitely worth it!! Good luck!!
http://www.katelately.com
thanks so much!
Good for you, admitting your problem. Haha. Either way your shopping addiction creates some totally adorable outfits, which us readers love. Haha
Kallie @ But First, Coffee
I’m happy you like the outfits! I’ll do my best to not slack off on those, even with this darn budget!
Girl I am in the same boat as you! I am a shop-a-holic big time! Sometimes setting a budget is super great but sticking to that budget can be so hard! At least we shopaholic’s know that we have a problem! ๐
right? Admitting we have a problem is the first step, at least we’ve got that down ๐
Ohhh girl, I am in the same boat! I put myself on a budget a few months ago and I keep lists too! It was REALLY hard at first, but as each month passes, it gets easier and easier! You can do it! And I love the striped top with that scarf! So pretty!
I’m glad to know this first month will be the hardest!
I’ve tried giving myself a budget so many times…I never stick to it! I have a serious problem! lol! Hope you have better luck than I did!!
Ugh – shopping budgets are the worst (haha) – I set a budget for myself a while back and stuck to it for like 2 months. It’s really hard!!! But good luck to you ๐ I am the same exact way – I rationalize purchases all the time and I totally buy things just because they are a good deal. I should start keeping a log like you do – might help me to realize how out of control my shopping is :-/
xoxo Danielle @ For the Love of Leopard
the log is a scary thing, you don’t even realize how much you’re spending & how little you wear some of the pieces. I would highly recommend it, just as an eye opener!
Hi! You’re so funny!! Wish you the best with your budget, can’t wait to see the result!
This outfit looks so nice on you!
Isabel
xoxo
thanks! fingers crossed I stay within my budget!
i also have a shopping problem. i set myself a budget of $250 which is still too high and i still never stick to it. i am trying to have a no shopping month in june…wish me luck and i wish you luck too!!
you’ve got this – just try making as many outfit combos as you can with whats already in your closet ๐
This is a good idea. I need to scale back as well. Might jump on this bandwagon with you, although I don’t think the husband would approve of even $125. Some people just don’t get it… ๐
chatclinkrepeat.blogspot.com
boys..what are we gonna do with them? But you should totally join me!
Girl, I feel ya! I’ve been keeping track of everything I buy since I started blogging (which is the main reason I have bought so many clothes in the past year) but only recently starting adding up the amount of money I’ve spent on them. That part always scares me. Now granted, it’s usually around $250 on an average month which is still A LOT OF MONEY but I go thrift shopping as part of my job and I often walk out with a new item or two. Thrift stores are awesome but also dangerous. Everything is super affordable and you can find some really high-end things. Oooo look at the pretty Banana Republic wool blazer-so pretty! And by the end of the month, my item totals are always over 15, more realistically around 20. I get overwhelmed when I make these posts because they hold me accountable for everything I bought, some things I didn’t even remember (a month is a long time!) it’s a problem.
Long story short, I totally feel you. Setting a budget is awesome and I hope it goes well for you!!
Lauren
Exploring My Style
Haha thanks so much Lauren, I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets so caught up then buys wayyyy too many things!
Good luck on your budget!! I seriously need to start doing that for myself. And I swear, Target is a black hole. Rarely do I walk into one without walking out with SOMETHING… ๐
Target is a black hole but I love it! I bought some things to start my June budget there last night ๐