home  about outfits contact shop my instagram
 fb twitter pin ig tumblr

nav menu

February 13, 2013

I give up

IMG_7566

IMG_7576

IMG_7607

IMG_7579

IMG_7612

IMG_7547

Jacket: Forever 21, Blouse: Zara (similar), Skirt: Forever 21 (similar and on major sale), Tights: Target, Heels: Nine West, Purse: Forever 21 (clutch version here, crossbody version here), Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Bangle: Kate Spade, Bracelet: J.Crew, Watch: Michael Kors

I can't even believe I'm writing this right now, but I've decided to give up buying new clothes and shoes for Lent (which starts today). I know what you're thinking. Girl. Is. Cray. Part of me agrees with you! I mean, I'm a style blogger! I love buying new pieces, styling them and sharing them here. Fashion and this blog are huge parts of my life and not shopping for 40 days is going to be haaaaaard. But that's the point, isn't it? Lent is about giving something you love up temporarily...and I love shopping. (Side note: I once gave up coffee in college. Worst decision ever. NEVER DO THIS!)

Giving up shopping comes with a few exceptions:

1. Accessories (i.e. jewelry, scarves, purses) and home decor items are okay to buy. I'm not normally inclined to buy these that often anyway, so I figured I'd give myself a little wiggle room. Plus, I'd go completely nuts if I went 100 percent cold turkey!
2. Any gifted items I receive don't count as purchases. As a blogger, I do occasionally receive clothes/shoes/accessories for free so I can share that particular brand with you here on the blog. I will still be accepting these items.
3. Anything I ordered/bought prior to today is fair game. For example, this blouse, which was ordered on Monday.

So that's it. Between now and Easter, I will not be purchasing any new clothing or shoes. I'm definitely nervous and know I will be tempted (umm, hi, I write a post called Tuesday Temptations), but I'm honestly looking forward to the challenge. Plus, it's a great chance to re-familiarize myself with what's already in my closet and find fun ways to wear what I already have. There's also a major closet purge in the works. I plan on listing some of my newer pieces on Poshmark and donating everything else to charity. There's also that whole saving money thing. That's always nice.

I hope you'll follow along on my journey, as I'll be sure to provide regular updates! I might also need someone to smack my hand away if I'm hovering anywhere near the "Purchase" button...so stay alert!

Do you give anything up for Lent?

XO,
Alison

P.S. Today is the last day to enter my giveaway! Don't miss out on your chance to win a print by Brittany Fuson. The winner will be announced tomorrow!

19 comments:

  1. Best of luck! Not sure I could ever do this HAHA!

    xoxo
    Cathy, your Poor Little It Girl
    http://poorlittleitgirl.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a great idea! My family does the same thing every year - my mom is trying to get me to give up sugar this time and I think she is nuts! :)

    www.pennypincherfashion.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good luck! I thought about doing it, too. But then, I'm already on such a strict budget that it would almost be cheating. This year, I'm giving up sugar. Of course, there's already an exception since I'm making my husband a super pb/chocolate cake. I'll have to test the icing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am giving up buying new shoes and clothes too! I already feel the pain and it is day 1! I am so happy I went to H&M last night to snag a few items, hopefully those wonderful purchases last me the next long 40 days!
    I'm nervous about this one...

    ReplyDelete
  5. I gave up shopping last year and it was... HARD! Good luck you can do it! (Plus you'll love seeing your bank account not go down so quickly!)

    -Classy Chic & Chardonnay
    http://cchicc3.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are a better women than I! Good luck!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good luck!! Such a hard habit to break for a whole 40 days! You should steer clear of stores, don't keep any of their coupons/store credit cards in your wallet, delete all of the store savings emails you may receive, and only keep one credit card in your wallet! It'll keep the temptation away :) Let us know how it goes and would love to see some of your most cherished pieces from your closet up on the blog in the next 40 days :)

    Kamola
    www.99boxesofshoes.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Is it totally crazy that I was going to do this too! I haven't decided yet and I have a backup (junkfood) but I totally say more power to ya if it works!

    Xo, Nicole

    http://petuniasandpeonies.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is a great idea! Especially because a lot of people (me!) are trying to save money, and it is always nice to revisit items that are hiding in your closet, and not just to focus on seasonal & fast fashion trends.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am giving up shopping for lent too, except no accessories aloud! I think I am going to need a support group to get me through these 40 days!
    Good luck!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  11. You can do it girl! I cut back in shopping and now I create outfits with just what I have. Who knew you can come up with so many looks! wish you luck!

    xo, Jealeyni
    www.daintyjea.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I so need to do this with you! Okay.. I'm going to try.. try really really hard!

    Kayla
    www.lovelucygirl.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love your blog!! Great post as well. I'm your newest follower :) Would you mind checking out our blog & following back via GFC and Bloglovin'? Looking forward to your next post! xx

    sixthtractate.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. WOW, that's commitment right there! Best of luck my dear!
    p.s. love this look on you

    xo
    Kristin
    www.LivingInColorPrint.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. You are so brave! Good luck girl! Wishing you the best!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Best of luck to you! I've been thinking about selling stuff on Poshmark too. Have you had much success with it?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good luck. That would be tough for me!!
    walkinginmemphisinhighheels.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I gave up shopping for Lent last year, and I'm giving it up again this year. The first three days were the hardest, but it gets easier. I just wrote a list of things that I wanted. If it was there fine, if not, then it just wasn't met for me to have.
    After Lent, it has definitely made me a lot more thoughtful about things that I do purchase. I have a better closet for it and sold some things that I didn't use that were cluttering up my space. But, I will say that I had to buy a new watch as the two that I have went kaput even with brand new batteries. But, it was on super sale at TJ Maxx. Unless I have something special to go to or something like my watch situation happens, no purchases.

    ReplyDelete

newer older home