End of the shopping ban / Guest posting

It's June 20th. The shopping ban is officially over, and I wasted no time placing the order for my cute, studded Linea Pelle bag. Good thing too, since it was the last one in the color I wanted!

I must say, it took me the better part of the month to stop browsing all my favorite online shops and tormenting myself. I think the key to a successful shopping ban is to just avoid temptation. I haven't stepped foot in TJMaxx or a thrift store in a month!

I did, however, have two small transgressions, the first at Coco's on the Green. They were having a half off the entire store sale and I had a gift card. I did not spend more than was on the gift card, so this wasn't really bad.

The second was a clear violation last Saturday at my town festival; lots of vendors and local businesses set up tents on the green and typically offer great, one day only sales. I found myself at the Sparkle Jewelry table a.ka. super cheap statement necklace heaven, and was besides myself. Of course I didn't need another necklace, but they were so pretty, and all half off! Honestly, I'm wishing I'd gotten two. I know, I'm bad.

Overall, I think I did really well with my shopping ban, and forced myself to think more about the closet additions which will be more valuable and versatile than one hit wonders. I need to work harder to respect the budget I've set for myself, and taking some time off from shopping is probably something I should do more often.

And if you didn't want to read any of that and are just looking for the outfit photos, then check out my guest post over at What's Hanging!

after the rain.jpg

28 comments

  1. Love that look! And yayyy, you did a good job, when I used to do my shopping bans I always had a slip up too.
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  2. I definitely need to try a shopping ban...I suck at it though, which is probably a sign of a problem haha :) Love your shorts - such a cute color and pattern!

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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  3. Oh wow! Congratulations on completing the ban. I, too, have learned a lot about my spending patterns (especially the mistakes) after implementing shopping bans.

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  4. I think you've got to allow yourself a few cheat days!

    Courtney - http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  5. Congrats Lydia! You did better than I ever could I think. I told myself after my recent binge I would stop shopping for a month . . . and I think I've easily bought like 4 things at least since then. I love this top on you!

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  6. I'm glad your shopping ban is over! I never thought of wearing brown during the summer, but I like it.

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  7. Good for you for sticking to it as much as you did! I'm supposed to be on a shopping freeze and I bought a denim vest last week, it was 40% off! I'm justifying here! Cute outfit, love the shorts.

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  8. You did great and I adore your shorts:) Have a beautiful day, sweetie.

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  9. You did well and the necklace is a total steal!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  10. Glad your shopping ban is over. You purchased some really nice stuff.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  11. Well done on lasting the month!

    Can't wait to see the bag (last in your colour? Definitely meant to be!)

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  12. My shopping bans are usually forced end-of-the-month situations.. Haven't ever really done a planned one, but maybe it would be healthy to try it out some time. I think you did really well! :)

    /Cindi

    http://cherriesandsunflowers.blogspot.com/

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  13. Congrats on the successful shopping ban! I really need to impose one on myself...

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  14. I'm on an unintentional shopping ban, I'm trying to thrift made in the USA and it's really hard!

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  15. Loving your shorts! Perfect for summer!

    Xo,
    Rachel Ashley
    http://fashionablyliving.com

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  16. Congrats on making through the shopping ban, well almost!
    TJMaxx will get you every-time!
    Brett

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  17. Good for you! I've been in save mode lately too. Kind of makes you appreciate the shopping more later :-)

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  18. You survived and looking as lovely as always. Fabulous sandals.

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  19. Congrats on making it through the challenge! I am doing a modified version. No shopping except in case of irresistible jewelry bargains on Groopdeal. Lol. Love those printed shorts too.


    Lauren
    Style of One's Own

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  20. Congratulations on completing your shopping ban - I can't wait to see you carrying your new bag! It's not easy, especially when you're constantly thinking about fashion, writing about it, etc., but it can be done. The hardest part is staying away from temptation - if you can do that, you can do anything :)
    xox,
    Cee
    PS: Love those shorts!

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  21. I love those shorts on you, so cute!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  22. It's amazing how well you were able to stick to your shopping ban and now that it's over you get to go crazy! :)

    I'm allowing myself to spend a little money on summer clothes and I haven't gone shopping in a looong time so I'm so excited by all the possibilities!

    star-crossed smile

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  23. Yay, Lyddie! I'm proud of you for getting through your shopping ban. It is hard to resist the temptation of buying things, but I think you did just swell!

    Super cheap statement necklace heaven sounds lovely and amazing and I don't think any jewelry-lover could resist that. Whenever I walk into charming charlie, I always end up with at least one thing... woops!

    I adore the aqua in your outfit. Pretty, pretty necklace!

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